What do gamers and office workers have in common? Monitors! This essential piece of tech is used for anything from playing Minecraft to designing presentations for work, and there are many reasons one might want to upgrade their screen estate. Maybe you need a second screen to extend your digital workspace for all those spreadsheets and browser windows? Maybe you’re after vibrant and responsive visuals for gameplay or creative projects? Or you might just want an adjustable monitor to create the ultimate ergonomic setup for extended work or gaming sessions? Whatever it may be, there are some important features to think about when picking out the right monitor for your needs. Consider this round-up of tips and picks before you hit the tech aisles.
Key monitor features to consider
Screen size
Measured diagonally across the screen, this refers to how big the monitor display is. Be sure to measure your work or gaming area for a screen size that suits your space as well as your needs.
Resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels on your screen and determines the quality of your monitor’s picture. Pixels are measured in the format of width by height. The higher the numbers, the better the resolution. The baseline resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels is often referred to as full high definition (FHD), then there’s quad high definition (QHD) with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, and ultra-high definition (UHD) with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. The width pixel measurement varies for ultrawide monitors that are wider than standard screens, with most ultrawide screens offering a resolution of 2560 x 1440 or 3440 x 1440 pixels.
Refresh rate
Measured in hertz (Hz) this rate refers to the speed in which the monitor can display an image or frame. For example, 144Hz means a monitor can show 144 frames per second. The higher the hertz, the quicker and better the refresh rate.
Response rate
This rate refers to the time it takes for the pixels on your monitor to change colour. This is measured in milliseconds (ms), so the smaller the number, the better the response rate.
SEE ALSO: Connect 101: How to Create a Dual Monitor Setup
Best Multipurpose Monitors
Acer 27" FHD IPS Monitor KA242Y"
Screen size: 27 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 100Hz
Response rate: 1ms
If you’re serious about your work as well as your downtime, this could be the value buy for you. The screen has an ultra-thin frame, creating a near-borderless experience that is ideal for working across multiple displays. After hours, enjoy a movie or your game of choice without any tearing or motion blur thanks to its speedy refresh and response rates. Its VisionCare technology is a collection of useful filters and modes that create an eye-safe experience, including anti-flickering and blue light reduction filters.
Blaupunkt 15.6" FHD Touch Screen Portable Monitor
Screen size: 15.6 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Response rate: 8ms
If you’re a hybrid worker looking for a little more screen space, this might be the pick for you. Its 15.6-inch screen means it's the right size for working on the go without feeling like you’re lugging a whole monitor with you, and it comes with a foldable magnetic case that will protect your screen in transit.
HP V24IE G5 24" FHD 75Hz 5ms Monitor
Screen size: 24 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 75Hz
Response rate: 5ms
This HP monitor is designed to help you stay productive and on task. Its 24-inch screen will display your content in full high definition (FHD) and the AMD FreeSync technology helps deliver your graphics tear free. The frame tilts from -5 to +23 degrees and on-screen buttons allow you to customise the screen with low blue light mode and anti-glare functions.
Philips 27" FHD Monitor 271S9
Screen size: 27 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 75Hz
Response rate: 4ms
Whether you’re deep into a spreadsheet or editing video footage, this monitor will allow you to do it seamlessly with its Adaptive-Sync technology, which reduces frame rate stuttering and screen tearing. It also boasts essential wellness and ergonomic features, such as the ability to adjust your screen height and its tilt to perfect your monitor’s positioning. Plus, the low blue light mode helps to reduce eye strain and headaches without affecting the colours on your screen.
Samsung 27" FHD LED Monitor S31
Screen size: 27 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 75Hz
Response rate: 5ms
If clear and vibrant visuals are a priority for you, this monitor will deliver with its FHD resolution, anti-glare technology and LED-backlight. The IPS (in-plane switching) display ensures an accurate and sharp picture no matter the viewing angle, making it perfect for collaborating in the office or watching your favourite shows. And you’ll enjoy smooth viewing thanks to AMD FreeSync technology that keeps the monitor and graphics card refresh rate in sync to reduce image tearing.
SEE ALSO: Let the Geek Guide You: Geeks2U Tech Help for Our Changing World
Best Portable Monitors
Lenovo 15.6” Portable USB-C Monitor L15
Screen size: 15.6 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Response rate: 6ms
Weight: 860g
Connectivity options: USB-C
This Lenovo portable monitor is great for hybrid workers who thrive on the go. Its slimline design makes it comfortable to carry or easy to fit in your bag, and its built-in stand is tiltable so you can adjust your screen to your working conditions. If it’s an office day, set it up with a 100mm x 100mm VESA mount for a seamless work setup.
Asus 15.6" ZenScreen Portable USB-C Monitor MB16ACE
Screen size: 15.6 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Response rate: 5ms
Weight: 710g
Connectivity options: USB-C
Work comfortably wherever you are with this Asus portable monitor, offering plenty of ergonomic features and a TÜV Rheinland certification recognising its premium eye comfort features. Its flicker-free and blue light filter technologies deliver smooth visuals while helping to reduce eye strain and headaches. A built-in stand allows you to tilt and pivot the screen horizontally and vertically to adapt to your working needs.
Acer 15.6” FHD 60Hz 5ms USB-C Portable Monitor PM161Q
Screen size: 15.6 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Response rate: 5ms
Weight: 750g
Connectivity options: Mini HDMI, USB-C, micro USB
With connectivity options galore, this Acer portable monitor can be wired into more than just your laptop or desktop. From gaming consoles to your phone, you can work, play and watch what you want, wherever you want. Connecting to sound is also made easy with either the 3.5mm audio port or the built-in speakers.
