Buying a computer monitor, unfortunately, isn’t as easy as picking the first one you see. The specs may not be suitable for your needs all the while the price may not be within your desired budget. It certainly pays to do your research, but this is a time-consuming process that also requires a certain level of tech knowledge.
That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you by putting together this guide of the best monitors on the market. In order to identify which products truly stand out, we reviewed dozens of monitors and considered such factors as the specs, screen size, pixels, price, and Amazon reviews.
Following our evaluation, we determined the HP 27er 27-Inch Full HD 1080p IPS LED Monitor to be the top pick overall. It ticks all the boxes, thanks to its state-of-the-art visuals, bezel-less frame, and 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles. If you’d like to learn more about this product and our other top-rated products, be sure to keep reading.
The 5 Top-Rated Monitors
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Monitor Overall | HP 27er 27-Inch Full HD 1080p IPS LED Monitor | 4.5 |
| Best Monitor for Gaming | Philips 276E9QDSB 27" Full HD IPS Frameless Monitor | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Monitor | Sceptre Ultra Thin Frameless LED Monitor | 4.4 |
| Best Wall-Mountable Monitor | ASUS VS228H-P 21.5" LCD Monitor with Back-lit LED | 4.4 |
| Best Portable Monitor | Lepow Portable Monitor 15.6 Inch Computer Monitor | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Monitor Overall: HP 27er 27-Inch Full HD 1080p IPS LED Monitor
If you’re looking for a monitor that offers a stunning visual experience and strong performance, the HP 27er 27-Inch Full HD 1080p IPS LED Monitor is it. When you’re viewing anything on this 27″ Full HD monitor, you’ll notice the substantial difference its edge-to-edge, ultra-wide viewing angle display makes. It’s able to offer such state-of-the-art visuals with its unique bezel-less frame. The 1920 x 1080 resolution and Technicolor Color Certification also help to elevate your experience to the next level.
Notably, this monitor also showcases HP’s thinnest LCD display to date, making its sleek design a far cry from the many boxy monitors currently on the market. If you’re still not convinced about its general appeal, take a look at the glowing user reviews on Amazon. The monitor boasts a 4.5-star average rating (out of a possible 5 stars) from over 2,400 customers, who rave about its “excellent display and brightness,” among other qualities.
Robitussin HP 27er 27-Inch Full HD 1080p IPS LED Monitor Key Features
- 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- Anti-glare matte IPS LED-backlit panel
- Technicolor color certified for color-accuracy
Best Monitor for Gaming: Philips 276E9QDSB 27″ Full HD IPS Frameless Monitor
While anyone will be able enjoy the Philips 276E9QDSB 27″ Full HD IPS Frameless Monitor‘s gorgeous graphics, gamers will be particularly thrilled with the effort that has been made to make them truly pop. This monitor certainly doesn’t mess around when it comes to graphics, at once offering 250 cd/m² brightness and Philips’ Ultra Wide-Color technology with 124% sRGB & 93% NTSC color gamut coverage.
If that wasn’t captivating enough, perhaps the biggest drawcard for gamers is the monitor’s AMD FreeSync technology. Phillips highlights that this advanced technology will ensure “fluid, artifact-free performance at virtually any framerate” as well as “smooth quick refresh and ultra-fast response time.”
Philips 276E9QDSB 27″ Full HD IPS Frameless Monitor Key Features:
- 27″ LED monitor
- IPS panel for wide-viewing angles and full colors
- 250 cd/m² brightness
- 124% sRGB & 93% NTSC color gamut coverage
Best Budget Monitor: Sceptre Ultra Thin Frameless LED Monitor
Finding a high-quality monitor for under $100 may sound impossible, but the Sceptre Ultra Thin Frameless LED Monitor shows it’s far from it. In fact, this monitor is just over $70, making it an absolute steal when you consider its generous specs. The ultra-thin and frameless LED HD+ monitor comes in at 20″ and features built-in speakers.
Sceptre’s offering is built for usability, as exemplified by nifty features like its VGA port and two HDMI ports. The monitor’s visuals are also on point, meaning that you’ll be able to make the most of the wide viewing angle of 170° (horizontal) and 160° (vertical) whatever you’re doing. Adaptive Sync technology and the 75-hertz refresh rate also contribute to the monitor’s lack of image tearing and stuttering.
