small lcd monitors for coding price

Programming often requires you to multitask with a ton of windows open, and if that"s what you need, you"ll want a big monitor to open all your windows at once. While high-resolution monitors are a great choice for that as you can view more of your text at once with sharp clarity, there are also large ultrawide monitors available if you prefer something with more horizontal screen space. Don"t only consider the size as you also want to look for other things in a monitor like good ergonomics, wide viewing angles, and a USB hub if you connect external devices.

We"ve bought and tested more than 260 monitors, and below are our recommendations for the best monitors to purchase for programmers. Also, make sure to check out our recommendations for the best ultrawide monitors, the best monitors for dual setup, and the best office monitors.

The best programming monitor we"ve tested is the LG 38WN95C-W. It"s a great overall display that"s versatile for different uses, and it offers very good performance for work. It has a large 38-inch screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio, which is great for programming because you can easily open multiple windows at once and multitask without having to open and close windows. It has a unique 3840x1600 resolution which results in good text clarity. If you want even better text clarity, the LG 40WP95C-W is a similar display with a 5120x2160 resolution, so text is extremely sharp, but it also costs a lot more for features you don"t necessarily need for programming, like accurate colors.

If you"re looking for something a bit cheaper in the upper mid-range price category or aren"t a fan of the ultrawide format of the LG 38WN95C-W, check out the Dell U3223QE. It"s also an impressive work monitor with a large 32-inch screen and 4k resolution, so while it doesn"t offer as much screen space as the LG, it has improved pixel density for sharper text clarity. It means that you can easily read your coding text and view more lines at once, and the screen is big enough for multitasking with various windows open.

It has extra features to improve your workflow, like a massive USB hub with three USB-C ports and five USB-A ports. It supports DisplayPort Alt Mode if you want to connect a laptop, and it has a KVM switch that makes it easy to use the same keyboard and mouse if you have two devices connected to the monitor. If you find the 32-inch screen too big, you can also find the Dell U2723QE, which has a 27-inch screen and costs a lot less for similar performance, and it"s a better option if you"re looking for something in the mid-range price category.

If you find the Dell U3223QE too expensive, there are good options that are cheaper in the lower mid-range price category, like the Dell S2722QC. It"s a step down from the U3223QE in terms of features because it has a smaller USB hub with a single USB-C port and two USB-A ports, and it doesn"t have a KVM switch, so it isn"t as good for multitasking, but that"s what you have to expect for getting something cheaper. Still, it offers the same 4k resolution with fantastic text clarity, and although the screen is smaller, you can easily open two windows side-by-side.

It"s a great choice to use in well-lit rooms because it gets bright enough to fight glare, and the reflection handling is also very good, even better than the U3223QE, meaning you won"t have issues using it with some lights around. Luckily, it has wide viewing angles that make the image remain consistent from the sides, and with excellent ergonomics, it"s easy to adjust the screen and share it with someone else if you need your coworker to look over your coding.

If you"re looking for the best programming monitor on a budget, the Dell S2721QS is a good alternative. While it has the same 27-inch, 4k screen as the Dell S2722QC, it"s cheaper because it"s rather basic in features, but it"s still a great choice for a budget model and delivers sharper text than other similarly-priced monitors. The incredible text clarity makes it easy to see more of your work at once, and the screen is big enough to multitask. If you aren"t a fan of 4k screens and prefer a 1440p resolution, the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is a good alternative and has more USB ports, but text doesn"t look as sharp.

It"s great for sharing your screen with coworkers as it has wide viewing angles, and the stand offers impressive ergonomics, making it easy to adjust to an ideal viewing position. It"s also a great choice for well-lit rooms as it gets bright enough to fight glare, and the reflection handling is very good.

If you want a cheap entry-level monitor that won"t take up a lot of space, then the ASUS VG246H is a good option. With a smaller 24-inch screen and lower 1080p resolution than the Dell S2721QS, it"s better to use it as a secondary display next to your main one, or it"s also a good choice to use two next to each other for more screen space. Still, the text clarity is decent, and the picture quality is good thanks to its good reflection handling and decent SDR peak brightness, meaning you won"t have problems with it in a bright room.

It"s pretty barebones in terms of features, which is what you have to expect for a cheaper monitor. Despite its low cost, it has remarkable ergonomics that make it easy to adjust the screen to your liking, and with wide viewing angles, the images look the same when viewing directly from directly in front or from the sides. It also has a flicker-free backlight that helps reduce eye strain during long work sessions.

The Gigabyte M34WQ is an ultrawide monitor like the LG 38WN95C-W with a smaller 34-inch screen and 3440x1440 resolution, so it"s a good choice if you want something cheaper, but if you want the best monitor for developers with a wide screen, go for the LG.

The Dell S3221QS is larger than the Dell S2721QS, which is good if you want the extra screen space, but it also costs more and has worse ergonomics, so the S2721QS provides the best overall performance.

Replaced the Gigabyte M34WQ and the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV with the Dell U3223QE and the Dell S2721QS because they"re each better aligned with user needs for programming; renamed the Dell S2722QC to the "Best Lower Mid-Range Monitor"; updated the Notable Mentions based on changes.

Restructured article to reflect how programmers are looking for monitors; removed the Gigabyte M32UC, Dell S3422DWG, Dell S3221QS, Dell S2722DGM, and the Lenovo D27-30; added the LG 38WN95C-W, Gigabyte M34WQ, Dell S2722QC, ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV, and the ASUS VG246H because they"re all better-suited for productivity; updated Notable Mentions based on changes.

Restructured article to reflect user needs for programming in the dark; Removed the Dell U2723QE, Dell S2722QC, Dell S2721QS, and the Dell C1422H because they all have a low contrast ratio; renamed the Gigabyte M32UC as the "Best Monitor For Programming"; replaced the Gigabyte M34WQ with the Dell S3422DWG and renamed to "Best Upper Mid-Range Monitor"; added the Dell S2722DGM and the Lenovo D27-30 to their respective categories; updated Notable Mentions based on changes.

Moved the Dell U2723QE to "Best Monitor" and moved the Dell S3221QS to "Best Mid-Range"; replaced the Samsung Odyssey G3 with the Dell S2721QS because it has a higher resolution; added the Dell S2722QC as "Best For Bright Rooms"; added the Apple Studio Display to Notable Mentions.