SEE ALSO: How to Create a Work From Anywhere Ergonomic Setup
Best Gaming Monitors
LG 34" 2K QHD 1MS 160Hz Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor 34WP65C
Screen size: 34 inches
Resolution: 3440 x 1440
Refresh rate: 160Hz
Response rate: 1ms
Ultrawide screen, QHD resolution, speedy refresh and response rates: this LG gaming monitor has everything you need for a smooth experience. AMD FreeSync technology helps to prevent motion blur and visual stuttering so you can keep your head in the game. Its built-in 7W stereo speakers drive clear sound, enhanced with Waves MaxxAudio; an application that improves audio quality. Plus, when you’re not gaming, its 34-inch screen is a dream for anyone who loves to keep multiple tabs open.
Lenovo 27" FHD 1MS 165Hz Curved Gaming Monitor G27C-30
Screen size: 27 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 165Hz
Response rate: 1ms
For some uninterrupted game time, try this Lenovo curved gaming monitor. The screen curves in towards the user, mimicking their field of vision, and creates a more immersive experience than a flat monitor. Curved monitors also help minimise distortion so you can enjoy its FHD resolution seamlessly. Plus, its near-frameless design and AMD FreeSync Premium technology delivers a seamless visual experience. And with built-in 3W speakers you get great sound with space-saving perks.
Lenovo R45w-30 44.5" DQHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 44.5 inches
Resolution: 5120 x 1440
Refresh rate: 165Hz
Response rate: 1ms
Feel completely immersed in your gaming experience with this ultra-wide curved gaming monitor. A 44.5-inch screen and 5120 x 1440 resolution will expand any world you’re exploring in crystal-clear detail. You’ll be able to game with precision thanks to its speedy response rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Adaptive Sync technologies, and its curved display will help minimise distortion. Plus, it features built-in 3W speakers to minimise desk real estate.
Acer Nitro 24" FHD 1MS 180Hz Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 24 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 180Hz
Response rate: 1ms
This sleek, no-frills monitor is a great value option. The ZeroFrame design makes for an immersive gaming session – and makes it ideal for a dual-monitor setup – and it can handle high-intensity gaming with aplomb thanks to a 180Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium technology for ultra-low latency.
More Gaming Monitors to Try
- Samsung Odyssey 49” UHD 240Hz 1ms Curved Monitor G95C
- Acer Nitro M3 27” FHD 180Hz 1ms Gaming Monitor QG271Y
SEE ALSO: Gamers Reveal Their Must-Have Gaming Setups
Best Monitors for Small Business
Lenovo ThinkVision FHD Touch Screen Portable Monitor M14T
Screen size: 14 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Response rate: 6ms
Weight: 698g
Connectivity options: USB-C
Touch functionality: Yes
This Lenovo monitor is more than just another screen. Its display is touch screen and comes with a pressure-sensitive digital pen, opening up different ways for you to create, work and play than your usual monitor. It’s the perfect tool for content creators; it connects to your phone, improves design capabilities with its touch screen and more. You can also change its screen orientation between vertical and horizontal, making it easy to adapt for sending emails at the office or editing vertical video content in transit.
Philips 27” FHD 75Hz 1ms IPS USB-C Monitor 27E1N3300A
Screen size: 27 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 75Hz
Response rate: 1ms
This Philips monitor is a great all-rounder, offering many customisations to adapt to your work. Perhaps you’re designing flyers for a business launch? Its SmartContrast mode intuitively enhances blacks, offering a crisp and detailed picture. Or maybe you’re doing detailed research for a presentation? Its 27-inch screen gives you plenty of room to work across multiple browsers or applications. Plus, the combination of its EasyRead mode, which creates a paper-like filter, and low blue light filter makes for a more comfortable experience no matter what you’re doing.
Lenovo 27" FHD 100Hz IPS Ultra Slim Monitor L27i-40
Screen size: 27 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 100Hz
Response rate: 4ms
This slimline, near-edgeless Lenovo monitor offers a quick refresh rate and crisp FHD resolution, all cased in a sleek exterior. You can adjust the screen height and tilt to adapt to your work needs and its design cleverly incorporates a built-in phone stand, cable management and speakers to help keep your desk a clutter-free zone.
SEE ALSO: 10 Ways to Refresh Your Office Tech
Complete your setup
Laptop or desktop
A device is a must-have for your monitor to plug into. Invest in a laptop if portability is important to you, or a desktop if you need more grunt.
- Lenovo 14" Ideapad Slim 3 Google Chromebook Intel/4GB/128GB
- Lenovo 15.6" IdeaPad Slim 3i Laptop i5 8/512GB
- Infinity G70 Gaming Desktop Ryzen7 16GB RAM/2TBSSD RTX4060TI
Computer hub
Once you connect your monitor to your device, you’re one port down. For extra connectivity, try a multiport computer hub to keep you connected and give you more port options.
- Bonelk Long-Life USB-C 12-in-1 Multiport Slim Hub Black
- Verbatim USB-A to 4-Port USB-A Hub
- Kensington USB 3.0 Docking Station with Dual Video
Wireless mouse and keyboard
Complete your portable monitor setup with a wireless keyboard and mouse to optimise your workflow at home, in the office and on the go. Plus, reap the ergonomic benefits of adding an external keyboard and mouse to your computer setup.
- HP 650 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo White
- Logitech MK345 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
- J.Burrows Elite MKG300 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
Privacy screen protector
Protect your monitor from scratches and prying eyes with a privacy screen protector. Great for mounted and portable monitors, you can work anywhere without worrying about someone looking over your shoulder and seeing what you’re working on.
- Kensington Snap2 22"-24" Privacy Screen
- Kensington 15.6" MagPro Privacy Screen
- Kensington 24" Privacy Screen
- Kensington 27" Privacy Screen
Monitor arm
Use a monitor arm to mount your screen for a quick and versatile setup. Be sure to check compatibility beforehand.
