best 27 lcd displays 2017 manufacturer

27 inch monitors with 1440p resolutions are quickly rising in popularity as an upgrade to aging 24-inch 1080p products. Even if the latter still has a strong following and staying power in both casual and competitive situations, it will eventually be replaced by the next logical step.

QHD monitors are also the next best thing to the highly-sought after 4K displays, since you get a massive increase in pixels without requiring a ton of GPU power. Even if you don’t get as much visual space and resolution like what 4K can give if you compare QHD to 1080p monitors you will enjoy more than a 70 percent increase which is great for both games and productivity.

This category is best suited to 27-inch form factors for a more natural look, although 24-inch 1440p monitors like the Dell S2417DG will look sharper, but you might end up squinting to see smaller objects like text. This type of display also came down in price considerably over the past year, since supply and demand are at an all-time high.  Here’s our guide to the best 27 inch monitor (monitor 27) 1440p for gaming.

The primary answer to this dilemma is space. Most computer desks weren’t sized to fit massive TV-like monitors since the furniture business is still usually used to displays from 19 inches all the way up to 24 inches. Although we’ve seen dazzling custom setups which can hold a giant screen, full sized tower plus speakers and other peripherals, typically, most office and home tables are still limited in size.

Viewing distance is also an issue since the prescribed 20 inches to 40 inches isn’t enough once you go near or over 32-inch displays. Viewing at a farther distance also induces more issues, such as reaching the keyboard and mouse, your headset’s cable length might not be enough, or your audio spoiled by the distance since desktop speakers require a near-field perception of its output for a maximized experience.

Finally, 4K has a long way to go before it reaches its full potential in models like the Asus PG27UQ and the Acer Predator XB272-HDR, both of which have 4K at 144Hz specs. 1440p is a safer and more economical choice since these up and coming products will cost more than an arm and a leg at release, not to mention the GPU and CPU power required to utilize these specs.

The Asus PG278Q still is a top performer after becoming available for more than two years on the market, with its 144Hz 1440p panel mated to a G-Sync module which results in buttery smooth gaming for Nvidia GPU users. This product is one of the fastest we have tested to date regarding input lag, so hardcore and competitive players can enjoy a delay-free gaming session.

The Asus PG278Q is also rich in features, with excellent ergonomics, a bad-ass minimalist design, and a lot of gamer-centric extras like its GamePlus and GameVisual modes. If looks could kill, this monitor is one of the best-looking displays with its graphite black exterior and subtle, but distinct ROG treatment.  This makes sit right up top among the best 27 inch monitors.

The Acer H277HU competes in a 4K-dominated niche with its humbler QHD resolution, but at the time of our review, no other option came close to this model since it is built to work with 2016 MacBooks while looking sexy and uniform with a gold-colored Apple device.

Aside from its respectable performance in clarity, input lag and IPS-grade color vibrancy, the Acer H277HU’s secret weapon is its future-proof inclusion of a USB-C receptacle which works as an audio/video input and a power/data delivery slot. Sophisticated professionals and socialites will get a kick out of the functionality and luxurious appearance of the monitor, all while enjoying a beautiful, 27-inch IPS panel.

The Acer Predator XB271HU is another top-ranking 27-inch gaming monitor with a cutting-edge design and feature set. This monitor also runs 1440p at 27 inches, but the main advantage it possesses over our current favorite, the PG278Q is it has an overclockable 165Hz+ IPS panel with noticeable improvements in both color vibrancy and contrast.

You also get G-Sync built into the Acer Predator XB271HU’s aggressive styling, so you can enjoy buttery-smooth visuals while keeping your monster build looking like a mean machine. But the iconic look of this monitor is as functional as it is gaudy, so you can always get the best viewing angle possible. To top it all off, Acer included their GameView suite for a stunning array of options conveniently accessible via its hotkeys.

The Acer BE270U does not stand out against over 2560 x 1440 monitors specifically for made for gamers or professionals, but rather, its features make it more suitable as a happy medium between the two categories. What makes this monitor interesting is its extended 75Hz refresh rate coupled with Freesync, so users can still enjoy frag sessions after some photo or video editing on the borderless and vibrant IPS panel.

As for physical features, the Acer BE270U is as opulent as any cutting-edge professional display. This model includes an array of input options including USB-C, MHL-ready HDMI ports, and a DisplayPort in and out for daisy-chaining into a multi-screen setup. All of these are wrapped in a svelte-looking design, which does not overpower your desk.

The acclaimed BenQ Zowie XL2730 is a favorite QHD 27-inch monitor in both the enthusiast and competitive communities for its reputation in speed and gaming functionality. On average, input lag measures below 10ms making this product suitable for twitch aiming and fast-paced action.

To help with the performance hit of the massive pixel count, BenQ built the XL2730 with AMD’s Freesync technology to alleviate stutters and tears if the frames jump up and down. This product’s exterior design is one of our favorites here at MonitorNerds for its functionality and industrial design since it has enough unique features like the S-Switch Arc and other nifty gadgets.

Professional monitors ideal for color-critical work can easily cost over a thousand dollars, but the ViewSonic VP2772 outplays the norm with its affordability and stunning capabilities. The 2560 x 1440 IPS panel comes certified to work with 100% coverage of both the sRGB and Adobe RGB gamuts. This performance is made possible through the VP2772’s 12-bit engine and 14-bit LUT, so your media appears rich and accurate.

The ViewSonic VP2772 may look outdated with its gigantic stand and thick bezels, but it has excellent ergonomics, unlike other budget offerings. You also get a plethora of input options such as HDMI and DisplayPort, plus a DisplayPort out for daisy chaining multiple VP2772s.

