types of computer display screens brands

Like other tech items, monitors have been subject to supply chain issues that make many models unavailable and tend to drive up prices. However, you can still find a good deal if you’re flexible about your choice of model and can take the time to shop around. Here are some things to consider before you buy.

The 16:9 aspect ratio of 1080p monitors is great for video content but not necessarily as well-suited for scrolling up and down through documents. If you find yourself using Gmail, Facebook, or Microsoft Word for most of the day, a monitor with a more square resolution of 1920x1200 (which has an aspect ratio of 19:10) may be more useful because you’ll have more screen real estate at the top and bottom to work with. These are not as common as 1080p monitors but can still be found at most online retailers. Note: 4K monitors, which measure 3840x2160, maintain the 16:9 aspect ratio of 1920x1080 monitors.

Almost all new monitors tilt up or down for a quick adjustment. For extra flexibility, look for a monitor that lets you adjust the height as well. Such models may also be able to rotate 90 degrees, from landscape to portrait mode, which is especially useful for viewing a larger portion of web pages or text documents.

Many monitors come with a three-year warranty on parts and labor, but others have only one year of coverage. It’s worth looking for the longer coverage, especially if you’re purchasing a more expensive model. Another consideration is the manufacturer’s defective-pixel policy. Some consider a certain number of stuck or dead pixels acceptable; others will replace a monitor during the warranty period if it has even a single faulty pixel.

Based in South Korea, Samsung has become one of the world"s leading electronic brands, and its main competitor is LG. Their lineup includes some monitors with IPS panels, but many have VA panels with a curved screen. Although VA panels look great in dark rooms, the main downside is that they have narrow viewing angles, which isn"t ideal for sharing your screen with others. They"ve even started including Mini LED backlighting on high-end models, further improving the picture quality, peak brightness, and dark room performance. It helps that Samsung already produces TVs with this Mini LED technology, so they"ve become an industry leader for monitors with it.

Samsung offers the best features and performance with their high-end models like the Samsung LS32BG852NNXGO, known as the Neo G8, and lower-end models tend to sacrifice features and performance for a lower cost. For example, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 S32BG75 is a step down from the Neo G8 and costs less, but it has a lower 165Hz refresh rate compared to 240Hz on the Neo G8. It means that Samsung"s best options are their high-end ones, as their budget displays, like the Samsung Odyssey G3 S24AG30, have limited performance.

As we head into the new year, we"re going to see a lot of new monitors and display technology coming out of CES 2023. From high refresh rates to mini-LED panels and more, there are going to be a lot of exciting monitor tech to come in 2023. If you"re not all into that razzle-dazzle though, this is also great news since many of the best monitors, including the best 4K monitors from 2022, are going to get some healthy price cuts as the new models get announced and retailers have to make room for new inventory.

Finding the ideal monitor for your needs isn"t hard, either, despite the plethora of options out there. It"s just a matter of considering your day-to-day needs and your budget, much like you would a display"s build, performance, features, and design.

We"re also here to help. We do a lot of work with all kinds of displays over the years so we know how having the best monitor is an essential component of any PC, especially the best computer setups for work and playing the best PC games, whatever the case may be.

Whether you"re looking for the best 5K and 8K monitors for creative work or the best cheap gaming monitor deals for some casual esports, we"ve tried and reviewed just about all of them.

And, below we"ve broken down our top picks of the year – from the best 144Hz 4K monitors and the best high refresh rate monitors to the best monitors for video editing – and compiled them in this handy guide to make your buying decision easier than ever. We"ve also written up a guide for how to pick the best monitor to help you find what you"re looking for, no matter what your need or budget might be.

The HDR400 support is alright, but nothing special, but with a respectable amount of ports and other useful features, along with snappy pixel response time and great color gamut coverage, this is a great looking monitor with satifying performance that recommend it on its own.

Pro-level displays are no longer the premium priced, inaccessible purchase they started out to be. At least as far as the BenQ SW321C PhotoVue is concerned. This 32-inch 4K photo monitor is up a step or two in terms of both performance and usability, featuring an incredibly wide color gamut of 99% of the Adobe RGB color space and 95% of DCI-P3.

If you’re in the cinematography or photography sphere, that’s exactly what you need. And, that’s on top of all the other features this monitor boasts. This is among the best monitors for photo editing you’ll find, and the best part is you’re getting it for cheaper than all others.

The Dell S3221QS is a gorgeous monitor inside and out. Its simple yet elegant silver design gives it a unique look that sets it apart from all the gamer-centric or boring black office monitors you"re most likely to find. It comes with a stunning 4K VA panel to match, making everything from movies to gaming a pleasure to watch.

And, to make it an even better proposition, it’s got some great features as well – namely, decent-sounding speakers and an interesting picture-in-picture functionality that will let you display two different computers in the same display. That’s pretty nifty and a great way to make up for the fact that there’s no USB-C connectivity.

We don’t usually run into technology that’s so far ahead of the curve that we’re left dumbfounded, which is why the Dell UltraSharp UP3218K has impressed us even more. Finding one of the best monitors that can reach the raw gorgeousness this one can should be next to impossible. It’s not just the resolution, either.

Dell went so far as to ensure that the build quality and color reproduction are the best in the business as well. The Dell UltraSharp UP3218K is aimed at professionals, obviously, so if that sounds like it’s made for you, it’s probably the best monitor you’ll ever find.

The LG 32UN880 UltraFine Display Ergo has done something cool. Instead of going for the same homogeneous mount and stand that all monitors have, it has opted for a C-Clamp, One Click Mount that allows it to extend, retract, go high, go low, tilt and pivot like no other. That’s versatility turned up to 11.

It also boasts incredible color accuracy and beautiful picture quality. The best part is that you’re getting all that without burning a massive hole in your pocket. This is, without a doubt, among the best monitors out there, especially if you"re looking for an arm-supported display rather than one on a static stand you typically find on the shelves.

There are a number of arm-supported models coming out in the next few months though, so this monitor might lose the title of "best" in this particular class, but it is also a lot cheaper as a result, so you can"t really go wrong.

