small lcd monitors for coding factory

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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The best monitor for programming and coding is the Dell Ultrasharp U2722DE (view at Amazon). Its ergonomic stand and USB-C connectivity provide function, while its attractive 1440p screen delivers top-notch image quality. Also worthy of mention is the HP VH240a (view at Amazon). It"s a great monitor on a tight budget that features a 24-inch size and 1080p resolution.

We recommend at least 1440p resolution whenever possible. Our top budget monitor, the HP VH240a, doesn"t meet this number, but our other recommendations deliver a 1440p or 4K resolution. A high resolution can increase text clarity, which is essential when viewing code. It also gives you more flexibility when arranging windows on your desk, allowing you to make interface elements and text a smaller size without hurting legibility.

Programmers love to use multiple monitors but hate big, chunky bezels that keep those monitors separated. Modern thin-bezel monitors can reduce this problem by shrinking the gap between displays to just a few millimeters. You don’t even have to pay a premium for this feature, as even our budget pick delivers razor-thin bezels.

Modern monitors have way more connectivity than those sold a decade ago. Many function as USB-C hubs, which means you can access additional ports on them via a single USB-C connection. Most USB-C hub monitors can also charge a connected laptop, offering a one-cable video, connectivity, and power solution.

A high resolution is often better for viewing more code at once, but this can become a problem for programmers with anything less than superb eyesight. Also, some older programs and programming environments have lackluster scaling that can cause issues on a 4K monitor. We generally recommend 4K for most programmers but encourage thinking about how you will use the monitor before making a purchase.

Programmers don’t need to worry about panel type. It’s true that several panel types exist, but monitors marketed for productivity almost exclusively use in-plane switching panel (IPS) technology, which provides excellent brightness, color angles, and color accuracy. They suffer in contrast ratio (the difference between lightest and darkest colors) and, in some cases, response times, but these downsides have little impact on programmers.

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.

The 27-inch monitor is a common choice for work displays because it"s large enough without being too bulky or too wide. The ViewSonic VG2765 is a 27-inch in-plane switching (IPS) display with a resolution of 2560x1440p, which allows you to see numerous windows and a lot of code at once.

The monitor has a thin bezel on three sides that frames a clean and colorful picture, aided by ViewSonic"s SuperClear technology for improved viewing angles. Its flicker-free and blue light filtering capabilities may reduce eye strain during extended coding sessions.

In portrait mode, the 27-inch screen and 16:9 aspect ratio work well, and the VG2765 can rotate to take advantage of the vertical area. It has good ergonomics in general, with a wide range of swivel, tilt, and height adjustments. You should have little trouble finding a comfortable position on your desk, but it also comes with holes for VESA-compatible wall mounting if you wish.

BenQ"s PD2720U is the epitome of high-end technology. If you"re working in a multi-monitor arrangement with each monitor daisy-chained together, the BenQ monitor is an excellent choice. With built-in blue light filtering and anti-flickering, the monitor can provide the most value for your money. It is the ideal choice for any office.

Having multiple screens seems to be the go-to for every programmer or coder, even though there are options, like the 34WK650-W from LG, that can do the work of two monitors. With its ultra-wide display, the 34-inch screen comes with more than enough real estate for all of your work. Besides, the 2560 x 1080 resolution can make all of your work look spectacular. LG’s Screen Split 2.0 lets you divide the display into multiple virtual screens or even picture-in-picture. All of this is easily controlled using the monitor’s on-screen menu.

The Acer XFA240 comes with AMD"s FreeSync and NVIDIA"s G-Sync. Thanks to its variable fresh rate, you don’t need to worry whether your GPU is powerful enough as this best monitor for coding delivers seamless performance with any hardware configuration. Unlike many budget models, it has an easily adjustable stand. You can change its height, tilt or rotate it, however, the mount is impossible to swivel.

Among other monitors of this price range, the Acer XFA240 looks like the most attractive option as it provides heightened color accuracy and performance. This programming monitor is perfectly pre-calibrated for the sRGB color space. It has an impressive resolution for a 24-inch display. If you think that your PC is not powerful enough for 144Hz refresh rate, don’t worry, it will still support a high frame rate.