The Asus MX27AQ looks like a work of art with its fine, aluminum exterior, making it suitable for an executive’s desk or a posh home. The borderless face features a beautiful IPS panel with vibrant colors and a decent response time, suitable for both work and multimedia enjoyment.

The Asus MX27AQ functions more like a conventional monitor, but what makes it extra-special is its built-in ICEpower speakers from Bang and Olufsen, a popular Danish audio company. This upgrade alone makes the MX27AQ noteworthy since most included pairs are either too weak or poor-sounding.  It still makes our list if the best 27 inch monitors.

The best 27 inch monitors with 1440p resolutions provide an extensive list of options you can choose from, whether for gaming or productivity. Even if the market is headed towards 4K displays, the cost to performance of these displays and the accompanying systems to run them is still the best practical choice you can make if you are upgrading.

The world is still engrossed with 1080p 24-inch monitors, and experts say that the latter still has a few years in its guts before it finally gets phased out. If it does, 1440p which sits perfectly at 27 inches will become the next mainstream. With that trail of thought, you get a more budget-friendly level of future proofing with the larger and sharper visual performance these monitors can provide.

The Asus ProArt Display PA278CV has a great-looking screen with good enough color accuracy for most people and all the ports you need to hook up desktop or laptop PCs. The PA278CV’s stand can tilt, swivel, and pivot the screen and raise and lower its height, its USB-C port can provide enough power to charge most 13-inch laptops, and it comes with a three-year warranty and a good dead-pixel policy. Its QHD resolution (2560×1440) means it isn’t as sharp as a 4K screen, but it’s also hundreds of dollars cheaper than comparable 4K monitors.

The MD271QP has a USB-C connection, making it easy to connect a modern laptop without the need for an HDMI cable or extra dongle. However, you’ll still need to plug in your laptop’s charging cable.

The MSI Modern MD271QP is a simple, streamlined 1440p monitor that’s perfect for laptop users. If you have a laptop with a USB-C port, a single cable will send the image to the monitor and slowly charge your laptop with 15 watts of power. However, you’ll still need to plug in a power cable as well to keep your laptop fully charged. The MD271QP lacks features we liked in the Asus ProArt PA278CV,including a built-in USB hub, granular color calibration controls, and blue-light filtering modes for reading. But if you don’t need to tinker with color settings or those extra USB connections, the MSI Modern MD271QP is a great monitor for $100 less than our top pick.

The Dell S2722QC is a 3840×2160 display that’s great for anyone who watches 4K content or casually edits photos or video. However, if most of your time is spent on general office work or browsing the internet, you don’t really need to spend the extra cash. The S2722QC has a USB-C port with 65 watts of charging, so it can power most laptops except higher-end devices like the Dell XPS 15-inch or the 16-inch MacBook Pros (which are picks in our guide to the best laptops for video and photo editing). For more powerful 4K displays, check out our guide for the best 4K monitors.

The ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQ is a full-featured gaming monitor with HDR, a USB hub, and a robust menu system. The XG27AQ can reach a 170 Hz refresh rate, meaning the picture is updated 170 times per second, making motion in games look smoother and more realistic. We think this monitor is a nice balance between price and premium features like HDR, an overclockable refresh rate, a USB hub, good build quality, and a sturdy stand.

Even though monitors have been getting bigger and bigger throughout the years, 27-inch monitors remain one of the most popular sizes. You can find them with different resolutions and for a variety of uses. This size of monitor strikes a good balance between having a large screen and not taking up too much desk space. Most 27-inch monitors either have a 4k or 1440p resolution, which both result in good text clarity, but there are a few cheaper ones with a 1080p resolution.

We"ve bought and tested over 250 monitors, and below are our recommendations for the best monitors you can buy with 27-inch screen sizes. Also, make sure to check out our recommendations for the best 27-inch gaming monitors, the best work monitors, and if you want something bigger, the best 32-inch monitors.

The best 27-inch monitor we"ve tested is the Dell U2723QE. It"s a high-end monitor with many features, and it"s great for office use and even excellent if you"re a photo or video editor. Its 4k resolution helps deliver crisp images and sharp text clarity, and it lets you open multiple windows at once compared to a lower-resolution 27-inch monitor. As it"s a premium monitor in Dell"s UltraSharp lineup, it has a massive USB hub that includes five USB-A ports and three USB-C ports, one of which supports 90 W of power delivery so you can charge a compatible device and display an image from it at the same time.

If you aren"t going to use the productivity features on the Dell U2723QE and instead want something for gaming, check out the LG 27GP950-B. While it has the same 4k resolution as the Dell U2723QE, it"s a different type of monitor because it has more gaming features. It"s excellent whether you need it for console or PC gaming as it has a 4k resolution and HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, allowing you to play 4k games up to 120 fps without issue from the Xbox Series X and PS5. It has low input lag for a responsive gaming feel, and motion looks smooth thanks to its quick response time. It also has variable refresh rate (VRR) support to reduce screen tearing.

If you don"t need the gaming features of the LG 27GP950-B and you aren"t going to take full advantage of the massive USB hub of the Dell U2723QE, then the Dell S2722QC is also a great choice in the mid-range category. You don"t get the same gaming features as the LG, as it"s more focused on productivity with fewer features than the U2723QE, but it"s still an excellent office monitor. It has one USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode with 65W of power delivery, which isn"t enough to charge power-hungry laptops, but it"s good enough to keep your battery going while you"re using it. It doesn"t have a dedicated sRGB mode like the U2723QE, which means some colors are over-saturated, but the color accuracy is still decent.