Complete restructuring to reflect user needs; replaced the Dell S2722QC with the Dell S3221QS, the ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE with the Dell C1422H, and the Gigabyte G27Q with the Samsung Odyssey G3 because they"re all better in dark rooms. Replaced the Gigabyte M32U with the Gigabyte M32UC and renamed to "Best For Gaming"; removed the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD; added the Dell U2723QE as the "Best For Mac".

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

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

Programming is possible on nearly any monitor, but most programmers prefer a big, pixel-dense, attractive screen that can render tiny code with clarity and display numerous windows at once. Prolific multi-taskers, many programmers also go all-in on multiple displays and use two or three monitors at once.

This is a 34-inch ultrawide monitor with a resolution of 3440×1440, which provides plenty of display space and pixel density for viewing multiple windows or large amounts of code. It also has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 90 watts of Power Delivery. That’s great for easily docking a USB-C-compatible laptop.

Though ideal for programming, the ProArt PG348CGV excels in any task thrown at it. It has accurate color and a wide color gamut, so it’s great for photo, video, and graphics editing. The monitor also has a 120Hz refresh rate and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, which makes it a solid choice for gaming.

Its price seals the deal. Available for $749.99, the ProArt PG348CGV is less expensive than similar competitors. In fact, it overdelivers compared to most alternatives: Many ultrawide monitors offer similar image quality, a high refresh rate, or USB-C, but very few offer all three.

The U3223QE is a 32-inch widescreen monitor with 4K resolution. It offers a large, pixel-dense display that’s great for using four windows in a grid arrangement. The monitor’s high pixel density and strong brightness make code easy to read even when individual windows are small.

Its size and resolution are supported by excellent image quality. This is among the few monitors with an IPS Black panel, which roughly doubles the contrast ratio of a standard IPS panel. The result is a richer, more pleasant image. It also has excellent color accuracy, so it’s great for photo, video, and graphics editing.

The U3223QE is also among the best USB-C monitors available. When connected over USB-C it acts as a feature-rich USB-C hub with multiple USB-A ports, ethernet, audio-out, and DisplayPort-out. It’s perfect for programmers who need to dock a laptop over USB-C.

This monitor is a 27-inch widescreen with 4K resolution, offering a reasonably sized and pixel-dense space for viewing multiple windows at once. Its pixel density, which works out to 163 pixels per inch, is as high as you’ll find without upgrading to a more extravagant (and much more expensive) option such as a 5K or 8K display. Image quality is excellent, too, with top-notch color accuracy.

This is a USB-C monitor with 65 watts of Power Delivery and four USB-A ports. Its Power Delivery won’t be enough for high-end laptops but remains adequate for more portable machines, and its USB-A port selection is great for the price.

The AOC CU34G2X is a 34-inch curved ultrawide monitor with a resolution of 3440×1440. Its size and resolution are the same as our top pick, the Asus ProArt PA348CGV, so it’s just as useful for programming and multi-tasking.

This monitor uses a VA panel that provides an advantage in contrast ratio and black levels. Its color accuracy and color gamut, though not as good as more expensive alternatives, are more than acceptable in day-to-day use. This monitor supports a 144Hz refresh rate and adaptive sync, making it a solid choice for gaming after the workday is done.

Priced at $399.99 (and often available for less), the CU34G2X is more affordable than most alternatives. This does result in a few sacrifices. It’s not especially bright, so it’s best used in a room with some light control. It also lacks the wide color gamut and great color accuracy found in the ProArt PA348CGV. With that said, its overall image quality is solid and won’t distract from programming.

Programmers often want to use a second monitor—not just for viewing code, but also for managing the wide variety of extra programs (like Slack or Monday) that programmers must use to keep organized and connected. The LG DualUp 28MQ780-B is uniquely suited for this task.

The DualUp 28MQ780-B is a 28-inch monitor with an unusual 16:18 aspect ratio that’s a bit taller than it is wide. It can also rotate 90 degrees, if you’d prefer, to become a bit wider than it is tall. Either way, the monitor is close to square and about as tall as a 32-inch monitor. It also ships with a monitor arm, instead of a desktop stand, which is handy for positioning the monitor next to another display.

Programmers will be pleased with the monitor’s 2560×2880 resolution, which is higher than a 1440p monitor but slightly less than a 4K monitor. The monitor has great image quality with high color accuracy and a wide color gamut. It’s a USB-C monitor, too, providing up to 90 watts of Power Delivery for charging a connected laptop.

A larger monitor is often better for programming than a smaller one. This includes ultrawide monitors. A larger monitor effectively increases the size of everything on-screen, which in turn can make it easier to see. We think a 27-inch widescreen monitor is a comfortable minimum size to aim for, and all the monitors on this list are at least that large.

There are limits to size, though: A 48-inch display can be uncomfortable to use because it will lack pixel density and may require a lot of head and neck movement to see the corners of the screen.

A higher resolution provides more useable display space because it increases the number of pixels visible. If comparing a 1080p monitor to a 4K monitor, for example, the 4K monitor can literally display four times as many pixels.

Those pixels will also be easier to view and use because a higher resolution improves sharpness. Programmers will find a high-resolution monitor can maintain clarity in extremely small fonts. That’s great when viewing large chunks of code.

A wide range of connectivity, including USB-C, can be useful for programmers. That’s epically true for programmers who use a laptop and frequently dock/undock the laptop throughout the workday.

A USB-C connection can carry video over DisplayPort Alternate Mode and charge a connected laptop with Power Delivery. That makes it a one-cable solution for docking the laptop. Just plug it in and you’re good to go. In many cases, the USB-C monitor will even function as a USB-C hub.

Programing doesn’t require a monitor with good, or even modest, image quality. Functionally, most tasks core to programming would work just as well on a 20-year-old LCD as on a modern display.

However, most programmers find themselves working with or viewing various forms of media occasionally, whether it’s image files for UI elements or textures for a game. This is where superior image quality becomes useful. It will help programmers get a better idea of what the result looks like on a typical user’s display.

