high resolution lcd monitors free sample

LCD display doesn’t operate the same way as CRT displays , which fires electrons at a glass screen, a LCD display has individual pixels arranged in a rectangular grid. Each pixel has RGB(Red, Green, Blue) sub-pixel that can be turned on or off. When all of a pixel’s sub-pixels are turned off, it appears black. When all the sub-pixels are turned on 100%, it appears white. By adjusting the individual levels of red, green, and blue light, millions of color combinations are possible

The pixels of the LCD screen were made by circuitry and electrodes of the backplane. Each sub-pixel contains a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) element.  These structures are formed by depositing various materials (metals and silicon) on to the glass substrate that will become one part of the complete display “stack,” and then making them through photolithography. For more information about TFT LCDs, please refer to “

The etched pixels by photolith process are the Native Resolution. Actually, all the flat panel displays, LCD, OLED, Plasma etc.) have native resolution which are different from CRT monitors

HD TV has 1280×720 = 921,600 pixels; Full HD has 1920x 1080=2,073,600 pixels; 8K TV has 7,680×4,320=33,177,600 pixels. he “K” in 8K stands for Kilo (1000), meaning a TV that has achieved a horizonal resolution of about 8,000 pixels.

Although we can define a LCD display with resolution, a Full HD resolution on screen size of a 15” monitor or a 27” monitor will show different. The screen “fineness” is very important for some application, like medical, or even our cell phone. If the display “fineness” is not enough, the display will look “pixelized” which is unable to show details.

DPI stands for dots per inch and refers to the resolution of a printer. It describes the density of ink dots placed on a sheet of paper (or another photographic medium) by a printer to create a physical print.

PPI stands for number of pixels per inch. It is kind of pixel density. PPI describes the resolution of a digital image, not a print. PPI is used to resize images in preparation for printing

But you see other lower resolution available, that is because video cards are doing the trick. A video card can display a lower LCD screen resolution than the LCD’s built-in native resolution. The video cards can combine the pixels and turn a higher resolution into lower resolution, or just use part of the full screen. But video cards can’t do the magic to exceed the native resolution.

Aspect Ratio:  You might hear 4:3 which is full screen, 16:9 is for widescreen; 21:9 is for ultrawide computer monitors and televisions, as well as cinematic widescreen projectors. Some ultrawide monitors are trying to replace dual monitor.

Dell’s UltraSharp U2720Q was our main pick in an older version of this guide; compared with the S2722QC, it has a higher, 90 W USB-C charging rate and a slimmer border around the screen. If you can find it for around the same price as the S2722QC, it’s still worth considering. But as of this writing, it’s either out of stock or considerably more expensive than the S2722QC, and it’s just not worth paying extra for.

The LG 27BK67U-B and the LG 27BL55U-B are 4K monitors with good color that cost less than $400; the 67U-B has a USB hub and USB-C, whereas the 55U-B omits those features and generally costs less. But in our tests both monitors suffered from image retention, leaving behind noticeable afterimages that other budget monitors we tested didn’t have.

We dismissed the ViewSonic VP2768-4K and the BenQ PD2700U for their lack of USB-C connectivity, which is a must-have in $400-and-up monitors these days.

We also didn’t test the 27-inch LG UltraFine 5K Display, an even-higher-resolution screen for Macs with Thunderbolt 3. It’s very expensive, and getting it to work with Windows is either complicated or impossible depending on the PC you’re using.

The Acer B326HK and the BenQ PD3200U are sometimes cheaper than the 32-inch monitors we considered, but when we tested them in 2017 and 2019, respectively, we were disappointed by their mediocre contrast and color accuracy. They’re also missing newer features that we consider essential in a high-end monitor, such as a USB-C port.

We dismissed some 32-inch monitors without testing them because they were missing one or more of the features we were looking for. The ViewSonic ColorPro VP3268-4K lacked a USB-C port and didn’t cost much less than monitors that had one, and the BenQ EW3280U omitted a USB hub and had a limited stand that tilted the monitor up and down only.

Most companies have stopped making new 24-inch 4K monitors, but we did test the LG 24UD58-B against the Dell P2415Q in 2019. The LG’s screen was less accurate than the Dell’s by a wide margin. This model also had fewer ports (two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort connection), and its stand tilted the monitor up and down only.

We previously recommended an older version of this display, the Asus ProArt PA247CV, as a top pick in this guide. Both monitors are fantastic, but the newer PA248CNV offers a larger, more accurate display and a higher charging wattage for only around $40 more, an extra expense that we think is worth paying. If the PA248CNV is out of stock or has jumped in price when you’re shopping, or if you don’t have a high-powered laptop that requires 90 W charging, we recommend getting the PA247CV instead.

That said, the PA248CNV is an especially good monitor for a wide swath of laptop owners. It has a USB-C port with 90 W of charging output, which can charge most laptops at a normal rate, even some higher-powered laptops like the Dell XPS 15 and MacBook Pro. The PA248CNV also has a USB hub with four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, perfect for connecting more devices to a laptop over the USB-C connection. (We like these ports for adding accessories such as webcams and wireless mouse dongles.)

If you’ve been reading our other monitor guides lately, you might notice that this is the 24-inch version of the top pick in our guide to the best 27-inch monitors. Although many home-use displays under $500 have fallen short of their advertised color accuracy, contrast, and brightness in our tests, we’ve found that the ProArt line often lives up to its claims (or at least gets much closer than the competition). It also prioritizes features that are essential, such as USB-C charging for laptop owners and sturdy, adjustable stands.

We generally like this monitor and haven’t found issues with it. However, as we mention in our How we picked and tested section, if you’re planning on using this monitor as your main work display, you might want to consider a higher-resolution 27-inch monitor. (Our top pick in our guide to the best 27-inch monitors is just a larger, higher-resolution version of this same monitor.) On that kind of monitor, you have more screen space, and text is a bit sharper and easier to read. But if you’re already working on a 1080p laptop screen or monitor and satisfied with the image quality, that’s great! The Asus ProArt PA248CNV will be a quality replacement or upgrade.

