12 best computer monitors

When buying a personal computer for personal use, few people choose a monitor in the first place. The main budget is often focused on the assembly or selection of a ready-made system unit, and the monitor and other peripheral components must "keep within" the price of the remaining budget. But this is not entirely justified. For example, if your video card supports 200 frames per second, but your monitor does not, you will not see them in action. In addition, the display not only makes it possible to enjoy the gamut of colors and dynamics of scenes, but also is responsible for the health of your eyes. Therefore, it is imperative to make the right choice. In this article, we'll take a look at which monitor is the best to buy for a PC in 2020?

What to look for when choosing a monitor for a PC?

1. Diagonal. Sizes are not the main thing? See the difference between watching movies (or playing games) on 19 "and 32" monitors. The larger the diagonal, the better for multitasking at work - the user can place many windows and elements on one screen. But if you already have a TV at home, used for content and games, then for work and educational tasks, it may not make sense to have a large diagonal and 22 ”-24” is quite suitable. Then decide for yourself.
2. Screen resolution. The quality and clarity of the image directly depends on this indicator. Even if you are an undemanding user, don't buy low-resolution HD monitors. But it is also unreasonable to overpay for high pixel density indicators with a deliberately small diagonal. Roughly, for high image quality, you need Full HD (1920 × 1080) resolution with a diagonal of up to 24 inches, 2K (2560 × 1440) - up to 32 ”, but does the monitor need 4K UHD (3860 × 2160) resolution with a diagonal higher - the question debatable. By the way, the higher resolutions the user uses, the greater the load is placed on the computer's video card.
3. Matrix type. The main characteristics of the image depend on the type of matrix used in the manufacture of the monitor: contrast, black depth, brightness, viewing angles, color gamut, saturation. Previously, the TN (+ film) matrix was often used, but this is frankly low, budget level, which, moreover, has terrible viewing angles. The most popular matrix is ​​IPS, which realistically reproduces colors, is quite saturated and bright, minus only in the pixel response delay, which affects gaming capabilities. IPS analogue - VA (MVA, PVA). There are rich contrasting colors, wide viewing angles and a small response delay, among the minuses - poor transmission of halftones.
4. Screen refresh rate + G-SYNC / FreeSync. The faster the monitor redraws the image, the better the dynamic scenes show themselves. For a powerful gaming computer, you need a monitor with a refresh rate of 100-120 Hz and this is not the limit. Video card manufacturers additionally use G-Sync and FreeSync technologies, which allows to produce smoother picture and get rid of image "tearing". Find out if your selected monitor supports one or both of these technologies.
5. Shimmer. Protect your eyes! The Flicker-Free logo (Flicker-Safe or similar) makes it clear that the manufacturer has used a special technology that relieves the eyes of the PWM load (flicker that is harmful to the eyes during prolonged use).
6. Response time. The lower it is, the more comfortable it is to play games. The standard setting is 1–5 ms.
7. Connection interfaces. Familiarize yourself with the available connectors on the monitor to connect to the signal source. The VGA interface is already outdated, DVI is now relevant, versatile and provides excellent HDMI bandwidth, and the most modern and efficient port today is DisplayPort.

Best monitors up to 24 inches

Compact "working" solutions. Designed to save space in a confined space and allow the eyes to focus, not to scatter in the far corners.And they are also convenient to carry and transport, which clearly cannot boast of larger counterparts.

4 LG 22MP48A 21.5 ″

A compact devotee does not need to bother with a choice - the LG 22MP48A satisfies all the basic requirements. The IPS-matrix produces excellent color reproduction, the resolution is quite enough for such a diagonal - 1920 × 1080. The absence of flicker makes it possible to work at the computer for a long time without harm to the eyes. Good viewing angles and a short response time (5 ms) are what LG monitors have always been credited with.

The specificity of the matrix could not help but say its word: the contrast is limited to 1000: 1, and the brightness is 250 cd / m2.