We use a SpyderXElite color calibration tool to measure the brightness, contrast, color gamut, and accuracy of each monitor. This tool, which can measure quality objectively, lets us directly compare hundreds of monitors.

Programmers need a lot of raw display space, and that display space needs to be as useful as possible. That means larger, more pixel-dense monitors are better for programming than smaller, less pixel-dense displays.

That’s not to say programmers can’t use smaller displays, and not all programmers have the same workflow. Some only need to view code from a single source at once, while others may have several open windows showing code from different programs, or different portions of the same program.

Programming often requires multi-tasking, which can result in a lot of open windows. A large display is helpful, but the display also needs to be pixel dense, as this helps ensure that small text and interface elements are readable.

With that said, 1440p resolution is often just fine for programming. This resolution may look a bit rough when viewing very, very small font sizes, but that’s a less common use case. 1440p looks sharp in typical use.

Ultrawide monitors provide more display space than a similarly sized widescreen monitor. A 34-inch ultrawide monitor, for example, is the same height as a 27-inch widescreen but provides 25 percent more overall display space. That’s great when viewing two, three, or four windows at once.

There is a trade-off, however: Most ultrawide monitors don’t support 4K resolution but are instead equivalent to 1440p resolution. There are exceptions, such as the LG 40WP95C-W, but they’re very expensive and not worth the price premium in most situations.

Programming and living behind a screen are basically synonymous, so for high-quality coding and study you deserve comfort and an optimized monitor is a great place to start. While the stereotype of the hacking coder, slouched into a chair, wearing a hoodie, and blasting their eyes with a bright screen in a dark room is fun to think about, the result will only be a horrible experience.

Instead, if you’re a real coder of today, you probably realize that you have a long, steady career ahead of you. Increased comfort and feeling good on the job will lead to a fruitful workday and a clear head, ready to innovate. With work from home not going anywhere soon, especially in the knowledge work sector, it is falling more and more on the shoulders of the worker to get their own computer equipment. As a result, we invite you to consider upgrading your life with one of our best monitors for programming picks.

Staring at screens, typing out notes, and looking through comparison tables is something both the writer and the programmer handle on a daily basis, so personal experience helped guide this guide. Discussing the matter of picking a monitor with software engineers themselves helps too, of course, with key concerns including size and resolution. I also looked at user impressions, their concerns, and what critics see as coming trends, such as more working from home; for these reasons, I adjusted toward results that prioritize comfort and eye health after long-term usage.

Ultimately, good monitors for programming are good monitors for computing. Expect to see some overlap in how programming monitors are evaluated with other categories of monitor, such as gaming monitors and trading monitors, etc. The key differences, such as being used for work activities with less chances of a break, are going to be where we put in a significant portion of our comparison efforts, but a good monitor will always be a good monitor.

Getting monitors for programming, much like getting monitors for home offices, can be tricky because you’ll want the monitor to be good for other purposes, too. Luckily, many of the factors that translate to being one of the best monitors for programming, also make for great general monitors. For example, programmers are likely to care a lot about size but people watching Netflix aren’t complaining about monitors being too big. We’ll examine all of the big factors in this sort of multimodal way, including resolution and comfort.

This one is relatively straightforward. In almost every case, bigger is better. The ability to have multiple windows open at the same time and look at things side-by-side cannot be overstated. Moving your head from one monitor to another can make direct comparisons tricky, whereas having everything ready at a glance will help keep you in a happy programming flow state.

While there are some people that might look at a very large screen and feel overwhelmed, it is easy to make your windows smaller and focus on what is important. You cannot do this the other way around—making windows larger than the screen to be more comfortable. Getting something a tad bigger than you’re used to will likely go fine, you’ll get acclimated to the larger size, but going too small will trap you in.

So, when might it be bad to have a larger monitor? When the monitor is so big that it pushes out your other monitors. Sure, the advantages of side-by-side comparison given by a large monitor are important, but that doesn’t mean that having the ability to throw something up in full screen on another monitor is less important. Finding balance and what works appropriately with your given desk space is critical.

In the world of movies, we always seem to see blocky, pixelated coding text. The real world won’t have it. Resolution is the most important factor for getting a crisp, easy to look at picture out of your monitor. The higher the resolution, the more pixels you’ll see in a given patch of monitor space.

Resolution is defined by both numbers and letters, which can be somewhat confusing. The numbers give a reading of the pixels shown, horizontally and vertically. For example, a resolution of 1920 x 1080 shows 1920 pixels from right to left and 1080 pixels from top to bottom. Resolution numbers are often abbreviated to just show the vertical number—1920 x 1080 is known in this system as 1080p.

So, what resolution is good for programming? This is another case of the bigger, the better, but we recommend going for at least 1080p, with 1440p and higher offering the best experience. One often unmentioned, but nonetheless worthy, note is that your desktop space changes with your resolution. So, if you’re the type of programmer with about 40 to 50 files and folders on your desktop, plus a dozen or so game shortcuts, then you’ll definitely want to be opting for the highest resolution possible!

It’s a sad fact but you’re probably going to be working more often than you’d like to be. Be comfortable while you do it. For this review, we’re looking at three key comfort factors that can work for you:

Range of tilt: Your monitor’s ability to tilt will add comfort by increasing the flexibility of its facing. Having a monitor that is tilted too high or too low could have the negative effect of subconsciously forcing your head to match, giving you headaches or unnecessary shoulder tension.

Ability to wall mount:Rigging up your monitor with a reliable wall mount or desk stand will give you the advantages of increased desk space and heightened maneuverability of your monitor. Look for VESA-compatible monitors, with 100 x 100 mounting surfaces giving you the most options in terms of wall mounts to buy and 200 x 200 being an okay alternative for ultrawide monitors.

Eye comfort:Screens that are too bright, glossy, or that suffer from screen flickering can all cause discomfort to the eyes. Nowadays, monitors are also providing built-in blue light blocking to improve users’ sleep quality. All of these factors can greatly affect how you perceive your time with your monitor and the quality of your work, so much so that we’d recommend you check out our monitors for eye strain if this is a recurring problem for you.

The best monitors for programming include a wide range of brands, makes, and features. Again, a good monitor for programming will be good for a wide variety of uses. Any of the monitors on this list will be good for any purpose, but also happen to have some qualities that give them the edge over the competition when it comes to quality coding time.

