The Best Monitors
You don’t need to be employed by MLG or a massive tech firm to understand the importance of purchasing a proper computer monitor. With the rapid march of technological advancement, monitors have come a long way in providing increased clarity and response times over the years. While modern monitors may look the same as predecessors, they have been optimized to take up less space, reduce eye strain, and display images as quickly as our computer renders them. If you want to add extra real estate to your digital workspace, check out our top monitors. While researching the best monitors, we considered a few key features, including size, screen quality, and price. Our favorite is HP's full HD monitor, which features eye-catching specs and sleek design choices for first-time users and veterans of the web alike. If you're looking for the best curved monitor, we also love the Asus Tuf, which is ideal for gaming, watching movies, or simply increasing productivity. However you plan to use it, read on to discover our other top picks and find a monitor that's right for you.
HP FHD Computer Monitor
Major league monitor
Users searching for a high-performance monitor for leisure and productivity should look no further than HP’s FHD monitor. This stylish, ultra-slim device boasts high definition resolution at 1080p that can be viewed at a wide angle without losing clarity. Not only is this feature great for quick viewing from passers-by, but it makes sense in multiple monitor setups as well. In addition, HP features blue light limiting technology and a tiltable mount that help reduce eye strain. Best of all, if you want to mount your device on a wall, the VESA-standard anchor points will elevate your browsing to the next level.
Pros:
- With a 23-inch display with 75 Hz refresh rate, this is a great value for the price.
- We appreciate the wealth of ports, including DisplayPort, HDMI, and VGA hookups.
- The monitor includes a six-foot power cord and HDMI cable, giving you some flexibility when it comes to setup.
Cons:
- We wish this monitor came with a higher resolution.
HP Pavillion Monitor
Display without distractions
In the mid-range monitor market, the Pavillion 22cwa is a major step up in savings without a major drop in quality. Featuring IPS anti-glare technology and a minimalist, adjustable base, HP’s resolution is crisp no matter your lighting situation. While you’ll have to settle for a slightly smaller screen and slower response times, this screen consumes much less electricity than newer competitors as a result. Overall, if you have regular online browsing or work habits, this vivid display makes for a dependable upgrade or addition without breaking tight budgets.
Pros:
- We love the sleek, edgeless design, which is truly unique.
- The base tilts a total of 30 degrees, so you’ll always be able to find the best viewing angle.
- This is compatible with Windows, iOS, and Playstation products.
Cons:
- The low refresh rate isn’t ideal for gaming.
Acer Widescreen Monitor
Crisp and clear computing
While components such as processors and graphics cards have a huge influence on your computer’s gaming performance, it’s not the whole story. Once processed, a computer’s monitor needs a rapid refresh rate to render images in real-time. With a blistering 165 Hertz response time, Acer’s widescreen gaming monitor is built for battle. This wonderful gadget is one of a few edgeless monitors to feature built-in speakers and screen smoothing technology without exorbitant prices. In addition to hardware, we’re huge fans of the software’s user interface that makes switching display modes seamless.
Pros:
- In addition to watching movies and videos, the 24-inch high-definition screen is great for photo editing.
- It features two HDMI and one DVI port.
- The blue-light dimming technology helps preserve our eyesight while working late.
Cons:
- The mount does not have height, tilt, or swivel adjustments.
LG QHD IPS Monitor
Vibrant visuals
Whether your work is structured or artistic, monitors with a striking color palette will make your activities much more enjoyable and productive. LG’s QHD monitor, in particular, touts a level of clarity that’s hard to beat. Their pixel resolution is a minor step below pricey 4K setups, and there are enough ports for multiple monitors if 32 inches isn’t enough. On top of this, the QHD monitor is incredibly versatile. Reader mode reduces eye strain by giving white surfaces a paper-colored hue, while AMD Free Sync technology smoothes screen flickers for uninterrupted binge-watching or creating.
Pros:
- With the VESA wall mounting capability, this is great for users who may have limited desk space.
- The anti-glare coating means you’ll always be able to see what’s on the screen, even under direct light.
- It’s easy to find the right viewing position with built-in eight and angle adjustment.
Cons:
- The power cord is way too short.
Asus Tuf Curved Monitor
Who's the TUF guy now?
Asus’s Tuf series was built to do two things: reduce eye strain and dominate the gaming monitor market. Ideal for intense online competition, the curved design isn’t as taxing on your eyes because the display’s edges are closer and provide more depth. In addition, preset functions that reduce blue light emission, shadow reduction, and motion blur allow you to stay on high alert for longer periods of time comfortably. Performance aside, the Tuf monitor boasts a sturdy stand that takes up little desk space and offers wide-angle adjustment in every direction.
Pros:
- The monitor comes with built-in stereo speakers, making this a great option for audiophiles.
- It’s available in 27, 34, and 35-inch length options, so you’re sure to find one that fits your workspace.
Cons:
- The monitor’s port offering is outdated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ports do I need for extra monitors?
While USB is the standard for most handheld computer accessories and peripheral tools, computer monitors can be a completely different animal. Computer monitors come in all shapes and sizes and do not have a standard port offering. USB monitors do exist, but you will most likely have an HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort as well. VGA and DVI are the most common cables for monitors, but they’re slowly aging out of production.
What’s the difference between a curved and flat monitor?
All things equal, a curved monitor will aim light more directly at your retina vs. a traditional monitor. By doing so, curved monitors allow your eye to focus on the full picture more easily, reducing eye fatigue. In addition, as a newer technology, perks such as blue light dimming are more likely to come standard in a curved monitor. Visual health aside, curved monitors are at the head of the pack when it comes to immersion. While highly popular among various computer users, the wider visual field and immersive sensation are major selling points for competitive gamers who need every edge to outperform opponents.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.