Are you a visual content creator, a photographer, or a graphic designer? Then you will definitely need a monitor that has the widest possible color coverage, usually given in percentage of various gamuts. sRGB is the gamut that covers the web, while DCI-P3 is the industry standard for films, and the Adobe gamut covers illustrators and photographers for the most part. Regardless of your use case, you need to get as close to 100% of your particular gamut as possible.

If you"re on a high-end gaming desktop with the best graphics card on the market, then a 4K monitor or even an 8K display might be more of what you"re looking for. 4K monitors are only just now starting to get higher refresh rates like 120Hz and 144Hz, so these are definitely the 4K panels that you need to keep an eye out for.Which monitor brand is most reliable?There are a lot of PC monitor brands out there making everything from cheap, portable office monitors to high-end gaming PC monitors with ultrawide aspect and 1000R curve rating, 1ms pixel response, and blazing fast refresh rates.

Among the best brands in this regard are Dell, Alienware, BenQ, Acer, LG, Samsung, HP, Lenovo, and Asus, but they are by no means the only ones.Which monitor quality is best?Well, this really depends on a couple of factors, but first and foremost is your use case.

For most people though, a 1440p monitor is often more than enough, since the jump from 1440p to 4K isn"t nearly as impressive as the jump from 1080p to 1440p.What is best screen size for 4K?Depending on how far away from the screen you are, there will be a point where it just doesn"t benefit you to upgrade to a new monitor with a higher resolution.

We review monitors based on a number of factors including price, design, and performance. We consider the size of each display, as well as the number and type of ports on each monitor to determine who each display would benefit most. Each monitor is used in a variety of scenarios, so we use it for work, media consumption and gaming to test what it’s best suited to.

Performance is also evaluated by how well the actual screen tech works and its refresh rate. Frames per second are especially important in gaming monitors because you’ll want a high refresh rate during competitive games so you don’t miss a minute of the action.

Most people in today’s world of technology use computer monitors daily at work, at home, and at school. Monitors are available in an array of designs, shapes, colors, and sizes. About a year ago, I was in the market for a new monitor.

As a reporter and freelance writer, I use my computer on a daily basis for many hours per day so it was important for me to find another monitor that I really enjoyed using. I researched all the different styles and types of monitors but the main selling point for me was the size.

Computer monitors have been around for about 70 years, beginning with the invention of touch-screen technology by E. A. Johnson in 1965, although it did not really catch on at that time.

In 1973 the Xerox Alto computer was released on March 1, which came with the first computer monitor. This particular monitor featured CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) technology and sported a monochrome display.

In 1975, George Samuel Hurst created the first resistive touch-screen display but it was not actually produced and put into use until 1982. We have all heard of, and possibly used if you are old enough, a McIntosh Computer developed by Apple.

The first model was produced in 1976 when the Apple I and Sol-20 computers hit the market. These were the first computers to feature a built-in video output port which allowed for a computer monitor or video screen.

In 1977, James P. Mitchell unveiled LED (light-emitting diode) display technology but LED monitors did not become available for purchase to the average consumer for three more decades. Also in 1977, the Apple II was produced and provided the first color display on a CRT monitor.

By 1987, the first VGA (Video Graphics Array) monitor, the IBM 8513, was released and in 1989, the SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array) standard for computer displays was officially defined by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association).

In the mid to late 1980s, color CRT monitors could produce a 1024 x 768 resolution display and about 1995, one of the very first LCD monitors became available for desktop computers. One of the first models on the market for purchase was the Eizo L66, which was manufactured and released by Eizo Nanao Technologies.

In 1997, IBM, along with Apple, and Viewsonic, began to develop color LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors that offered comparable or even better quality and resolution than CRT monitors. In 1998, the Apple Studio Display was one of the earliest and most affordable color LCD monitors for desktop computers.

Jeff Han offered up the very first interface-free, touch-based computer monitor in 2006, and in 2009, NEC began manufacturing LED monitors for desktop computers with the MultiSync EA222WM. By 2010, several companies, including AMD and Intel, began to phase out their support for VGA.

Today, LCD monitors, many of them widescreen models, are common throughout the PC industry. Because the prices have dropped so much, many people use multiple-monitor setups.

These monitors use Cathode Ray Tube technology to produce the picture on the screen and are more commonly used for creating television screens. The monitors use a stream of intense high-energy electrons that then forms the images on a fluorescent screen.

CRT monitors are still being used in some organizations and companies but most offices have quit using them because they’re bulky, heavy, and expensive to replace when they break down. This type of monitor is no longer manufactured and will eventually be completely phased out.

LCD computer monitors replaced CRT monitors over a decade ago so most people just recycle them when they are retiring their old systems and swapping everything out for new.

This is a very popular type of computer model in today’s world. It is compact and lightweight and does not consume as much energy as CRT monitors. The images transmitted by the monitor are clear and have very little flicker.

This 27-inch LED-backlit LCD monitor has an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a contrast ratio of 1000:1. It is manufactured by Dell and is the one I chose to use with my desktop computer.

It gives a great picture that is high-quality, it is lightweight, and easy to position and maintains. It offers both HDMI and VGA input connectors but does not have a VESA mount.

— HP 24mh FHD Monitor – Computer Monitor with 23.8-inch IPS Display (1080p) – Built-In Speakers and VESA Mounting – Height/Tilt Adjustment for Ergonomic Viewing – HDMI and DisplayPort

This amazing monitor gives you a large screen with great picture quality without taking up too much disk space due to its ultra-slim design. It offers panoramic viewing with plenty of connectivity so you can use it with multiple devices, including game consoles.

LEDs are the monitor of choice for most consumers. The monitors feature a flat panel or slightly curved displays which make use of light-emitting diodes for back-lighting, instead of cold cathode fluorescent (CCFL) backlighting used in LCDs.

The monitors use a lot less electricity than CRT or LCD monitors. They also produce images with higher contrast and are more durable than the other two types of monitors.

This LED monitor will also give you plenty of desk space because it has an ultra-thin design and built-in speakers —very important when you want to conserve desk space.

This monitor works well with laptops, PCs, Macs, and POS systems with HDMI, and VGA inputs. It is great for home or office use and provides a very vibrant picture quality.

This three-sided borderless display monitor offers a clean design for your workspace. You can place it anywhere and have a full technicolor experience since there is no color washing out.

