top lcd monitors brands
Based in South Korea, Samsung has become one of the world"s leading electronic brands. Like many companies in this list, their monitors mainly focus on gaming. Their models are unique since they don"t primarily use IPS panels, as many have VA panels with a high contrast ratio and curved screen. Although VA panels look great in dark rooms, the main downside is that they have narrow viewing angles, which isn"t ideal for sharing your screen with others. They"ve even started including Mini LED backlighting on some models, which further improves the picture quality, peak brightness, and dark room performance. It helps that Samsung already produces TVs with this Mini LED technology, so they"ve become an industry leader for monitors with it.
Instead, we’ll cover the best-selling monitors by the most popular brands and briefly go over the company, what they do right, what could be improved, etc.
Additionally, these were the first monitors with an aggressive 1000R screen curvature that’s meant to match the natural curvature of the human eye for an improved viewing experience, but not everyone’s a fan of such steep screen curvature.
Another thing worth noting is Samsung’s firmware updates, which have on many occasions fixed or at least improved the performance and/or image quality of their monitors.
We mentioned brightness flickering. This issue is often associated with high refresh rate VA gaming monitors regardless of the panel manufacturer (Samsung, AUO, CSOT, etc.).
Samsung finally acknowledged the issue on their Odyssey models, and they’ll hopefully do the same with their other gaming monitors capable of firmware updates.
Keep in mind that this issue only affects some units of monitors. So, one unit of the S27R750, for instance, might have noticeable brightness flickering, but another unit may not suffer from this issue at all.
Since VA panels aren’t used for serious color-grading anyway due to gamma/saturation shifts, this is usually not deal-breaking to most users, but it can be if you’re buying one of Samsung’s wide gamut IPS monitors, such as the
What LG does better than most manufacturers is the sRGB emulation mode. All of their newer wide-gamut monitors, usually with 98% DCI-P3 or 135% sRGB, have proper sRGB clamps that restrict the color output to ~100%.
ASUS also offers excellent monitors for color-critical work from their ProArt series, ranging from budget to high-end professional models, such as the ASUS PA248QV and the ASUS PA32UC.
When it comes to mid-range gaming monitors, their models are usually more expensive than the competing displays due to the ‘premium ASUS branding’, especially when it comes to the ROG variants with plenty of proprietary RGB lighting and other gimmicky features.
What’s more, their wide gamut monitors usually have a well-calibrated sRGB mode, but brightness is often not adjustable and it’s locked to a very high setting.
Some ASUS gaming monitors feature the exclusive ELMB-Sync technology. It’s one of the rare MBR (Motion Blur Reduction) implementations that can work at the same time as variable refresh rate.
One thing we’d like to see improved on Acer monitors is their overdrive implementation. It usually has three modes: Off, Normal, and Extreme. On most of their monitors, you can’t change the overdrive mode when VRR is enabled as it’s locked to ‘Normal.’
AOC offers excellent budget gaming monitors. They’re affordable and offer excellent image quality and performance; further, AOC doesn’t skimp on design quality and features.
AOC’s popular budget monitors have strong build quality and even a good range of ergonomics, whereas the counterparts by other manufacturers usually just offer tilt-only and plastic stands for the same price.
The On-Screen Display of AOC’s monitors includes a well-calibrated sRGB mode, but just like with ASUS displays, it’s locked to a high brightness setting.
Further, navigation through the menu via the monitor’s usual clunky hotkeys isn’t a nice experience. We’d really like to see more AOC monitors with joysticks.
This adjusts the strobe length allowing you to find the best trade-off between picture brightness and motion clarity for you. Most monitors don’t have this much customization for backlight strobing, there are usually just two to three options, or just one.
BenQ’s ZOWIE line-up of monitors is usually the #1 choice for professional gamers and if there’s a competitive gaming tournament going on, you’ll most likely see BenQ’s ZOWIE displays – and there’s a good reason for that.
Gaming monitors such as the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K don’t compromise on performance; they deliver impeccable input lag and response time performance, as well as the impressively tuned DyAc+ (Dynamic Accuracy) backlight strobing technology with minimal brightness penalty and strobe crosstalk.
Dell’s mostly known for their UltraSharp series monitors with excellent color accuracy and factory calibration, which makes them very popular among professional designers and photographers.
Their monitors are also often a bit more expensive, but you do get a better image quality out of the box as well as premium build quality and decent ergonomics in return.
Sadly, their wide gamut monitors don’t feature sRGB emulation modes, which is disappointing for a company known for being one of the top choices of professional colorists. Their latest model, the AW3423DW, does have an sRGB mode, so hopefully, all future models will follow suit!
MSI offers several gaming monitors we highly recommend, such as the MSI MAG274QRF-QD and the MPG321UR-QD. These monitors offer better image quality, performance and features than equally priced (or even more expensive) alternatives by other manufacturers.
We’re glad that they listened to their users and started implementing sRGB modes on their monitors. They also add other modes, such as Adobe RGB and DCI-P3, if the monitor has a wide enough coverage of those color spaces. Further, they don’t lock brightness settings!