Sceptre Ultra Thin Frameless LED Monitor Key Features:
- 20″ LED HD+
- 2 x HDMI ports and 1 VGA port
- Built-in speakers
- Wide viewing angle
Best Wall-Mountable Monitor: ASUS VS228H-P 21.5″ LCD Monitor with Back-lit LED
With reliable wall-mountable monitors being relatively rare, we knew we’d found a winner with the ASUS VS228H-P 21.5″ LCD Monitor with Back-lit LED. This 21.5″ full HD monitor can be easily mounted on your wall with its easily detachable base. Its slim design will no doubt look impressive on your wall. And wait until you actually turn it on—you’ll be greeted with vibrant, true-to-life images.
You’re also sure to be taken aback with the monitor’s video quality, thanks to the inclusion of Splendid Video Intelligence Technology. 6 preset video modes are offered; Scenery, Theater, Game, Night View, sRGB, and Standard. With a video mode to suit any occasion, this monitor works to perfectly complement your unique viewing needs.
ASUS VS228H-P 21.5″ LCD Monitor with Back-lit LED Key Features:
- 21.5″ full HD
- 1920×1080 pixels
- HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA (D-Sub) connectivity
- Back-lit LED
Best Portable Monitor: Lepow Portable Monitor 15.6 Inch Computer Monitor
Those of us who are constantly on the go will appreciate just how useful portable technology is. It is the epitome of convenience, offering us the ability to perform a variety of tasks without being bound to a singular location. One item you may not have thought about being portable is your monitor. While most aren’t, the Lepow Portable Monitor 15.6 Inch Computer Monitor certainly is.
The lightweight monitor works by connecting to your laptop or desktop via its HDMI and Type C inputs. While you’d normally have to pay extra for the cables, you’ll be pleased to learn that Lepow has thrown them in free of charge. If you’re wondering how the product’s specs stack up, here’s what you need to know. The monitor is a full HD 1080P IPS screen that features eye-protecting technology. The 1920 x 1080 resolution is yet another feature to look forward to, along with the 5.6″ IPS portable display.
Lepow Portable Monitor 15.6 Inch Computer Monitor Key Features:
- Full HD 1080P IPS screen
- Mini HDMI and USB-C port included
- 5.6″ IPS portable display
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
Who Should Buy a Monitor
There’s not just one type of person who can benefit from buying a monitor. After all, monitors are useful for all types of people with all kinds of needs to use at home. For example, you may want to work across two or more screens and wish to add a monitor to your existing set up (whether that involves a laptop or another monitor). Or perhaps you want to take advantage of the bigger screen size and potentially better specs a monitor can offer over a laptop. Some people may be drawn to using a monitor due to the fact that it’s usually more ergonomic and comfortable to use than a laptop.
In short, with the right monitor, anyone can make the most of both working and playing online. Whether that entails working from home, gaming, checking your emails, watching YouTube videos, or something else entirely, a high-quality monitor will enhance your total experience.
To truly take your online experience to the next level, you may want to pick up a set of Bluetooth speakers as well. They will help ensure it’s optimized for both enjoyment and productivity—just like it should be!
Important Features to Consider
Not all webcams are created equal. They should have a few important features as standard. Here’s what to consider when trying to select between different webcams:
- Type. Not only can you select from three main types of monitors (LCD, LED, CRT), but you can also choose from various subtypes. Which type and subtype you choose are up to you, as they each have their respective advantages and disadvantages. You can read more about the different types here.
- Screen size. Screen size is without a doubt one of the biggest considerations to keep in mind when shopping around for a monitor. While bigger may mean better to some shoppers, others may prefer a more compact size. It’s worth noting that options with bigger screen sizes tend to cost more, but it may be worth it this feature is important to you.
- Resolution. Simply put, a monitor’s resolution impacts its image quality. The higher the resolution, the greater the quality of the image. Monitors with higher resolutions will boast crisper, sharper images. Similar to screen size, you should expect to pay more for monitors with excellent resolution specs.
- Ports. Another vital feature is the type of ports a monitor has. As Technopedia points out, a monitor port is a “port used to establish the connection between the monitor and computer in order to display the computer’s output.” There are numerous different types of ports a monitor may have, but the most common ones are high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), digital visual interface (DVI), and video graphics array (VGA), and DisplayPort. If you have a specific need in mind, double-check that the monitor you’re mulling over has the port or ports you require before committing to it.