It is great for watching TV series or videos or playing games. It also features an Eye Saver Mode that minimizes the amount of blue light emitted making it easier on the eyes.

This monitor is great for business, school work, or your home office and boasts Asus Eye Care technology — flicker-free, with built-in blue light filters limiting eye fatigue.

This type of monitor uses small cells of charged gases to create the image on the screen and these cells can be likened to the fluorescent light bulbs we use in our homes and offices. Each plasma cell creates its own illumination.

The monitors eliminate the need for a separate backlight but they are also heavier than LCD models. Plasma screens also use more electricity than LED or LCD monitors and are more susceptible to “burned-in” images if the monitor is left on for extended periods of time.

— HUION Kamvas Pro 24 Drawing Monitor 2.5K Resolution QHD Pen Display Full Laminated Screen Anti-Glare Glass 20 Express Keys with Dual Touch Bar Battery-Free Stylus 8192 Pressure Sensitivity-23.8-inch

Using plasma display technology, this device is great for artists and other creatives who want to use it to touch up photos or create artwork. You can draw with this monitor and add special effects to your photos.

— XP-PEN Innovator 16 Pen Display 15.6-inch Drawing Monitor Full-Laminated Technology Graphics Monitor with Tilt Support Passive Pen and 8 Customizable Shortcut Keys (Supports 92% Adobe RGB Color Gamut)

It has eight programmable short keys that help streamline workflow better. It pairs well with many of the most popular digital art software, including Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

The plasma-infused monitor is easy on the eyes with Proprietary Eye Care Technology. Its ultra-slim bezel design provides a sleek, elegant look for your home office.

— HUSHIDA 55-inch Interactive Multimedia All-in-one Smart Whiteboard for Meeting and Teaching, 1080p 10-Point Multi Infrared Touch-Screen Commercial Display Full HD Monitor

Hushida’s 55-inch interactive whiteboard set computer monitor offers a projection screen, play box, projector, and electronic whiteboard combined in one device.

Great for presentations and various types of meetings the high-definition screen is similar to a home theatre screen and offers an amazing visual experience. Its whiteboard system allows you to display sound, images, and text together at once which makes teaching or meetings much more fun.

A quantum dot display device uses quantum dots (QD), which are semiconductor nanocrystals that produce pure monochromatic red, green and blue light. Many of the more recent commercial products use QLED and photo-emissive particles.

OLED can make screens much darker for better contrast, even though the screen is actually brighter. This makes it a great option for content that is HDR and for use in brighter rooms with tons of lighting. The monitor comes in a variety of sizes and is very affordable.

— XYGStudy seven-inch QLED Quantum Dot Display IPS HDMI 1024×600 Capacitive Touch-Screen G+G Toughened Glass Panel Supports Raspberry Pi 4 3 Raspbian RetroPie Jetson Nano Xbox360 PS4 Switch etc @XYGStudy

Seven-inch QLED Quantum Dot Display offers Capacitive Touch and works with a variety of devices and systems. It features single-point touch, is driver-free, and supports several game consoles.

— XYGStudy for Raspberry Pi Jetson Nano 7-inch QLED Quantum Dot Display Capacitive Touch-Screen 1024×600 LCD, G+G Toughened Glass Panel Supports Various Devices and Systems

This type of monitor is great for use with tablets, as well as laptops and desktop computers. It does a great job enhancing the screen color performance, has a wider color volume, and delivers better brightness which makes for an exceptionally vivid and lifelike picture.

— VIOTEK GNV34DBE 34-inch Curved Gaming Monitor | 144Hz UWQHD 4ms | 2X HDMI 2.0, 2X DisplayPort 1.4, 3.5mm | G-Sync-Ready, FreeSync | 3-Year Warranty (VESA)

This curved monitor works well with all desktop computers and gaming computers and consoles. It provides a very realistic, lifelike picture that will make you feel like you are actually there.

An LCD monitor with high resolution and vibrant colors can help with creating detailed images, and a larger screen size can show more of the image while taking a closer look.

Touchscreen capability like that available on the Planar Helium PCT2435 can let you work without any interface tools, but it may not be as reliable or portable as a dedicated digital drawing pad. Some artists may want more than just the “best” monitor to see how their work looks on other screens.

Picking a monitor for streaming doesn’t have a major impact on the quality of the content. A second monitor can be helpful to keep an eye on the stream from the user’s end while also keeping the content flowing, but it isn’t strictly necessary.

As an extension of graphic design, serious image editors also may want to have a sharp LCD monitor. For the general population, any modern monitor can handle the task of editing images at fairly high resolutions with no hiccups.

A bigger screen can help keep a wide array of mixing tools and visualizers on screen for a smoother production experience. The resolution doesn’t necessarily need to be stupendous, but it should at least allow the user to make out the details on the various infographics without squinting.

As with music production and office work, more screen space and multiple monitors help with programming. Because of the way code is often written, portrait orientation will show more of the code than traditional landscape orientation.

A monitor like this rotatable 27″ display from Samsung can create a high-efficiency programming station. Programming itself is doable with average picture resolution, but higher-end models may be needed for projects like graphical video games.

Dell is a popular computer manufacturer that offers several different types of monitors. The company’s lineup includes basic TN (twisted nematic) panels, IPS (in-plane switching) displays , and ultra-wide screens.

LG is best known for its TVs, but the company also makes excellent computer monitors. Its lineup includes IPS screens as well as ultra-wide and curved models. LG’s monitors come in a variety of resolutions, including 1080p, 1440p, and 4K.

Some models also feature high refresh rates of 144Hz or even 240Hz, making them ideal for gaming. It produces a wide range of monitors for both business and consumer use.

Samsung is another well-known TV manufacturer that also offers a range of computer monitors. The company’s lineup includes both curved and flat IPS displays in various sizes and resolutions.

You’ll also find ultra-wide screens and models with high refresh rates of up to 144Hz. Samsung’s monitors come with a variety of features to choose from such as resolution, refresh rate, and adaptive sync technology.

Acer is a Taiwanese electronics company that sells a variety of computer products, including laptops, desktops, and monitors. The company offers several different types of monitors, including TN, IPS , and curved models.

Acer’s monitors come in a variety of sizes and resolutions, including 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Some models also feature high refresh rates of 144Hz or even 240Hz, which is ideal for gamers who need the fastest and most responsive gameplay possible.