All desktops require an external monitor to function. Computer monitors, like PCs, come in all shapes and sizes. Finding the perfect PC monitor can help take your computer experience to the next level. Whether you are looking for a high resolution external monitor to make your home office more ergonomic or you want a premium option to make gaming more robust, Micro Center has the computer monitor you need to boost productivity and enjoyment when you are using your computer.

Gaming monitors are specialized displays designed to have the lowest response times possible to stay ahead of the competition. PC monitors for office use may have slower response times but are more affordable and capable of performing general use tasks to improve productivity, viewing angles, and more.

At Micro Center, we proudly offer the best monitors for gamers, creatives, and more to help boost connectivity and the viewing experience with your Apple or PC computer. Discover your new high def LED, IPS, or LCD monitor here.

As a gamer, you still want your full HD computer screen to be height adjustable and high resolution, but you may want a few additional features to make gameplay more enjoyable and to make the most use out of your PC’s graphics card. For example, you want premium color accuracy, fast refresh rates, high contrast ratio, and the best image quality to ensure that you enjoy the gaming experience.

Resolution is important to choosing a monitor for gaming or enjoying streaming media with the best picture. Go for a 4K ultra high definition (4K UHD) or 8K monitor if you want the best resolution possible. With more than 8 million pixels, a UHD monitor will undoubtedly enhance the visuals of any gaming or video streaming experience. Ultrawide monitors are also great for creating cinematic viewing angles and making you feel like you’re in the theatre.

Additionally, gaming monitors have features that make them work better with your gaming PC. For example, the Nvidia G Sync or AMD FreeSync are used in some gaming monitors to provide a smoother refresh rate to make gameplay smoother and more enjoyable overall. Our selection of FreeSync and G Sync compatible monitors will help you maximize performance of your Nvidia or AMD graphics card.

Computer monitors are available from all the name brands such as Acer, Samsung, Dell, HP, and ASUS. Dell monitors are a popular choice among many offices and professionals because of their wide range of screen sizes and features. No matter if you are looking for a comfortable widescreen option for your home office or a gaming monitor with special features from Nvidia and AMD, Micro Center has the HD monitor you need!

From cinema content to motion-based digital art, Planar® Luxe MicroLED Displays offer a way to enrich distinctive spaces. HDR support and superior dynamic range create vibrant, high-resolution canvases for creative expression and entertainment. Leading-edge MicroLED technology, design adaptability and the slimmest profiles ensure they seamlessly integrate with architectural elements and complement interior décor.

From cinema content to motion-based digital art, Planar® Luxe Displays offer a way to enrich distinctive spaces. These professional-grade displays provide vibrant, high-resolution canvases for creative expression and entertainment. Leading-edge technology, design adaptability and the slimmest profiles ensure they seamlessly integrate with architectural elements and complement interior decor.

From cinema content to motion-based digital art, Planar® Luxe MicroLED Displays offer a way to enrich distinctive spaces. HDR support and superior dynamic range create vibrant, high-resolution canvases for creative expression and entertainment. Leading-edge MicroLED technology, design adaptability and the slimmest profiles ensure they seamlessly integrate with architectural elements and complement interior décor.

a line of extreme and ultra-narrow bezel LCD displays that provides a video wall solution for demanding requirements of 24x7 mission-critical applications and high ambient light environments

A medical display is a monitor that meets the high demands of medical imaging. Medical displays usually come with special image-enhancing technologies to ensure consistent brightness over the lifetime of the display, noise-free images, ergonomic reading and automated compliance with DICOM and other medical image quality standards.

Digital mammography images require the highest resolution and brightest displays for review. Higher brightness can contribute to a bigger chance of finding microcalcifications, which could indicate presence of breast cancer.

Medical displays for radiology, mammography and pathology require an advanced display controller that can faultlessly process the large, highly detailed files that come with medical imaging. They can handle intensive, long-term use, and process large images correctly and with minimal delay. In these ways, they can support the medical professional’s workflow. Furthermore, advanced display controllers can support technologies to better detect small details and work faster.

Surgical displays range from near-patient monitors to large-screen OR displays. Most surgical displays can be mounted onto surgical arms or booms, with cables neatly hidden, and the screen is usually scratch-resistant. They can also allow for easy cleaning and disinfection.

A dental display is a high-bright, medical monitor designed for viewing of dental images, such as X-rays of teeth, bone, nerves, and soft tissue. With dental displays, subtle abnormalities or concealed anatomical structures in the oral and maxillofacial regions become more visible, compared to consumer displays. This makes it easier for dentists to detect dental pathologies. Dental displays come in various shapes and forms, from cleanable review displays to high-end displays designed specifically for dental diagnosis.

You don’t always need a high-resolution diagnostic display in a clinical environment. You might be looking for a display you can use for various non-diagnostic activities, such as enabling easy access for clinical staff to electronic medical records, or medical images. Clinical review displays help you making medical information available across an enterprise, reliably and with consistent image quality. They can offer additional functionalities for use in medical environment, such as cleanable design that can stand alcohol cleaning agents. All our clinical review displays are DICOM-compliant.

Hardware vendors understand how the experience changes with different display specs and features and have flooded the market with a plethora of options. But which features and specs are most valuable for how you use your monitor? For example, should you get 4K, 1440p, 1080p or just plain HD resolution—and what"s the difference anyway? How much do refresh rates and response times matter? Are things like flicker-free, low blue light mode, G-Sync and FreeSync crucial? And how should your priorities change if your focus is gaming versus professional applications versus general use?

Before we get started, if you"re looking for recommendations, see our Best Computer Monitors page or gaming-specific Best Gaming Monitors list. We also have high-res picks on our Best 4K Gaming Monitors and Best Budget 4K Monitors pages and break down HDR displays in our How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor article.