Pros:

• Ability to adjust the clarity of the picture
• Slight pixel response lag
• Nice appearance
• Saturated colors
• Nice price

Minuses:

• Pale black
• No HDMI
• Flimsy stand

3 Samsung C24F390FHI 23.5 ″

Practically a bestseller. Many stores offer this model for purchase, and the number of real reviews on the Web is in the hundreds. This is not surprising, because for 7 thousand pennies you get a monitor with a curved display. The bend is made in accordance with the screens of iMax cinemas - the field of view visually expands and creates an additional effect of involvement in what is happening.

Also, the developers from Samsung took care of eye protection - the Eye Saver Mode and the Flicker Free function are provided. Players will appreciate the presence of a separate Game Mode, which allows you to optimize the image parameters for the gameplay.

Pros:

• Curved screen
• Free-sync support
• Matte coating
• Flexible color adjustment
• Headphone jack
• Contrast Ratio 3000: 1

Minuses:

• Soiled gloss stand
• Brightest blue diode

2 DELL P2418D 23.8 ″

The difference between this monitor and most others from the same segment is the resolution increased to 2560 × 1440. In addition, the model is almost completely frameless, if you do not take into account the bottom bezel. The control buttons are pressed smoothly and work instantly. The white LED illumination of the power button can be turned off in the settings if necessary (many criticize analog models for too bright diodes).

DELL P2418D received an ergonomic and functional stand with a cable channel on the leg. Its position can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically. The maximum height is 130 mm.

Pros:

• Frameless
• Functional stand
• 3 USB inputs
• VESA mount
• DisplayPort in addition to HDMI
• Good viewing angles and color reproduction

Minuses:

• Glow effect is noted
• Refresh rate 60 Hz

1 Eizo Foris FS2434 23.8 ″

The Eizo Foris FS2434 is the best 24 '' monitor, and if you want something better than just a good small-to-medium monitor, Eizo Foris is often the choice. Despite the high price tag, it is still interesting to buyers. For example, its distinctive features are presence and light sensors. The device can automatically go into standby mode, so it can save energy.

Have problems with fine-tuning the brightness before? Here it is adjusted up to 1%, the picture does not fade in the sun. The AH-IPS matrix displays 16 million colors and exhibits high color saturation. The leg-stand is beautiful, comfortable and functional.

Pros:

• Thin bezels around the screen
• Accuracy of reproduction of primary colors and their shades
• Widest viewing angles
• Proprietary technologies to improve picture quality
• 2 x USB 2.0 switch
• Wall mount
• Convenient headphone connection

Minuses:

• Backlight leak around display perimeter
• High price

Best monitors up to 27 inches

Still not gigantic, but no longer small solutions, convenient for almost any task. Particularly for games and graphics. There is a lot of competition in this segment, but we tried to identify the four most recognized and highly rated models.

4 BenQ EW2775ZH 27 ″

The model received a thin bezel and direct steady backlighting. Thanks to the matte finish, the screen is glare-free.The main feature of the monitor, the manufacturer identified the protection of the user's eyes from harmful effects, leading to excessive fatigue and potential loss of vision. It uses blue color filtering technology and suppresses perceptible flicker, known as PWM. In addition, the AMVA + type matrix is ​​capable of opening wide viewing angles, has good contrast and brightness properties.

Inexpensive monitors are often prone to such an unpleasant phenomenon as flare. However, the WLED backlight in this model is designed to minimize them, especially in the corners. Besides HDMI, there is also the old VGA connector.

Pros:

• Eye protection technologies
• Compactness and lightness
• Reliable stand
• HDMI cable included
• Adaptive brightness

Minuses:

• DVI not supported
• No sound

3 Samsung C27F396FHI 27 ″

Once again, Samsung is pleased with the excellent curved display. Fans of such a solution will never pay attention to a device with a "direct" screen and they can be understood. In addition, the effect of presence and complete immersion in the ongoing actions is achieved without a large overpayment for such a purely visual advantage.