As we head into the new year, we"re going to see a lot of new monitors and display technology coming out of CES 2023. From high refresh rates to mini-LED panels and more, there are going to be a lot of exciting monitor tech to come in 2023. If you"re not all into that razzle-dazzle though, this is also great news since many of the best monitors, including the best 4K monitors from 2022, are going to get some healthy price cuts as the new models get announced and retailers have to make room for new inventory.
Whether you"re looking for the best 5K and 8K monitors for creative work or the best cheap gaming monitor deals for some casual esports, we"ve tried and reviewed just about all of them.
And, below we"ve broken down our top picks of the year – from the best 144Hz 4K monitors and the best high refresh rate monitors to the best monitors for video editing – and compiled them in this handy guide to make your buying decision easier than ever. We"ve also written up a guide for how to pick the best monitor to help you find what you"re looking for, no matter what your need or budget might be.
If you’re in the cinematography or photography sphere, that’s exactly what you need. And, that’s on top of all the other features this monitor boasts. This is among the best monitors for photo editing you’ll find, and the best part is you’re getting it for cheaper than all others.
The Dell S3221QS is a gorgeous monitor inside and out. Its simple yet elegant silver design gives it a unique look that sets it apart from all the gamer-centric or boring black office monitors you"re most likely to find. It comes with a stunning 4K VA panel to match, making everything from movies to gaming a pleasure to watch.
We don’t usually run into technology that’s so far ahead of the curve that we’re left dumbfounded, which is why the Dell UltraSharp UP3218K has impressed us even more. Finding one of the best monitors that can reach the raw gorgeousness this one can should be next to impossible. It’s not just the resolution, either.
The LG 32UN880 UltraFine Display Ergo has done something cool. Instead of going for the same homogeneous mount and stand that all monitors have, it has opted for a C-Clamp, One Click Mount that allows it to extend, retract, go high, go low, tilt and pivot like no other. That’s versatility turned up to 11.
It also boasts incredible color accuracy and beautiful picture quality. The best part is that you’re getting all that without burning a massive hole in your pocket. This is, without a doubt, among the best monitors out there, especially if you"re looking for an arm-supported display rather than one on a static stand you typically find on the shelves.
If you"re on a high-end gaming desktop with the best graphics card on the market, then a 4K monitor or even an 8K display might be more of what you"re looking for. 4K monitors are only just now starting to get higher refresh rates like 120Hz and 144Hz, so these are definitely the 4K panels that you need to keep an eye out for.Which monitor brand is most reliable?There are a lot of PC monitor brands out there making everything from cheap, portable office monitors to high-end gaming PC monitors with ultrawide aspect and 1000R curve rating, 1ms pixel response, and blazing fast refresh rates.
If you"re just a typical PC gamer looking for the best image quality, getting a 4K monitor with 144Hz refresh is going to make your games look fantastic. If you"re an esports competitor (or want to be someday), then the only thing that matters is pixel response and refresh rate. Even a 1080p resolution is acceptable so long as it has at least 1ms pixel response or lower. The refresh on 1080p monitors can go as high as 360Hz or even higher with the very latest monitors coming onto the market.
We review monitors based on a number of factors including price, design, and performance. We consider the size of each display, as well as the number and type of ports on each monitor to determine who each display would benefit most. Each monitor is used in a variety of scenarios, so we use it for work, media consumption and gaming to test what it’s best suited to.
Performance is also evaluated by how well the actual screen tech works and its refresh rate. Frames per second are especially important in gaming monitors because you’ll want a high refresh rate during competitive games so you don’t miss a minute of the action.
Why you can trust Tom"s HardwareOur expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.What’s your monitor’s purpose?If it’s gaming, you’ll generally want something with a high refresh rate (ideally 100Hz or more), low response time and AMD FreeSyncor Nvidia G-Sync for fighting screen tears at low framerates. For general use, look for high contrast, and for creative work prioritize color accuracy.What resolution do you want? More pixels means a sharper image. No one should be buying anything under 1080p/FHD (1920 x 1080) these days. But if your budget can handle it, 4K is as sharp as it gets at a reasonable price. Many gamers find 1440p/QHD (2560 x 1440) a good compromise between price and high-refresh-rate performance.Contrast and color.We consider contrast the most important factor in image quality, with 1,000:1 being solid. Color errors are particularly important avoid for content creators, and anything with a Delta E (dE) greater than 3 may show visible errors.Panel tech:When it comes to image quality, TN< IPS< VA. VA monitors typically still have better contrast than even the best IPS panels, although IPS panels are also known to be very colorful.What size do you want?These days, 24-inches is on the small side and 27 inches is mainstream, while 32-inches is a good large size for those on a budget. Anything bigger than 43 inches probably won’t fit on a regular desktop. For portable monitors, stay in the 17-inch range or under. Anything bigger isn"t really all that portable.sRGB or DCI-P3? In most cases, you’ll either be getting a monitor made for the sRGBcolor space or the more colorful DCI-P3 one. Technically, Windows, the web and non-HDR games and video all use sRGB, but if you want an extra colorful screen, an accurate DCI-P3 monitor is more appropriate.
