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 TestedMake the most of your work, games, or movies with the right monitor. Here's how to shop for a new 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
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
Dell 24 Touch USB-C Hub Monitor (P2424HT)
- 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 Dell P2424HT has nearly everything you could want from a 24-inch touch-screen desktop monitor, including an articulating stand, a USB hub, and good contrast and color coverage.
Full Dell 24 Touch USB-C Hub Monitor (P2424HT) ReviewPros
- Responsive touch screen
- Articulating stand
- Ethernet connectivity
- USB hub
- 90-watt power delivery
- Bright, with excellent contrast and full sRGB color coverage
Cons
- Limited to full HD (no 4K option)
- Lacks stylus for touch screen
Pros
- Responsive touch screen
- Articulating stand
- Ethernet connectivity
- USB hub
- 90-watt power delivery
- Bright, with excellent contrast and full sRGB color coverage
Cons
- Limited to full HD (no 4K option)
- Lacks stylus for touch screen
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
Latest Monitor Stories
This 34-inch curved gaming monitor from Sansui can make your gaming experience feel more lifelike, and it's currently $65 off at Amazon.
This sweeping 1,000R curved LG UltraGear gaming monitor wraps sharp 1440p resolution and fluid 180Hz frame tracking around your vision, at almost 30% off right now.
Stop squinting and start saving with massive discounts on top-rated monitors for gaming, productivity, and more.
Displays will need a max peak brightness of 1,400 nits and up to 700 nits full-screen. Lenovo and Samsung will be the first to showcase qualifying screens at this week's Bilibili World 2026.
With outstanding HDR brightness and extensive game-enhancing features, the Alienware 34 280Hz QD-OLED (AW3426DW) is an exceptional ultrawide gaming monitor.
$798.99
This massive, borderless LG 34-inch ultrawide offers an expansive 21:9 panorama canvas, a flicker-safe screen, and almost 40% off right now.
Whether you're working or playing, you need a quality monitor. Luckily, there are still some Fourth of July deals for hundreds off top-rated models to help you upgrade your setup for less.
Whether you're working or playing, you need a quality monitor, and we're here to give you the best Fourth of July deals for this weekend with hundreds off top-rated models to help you upgrade your setup for less.
Whether you're working or playing, you need a quality monitor, and we're seeing early Fourth of July deals with hundreds off top-rated models to help you upgrade your setup for less.
Whether you're leveling up your PC gaming setup or home office, there are still some great Prime Day deals on monitors from top brands like Asus and Samsung.
What good is a new computer without a screen to see what you're doing? Take home a 27-inch productivity or gaming monitor for 50% of the cost with this exclusive time-limited deal.
Prime Day might be over, but this ultra-wide, wrap-around 34-inch LG UltraGear drops a blistering 240Hz refresh rate and still gives you almost 30% off right now on Amazon. Don't wait too long.
The hyper-responsive Samsung Odyssey G5 puts gaming action in your peripheral vision with a pleasing curved panel, and it's close to $150 off in the last hours of Prime Day.
Whether you're leveling up your PC gaming setup or home office, we've found some great Prime Day deals on monitors from top brands like Asus and Samsung.
I rarely see OLED portable monitors discounted this aggressively: almost 50% off this brilliant 16-inch ViewSonic model. You can also save a bunch on Asus' eye-catching ZenScreen Duo OLED, which packs two panels into a travel-friendly design.
End the cluttered dual-monitor desk setup. This 49-inch Samsung ViewFinity S9 merges two premium displays into one clean, seamless screen, and saves you $400 during Prime Day.
Whether you're chasing OLED image quality, a 240Hz refresh rate, or an ultrawide upgrade, these are the gaming-monitor deals worth your money.
Whether you're leveling up your PC gaming setup or home office, we've found some great Prime Day deals on monitors from top brands like Asus and Samsung.
Amazon Prime Day starts tomorrow, but we've already found some great deals on monitors from top brands like Asus and Samsung.
Shop wisely, and you can land a midsize display with wide color coverage and maybe some surprising extras starting under $100. Here's how to snag the best cheap monitor (or two of 'em!), plus top picks backed by our deep-dive reviews.
