Finding Your Perfect Screen: A Guide to the Best Monitors

Modern desk featuring multiple monitors of varying sizes and types.

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Whether you're setting up your very first desktop computer, expanding your screen real estate with a second monitor, or seeking a larger display to enhance your laptop experience at home, choosing the right monitor is a truly smart move. Think of it as an investment in your daily comfort and productivity! It’s important to understand that there’s no single, magical monitor that will be the absolute best for absolutely everyone. Instead, the ideal monitor is deeply personal and depends on your individual needs and how you plan to use it. That’s where our in-depth monitor guides come in handy, carefully exploring everything from compact and budget-friendly 24-inch models to expansive 4K displays and lightning-fast gaming monitors. Let’s dive into a discussion about some of the top monitors you can buy today, and explore which might be the perfect match for your specific requirements.

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The Top Picks at a Glance:

Icon set showcasing each monitor type listed.

To get us started, here’s a quick rundown of some of the best monitor types we've explored, each excelling in different areas:

• For the Sharpest Visuals: 4K Monitor - Experience incredible detail and clarity, perfect for visual tasks and enjoying high-resolution content.
• The Sweet Spot for Work & Play: 27-inch Monitor - A fantastic all-around size offering ample screen space without overwhelming your desk, great for both productivity and entertainment.
• Budget-Friendly Champion: 24-inch Budget Monitor - Get a quality display without breaking the bank, ideal for smaller spaces or if you're watching your expenses.
• Gamer's Delight: 27-inch Monitor with Fast Refresh Rate - Enjoy smooth, responsive gaming with high refresh rates and crisp visuals, giving you a competitive edge.
• Work-From-Anywhere Essential: Portable Monitor - Extend your screen real estate on the go, boosting productivity in coffee shops, co-working spaces, or while traveling.
• Immersive Big Screen Experience: 32-inch OLED 4K Monitor - Step into a world of stunning contrast and vibrant colors with a large OLED display, perfect for immersive viewing and high-end gaming.
• Multitasking Powerhouse: Ultrawide Monitor - Say goodbye to window clutter and embrace seamless multitasking with a super-wide display, ideal for professionals and power users.
• Space-Saving Solution: 24-inch Monitor - Perfect for compact desks and smaller rooms, offering a comfortable viewing experience without taking up too much space.
• Need Even More? Monitor Arms! - Unlock ultimate ergonomic flexibility and reclaim desk space with adjustable monitor arms, enhancing your overall setup.

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For the Sharpest Visuals: 4K Monitor

Dell U2723QE monitor.

Who is this ideal for? If you truly appreciate crisp, clear text and images bursting with detail, then a superb 4K monitor is absolutely for you. Imagine text so sharp it's like reading from printed paper, and photos and videos that reveal every nuance and subtlety. Beyond just visual fidelity, 4K monitors significantly expand your digital workspace, allowing you to comfortably arrange more windows and applications on screen simultaneously. This increased screen real estate is a game-changer for productivity, especially when working with complex projects or multiple applications at once.

Why we give it our thumbs up: The Dell U2723QE really impressed us with its innovative display technology called IPS Black. This advancement delivers a noticeably richer contrast compared to other monitors we’ve recommended in the past. What does this mean for you? Expect to see enhanced detail in darker scenes when watching movies or shows, revealing nuances in shadows that you might have missed before. Colors will appear more vibrant, saturated, and true-to-life, creating a truly immersive visual experience. But this monitor isn't just about a pretty screen; it’s packed with practical features. It boasts a USB-C port delivering a robust 90W of power, meaning your laptop can stay charged with just a single cable connection. Plus, the integrated KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch is a brilliant feature for anyone using multiple computers. Seamlessly switch your peripherals between devices connected to the monitor – simplifying your workflow and reducing cable clutter.

Minor Drawbacks, Not Deal Breakers: While the U2723QE is undeniably a fantastic monitor, for those who require absolute color precision in their work, like graphic designers or photographers, we suggest performing a color calibration. This extra step will ensure the colors you see on screen are perfectly aligned with industry standards, crucial for color-critical tasks.