Before we get into our primary list of picks, here is an amazing deal on one of our favorite tested monitors below. Sure, it"s more of a TV than a monitor, but it"s hard to pass up a big OLED screen for $600 (after an admittedly annoying $200 mail-in rebate).
eSports players and hopefuls rely on the fastest peripherals available to attenuate the delay between deciding on in-game action and when that action happens on screen. 360 Hz is the fastest refresh rate PC monitors have today, and the MSI Oculux NXG253R is the fastest of them all. Yes, the NXG253R is the fastest display we’ve ever tested, making it the best computer monitor for eSports you can buy.
The NXG253R outperformed other 360 Hz monitors by 1-3ms (depending on the rival screen) in our absolute input lag test. It also matched all its 360 Hz rivals in our response time test with a 3ms score. The monitor also fights screen tears down to a 1 Hz refresh rate with G-Sync and includes the Nvidia Reflex latency analyzer to help fine-tune your eSports performance further.
Making HDR pop over SDR is all about contrast, and for the ultimate contrast, there’s nothing better than OLED. The Aorus FO48U’s massive OLED panel not only delivers immeasurably high contrast, but we recorded 107.7% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space and near-flawless grayscale tracking. As a result, you get a rich image that’s also accurate out of the box. However, it’s not as bright as a premium LCD (399 nits with HDR, according to our testing).
A lot of us are finding ourselves working in tight spaces these days. If you’re looking to add another screen to your space, the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 is the best portable monitor. Its most standout feature is a critical one: a reliable, strong kickstand that’s easy to use, thanks to two flip-out feet. While many portable monitors are stuck with flimsy sleeves that double as stands, you can intuitively prop up the ThinkVision M14 at a -5 to 90-degree tilt or even in portrait mode. Unfortunately, its travel case isn’t as tough.
According to our benchmarks, with 244 nits max brightness and 98% coverage of the sRGB color space, the ThinkVision M14 is perfect for surfing the web or watching a movie in SDR. USB-C connectivity, meanwhile, means it won’t run out of battery when plugged into a laptop. It can also deliver as much as 65W of power to a device if plugged into a wall adapter. But those whose PC or device, such as a Raspberry Pi, doesn’t have a USB-C port with DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode and USB PD 2.0 or better will be out of luck.
However, the XG17AHPE is as expensive as it is unique. In fact, you can buy a much larger desktop-sized monitor with the same amount of speed for cheaper than this, over $400 17.3-incher. And the origami-style cover Asus includes isn’t sufficient for protecting this expensive piece of hardware or providing a reliable stand.
This is also a top-of-the-line gaming monitor. It fell just 1ms behind smaller 144Hz rivals in our response time test and even beat a 144Hz alternative during input lag testing.
The electronics arm of the group (Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.) produces a variety of electronics including computer monitors, televisions, home entertainment systems, computers, mobile phones, semiconductors, and display components. The company also makes parts for other manufacturers under contract. Its subsidiaries include Samsung SDS Co., Ltd., Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., etc.
In 1960, the company started selling TVs, VCRs, and other appliances in South Korea. In 1994, Samsung introduced mobile phones for the first time. In the next 20 years, it launched Samsung monitors, televisions, digital cameras, washing machines, Camcorders, MP3 players, etc.
Samsung"s brand equity is huge in the electronics sector today. Their products are well received by customers all across the globe despite fierce competition in the global market.They are considered to be leaders in computer monitors, washing machines, mobile phones, TV units, refrigerators, computers, LCD screens, DVD players, and various other products. No matter where you are in the world today, chances are that Samsung will have an office built to serve its clients.
The following are the best monitors of Samsung due to their ability to produce stunningly detailed, cinematic picture quality. Their performance is also good as they have high refresh rates, high resolution, wide viewing angles, and a wide color gamut.
Samsung Electronics is the largest electronic company worldwide, with a market share of 23%. The second-place electronics company is USA Apple - see monitors for Mac Mini - which has a 21% market share.
The company produces a comprehensive portfolio of LCD monitors, LED monitors, interactive touch screen monitors, notebooks, tablets, all-in-one PCs, datacom displays, large screen displays, and related accessories.
In 1978, it was renamed AOC international. In 1988, it opened offices in China, Europe, Brazil to sell AOC monitors. From 1999 to the present, the company has opened stores in over 100 countries.
Designed to enhance the viewing experience, the company’s monitors have become widely popular among PC enthusiasts and gamers (see racing games monitors) alike due to their color accuracy, great response time, contrast ratio, high refresh rates, and other amazing features. The advanced displays are used in desktop computers, notebooks, workstations, medical equipment, surgical applications, and also in other industrial fields.
The founder of AOC is Ross Siragusa. She and her team of engineers and researchers have been designing and manufacturing computer monitors and televisions for years and can say they know them better than anyone else.
The market share of AOC is 19.5% market share globally. This is the highest it has achieved, with gaming monitors contributing to an increase in its sales volume globally (see monitors for Xbox Series X).
By continuing to innovate day after day, LG is now one of the largest producers of color TVs, computer monitors, refrigerators, washing machines, and other household products."
LG has become one of the most recognized consumer brands worldwide. And this is no mistake; they"ve built their brand equity the right way, one step at a time, by delivering the best computer monitors that make life simpler and better through continuous innovation.
This is a compilation of the best monitors made by LG over the years. All the displays in this list are 19″ or larger, have good resolution, have connection ports, have at least one port, have a refresh rate of 60 Hz or greater (see top 120Hz monitors), and are VESA compatible. This list consists of both current and older monitors by LG.