The matrix of the model is characterized by good color rendering, and the black color looks more natural than that of many analogues. There are no complaints about the uniformity of the backlighting, the monitor is adapted to work with ATI Radeon video cards. The backlight is flicker-free to protect your eyes from harmful effects. It should only be noted that sometimes there is a factory defect in the form of a noticeable train on white.

Pros:

• Lots of positive reviews
• Curved display at a low price
• Good color rendering
• Convenient joystick control system
• Deep black

Minuses:

• Lack of DisplayPort
• There is a white plume
• Flimsy stand

2 DELL S2719DGF 27 ″

This monitor differs from its counterparts in several important ways. First, a TN matrix is ​​used here. The manufacturer tried to squeeze the maximum out of this imperfect technology and achieved quite high picture quality indicators. Viewing angles remain not the strongest side of the matrix, but there is a high refresh rate of 155 Hz, a minimum response time of 1 ms (the best solution for gamers), Quad HD resolution (2560 × 1440), and a modern DisplayPort interface.

The matte surface protects against glare and additional eye strain, and the Flicker-free function is also implemented. A USB hub allows you to connect four devices to the monitor at the same time.

Pros:

• High frame rate (perfect picture smoothness)
• Optimal resolution
• Stable and finely adjustable stand
• DisplayPort support
• Modern design
• Dead pixels - warranty case

Minuses:

• Proprietary disadvantages of the outdated TN matrix
• Build quality is mediocre

1 Viewsonic VP2768-4K 27 ″

The best 27-inch monitor for a computer is the Viewsonic VP2768-4K. Professional model with the right price. Probably the best option in its price segment, which is confirmed by the reviews of satisfied customers. Here, 100% color gamut (a working version for designers, artists), accurate color reproduction, almost complete framelessness. Thanks to SuperClear IPS technology, the picture is viewed consistently without distortion from any angle.

The functional stand makes it possible to precisely adjust the height and rotation of the display to suit individual needs; the display rotation sensor is mounted. Fully equipped with ports including USB version 3.1, DisplayPort and mini-DisplayPort. Wall mount included. Despite the size and bulkiness of the stand, the device weighs only 6.9 kg.

Pros:

• Uniform and clear color reproduction
• Excellent factory calibration
• Lack of frames
• High-quality stand, rotation mechanisms
• 4K resolution
• Variety of interfaces
• Excellent design

Minuses:

• Response time - 14 ms
• Maximum frame rate - 75 Hz
• Price

Best monitors up to 32 inches

Such a monitor can become a full-fledged replacement for a TV.It is not very convenient to work on it, but as a multimedia or gaming solution, such a diagonal will prove itself better than its smaller counterparts. What models are interesting first of all?

4 Samsung C32F391FWI 31.5 ″

And in this category, South Korean giant Samsung has a lot to offer. Opponents of curved displays will pass by, but this solution has its own adherents. The curvature level is 1800R, which is safe for eye health. And the white color of the case adds a special elegance to the monitor.

Low cost, low resolution. The FullHD format may not be enough for this size, but it should be enough for unassuming users. The monitor can be positioned as a gaming monitor due to its low response latency - 4 ms (lower than that of IPS matrices). The presence of the Display Port will please, which is not found in every budget model.

Pros:

• Curved display
• Elegant white body
• Deep black
• HDMI cable included
• No dead pixels
• Low price

Minuses:

• Low pixel density (sharpness suffers)
• Black power supply and wires
• Glossy finish

3 LG 29UM69G 29 ″

The monitor differs from its counterparts in an ultra-wide aspect ratio of 21: 9. This is a better solution than the standard 16: 9 for games that need a wide all-round view (easier to spot enemies), as well as for modern films that are produced in this cinematic format.

