Monitors: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
Serious gamer? Spreadsheet jockey? Creative pro? There’s a perfect computer monitor for every need and budget. Whether you care most about speed, color accuracy, or screen size, our lab-tested reviews and expert buying advice break down what matters most so you can upgrade your desktop setup with confidence.
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Buying Guide: Best Monitors We've TestedHere's how to shop for a new desktop display, plus the best productivity and gaming panels we've tested, backed by hundreds of deep-dive reviews.
By Tony Hoffman
Our Current Top Tested Picks
HP Series 7 Pro 34-inch WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
HP's ultrawide Series 7 Pro 34-inch WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) packs a massive set of features, anchored by a super-sharp webcam for online meetings and a beautiful screen suitable for senior employees who do a measure of creative work.
Full HP Series 7 Pro 34-inch WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) ReviewPros
- 5MP Poly Studio AI webcam
- Thunderbolt 4 in (with 100W power delivery) and out ports, plus DisplayPort out for monitor daisy-chaining
- Ethernet jack and USB hub
- Great sRGB and DCI-P3 color coverage, and excellent color accuracy
- 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium support
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Pixel density low for dedicated creative work
Pros
- 5MP Poly Studio AI webcam
- Thunderbolt 4 in (with 100W power delivery) and out ports, plus DisplayPort out for monitor daisy-chaining
- Ethernet jack and USB hub
- Great sRGB and DCI-P3 color coverage, and excellent color accuracy
- 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium support
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Pixel density low for dedicated creative work
BenQ GW2486TC
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The BenQ GW2486TC provides exceptional value for a $200 home-office monitor thanks to an ergonomic stand, a generous selection of ports, and a high-quality 1080p screen.
Full BenQ GW2486TC ReviewPros
- Full sRGB color coverage
- Supports height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustment
- Good contrast ratio for an IPS monitor
- Generous port selection
- 100Hz refresh rate
Cons
- Awkward OSD control buttons instead of mini-joystick controller
- Modest resolution and brightness
Pros
- Full sRGB color coverage
- Supports height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustment
- Good contrast ratio for an IPS monitor
- Generous port selection
- 100Hz refresh rate
Cons
- Awkward OSD control buttons instead of mini-joystick controller
- Modest resolution and brightness
HP Omen Transcend 32 OLED
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
HP's Omen Transcend 32 OLED is a true dual threat: an outstanding 4K gaming display, as well as an excellent pick for the color-accuracy-critical work of creative pros.
Full HP Omen Transcend 32 OLED ReviewPros
- Excellent color range
- Stylish design with RGB lighting
- Wide I/O port variety
- Great sound from built-in speakers
Cons
- Expensive
- Massive power brick
Pros
- Excellent color range
- Stylish design with RGB lighting
- Wide I/O port variety
- Great sound from built-in speakers
Cons
- Expensive
- Massive power brick
Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL3A
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL3A is an impressive entry-level gaming monitor, thanks to a palatable price and a surprising amount of performance-enhancing features.
Full Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL3A ReviewPros
- Relatively affordable
- Excellent color accuracy
- Support for AMD FreeSync Premium
- Nvidia G-Sync Compatible
Cons
- Poor audio quality from built-in speakers
- Not the most handsome monitor
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Excellent color accuracy
- Support for AMD FreeSync Premium
- Nvidia G-Sync Compatible
Cons
- Poor audio quality from built-in speakers
- Not the most handsome monitor
HP E45c G5 DQHD Curved Monitor
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The HP E45c G5 45-inch ultrawide monitor is a spectacular substitute for two separate QHD monitors, offering great color coverage, good ergonomics, and a plethora of ports, plus creative ways to virtually partition its screen in two.
Full HP E45c G5 DQHD Curved Monitor ReviewPros
- Bright
- Full sRGB color coverage
- Two USB-C ports provide up to 100W USB power delivery
- USB-A hub
- 165Hz refresh rate
- Unique software, including KVM functionality
- Intuitive mini joystick controller
Cons
- No webcam
Pros
- Bright
- Full sRGB color coverage
- Two USB-C ports provide up to 100W USB power delivery
- USB-A hub
- 165Hz refresh rate
- Unique software, including KVM functionality
- Intuitive mini joystick controller
Cons
- No webcam
Alienware 39 5K OLED (AW3926QW)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Alienware 39 5K OLED (AW3926QW) features a 5K2K OLED panel that delivers exceptional performance at a competitive price, making it the big ultrawide gaming monitor to beat.
