Choosing the right monitor is an important decision that can greatly impact your computing experience. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect monitor for your needs and budget. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a monitor, along with our top recommendations at various price points.
Screen Size
One of the first things to decide is what size monitor you need. Common monitor sizes include:
- 24-27 inches – Best for desktop productivity and gaming
- 32 inches – Provides ample screen real estate for work and entertainment
- 34-35 inches – Ideal for visual tasks and multitasking (ultrawide)
- 42-43 inches – Large screen for immersive gaming and media (also works as a TV)
Larger monitors allow you to see more content at once, but can be overwhelming at close viewing distances. 24-27 inches is ideal for desktop use, while 32 inches and up works better if you sit further away.
Recommended Screen Sizes
| Use Case | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Office work | 24-27 inches |
| Casual gaming | 24-27 inches |
| High-end gaming | 27-32 inches |
| Content creation | 27-32 inches |
| Watching movies/TV | 32 inches and up |
Resolution
The monitor’s resolution determines how sharp and detailed the image quality will be. For proper image scaling, you’ll want to match the resolution to the monitor’s size.
Here are the common monitor resolutions from worst to best:
- 720p (1280 x 720) – Avoid this low resolution except for very small budget monitors.
- 1080p (1920 x 1080) – The minimum resolution for 24-27 inch monitors.
- 1440p (2560 x 1440) – The ideal resolution for 27-32 inch monitors; provides excellent image quality.
- 4K (3840 x 2160) – Best for larger 32 inch+ monitors; very sharp image but requires more GPU power.
For multimedia and gaming, we recommend getting a monitor with at least a 1440p resolution if possible. This provides significantly sharper images compared to 1080p. 4K is great if you have a high-end GPU and want maximum detail.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate determines how many frames per second (fps) a monitor can display. Standard monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, while gaming monitors can range from 100Hz up to 360Hz.
A higher refresh rate results in a smoother, more responsive visual experience. It’s especially beneficial for gaming and video.
Here are the recommended refresh rates based on use case:
- Everyday use – 60Hz
- Casual gaming – 100-144Hz
- Competitive esports gaming – 240Hz, 360Hz
- Graphic design, video editing – 60Hz
G-Sync and FreeSync technologies allow the monitor to match the frame rate output of an Nvidia or AMD graphics card respectively. This results in a tear-free, super smooth gaming experience.
Panel Type
There are three main types of display panels used in monitors, each with their pros and cons:
- IPS – Provides the best color accuracy and wide viewing angles. Ideal for color-critical work and media consumption. Common in both gaming and professional monitors.
- VA – Offers better contrast and blacks, but color shifting at wide angles. Found more in gaming monitors.
- TN – Fastest response times but worst colors and viewing angles. Mostly in budget gaming monitors.
For all-around use, an IPS panel monitor provides the best blend of color quality, viewing angles and response times. VA panels are decent for gaming if you want better contrast over color accuracy. We recommend avoiding TN panels if possible.
Special Features
Certain premium monitors also include advanced features that can enhance the experience:
- HDR – Increases color depth, contrast and brightness. Requires HDR-compatible media content to take advantage of. Ideal for gaming and movies.
- Curved Screen – Immersive wrapped viewing experience. Best suited to large widescreen gaming monitors.
- High Refresh Rate – As mentioned earlier, a 144Hz, 240Hz or even 360Hz refresh rate results in silky smooth motion clarity for gaming.
- G-Sync/FreeSync – Adaptive sync technologies that prevent screen tearing by matching the monitor’s refresh rate to the GPU’s frame rate output. Highly beneficial for gaming.
- USB-C with Power Delivery – Allows connecting and charging devices over a single USB-C cable. Convenient for new laptops.
- Built-in Speakers – While monitor speakers are never great, having them built-in can be convenient for media and gaming.
Prioritize features that cater to your planned usage – gaming, media, content creation, etc. Things like HDR, high refresh rates and adaptive sync offer the biggest real-world impact.
Our Monitor Recommendations
Based on the criteria outlined above, here are our top monitor recommendations at various budgets:
Best Monitors Under $200
| Monitor | Size | Resolution | Panel | Refresh Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AOC 24B2XH | 23.8″ | 1080p | IPS | 75Hz | Solid budget option for work/web |
| Acer SB220Q | 21.5′′ | 1080p | IPS | 75Hz | Compact pick for office use |
| Sceptre E248B | 24′′ | 1080p | TN | 75Hz | Cheapest 24′′ 1080p monitor |
Best Monitors Under $300
| Monitor | Size | Resolution | Panel | Refresh Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG 24MP400 | 23.8′′ | 1080p | IPS | 75Hz | Excellent value for dual monitor setups |
| Acer Nitro VG240Y | 23.8′′ | 1080p | IPS | 144Hz | Top 144Hz gaming monitor under $300 |
| Dell SE2722H | 27′′ | 1080p | IPS | 75Hz | Nice balance of size and resolution |
Best Monitors Under $500
| Monitor | Size | Resolution | Panel | Refresh Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG 27GL83A-B | 27′′ | 1440p | IPS | 144Hz | Top 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor for under $500 |
| BenQ EW3280U | 31.5′′ | 4K | IPS | 60Hz | Great entry-level 4K monitor with HDR |
| Dell S2721QS | 27′′ | 4K | IPS | 60Hz | Nice 27′′ 4K pick for mixed use |
Best High-End Monitors
| Monitor | Size | Resolution | Panel | Refresh Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM | 27′′ | 1440p | IPS | 240Hz | Flagship 1440p esports gaming monitor with G-Sync |
| LG UltraGear 27GP950-B | 27′′ | 4K | IPS | 160Hz | Cutting-edge 4K 160Hz monitor with HDR and G-Sync |
| Samsung Odyssey G9 | 49′′ | 5K UltraWide | VA | 240Hz | Immersive 49′′ 5K curved gaming monitor |
| Apple Studio Display | 27′′ | 5K | IPS | 60Hz | Stunning 5K monitor with integrated webcam and speakers |
This covers a range of excellent monitors for various budgets and needs. Be sure to check for current prices to find the best deals.
Tips for Buying a Monitor
Here are some final tips when purchasing a new monitor:
- Set a budget – Monitors range from $100 to over $1000. Decide how much you’re willing to spend for the features you need.
- Measure your space – Take measurements to ensure the monitor will fit on your desk and viewing distance is ergonomic.
- Read reviews – Research monitors using expert reviews and user feedback to gauge real-world performance.
- View in person – Seeing a monitor in person can give you a better idea of image quality, viewing angles and actual size.
- Consider ergonomics – Look for monitors with adjustable stands, eye care technology and VESA mounts for ideal ergonomic setup.
- Know the return policy – Buying from retailers with easy returns like Amazon allows you to test out a monitor and return it if unsatisfied.
By considering these factors and knowing what to look for, you’ll be equipped to choose a monitor that perfectly matches your requirements and budget. Feel free to reference this guide anytime you’re looking to upgrade your display. Enjoy your new monitor!