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
Latest Monitor Stories
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$349.99
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This 40-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 G75F blends ultra-sharp 5K2K WUHD detail, a panoramic 1000R curve, with a blazing 180Hz refresh rate, and saves you 30% right now at Walmart.
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$79.99
You would be hard-pressed to find a cheaper name-brand portable monitor than the AOC 16T20, but spending a little more can bag you a brighter, more capable one.
$47.49
Walmart has knocked 33% off this 27-inch LG UltraGear, bringing its curved QHD panel, speedy 180Hz refresh rate, and 1ms response time down to just $134.
Amazon's Big Deal Days events comes out way next month, but deals are already cropping up and we've already gathered the best ones on computer monitors.
The Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDN is the ultrawide gaming monitor to beat at its size, with breathtaking visuals powered by tandem OLED tech and robust productivity features that add versatility.
$1,299.00
Your eyes won't believe the massive price drops we found on top-rated monitors from Lenovo, LG, Samsung/ and other great brands.
Labor Day is over, but retailers are still busting out the deals to get you excited for saving. We've got the best monitor deals for you to put more money back into your wallet.
Labor Day is here, and retailers are busting out the deals to get you excited for saving. We've got the best monitor deals for you to put more money back into your wallet.
Labor Day weekend is here, but retailers are busting out the deals early to get you excited for saving. We've got the best monitor deals for you to put more money back into your wallet.
Gamer, graphic designer, or multitasker? A curved monitor could be your key to work or play that's more immersive. Here's how to buy one, plus our top picks, based on our hands-on (and eyes-on) reviews.
Super-size, extra-wide monitors for gaming, pro media editing, and productivity can transform your desktop experience. Ready to go (really) big? Check out our top-performing sprawling displays along with what to consider when buying one.
Here'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.