Why you can trust Tom"s HardwareOur expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.Determine your monitor’s main purpose: gaming, professional or general use. Generally, gamers should prioritize fast refresh rates and low response times, professionals should prioritize color accuracy and general use users have less specific needs but will often opt for a monitor with a high-contrast VA panel.The higher the resolution, the better the picture. A monitor’s resolution tells you how many pixels a monitor has in width x height format. 1920 x 1080 (also known as 1080p, Full HD (FHD) and HD) is the minimum you need. But you"ll get sharper images with QHD and even sharper with 4K.Size matters too.Pixel density has a big impact on monitor quality, and our sweet spot is 109 pixels per inch (ppi). A larger monitor will have low pixel density if it"s a lower resolution. For viewing from typical desktop distances, 32 inches is plenty ‘big." It’s not hard to find a 32-inch gaming or general use monitor at 4K resolution for under $1,000.Refresh rates: bigger is better. This tells you the number of times your monitor updates with new information per second and is measured in hertz (Hz). Bigger numbers equal better, smoother, less choppy images. Refresh rate is especially important for gamers, who"ll want a monitor with at least 75 Hz (most monitors designed for gaming offer at least 120 Hz), combined with the lowest response time you can find. If you’re not gaming, a 60 Hz refresh rate should do.Response times: Shorter is better, but it"s not a big priority unless you’re gaming. Response time tells you how long a monitor takes to change individual pixels from black to white or, if its GTG response time, from one shade of gray to another. Longer response times can mean motion blur when gaming or watching fast-paced videos. For gaming monitors, the highest response time you’ll likely see is 5ms, while the fastest gaming monitors can have a 0.5ms response time.Panel tech: For image quality, TN < IPS < VA. TN monitors are the fastest but cheapest, due to poorer image quality when viewing from a side angle. IPS monitors have slightly faster response times and show color better than VA panels, but VA monitors have the best contrast out of all three panel types. For more on the difference between panel types, see the dedicated section below.Consider a curved monitor.Curved monitors are supposed to make your experience more immersive with a large field of view(opens in new tab) and are said to be less eye-straining. However, they can be prone to glare when viewing from certain angles (light sources are coming from various angles instead of one). Effective curved monitors are usually ultrawide and at least 30 inches, which both point to higher costs.

Images on an LCD panel are comprised of millions of tiny dots. Each pixel consists of three sub-pixels, one for each primary color. A monitor’s resolution provides a screen’s length x width in pixels. The more pixels you can pack into each square-inch of a monitor, the more realistic and smooth the image. A higher resolution (QHD or better) is important if you want a monitor that"s bigger than 27 inches.

You can tell how many pixels a monitor has based on the name of its resolution. Some resolutions have multiple names. Below are the most common monitor resolutions you’ll encounter from best (highest number of pixels) to worst (least number of pixels). Except where noted, we’re talking about a 16:9 aspect ratio.

The first is your PC"s graphics card(opens in new tab). The more pixels you have, the more processing power your graphics card needs to alter those pixels in a timely fashion. Images on 4K monitors look stunning, but if your system isn’t up to the task of driving 8.3 million pixels per frame, your overall experience will suffer and that extra resolution will actually become a hindrance, particularly if you"re gaming.

The second thing that can hold back a high-res monitor is your operating system"s font-scaling capabilities. Windows is best at a pixel density of 90-110ppi. If a monitor has a pixel density much greater than that, objects and text will look extremely small and potentially impossible to read. When reviewing 27-inch 5K monitors, we’ve been forced to use DPI (dots per inch) scaling for any hope of reading text in our apps. The quality of scaling varies among monitors and isn"t always a sure fix when text is too tiny.

The current sweet spot seems to be QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution. With monitors up to 32 inches, you see good pixel density and a detailed image that isn’t too difficult for mid-priced graphics cards to handle.

If you want ultimate speed that"s also not too taxing on your GPU, FHD (1920 x 1080) delivers the highest frame rates (you won"t find gaming monitors today with lower resolution). But avoid stretching that resolution past 27 inches, as you may notice a dip in image quality, with pesky individual pixels being visible.

Minimum graphics card requirements vary based on the game, but if you plan on buying a monitor for gaming at QHD resolution (and don’t want to have to turn the in-game settings down to low), you’ll want at least a GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or Radeon RX 6800.

4K gamers should find the fastest card they can afford. The GeForce RTX 3070 might be sufficient for lighter games or if you turn down some settings, but the GeForce RTX 3080/3090 or the Radeon RX 6800 XT or Radeon RX 6900 XT would do you better. For more tips on picking a graphics card, see our Graphics Card Buying Guide(opens in new tab), Best Graphics Cards(opens in new tab) and GPU Benchmarks(opens in new tab) Hierarchy pages. For help choosing a 4K gaming display, see our Best 4K Gaming Monitors(opens in new tab) page.

There are three major LCD technologies used in today’s PC monitors: twisted nematic (TN(opens in new tab)), vertical alignment (VA(opens in new tab)) and in-plane switching (IPS)(opens in new tab). Each has several variations that offer different advantages. We won’t get into the intricacies of how these differing panels work. Instead, the chart below explains how each impacts image quality and the best use cases for each panel.

PerformanceFastest: low response times, highest refresh rates, minimal motion blur; Low input lagLongest response times typically; Higher refresh rates possibleSlower response times than TN, faster response times than VA; Gaming-quality refresh rates are rare

While that graph should be enough to make a quick decision on panel type, if you want to dive deeper, consider the following:Contrast is the most important factor in image quality and reliability (5,000:1 is better than 1,000:1). As such, we consider VA panels to offer the best image quality among VA, IPS and TN.We’ve reviewed plenty of TN screens that can hold their own in the color department with more expensive IPS and VA displays. While the general perception is that TN offers less accurate color and contrast than VA and IPS panels, there’s a chance you won’t notice the difference. Many gaming monitors use TN panels for their speed. We’ve found that color quality differs by price more than it does by panel tech.

For our top gaming monitor recommendations, check out our Best Gaming Monitors(opens in new tab) page. And for 4K stunners, see our Best 4K Gaming Monitors(opens in new tab) page.

Competitive gamers should prioritize speed, which calls for high refresh rates (144 Hz or more), as well as the lowest response time and input lag (see our gaming monitor reviews(opens in new tab)) possible. This will likely limit you to 25 or 27 inches, possibly with lower pixel density and without extended color or HDR.

Ideally, you want a monitor with at least a 75 Hz, combined with the lowest response time you can find. Refresh rate is particularly important for gamers, so most gaming monitors have a refresh rate of at least 120 Hz, (the fastest availabile is 360 Hz), and you’ll want a maximum response time of 5ms.

However, there are some worthy 60 Hz gaming monitors, and many 4K ones are limited to 60 Hz. If you opt for a 60 Hz display and plan to game, G-Sync or FreeSync is a must (more on that below).