Why it made the cut:This monitor is ultrawide, the perfect size, and has on-screen controls to make it the best possible experience for people wanting to use multiple windows at once.

The LG 34WN80C-B Ultrawide is designed for intensive programming at home. This is seen in its On-Screen tech, maneuverability, and MacBook Pro connectability. It also happens to be one of the best ultrawide monitors for working at home.

The first way this can be seen is through the huge customization ability available through LG’s On-Screen control options. Using this feature you can subdivide your screen into defined boxes. Click, drag, and pop your relevant windows into place to fill each section and get the most out of the monitor. You’ll notice that you have space for debugging windows, coding screens, GitHub pages, and more all on one monitor without feeling cramped. Naturally, the 34-inch ultrawide size of this LG plays into that, but the on-screen controls will certainly pull their weight.

Finally, consider that this monitor supports USB-C, making it a really good combo with MacBook Pro laptops. Considering that macOS is a preferred programming environment, there’s a good chance that either your current or next company computer will be one. There are other good monitor options for MacBook Pro users but not all of them will prove to be best for programmers.

Why it made the cut:This is a 4K monitor for programming with built-in blue light filtering, excellent tilting, and the ultra high resolution you deserve.

The HP 27-inch 4K UHD provides a decent size while giving you the 4K resolution you’ll need for intensive graphical projects and standard computer use. The added blue light protection that comes built-in with the monitor is a nice addition for making sure a couple of crunch time hours at night don’t cut into your success the next day.

Multi-monitor setups will particularly enjoy the sub-quarter-inch bezel around the sides of the monitor. Quickly flicking your eyes to your other monitor is comfortable and not immersion-breaking like it can be with some monitors. In fact, if you manage to bump your monitors close enough together, it can feel practically like one monitor from a vision perspective.

One thing I wasn’t so happy about with this monitor was the lack of VESA mount holes. Luckily, the monitor is still quite adjustable with six degrees downward tilt and 17 degrees upward, making this HP quite great for those of you that like to tower over your monitor as you work. Ultimately, we think you’ll likely not miss the ability to pair this with a monitor arm unless that just so happens to be a priority for you.

It all comes together to give us an outstanding monitor for programming that fits in well with HP’s solid general-purpose monitors. While this HP fits in as the best 4K monitor for programming, you should certainly check out the others if you are an HP fan.

The Samsung Business S27R650FDN has “business” right in the name but does it hold up to being the best value monitor for programming work? Based on the features and specs that Samsung has managed to pour into it, we’d respond with a resounding “yes.” That’s without mentioning one of the most businesslike features of all, its economical energy-saving mode and bargain sticker price.

With workers in mind, the Samsung Business uses the included Eye Saver Mode to reduce blue light from the monitor. Flicker-Free technology is also included to keep your eyes comfortable and feeling rested through a long shift.

Especially useful for teams and collaborative efforts, the Samsung Business has a 172-degree viewing angle and a wide connectivity panel to support a wide range of devices, including those that use USB 3.0 (including B type), USB 2.0, DisplayPort, HDMI, and old school RGB. For those with a ton of devices, this will certainly be the best value monitor for programming. The only caveat to this is that the DisplayPort is touchy and unreliable, dropping for some users.

Why it made the cut:The Samsung Odyssey G9 is the best monitor for gaming and programming due to its size, resolution, and high-performance gaming screen.

Here’s another fantastic ultrawide option for your gaming and programming pleasure. Much like our pick for the overall best monitor for programming, the Samsung Odyssey G9 provides a massive screen ready to fit many windows, charts, graphs, debug menus, and the like.

What’s different about the G9 is that it is also one of the best ultrawide gaming monitors, with insanely high refresh rates of 240Hz and a 1 millisecond response time. Add on top of this the AMD FreeSync technology that ensures that your monitor matches a compatible graphics card frame-by-frame and you have a recipe for back-to-back after-work headshots.

Additionally, the G9 has a curve at a degree that copies the curve of the human eye. This helps reduce the need to constantly bend your neck to take in the fullness of the screen. That doesn’t mean that you’ll never wish to crane your neck or tilt your head while using a G9, of course, but you should notice a subtle reduction in neck and shoulder stress when compared to other curved monitors for programming.

One thing to keep in mind is that the G9 is bigger than nearly any other monitor out there, which makes it a great choice of large monitor for programming. Unfortunately, the sticker price has had the chance to measure every square inch of the G9 and has been able to keep up with it. While this is certainly not a cheap monitor for programming, it will keep you happy.

As working on the go has become more and more popular, especially in the programming field, the desire to have a second monitor to travel with us has grown immensely. This can be seen with the expansive list of fantastic portable monitors coming out over the past few years. So, what makes the SideTrak Swivel the best portable monitor for programming?

While maintaining the high quality of the other portable monitors, the SideTrak Swivel has superior attachment and connectability options. With a combo of sticky pads and computer-safe magnets, the monitor attaches directly next to the side of your laptop’s screen. Unlike other portable monitors that are stuck resting in a stand, you can tilt it to the angle you’re used to in the office. Really, that’s what it all comes down to, recreating the dual-monitor office setup that you like anywhere you go.

Furthermore, the SideTrak Swivel has a ton of connectivity options. You can have USB-C, with DisplayPort capabilities, for your MacBook Pro or use standard USB-A or HDMI for other notebook computers. It’s even compatible with Chromebook and can connect to just about any device while remaining plug-and-play.

Why it made the cut:This monitor checks all of the basic boxes, gives you a bit extra, and still has a price tag worthy of the best budget monitor for programming.

Our best budget monitor for programming, the BenQ GW2780, stays cheap but has a lot of nifty features that make it worth your while for programming or any other purpose.

You can see the standard features that make it great for programming with the 27-inch screen or the fact that it has 100 x 100 VESA mount capabilities.

However, it is the extra features that aren’t costing you any extra that make the BenQ outcompete other budget monitor contenders. One cool example is a sensor that adjusts your screen’s brightness for you automatically. Another is the built-in cord control in the stand. Sure, these aren’t features most of you are begging for, but it’s these kinds of thoughtful touches that show BenQ is going the extra mile to make a worthwhile product for the budget tier.