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The Sweet Spot for Work & Play: 27-inch Monitor

Asus ProArt Display PA278CGV.

Who is this ideal for? If you're searching for a monitor that strikes a perfect balance between generous screen real estate and affordability, look no further than the 27-inch monitor. This size and resolution combination offers a significant upgrade in screen space compared to a 24-inch model, giving you more room to work and play, without the premium price tag often associated with 4K displays. A 27-inch monitor provides a comfortable viewing experience for extended periods, making it suitable for both work tasks and immersive entertainment, all while fitting comfortably on most desks without feeling overwhelming.

Why we give it our thumbs up: For years, we’ve consistently recommended Asus's ProArt monitor lineup, and for good reason. They are known for their sharpness, color accuracy, and exceptional value. The Asus ProArt Display PA278CGV takes this winning formula and elevates it further by incorporating a 144Hz refresh rate. This addition makes it surprisingly capable as a gaming monitor, offering smooth motion for a more immersive gaming experience. Like our top 4K pick, this ProArt monitor also includes a USB hub and a KVM switch, allowing you to effortlessly share peripherals between multiple computers. The convenient USB-C port delivers a substantial 90W of power, capable of keeping most laptops fully charged. And for added peace of mind, Asus backs this monitor with a generous three-year warranty and a solid dead-pixel policy.

Minor Drawbacks, Not Deal Breakers: We did notice that the stand on the PA278CGV is a touch less stable compared to previous ProArt models. While it wasn't noticeable during normal typing tasks, we observed a slight wobble when pressing buttons or making adjustments to the display. However, this is a minor point and didn't detract significantly from the overall excellent experience.

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Budget-Friendly Champion: 24-inch Budget Monitor

BenQ GW2486TC monitor.

Who is this ideal for? If you're working with limited desk space, prefer a more compact screen, or have a budget under $200, a 24-inch budget monitor is an excellent choice. Don't let the "budget" label fool you – a 24-inch monitor still provides a significant upgrade in screen size compared to even large laptop displays. It offers a more comfortable and productive workspace without dominating your desk like larger 27-inch or 32-inch models might. This size is particularly well-suited for students, those in smaller living spaces, or anyone looking for a reliable secondary monitor without a hefty price tag.

Why we give it our thumbs up: The BenQ GW2486TC stands out as a remarkable 24-inch, 1080p monitor, especially considering its budget-friendly price. It comes equipped with a USB-C port capable of delivering 65W of charging power, making it a perfect companion for laptop users needing a simple, reliable display. What truly sets this monitor apart in its price range are features rarely seen at this affordable level. It includes an adjustable stand for comfortable viewing angles, a 100Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals than standard 60Hz monitors, and even an outbound DisplayPort for daisy-chaining a second compatible monitor – a feature typically found on much more expensive models.

Minor Drawbacks, Not Deal Breakers: It's important to remember that 24-inch 1080p monitors, including the BenQ GW2486TC, have a lower pixel density compared to higher-resolution displays. This means text and images may appear slightly larger. If you're accustomed to 1440p or 4K monitors, on-screen elements on this 1080p model might seem a bit bigger, and multitasking with numerous windows might feel a tad more constrained. However, this is a characteristic common to all 24-inch 1080p monitors, not a specific flaw of the BenQ GW2486TC, and is a trade-off for its affordability and smaller size.

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Gamer's Delight: 27-inch Monitor with Fast Refresh Rate

MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2.

Who is this ideal for? For gamers who prioritize smooth, fluid motion and responsive gameplay, a monitor with a high refresh rate is crucial. If you own a gaming PC or console capable of outputting 1440p video at 180Hz (or close to it), then this type of monitor is designed to unleash the full potential of your gaming setup. A 1440p resolution provides a noticeable visual upgrade over 1080p, delivering sharper and more detailed game graphics, while being less demanding on your graphics card compared to power-hungry 4K gaming. This sweet spot resolution makes high refresh rate 1440p gaming monitors a popular and excellent choice for serious gamers.