Lower resolution + good graphics card = faster refresh rates. Look at the on-screen display (OSD) above from the Acer Predator Z35(opens in new tab) curved ultrawide. Its resolution is low enough where a fast graphics card can hit a 200 Hz refresh rate with G-Sync enabled. If you’re buying a monitor for the long-term, remember that the graphics card your PC uses 1-3 years from now may be able to hit these speeds with ease.

Worried about input lag? Input lag is how long it takes your monitor to recognize output from your graphics card or when you’ve pushed a button on your keyboard or mouse and is something gamers should avoid. High refresh rates generally point to lower input lag, but input lag isn’t usually listed in specs, so check our monitor reviews(opens in new tab) for insight. Sites like DisplayLag(opens in new tab) also offer unbiased breakdowns of many monitors’ input lag.

Gaming monitors usually have Nvidia G-Sync (for PCs with Nvidia graphics cards) and/or AMD FreeSync (for running with PCs using AMD graphics cards). Both features reduce screen tearing and stuttering and add to the price tag; although, G-Sync monitors usually cost more than FreeSync ones.

So, should you opt for G-Sync or FreeSync? Here’s what to consider:Which hardware do you already have? If you’ve already nabbed a shiny new RTX 3080, for example, the choice is clear.Team Nvidia or Team AMD? If you"re not tied to either, remember that G-Sync and FreeSync offer comparable performance for the typical user. We learned this when we tested both against each other in ourNvidia G-Sync vs. AMD FreeSync(opens in new tab) faceoff.What"s the Adaptive-Sync"s lowest supported refresh rate? G-Sync monitors operate from a 30 Hz refresh rate up to the monitor’s maximum, but not all FreeSync ones do.FreeSync monitors usually support Adaptive-Sync up to a monitor’s maximum refresh rate, but it’s the lower limit you must note. We’ve reviewed screens that bottom out at as high as 55 Hz. This can be problematic if your graphics card can’t keep frame rates above that level. Low frame rate compensation (LFC), which G-Sync kicks in at below 30 Hz, is a viable solution but will only work if the max refresh is at least 2.5 times the minimum (example: if the maximum refresh rate is 100 Hz, the minimum must be 40 Hz for LFC to help).Many FreeSync monitors can run G-Sync.Nvidia has tested and certified some of these as G-Sync Compatible. Many non-certified monitors can also run G-Sync too, but performance is not guaranteed. See our article on how to run on G-Sync on a FreeSync monitor for more.

Overdrive and motion blur reduction are available in many gaming monitors (under various brand names). To understand their value, you’ll first need to understand ghosting. Ghosting is that blurry trail a moving object creates on the screen sometimes. That’s caused by uneven pixel transition, or when it takes a monitor’s pixel longer to change from Color A to Color B than from Color B to Color A.

Overdrive reduces ghosting by speeding the rate at which pixels transition through higher voltages. When done correctly, the pixel reaches that level quickly, then changes for the next frame before voltage gets too high.

Here’s what to consider before deciding for or against the two:Overdrive can create inverse ghosting artifacts, so check our reviews to learn how good a monitor’s overdrive feature is. You can test your own monitor’s overdrive by using the BlurBusters UFO test(opens in new tab). Watch the UFO while switching between your monitor’s different overdrive options. When you see a white trail behind the saucer, you’ve gone too far.You typically can’t use motion blur reduction and G-Sync / FreeSync at the same time. (There are rare exceptions, like the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQ.) Gamers should opt for Adaptive-Sync every time. A fast graphics card running at 60 fps and higher with G-Sync or FreeSync will pretty much eliminate any need for motion blur reduction.Motion blur reduction reduces overall brightness. We’ve tested monitors that cut brightness by over 60% if blur reduction is on.

Gaming monitors often go on sale, but it’s hard to tell if you’re actually getting a good deal. The first way to find out is to check reviews to make sure it’s the right monitor for you.

Finally, we love PCPartPicker.com(opens in new tab) and, for Amazon listings, CamelCamelCamel(opens in new tab)for tracking the price history of specific monitors.

Both gaming and professional monitors are more than qualified to serve as general use displays. But if you want to avoid spending extra money on a specialized monitor, you need something that works well for every kind of computing, entertainment and productivity. Here’s how to decide what’s best for you:Contrast is king, so VA panels are too. We consider contrast the first measure of image quality, followed by color saturation, accuracy and resolution. When a display has a large dynamic range, the picture is more realistic and 3D-like. VA panels typically offer 3-5 times the contrast of IPS or TN screens. If you place a VA and IPS monitor next to each other with matched brightness levels and calibration standards, the VA screen will easily win in terms of image quality.Consider flicker-free if you"ll be staring at the screen for over 8 hours. They won’t flicker at any brightness level, so even those particularly sensitive to flickering will be pleased.Low blue light isn’t a buying point. Most operating systems, including Windows 10(opens in new tab), have modes for reducing blue light, based on the theory that blue light interferes with sleep. But although many monitors offer this feature, it"s not necessary. Low blue light can make a computer image less straining on your eyes, but so can accurate calibration. And since reducing blue brightness also affects all other colors, you may experience an unnatural look in graphics and photos. This is especially distracting in games and videos. There"s no need to prioritize low blue light, but it’s becoming harder to find monitors without it.

Professional users have special needs. If you’re a photographer, print proofer, web designer, special effects artist, game designer or someone that needs precise color control, this section’s for you. Here’s what to know:Monitors vendor-certified as color accurate cost more but are worth it. If you want a monitor that’s accurate out of the box, this is your best choice. It’s especially important for monitors without calibration capabilities. Professional monitors should come ready for work with no adjustment required. A DeltaE (dE)(opens in new tab) value of 2 or lower is a good sign. A dE under 3 is typically considered invisible to the human eye.You want calibration options. There are two ways to accomplish this: the on-screen display (OSD) and software. Check our reviews for monitor-specific calibration recommendations.Calibration options should include choices for different color gamuts, color temperatures and gamma curves. At minimum there should be sRGBand Adobe RGB standards, color temperatures ranging from 5,000 to 7,500K and gamma presets from 1.8 to 2.4. Monitors used for TV or movie production should also support the BT.1886 gamma standard.Flicker-free goes a long way if you’re spending eight hours or more in front of a computer screen. Many pro monitors today offer this.

