top lcd monitors price
The best monitor we"ve tested is the Dell Alienware AW3423DW, which you can buy directly through Dell"s website. It"s an excellent monitor that"s versatile for a wide range of uses, and its ultrawide format is great for multitasking or an immersive gaming experience. It uses a new panel technology known as QD-OLED, which delivers incredibly deep blacks with no distracting blooming around bright objects, making it an excellent choice for dark room viewing. It also has much brighter colors than most comparable displays, so game and video content look incredibly vivid and realistic, meaning it delivers a better HDR experience than most monitors on the market, rivaling even TVs.
It has a near-instantaneous response time, so motion is incredibly clear, with no noticeable blur behind fast-moving objects. It makes it an excellent choice for gamers, watching videos, or even scrolling through the web and long documents. Unfortunately, like all monitors, it isn"t without its flaws. There are text clarity and color fringing issues, but there are workarounds. Also, the black levels raise when there"s ambient light, meaning it doesn"t deliver the same perfect blacks in bright rooms, but at least there isn"t any distracting glare from strong reflections.
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.
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.
Computer monitors keep evolving rapidly, with new technology like OLED Flex, QD-OLED and built-in smart platforms just in the last year alone. That’s on top of big improvements in things like color accuracy, image quality, size and resolution.
The choice is nice but overwhelming, as there are a lot of products in this market and a lot of features. Buyers looking for computer monitors now have to consider things like HDR, brightness, color accuracy, type of display technology, input lag and more. And then there are the usual considerations like size, adjustability, inputs and so on.
The cheapest monitors are still TN (twisted nematic), which are strictly for gaming or office use. VA (vertical alignment) monitors are also relatively cheap, while offering good brightness and a high contrast ratio. However, content creators will probably want an IPS (in-plane switching) LCD display that delivers better color accuracy, image quality and viewing angles.
If maximum brightness is important, a quantum dot LCD display is the way to go — those are typically found in larger displays. OLED monitors are now available and offer the best blacks and color reproduction, but they lack the brightness of LED or quantum dot displays. Plus, they cost a lot. The latest type of OLED monitor, called QD-OLED from Samsung, just came out in 2022. The most notable advantage is that it can get a lot brighter, with monitors shown at CES 2022 hitting up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness.
Nearly every monitor used to be 16:9, but it’s now possible to find 16:10 and other more exotic display shapes. On the gaming and entertainment side, we’re also seeing curved and ultrawide monitors with aspect ratios like 21:9. If you do decide to buy an ultrawide display, however, keep in mind that a 30-inch 21:9 model is the same height as a 24-inch monitor, so you might end up with a smaller display than you expected. As a rule of thumb, add 25 percent to the size of a 21:9 monitor to get the vertical height you’d expect from a model with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
One new category to consider is portable monitors designed to be carried and used with laptops. Those typically come in 1080p resolutions and sizes from 13-15 inches. They usually have a lightweight kickstand-type support that folds up to keep things compact.
HDR is the buzzy monitor feature to have these days, as it adds vibrancy to entertainment and gaming – but be careful before jumping in. Some monitors that claim HDR on the marketing materials don’t even conform to a base standard. To be sure that a display at least meets minimum HDR specs, you’ll want to choose one with a DisplayHDR rating with each tier representing maximum brightness in nits.
Where televisions typically offer HDR10 and Dolby Vision or HDR10+, most PC monitors only support the HDR10 standard, other than a few (very expensive) models. That doesn’t matter much for content creation or gaming, but HDR streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other services won’t look quite as punchy. In addition, most models supporting HDR600 (and up) are gaming, rather than content creation monitors – with a few exceptions.
Refresh rate is a key feature, particularly on gaming monitors. A bare minimum nowadays is 60Hz, and 80Hz refresh rates and up are much easier on the eyes. However, most 4K displays top out at 60Hz with some rare exceptions and the HDMI 2.0 spec only supports 4K at 60Hz, so you’d need at least DisplayPort 1.4 (4K at 120Hz) or HDMI 2.1. The latter is now available on a number of monitors, particularly gaming displays. However, it’s only supported on the latest NVIDIA RTX 3000- and 4000-series, AMD RX 6000-series GPUs.
There are essentially three types of modern display inputs: Thunderbolt, DisplayPort and HDMI. Most monitors built for PCs come with the latter two, while a select few (typically built for Macs) will use Thunderbolt. To add to the confusion, USB-C ports may be Thunderbolt 3 and by extension, DisplayPort compatible, so you may need a USB-C to Thunderbolt or DisplayPort cable adapter depending on your display.