ViewSonic is an American company that specializes in visual display products, including LCD monitors. The company’s monitor lineup includes TN, IPS, and LED (light-emitting diode) models.

Its lineup includes TN, IPS, and VA (vertical alignment) panels in various resolutions, including 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Some models also feature high refresh rates of 144Hz or even 240Hz.

HP is a US-based technology company that offers a wide range of products, including laptops, desktops, printers, and monitors. The company’s monitor lineup includes TN, IPS, and LED models.

You’ll find a variety of sizes and resolutions to choose from, including 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Many models come equipped with high refresh rates of 144Hz or 240Hz.

BenQ is a Taiwanese electronics company that sells a variety of visual display products, including LCD monitors. The company’s monitor lineup includes TN, IPS, and VA panels in various resolutions, including 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Some models also feature high refresh rates of 144Hz or even 240Hz.

A high-quality monitor is essential to get work done more efficiently and effectively if you work from home. The best monitor should be one with ample space to work on and offer a quality display so you don’t have to strain your eyes to see.

Whether you just need a better upgrade for your trusty old monitor or you need a new monitor because the current one is dead; we have a list of options from different suppliers and retailers and a look at the prices will help you budget in advance. For gaming fans, we have you covered as well. Keep reading for more.

Made to fit whatever bag you carry around, you can use a USB-C to connect it to your laptop for better display and image quality with 1080pixel and 60Hz refresh rate.

Samsung offers excellent value for money and every time they release a new monitor, they slash the prices of previous models considerably. Their monitors typically come with enhanced viewing angles with an IPS display.

Some even come with a borderless screen, a fast refresh rate, and a seamless and fluid picture display. You can buy them directly from Samsung or retailers such as Best Buy.

Best Buy is offering a wide selection of monitors from 27-inch smart monitors to 24-inch LEDs; from all your favorite models to some of the newer, more exciting options. Best buy offers free shipping for some of its items and same-day pickup.

Apart from delivering your choice of monitor, B&H Photo offers the cheapest deals and is not limited to one type of brand, so you can find anything from Dell to HP and anything in between. With $100 you can get the perfect screen to connect your laptop to or go a little higher and bigger with a premium alternative.

Since 1973 B&H Photo has been offering video and photo equipment throughout the US and continues to sell them online. Excellent customer service is one of the major things that stand out for B&H Photo (Newsweek recognized the company in 2019 and 2020 for this).

With lower prices and a wide collection of monitors to pick from than Lenovo and Dell, HP is offering you a better deal on a silver platter with no strings. Say hello to a low-cost monitor that will brighten your work days.

Though the company has been facing problems you won’t be disappointed with their range of monitors. Price cuts on already cheap monitors and free shipping will guarantee you the ideal monitor to work with.

Amazon is one of the most reliable retailers and they offer monitors at affordable prices. The best part is that prime-day shipping deals from Amazon will make your buying experience hassle-free. The company also offers monitor accessory suggestions that you just may need.

Televisions with LED-backlit features use less power and provide, generally, a brighter picture. In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology is simply another type of LCD TV technology. It provides more accuracy in the images while producing the picture and displays more vivid colors from narrow viewing angles.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) units are the most common. They are utilized with mobile devices as well as desktop computer monitors and laptops. They have many advantages, such as high-energy efficiency, better brightness, and better lighting, and they have a thin, flat design that takes up less space.

The two basic types of monitor technologies that are available to consumers are CRT monitors and LCD monitors. There are big differences between LCD and CRT, and while LCD technology has advanced to the point where its viewing quality is comparable to CRTs, some people today still choose to purchase CRT monitors.

Yes, as a matter of fact, they do. Many modern monitors do have memory in them but this type of memory is not used for the same information that’s handled in the computer itself. The monitor’s memory is simply used to control the monitor’s behavior and does not affect the computer at all.

Most often, computer monitors are known simply as your monitor but sometimes they are referred to as your computer screen or a visual display unit (VDU).

What to look for in a computer monitor depends on what you need the monitor to do. You may need a computer monitor for gaming, business, creative purposes, or general use at home.

If you need a computer monitor for gaming, you should go for one compatible with all the features in your graphics card for efficient gaming. In addition, you should go for monitors with the lowest latency possible (five milliseconds or less), full HD resolution, and a response rate of at least 60Hz or faster for better performance.

Want a monitor for business use? We recommend you go for an IPS or a LED Display screen with a full HD resolution. The screen should also be wide to allow for multiple computing. Going for additional features like webcams and microphones is also a plus.

If you need a computer for general home applications like surfing the web and emailing, then a mid-sized monitor with minimal features will do. However, this depends on your preference.

According tovssmonitoring.com, a Cathode Ray Tube monitor will last up to 10 years if used for eight hours daily. A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Monitor used for eight hours daily will last between 10 to 20 years. On the other hand, LED and OLED monitors will last between 30 and 40 years when subjected to eight hours of daily use.

Yes. You can use a TV, smart TV, or a 4KTV for a computer monitor, provided that they haveHDMI ORVGA inputs to connect to the processing unit of a computer.

Yes. You can use your TV as a second computer monitor provided that your computer and TV have HDMI adapters. All you need is to connect your computer to your TV screen using a specialHDMI cable, and you are good to go.

If you use an old computer processor featuring old DCI outputs, get a simple DVI-to-HDMI cable to connect it to your HDTV or VGA cable via VGA adapters.

Yes. You can use your computer monitor as a TV. All you only need is to connect your monitor to the streaming device using an HDMI cable. If you are using an old monitor without HDMI inputs, you must get an HDMI to VGA converter likeMorehead HDMI to VGA converter.

Yes. You can use a computermonitor for ps4 or Xbox, provided your monitor has an HDMI input. Suppose your monitor doesn’t have an HDMI input. In that case, you can connect your monitor using alternative adapters like HDMI to VGA cable, HDMI to DVI adapter, or an HDMI to display port adapter, depending on the type of adapter on your monitor.

According topcmag.com, you can determine the monitor size by measuring the distance between one corner of the screen’s viewable area and the corner on the opposite end.