It performs well in bright rooms because it easily gets bright enough to fight glare, and its reflection handling is very good, even better than the U2723QE. Its flicker-free backlight is ideal if you need to use it for long hours, as it helps reduce eye strain. It also has wide viewing angles that make the image remain consistent from the sides if you need to share the screen with someone else.

If you prefer something cheaper, check out the Gigabyte M27Q, which is a good choice in the lower mid-range price category. It"s different from the Dell S2722QC because it has a lower 1440p resolution, meaning the text clarity isn"t as sharp. Because it uses a BGR subpixel layout instead of the standard RGB, there are some text clarity issues in certain programs that don"t support that subpixel format, but this isn"t an issue for everyday use. However, the main advantage the Gigabyte has over the Dell is that it has a higher refresh rate and better gaming performance, meaning it"s a more versatile monitor if you need something for work and play.

If you"re looking for the best 27-inch monitor and are on a budget, consider the Dell S2721QS. Despite being a lower-end model from the Dell S2722QC and maintaining the high 4k resolution, it still costs less than the Gigabyte M27Q, making it a good budget choice if you need something for productivity. However, there are a few features you have to sacrifice for getting a cheaper model, as this one doesn"t have any USB ports like on the Gigabyte or the S2722QC, meaning it"s a rather basic monitor that provides a high resolution with fantastic text clarity.

While the Dell S2721QS offers great value for its cost, there are some cheaper options you can get for a low cost, like the LG 27GL650F-B, which is a good cheap 27-inch monitor. If you don"t want to spend a ton of money on a monitor, you"ll have to give up a few features and get something with a lower resolution, which is the case with the LG. Its 1080p resolution isn"t ideal if you want the best text clarity possible, but it"s still decent and good enough for office work. It also has great peak brightness and decent reflection handling for use in a well-lit room.

The Gigabyte M27Q X is a newer version of the Gigabyte M27Q with a higher 240Hz refresh rate, making it the better option if you"re a competitive gamer, but it"s also hard to find, and if you find it, it costs more.

The LG 27GP850-B is very similar to the Gigabyte M27Q as it has nearly the same specs and costs about the same. The Gigabyte is more versatile for other uses thanks to its USB hub, but if you"re a gamer and care about motion handling, go for the LG.

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is a budget-friendly monitor with better color accuracy than the Dell S2721QS. However, considering it has a lower resolution, it"s worth getting the Dell instead.

The Lenovo D27-30 is a basic monitor that"s even cheaper than the LG 27GL650F-B, but it also has worse peak brightness and viewing angles, so for a bit more, it"s worth going for the LG.

Renamed the Gigabyte M27Q as the "Best Lower Mid-Range 27-Inch Monitor" because its price has gone up and removed the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV; added the Dell S2721QS as the "Best Budget 27-Inch Monitor" for consistency with other recommendations; updated Notable Mentions based on changes.

Restructured article to reflect user needs and for consistency; moved the Dell U2723QE to the "Best Monitor" and renamed the Dell S2722QC to "Best Mid-Range"; replaced the Dell S2721D with the Gigabyte M27Q because it"s easier to find; added the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV and removed the Samsung Odyssey G7 LC32G75T.

Restructured article to reflect user needs; renamed the Samsung Odyssey G7 as the "Best For PC Gaming", the LG 27GP950-B as the "Best For Console Gaming", and the Dell S2722QC as the "Best 27 Inch Monitor"; added the Dell U2723QE as the "Best For Photo Editing" and replaced the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV with the Dell S2721D because it"s cheaper.

Replaced the ASUS VG279QM with the ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM and renamed "G-SYNC Alternative"; replaced the Dell S2721QS with the newer Dell S2722QC for consistency; updated Notable Mentions based on changes.

Replaced the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q with the Dell S2721QS because it"s cheaper; added the Gigabyte G27Q and the Samsung Odyssey G7 S28AG70 to Notable Mentions.

Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best 27-inch displays currently available. They are adapted to be valid for most people, in each price range. Rating is based on our review, factoring in price and feedback from our visitors.

If you would prefer to make your own decision, here is the list of all of our 27-inch monitor reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most monitors are good enough to please most people, and the metrics that fare worse are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.

The Dell S2721QS (view at Amazon) is an incredible 4K monitor. It has wonderful image quality, an attractive design, an adjustable stand, and no significant downsides. You can spend more for a 27-inch monitor, but the S2721QS provides excellent value at a mid-range price point. If price isn’t a factor, and you want the best of the best with no real compromises, the LG 27GN950-B offers both 4K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate.

Matthew S. Smith is a technology journalist and product reviewer with nearly 15 years of experience. He’s tested over 600 monitors or laptop displays since 2010 and has a record of objective testing results that goes back a decade.

27 inches is a great compromise between expensive and bulky larger monitors and cramped smaller monitors. It provides plenty of space for getting work done or for playing immersive games. However, if you have the budget, a larger display will have more screen real estate, though in some situations only a 21 inch or smaller display may be adequate. Also, if you do need more screen space you could always buy two low price 27 inch screens such as the Dell S2721H and use them in a dual monitor configuration.

In a 27 inch monitor, 1920 x 1080 is perfectly acceptable, but not particularly outstanding. For gaming, stepping down to 1080p for a higher refresh rate is a good tradeoff. However, for creative work such as photo editing, you’ll want a display that offers at least 2160 x 1440. 4K monitors are increasingly common, and the extra resolution is great if you can afford it. If you’re planning to play games at 4K, make sure your PC is capable of it.

