If you spend a lot of time in front of the screen, it is worth having the best computer monitor. The right monitor can shape your work or gaming experience, whether you use your computer for professional or general purposes.
Choosing a new display can be daunting: you need to consider the display type, size, and resolution, and delve into specifications such as response time and refresh rate—while keeping your budget in mind. Through our work, games and general browsing options, the best computer monitor options will make your desktop settings more suitable for your needs.
Your monitor is the gateway to your PC and can have a significant impact on the way you interact with your computer. In order to find the right monitor for a wider audience, we selected the best computer monitors for most common categories of users, while considering affordability and ease of use. We chose our category based on common usage: in this list, we have monitors suitable for work, games, browsing, and editing-including some that are suitable for all of the above situations.
To narrow our choices, we researched product specifications and reviews from trusted sources, and also checked consumer reviews to understand how these displays meet their requirements in daily life. We rate monitors based on their design, performance characteristics, and value to ordinary consumers, all in order to find the best computer monitor options of various types, sizes, and prices.
Reasons for the list: This monitor has a variety of practical ports, a series of ergonomic functions and a clear 4K resolution. It is very pleasant to use every day.
Specifications:-Screen size: 27 inches-Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)-Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Advantages:-Multi-function port and USB hub-Multiple ergonomic functions to reduce body and eye discomfort-Beautiful 4K resolution
Disadvantages:-Most ports are facing downwards, which is troublesome to access
Philips Brilliance 279P1 is designed for mastering daily tasks. It is the best computer monitor and still an ideal choice for daily use. It is full of convenient functions and displays stunning graphics. This 27-inch display has a clear 4K resolution and an IPS panel, which means it has excellent image quality (compared to other types of display panels, IPS panels are known for their excellent colors and wide viewing angles).
The wide range of ports makes this monitor an ideal choice for leisure and productivity. It includes a DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 input and USB 3.2 hub (with 4 ports), audio input/output and Gigabit Ethernet port. The USB-C docking station port can charge up to 65 watts, so you can plug in a laptop or mobile phone and charge directly from the monitor. Built-in 3 watt stereo speakers are also a convenient choice for watching videos and movies.
In order to work or browse throughout the day, this monitor also has a number of comfort features. The adjustable base allows height, tilt, rotation and pivot adjustments, while the Low Blue and EasyRead modes make it easier to protect your eyes with a flicker-free screen. In addition, this monitor has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is perfect for daily tasks and even for casual games.
Reasons for the list: The impressive fast refresh rate, low response time and HDR visual effects make this monitor the first choice for serious gamers.
Specifications:-Screen size: 27 inches-Resolution: 1080P (1920 x 1080 pixels)-Refresh rate: 280 Hz
Advantages:-High refresh rate-Fast response time (one millisecond)-Excellent ergonomics
Disadvantages:-Limited ports-1080P resolution is not particularly impressive
Most gamers need at least the best gaming monitor with a high refresh rate (at least 75 Hz, but the higher the better) and a response time of 5 ms or less. ASUS VG279QM is specially designed for professional gamers, sweeping away these two specifications.
This monitor has an overclocked refresh rate of 280 Hz and a response time of one millisecond, which means that gamers don’t have to worry about choppy or lagging images when playing games. The monitor uses ASUS ELMB SYNC (ELMB SYNC) technology, and is also compatible with G-SYNC, which provides ultra-clear game visual effects. Compared with some options, it has limited ports, but includes one DisplayPort1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 ports.
This monitor uses a 27-inch screen, which fits the size of most desktop computers, but is also large enough for decent immersive gaming. High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology can provide excellent visual effects and color performance, and a wide color range can present visual details. To make this monitor more convenient and comfortable to use, it is equipped with a flicker-free screen with four blue light filter settings. You can adjust the height and tilt of the monitor, as well as rotate and rotate the screen to meet your needs.
Reasons for the list: Rich 4K visual effects, large 32-inch screen and attractive design make this curved monitor an excellent choice for most desks at a reasonable price.
Specifications:-Screen size: 32 inches-Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)-Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Advantages:-Attractive design, will not overwhelm your space-4K resolution-Large screen, reasonable price
Disadvantages:-Limited ergonomic adjustment-Lack of USB-C port-Low refresh rate for serious gamers
The sides of the best curved displays can be filled with more peripheral vision, providing a larger, more immersive screen for work or entertainment. The Dell S3221QS is equipped with a 4K resolution screen, which provides a surround and clear viewing experience.