What bit-depth do I need?Higher is better, and professionals need at least 10-bits. An 8-bit panel won’t cut it for most professional graphics work. If possible, opt for 12-bit. For more, see our article on the difference between 10 and 12-bit(opens in new tab).A deep color monitor won’t do you any good if your graphics card can’t output a 10- or 12-bit signal. Yes, the monitor will fill in the extra information, but only by interpolation. Just as with pixel scaling, a display can’t add information that isn’t there in the first place; it can only approximate. Many consumer-grade graphics cards are limited to 8-bit output.

Screen resolution is crucial for designers, photographers and artists. When you"re working on digital creations, your monitor is one of the most important tools you own since it shows you what"s happening while you work as well as the final result.

The screen resolution of your monitor can have a huge impact on how your work is displayed, and on how comfortably you can work without straining your eyes, so it"s important to know what screen resolution your monitor has, and what screen resolution to choose when you"re upgrading your kit.

If your screen resolution is too high, icons and texts may appear too small and your hardware may be put under additional strain as the monitor struggles to hit the high resolutions. But if your screen resolution is set too low, it can result in poor image quality that takes up too much workspace and can also harm the results of your work.

In this guide, we"ll explain why screen resolution is so important for designers and how it can affect your results, how to check the screen resolution of your current monitor, and how to buy the best monitor for your needs

See our guide to monitor calibration if you want to optimise your monitor"s performance, and if you"re thinking of upgrading your monitor, check out our guides to the best ultrawide monitor and the best 4k monitors. If you want to skip to purchasing a better computer, see our guide to the best laptops for photo editing.

What do we mean when we talk about screen resolution? The monitor that"s connected to your PC – or built into your laptop – displays images using pixels, which are essentially small squares of light that change colour. Computer screens are made up of thousands of pixels. By changing the colours of those pixels in certain patterns, screens can show images, photos, text and all kinds of graphics.

The numbers that we use when we talk about screen resolution are the number of pixels a screen can show horizontally and vertically. A screen that has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 (a popular resolution often known as 1080p or Full HD), can display 1,080 pixels vertically, and 1,920 pixels horizontally.

The higher the number of pixels a screen can show, the sharper and more detailed the image quality. But, the number of pixels that a screen can show isn"t the only factor involved when it comes to image quality. There"s also pixel density. Monitors come in all kinds of sizes, as well as resolutions. You"ll often find monitors of different sizes that have the same number of pixels, for example a 24-inch monitor and a 32-inch monitor both with a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080. The image quality on the smaller monitor can often look sharper and more vivid because of its pixel density. This is measured in PPI (Pixels Per Inch). The smaller screen will have a higher number of pixels per inch than the larger screen.

The higher the PPI, the better the image quality, so while it might be tempting to choose the largest screen possible, if you"re looking for the best image quality, consider getting a smaller monitor with a higher resolution rather than a larger monitor with a lower resolution.

It"s worth bearing in mind that the screen resolution that your monitor advertises isn"t the only resolution it can display. The published resolution is known as the native resolution of the screen and is the resolution that looks best on the display. You can change the resolution of the screen, although you can only change it to a lower resolution than the native resolution, not higher.

For example, if you buy a 4K (also known as an Ultra High Definition) screen, with a resolution of 3840 x 2160, and you find the resolution is too high, you can set your PC, Mac or laptop to display at a lower resolution, for example 1920 x 1080.

If you want to check the native resolution of your monitor or laptop screen, the process is pretty easy, although it differs depending on whether you use a Windows machine or a Mac or MacBook.

If you use Windows on your PC or laptop, you can check the screen resolution (and change it) by right-clicking on an empty space on the desktop and clicking "Display settings".

In the window that opens, you"ll see "Display resolution" with the current resolution listed underneath. If it says "(Recommended)" next to the resolution, that means it"s the native resolution for your display and the one that will probably look the best.

If you want to change the screen resolution, click the down arrow next to the resolution. This will show a list of all the other display resolutions your screen can handle. Click one, and the resolution will be applied – temporarily at least.

Because changing the resolution to something that your screen doesn"t support can cause problems, Windows will show you what the resolution looks like and ask you if you want to keep it. If you do, click "Keep changes". Otherwise, click "Revert" to change the resolution back to what it was before. You can also choose to do nothing, and after 15 seconds your device will revert to the previous resolution. This is useful if you accidentally choose a resolution that your display can"t handle, leading to it displaying a blank screen. Simply wait 15 seconds, and the old resolution will come back.

The easiest way to find the display resolution on your Mac or MacBook is to click the Apple icon in the top left-hand corner of the screen. On the menu that appears, select "About This Mac". A window will pop up, and at the top you"ll see "Displays." Click there, and you"ll see the size and resolution of your screen.

To change the display resolution on your Mac"s screen, click on "Displays Preferences" in the bottom right-hand corner of the open window. In the new window that pops up, select "Scaled" next to where it says "Resolution". Choose the resolution based on whether you want larger text or more space.

So, what screen resolution should you go for? The answer to that question varies depending on the sort of work you"ll be doing and what kind of machine you"ll be working on.

Let"s start with the kind of work. If you"re a graphic artist or 3D modeller, then the minimum resolution you should opt for is 1360 x 768. However, if you can, we recommend going for 1920 x 1080. That extra resolution will give you a bigger canvas to work on, and it will improve the image quality.

For people working with complex 3D models, such as architects, animators or game developers, going above 1920 x 1080 can begin to put a real strain on your machine"s GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). If you want to go for a higher resolution, make sure your hardware can handle it, otherwise you may find your PC performs very slowly when trying to render at those high resolutions.

For video editors, we recommend 1920 x 1080 as a minimum. This is because 1080p is the standard high-definition resolution for videos, so if you"re working with 1080p video, you"ll want a screen that can display that natively. If you work with 4K video, then go for a screen resolution of 3840 x 2160 since this will allow you to play back 4K footage natively.