The other aspect of color is the gamut. That expresses the range of colors that can be reproduced and not just the number of colors. Most good monitors these days can cover the sRGB and Rec.709 gamuts (designed for photos and video respectively). For more demanding work, though, you’ll want one that can reproduce more demanding modern gamuts like AdobeRGB, DCI-P3 and Rec.2020 gamuts, which encompass a wider range of colors. The latter two are often used for film projection and HDR, respectively.
Though the pandemic has eased, monitor supply is still a bit tighter than pre-pandemic levels due to supply and demand issues. To that end, you may have trouble finding monitors at Amazon, B&H or elsewhere for the suggested retail price. For our guide below, we’re basing our picks on the MSRP, as long as the street price doesn’t exceed that by more than $25.
The $330 28-inch HP U28 4K HDR monitor is a great all around choice, especially for content creators. The 60Hz IPS panel and factory calibration delivers excellent color accuracy and it’s a nice size for creative or business work. It comes with DisplayPort, HDMI and three USB 3.0 ports, along with a USB-C port with 65W of charging for a laptop or tablet. And it’s easy to set just right, thanks to height, swivel and pivot adjustment.
If gaming is more your thing, the $300 Gigabyte G27QC is a top pick. The 27-inch, 1440p curved monitor has an ideal size and resolution for gaming, and it has a quick 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. You can connect via HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 connections and get HDR support – albeit, without DisplayHDR certification.
Dell’s P3223QE 4K USB-C Hub monitor is productivity-oriented, thanks to the wired Ethernet connectivity and USB-C ports that offer up to 90W of power delivery for laptops. It’s a 4K IPS panel with a 178-degree viewing angle and 350 nits of brightness and support for a billion colors (8-bit + FRC). It offers height, pivot, swivel and tilt adjustment, a VESA mounting interface and DisplayPort/HDMI inputs.
Ultrawide 21:9 monitors are a great option for some types of content creation, games (particularly driving and flight sims) and productivity work. The best model this year is LG’s 34GP950G-B, a 34-inch 3,440 x 1,440 curved monitor. The curved IPS panel supports HDR10 with 400 nits of brightness and maximum (via overclocking) 180Hz refresh rate. It’s also G-Sync and FreeSync compatible (the latter over DisplayPort only).
ASUS still holds the prize for best luxury monitor, but it discontinued the previous mini-LED $4,000 ProArt PA32UCX monitor and replaced it with the $5,000 PA32UCG-K display. It uses the same mini-LED tech, but ups the ante with 1,600 nits of brightness via 1,152 backlight zones, an HDMI 2.1 port, 4K 120Hz resolution, 10-bit, 98 percent DCI-P3 coverage and an impressive 85 percent Rec.2020 coverage. Oh, and it’s one of the few monitors out there that supports Dolby Vision, along with HDR10 and HLG.
On top of this model, ASUS now makes several slightly less bright and less expensive variants, namely the $4,180 PA32UCX-PK, (plus -P, and -K variants with slightly different features), offering 1,200 nits of brightness and a 60Hz (not 120Hz) refresh rate. Specs are nearly identical otherwise.
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.
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.
4K monitors are a curious beast. They cram a ton of pixels, but whether or not that"s useful heavily depends on the size of the screen and how far you sit from it. TVs benefit from 4K panels because they"re huge and you don"t sit too far away to not notice the difference. Meanwhile, phones rarely have 4K displays because the pixels they cram into such a small frame are so close to your face and are already imperceptible.
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.
The best cheap monitors offer a gorgeous picture experience — without the bank account-burning price tag. They also serve up impressive displays, decent brightness, accurate colors, VESA-mount compatibility, and more. You shouldn"t have to shell out heaps of dollars just to snag the best cheap monitor for yourself, right?
However, finding the best cheap monitors isn"t easy, whether you"re looking for a gaming monitor or a work-from-home display. There are somany aspects to consider, including brightness, color quality, resolution, size, refresh rates and more! Taking all of these factors into consideration, we"ve rounded up a list of the best cheap monitors you can buy.
Note:Black Friday 2022 falls on Nov. 25 and we expect to see tons of excellent holiday deals on monitors. Be sure to bookmark ourBlack Friday monitor dealshub for the best discounts.