Yes. According totechwire.com, all computer monitors can work with any computer processing unit irrespective of the brand or the operating system. This is because modern operating systems like Mac and Windows are designed to work with any visual display unit connected.

To clean, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away the dust. Mist a portion of the microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution and use it to wipe the screen, and then leave it to air-dry.

Experts recommend positioning your monitor in a place where its top edge is two or three inches above the level of your eyes to allow for a comfortable view without turning, bending, or straining your neck.

The number of watts consumed by a computer monitor depends on the type. Below is a tabulation of the average user’s energy consumption by different types of monitors.

Additionally, the number of watts a computer monitor may consume may also depend on your use frequency and habits. More specifically, your monitor is likely to consume less energy if you use it for fewer daily hours and have activated power save mode.

Yes. If lost, a computer monitor can be tracked using its serial number. However, computer monitors are unreliable when tracing the previous history of web pages or information processed using the monitor because they don’t store any information besides their programmed information.

Yes. You can get a replacement screen if your standalone monitor is broken. However, the repair cost almost doubles the cost of a new monitor. So, it’s upon you to decide whether to repair or go for a new screen.

The best place to recycle your computer monitor is at the manufacturing company. If you have several computers that you need recycling, find the product manufacturer online and contact them regarding the same.

Yes. Some computer monitors have speakers to allow you to listen to music and other audio. Check for an audio input jack at the back of the monitor to ascertain whether your monitor has speakers.

Most computer monitors don’t have cameras. However, they can be mounted with cameras at the top of their screens to facilitate virtual meetings and video calls.

Yes. Most airlines will permit you to bring a computer monitor onboard as a carry-on luggage provided that it meets the specified requirements regarding its size and weight.

It’s easy to think you can get by with just a laptop. After all, it comes with a built-in keyboard, trackpad and screen all in one package — what else could you possibly need? But if you’re working from home or gaming for long hours — as more and more people increasingly are — you should absolutely have a dedicated monitor set at eye level. It’s far more ergonomic and you’ll stay comfortable for longer periods of time.How to shop for a computer monitor or screen

I’ve been testing and reviewing PC monitors for years, and there are so many factors that go into monitor choice that the market is flooded with hundreds of slightly different models. Having said that, there are a few crucial factors to consider when shopping for the best monitor for you.The best screen size for your needs

A display’s resolution is the number of pixels it has on screen, usually denoted by horizontal pixels x vertical pixels (like 1920x1080, otherwise known as 1080p).

You’ll find monitors from slightly below 1080p all the way up to 3840x2160 (aka 4K) and above. Most people will be just fine with 1080p and 1440p options — especially if the main use of the screen is work-related and doesn’t involve video editing or other high-function visual needs. If you keep a lot of windows open at once, springing for 1440p is worth it over 1080p though, with some folks (including myself) even going so far as to use two monitors to research and write at the same time.A monitor’s panel type determines its color accuracy

You’ll find monitors with three basic display types:Twisted Nematic (TN) panels are more affordable and provide smoother motion but aren’t as color-accurate, and those colors can shift (or tint) when viewed at an angle. This is the best choice for budget-conscious shoppers and super-skilled gamers, though they"re becoming less common.

In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels are more color accurate and have great viewing angles, but blacks are a bit more washed out. This is generally the best all-around display type, unless maybe you plan on gaming in a dark room.

Monitors can range from around $100 all the way up to $2,000 or more, and we could easily craft a list that goes on and on for every scenario. But most people will probably stick to the lower end of that range and look for a few basic things — that’s where our recommendations lie.Best all-around computer monitor for everyday needs: Asus

Asus" new ProArt line ticks the most important boxes for most people: the PA278CV has a 27-inch, 1440p screen for a large space to work, great color accuracy, and plenty of ports for whatever you need to plug in. Its IPS display means you get great viewing angles, the stand height is adjustable for better ergonomics, and its price is in a relative sweet spot of affordability, making it an all-around winner.

If you’re on a tighter budget, HP"s 24mh gets you the best bang for your buck near the $100 mark. Unlike many of its competitors at this price point, its IPS display is attached to a height-adjustable stand, so you can position it for ideal ergonomics. It’s only 1080p, but that"s enough for an open browser window or two, and can"t be beat for the price. It is, however, backordered at the time of this writing.Best affordable monitor with deeper blacks: ViewSonic

If you need something now, ViewSonic"s affordable VA monitor is a great alternative to HP"s offering, with deeper blacks for movies and gaming that pop — albeit without the ergonomic adjustments. You could always grab a monitor stand or stack of books if you need to raise it to eye level.Best affordable 4K monitor for creatives: LG

Most people don"t need a 4K monitor at their desk, but if you"re editing high-resolution photos or working with 4K video, upgrading to a 32-inch monitor at that resolution is worth the extra money. While there are plenty of incredible pro-level monitors out there (like Apple"s Pro Display XDR), folks on a more typical budget would do well with LG"s 4K offering. Its IPS display offers a wide color gamut, HDR10 compatibility, and an adjustable stand for superb ergonomics.Best large, ultrawide screen display alternative to dual monitors: Dell

If one monitor isn’t enough room for you to work, dual monitors are great — I’ve been using dual monitors for 15 years and can’t give them up. But if you don’t have the space for two displays, a single ultrawide monitor can give you some extra real estate on your screen with a simpler setup. Dell’s UltraSharp P3421W is a great choice for the price, with a 3440x1440 resolution and all the benefits of Dell’s highly-regarded UltraSharp line — from its solid IPS panel to its adjustable stand.Best computer monitor with gaming-specific features: Samsung

Catch up on Select"s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

Working from home has become the new normal for many people, so finding the best computer monitor is more important than ever. After all, you want to see the best visual quality from your coworkers" best webcams, right? And while many PC components are still enduring depressing shortages, performing a screen upgrade is one of the most accessible and impactful changes you can make to your gaming rig at the moment.

Before we get into our primary list of picks, here is an amazing deal on one of our favorite tested monitors below. Sure, it"s more of a TV than a monitor, but it"s hard to pass up a big OLED screen for $600 (after an admittedly annoying $200 mail-in rebate).

Just know that to get the last $200 off, you"ll have to deal with an old-school rebate (where you have to mail in the original UPC). Other features include 10-bit color / 98% DCI-P3 / 130% sRGB, and a KVM feature with USB Type-C to control multiple devices. Check out our Aorus FO48U review to see why we gave it our Editor"s choice award.