Full Alienware 39 5K OLED (AW3926QW) ReviewPros
- Competitive pricing
- Wide color range
- High SDR and HDR brightness
- Specialized esports mode can size down the image for competitive players
- Plenty of ports
Cons
- Lacks internal speakers
- Doesn't support AI upscaling
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Wide color range
- High SDR and HDR brightness
- Specialized esports mode can size down the image for competitive players
- Plenty of ports
Cons
- Lacks internal speakers
- Doesn't support AI upscaling
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 is an impressive 1440p/500Hz gaming monitor, with panel quality, speed, and AI smarts that make it formidable for esports and productivity alike.
Full MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 ReviewPros
- 500Hz peak refresh rate and low tested input lag
- Impressive color range across multiple color spaces
- Features both DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs
- Outstanding HDR implementation
- Extra-adjustable stand
Cons
- Cabinet is a little plain
- AI features may have only niche appeal
Pros
- 500Hz peak refresh rate and low tested input lag
- Impressive color range across multiple color spaces
- Features both DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs
- Outstanding HDR implementation
- Extra-adjustable stand
Cons
- Cabinet is a little plain
- AI features may have only niche appeal
Samsung Smart Monitor M9 (M90SF)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Samsung's pricey-but-compelling Smart Monitor M9 flaunts a gorgeous 32-inch 4K OLED panel that deftly melds a productivity-ready screen, an entertainment hub, and a gaming display in one.
Full Samsung Smart Monitor M9 (M90SF) ReviewPros
- 32-inch 4K OLED screen
- 165Hz refresh rate and adaptive sync compatibility
- Integrates Samsung TV Plus and Xbox Game Pass
- Above-grade built-in speakers
- 4K webcam
- SmartThings integration enables control of smart-home devices
Cons
- Pricey for a 32-inch panel
- Light on ports
Pros
- 32-inch 4K OLED screen
- 165Hz refresh rate and adaptive sync compatibility
- Integrates Samsung TV Plus and Xbox Game Pass
- Above-grade built-in speakers
- 4K webcam
- SmartThings integration enables control of smart-home devices
Cons
- Pricey for a 32-inch panel
- Light on ports
HP Series 5 Pro 14-Inch WQXGA Portable Monitor (514pn)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The HP Series 5 Pro 514pn portable business monitor features a magnificent 14-inch panel and serves up a winning combination of high brightness, excellent contrast, and full coverage of the sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 color spaces.
Full HP Series 5 Pro 14-Inch WQXGA Portable Monitor (514pn) ReviewPros
- High-resolution 16:10 panel
- One of the brightest portable monitors we've tested
- Excellent contrast
- Full sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 color coverage
- Thin, lightweight, sleek aluminum frame
- Sturdy fold-out kickstand
Cons
- Lacks a protective sleeve for travel
- Limited to USB-C connectivity
Pros
- High-resolution 16:10 panel
- One of the brightest portable monitors we've tested
- Excellent contrast
- Full sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 color coverage
- Thin, lightweight, sleek aluminum frame
- Sturdy fold-out kickstand
Cons
- Lacks a protective sleeve for travel
- Limited to USB-C connectivity
Wacom Cintiq Pro 27
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 is a best-in-class interactive display for digital artists and editors—the price may be sky-high, but it justifies the spend for pros tied to their pens.
Full Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 ReviewPros
- Fantastic resolution and color
- Highly accurate stylus and screen interaction
- Useful customizable controls on both display and stylus
- Stylus ships with custom grips, replacement nibs
- Well-designed app
Cons
- Expensive, even without the stand
- Huge and heavy
Pros
- Fantastic resolution and color
- Highly accurate stylus and screen interaction
- Useful customizable controls on both display and stylus
- Stylus ships with custom grips, replacement nibs
- Well-designed app
Cons
- Expensive, even without the stand
- Huge and heavy
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The EP130K's 13.3-inch matte screen provides a resolution of up to 3,200 by 2,400 pixels in black-and-white mode and up to 1,600 by 1,200 pixels in color.
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The Alienware 39 5K OLED (AW3926QW) features a 5K2K OLED panel that delivers exceptional performance at a competitive price, making it the big ultrawide gaming monitor to beat.
$1,099.99
Portable gaming monitors are the easiest way to upgrade your on-the-go gaming while keeping some cash in your pocket. And right now, this already affordable Arzopa monitor is 25% off!
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The 25-inch monitor can hit up to 1,000 frames per second natively at 1080p.
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The 32-inch Samsung Essential S3 curved monitor delivers a wide 1800R curved field of view, a smooth 100Hz refresh rate, and TÜV-certified eye comfort at under $150 right now at Walmart.