Despite the large diagonal and low price, users have no complaints about color rendition, contrast and color saturation, and the viewing angles are all right, given that the IPS-matrix is ​​installed. Thanks to Motion Blur Reduction technology, it is possible to obtain a sharper picture in dynamic scenes, despite the maximum refresh rate of 75 Hz.

The monitor does not consume a lot of energy, since modern solid-state capacitors and LED components are used in the production.

Pros:

• Aspect ratio 21: 9
• USB Type-C
• Energy saving
• Convenient work in two-window mode
• Freesync support
• Value for money

Minuses:

• There are highlights
• The stand is not height adjustable
• Huge bezels around the display

2 AOC CQ32G1 31.5 ″

Monitor with excellent technical characteristics. Here you can find Quad HD resolution, a high frame refresh rate - 144 Hz, and FreeSync support, and a minimum response time of 1 ms. In addition, the 31.5-inch VA display has an 1800R curvature for an even more immersive experience. Maximum brightness - 300 cd / m², sRGB color gamut - 125%. No notorious PWM flicker due to the use of Flicker-Free technology.

As for the characteristics of the picture, it is characterized by high color saturation, high contrast, no uneven backlighting. Unless at the corners, a slightly yellowish tint may appear, which is due to the peculiarities of the VA matrix.

Pros:

• Smooth Image - 144Hz
• Dynamic Contrast Ratio - 80,000,000
• Excellent color rendering
• Minimum response latency
• Curved die
• Ability to manage monitor settings through a proprietary application

Minuses:

• Matrix is ​​inherently flashed
• No USB hub
• The stand is not height adjustable

1 Viewsonic VP3268-4K 31.5 ″

Best-in-class 32-inch professional monitors. At least, expert reviewers and the owners of the model boldly assert this. She received 4K-resolution, support for more than one billion colors (in this connection, it is better suited for professional work tasks than counterparts with 16.7 million colors). In addition, the factory calibration is carried out with high quality, the user is unlikely to have to sit for hours adjusting the monitor parameters.

Viewsonic VP3268-4K has a comfortable and functional stand, it can be rotated 90 degrees, there is a proprietary Auto Pivot function. The built-in USB hub includes 4 USB 3.0 Type A ports, however, getting to them is problematic. HDMI version is 2.0, DisplayPort is 1.2a.

Pros:

• Wide color gamut
• Accurate color reproduction and good factory calibration
• Matte anti-reflective coating
• Ergonomics of the stand
• No backlight flicker
• Build quality and materials

Minuses:

• Complex menu
• Inconvenient location of control buttons

What is the best computer monitor to buy in 2020?

As already mentioned, the main criteria when choosing a monitor will be the diagonal size, matrix type and screen resolution. We offer several optimal combinations for certain tasks:

1. if you mainly work or study at the computer, choose a monitor with a matrix IPS (realistic colors and moderate eye strain), diagonal 22-24 inches and FullHD-resolution. Pay attention to the presence of the Flicker-Free function, which will allow you to spend many hours at work every day without excruciating discomfort, and also give preference to a matte finish;
2. if your computer serves as a gaming station, choose a monitor with a TN (minimum pixel response latency) matrix that has a refresh rate of at least 75 Hz, or VA 144 Hz - this is generally no compromise option. FullHD resolution will not be enough, but Quad HD (2560 × 1440) is just right, since 4K gaming requires a powerful system unit that will not be cheap. A diagonal of 27 inches is enough for most gamers. Also, for smooth gaming, the monitor's support for G-SYNC / FreeSync technologies is important;
3. if you choose a monitor to replace your TV - for watching movies and online content, it makes sense to take a larger diagonal and get generous with 4K resolution. Samsung's curved, colorful VA sensor or 21: 9 aspect ratio is a good choice. In the first case, the viewing experience will be at a fundamentally new level, and in the second, you will get rid of the annoying black borders and can enjoy the full-fledged cinematic ultra-wide format.

We hope our rating has helped you choose the best monitor for your computer.