Why we give it our thumbs up: The MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2 consistently impressed us during testing with its vibrant, natural colors and exceptionally sharp motion clarity. We found ourselves genuinely enjoying gaming on this monitor, returning to it repeatedly for our gaming sessions. It boasts our preferred 1440p resolution and achieves a bright 430 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in sunlit rooms. Adding to its versatility, it includes a USB-C port with 65W power delivery, making it surprisingly practical for both work and play in a home office – a feature that pleasantly surprised us, though it wasn't part of our primary gaming-focused evaluation.

Minor Drawbacks, Not Deal Breakers: We have a minor but important recommendation for optimizing the MSI MAG 274QRF QD E2: adjust the color temperature setting to "Customization" and leave the RGB values unchanged. Out of the box, the monitor's "Normal" color temperature exhibits a very subtle red tint, most noticeable on white backgrounds like web pages or documents. Switching to the "Customization" preset resolves this minor color cast and delivers more accurate whites.

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Work-From-Anywhere Essential: Portable Monitor

laptop and the Arzopa Z1FC portable monitor.

Who is this ideal for? If your work frequently takes you away from a traditional office – whether you're working from coffee shops, co-working spaces, client sites, or hotel rooms – a portable monitor can be a true productivity booster. Imagine instantly expanding your laptop screen real estate wherever you go! Portable monitors are designed to be lightweight and easily transportable, allowing you to create a dual-screen setup on the fly. However, if you primarily work from a fixed location, the other monitor types discussed on this page might offer more value and features for your established workspace.

Why we give it our thumbs up: The Arzopa Z1FC genuinely surprised us with its impressive image quality and solid build, especially considering its very affordable price. Initially, we were almost skeptical, thinking we might have received an exceptionally good unit by chance. To be certain, we ordered two more Arzopa Z1FC monitors, and all three consistently delivered excellent color accuracy and even surprisingly good gaming performance, even at a 144Hz refresh rate. This portable monitor offers versatile connectivity with both USB-C and Mini HDMI ports, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. It even works seamlessly with popular handheld gaming systems like the Valve Steam Deck and Sony PlayStation 5, making it a versatile display beyond just work.

Minor Drawbacks, Not Deal Breakers: In our testing of other Arzopa portable monitors, we encountered an isolated issue with a different model that emitted a noticeable high-pitched whine when powered on. However, when we contacted Arzopa's customer support through normal channels, they promptly replaced the monitor. This positive experience with their customer service gives us confidence that even if you were to receive a less-than-perfect unit, Arzopa is likely to resolve the issue efficiently.

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Immersive Big Screen Experience: 32-inch OLED 4K Monitor

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM monitor.

Who is this ideal for? If you demand the absolute best in image quality and gaming performance, and are prepared to invest in cutting-edge display technology, then a large, expensive 32-inch OLED 4K monitor is designed for you. These monitors represent the pinnacle of visual fidelity and responsiveness, delivering an unparalleled viewing experience. While they come at a premium price, they offer a significant leap forward in display technology and are often considered a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize top-tier performance.

Why we give it our thumbs up: The Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM is at the forefront of display technology as one of the first widely available large 4K OLED computer monitors. It delivers a transformative jump in contrast and overall image quality compared to traditional IPS monitors. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays have the remarkable ability to turn individual pixels completely on or off. This unique capability results in truly deep blacks and dramatically enhanced shadow detail compared to IPS panels, which rely on a backlight that can never achieve true black. Beyond its breathtaking display, the PG32UCDM is also loaded with premium features. It includes a 90W USB-C port, a USB hub, a KVM switch for seamless device switching, and even software control for monitor settings – a level of convenience rarely found on other displays.

Minor Drawbacks, Not Deal Breakers: The primary drawback of the PG32UCDM is its price. As one of the first 4K OLED monitors to reach the market, it commands a premium price, reflecting the cost of this new technology. You are essentially paying a premium for being an early adopter of this groundbreaking display type. Additionally, while software control over monitor settings, including customizable hotkeys, is a welcome feature, one notable oversight is the inability to control input switching via software or hotkeys. Asus has acknowledged this and plans to address it in a future software update, which is expected in the coming months.