Earning a 5-star rating from Tom"s Hardware, the Samsung Odyssey G7 32-inch is the best computer monitor. For gamers, it boasts the strongest curve currently available, 1000R, for incredible immersion, along with speedy gaming numbers. The 240Hz monitor has a 1ms (GTG) response time and put up a 5ms response time score in our testing, beating some 165Hz screens by 2ms. In addition, benchmarking showed input lag at 20ms, a full 6 to 10ms faster than some 165Hz screens we’ve tested, including the Dell S3220DGF also on this page.

This is also a strong work monitor. Its 32-inch panel offers plenty of height for productivity, like working on long spreadsheets in a way that’s easier than on a 32-inch ultrawide. And at a 2 to 3-foot viewing distance, we don"t have any distortion issues with that dramatic curve. Just be sure to bring your own audio because, despite the price, there are no speakers here.

The Dell S3222DGM is the best gaming monitor for many gamers. This follow-up to the highly-rated S3220DGF(opens in new tab) boasts a 32-inch VA(opens in new tab) panel, QHD resolution and 165 Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync(opens in new tab) support. Other perks in its favor are 85 percent coverage of DCI-P3 and a display curve with an 1800mm radius.

However, Dell really knocks it out of the park with the S3222DGM"s contrast ratio(opens in new tab). VA panels are known for their excellent contrast, but the S3222DGM is rated at an impressive 3,000:1, easily blowing away IPS competitors. But our sample managed to better that figure by a third, coming in at 4,000:1 in instrumented tests.

This 32-inch monitor offers plenty of vertical screen real estate without the need for scrolling and 1440p resolution(opens in new tab), the current sweet spot between image quality and gaming performance. And while the S3222DGM is targeted primarily at gamers, we found that it is also great for general productivity and anything in between.

With a 1ms (GTG) response time and 144Hz refresh rate, the LG 27GN950-B is the best computer monitor for 4K gaming. If you’ve got the graphics card, ideally one of the best graphics cards, you need to handle 144 frames per second (fps) at 4K; this monitor will ensure that power doesn’t go to waste. In our testing, the monitor showed a 7ms response time, keeping up with pricier 4K, 144Hz screens, like the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ, and even beating some when it came to input lag. Plus, FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync Compatibility will fight screen tears for those times when framerates drop below 48 fps.

eSports players and hopefuls rely on the fastest peripherals available to attenuate the delay between deciding on in-game action and when that action happens on screen. 360 Hz is the fastest refresh rate PC monitors have today, and the MSI Oculux NXG253R is the fastest of them all. Yes, the NXG253R is the fastest display we’ve ever tested, making it the best computer monitor for eSports you can buy.

If you want an affordable screen with many pixels, the Samsung UR59C is the best budget 4K monitor for you. The VA panel delivers contrast (2590.5:1 after calibration), making everything from photos to videos to games look better. This is clearly not a high-end gaming monitor with a 60 Hz refresh rate, 4ms (GTG) response, and noFreeSync or G-Sync. But casual gamers can make do, thanks to the combination of high pixel density and high contrast, keeping games looking realistic.

Curves are generally more effective on ultrawide screens, but the UR59C’s 1500R curvature was effective and beneficial for this 32-incher, such as when multitasking with multiple windows. And if you don’t mind calibrating, you can get rid of the UR59C pesky color errors, which, unfortunately, were visible out of the box. Our calibration settings reduced the error from 4.3dE to 0.9dE.

Making HDR pop over SDR is all about contrast, and for the ultimate contrast, there’s nothing better than OLED. The Aorus FO48U’s massive OLED panel not only delivers immeasurably high contrast, but we recorded 107.7% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space and near-flawless grayscale tracking. As a result, you get a rich image that’s also accurate out of the box. However, it’s not as bright as a premium LCD (399 nits with HDR, according to our testing).

Aorus’ OLED monitor is fit for high-speed HDR gaming on both PCs and consoles, thanks to DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression (DSC) and HDMI 2.1, respectively. The monitor held its own against 120Hz and 144Hz rivals in our speed tests, only falling 4ms behind its OLED gaming rival, the Alienware AW5520QF. Unfortunately, you don’t get Dolby Vision or support for the 50p and 24p TV formats, but the monitor has two 15W speakers and one 20w speaker for outstanding audio quality.

Asus has gone all out with the ProArt PA32UCG, combining 1152 dimming zones in its full-array Mini-LED backlight. A quantum dot film covers a considerable color gamut, almost 78% of Rec.2020. And it is the brightest monitor we’ve ever tested at over 1700 nits peak. To that, it adds precise out-of-box accuracy for every color mode in use today. Though it includes many calibration options and a bundled colorimeter, it’s ready for work or play, with no tweaking necessary.

A lot of us are finding ourselves working in tight spaces these days. If you’re looking to add another screen to your space, the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 is the best portable monitor. Its most standout feature is a critical one: a reliable, strong kickstand that’s easy to use, thanks to two flip-out feet. While many portable monitors are stuck with flimsy sleeves that double as stands, you can intuitively prop up the ThinkVision M14 at a -5 to 90-degree tilt or even in portrait mode. Unfortunately, its travel case isn’t as tough.

According to our benchmarks, with 244 nits max brightness and 98% coverage of the sRGB color space, the ThinkVision M14 is perfect for surfing the web or watching a movie in SDR. USB-C connectivity, meanwhile, means it won’t run out of battery when plugged into a laptop. It can also deliver as much as 65W of power to a device if plugged into a wall adapter. But those whose PC or device, such as a Raspberry Pi, doesn’t have a USB-C port with DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode and USB PD 2.0 or better will be out of luck.

However, the XG17AHPE is as expensive as it is unique. In fact, you can buy a much larger desktop-sized monitor with the same amount of speed for cheaper than this, over $400 17.3-incher. And the origami-style cover Asus includes isn’t sufficient for protecting this expensive piece of hardware or providing a reliable stand.