Dell offers a wide range of products and services, including PCs, computer monitors, IT consulting, data security, tablets, servers, storage devices, PC peripherals, printers, etc.
Online sales contributed to its success. By now, it was making computers, color notebooks, lithium-ion batteries, digital cameras, televisions, computer monitors, and other peripherals.
DELL"s brand equity comes from its ability to provide customers with high-quality products, excellence in customer service, and low prices (see best overall budget monitors). These three attributes are the basis of their brand equity. For customers, choosing DELL is an easy decision since the benefits of the products they get are normally worth more than the price.
Many Dell monitors provide accurate colors, wide viewing angles, sharp images, and more. This makes Dell monitors an outstanding choice for all of your computing needs.
Currently, the market share of Dell is slightly more than 17 percent. With a shipment of 105 million PC monitors so far, Dell is a major force in a quickly expanding industry.
ASUS is another renowned monitor brand. This brand mainly caters to gamers, business people, and entertainment seekers. Gaming monitors are the most notable products in the line of Asus products. The ASUS gaming monitors are designed specifically for serious gamers and make games like CS: GO much more immersive. On a related note, our Asus mb168b review and Asus ZenScreen Touch post proved that Asus also make great portable monitors for gaming and other purposes (see also "13.3-Inch Elecrow Portable Monitor Review").
When you hear ASUS, what do you think? ASUS as a brand has been around for some time now. It started as a motherboard manufacturer and now has grown to become one of the top players in the computer monitor market.
Known for being high-quality, Asus monitors are used across the globe by professionals all over the world. The ASUS PA248Q ProArt series, in particular, is a popular series of 24 inch and 27-inch monitors which have received recognition for their amazing colors, resolution, and design features.
HP products include personal computers, monitors, printers, personal digital assistants, blood pressure monitors, servers, virus protection, and data storage solutions. The company"s software products include operating systems, business applications, and management tools, as well as software development tools.
Its first computer was HP 2116A which was manufactured in 1966. Later the company made printers, calculators, PC monitors, which are recognized worldwide for their great performance.
BenQ Corporation is a Taiwanese multinational electronics company specializing in the manufacture and marketing of consumer electronics which include personal computers, monitors, projectors, digital cameras, mobile phones, and other multimedia products and enterprise solutions.
BenQ was a subsidiary of another tech giant- Acer but later established itself. Currently, it has grown to over 100 countries with over 1 million active monitors under its name.
The company announced that BenQ would be a global leader in making and selling monitors and projectors. Other products that the company deals with include printers, projectors, virtual reality headsets, and wearable technology.
BenQ is the second largest provider of LCD screens, the third-largest provider of monitors, and the fifth largest provider of projectors in the world. It entered the smartphone market in 2014 and is making its mark there as well.
Acer"s products include desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, servers, monitors, storage devices, networking devices, peripherals, e-business services, and software.
Acer was established in 1976. Its initial investment was $25,000 and the first-named start-up Multitech International. The company’s first products were semi-conductors, games, and later PCs and monitors.
Acer is the number 5 seller of computer monitors in the world with a market share of 7.3%. They are number 1 in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Best PC monitor brand for gaming-MSI or Micro-Star International is well-known for developing the best gaming monitors. It has its headquarters in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
It designs and builds computer hardware, and products such as computer monitors, motherboards, laptops, PCs, industrial computers, computer peripherals, and graphics cards.
However, its laptops, industrial computers, and servers are not well known as those of its competitors, Dell and HP. Its gaming monitors and laptops are famous though.
The best MSI monitors offer a wide range of features and accessories. They have fast refresh rates, high resolutions, various connectivity ports, just to name a few
The following are the best MSI computer displays in the market today, including gaming monitors, business monitors, and work monitors (see monitors for web design and monitors for music producers).
In later years, the company would introduce other products such as solar LED lights, horticulture lighting, DJ mixers, wireless speakers, computers, headphones, cardiology informatics, the IntelliSpace family of solutions, computed tomography, ultrasound, radiography, computer monitors, air fryer, blenders, just to name a few.
Through its various subsidiaries, Philips manufactures a wide variety of products in health care, electronics of various sectors, energy-efficient lighting solutions, computer monitors, among numerous other products. Due to their diversification, the company has a larger market share of 11%.
The company’s products include award-winning PC LCD, LED monitors, cameras, computers, projectors, PC peripherals, digital photo albums, televisions, smart displays-all these to better people"s lives.
The company was established in 1987 as Keypoint Technology Corporation but later changed its name to Viewsonic. Its first products were computer peripherals such as keyboards and power supplies, then later computer monitors.
The founder of ViewSonic is James Chu, a native of Taiwan. His focus was to provide a great alternative to expensive CRT monitors that were already there in the market, and this led to the introduction of the VP 201, 200 series, and 700 series monitors.
ViewSonic is a company that has been around for 30 years making PC monitors and displays. It is a very well-known and respected name in the monitor business.
Every ViewSonic monitor is designed to maximize your productivity by providing crisp images, outstanding color accuracy, extended screen performance, reliable performance. These are qualities that make ViewSonic one of the best brand pc monitors.