Most modern monitors include HDMI ports, which are almost universally compatible with computers. Look for DisplayPort on higher-end models, which is a more powerful and modern connection. Some displays include older ports such as VGA as well, which can be useful. Other extras to look for include AUX audio and USB passthrough.

Choosing one of the best 4K monitors is almost a must for anyone working in visual design, especially for those working in photography and video that want the additional detail that Ultra HD (UHD) offers.

UHD, or 4K, refers to a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. That gives you four times as many pixels as full HD (FHD), which means more desktop workspace and increased pixel density for a cleaner, sharper image with more detail (as long as your monitor"s at least 27 inches, the extra detail will start to get lost on smaller screens).

Fortunately, the best 4K monitors are so much more affordable than they were that it"s no longer really a big decision whether to go 4K or not. There"s now a huge number of options on the market, starting at low prices and going way, way up. This can make it hard to know which is the best 4K monitor for your needs, but that"s the question we aim to resolve with the guide below.

We"ve picked out the best 4K monitors based on our own reviews, recommendations from working creatives and a full comparison of their specs. We"ve weighed up the pros and cons of each screen and evaluated them for build and ergonomics, image quality, useful features, colour support and accuracy, brightness and connectivity.

But we"ve also considered value for money to provide options for different needs. The best 4K monitors for features and image quality are hugely expensive and will be overkill for most people that aren"t professional photo or video editors or designs.

If you"re a professional who needs the very best, turn to the Eizo ColorEdge CG319X at number 4 or the Asus ProArt PA32UC-K at number 6. They"re not at the top of the list because they"re simply unaffordable for many people. Factoring in value, we"ve placed cheaper 4K monitors like the Dell S3221QS and Samsung U28E590D higher since they meet most people"s needs and a more realistic price.

If you"re looking for the best 4K monitor for specific tasks, you might also want to see our guides to the best monitor for photo editing and the best monitors for video editing. And while many of these screens can support daisy chaining for a dual monitor setup, you might also want to consider one of the best ultrawide monitors if you want more space to work with.

Pro features for under a grand put this at the top of our list of the best 4K monitors. Following in a long tradition of fine displays from Dell, the UltraSharp U3219Q offers full sRGB covering, 95 per cent DCI-P3 and exceptional colour uniformity, making it ideal for all types of creatives, including those working in photo and video.

Dell takes second place on our pick of the best 4K monitors too, but this time with a much more affordable display. So OK, perhaps it"s not exactly cheap, but it"s a lot more affordable than most good 4K monitors. It looks stunning too. Dell monitors aren"t known exactly known for their sleek looks, but the curved S3221QS is a lot more elegant than its name, standing out from all those black and grey business monitors with its white back and base.

The Eizo ColourEdge CG319X is the connoisseur’s choice in high-quality displays. Eizo displays are a very familiar sight in professional video and photography studios – and this 31-inch 4K monitor, with a 10-bit display and 24-bit colour look-up table, is a stunner. The CG319X also boasts one feature that sets it apart from competing high-end 4K screens: 4096 x 2160 resolution rather than 3840 x 2160. This reflects the slightly taller 4K standard used in digital video production.

For a more compact 4K monitor, this 28-inch Samsung 4K display follows very closely on the heels of the Dell 4K S3221QS at number 2 on our list of the best 4K monitors above in terms of value. It lacks pro features but there"s still 100 per cent support for the sRGB colour space, a high 300cd/square metre brightness level and support for 60Hz 4K.

Most displays are 16:9 or 16:10 format, so the 3:2 Huawei Mateview immediately got our attention when we tested it out. This slightly squarer format is good for viewing certain types of content – viewing images and documents in portrait format is easier, and a picture taken on a standard camera can be displayed full bleed. Of course, the flip side is that widescreen video will have big black bars on the top and bottom – so it’s probably not the best choice for movie-watching

Viewsonic has a few colour accurate displays on the market, and the VP2785-4K is the most high-end model in its catalogue. It"s a 27-inch 4K IPS screen, sporting 100 per cent sRGB and quoted 99 per cent AdobeRGB coverage. It’s a bit fiddly to put together, requiring a screwdriver to attach the panel to the stand, but the overall design is extremely svelte, with a thin and light build, near edge-to-edge screen, and only a small bezel at the bottom that accommodates touch-sensitive controls.

With a 14-bit LUT, 700:1 contrast ratio and 375-nit brightness, the picture quality of the VP2785-4K won’t disappoint, although it doesn’t quite deliver the same eye-popping colours of the most high-end 4K displays money can buy.What is a 4K monitor?4K, also known as ultra-high definition or UHD, is a measure of a screen"s resolution. 4K monitors have a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, which compares to a resolution of 1290 x 1080 for full high definition (FHD). This means that it"s almost four times FHD resolution. What that means in practice is that images look sharper and tighter, which is great for viewing HD video and higher quality video game graphics.Do I need a 4K monitor?There are a couple of main reasons that you might benefit from a 4K monitor. Firstly, for your own enjoyment. Even if you"ll be using your screen purely for entertainment purposes rather than for work, 4K offers a notably sharper picture, which can enhance the enjoyment of watching films, series and playing games. That said, when it comes to PC gaming, 4K UHD resolution is very demanding and many will find that the improvement in image quality isn"t worth the drop in performance.