The HP Omen X 65 Emperium is the best computer monitor to replace your living room TV. First, it’s massive. It also comes with a remote and powerful audio that’ll fill your space, thanks to four 4-inch woofers, two 1-inch tweeters and a pair of passive radiators. The inclusion of Nvidia Shield means access to the apps you’d want on a smart TV, including Netflix and YouTube, plus access to hundreds of free games.

This is also a top-of-the-line gaming monitor. It fell just 1ms behind smaller 144Hz rivals in our response time test and even beat a 144Hz alternative during input lag testing.

If you want something a little smaller and cheaper, theAlienware AW5520QF is excellent and offers even higher contrast with its OLED panel but is much dimmer than the Omen X 65 Emperium.Round up of today"s best deals

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.

Whether you’re gaming or working, having the best computer monitor on your desk can make a huge difference. So we went out and found the top computer monitors for you, researching key features and customer sentiment to give you the big picture on this vital computer accessory.

During our research, we looked for features such as adjustable stands, color gamut, color space, screen sizes, image quality, response times, peak brightness, screen types, resolution and more. As we did our research, we paid attention to not only the features of these monitors but how the specs of each would reflect in gaming, working in a spreadsheet , watching movies (aka Netflix), or editing graphics. From that and combining it with our proprietary scoring system we determined that the LG 34UM69G-B 34″ Ultra Wide Monitor is the best monitor you can buy today. This ultra-wide monitor has everything for the most versatile experience. With ultra-low response rates, an ultra-high resolution and a sleek design, this LG monitor beat out everything else. Keep reading to learn more about this display and our other top picks.

If you’re interested in jumping on the widescreen monitor train, the LG 34UM69G-B is a computer monitor you won’t want to pass up. Measuring in at a whopping 34 inches of total display, the LG offers a 21:9 aspect ratio that is perfect for gaming. And while this isn’t a top 4K monitor – which is the ultimate best for gaming monitors – you still get a 2560 x 1080 resolution. You also get a 1ms response time and AMD FreeSync, both of which enhance gameplay by eliminating stuttering and motion blur. If 34 inches is too big of a display for you, you can take it down a notch by considering one of the best 27 inch monitors.

Unfortunately, the 34UM69G-B only offers a 75 Hz refresh rate, which isn’t as fast as we’d like to see when on a monitor for gaming that thrives on high refresh power delivery, like the best 240 Hz monitor. This means you might see some blurring during, particularly fast-action moments. The Free-Sync monitor is fully adjustable, allowing you to tilt the monitor side to side and front to back, as well as adjust the height. It has a USB-C connectivity port but you’ll only get a single HDMI port and a single Display Port, though, so you won’t be able to hook up many devices. Many ultra-wide monitors are curved gaming monitors, and this one isn’t, but we actually liked this more than the curved gaming monitors we tested. The curve is definitely “in” right now, but we were more than happy with the traditional approach the LG takes. Gamers will want to read best gaming monitors under $200.

WHY WE LIKE IT: With nearly nonexistent bevels and impressive picture quality at a budget price, the HP VH240a is a stellar option for anyone looking to improve their desk set up in their home office.

For starters, this HP computer monitor looks great with its edge-to-edge display and sleek black design. It’s subtle and understated, making it an excellent choice for your home office. The best part is that it’s also got the performance to back up its excellent design. When you get working, you’ll immediately notice the crisp image and vibrant color reproduction level you should come to expect on full HD IPS displays like this. Unfortunately, if you try to watch movies or play games with this LED-lit monitor, you might notice more motion blur than you’re used to due to its 60 Hz refresh rate.

However, wide viewing angles and accurate colors (72%sRGB color gamut)more than make up for the low refresh rate. It’s also nice to be able to adjust the monitor in the way you want. You can tilt it forward and back or flip it 90 degrees for landscape and portrait mode. Another plus is the monitor’s extremely thin bezel making it virtually frameless, which provides for a seamless multi-monitor setup. Just be aware that the monitor doesn’t feature any DisplayPorts, so you’ll have to stick with HDMI cables, which we didn’t find to be too inconvenient. If you are a gamer who uses Sony’s console, the best gaming monitor for PS4 is worth a read.

WHY WE LIKE IT: The Acer R240HY is an excellent and versatile computer monitor that performs well in home office, business office or gaming applications. With its impressive color accuracy and evocative design at an extra-affordable price, the Acer is hard to beat.

The Acer R240HY is a monitor full HD 1080p display that performs really well when it comes to color accuracy, viewing angles, and design quality…all at an affordable price under $200. It offers a maximum brightness level of 250 nits of brightness, and can be adjusted or reset to default.It also features a matte-finished screen, which does really well in eliminating glare from background lighting, making it an excellent choice amongst affordable monitors for home and business office applications. You may want to check out the best monitors for Xbox One X as well.

The overall design of the Acer is sturdy and durable. This is due in part to the fact that you can only tilt the screen forward or back a minimal amount. We consider this a win when you think about overall stability, but the lack of adjustability can make it difficult for some to find a comfortable viewing angle that works with their personal preferences. All in all, the Acer R240HY is one of the best 1080p monitors we’ve tested, which is why this excellent display made our list of top picks. And if you’re looking for gaming on Acer, you might want to check out the R240HY’s cousin, the Acer Predator XB1.

WHY WE LIKE IT: The Dell E318Hx might be the most common computer monitor you see in office spaces, and for good reason. It offers performance on a budget with low response times, wide viewing angles and low energy consumption when compared to other models.

When you’re buying monitors to do some work on for your job, you want reliability, durability, and performance…without having to pay a million bucks for it. That’s where the Dell E2318Hx comes in. Within a comfortable price range, and with great response times and multitasking capabilities, there’s no better choice for a work monitor than the Dell.There’s a reason this computer monitor is one of the most popular choices for businesses. It features a simple design that’s super easy to use and set up. Unfortunately, the display can’t be adjusted too much, but its image quality makes up for this oversight.

The Dell monitor is a full HD IPS panel that looks good for most applications. However, it doesn’t always offer the most accurate color representation, so if you’re using this for color-critical projects like photo editing, you might want to look elsewhere for a new monitor. For the average user, though, this monitor performs just fine, especially when you consider its low input lag. There’s no hesitation between a user’s action and that action being carried out on the screen. If you’re looking for budget monitors for your office, this is the one for you. Also read about the best 144Hz gaming monitors.

