Since monitors vary significantly in size, features, and performance, finding the right one for you can be difficult. Whether you use a computer for work, creating videos, or gaming, a proper monitor will change your experience.
If you’ve invested in a high-end computer, an adequately capable monitor is simply a must to make the most of your purchase. And if you use a laptop, the second monitor will work better for multitasking, put less strain on your eyes, and have more ergonomic adjustments, ensuring that you have a better pose while working and you tire less.
Monitor size
Desktop monitors are measured diagonally in inches. The smallest monitors can be under 20 inches, and the largest go up to 55. It might seem that bigger means better; however, that depends on many circumstances.
- 24 to 27-inch monitors are the most common because this is the size that allows seeing everything on a flat screen at once when viewed from the typical desktop distance. Such monitors are universal and work well for everything from gaming to work.
- Smaller sizes are used on portable monitors and laptop screens, as people want their portable devices to be compact and lightweight even if they don’t offer the most immersive experience.
- 27–30-inch monitors are common for 4K resolution, and even larger ones exist for gaming. Large screens can provide a more immersive experience, but they look best if viewed from a larger distance (for example, hung on the wall).
Turning your head whenever you want to check what’s in the other corner may not be the best setup; thus, consider how far your monitor will stand and how much space you have before buying.
Resolution
The monitor size should always be considered together with its native resolution. This is the number of pixels that comprise the image horizontally and vertically. Typical screen resolutions for gaming monitors are:
- Full HD (also called FHD), which measures 1920x1080 pixels
- Quad HD (also called QHD or 2K), which measures 2560x1440 pixels
- 4K (sometimes and more precisely called UHD), which is 3840x2160 pixels.
- 5K, which measures 5120×2880 pixels
- 8K, which measures 7680×4320 pixels and is the highest resolution defined in the UHDTV standard
If only one figure is indicated in specifications, it refers to the vertical edge. What you want from your monitor is the optimal pixel density. This is the number of pixels per inch (ppi) on the screen. To some extent, higher density means better, but the optimum will depend on your personal preferences. Around 100 ppi or slightly more usually is a golden mean. You can check the pixel density for each monitor by using this calculator.
Aspect ratio
An aspect ratio describes the width and height of a screen. It consists of two numbers separated by a colon, the first number denoting the screen’s width and the second its height.
The widescreen format at 16:9 is currently the most common aspect ratio for monitors and works well for all purposes, including watching movies or playing games. On a 4:3 monitor, your movies and games will look pressed and certainly less immersive.
There are also ultrawide monitors with aspect ratios like 21:9 or 32:9. These offer an increased field of view and may provide a competitive advantage to hardcore gamers. However, the content viewed must support an ultrawide aspect ratio too. If not, you’ll see blank edges on the screen, and the experience will not look any better than on a 16:9 monitor.
Refresh rate and response time
This speed at which the screen refreshes is called refresh rate and is measured in hertz (Hz). For example, 60 Hz means that the display is refreshed 60 times each second, which is the most common refresh rate today. However, a higher rate means smoother and less choppy images; thus, gamers use monitors with 120-144 Hz or even higher rates.
Refresh rate is sometimes confused with the response time. It is measured in milliseconds and refers to the time needed for a pixel to change from black to white (called black-to-white response time) or from one shade of grey to another (called grey-to-grey response time). Longer response times can result in motion blur when watching videos or playing games, so shorter means better. The best gaming monitors will have response times of 0.5-1 ms, but you can use a slower monitor for work, photo editing or movies.
Monitor type
Most computer monitors nowadays still have LCD screens, but OLED options are becoming popular, too. Each of these technologies has their pros and cons that you should know before buying.
LCD monitors
LCD stands for a liquid crystal display. Each pixel on display is created by precisely organised liquid crystal molecules. Nowadays, most LCD screens are backlit with LED (light-emitting diode) lights. This technology is more affordable than others, and the resulting screens are flat and lightweight. However, the disadvantage is that they tend to have slower response times and poorer contrast.