The best monitor for coding in the budget category that we suggest is the Gigabyte G27Q. Overall, it"s a good office monitor with wide viewing angles, a great 1440p resolution, and a 27 inch size that delivers good text clarity. Visibility in a bright room isn"t an issue, as it has great peak brightness and good reflection handling, so it can easily overcome glare. Like all monitors on this list, the backlight is completely flicker-free at all brightness settings, which is great.

It has great connectivity, with a built-in USB hub, but it doesn"t offer any USB-C ports, so you"ll need an adapter if you"re working from a laptop that doesn"t offer any full-sized HDMI or DisplayPort connections. It has excellent gray uniformity and good accuracy out of the box, as well as an outstanding color gamut, great if your work often includes design elements that rely on accurate, uniform colors.

Although if contrast is something you consider important then it has low contrast, so it"s not a good choice for a dark room or if you prefer to use dark mode on your computer. It also has poor ergonomics, so it might be hard to place in an ideal viewing position. Overall, despite the budget price, it"s a very good monitor, and it"s a great choice for coding.

The best 1440p monitor for programming is the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD. Although it"s mainly a gaming monitor, it"s also great for office use as it has a few extra features. It has wide viewing angles and great ergonomics, so you can easily adjust it to the ideal viewing position or share your screen with someone else, and everyone will see an accurate image.

It has a completely flicker-free backlight and a blue light reduction feature, which help reduce eye strain with longer coding sessions. It has a few features that can help improve your productivity, including a built-in USB hub and a USB-C port, great if you"re working on a laptop with limited connectivity. It has good text clarity, which is essential when staring at long lines of code, but it"s not as sharp as on a 4k display.

Unfortunately, it has a low contrast ratio and just alright black uniformity, so it"s not the best choice for a dark room or if you like to use dark mode. There are also some issues with color accuracy on our unit before calibration, but this isn"t an issue for coding. Overall, if you"re a programmer and want a 1440p resolution, you should be happy with this one.

As a programmer, it is advisable to consider the monitor"s size. The screen should be large enough that don"t need to strain to see. Although, screen shouldn"t be so big that it makes uncomfortable for you to work easily. Here, you can pick the curved screen.

Another important factor is resolution. The higher the resolution, the more room you have to work, and text can look sharper too. However, avoid ultra-high resolutions. Because it can leave text looking very small, which again is uncomfortable.

Ergonomics are also important. 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. It might also be worth looking at the best monitor stands to ensure you get your setup just right.

So, choose your monitor after considering the mentioned factors. Do let us know your reviews if you are using any of the mentioned monitors. In case, your monitor is not in the list, share it in comment section below with the pic. We will include it in the list.

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.

There are many types of monitors out there, so we will try to help with choosing the best one for your programming workspace. This guide goes over the size, resolution, response time, refresh rate, panel types, and screen curvature.

Any resolution higher than the optimal resolution listed below might look a little crisper but probably would not be that noticeable. For this reason, it likely wouldn"t be worth the extra added cost.

For example, you"ll have the best experience if you get a 27-inch monitor with a 1440p or 4K resolution. Verify that your computer is capable of handling the higher resolution.Monitor SizingMonitor SizeOptimal Resolution

The clarity is based on the resolution, but a bigger screen allows you to see it at a more comfortable size. For coding on a 27-inch monitor, a 1440p picture will look a lot more crisp compared to 1080p.

The advantage to using a high-resolution monitor for programming is that you can fit more apps and windows onto the screen at once. Higher resolutions can help with multitasking and allow you to view your code editor at a wider width.

The display panels inside monitors can use a variety of different technologies. Common LCD panel types include TN, VA, and IPS. Non-LCD panel types include OLED.

Below is a comparison of the different monitor panel types. Overall, IPS panels are our personal favorite because they provide the best features for the price.

We also include OLED TVs since they can be used as monitors due to their excellent motion handling, colors, and contrast.Monitor Panel TypesTNVAIPSOLED

Refresh rates determine how well a monitor can handle motion — the higher the refresh rate, the better. You may not think a higher refresh rate is needed for programming, but it can improve the overall experience. Scrolling through your code will look a lot more smooth, which can enhance your work speed. You won"t notice a difference in refresh rates while there"s no motion on the screen.

Refresh rate is the number of times a display can redraw the screen. Refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz), which is defined as one cycle per second. For example, a refresh rate of 60 Hz means that the screen will redraw 60 times each second.

Response time is the time it takes a display to change from one color to another. The timing of this is usually determined by going back and forth between white and black. The timing is measured in milliseconds, with lower being better.