A computer monitor for programming will probably cost around $300 to $600, though that can change depending on the category. For example, the best value monitor for programming might come in under $250, while the best monitor for gaming and programming might go over $1,000.

The best monitors for programming should typically be at least 24 inches but the bigger the better. Exceptions obviously exist, such as when you are getting a portable monitor, but the “big equals better” rule will apply for most coders.

Two or three monitors are best for programming. In the modern age, single monitor setups feel limiting for any use but can feel especially straining when you are dealing with multiple windows simultaneously. While our pick for the best monitor for programming, the LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide, has on-screen tech to make this easier with a single monitor, the vast majority of monitors do not. At the same time, there can be too much of a good thing—don’t let your desk space get conquered by too many monitors.

Getting one of the best monitors for programming doesn’t have to be difficult. If you find a monitor that is easy to use in daily life, treats your eyes well, and connects properly with your work computer, then you’ve probably found a decent programming monitor. Still, considering a unique monitor like the LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide or the business-minded Samsung Business S27R650FDN might give you the extra edge you’ve been looking for.

The best monitors for programming will make coding your creative projects all the more comfortable. You might think that any display would do for this, after all, you don"t need any special features when you"re just looking at syntax, variables, and data structures all day. However, much like how an ergonomic and comfortable keyboard can make a huge difference in your typing experience, having the ideal programming monitor can also drastically improve your workflow.

In fact, there are several things to consider when choosing the best monitor for programming. Your top considerations must be the screen size, aspect ratio, and orientation. While such displays aren"t your only options, those that have a larger aspect ratio or a portrait mode will serve you better as they are better at displaying long sections of code. If that isn"t an option for you, you must get one with multitasking features like Picture-by-Picture.

If you"re using one of the best laptops for programming, you might need USB-C connectivity as well. Since you’ll be staring at that display for hours, flicker-free technology and blue light filters that minimise eye strain are also features you’ll want. And, don"t forget to consider colour accuracy and colour coverage if your projects include images and video.

To help you choose the best monitor for programming, we’ve applied our expertise and gathered the most ideal displays we"ve used, tested, or fully reviewed, keeping in mind different needs and budgets. For more about how we rate and review monitors, see our how we test page.

The LG UltraFine Display 32UL950’s steep price tag might be tough to swallow, especially if you’re only starting out as a programmer, but it"s a superb screen that features 600 nits of brightness, HDR600 support, and 98% DCI-P3 colour coverage. It’s a pleasure to not just code on, but also for playing a PC game or for viewing films.

At 32 inches, this display is large enough that you won"t be squinting at your text code and you have enough room for viewing multiple windows side-by-side. An elegant design with minimal bezels adds to the sense of an immersive workflow, while Thunderbolt 3 connectivity allows for data transfer speeds of 40GB per second.

If you"re new to programming or still studying, then you"ll probably want a monitor for programming that"s kinder on your bank account, but ideally without sacrificing quality. Fortunately, there are a few good affordable options out there, including the VP2458 Professional from ViewSonic. At under $300/£300, it falls within everyone’s budget, but it still offers some attractive features for programmers.

It comes with the kind of blue light filter offered by pricier monitors so you can reduce eyestrain even if you’re on an all-nighter to make a deadline. It also delivers lifelike colours with its 100% sRGB coverage and quick and easy colour calibration. The 24in panel makes it a good size to fit in a dorm or small apartment setup while an adjustable setup allows you to work in the best posture even if you’re in a tight space. On top of that, the near-frameless design offers a seamless visual experience when using multi-monitor setups if you want to go down that avenue.

The BenQ EX3203R is primarily aimed at gamers, but when we reviewed the screen, we found it to be ideal for general productivity work too. We think it"s a brilliant monitor for programming too thanks to its high resolution and large screen size. So if you"re both a coder and a keen gamer, this is an option that"s well worth considering. It boasts 1440p resolution, which is ideal for coding as it gives you more pixels to work with than a 1080p monitor, but doesn"t go overboard like a 4K monitor.

The Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ is made specifically for productivity and multitasking. That means that it comes loaded with multitasking features that programmers will certainly appreciate, including auto KVM (Keyboard, Mouse, Video), Picture-by-Picture (PbP) and Picture-in-Picture (PiP), and the ability to daisy chain two 4K monitors. Several highly accurate creative colour modes are on hand as well for your projects that might involve graphics, images, or videos. All those should make up for the lack of portrait mode.

As we now live in a world where working from home or remotely is the norm, its best feature is that built-in intelligent webcam that delivers up to 4K at 30 fps or 1080p at 60fps video and comes with a SafeShutter feature. That should effortlessly connect you with clients, project managers, and other colleagues whether you"re based at home full-time or following a hybrid model.

We honestly don"t know why there aren"t more 16:18 monitors for coders, writers, and other multitaskers. Even though we haven"t done a full review of the LG DualUp Monitor 28MQ780, LG"s latest offering with a 16:18 aspect ratio and a fully articulating mount and stand, it only took us a couple of hours of use to be fully convinced of its brilliance.

Touting a squarish format, this 2560 x 2880 monitor is always wide enough to display what you need from every open window, regardless of whether it"s in landscape or portrait mode. It also helps you organise those windows by allowing you to snap them up into a stack of two or three, brilliantly making them effortlessly accessible and showing more than enough content.

We"ve already included an ultrawide monitor in the list, but one that sits at the lower end of the definition and is suitable for more desk types. The Samsung CRG9 sits at the other end, offering a huge 49-inch screen, with a 32:9 ratio. It"s a huge amount of workspace, which means you can have all your apps, websites and more open at once. And thanks to multiple inputs and picture-in-picture mode, you can hook up two devices and use them together on the same monitor, making for a more space-efficient option than using multiple monitors.

The BenQ EW3280U may be from the manufacturer"s entertainment series and designed specifically for multimedia consumption, but we found that it makes for an excellent productivity monitor. The price is great for budget-conscious coders, and features like its light sensors that detect ambient light and optimizes brightness and colour temperature accordingly are brilliant for your eyes.