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Multitasking Powerhouse: Ultrawide Monitor

Ultrawide monitor, the Dell UltraSharp U3425WE.

Who is this ideal for? While a traditional dual-monitor setup is often a great solution for maximizing screen space and multitasking, an ultrawide monitor can be a superior choice if you need a vast, uninterrupted horizontal workspace. If you frequently work with multiple applications side-by-side, edit timelines, or simply prefer a seamless visual experience without bezels interrupting your workflow, an ultrawide monitor is worth serious consideration. Ultrawides are particularly beneficial for professionals who work with spreadsheets, video editing software, or anyone who juggles numerous windows and applications simultaneously.

Why we give it our thumbs up: The Dell UltraSharp U3425WE truly shines in the ultrawide category, largely due to its incorporation of an IPS Black panel. This advanced display technology allows it to deliver superior contrast compared to other ultrawide monitors and even previous picks in this category. The expansive 34-inch screen provides ample space to comfortably arrange up to three full-sized application windows side-by-side, streamlining your multitasking workflow. It also includes a 90W USB-C port, HDMI, and DisplayPort connections, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of PCs. The U3425WE is packed with a plethora of useful features, including the ability to daisy-chain a second monitor (without needing a direct computer connection), screen splitting between multiple inputs, and even ambient light-aware brightness adjustment. It also boasts a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making animations and even light gaming feel noticeably more fluid.

Minor Drawbacks, Not Deal Breakers: To fully utilize the 120Hz refresh rate, you'll need to use either a DisplayPort or USB-C connection. The monitor's older HDMI 2.0 ports are not capable of handling the bandwidth required for 120Hz at its resolution. This is a minor limitation, as DisplayPort and USB-C are common and readily available on modern computers, but it's worth noting if you primarily rely on HDMI 2.0.

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Space-Saving Solution: 24-inch Monitor

Asus ProArt PA248CRV monitor.

Who is this ideal for? If you have a smaller desk, or your workspace is in a brightly lit or sunny room where budget monitors with lower brightness might appear washed out, this 24-inch monitor is an excellent choice. It's also a particularly good option if your laptop lacks USB-A ports and you prefer to keep peripherals like webcams, keyboards, and mice connected directly to your monitor for cleaner cable management. This monitor is designed to maximize functionality in smaller spaces and provide a well-featured display without overwhelming compact desks.

Why we give it our thumbs up: The Asus ProArt PA248CRV is packed with features, rivaling even our top picks in larger size categories. It offers a substantial 96W USB-C charging port, ensuring your laptop stays powered up, and includes a built-in USB hub, which is incredibly convenient for laptops with limited ports. Despite its smaller size, it compensates with a taller 16:10 aspect ratio. This slightly taller screen is surprisingly noticeable on a 24-inch monitor, providing more vertical screen real estate for documents, web browsing, and productivity tasks.

Minor Drawbacks, Not Deal Breakers: The Asus ProArt PA248CRV has a 1080p resolution. While we find that Windows and macOS interfaces look perfectly sharp at 1080p on monitors 24 inches and smaller, it's worth considering if you are accustomed to higher resolutions. We also believe that 24-inch 1080p monitors are best suited for focused work requiring one or two primary windows. Multitasking with numerous applications might feel a bit cramped in this screen size compared to larger, higher-resolution displays.

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Need Even More? Consider a Monitor Arm!

Split image "before and after" desk setup.

We prioritize monitors with adjustable stands to accommodate a wide range of user postures and desk configurations. However, if you require even greater adjustability to achieve optimal ergonomics and viewing comfort, or simply want to reclaim valuable desk space, we highly recommend investing in a monitor arm. The beauty of monitor arms is their versatility – they allow you to position your monitor at virtually any height, angle, and depth, fine-tuning your setup for perfect ergonomic alignment. The good news is that all of our monitor recommendations are VESA-compatible. This means they are designed with standardized mounting holes on the back, ensuring seamless compatibility with the monitor arms we recommend.