The other reason you might want one of the best 4K monitors is for work. If you work in any visual creative area, a 4K screen can improve your experience by allowing you to see your work in more definition. If you work in video, you"ll almost certainly need at least a 4K monitor since 4K video has almost become the norm. If you"re producing 4K video for a client, then you really need to be able to view it in 4K while you work.Is a 4K monitor worth it?Today, for most professionals it"s almost certainly worth investing one of the best 4K monitors. They"re still more expensive than 1080p displays, but they have come down in price a lot as they become standard, and they"re now so much more affordable than they were that it"s no longer such a big decision.

While 4K doesn"t make a lot of sense for a small monitor, from 27-inches and up, it makes a huge difference from FHD that will be immediately apparent to anyone. Gary Heiting, an optometrist and senior editor of the website AllAboutVision, even says that the increased screen resolution can reduce the risk of eye strain, so working in 4K over long sessions can be more comfortable even if you don"t need to produce 4K video.Is my computer compatible with a 4K monitor?You might hope that buying one of the best 4K monitors will automatically improve your viewing experience, but it"s important to know that not every laptop or PC can support 4K. Most recent PCs or Macs should have no problem displaying 4K resolution, but it"s a good idea to check your screen"s recommended display resolution before you buy a new screen. We have a guide to screen resolution that may help.

If your device uses Intel integrated graphics, you"ll want to have at least a 4th generation (Haswell) processor core processor. If you have Ivy Bridge or earlier, you"ll need to have a recent graphics card installed (if you"re unsure, you can check your processor at ark.intel.com to find out what the motherboard or integrated CPU graphics is capable of.How do I choose the best 4K monitor?You can now go 4K without spending a fortune, but the best 4K monitors can still be very expensive if you want pro-level calibration and the best colour accuracy. If you"re going to be using your screen for any kind of colour work, then you want precise colour accuracy. Most entry-level 4K monitors actually do a fairly decent job, but the best 4K monitors for designers will have full coverage of the AdobeRGB or DCI-P3 colour space.

Investing in a colour-accurate display will get you an excellent screen for black levels and brightness that will serve you well whether you"re working on images or video. You"ll want to invest in the best monitor calibrator too unless the monitor you choose comes with one of its own.

After colour, size is obviously another major factor in choosing the best 4K monitor for you. The most popular choice is 27-inches but 32-inch screens are becoming more common and get the most out of the 4K resolution.

You"ll also want to check what ports a monitor has before you buy it. The two cheapest options in our list of the best 4K monitors don"t have a USB-C connection, something that many creatives will want for hooking up devices quickly and easily. Most monitors have DisplayPort and HDMI ports, but this can"t be taken as given either – the LG Ultrafine 24MD4KL is well kitted out with USB-C and the faster Thunderbolt 3 ports, but skips the older ports.

Whether you’re gaming or working, having the best computer monitor on your desk can make a huge difference. So we went out and found the top computer monitors for you, researching key features and customer sentiment to give you the big picture on this vital computer accessory.

During our research, we looked for features such as adjustable stands, color gamut, color space, screen sizes, image quality, response times, peak brightness, screen types, resolution and more. As we did our research, we paid attention to not only the features of these monitors but how the specs of each would reflect in gaming, working in a spreadsheet , watching movies (aka Netflix), or editing graphics. From that and combining it with our proprietary scoring system we determined that the LG 34UM69G-B 34″ Ultra Wide Monitor is the best monitor you can buy today. This ultra-wide monitor has everything for the most versatile experience. With ultra-low response rates, an ultra-high resolution and a sleek design, this LG monitor beat out everything else. Keep reading to learn more about this display and our other top picks.

If you’re interested in jumping on the widescreen monitor train, the LG 34UM69G-B is a computer monitor you won’t want to pass up. Measuring in at a whopping 34 inches of total display, the LG offers a 21:9 aspect ratio that is perfect for gaming. And while this isn’t a top 4K monitor – which is the ultimate best for gaming monitors – you still get a 2560 x 1080 resolution. You also get a 1ms response time and AMD FreeSync, both of which enhance gameplay by eliminating stuttering and motion blur. If 34 inches is too big of a display for you, you can take it down a notch by considering one of the best 27 inch monitors.

Unfortunately, the 34UM69G-B only offers a 75 Hz refresh rate, which isn’t as fast as we’d like to see when on a monitor for gaming that thrives on high refresh power delivery, like the best 240 Hz monitor. This means you might see some blurring during, particularly fast-action moments. The Free-Sync monitor is fully adjustable, allowing you to tilt the monitor side to side and front to back, as well as adjust the height. It has a USB-C connectivity port but you’ll only get a single HDMI port and a single Display Port, though, so you won’t be able to hook up many devices. Many ultra-wide monitors are curved gaming monitors, and this one isn’t, but we actually liked this more than the curved gaming monitors we tested. The curve is definitely “in” right now, but we were more than happy with the traditional approach the LG takes. Gamers will want to read best gaming monitors under $200.

For starters, this HP computer monitor looks great with its edge-to-edge display and sleek black design. It’s subtle and understated, making it an excellent choice for your home office. The best part is that it’s also got the performance to back up its excellent design. When you get working, you’ll immediately notice the crisp image and vibrant color reproduction level you should come to expect on full HD IPS displays like this. Unfortunately, if you try to watch movies or play games with this LED-lit monitor, you might notice more motion blur than you’re used to due to its 60 Hz refresh rate.

However, wide viewing angles and accurate colors (72%sRGB color gamut)more than make up for the low refresh rate. It’s also nice to be able to adjust the monitor in the way you want. You can tilt it forward and back or flip it 90 degrees for landscape and portrait mode. Another plus is the monitor’s extremely thin bezel making it virtually frameless, which provides for a seamless multi-monitor setup. Just be aware that the monitor doesn’t feature any DisplayPorts, so you’ll have to stick with HDMI cables, which we didn’t find to be too inconvenient. If you are a gamer who uses Sony’s console, the best gaming monitor for PS4 is worth a read.