Try to get a monitor with a 1 ms response time for best results. Monitors with a slightly higher response time (e.g., 5 ms) can still make for a great programming monitor if you don"t mind some minor ghosting.

Some monitors are not capable of both being set to their highest refresh rate and achieving their fastest response time. Check the monitor specs to determine what it supports.

Deciding to buy a curved or flat monitor for programming is mainly a personal preference. Curved monitors can help with seeing the edges of the screen better, but overall it won"t affect your usage that much.

With a curved monitor, the distance between your eyes and the monitor is more consistent across the entire width of the monitor. Additionally, the viewing angle is also more consistent across the whole width of the monitor. These two factors can result in a more immersive experience.Curved monitors are usually recommended for 27 inches or more.

Some monitors allow you to rotate the monitor vertically in portrait orientation in addition to a landscape orientation. Portrait orientation allows for viewing more lines of code so that you can skim through it more quickly. It may take some time to get used to, but having the extra vertical space can be helpful for longer files or even web browsing.For most cases, an extra landscape monitor to go along with a portrait monitor is best.

While this isn"t specifically a monitor, you can use it as one! The 42-inch version is the perfect size for using as a big monitor to view many windows at once.

These new OLED models can now work well in brightly-lit rooms with their brightness booster and a9 processor.Have a suggestion or correction for this article? Send us an email at:

Who this is for: A dual-monitor setup is usually the best option if you want to have a bunch of app windows open at once. But an ultrawide model might be a better choice if you need a ton of unbroken horizontal space, or you don’t want monitor bezels in between windows.

Why we like it: The Dell P3421W has a sturdy adjustable stand, lots of ports (including a USB-C port that can handle power, display, and data over a single cable), and a three-year warranty. And it has a built-in KVM switch that allows you to easily swap your keyboard, mouse, and video between two computers. The 1440p display has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is great for typical office work, web browsing, and casual gaming.

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.

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.

A crucial part of every system build, a well-made computer monitor ensures that you will realize the performance output by your computer hardware. Perhaps you spent days, weeks, and months choosing the right CPU and the best graphics card to play the games at the resolutions you want. However, suppose you blew your budget on all the horsepower and left none for the display. In that case, you’re not going to appreciate the intensity of all those pixels that your computer renders at incredible speeds. With PC games getting more graphically intense, you must ensure your display can keep up.

You’ve probably seen terms like HD and Full HD on the boxes of monitors and TVs, but what does that mean? As you may have guessed, HD refers to “High Definition,” a quick way to refer to a high-quality video output. So if you see the term “Full HD” on a monitor box, that’s just a shorthand to denote its resolution, which would be 1920 by 1080, also called 1080p. The reason why it’s specified as “Full HD” is that there are also some TVs and monitors that output at 720p (high definition but not relatively as high as 1080p), which is 1280 by 720 pixels. 1080p is considered the current standard for monitors, and popular manufacturers, including Dell, Acer, Samsung, LG, BenQ and Viewsonic, offer a variety of 1080p monitors in their product lineups.

As you can imagine, the more pixels there are to display, the more critical it is that your monitor has a high refresh rate, especially when it comes to gaming. Typically, the standard has been a 120-hertz refresh rate in gaming monitors, but many features a 144-hertz refresh rate. The quicker a monitor can refresh the display, and the smoother the visual experience will be. This is because the refresh rate in the monitor works in tandem with a low response time (which specifies how quickly the monitor can send and receive new information) to make a seamless visual transition. Sometimes, if the response rate is not quick enough, some residual pixels can remain on the screen as the monitor is trying to refresh new ones. This is called ‘ghosting.’ Although it’s standard to have a four-millisecond response time on many gaming monitors, Samsung, LG, BenQ, Viewsonic, and more all offer 2k and 4k monitors with one-millisecond response times. It is also important to ensure refresh rates are identical if you plan to sync two monitors for your display.

Regarding the internal specs, response time and refresh rate are the main factors contributing to a smooth, immersive viewing experience. Still, the physical panel type of the monitor can also play into this. First, there’s the matter of how the monitor lights up: either with LCD or LED. The main difference lies in the material that is used to light the liquid crystals in the display. In LCD, it’s cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), and in LEDs, it’s tiny light emitting and low-energy consuming diodes. This is the preferred type in most monitors because it consumes less power and produces less harsh light, so darker colors appear more vivid. Additionally, LED monitors can be much thinner than LCD ones.