The screen uses a 1800R curve (this means that the radius is 1800 mm, from the edge of the curved screen to the center of the imaginary circle). This fairly obvious curve may take some time to adapt, but it provides a more surround viewing experience. A good curved display should have a wide screen of at least 30 inches. This monitor performs well in both aspects, with a 32-inch screen size and a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.
With a flicker-free screen and the ComfortView feature that reduces blue light, this monitor is also more comfortable. For easier viewing, you can adjust the height and tilt of the monitor. This Dell 32 curved gaming monitor also features a three-sided ultra-thin bezel design, making it look stylish and attractive on your desk.
In order to maintain its slim design, all ports of this monitor are located at the bottom of the monitor. These ports include two HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort, a USB 3.0 upstream port, a USB 3.0 downstream port and a USB 3.0 downstream port with BC 1.2 charging function.
Reason for listing: This large ultra-wide curved display provides a fast gaming experience and an immersive experience.
Specifications:-Screen size: 35 inches-Resolution: 3440 x 1440-Refresh rate: 100 Hz
Advantages:-35-inch large screen with an aspect ratio of 21:9 -100 Hz refresh rate is sufficient for most gamers-1800R curvature
Disadvantages:-Ports may be difficult to reach-Lack of rotation adjustment
For those who deal with almost everything at their desks, the best ultra-wide monitor can be the secret to improving work efficiency, and it is also an excellent screen for gaming and watching movies. Whether you want to view documents side by side or play games, BenQ EX3501R is a screen suitable for a variety of common uses. It uses an ultra-wide 35-inch curved screen with a curvature of 1800R and a resolution of 3440 x 1440. The ultra-wide screen has a panoramic 21:9 aspect ratio, providing a more immersive experience.
The BenQ EX3501R is specifically designed for gaming, so in addition to its impressive size, it also has multiple speed and comfort features. The 100 Hz refresh rate and AMD Free Sync function are suitable for most gamers, while the screen and HDR mode functions provide good brightness and contrast, making the game more vivid. The display also has a zero flicker screen and brightness sensing function, which can adjust the screen brightness and color temperature according to the room light.
The height and tilt adjustable stand allows you to easily adjust the monitor according to your needs. The port range of this monitor is moderate, including two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, two USB 3.0 ports, and one USB-C port.
Why it’s on the list: This small and light portable monitor weighs only 1.26 pounds, but it’s packed with some impressive features due to its slim size.
Specifications:-Screen size: 14 inches-Resolution: FHD (1920 x 1080)-Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Advantages:-Slim, compact and very light-5 to 90 degree tilt angle-Full HD resolution
Disadvantages:-only USB-C port
The best portable display is a wise choice for many users. They tend to be more affordable and are very useful for those who travel, work in different locations, or just want a monitor that is easy to transport or put away. Lenovo ThinkVision M14 is the first choice for busy workers. This compact monitor is equipped with a 14-inch screen and weighs only 1.26 pounds, making it easy to carry. The monitor is connected to your computer via one or two USB-C ports (one port is located on each side of the screen to facilitate right-handed and left-handed users).
Although this monitor has a slim 4.4 mm screen, it still has some excellent features. With a 60 Hz refresh rate and 6ms response time, this is a very smooth choice in a small package. The display also has a full HD resolution and an IPS panel, which provides excellent colors and clear pictures. The screen is located on the top of the adjustable base, which allows you to tilt the monitor from -5 degrees to 90 degrees. This wide-angle range means that you can adjust the screen to your liking, no matter where you are working.
The best computer monitor for your workspace depends on your intended use. Consider whether your monitor is primarily for work, gaming, or general purpose-this will tell you what type of specifications you should pay attention to.
General computer users usually value economy, attractive design, and high-contrast, clear images. The new low-performance displays are good enough for the average user and are cheaper. For professional use, depending on your work needs, you can choose a larger monitor with high color accuracy or a flicker-free screen. Gamers usually seek fast response time and fast refresh rate to prevent any delays during the game. No matter what your intended use is, you need to pay attention to some specifications, including screen size, resolution, refresh rate, response time, built-in ports, and any ergonomic features.
The screen size of a computer monitor is measured diagonally. Common monitor sizes range from under 20 inches to over 30 inches. When choosing a screen size, consider your available desktop space, your intended use, and any portability needs.