The Acer R240HY is a monitor full HD 1080p display that performs really well when it comes to color accuracy, viewing angles, and design quality…all at an affordable price under $200. It offers a maximum brightness level of 250 nits of brightness, and can be adjusted or reset to default.It also features a matte-finished screen, which does really well in eliminating glare from background lighting, making it an excellent choice amongst affordable monitors for home and business office applications. You may want to check out the best monitors for Xbox One X as well.

The overall design of the Acer is sturdy and durable. This is due in part to the fact that you can only tilt the screen forward or back a minimal amount. We consider this a win when you think about overall stability, but the lack of adjustability can make it difficult for some to find a comfortable viewing angle that works with their personal preferences. All in all, the Acer R240HY is one of the best 1080p monitors we’ve tested, which is why this excellent display made our list of top picks. And if you’re looking for gaming on Acer, you might want to check out the R240HY’s cousin, the Acer Predator XB1.

The Dell monitor is a full HD IPS panel that looks good for most applications. However, it doesn’t always offer the most accurate color representation, so if you’re using this for color-critical projects like photo editing, you might want to look elsewhere for a new monitor. For the average user, though, this monitor performs just fine, especially when you consider its low input lag. There’s no hesitation between a user’s action and that action being carried out on the screen. If you’re looking for budget monitors for your office, this is the one for you. Also read about the best 144Hz gaming monitors.

WHY WE LIKE IT: Are you looking for the best monitor you can buy for the absolutely lowest price? Then the Sceptre E205W-1600 is the monitor for you with its decent overall performance and versatile connection options.

Unfortunately, you won’t get full HD with this display. The Sceptre only provides a resolution of 1600×900, which sits somewhere between 720p and 1080p resolution. However, you’ll still get fairly decent color accuracy and a good picture, especially considering the price. If you’re on an extra-tight budget that absolutely cannot be broken, the Sceptre E205W-1600 is an excellent choice. These are some of the features that make up the best 4K gaming monitor.

When looking for the best PC monitor, it’s important to know the different types available. These include desktop monitors for general use, portable monitors, gaming, and professional use. From there, you can consider the display features you need, such as size, resolution, and whether you want a flat or curved monitor. Always make sure that the monitor you’re looking at has video connectors that work with your current computer and that it is compatible with your operating system. Selecting a monitor that’s best for your needs based on those criteria is the best way to make the right choice. One way to do this is to read many of our computer monitor reviews and comparison articles. Or, get an in-depth look with our computer monitor buying guide.

What is a computer monitor? Simply put, a computer monitor is a device that displays visual information fed to it by a computer’s video card (aka graphics card). Most computer monitors in 2022 come in a wide variety of sizes, to suit creative professionals and more casual users. Displays are also available in a number of types, including LCD panels, OLED displays, and CRT monitors. Each of the aforementioned display types offers its own advantages and disadvantages (like an LCD display and backlight bleeding). Many modern 2022 monitors often ship with a number of useful additional features, including Bluetooth receivers, USB hubs, microphones, stereo speakers, and more.

A computer monitor is a visual output device that converts and displays information relayed to it from a PC. Monitors generally connect to a computer’s video card or motherboard via an HDMI or VGA cable. There are three major types of monitors, CRT displays, LCD displays, and OLED displays, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some modern monitors ship with all kinds of built-in accessories, including cameras, microphones, speakers, USB hubs, and more. Read more about how computer monitors work.

Monitors are particularly useful in the business world, especially when accessing software such as Microsoft Excel. Creative professionals also demand high-quality monitors and often go for dual-monitor setups to maximize screen real estate. Computer monitors are also a must-have for gaming applications. When gamers shop for a monitor they should go for quality, choosing displays with a high refresh rate and minimal lag time. You can read more about the purpose of a computer monitor in our feature.

Computers use a number of typical monitor sizes. The smallest displays clock in at around 21-inches while the largest can be 30-inches and above. Gamers should purchase a monitor that is at least 25-inches and could also go with a dual-monitor setup. This always brings up the question of 24 vs 27-inch monitors and if a 27-inch display is in fact better. Creative professionals should opt for a monitor of at least 25-inches. Those who mostly stream media content can make do with any-sized monitor, but we would recommend a display of at least 27-inches to improve the overall experience. Habitual streamers may also opt for an ultrawide display (aka an ultrawide monitor).

Specifically, gamers and graphic designers should opt for a refresh rate of 75Hz or higher. Meanwhile, people focused on full HD quality displays should prioritize a minimum of 1080p resolution for screens ranging from 21 to 24 inches wide. As a general rule though, the more pixels in a screen, the better the resolution or display will look. So it’s important to understand what is a computer monitor resolution.

Step 3. Which Display Technology Is Best For You?There are three popular screen types available today, they include LED, OLED, and QLED. Most computer monitors, tablets, and laptop screens use TFT-LCD technology, but they are also different. And whatever you do, try to understand the differences between LCD vs LED monitors. They’re not mutually exclusive.

LCDs are of different types, with each option having its drawbacks and strengths. Ideally, you have to select a VA, IPS, or TN technology when purchasing a monitor. The right choice will depend on your needs. For example, if you are a gamer, certain types of games work with different technologies. Other technologies are better suited to give out solid image quality if visuals are crucial to you.