This is another company that manufactures a range of monitors, including IPS series, flat series, ultrawide monitors, gaming series, curved series, and 2k/4K series. It is a good brand that is also known for its digital media players, televisions, earphones, computers, and home theaters systems.
Sceptre has created an image of quality and value through its use of high-quality components, superior engineering, and a commitment to building monitors that last.
With over 30 years in the industry, the company has gained invaluable experience and knowledge that they apply to all their products, and that’s why it appears in our list of the best desktop monitor brands.
Lenovo is a world-famous computer brand from China. Its portfolio of high-quality products and services includes PCs, computer monitors, laptops, workstations, servers, smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets.
Lenovo has always been known as a manufacturer of personal computers and monitors (see "Lenovo Thinkvision m14 Review"), as well as the ThinkPad, one of the most successful series of laptops in history.
Lenovo sells its products in 180 countries. This means that if you live somewhere in the world, there is a good chance that you will be able to go to a nearby Lenovo store and buy an IdeaPad laptop or an Ideapad tablet.
Viotek makes monitors, projectors, soundbars, gaming headsets, and beyond. Viotek goes through testing and verification from highly regarded third parties to ensure that when you make a purchase from them, you are getting a product worth your valuable time.
Viotek was started by a group of gamers in their quest to upgrade gaming monitors that were already there on the market. Viotek"s gaming monitor has all the features you need for an immersive experience without sacrificing its performance.
The company was founded in 1986, with its factory located in Taipei, Taiwan. In 1989, it started to sell motherboard products under its own name. It expanded to selling LCD monitors, PC peripherals, mobile phones, etc.
Many people have heard of Gigabyte, but not everyone knows that they are one of the manufacturers of motherboards. They are also considered one of the leading manufacturers of monitors and computers.
There are over 2000 different companies that manufacture computer displays, and Gigabyte is in the top 20, making it one of the largest manufacturers of computer hardware. This is based on units sold.
Interested in finding just the right monitor for your desktop setup? If you’re shopping for an all-around display, we highly recommend the Dell P2720DC monitor. It looks fantastic, comes at an affordable price like many of the budget monitors out there, and has an updated USB-C connection for your latest accessories. Our reviewers, who’ve tested and reviewed more than 100 monitors over the years, find little fault in it.
It"s not as sleek as Dell"s UltraThin monitors, but the P-series look fairly modern as well. The P2720DC isn"t necessarily for enthusiast photo editors, as the color calibration isn"t quite up to snuff. However, it"ll work great for hobbyists and most other kinds of computing tasks, sporting solid image quality and convenient adjustability.
Our favorite feature, though, is the USB-C connection. If you"re planning to connect to a laptop with USB-C, this monitor can both power your laptop and display its video. It"s plug-and-play at its finest.
One of the best 4K monitorsout there, the Dell UltraSharp U2720QE might not have the largest screen, but at 27 inches and 4K resolution, it packs an enormous range of pixels inside a compact frame, making for an exceptionally crisp picture.
When combined with great HDR support and a huge 2,000:1 contrast ratio, this monitor looks stunning no matter what you"re doing on it. It"s also one of Dell"s monitors that comes with a USB-C hub to support the latest connections for your devices, so you shouldn"t have to worry about accessory compatibility.
Ultrawides are an alternative to traditional monitors. If you"ve got the desk space, they can give you more screen real estate than you"ve ever had before, with relatively few downsides and a whole lot of performance. A curved monitor is an especially good match for an ultrawide because it can help save a little bit of space while improving immersion. It"s no wonder this kind of ultrawide is a favorite pick for racing games and other genres where immersion is important (as long as they can support the screen size) — but it can also excel at managing complex editing programs and multi-window projects.
Ultrawides can feel too big and too expensive for the average desktop setup, but this Mobiuz monitor is here to prove differently. At 34 inches, the monitor adds extra screen space but is still reasonably sized for most desk spaces, and the price is more affordable than most similar ultrawides you can find on the market.
Curved monitors are an alternative to traditional flat panels. They can offer more immersion and easier access to details at the edges of the screen but are primarily designed for a single user and struggle with viewing angles. It"s no surprise, then, that curved monitors are popular among gamers, especially when they love games that support the aspect ratios for these screens.
If there’s no such thing as “too much” for your monitor, this new entry in the Odyssey line beckons: The enormous 49-inch ultrawide is like having two or three monitors to work with without annoying borders getting in the way, while the curve is excellent for immersion. Screens like these are favorites among gamers with serious racing game setups, but they can be useful for anyone who wants as much immersion and screen real estate as they can possible (and already knows they have the room for it).
But that’s just the beginning of how the Odyssey Neo G9 G95NA impresses. It comes with a vibrant mini-LED display, a UHD resolution so no details go to waste, and a refresh rate of 240Hz to ensure even the fastest action is smooth and clear. It’s also one of the few (but growing) monitors to offer both FreeSync and G-Sync, so it doesn’t matter if you use AMD or Nvidia. HDR2000 is also supported for additional optimization. Oh, and don’t forget about the picture-by-picture mode, which is an important tool for managing a screen this wide.