OLED monitors
OLED means an organic light-emitting diode, and these displays contain organic compounds that emit light in response to electricity. Therefore, no backlighting is required, and this means deeper blacks and better overall contrast. Because backlighting is not needed, OLED screens are also thinner and lighter. Other advantages are fantastic colours and fast response times. However, these screens are costly to make, and an image can be burned in on the screen if displayed for an extended period.
If you opt for an LCD monitor, these differ by the technology used, which affects the image quality and response times.
TN panels
TN panels generally have the lowest response times and highest refresh rates. Thus, they suffer from minimal motion blur or ghosting and are great for users who are into fast-paced, competitive gaming. Common downsides are less accurate colour representation and inferior viewing angles. When viewed from sides, the image may appear washed out.
IPS panels
IPS panels are more expensive, but they offer fantastic viewing angles and superb colours, which makes them very popular. They used to have slower response times (around 3-5 ms), but the technology has advanced, and the best IPS monitors have become fast enough for all purposes.
VA panels
VA panels excel with their contrast and image depth. Many experts consider contrast the main criteria for image quality; thus, these are the panels for videophiles. The response times, viewing angles and colours are somewhere between TN and IPS.
Other important monitor features
Curved display
So far, we have talked about flat monitors, but curved models are also available. Some users believe these offer a more immersive, cinematic experience. Curved screens are usually ultrawide and measure 30 inches or more. However, they are less straining on your eyes due to their shape, and you can still see the whole screen without turning your head. One downside is that there can be glare from certain angles, and you’ll also have to pay more for a curved monitor compared to a similarly capable flat panel.
If you prefer a curved monitor, pay attention to its curvature (look for an ‘R’ number in specifications). This figure indicates the curved radius in mm, which is also the optimal viewing distance. Some common curvature sizes are 1500R, 1800R, 3000R, and 4000R. A lower number means a greater curve and a shorter maximum viewing distance.
Contrast ratio
A contrast ratio describes the difference between how white and how black a monitor screen can get. Monitors with higher ratios offer more profound and better-differentiated colours. However, this feature is harder to compare because manufacturers use different assessment methods. Thus, check product reviews and user feedback before buying.
HDR
HDR stands for high dynamic range, and models with this feature deliver greater contrast and more vivid colours. However, your experience will depend on the overall quality of your model, the supported HDR format and whether the content you’re viewing supports HDR at all. If you want a PC monitor with excellent HDR, look for a model that supports HDR10+.
Brightness
Monitor brightness is measured in candela per square metre (cd/m2) or, sometimes, nits. Around 250 cd/m2 is a good peak brightness level for any monitor, but high-end models can have much higher brightness levels (300-350 cd/m2). Higher peak brightness means a better HDR experience. It also helps to see information on the screen clearly if you work in a brightly lit area. On the other hand, too much brightness can also be tiring for your eyes.
Design and ergonomics
Look for a model made of durable, long-lasting materials. In a perfect scenario, it should be possible to adjust the display tilt, swivel, and height for a comfortable position. Some models also can pivot into portrait mode. There also should be built-in buttons to quickly access the menu and adjust the screen brightness, colours, and other settings.
Mounting
A good monitor should be easy to mount on the wall. VESA is the standard used for TV and monitor wall mounts and wall mounting systems, adapted by most brands. If the monitor meets this standard, finding a suitable mounting arm will be easier.
If you plan to place your monitor on the table, make sure the stand is stable and does not wobble. We also prefer monitors with a cut-out in the stand that allows hiding the cables for a neater look.
Ports and connectivity
The number of available ports and their location will also affect how easy your monitor is to use. Nowadays, most computers and monitors have both HDMI and DisplayPort, but double-check the compatibility to be on the safe side. If you use USB devices often, make sure there are enough USB ports (a built-in USB hub is the best option). If there’s USB-C, you’ll have even more options and features. And if you wear a wired headset, a 3.5-mm jack on the side is convenient too.
More ports simply mean more convenient connectivity options and less bending down. The devices you connect to your computer monitor will function the same way as if they were connected directly to your PC.