Lastly, there are both advantages and disadvantages with each technology. All you have to do is identify the essential attributes and then state your budget. You can read more about the best monitor panel types in our resource article.

Proper monitor positioning for comfortable, safe, productive use over long periods of time is an essential part of any professional’s daily work toolkit. Improper viewing angle, viewing distance, and excessive head tilt can lead to eye strain, increased fatigue, and even spinal strain, even over periods of less than a full workday. A downward cast of 15-30 degrees below the eye line from a resting position will allow for the best viewing range. The result will be the least eye strain and involuntary head tilt possible. But attention should also be paid to viewing distance, which should be no closer than 20″ from viewer to display. Follow these viewing angle guidelines when positioning your monitor and you’ll make the most of your workday in terms of both comfort and productivity.

There are a number of different monitor types available, each useful for different sets of consumers. CRT monitors are the oldest of the bunch and are typically used to play retro video games. LCD displays are the most common, making up the vast majority of consumer-grade displays, due to their relatively inexpensive cost to manufacture. LED monitors are a subset of LCD, typically offering an increased resolution and brighter colors. Finally, there are OLED monitors, which offer an unparalleled experience but are extremely expensive.

DELL is known to some as the best monitor company in the world. Samsung is also a pioneer in the field. The company focuses on providing the best-LED monitor with the ideal TN panel. On the other hand, LG offers stylish 4K monitors while ASUS designs screens with great color and picture quality. In addition, you can purchase long-lasting monitors from HP and get the highest contrast ratio screens from Acer. Finally, when it comes to gaming, BenQ is king.

The best computer monitor accessories enhance the overall user experience. There are plenty of accessories from which to choose, but they can all improve user-friendliness, ergonomics, and aesthetics. This is a long list, so check out our best computer monitor accessory guide for more info.

Apple sells displays for its Macs, and you could go with its offerings, but its displays are a quite bit more expensive than what third parties have. Buying from a different company may mean you may not get a feature that Apple offers, but then it may also be a feature that you don’t need, depending on how you use the monitor. Note there are compatibility issues for M1 Macs. We have a guide to monitors for M1 Macs and what you need to know before buying.

Fortunately, there are plenty of companies that have great monitors that you can use with your Mac, without having to take out a second mortgage. Our sister publications TechAdvisor and PCWorld have tested several displays, and we list their top-rated ones that we have been able to confirm work with Macs, alongside the monitors we have reviewed below. Here are our recommendations in alphabetical order.

The XDR is phenomenally well-specced: it’s 32in and 6K, offering 40 percent more screen space than Apple’s 5K displays, and offers a peak brightness of 1,600 nits (or 1,000 sustained). But it comes with a seriously eye-watering price tag, especially if you want to include the Pro Stand for adjustability and pivoting.

Apple displays have always produced very good image quality, and the Studio Display continues that tradition. Colors are rich, contrast is good, and the brightness is suitable for most tasks.

The Alogic Clarity is a stunning looking 27-inch display with built-in hub and a fantastic height-adjustable, tilt and pivot stand. It will appeal to Mac users with its Apple looks and is even, in some ways, a superior monitor to Apple’s own Studio Display, although its 4K resolution isn’t as sharp as Apple’s 5K screen.

The Asus ProArt PA279CV is a 4K monitor that offers accurate color and important “pro” features such as accurate gamma presets. It even has USB-C connectivity, making it an excellent choice for creators looking to upgrade from their laptop display.

Asus’ ProArt PA279CV is a sensible choice for content creators who want a color accurate 4K monitor but don’t want to clean out their savings account.

Acer’s Nitro XV272 costs more than a lot of 1080p monitors, but the IPS, 165Hz screen provides above-average image quality, excellent color accuracy and motion performance, and a full range of monitor-stand adjustments and a generous array of ports make it worth the cost.

It also has three video inputs, four USB ports, and a stand that feels a bit cheap but offers numerous ergonomic adjustments. These features signal that the Nitro XV272, though not expensive, is a cut above entry-level 1080p monitors.

Gigabyte’s M27Q X doesn’t look like much out of the box, but this 1440p/240Hz IPS panel delivers a superb media experience where it counts, with excellent motion clarity and stunning image quality for an HD screen.

Size isn’t everything, as the saying goes, but it’s a good place to start. Your decision will be influenced by how much desk space you have, and how comfortable you are while using the display. Some people think that a big screen is best, but then when they start to use it daily, they find that it’s too big. And the same goes for customers who think a small screen is best.

If you’re looking for a size to start with for your own personal research, we recommend 24 inches—just like with Apple’s iMac. That seems like a good size for most people, and it’s easy to go up or down from that point. Most people tend to go between 24 and 27 inches for home use.

For professionals—graphics, video, audio, even spreadsheets—a large screen will help you be more productive. Think 27 inches and higher. You’ll be able to fit more elements on the screen and not waste your time scrolling.

Screen resolution can go hand-in-hand with screen size. Screen resolution refers to the number of pixels used to create what you see on the screen. The higher the resolution, the more detail you can see. Larger displays tend to have more resolution options, as well as the ability to support higher resolutions.

Often, when you find two displays that are the same size but have a wide price difference, it’s mostly because of the screen resolution. Monitors with high resolutions are more expensive. For example, Apple’s $1,599 Studio Display is 27 inches, and it has a high screen resolution of 5120×2880 (5K resolution). On the other hand, LG sells the 27-inch 27UK650-W, but it’s a 3840×2160 (4K) resolution display for content creators, and it’s $350–lower resolution, but $1,249 cheaper. (There actually aren’t other 27-inch 5K monitors available, except for the $1,449 LG UltraFine 27MD5KL-B.)