No one monitor brand makes all the best monitors in the world — that’s why this list is populated by a number of different manufacturers. That said, there are some that you can rely on more than most to produce great screens. Dell is a longstanding favorite of ours with years of fantastic displays under its belt. It also tends to cater well to the professional crowd just as much as gamers, so you know there will be something you like in its lineup.
Other noteworthy brands worth considering include Acer, which tends to produce some of the world’s best gaming screens; Samsung, which offers some of the best ultrawide screens and large-size monitors we’ve ever seen; and LG, which has a good all-around catalog of displays.
They can be. 4K offers the pinnacle of gaming detail and, in atmospheric games, can give you a whole new level of immersion, especially on larger displays that can fully display that mass of those pixels in all their glory. These high-res displays really excel in games where frame rates are not as important as visual clarity. That said, we feel that high refresh rate monitors can deliver a better experience (especially in fast-paced games like shooters), and unless you have the deep pockets to splash out on a powerful graphics card or two as well, you aren’t going to get those frame rates at 4K. A 27-inch, 1440p display is still the sweet spot.
The short answer is they’re both the same. The longer answer is that this is a failure of company marketing in properly conveying what its products are. Today most monitors that use LCD technology are backlit with LEDs, so typically if you’re buying a monitor it’s both an LCD and LED display. For more of an explanation on LCD and LED technologies, we have a whole guide dedicated to it.
That said, there are OLED displays to consider, although these panels haven’t made an impact on the desktop market yet. OLED screens combine color and light into a single panel, famed for their vibrant colors and contrast ratio. While that technology has been making waves in televisions for a few years now, they’re only just starting to make a tentative step into the world of desktop monitors, from Samsung"s QD-OLED tech to LG"s extra-bright G2 monitors.
If you suffer from eye strain, look for monitors that have built-in light filter software, especially filters that are specifically designed for easing eye problems. These filters are designed to block more blue light, which is the part of the spectrum that affects our eyes the most and is responsible for most eye strain problems. However, you can also download eye filter software apps for any type of monitor you get.
Refresh rate shows how many times per second the display can update an image with new visual information — the higher the refresh rate, the smoother transitions will look and the more information will be displayed. Refresh rates start at 60Hz but many monitors go higher, with refresh rates of 240Hz, 360Hz, and some even as high as 500Hz! This specification helps games and movies look better, and lowers input lag, making a high refresh rate popular for gaming machines and similar setups.
Ultrawide monitors use a 21:9 aspect ratio and have elongated displays to accommodate it. This not only allows users to play compatible games and movies in a larger aspect ratio, but the extra space also makes it easier to multitask or work with more complex software.
The best monitors overall is a great place to start, but if you are particularly interested in a gaming monitor, make sure to stop by our guide to the best gaming screens, and if you want to save, we have a list of the top budget-friendly monitors, too.
Liquid-crystal display (LCD) monitors are the most common today. They generally consist of a liquid crystal panel and a fluorescent backlight system located at the back of the screen. The images are shown when the light from the feedback system hits the screen.
LCD monitors are characterized by their flat, thin, and durable screens. Besides, they have had integrated LED feedback for some years now, which is why manufacturers often talk about LED LCDs. These monitors generally have low energy consumption and are affordable.
LCD monitors have many benefits to offer. As we just mentioned, they have extremely low energy consumption, and you can find very affordable models. They also allow you to enjoy very vivid colors and high definition levels.
You will have to evaluate a series of key criteria before you can choose the LCD monitor that best fits your needs. Since we want to make your life easier, we have selected the most important aspects to consider and have detailed them in the following section. This will help you sort through the wide array of options on the market, and you will know how to pick a monitor that offers the performance and value for the money you’re looking for.
You won’t want the same type of monitor if you often play video games on your computer or if you only use it for browsing the internet and office tasks. This is why the very first aspect you should think about is how exactly you plan on using your LCD monitor.
The screen size of a monitor is generally expressed as a function of the length of its diagonal in inches. The size of the screen you choose should, in part, be determined by the area of your home or office where you want to fit the monitor. That being said, the vast majority of LCD monitors currently vary between 24 and 27 inches in size.
Did you know that LCD, called liquid-crystal display, means that electrical pulses form the basis for the alignment of the crystals, which produce different colors due to their uneven light transmission?
As we briefly mentioned earlier, there are three main types of panels for monitors and TVs: TN, IPS, and VA. Each one has its own features and is more tailored to a specific type of use.
If this is your case, you should start your search by looking at monitors with 4K resolution. Do keep in mind that a high-quality LCD monitor isn’t enough; you still need to have a powerful enough computer. Since more and more 4K content is being released, you may also be interested in these monitors if you are a cinephile.
High dynamic range (HDR) technology has become increasingly common in monitors and televisions in the last few years. It makes it possible to offer colors that are much closer to those we can see in reality. Another fantastic benefit of HDR is that it can independently illuminate different areas of the monitor.
The greatest advantage of the HDMI port is that it also allows you to transmit audio. DVI ports, on the other hand, support higher refresh rates. You may also think about the DisplayPort connection as it offers the best bandwidth. As you can imagine, it’s never a bad idea to have an LCD monitor with a couple of USB ports as well.