- Price. Thanks to the wide array of monitors on the market, there’s no reason why you won’t be able to find a high-quality one that suits your budget. This guide features top monitors in a range of price points, so take a careful read of it to find one that best matches up with your budget and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 3 types of monitors?
There are 3 main types of monitors, which will each provide you with a distinct user experience.
- Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
- Liquid Crystal Display (LED)
- Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
As CRT monitors have been all but phased out, you’ll need to choose between LCD and LED monitors. Which one you should opt for will depend on the type of user experience you’re after. Some advantages of LCD monitors include their compactness and lower price range. On the other hand, LED monitors usually offer higher-quality images and are relatively more environmentally-friendly. If you want to learn more about each type, we suggest taking a read of this guide.
Should I buy a curved monitor?
It’s ultimately a personal choice whether you choose to buy a curved monitor over a flat one. Curved monitors tend to be preferred by gamers and streamers, as they enhance the sense that you’re part of the gaming experience. It’s the same thinking behind curved movie screens, which can make you feel as if you’re immersed in the world of the film’s characters.
Curved screens are also praised for being easier on your eyes than flat monitors. Needless to say, in order to reap these benefits, you’ll need to opt for a high-quality curved monitor that’s designed for optimal user experience.
Can You Use a TV as a Computer Monitor?
Yes, you can use a TV as a computer monitor if you configure it correctly with the appropriate cable and input. That being said, using your TV as a computer monitor is best for leisure activities such as gaming or watching movies. While the idea of using your TV as a computer monitor for your personal and professional tasks as well may sound tempting, you’ll quickly discover that it’s not very practical to do so.
After all, it’s far more convenient to write an email, read an article, and browse social media from a regular monitor. A regular monitor will offer you great privacy too. If you’re looking for a good compromise, consider getting a larger-sized monitor.
Which is the oldest type of monitor?
The oldest type of monitor is the cathode ray tube monitor, or the CRT monitor for short. As you can hazard a guess, this type of monitor used cathode ray tubes. It was the go-to type of monitor before the advent of home computers and also after in the very first home computers. Considering CRT monitors were primarily used in the 1970s, it’s safe to say that if you still have one, it may be time to upgrade!
Other Monitors We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other high-quality monitors as well. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best monitors list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
LCD Monitors
If you’re after a smaller, portable monitor that doesn’t compromise on quality, you’ll love this option. It only weighs 3.52lb, and offer great features like 160° wide viewing angle and 3D noise-reduction technology.
Key Features:
- Fully portable
- Only weighs 3.52lb
- 3D noise-reduction technology
Cost: $90
LG Electronics 24BK430H-B LCD Monitor
This wall-mountable LCD monitor from LG Electronics features an aspect ratio of 16:9 and A+ graphics display.
Key Features:
- Wall-mountable
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- Aspect ratio of 16:9
Cost: $110
This 23.6″ LCD monitor from Dell was made with gamers in mind. It delivers on its promise of “smooth and responsive gameplay with minimum input lag” with 1920×1080 resolution at 60 hertz, dual HDMI ports, 2ms panel response time.
Key Features:
- Dual HDMI ports
- 2ms panel response time
- 1000:1 contrast ratio
Cost: $200
Perfect for the home office, you’ll find everything you need included in the BenQ IPS LCD Monitor to ensure productive and comfortable working days ahead. For example, it features IPS technology and 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles. As an added bonus, it’s also VESA wall mountable.
Key Features:
- 23. 8”
- Slim bezel design
- 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles
Cost: $120
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P Gaming Monitor
Check out the glowing customer reviews of the 24″, 144 hertz BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P Gaming Monitor, and you’ll see that gamers are over the moon with it. “Astonishing performance” and “Best OSD for settings I’ve ever used” are just a few examples of the countless positive reviews left.
Key Features:
- Color vibrance and black eQualizer technology
- 1ms response time
- 144-hertz refresh rate
Cost: $200
BenQ clearly knows what they’re doing when it comes to building exceptional gaming monitors, as the PD2800Q is yet another brilliant choice. The 2K QHD monitor features a 16:9 aspect ratio, darkroom mode, and CAD/CAM mode.
Key Features:
- 2K QHD monitor
- 100% sRGB
- CAD/CAM mode
Cost: $300
At only 8″, this pint-sized monitor is ideal for use as a CCTV monitor. It usefully supports multiple inputs, including AV, BNC, and VGA, so it can definitely be classed as ‘small but mighty.’