The Acer R240HY bidx monitor has a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Amazon(opens in new tab), which is pretty darn close to perfection if you ask us! This 23.8-inch stunner is one of the best monitors of 2022 because of its ultra-slim bezels and sleek design, gorgeous, vivid colors and wide viewing angles.
The Asus VS228H-P monitor is one of the best cheap monitors due to its bargain price, but it comes at the expense of screen size, offering a 22-inch screen with a basic TN panel.
The AOC C24G1 24-inch Curved Frameless Gaming Monitor is one of the best cheap monitors you can get with a high refresh rate of 144Hz. There"s a reason why it"s got an Amazon rating of 4.6 stars out of 5. Customers who"ve had the pleasure of taking this beautiful monitor home gush about its sharp, crisp visual quality -- it"s not as visually pleasing as a 4K monitor, of course, but the picture quality is impressive.
In this price range, expect screens that are less than 30 inches and have 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution, but not higher. Some of the budget monitors we looked at use IPS display technology, but the majority use the older TN panels, which often suffer from narrower viewing angles and less accurate color. You’ll also give up conveniences like built-in USB connections, faster refresh rates and height-adjustable stands.
Let"s talk screen size. Monitors can be anything from 20 inches to 49 inches, more or less, in size. But if you don"t want to spend too much on a monitor, you"ll have to settle for a screen display that"s under 30 inches.
You"ll also want to consider resolution, which refers to the number of horizontal and vertical pixels -- the higher the number, the sharper your display will be. However, when it comes to cheap monitors, it"s not likely that you"ll get anything higher than 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels). The bigger your screen gets, the higher the resolution should be. For example, a 1080p monitor might be fine on a 24-inch monitor, but not so much on a 27-inch monitor because it would have to "stretch" itself to fit more screen real estate.
You"ll also need to observe which ports you"ll need. Most current laptops, for example, use one or more of the following for display connections: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C (Thunderbolt 3). You"ll want to double-check to see if your chosen monitor can effectively connect with your laptop.
After tons of people started working from home, many became aware of just how important it is to have a good monitor. Even if you already have one screen for your home office setup, adding a second can make a huge difference in your productivity. And fortunately, you don"t have to break the bank to get a decent display for work, school or gaming. Below, we"ve rounded up some of the best budget monitors on that you can grab for less than $200.
A curved monitor, which can make a wide display fit into your field of view without requiring you to sit too far back, isn"t worth paying more for in monitors 27 inches or smaller; then the bezels are too far within your field of view. One potential exception is if you plan to span across three identical monitors for gameplay. Then they wrap around you better than three flat screens.
If you are looking for budget gaming monitors, this budget FHD monitor"s 75Hz refresh gives you a little latitude for gaming and has an IPS panel for better color and viewing angle in the sea of VA competitors; plus, this cheap gaming monitor option is pretty attractive with thin bezels and a stand that"s less clunky-looking than some. You"ll get an HDMI cable in the box, and it has a 100x100 VESA mount. There are some drawbacks, such as some backlight bleed that buyers have noticed, and it has an HDMI 1.4 connection instead of 2.0 (if you care), plus the stand only allows the screen to tilt, not raise or lower.
I don"t like curved 27-inch monitors or VA panels much, but in a sea of 75Hz options, the Gigabyte is a refreshing 165Hz. That makes it a lot more suited to gaming than all the 75Hz models. It also has a greater-than-sRGB color gamut, low-power stereo speakers and a USB hub, which you rarely find together in this price class. The lowest price you"ll find on this monitor right now is $230, but we"re keeping it on this list for the moment as we"ve often seen it discounted to $200 or even lower.
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.
If you are comfortable with working on a desktop computer, you may not get the same efficiency when you are working on a laptop. One of the primary reasons behind it could be compressed screen size. So, you should go for a good monitor that will help you work comfortably whether you are at home or at your workplace. If you do not want to spend too much money, you can go for some of the best LCD monitors that are affordable and allow you to get the job done.
Choose from this list of some of the most trusted options in LCD monitorsthat you can buy online. You can make your buying decisions depending on the screen size, the connectivity options and more to pick the monitor that will be the best for you. Take the help of this list and buy the best LCD monitor that is apt for both business and personal needs.
LCD monitors are usually affordable and are available in different screen sizes. So, you need not spend too much money when you are buying an LCD monitor for your home, gaming, presentation and other needs. Just choose from this list depending on the preferred features to make the perfect purchase online. You should also ascertain your budget well in advance so that you make the perfect purchase when you are shopping for a monitor online.