If you are an avid gamer, on the other hand, you may also be interested in the 1440p resolution, which won’t be so heavy on your graphics card. Don’t hesitate to go for an HDR 4K monitor if you have a desktop computer with a powerful graphics card or a gaming console. The latest video games will be perfect for you to make the most of this resolution.
The most expensive panels are currently the IPS models, although their price has dramatically decreased in recent years. Also, the image resolution and HDR technology are factors to consider in the final cost of an LCD monitor. If you are looking for a gaming model, keep in mind that they often integrate specific technologies to offer better in-game performance and are, therefore, more expensive.
Most laptops feature a VGA or HDMI connector through which you can connect them to a monitor. In any case, you can always establish the connection using a USB Type-C port. This will allow you to enjoy one of two different things: a larger screen or the possibility of having a dual-screen setup.
The best monitors can upgrade your desk and enhance your entire computing experience, whether you"re building your ideal PC workspace or just need a nice big screen to plug your laptop into.
To help you pick out the right one for you we"ve looked at monitors ranging from small to extra large, with resolutions from 1080p to 4K, and features like frame syncing and adjustable stands.
This is important because when you"re spending long hours focusing on work, school, gaming, or even professional graphics work, the right monitor can be the difference between comfort and awkward inconvenience. The best monitors provide a clear view of your work, improve the ergonomics of your desk and enhance your daily productivity.
So whether you"re at home or on the road, tackling work, side projects, or the latest games, here are some of the best monitors you can buy. With November right around the corner we"re already rounding up the best Black Friday deals, too!
The compact HP EliteDisplay S14 is the best portable monitor out there, giving you a second screen to use on the road. Thanks to an included USB-C cable, it"s easy to connect and the lightweight, compact design is easy to carry with a laptop in your bag. For a truly immersive experience, we like curved monitors, and the ViewSonic Elite XG270QC is the best of the bunch. The 27-inch display wraps around to provide perfect viewing angles from edge to edge, making it a great pick for gaming or just dealing with huge spreadsheets.
For the best picture quality you can get, we love the Acer PEO Series ProDesigner PE320QK. Aimed at photographers, and graphic designers who need pixel-perfect images and exacting color, it"s the best monitor for professional users by a long shot. The Alienware AW5520QF is a giant 55-inch OLED gaming monitor that"s big enough to fit in alongside the best TVs. And keep an eye out for new monitors arriving in the next few months like LG"s DualUp monitor.
The Acer XFA240 demonstrates that excellent full HD monitors don"t need to cost a ton of money. For less than $200, this 1080p monitor delivers accurate colors and more extra features than you"d expect, including a full vertical mode that makes it invaluable as a second screen. The monitor works well for both gaming and productivity, with a 144 Hz refresh rate and a variety of ports, including a DVI input for older machines.
The Acer PEO Series ProDesigner PE320QK is a widescreen 4K monitor that"s made for professionals who demand the best color and accuracy they can get for working with images, video and graphics. One of the best monitors overall for serious work, the PE320QK comes calibrated from the factory, offering superb accuracy right out of the box, and comes with a matte display and built-in display hood that eliminates the glare and ambient light that might skew color perception.
Boasting top-notch functionality and impressive performance along every metric, the Odyssey G9 is worthy of serious consideration from anyone who can make full use of it. So if you have a high-end graphics card, a spare $1,700 or so, an excess of desk space (or a sizable hunk of wall), a stuffed-to-bursting game library you want to apply a unique (and not always completely complementary) visual spin to, and not much desire to use the monitor for everything else, you probably won’t be disappointed. Plus the next generation of the Odyssey G9 Neo, which replaced the original G9, is tipped to be the world"s first 8K ultrawide curved monitor. Truly astonishing if it comes to fruition.
Unless you"re planning to play games that demand quick reflexes or pinpoint accuracy, you really don"t need to worry about response time. In general, anything under 10ms is good, though for gaming under 5ms is better. Many gaming monitors promise response times as low as 1ms, which is about as good as you can hope for.
Refresh rate:Refresh rate measures how many times per second your monitor is able to to draw a new image. It"s measured in Hertz, and again if you"re not planning on doing a lot of intense gaming you probably don"t need to worry about this very much. Most monitor achieve refresh rates of 60Hz or less, and that"s plenty for watching videos or getting work done. However, if you want to play games at higher than 60 frames per second, or you"re planning on working with video at framerates higher than 60 fps, you"ll want a monitor with higher refresh rates. 120Hz is good, 144Hz is better, and there are even gaming monitors that offer refresh rates of 240Hz or higher.
Gaming also has its own unique concerns. When the difference between victory and defeat can come down to split second timing, you can"t afford long lag times. If you want one of the best gaming monitors, we recommend finding a display that offers response times of 15 milliseconds or less.
For a secondary monitor to use on the road, you"ll want something that"s small enough to carry with your laptop, and simple enough to set up and use within moments. For this, we recommend choosing one with a USB-C port for connectivity, as that allows the monitor to use a single cable for both video signal and power. While the basic advice of "bigger is better" does still have some application here, it"s also worth considering how well a portable monitor matches the size of your laptop display, since a larger display panel will have different dimensions than your laptop, and may not fit as easily into your backpack or laptop bag.