Newer LCD monitors have improved with the implementation of IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels. For some, it’s a matter of preference, but where the IPS panels have shown their strength with accurate color reproduction, which is great for content creators who want to do photo editing or graphic design. The panel type you choose depends more on preference than anything else. Samsung is well known for championing the IPS panel in their monitors, and many people also enjoy using them for gaming.

For some people, it’s essential, not just the monitor specs. Having a monitor that is fast, intuitive, and also looks nice on their desk is a crucial part of a computer build designed to make a statement. Asus’ Predator X34 shows off with its 34-inch curved IPS panel that also features Nvidia’s Gsync technology, which matches the gaming framerates with the monitor’s native refresh rate to prevent screen tearing. For those who want the style without the price tag, Samsung offers a 29-inch curved monitor with a 4-millisecond response time.

As touch navigation becomes more normalized due to mobile browsing, you may also want to consider a touch monitor for maximum accessibility. Planar offers a 22-inch optical touchscreen monitor that is highly portable due to its USB connection type. For something you can use in meetings for presentations, Dell provides a capacitive touchscreen monitor that also features an IPS panel.

Finally, another consideration is whether there are enough HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) ports. HDMI allows simultaneous digital video and audio transmission from one source to another. While HDMI ports are often standard, especially on gaming monitors, verifying that a monitor has enough HDMI compatibility for your setup before purchasing is essential.

When you’ve picked out the perfect display, don’t forget the essential accessories to go with it. For a two or three-screen setup, Ergotron, Rosewill, and SIIG offer a variety of stationary and swivel monitor mounts for both the wall and your desk. Soon, you’ll have a command center that you’ll never want to leave. So, ready to get started?

They are a shorthand to describe how many pixels in total are displayed on the monitor. For 2k, that’s 1920 x 1080 in a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. For 4k, it’s 3840 by 2160 in a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.

Since monitors have to be lit in order for the viewer to see anything, the difference between the two types is in what is used to light up the crystals within the display. For LCD, that’s cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL’s) and in LEDs, it’s tiny light emitting and low-energy consuming diodes. LED monitors tend to be thinner and more power-efficient, but improvements in the panel types have made LCDs more competitive.

A monitor is key. You’ll use it hour after hour, day after day, year after year. Monitors even have the audacity to resist obsolescence, so the monitor you buy today might be the one you’re still using in a decade. (My editor and I both have decade-old Dell U2412 monitors that are still going strong.)

It’s an important decision, but not a difficult one, as there are dozens of great monitors to choose from. This guide will help you pick the best for your home office.

I’ve reviewed monitors and laptop displays for over a decade. While different monitors suit different owners, I believe the idealhome office monitor has a 27-inch screen and 4K resolution. It uses an IPS panel, reaches a brightness of at least 250 nits, and can display 99 percent of the sRGB color gamut. Around back you’ll find a USB-C port that can deliver enough power to charge a laptop, along with HDMI and DisplayPort, plus an ergonomic stand that can adjust for height and attaches to a VESA mount.

Finding a monitor that ticks most of these boxes won’t be too difficult. LG’s UltraFine line, Dell’s USB-C hub monitors, BenQ’s PD2720U and PD2725U, and HP’s U28 can check them all. Only the price may be higher than you hope; snagging any of the above will cost at least $450.

But like I said, different monitors suit different owners. These monitors are ideal for work, but they’re expensive. They also lack features you’ll crave when it’s time to clock out and fire up a round of Valorant. This guide will help you navigate the monitor world’s many caveats and find one that’s a fit for you.

Most standard-width monitors come in one of three sizes: 24-inch, 27-inch, and 32-inch. Bigger is not necessarily better. A large display may look more impressive, but I find it uncomfortable when placed close to my eyes. There are also practical considerations like perceived pixel density. A big monitor will look fuzzier than a smaller monitor of the same resolution unless you move it further away — which isn’t always an option.

That’s why a 27-inch monitor is my go-to recommendation. It’s large enough to look impressive on a typical home office desk but isn’t excessive. In my experience, 32-inch monitors should be reserved for unusually large and deep desks, or corner setups where it’s possible to position the display around four feet away from your face. This is especially true for 32-inch monitors with a resolution below 4K, which look grai