Huawei’s spiffy offering, the Huawei MateView, is undeniably sleek and brilliantly designed. For example, it keeps its super neat, incredibly thin design while still offering an impressive selection of ports by utilising its stand. Just as impressive are its specs that include 100% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 colour coverage, up to DeltaE<1 colour accuracy, 500 nits of brightness, and HDR 400. Of course, being a USB-C monitor, it also boasts a USB-C port that supports data and video transfer as well as up to 65W Power Delivery.

Another huge 49in ultrawide option is the Philips Brilliance 499P9H. Like the Samsung monitor above, this also offers a more streamlined alternative to working with multiple monitors. With all that screen real estate you"re getting, you can spread out as much as you can, which in turn saves you time and allows you to focus on your work.

True to its multi-tasking nature, it also boasts a built-in USB-C docking station, a built-in KVM switch to easily switch between sources, and power delivery up to 65W, allowing you to power and charge your notebook via USB-C. Stock is low in the US at the moment. This award-winning monitor for programming isn"t cheap, however, so only invest if the whole package is worth it to you.

There are some important considerations to bear in mind when buying a monitor for coding. Firstly, there"s the matter of size. You"ll want a screen that is large enough that you"re not forced to strain to see, but not so big that you feel uneasy working on it. A huge monitor that looms over you can be uncomfortable, although that can be remedied with curved screens, which avoid you having to strain your neck to see all parts of the screen.

Another important factor is resolution. The higher the resolution, the more room you have to work, and text can look sharper too. However, ultra-high resolutions can leave text looking very small, which again is uncomfortable, although on both macOS and Windows 10, you can tweak the scaling of text so that it"s more comfortable to read on high-resolution monitors.

Ergonomics are important too. The best monitors for programming are easily adjustable, offering a good range of movement. You might also like a monitor that can be rotated to portrait orientation. Other features to look out for include blue light filtering and flicker reduction, which help take the strain off your eyes. Some monitors also offer automatic brightness adjustment, which fine-tunes the display to suit the ambient light of your setting, again helping to avoid eyestrain. It might also be worth looking at the best monitor stands to ensure you get your setup just right.Are 4K monitors suitable for programming?When you’re coding, a monitor’s resolution will not factor in quite the way it would with other content creators. Having access to stunning graphics, at least for work, doesn’t hold the same priority as being able to work in comfort. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore UHD monitors when looking for that next display.

UHD displays do offer one particular benefit to coders over their lower-res counterparts. That higher resolution provides more screen real estate and allows you to fit more windows on your screen while working. If anything, that higher resolution allows a more streamlined workflow.How big should my monitor be for programming?A display’s size depends largely on how you work and what your setup is like. If you plan on sitting further back, you’ll want to use a larger monitor so you can see everything clearly. But, if you work in more cramped quarters, you’ll want to have the entire display within your field of vision. And, that means downsizing. Otherwise, you’ll end up moving your eyes and neck to the point of discomfort.Is a curved screen good for programming?Choosing between a flat or curved panel is mostly a matter of preference. Flat panels lend themselves much better to multi-display setups, with some of them can rotate 90 degrees to use in portrait mode.

If you’re planning on sitting a little closer to your monitor, a curved monitor might be better, especially if you don’t plan on adding a second panel. The curvature gives you a more immersive viewing experience, letting you see the corners of the screen without having to refocus on different parts of the screen. That curved design will also alleviate eye fatigue and strain.Why do coders use vertical monitors?When you use a vertical monitor, you’re able to read and skim through much larger portions of your work at once. Since lines of code don’t get very long, the width of a monitor doesn’t come into play when writing or reading through your code the way it does for photo or video editing work. So, turning a monitor into portrait mode makes the best use of your screen space. Of course, you’ll want to pair that with a monitor in landscape mode to see the results.

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What makes for one of the best monitors for programming? Plenty of pixels doesn’t hurt, that’s for sure. The more screen real estate, the more windows and applications you can have open at the same time, be that for coding itself or for collaboration tools.

Ergonomics matter, too. Preferences vary, but many programmers like to have at least the option to rotate a screen into portrait mode to maximize screen height, the better to see as many lines of code at once without the need for scrolling. Similarly, good connectivity can improve ergonomics, especially if you are primarily a laptop user, so USB-C is very desirable.

Less critical are factors like HDR support, extreme color accuracy, high refresh rates and the erest. For sure, you want a screen with decent contrast and colors, if nothing else than to minimize eye strain. But huge dynamic range, eye-piercing brightness and extensive coverage of gamuts like DCI-P3 add cost to a screen for little benefit in a programming context.

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First up, we’d look for a fairly high resolution screen. 4K panels are now pretty affordable, especially in 27-inch and 28-inch form factors. That said, 1440p can be a reasonable choice for programming. If you’re the kind of coder who likes to rotate a screen into portrait mode, a pair of cheaper 1440p panels with support for rotation into portrait mode could be an interesting value-orientated option.

On the other hand, if you like to code with several application windows lined up in parallel, an ultrawide panel can make a lot of sense, too. That’s especially true now that one or two ultrawide monitors can be had with 2,160 vertical pixels. So, you’re giving up little when it comes to vertical resolution.

All of that said, we’d still prioritize a higher resolution 4K-plus panel in order to maximize pixel density. When you’re looking at code all day, nice crisp fonts can really help keep eye strain to a minimum. Again, a panel with a fully adjustable stand with support for rotation into portrait would be our pick.

As for panel type and performance, well, IPS technology has the advantage of wide viewing angles, which can be especially helpful in multi-monitor situations. We wouldn’t kick a VA 4K monitor out of bed, though, especially if it was attractively priced.

What we wouldn’t worry about so much is refresh, HDR support and the last word in pixel response. Paying extra for a 120Hz-plus panel provides little benefit for coding. The same applies to HDR monitors with fancy technology like mini-LED backlighting or wide gamut color support, or indeed uber-fast pixel response. All of that just adds cost without any significant upside.

If you’re looking for some affordable 4K action for programming, put the Philips 288E2A on your shortlist. It’s a 28-inch 4K model with plenty of desktop real estate for coding. The pixel density is also decent, so fonts and menus are nice and crisp. It uses an IPS panel, which makes for excellent viewing angles, albeit this isn’t the brightest screen in the world at 300 nits and there’s absolutely no HDR support.