Key Features:
- 8″
- 800×600 display resolution
- AV, BNC, and VGA inputs
Cost: $60
LED Monitors
Want to reduce eye fatigue? You’ll love that this 23.8″ IPS monitor boasts Asus’ Eye Care technology, which features both flicker-free and blue light filter technologies.
Key Features:
- Blue light filter
- Flicker-free filter
- 60-hertz refresh rate
Cost: $109
Acer SB220Q Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Monitor
With an ultra-high rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from nearly 9000 customers, this frameless LED monitor from Acer is a huge hit with customers. It features both HDMI and VGA ports, 1920 x 1080 resolution, and an ultra-thin screen.
Key Features:
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- HDMI and VGA ports
- Frameless
Cost: $90
ViewSonic VA2246MH LED Monitor
Offering full HD 1080p resolution and a blue light filter to protect your eyes, this 22″ monitor is a simple but effective option for anyone who doesn’t need anything too flashy.
Key Features:
- Flicker-free technology
- Blue light filter
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
Cost: $90
Samsung Full HD Curved LED Monitor
Another option customers flock to is the Samsung full HD Curved LED Monitor. Customers particularly can’t stop raving about the immersive visual experience it offers, which is possible due to its 3000:1 contrast ratio and impressive curved screen.
Key Features:
- Curved screen
- Ultra-slim design
- 3000:1 contrast ratio
Cost: $150
Thanks to its IPS panel technology and 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, this option from HP offers ultra-wide viewing and vivid colors.
Key Features:
- 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
- 6.3 mm at its thinnest point
- IPS panel technology
Cost: $142
HP’s 21.5″ LED monitor is preferred by customers who are after a reliable LED monitor with a streamlined design.
Key Features:
- Blue light filter
- Simple setup
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
Cost: $115
This generously-sized 27″ option from Dell comes with both VGA and HDMI ports and offers full HD 1080p resolution.
Key Features:
- VGA and HDMI ports
- Full HD 1080p resolution
- 27″
Cost: $180
In addition to the Dell SE2419Hx LED Monitor’s thin-bezel design, 16:9 aspect ratio, and compact base designed to maximize desk space, you’ll love its ComfortView technology, which offers a blue light minimizing, flicker-free, and low-haze screen.
Key Features:
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- Compact base
- Blue light filter
Cost: $125
LG Electronics 29WN600-W UltraWide Monitor
Coming in at an eye-bogglingly wide 29″, this virtually borderless monitor is the widest monitor to feature on our list. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who doesn’t want to invest in multiple monitors or who is tired of switching between multiple screens.
Key Features:
- 3-side virtually borderless design
- sRGB 99% color gamut
- HDR 10 Compatible
Cost: $250
BenQ SW2700PT IPS Photography Monitor
Photography and design pros will go ga-ga for this monitor, which is designed to deliver state-of-the-art visuals each and every time. Want proof? It boasts 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution, 99% Adobe RGB, hardware calibration, and 10-bit display, among a host of other features.
Key Features:
- 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution
- 10-bit display
- 14-bit 3D Look Up Table
Cost: $600
It’s difficult to narrow down just a few features to focus on given how feature-packed this 24″ Dell monitor is! A few stand out features include its three-sided ultra-thin bezel design, ComfortView eye support technology, and 3H hard coating.
Key Features:
- ComfortView eye support
- 60-hertz refresh rate
- 1000:1 Contrast
Cost: $164
Sceptre Curved Gaming LED Monitor
Looking for a more affordably priced curved monitor? Consider this 24″ one from Spectre, which has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 3500 customers. We think you’ll love its smooth tilting ability (15° backward and 5° forward), 75 hertz refresh rate, and, of course, its 1800R screen curvature.
Key Features:
- 800R screen curvature
- 75-hertz refresh rate
- Blue light shift mode
Cost: $130
Sceptre E248W-19203R LED Monitor
In addition to its built-in speakers, you’ll find the Sceptre E248W-19203R LED Monitor has plenty of other eye-catching features such as its 75-hertz refresh rate and slim bezel design.
Key Features:
- 24″ ultra-slim profile
- 2 x HDMI ports
- 75-hertz refresh rate
Cost: $100