For photographers, we"d recommend going for the highest resolution you can afford. Still images don"t require as much graphical grunt to display on high-resolution screens, and most photographs are taken at well above 1080p resolutions. For example, a camera that takes 21-megapixel photos is actually capturing images at 5,104 x 4,092 resolution. Even a 4K monitor won"t display that natively, but the higher the resolution of the screen, the better (and more accurately) your photos will appear.

The resolutions we mention above apply to standard widescreen monitors with a 16:9 aspect ratio. However, some devices have different aspect ratios – and therefore different display resolutions.

For example, the 15-inch MacBook Pro has a 2,880 x 1,800 resolution screen. That makes it a lot sharper than a standard 1080p display. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 3(opens in new tab) has a 15-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 2,496 x 1,664 resolution. Again, that makes it a better display than a standard 1080p screen, though not quite as sharp as the screen on the MacBook Pro.

Other excellent laptops with high screen resolutions recommended for digital creatives include the Surface Book 2 (with a 3,240 x 2,160 resolution), the Dell XPS 15, which comes with either a 2,560 x 1,080 screen, or a 3,840 x 2,160 display.

Typical LCDs are edge-lit by a strip of white LEDs. The 2D backlighting system in Pro Display XDR is unlike any other. It uses a superbright array of 576 blue LEDs that allows for unmatched light control compared with white LEDs. Twelve controllers rapidly modulate each LED so that areas of the screen can be incredibly bright while other areas are incredibly dark. All of this produces an extraordinary contrast that’s the foundation for XDR.

For even greater control of light, each LED is treated with a reflective layer, a highly customized lens, and a geometrically optimized reflector that are all unique to Pro Display XDR. Through a pioneering design, light is reflected, mixed, and shaped between two layers to minimize blooming and provide uniform lighting.

With a massive amount of processing power, the timing controller (TCON) chip utilizes an algorithm specifically created to analyze and reproduce images. It controls LEDs at over 10 times the refresh rate of the LCD itself, reducing latency and blooming. It’s capable of multiple refresh rates for amazingly smooth playback. Managing both the LED array and LCD pixels, the TCON precisely directs light and color to bring your work to life with stunning accuracy.

The new Philips gaming display has quick access OSD fine tuned for gamers, offering you multiple options. "FPS" mode (First person shooting) improves dark themes in games, allowing you to see hidden objects in dark areas. "Racing" mode adapts display with fastest response time, high color, along with image adjustments. "RTS" mode (Real time strategy) has a special SmartFrame mode which enables highlighting of specific area and allows for size and image adjustments. Gamer 1 and Gamer 2 enable you to save personal customized settings based on different games, ensuring best performance.

That’s why we have compiled the most important tips and recommendations to help you select suitable monitors for your workstation at home and explain the key technical features.

External monitors with large display sizes have a clear advantage in their size alone because they can easily accommodate several application windows next to each other. With a little practice, programme windows can be quickly and clearly arranged next to each other using shortcuts. Working with these types of desktop monitors makes work more efficient and more comfortable. This saves valuable time and is also healthier and more ergonomic as texts and graphics are displayed in a larger, clearer size, which reduces eye strain. More information is available next to each other and you don’t have to constantly change between different programme windows.

We recommend screens with the highest possible resolution to ensure the sharpest image reproduction. Due to the fact screens of the same size have a higher detail sharpness at high resolutions, the following simple rule of thumb applies: the higher the detail resolution, the better. This drastically improves readability, which is particularly important when working at a screen all day.

Detail resolution is measured in ppi (pixel per inch). This value describes the distance between the individual pixels and is therefore also called pixel density. To come back to the rule of thumb: the higher the pixel density, the finer the details that can be displayed on the monitor and the sharper the image.

Some users shy away from high-resolution monitors because they are concerned that the higher detail resolution also means that the font or the menus and user interfaces will be smaller. While this phenomenon was indeed associated with high pixel density in the early days of 4K monitors, this problem is now a thing of the past. Software manufacturers of operating systems and programs now offer scaling functions that allow you to scale fonts and menus to your preferences, giving you the benefit of a sharp display without having to compromise on your usual font size.

23/24-inch screen in 16:9 format: resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (also known as Full-HD). 23/24-inch screens with a 16:10 aspect ratio are even better. This comes with a resolution of at least 1920 × 1200 pixels (WUXGA). The extra lines can make working more comfortable for you because you don’t have to scroll as much and you can easily view and edit two A4 pages that are almost in their original size side-by-side, for example.

27-inch screen: resolution of at least 2560 × 1440 pixels (WQHD), preferably 3840 x 2160 (also referred to as UHD 4K). This pleasant combination of screen size and resolution offers much more room to work compared to Full-HD, especially if you use several windows simultaneously.

32-inch screen: a resolution of 3840 × 2160 pixels (UHD 4K) and aspect ratio of 16:9 offers you the most space and an optimal display size for your contents and for dividing up your screen area.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. For special applications such as graphic design software or CAD/CAM, for example, we generally recommend 4K or UHD resolutions.

To ensure that the display you’ve chosen works as it should with your computer, your PC or laptop must have a suitable graphics output for image output in the desired resolution and with the correct signal type. Old analogue connections (connected via VGA/DSub sockets) sometimes do not even allow Full-HD signals without interference. The following ports are recommended for resolutions above Full-HD: HDMI, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort or USB-C. This means it is essential to check the computer’s available video outputs when selecting the right monitor.

Computers with a DisplayPort (DP) or Mini DisplayPort (Mini DP) are ideal because these outputs easily support higher resolutions with high refresh rates. In addition, the sound is also transmitted directly when necessary for the intended use.

These types of end devices can be easily connected to modern monitors, which are usually always equipped with ‘normal’ DisplayPorts. If your computer uses a Mini DP output, you will need a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter cable.

If your computer only has an HDMI port, you may be limited in your choice of monitor. In this case, the version of your HDMI port will be important because older versions do not readily support 4K UHD resolutions or can limit the refresh rate to 30 Hz, for example. Click here for information on the specifications of different HDMI versions

Today’s computers are often also equipped with a USB-C output. In these cases, it is important that this port also supports the so-called DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) and therefore the transmission of video signals. If this is the case, these ports also process higher resolutions without any problems.