It’s worth noting there’s no USB-C connectivity, which isn’t a huge surprise at this price point. The slim-bezel design looks contemporary and the stand provides both height and tilt adjustment. But there’s no support for rotation into portrait mode, which is a pity. But for the money, this is a lot of monitor.

Rotating monitors into portrait mode is a popular approach for programmers looking to maximize how much code they can see without scrolling. But the Huawei MateView approaches that problem a little differently. Instead of the usual 16:9 or even 21:9 widescreen aspect ratio, this is an unusually tall 3:2 aspect panel. However, it’s still very high resolution with 3,840 by 2,560 on a 28.2-inch panel. In other words, it’s a 4K monitor with added vertical space. Perfect for coding, some programmers would say.

The USB-C interface with 65W of power delivery for easy single-cable connectivity is another major upside, especially for laptop users. On top of that, this is a punchy panel rated at 500 nits and offers good accuracy at 98 percent coverage of DCI-P3. Not directly relevant for coding, perhaps, but you’re certainly getting great value for money and a strong all-round package.

4K at 32-inches is a seriously nice combo that delivers both nice crisp fonts for coding, plus plenty of desktop real estate for viewing multiple windows and apps at the same time. The AOC U32P2 gives you all that from a 32-inch VA panel at a reasonably affordable price. The VA panel delivers great contrast, which is ideal for extended use.

Granted, at this price point you don’t get USB-C single-cable connectivity with power delivery. But ergonomically, this monitor is a win, thanks to a stand that supports a full range of adjustments including rotate into portrait mode. All told, it’s a very appealing overall package for getting some serious work done.

Big screens used to mean fat pixels. But not with the Dell UltraSharp U4021QW. This 40-inch beast boasts 5,120 by 2,160 pixels and the same pixel density as a 32-inch 4K monitor. The result is both huge working space and nice, crisp fonts for coding.

You also get excellent color coverage at 98 percent of the DCI-P3 gamut but even more importantly, USB-C connectivity with 90W of power delivery for slick, single-cable connectivity. It’s not cheap, of course, this 40-inch machine, and there’s no HDR support. But as conventional SDR panels for programming go, this is one heck of a monitor.

It’s a no frills monitor with no USB-C connectivity and no HDR capability. BUt the VA panel delivers good contrast and loads of working space for viewing multiple windows and apps in parallel. The chassis also supports VESA mounting, so it could make for an interesting option mounted to a VESA stand and orientated into portrait mode for a massive 3,440 pixels and zillions of lines of viewable code.

Pixel density matters when it comes to nice, crisp fonts. And nice crisp fonts make long coding sessions more comfortable. So go for a high resolution monitor.

Rotating a widescreen monitor into portrait mode provides oodles of space for viewing code without scrolling. Not all monitors can switch to portrait mode.

USB-C connectivity with power delivery makes life so much easier and tidier for laptop users. Simply hook up to the display and your peripherals with a single cable.

We review monitors based on a number of factors including price, design, and performance. We consider the size of each display, along with panel type, resolution, refresh rate, color coverage and HDR support. We also consider connectivity, including HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C and wireless interfaces.

Pixel density and color accuracy are particularly important for digital design monitors, but so are ergonomics, so we assess stand adjustability and stability. Finally, build quality and value for money are judged against competitors in the market.Round up of today"s best deals

Are you a programmer looking for a suitable monitor for your workspace? Well, here we have collected some of the Best Programming Monitors for developers. We have also mentioned the essential aspects to consider while choosing the monitors for developers. Before we start the collection, let"s know what makes monitors suitable for a programmer.

Now, being a developer is not easy. Not just the coding part but the time it takes also matters. That"s why it is critical to have a comfortable display that does not strain your eyes when programming and coding for extended periods of time. Also, it"s important to select a monitor that offers the proper size, with enough screen space to open multiple windows and work comfortably without squinting.

Programmers typically like to work with multiple monitors because they will have the editor open on one and requirements open on another. Likewise, some programmers don"t prefer multiple monitors and go with a single monitor with multiple windows. Considering this point in mind we have included some widescreen monitors as well that offers multiple windows/screens at a time.

Programmers and developers spend longer hours working on every single project. This is why choosing an appropriate monitor for programming has a significant impact on your success.

Programming and coding monitors aren"t all that different from typical productivity monitors, although they do have some useful features for sorting through long lines of code. Programmers like a monitor that is clear, crisp, large, has an ergonomic stand (a stand that can be adjusted to find the most comfortable viewing angle), and has small bezels (or borders) for greater viewing space. These characteristics aid programmers in seeing more code on a single monitor or aligning numerous monitors for better multitasking.

As technological advancements continue, there are a growing variety of finest programming monitors available on the market. If you"re a programmer with more particular requirements, we"ve tested and researched the top programming displays from LG, ViewSonic, and HP.

Note: We have collected some of the best monitors from the aspects of programmers. Although, by no way we claim that this is a complete list as there can be other monitors as well. Feel free to suggest your choice of monitors in the comment section below.

This one should be evident to potential buyers. Most of us believe that a larger screen is better, which is typically true if we have the space and the funds to do so, but considering this will help you select how you will use your monitor. Is it necessary for it to be large? If not, choosing a smaller model will save you money. How near to the screen will you be, and how long will you stare at it?

This one should be evident to potential buyers. Most of us believe that a larger screen is better, which is typically true if we have the space and the funds to do so, but considering this will help you select how you will use your monitor. Is it necessary for it to be large? If not, choosing a smaller model will save you money. How near to the screen will you be, and how long will you stare at it?

You"ll buy a monitor with a high display resolution so you can see what you"re doing on the computer clearly. Modern commercial monitors are available in a variety of resolutions, ranging from 1920x1080 to 4k (3840x2160), which govern screen size and image detail.

We"ve covered the majority of them in our list, so there"s no reason to buy just for the sake of resolution. Consider how your screen now appears while programming. Would you prefer the extra space, or is your current programming setup sufficient and you"re purchasing for other reasons? Only you have the answers to these questions, and once you do, you can start searching for the resolutions you want at a price you can afford.