When seeking out the best monitors, we test every display we review with our Klein K 10-A colorimeter, paired with testing software. We use this high-quality scope to measure the display"s brightness levels, color gamut and color accuracy.
Brightness is measured in nits, or candela per square metre (cd/m2). More nits means a higher brightness, which translates into clearer picture, brighter color and usually a more realistic looking image. For basic monitors, we expect a display backlight to produce between 2-300 nits of brightness, though HDR (high dynamic range) displays will often exceed that with a higher maximum brightness. However, brightness alone doesn"t make for a great display, since some monitors will wash out colors or offer inconsistent backlight that varies in some portions of the display panel.
Color is the other big concern for displays. Monitors that produce more colors have a larger color gamut, as measured under the sRGB or P3 color standards. This is presented as a percentage, with higher percentages indicating more colors.
Like other tech items, monitors have been subject to supply chain issues that make many models unavailable and tend to drive up prices. However, you can still find a good deal if you’re flexible about your choice of model and can take the time to shop around. Here are some things to consider before you buy.
More screen real estate is always a good thing, and we recommend buying the largest screen you can afford and find room for. So the decision comes down to what fits your space and how much you want to spend. Most 1080p monitors range from about 21 to 24 inches, with prices for the smaller ones around $100. Expect to pay $200 to $300 for larger (around 27 inches) 1080p monitors. Typically, 4K monitors start around $350.
The 16:9 aspect ratio of 1080p monitors is great for video content but not necessarily as well-suited for scrolling up and down through documents. If you find yourself using Gmail, Facebook, or Microsoft Word for most of the day, a monitor with a more square resolution of 1920x1200 (which has an aspect ratio of 19:10) may be more useful because you’ll have more screen real estate at the top and bottom to work with. These are not as common as 1080p monitors but can still be found at most online retailers. Note: 4K monitors, which measure 3840x2160, maintain the 16:9 aspect ratio of 1920x1080 monitors.
Almost all new monitors tilt up or down for a quick adjustment. For extra flexibility, look for a monitor that lets you adjust the height as well. Such models may also be able to rotate 90 degrees, from landscape to portrait mode, which is especially useful for viewing a larger portion of web pages or text documents.
Many monitors come with a three-year warranty on parts and labor, but others have only one year of coverage. It’s worth looking for the longer coverage, especially if you’re purchasing a more expensive model. Another consideration is the manufacturer’s defective-pixel policy. Some consider a certain number of stuck or dead pixels acceptable; others will replace a monitor during the warranty period if it has even a single faulty pixel.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you use your display in direct sunlight, this monitor might not be bright enough for you. It can also provide 65 W of power over USB-C, but some laptops require more. If you have a laptop with an Nvidia GeForce RTX GPU or an Intel Core i7 processor, you might need to keep the laptop plugged in to a separate charger or use a Thunderbolt dock that can provide the extra power.
Most ultrawide monitors are also curved. This design helps minimize viewing-angle problems—when you’re sitting centered, things on the far edges of the screen won’t look as washed out as they would on a flat display of a similar width. But this also makes ultrawide monitors inaccurate for precision tasks requiring straight lines, such as drawing, photo editing, or similar design work.
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.
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.
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.
When you’re buying monitors to do some work on for your job, you want reliability, durability, and performance…without having to pay a million bucks for it. That’s where the Dell E2318Hx comes in. Within a comfortable price range, and with great response times and multitasking capabilities, there’s no better choice for a work monitor than the Dell.There’s a reason this computer monitor is one of the most popular choices for businesses. It features a simple design that’s super easy to use and set up. Unfortunately, the display can’t be adjusted too much, but its image quality makes up for this oversight.
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.
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.
How Long Do Monitors Last?–Generally speaking, a traditional computer display should last anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 hours of use. This translates to 10 to 20 years of continuous use, assuming that you use a computer monitor for roughly eight hours per day.
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).
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.
A monitor’s refresh rate refers to the number of times new images are loaded every second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the overall image. We recommend monitors with a minimum refresh rate of 60Hz for basic multitasking (emails, spreadsheets, browsing the web) and a minimum of 120 Hz for high-intensity applications such as gaming and watching movies. Note, the type of panel (TN, VA, or IPS) also factors into refresh rate performance as well, with TN panels reaching as high as a 240Hz refresh rate. Most panels fall in the 60 to 75Hz range. Some sit higher with a 144hz or 100hz refresh rate. You can read more about what is a monitor’s refresh rate in our breakdown.
NVIDIA G-Sync and FreeSync are both adaptive display technologies that improve gaming image quality for a more immersive experience. FreeSync is solid and open-source but not as effective as Nvidia’s G-Sync. However, G-sync monitors tend to be more expensive as the technology requires the manufacturer to pay a licensing fee. But alas, it’s not that simple. There are additional give and takes to both types of technology so be sure to read more about it in our G-sync vs Freesync article.
Modern computer monitors can fluctuate wildly when it comes to price, with some models as cheap as $50 and others costing $1000 or more. The average computer monitor costs around $200 – $300. There are some features and functionalities that can severely impact the price, which you can understand more in our feature that unpacks how much a computer monitor costs. Nevertheless, finding a reasonable price comes down to your budget and understanding what features will meet your needs.
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 mo