If you’re looking for an external display for your MacBook Pro including the latest M1 and M2 chip MacBook Pros, here we’ve looked at the best monitors for the MacBook Pro of 2022.

Here we’ve looked at everything from the best budget displays to the best 5K monitors for the MacBook Pro which are the best external monitors for the MacBook Pro’s Liquid Retina XDR display.

As long as the monitor has a USB-C/Thunderbolt or HDMI port (which almost all displays have at least one of nowadays) it will work with a MacBook Pro.

Of course the best MacBook Pro compatible Apple displays are both Apple’s own Apple Pro XDR Display and Apple Studio Display – but they don’t come cheap at $4,999 and $1,399 respectively which is why we’ve mainly focused on alternatives.

The 14-inch or 16-inch 2021 MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip can support two external displays up to 6K over USB-C or Thunderbolt and one at up to 4K over HDMI 2.0

The 14-inch or 16-inch 2021 MacBook Pro with M1 Max can support three external displays up to 6K over USB-C or Thunderbolt and one at up to 4K over HDMI 2.0.

If you need more than four external monitors with your Mac, then we strongly recommend getting a Mac Studio instead which can support up to five external displays if it has an M1 Ultra chip in it.

LG monitors are some of the best displays you can get for Macs and Apple even helped LG develop the UltraFine display as it contains a very similar panel to the 27 inch 5K iMac display.

In fact, outside of Apple’s monitors, we think the 5K LG UltraFine 34 inch monitor is the best 5K display for the MacBook Pro and the best alternative to the Apple Studio Display.

Although it can’t compare with the XDR’s specs, the Apple Studio Display is easily the second best Apple monitor for Macs and starts at just $1,599 compared to $4,999 for the Pro XDR display.

The LG 27MD5KL-B Ultrafine 27 inch monitor is marketed at Apple Mac users as it offers excellent compatibility and quality compared to most when used with a Mac including M1 MacBook Pros.

If you don’t need the wider screen of the LG UltraFine 34 inch, the LG 27MD5KL-B Ultrafine 27 is the best compact 5K monitor for the MacBook Pro with crisp, sharp images.

The LG 27MD5KL-B Ultrafine 27 inch monitor only has a 60Hz refresh rate but it still performs very well for gaming and fast moving media such as when video editing on a MacBook Pro.

The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q has a stand that can swivel, pivot and adjust vertically which is another bonus as many external monitor stands don’t offer such flexibility.

If you need an Ethernet connection for your monitor, you should also check out the newer Dell UltraSharp U2723QE which is an upgraded version of this model and allows you to connect the display directly via Ethernet.

The Samsung 34-Inch CJ791 Ultrawide Curved Monitor was the first curved monitor with Intel Thunderbolt 3 ports and is the best ultrawide monitor for the MacBook Pro.

It’s mainly designed for gaming with an incredibly high 100Hz refresh rate and for those that love gaming on curved screens, it’s easily the best external monitor for playing games on the MacBook Pro.

If you need the best in color accuracy outside of Apple’s displays then the Asus ProArt Display is designed with graphic designers and drawing tablet artists in mind.

If you’re still not sure which monitor to get for your MacBook Pro here’s a side-by-side comparison of our top six picks of the best displays for the MacBook Pro.

Almost any monitor will work with a MacBook Pro but the amount of choice and port connections is overwhelming so we’ve done the hard work for you by shortlisting the best ones.

Most new Macs since 2017 have Thunderbolt 3 ports and the M1 MacBook Pro has Thunderbolt 4 ports but not all external displays have a Thunderbolt port.

In terms of resolution, the M1 and M2 MacBook Pro Liquid Retina XDR display has a stunning resolution of 227 ppi which can handle 8K video and you simply won’t find an external monitor that can come close to that.

Almost all of the best external displays for the MacBook Pro support 4K and some of them are even 5K although none of them will match the MacBook Pro’s own internal screen.

You should be looking for a refresh rate of at least 60Hz for the best quality images and you’ll definitely get this with either USB-C or Thunderbolt if the monitor supports it.

Based on this, we consider the LG 27UN850-W to be one of the best monitors for MacBook Air, including the recently released M2 MacBook Air, that you can currently buy. In addition, we"ve gathered other noteworthy models to help you choose the one that fits the best Mac currently available. You may also wish to consider adding on one of the best monitor stands too.

Great computer monitors must offer full color, brightness, and sharpness. On these three points, the LG 27UN850-W blew us away, so it"s considered the best MacBook Air monitor on the market. The color is spot on and didn"t require additional fine-tuning during setup.

Speaking of setup, the entire process for the 27-inch monitor takes less than 10 minutes. The same speediness can"t be said about other monitors on the market. We"re also impressed with LG"s decision to add multiple ports on this monitor. As a MacBook Air owner, you will stick with USB-C primarily. However, with two USB-A and two HDMI ports also available, you have the flexibility to use the monitor elsewhere. (The USB-C port also supports a 60W power transfer so that you can charge your laptop during use.)

Not everything about this monitor is positive. For one, the monitor"s 5W speakers are lackluster. Of course, we live in a world where external speakers or headphones reign, so this probably won"t matter. However, given the price point for this monitor, we were expecting more. However, this is the best MacBook Air monitor you can buy.

With this impressive curved monitor, you can easily connect to the best Mac on the market through any of the two Thunderbolt 3 ports included in its design. What"s excellent about Thunderbolt 3 ports is that they can transfer data at 40Gbps while charging your device simultaneously. There are also DisplayPorts, HDMI, and USB ports