Does your monitor not have a USB-C input and does your laptop only have a USB-C video output? That’s not a problem with a ‘USB-C to DisplayPort’ adapter cable! Here’s our practical guide to using external monitors and laptops.

If you want to operate several monitors on your laptop, it is of course particularly convenient if you only need to connect a single cable to your computer. For this purpose, you should look out for the daisy chain function via USB-C or DisplayPort (depending on the model). This allows you to connect several monitors to each other in series.

In a home office, for example, a private PC and company computer can share the monitor, the keyboard and mouse connected to it as well as further daisy-chained monitors.

Turn your monitor into a docking station! The outstanding connectivity and clean desk options of EIZO monitors make any workstation more flexible and more reliable.

Different monitors use different panels or, in other words, different display technologies. We recommend IPS panels for daily work in your home office because they offer the best picture quality. An IPS panel gives you a balanced combination of outstanding colour reproduction and high viewing angle stability. This means that contrast and colour reproduction are only minimally affected even at widely varying viewing angles.

The monitor’s gamut is another factor that needs to be considered during the selection process. A monitor with a good sRGB gamut is sufficient for office applications. Graphic design applications and photo editing often have higher requirements. If your monitor at home is to be used not only for work, but also for hobbies such as photography, video or graphic design content in your leisure time, it’s worth taking a look at devices with a wide gamut – these are called graphics monitors.

In addition to a clear and high-contrast display, the hallmark of a good monitor is that it reduces back strain and eye fatigue while working first and foremost. After all, it is well known that working in front of a screen for a prolonged period leads to ‘tired’ eyes, among other things. There are a number of possible reasons for this.

The monitor’s image should always be easy to read. Unfortunately, many monitors and laptops have glossy display panels built in. Sometimes, there are even reflective protective glasses in front of the actual panel. This leads to unwanted reflections. In addition to the actual monitor image, the viewer often sees reflections of lamps or windows that are behind them, or even reflections of themselves. These unnecessary interferences make working with screens considerably more exhausting, distracting and, in the worst case scenario, can even affect your posture. To prevent these disruptive reflections, you should make sure that the monitor you use while working from home has a matt panel surface and is therefore effectively anti-reflective.

Displays with LED backlighting emit a high proportion of blue light. During the day, this is beneficial because blue light ensures that we are awake and alert. At night, however, blue light throws our daily rhythm out of balance and can even affect sleep.

When working from home, sometimes you sit down again at the same monitor in the evening and want to go to sleep promptly afterwards. In order not to disturb the natural day-night rhythm, it helps to have a functionality for daytime rhythmic dimming. This takes into account our different requirements during the course of the day (‘circadian dimming’) and allows the colours to be adapted to your inner clock. While the colour temperature is higher during the day, it is lowered in the evening, meaning the amount of blue light is automatically reduced.

Back and neck pain are some of the most widespread health problems of our time. Working people are often particularly affected, since having an uncomfortable or simply unhealthy posture while working is one of the possible causes. Since every person has individual physical characteristics and needs, the right monitor can make a key contribution to preventing back and neck pain. While the tilt angle of laptop screens can be adjusted at best, external monitors can be optimally adjusted in terms of height, tilt and rotation to fit your individual preferences, so that you can work in the best way possible, whether standing or sitting. Information and tips on how to set up the perfect workstation

The EV2760 stands out with its high resolution, anti-reflection coating and flicker-free screen. The monitor offers a wide range of connection options thanks to one HDMI, one DVI-D and two DisplayPort signal inputs as well as four USB downstream ports. 68.5 cm (27 Inches)

The EV2457, with its virtually frameless design, is the ideal solution for multi-display viewing. Other monitors can be conveniently interlinked via the DisplayPort output. 61 cm (24.1 Inches)

The 22.5” EV2360 with a 16:10 aspect ratio delivers a pin-sharp resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. A true all-round monitor for the office. 57.2 cm (22.5 Inches)

How big is big enough? When it comes to computer monitors, you want something that can fit comfortably on your desk while giving you plenty of screen real estate. While in the past sub-20-inch monitors were commonplace, today, unless you’re really constrained for space, there’s no real need to buy anything under 22 inches. For most, 24 inches is going to be a baseline, as you can pick up a number of screens at that size for around $100, and they look fantastic at 1080p.

For those who want more than that, though, there are plenty of sizes to choose from. Monitors that stretch 27 inches diagonally are increasingly popular, and there are plenty of options beyond 30 inches that are affordable. If you want to go extreme, we’ve even tried some great computer monitors that get close to 50 inches, like Samsung’s CHG90.

While you’ll need to sit well back from those, there’s no denying that they look amazing. They give you the same screen as multiple smaller monitors without a bezel dividing them down the middle. They tend to be rather expensive, though, and if you go really wide, you’ll struggle to find media that can display at close to its native resolution, leaving the picture to either look stretched or surrounded by black.

Anywhere between 24 and 30 inches is going to be perfectly fine for most users. They let you make the most of modern resolutions and color clarity, and they also fit a couple of different web pages open at the same time without needing to use two monitors, which is handy for many professionals. They don’t tend to be too expensive at that size, either, unless you opt for the top-end models.

Today, all the best screens are still LCD monitors that use LED technology for a slim product that saves energy while providing ideal backlighting. We’ve been waiting years for OLED technology to make the transition to PC monitors, it isfinally beginning thanks to brands like LG, but the technology is still relatively rare.

One aspect of PC monitors that you do need to consider, though, is resolution. While 1080p was once the gold standard, today, it’s just the baseline. If you’re happy to spend a little more, there are a few other options worth considering, especially if you want to improve screen space or gaming visuals. Resolution isn’t the be-all and end-all of monitor features, though. In fact, too much resolution on too small of a screen can often be annoying because it shrinks all images down and forces you to enlarge everything to easily read it.

1080p: If you want reasonable clarity, but want to save on cost or focus on other, more important features, 1080p is where it’s at — as long as the monitor you’re buying isn’t extremely large. 1080p is ideal for 21-inch to 24-inch displays. These monitors offer great picture quality, and now that they are competing with 4K, the prices are rock-bottom. If you want to go larger than 24 inches, though, you should consider 2,560 x 1,440 resolution at the least and perhaps 4K.