Large screens are suitable for work and entertainment, but remember that usually the larger the screen, the higher the price. Also consider the aspect ratio: most displays now have a widescreen aspect ratio (16:9 or 16:10).
If you want a wider screen, you can consider ultra-wide (21:9 ratio) or even dual-screen monitor settings. For a more immersive experience, consider using a curved screen. The curved display has a larger field of view, and can reduce glare and reflections, thereby reducing eye fatigue. They are best used by one person (rather than watching a movie with a group of friends), because they can cause glare when viewed from certain angles.
The higher the resolution, the clearer the picture. Resolution is measured by how many pixels there are on the screen, written as "width x height". Most good computer monitors now have a minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080 (1080p or Full HD) and a range of up to 5120 x 2880 (also known as 5K resolution).
The most common resolution options (in ascending order of quality) include Full HD, Quad HD, Ultra HD, 4K, and 5K. Although higher resolution sounds great, there is no need to pay for a higher resolution than you need (high-resolution monitors can be expensive). Also keep in mind that a higher resolution monitor requires a higher processing power graphics card, especially when you upgrade it to Quad HD and higher, so you need to make sure that your PC can handle this job.
The refresh rate of a computer monitor refers to the number of times the monitor updates the screen image per second, in hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate means more frequent updates and smoother images.
Refresh rate is usually an important specification for gamers, but the specification may also be related to viewing or editing high frames per second video. Gamers should look for a refresh rate of at least 60 Hz (but more than 75 Hz is better), and most gaming monitors have a frequency of 120 Hz or higher. For non-gamers, a refresh rate of 60 Hz is usually sufficient.
Display response time describes the time it takes for the display to change from one color to another (usually from black to white). A shorter response time means a faster display, which is another priority for gamers. The response time can be as fast as 0.5 milliseconds, but for game displays, less than 5 milliseconds is sufficient, and it is sufficient for general use.
Consider the ports and connections of the monitor to plug into your PC and other devices such as laptops, phones, consoles, and other devices. The most common ports include HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB connections.
If you stay at your desk for a long time, look for ergonomic features such as adjustable tilt and height, rotation and pivot adjustment. These features will make you more comfortable using the monitor continuously for several hours.
Q: What is the best brand of computer monitor?
When it comes to computer monitors, there is no best brand. All major players will have excellent products suitable for different types of users. Rather than focusing on the brand, it is better to check the specifications and reviews of the monitor to better understand whether it suits your needs - if you can test the monitor yourself, so much the better.
Q: How to choose a computer monitor?
Think about your main purpose first, and then start searching from there. Are you looking for a simple monitor to check email and social media? Or is it an amazing and fast monitor for gaming or editing content? Narrow down the display types and specifications that best suit your needs (and within your budget). Consider the display type, size, resolution, refresh rate, response time, color accuracy, ports, and any other features.
Q: Which type of monitor is best for the eyes?
The flicker-free display reduces the burden on the eyes. A monitor with a blue light filter may be good, especially if you have trouble falling asleep after working late at night, but they are not a necessity; there are many software programs that can help reduce blue light. You can also consider using curved displays. Their wider field of view and curved edges can reduce eye strain by keeping everything on the screen at a similar focal length to your eyes.
Q: How much should I spend on the monitor?
The price range of computer monitors is very large, depending on the monitor's capabilities, target audience, and screen size. A good, general-purpose monitor sells for less than $300. For professional use or intense games, it is expected to cost hundreds of dollars-depending on its specifications, the display may cost thousands of dollars, so you can also spend a lot of money. Consider your intended use and preferred specifications, and then try to work within your budget.
Q: What should I look for in an external monitor?
It depends on your intended use. For general use, the most important characteristics to consider include display type, size, and resolution. For intense games, fast response time and high refresh rate are also important specifications. For simple tasks such as replying to e-mails and typing, an ergonomic universal display is the right choice. But for work like photo and video editing and design work, you might choose a monitor with high color accuracy or a larger one. Overall, affordability and attractive design are also factors to keep in mind.
Philips Brilliance 279P1 has a set of multi-functional built-in ports and an ergonomic design. It is an excellent display that can improve daily work efficiency. ASUS VG279QM is an excellent gaming monitor with an impressive refresh rate and response time for those who want to play games hard while working.
This article was created by a non-news editorial team from the futuristic owner Recurrent Media. Futurism may receive part of the sales of the products linked in this post.
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