Want to go for a 22 inch monitor that is suitable for your personal or business needs? We have a list of some of the top choices in almost every budget along with their key highlights to help you easily pick the perfect monitor for all your needs. Have a look at this list of top picks in the best 22 inch monitors in India that you can can buy online.
If you want to pick an LCD monitor that can meet your educational and gaming needs, this LG monitor can be a great pick to consider. Available with an anti-glare screen, this laptop allows you to study or work comfortably whenever you want. With dual HDMI ports, headphone output, audio input and more, this monitor has enough connectivity options for all your needs.
If you do not want to go for a large monitor, this 21.5 inches monitor can be a good choice when you are assembling a desktop at home. The matter screen avoids hurting your eyes when you have to work for a long time. The blue light shield and flicker less display work as additional features to protect your eyes.
Looking for a monitor that is great for graphic designers? Or a portable monitor that will increase your work efficiency? Here is a list of some of the best touchscreen monitors that support multiple touches to help you make the perfect purchase when you are shopping online
When it comes to laptops, computers and accessories, Lenovo has been another trusted name that you can consider while shopping online. This LCD monitor by the brand has a screen size of 23.8 inches and offers an FHD display. So, you get a clear display and high audio quality when you are working or studying.
If you are looking for an affordable LCD monitor, this one can be a good option to consider. With a screen size of 23.8 inches, this monitor can easily meet your basic work needs. The flicker-free backlit technology will not hurt your eyes and let you work comfortably for a long time.
If you want to buy a compact LCD monitor that will help you save space on your work table, this one can be a good option to consider. The screen has a matte finishing that will avoid excessive reflection on the screen when you are working in a well-lit room. The quick response time makes this monitor even suitable for business needs.
If you want to buy a touchscreen monitor that is available with an LCD screen, this one can be an affordable option to buy online. This monitor is a compact one with a screen size of 16 inches and is portable. So, you can comfortably carry your monitor along depending on your needs.
The standing design of this monitor makes it easy to position it on your work table. So, you need not think too much if you are planning to buy an LCD monitor.
This LCD monitor by Philips can be another affordable option that you can consider for your personal or business needs. Available with blue-light filter, anti-glare screen and flicker-free display, this monitor ensures that you can have high display quality at all times irrespective of the light settings in your room.
Want to buy a good 4K UHD monitor for gaming? We have a list of some of the best choices in gaming monitors that you can consider buying online depending on the screen size, display quality, key features, your budget and more.
Yes, LCD monitors are great for basic and personal needs when you may have to work on your computer daily but do not want a very high-quality display similar to professional needs.
An LCD monitor may not be a great choice for gaming, photo editing, video editing or other professional needs. You can use an LCD monitor for your basic needs but not the high-level or professional ones.
An LCD monitor usually costs around Rs 15,000. These monitors may cost more or less depending on the screen size and the other features offered by the device.
What size of an LCD monitor is good for professional needs?Any monitor with a screen size of more than 20 inches shall be good for almost all professional needs. Just make sure that you check other display settings before making your purchase for your business needs.
Can I play games on an LCD monitor?Most LCD monitors are not great choices for professional games. However, you can still enjoy playing basic computer games on them.
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 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.
Your computer is running perfectly, but your monitor could use a makeover. There’s no reason to buy an entire machine if you simply want to upgrade your screen. Computer monitors are simple to purchase an install, and can change the way you use your Windows or Apple machine. On eBay, you have multiple buying options when it comes to selecting screens. You can shop by size and find just the right monitor for your desk, or you can shop the latest and greatest inventory to find an updated monitor with fresher features. On a budget? Shop refurbished monitors at unbeatable prices, and score a screen for less. Check out monitors from well known brands like Dell and HP, and put together the perfect machine for your needs.
Choosing the size of your new monitor can be difficult. If you’re working in a small space and you don’t have much room, you can go down to as little as 16 inches. However, since many users today are combining their computer use with their TV viewing, there are monitors that go all the way up to 40 inches and above. It’s best to measure the area you wish to place the monitor first, and if you’re mounting it, make sure you have enough space for your new monitor. Some models stand horizontally or vertically, to give you even more flexibility when it comes to using your computer monitor.
For the competitive gamer who values speed above all else, check out our list of high refresh rate monitors(opens in new tab) , which run at 240Hz and even 360Hz. I"ve been constantly testing gaming monitors through my career and have made sure that only the best for each budget have crept onto this guide. It"s extensive, but there are a whole lotta gaming monitors out there, and plenty deserve your attention. This list is updated frequently as