Color fidelity refers to how well the screen reports colored contents from a palette of sophisticated color hues, regardless of the panel type utilized for the specified color gamut. When it comes to panels, almost everyone agrees that an IPS panel is best for color performance, with VA panels coming in second.

So, when programming, how many colors do you use? Color performance specs like these become even more essential if the computer is being used for personal leisure purposes. Even if you"re only programming, color is frequently used to divide and distinguish lines of code from one another, as well as to illustrate relationships between them. In that scenario, having as many hues as possible can be beneficial to you.

The response time of your screen refers to how quickly the pixels change to reflect color changes on-screen. A grey-to-grey transition is commonly used for this. The measurement is in milliseconds, with five being a fair starting point and one being what you should anticipate if you"re paying top dollar for a contemporary display.

The HP VH240a is a good value monitor for programming and coding. It has a 1920x1080 pixel (p) resolution, good viewing angles, reasonable color accuracy, and sufficient brightness. Furthermore, the built-in speakers provide minimal sound when needed. There are no USB connections, which is disappointing but not surprising given the monitor"s price.

However, it is the monitor"s functionality that sets it apart. The small bezels and inputs, which include HDMI and VGA, make it easy to set up numerous displays. The HP VH240a comes with a robust ergonomic stand that is height, tilt, and swivel adjustable, as well as pivoting 90 degrees. This level of customization is remarkable for a budget monitor and ideal for customizing a multi-monitor configuration.

While programmers have dozens of budget 24-inch monitors to choose from, save yourself time and pick up the HP VH240a for a reliable, functional choice.

The robust build quality, ergonomic stand, and narrow bezels will appeal to both programmers and designers. This huge monitor can be used as your main display, but it also works nicely with other displays. The panel can even pivot 90 degrees into portrait mode, which is typical on tiny monitors but unusual for a 32-inch monitor.

Thunderbolt 3, two USB-C ports, HDMI, and DisplayPort are among the numerous connectivity possibilities. The monitor also supports Thunderbolt 3/USB-C power delivery, allowing you to charge your laptop while using it as an external display. BenQ incorporates a puck control that allows you to modify display settings without having to lean forward and use the on-screen menu.

Programmers that value build quality, longevity, and design may pick Dell"s Ultrasharp U2719Dx monitor. This 27-inch monitor is designed specially for business customers, such as major enterprises and organizations, and features a basic, attractive design that fits in any setting. It"s a durable monitor with a wonderful ergonomic base that is adjustable for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot, and it combines an appealing design with outstanding image quality—though we wish it had 4K resolution (2180p)—and plenty of connectivity.

If you want to work with many monitors, the U2719D Ultrasharp is an excellent choice. It has a two-stage construction with attractive plastic bezels. The Infinity Edge technology is responsible for the overall borderless appearance. The stand is quite simple to adjust. To utilize the display in portrait mode, tilt, swivel, or rotate it. You may also adjust the height of the stand to optimize your posture and reduce eye strain.

There"s reason to believe that this monitor will last. Dell offers a three-year warranty with advanced exchange service, which means that if an exchange is required, Dell will ship you a new monitor before receiving your return.

The ViewSonic VG2756-4K provides excellent performance. Its usability is enhanced by the included ergonomic stand. Furthermore, the VG2756-4K has a greater swivel, tilt, and pivot range than its competitors. It can, for example, pivot in both directions, whereas many alternatives can only pivot in one direction. The stand may swivel up to 120 degrees (often 60 or 90 degrees) and tilt up to 45 degrees (25 degrees is standard).

Another advantage of the ViewSonic VG2756-4K is that it has small bezels, which are ideal for aligning several monitors. The space between each display is scarcely noticeable. The monitor is also USB-C compatible, allowing you to charge your laptop while connected. You can use the display as a USB-C hub thanks to the accompanying USB-A hubs and Ethernet ports.

LG"s 34WK95U-W is ideal for those who enjoy ultrawide displays. It has a 5K display with a resolution of 5120x2160, which is one of the greatest pixel densities available on an ultrawide panel. It also performs well in terms of color accuracy, gamut (the range of color tones that may be displayed), and brightness.

This monitor has a flat display. This is prevalent with widescreen monitors, but less so with ultrawide monitors. Because a curved screen can somewhat alter your viewpoint of the stuff you"re viewing, a flat screen is preferred for programming, design, and other activities. The bezels on this display may cause problems for programmers. They"re not huge, but they"re noticeable when using the 34WK95U-W with other screens. The monitor also has a large stand that takes up a lot of room on your desk.

The LG 34WK95U-W has a Thunderbolt 3 connector for video input and up to 85 watts of power transmission, allowing you to charge your laptop while it"s connected to the monitor. The monitor also includes many USB-A ports as well as an Ethernet port that may be used as a USB hub for a connected laptop.

The BenQ PD3220U is a large 32-inch 4K monitor for creative professions. It has a large color gamut and excellent sharpness, making it ideal for professional picture and video productions. These characteristics aren"t necessary for most programmers, but they can aid if you work in UI design or with digital artistic materials of any kind.

The robust build quality, ergonomic stand, and narrow bezels will appeal to both programmers and designers. This huge monitor can be used as your main display, but it also works nicely with other displays. The panel can even pivot 90 degrees into portrait mode, which is typical on tiny monitors but unusual for a 32-inch monitor.

Thunderbolt 3, two USB-C ports, HDMI, and DisplayPort are among the numerous connectivity possibilities. The monitor also supports Thunderbolt 3/USB-C power delivery, allowing you to charge your laptop while using it as an external display. BenQ incorporates a puck control that allows you to modify display settings without having to lean forward and use the on-screen menu.

The Asus ProArt Display PA278QV, with its 27-inch screen and 4K resolution, is a terrific bargain at its low price. When compared to a panel with a refresh rate of 60Hz, a refresh rate of 75Hz means that any motion on the screen will appear smooth. It has two USB ports for charging, as well as a QuickFit Virtual Scale feature that lets you preview a document in its true size.

This monitor is for folks who frequently encounter displays with limited connectivity options. The large selection of connectors on this ASUS ProArt model should keep you covered for the foreseeable future, from USB 3.0, HMDI, and DisplayPort (along with Mini DisplayPort) to less-common port types like dual-link DVI-D and even a headphone jack.

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