1440p: The oft-forgotten stepchild in the gradual marriage of consumers and 4K, 1440p is still the suggested resolution for gamers, as it offers a noticeable improvement in visuals over 1080p but doesn’t overly tax your graphics card. It’s also far more affordable if you’re interested in extra features like high refresh rates. It is also commonly referred to as Quad HD/QHD.

4K/Ultra HD (UHD): 4K is the resolution that the industry is most keen to drive consumers towards. It looks much more detailed than 1080p with 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, and prices have come down substantially in the past few years. That said, gamers will need a powerful graphics card to run a system at this resolution, and finding affordable monitors with full suites of frame synching support or high-refresh rates is still difficult. There is plenty of 4K media out there to enjoy, though, whether you’re streaming or using UHD Blu-rays.

5K:This resolution made headlines when Apple debuted it on its iMac, but it’s far from a common resolution even years later. Dell’s UP2715K is a great-looking display, but we would recommend many high-end 4K monitors before it, as you won’t be able to see too much difference between them.

8K: There are some 8K monitors available as well, notably Dell’s 8K Ultrasharp. There’s not really any need for a monitor with such a high resolution at this time, but they are available for those with the budget if resolution is absolutely the most important thing.

While the above are the most common resolutions you’ll find on monitors, some fall into more niche categories. The best ultrawide monitors offer unique aspect ratios and resolutions with broad horizontal pixel counts, but less on the vertical dimension.

Aspect ratio: The aspect the screen shows images in (length compared to height). A common standard, and your best bet, is 16:9. It works with plenty of content, and it’s great for movies or games. Some fancy monitors like to stretch things out with ratios like 21:9, but that is more suitable for unusual work situations or hardcore gaming. Another common format, 16:10, provides slightly more vertical space for viewing multiple open documents or images. 3:2 is becoming more commonplace in laptops for better web viewing, but that’s rare on stand-alone displays.

Brightness: High-end monitors these days have brightness around 300 to 350 cd/m2. Extra brightness may be handy if you work in a well-lit room or next to large windows. However, too much brightness is a recipe for eye strain. As long as brightness options reach 250 cd/m2, your monitor is good to go. That said, if you want one with HDR support, the more peak brightness, the better to best take advantage of that technology.

Contrast ratio: Contrast ratios tell you the difference between how white and how black a monitor screen can get. Higher contrast ratios are a good sign because that means colors will be more differentiated. However, multiple measurements for contrast ratios exist, and stated specs aren’t very reliable, so take it all with a grain of salt.

HDR: High dynamic range, or HDR, is a recent addition to the PC monitor space and can have a dramatic impact on visuals. However, most PC monitors lack the brightness needed to take full advantage of it, and even the best ones don’t look as good as they should. Keep in mind there are a variety of HDR versions to consider, like HDR10+, for more advanced content.

Refresh rate: Rated in hertz (Hz), a monitor’s refresh rate is how often it updates the image on your screen. While most support up to 60Hz, some displays now offer much higher refresh rates. That can result in smoother movements on your desktop and support for higher frame rates in games, which can make a big difference in high-paced titles by reducing your input lag. 120Hz to 144Hz is a great range to target, but you could opt for the fastest screens out there with up to 240Hz support. Just make sure you have a high-powered graphics card to back it up.

IPS: Displays with IPS panels tend to be the most expensive of the bunch, but what you get for your money is much richer colors and clear viewing angles that are near horizontal. The downside of IPS panels is that they don’t tend to have as fast response times as TN displays, so some consider them inferior for gaming. There are, however, gaming IPS displays, like the fantastic Asus PG279Q, which make good ground on their TN counterparts. Some IPS monitors suffer from quality control issues, though, and most IPS displays have a telltale glow when displaying dark images due to backlight bleeding.

There are also curved monitors to consider. They don’t have different resolutions than their flat counterparts, but present a concave curved screen, which can make a difference to the experience and tasks they’re best suited for.

They have a narrow field of view, and aren’t that great for group watching. Fortunately, this is less of an issue on monitors, which tend to have an audience of one.

There are a few different ports you should look for on your monitor. Where VGA and DVI were standards of yesteryear, today, new displays ship with HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C connections most commonly. To make things more confusing, each of those has its own multitude of generations, which you need to be aware of if you’re planning on running a high-resolution or high refresh rate display.

To run a display at 4K resolution, you’ll need to use HDMI 1.4 at the very least, though HDMI 2.0 would be required if you want to support a refresh rate of 60Hz, which should be a bare minimum unless all you do is watch movies on it (with HDMI 2.1 being the newest version of the standard). If you want to do high refresh rate gaming, especially at higher resolutions, DisplayPort 1.4 monitors can handle up to 8K at 60Hz and 4K at up to 200Hz, so they’re better suited than HDMI in that regard. DisplayPort 2.0 is also on the way.

The slightly older, DisplayPort 1.2 connector can handle 1440p and 1080p at high refresh rates, too, so if you’re not opting for 4K, that port option should suffice for lower-resolution monitors. USB-C is an option, as it can support up to 4K resolution, but it’s not as capable as DisplayPort connections.

We recommend picking a monitor that is easy to use, especially if you’re building a complex setup with more than one monitor. Think about adding a stand that you can tilt or rotate to achieve the perfect monitor angle. Some monitors even let you adjust tilt and rotation with one hand.

Built-in controls to navigate through the monitor’s menu and select different monitor modes are an interesting feature, but they shouldn’t feel clunky. Pay attention to port placement and cable management features to connect your new monitor in a neat and tidy manner. Some monitors go an extra step and include charging ports along the base or even turn the monitor base into a wireless charging pad for your phone.

The most common computer monitors are compact enough to sit on a table, desk, or stand. However, if you’re in the market for an enormous monitor, the most space-efficient choice is to mount the monitor onto a wall, thereby freeing up precious floor space. In this case, look for monitors thatcome with VESA standard mountingoptions or which are compatible with them. That way, you’ll have a larger selection of mounting arms from a variety of manufacturers to choose from, rather than being limited by specific mounting options.

You may use your monitor to hold video chats with friends or for business conferences. You have two main options for video communication, namely a built-in webcam or an independent camera, with marked differences that provide benefits according to your needs. Many monitors, especially high-quality models, come with an integrated webcam.