When you buy a monitor that is priced as low as the Sceptre E205W-1600, you can always expect to win some and lose some. Sure, you might not get a gaming-quality display here, but it still provides decent response rates (5ms) and plenty of connectivity options (2x HDMI ports, 1x DVI port, 1x VGA port). The Sceptre offers a surprisingly stylish design without being too flashy and it looks good on any desk.

Unfortunately, you won’t get full HD with this display. The Sceptre only provides a resolution of 1600×900, which sits somewhere between 720p and 1080p resolution. However, you’ll still get fairly decent color accuracy and a good picture, especially considering the price. If you’re on an extra-tight budget that absolutely cannot be broken, the Sceptre E205W-1600 is an excellent choice. These are some of the features that make up the best 4K gaming monitor.

When looking for the best PC monitor, it’s important to know the different types available. These include desktop monitors for general use, portable monitors, gaming, and professional use. From there, you can consider the display features you need, such as size, resolution, and whether you want a flat or curved monitor. Always make sure that the monitor you’re looking at has video connectors that work with your current computer and that it is compatible with your operating system. Selecting a monitor that’s best for your needs based on those criteria is the best way to make the right choice. One way to do this is to read many of our computer monitor reviews and comparison articles. Or, get an in-depth look with our computer monitor buying guide.

What is a computer monitor? Simply put, a computer monitor is a device that displays visual information fed to it by a computer’s video card (aka graphics card). Most computer monitors in 2023 come in a wide variety of sizes, to suit creative professionals and more casual users. Displays are also available in a number of types, including LCD panels, OLED displays, and CRT monitors. Each of the aforementioned display types offers its own advantages and disadvantages (like an LCD display and backlight bleeding). Many modern 2023 monitors often ship with a number of useful additional features, including Bluetooth receivers, USB hubs, microphones, stereo speakers, and more.

A computer monitor is a visual output device that converts and displays information relayed to it from a PC. Monitors generally connect to a computer’s video card or motherboard via an HDMI or VGA cable. There are three major types of monitors, CRT displays, LCD displays, and OLED displays, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some modern monitors ship with all kinds of built-in accessories, including cameras, microphones, speakers, USB hubs, and more. Read more about how computer monitors work.

Monitors are particularly useful in the business world, especially when accessing software such as Microsoft Excel. Creative professionals also demand high-quality monitors and often go for dual-monitor setups to maximize screen real estate. Computer monitors are also a must-have for gaming applications. When gamers shop for a monitor they should go for quality, choosing displays with a high refresh rate and minimal lag time. You can read more about the purpose of a computer monitor in our feature.

Connecting your PC to a TV to use as a monitor is a straightforward process. Check what kind of ports your TV and computer use for video and audio connection. Yes, there are plenty of ports, but make sure they’re the right ones. Once you do, you can find the right cable to connect the devices to each other. After connecting, switch the TV input or source to the port that you just plugged the cable into. Improve the image on the screen by adjusting the display settings of your computer. For a more detailed breakdown of this process, read our feature on how to use a TV as a monitor.

How Long Do Monitors Last?–Generally speaking, a traditional computer display should last anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 hours of use. This translates to 10 to 20 years of continuous use, assuming that you use a computer monitor for roughly eight hours per day.

If you’re in the market for a computer monitor, the number of options can seem overwhelming. That said, we can help you make sense of the essentials for choosing a computer monitor.

Computers use a number of typical monitor sizes. The smallest displays clock in at around 21-inches while the largest can be 30-inches and above. Gamers should purchase a monitor that is at least 25-inches and could also go with a dual-monitor setup. This always brings up the question of 24 vs 27-inch monitors and if a 27-inch display is in fact better. Creative professionals should opt for a monitor of at least 25-inches. Those who mostly stream media content can make do with any-sized monitor, but we would recommend a display of at least 27-inches to improve the overall experience. Habitual streamers may also opt for an ultrawide display (aka an ultrawide monitor).

Determining screen resolution gives you an instant understanding of how many pixels are in a display and whether or not it’s compatible with your needs. Someone who works in graphic arts, is a gamer, or a cinema buff might prefer a premium screen resolution for crisper images and better color display. Along with the pixel count, you need to consider the refresh rate. Going further, you’ll likely want to understand how a 1080p vs 4k monitor compares.

Specifically, gamers and graphic designers should opt for a refresh rate of 75Hz or higher. Meanwhile, people focused on full HD quality displays should prioritize a minimum of 1080p resolution for screens ranging from 21 to 24 inches wide. As a general rule though, the more pixels in a screen, the better the resolution or display will look. So it’s important to understand what is a computer monitor resolution.

Step 3. Which Display Technology Is Best For You?There are three popular screen types available today, they include LED, OLED, and QLED. Most computer monitors, tablets, and laptop screens use TFT-LCD technology, but they are also different. And whatever you do, try to understand the differences between LCD vs LED monitors. They’re not mutually exclusive.

LCDs are of different types, with each option having its drawbacks and strengths. Ideally, you have to select a VA, IPS, or TN technology when purchasing a monitor. The right choice will depend on your needs. For example, if you are a gamer, certain types of games work with different technologies. Other technologies are better suited to give out solid image quality if visuals are crucial to you.

Lastly, there are both advantages and disadvantages with each technology. All you have to do is identify the essential attributes and then state your budget. You can read more about the best monitor panel types in our resource article.

A monitor’s refresh rate refers to the number of times new images are loaded every second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the overall image. We recommend monitors with a minimum refresh rate of 60Hz for basic multitasking (emails, spreadsheets, browsing the web) and a minimum of 120 Hz for high-intensity applications such as gaming and watching movies. Note, the type of panel (TN, VA, or IPS) also factors into refresh rate performance as well, with TN panels reaching as high as a 240Hz refresh rate. Most panels fall in the 60 to 75Hz range. Some sit higher with a 144hz or 100hz refresh rate. You can read more about what is a monitor’s refresh rate in our breakdown.

NVIDIA G-Sync and FreeSync are both adaptive display technologies that improve gaming image quality for a more immersive experience. FreeSync is solid and open-source but not as effective as Nvidia’s G-Sync. However, G-sync monitors tend to be more expensive as the technology requires the manufacturer to pay a