In a fresh development, i’ve combed through scores of options to find the best monitors on the market right now. These picks are the result of hundreds of hours spent testing the most recent models from Acer, Asus, BenQ, Dell, LG, Samsung, and other major brands. Need a fresh monitor for your PC?
In a fresh development, after all, not everyone needs the same functions from a monitor. You can find out more about how I evaluate monitors and what specs matter most below my list of recommendations. While my favorite monitor overall is an awesome choice for most people, I also have alternative options for budget shoppers, gamers, and those seeking the best HDR performance.
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In a fresh development, it’s great for home office productivity, good for tech industry, and can handle more serious content creation workflows, like photo and video editing. Dell’s Ultrasharp U2724DE is an incredibly versatile monitor that will satisfy most users.
According to the latest update, it can’t beat a more expensive OLED or Mini-LED panel, but it’s still alluring. It also lacks the burn-in worries of OLED which, although unlikely to occur in mixed use, might become an issue if you spend all day working in Excel and plan to keep your monitor for as long as possible. The U2724DE has an IPS Black panel that roughly doubles the monitor’s contrast ratio (compared to other IPS monitors).
According to the latest update, upping the refresh rate greatly improves motion clarity and makes the U2724DE a viable display for gamers. That’s a big deal. It means you can buy one monitor for both work and play. Dell pairs the IPS Black panel with an enhanced 120Hz refresh rate.
As part of the ongoing story, thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, DisplayPort-in and -out, and HDMI are present. It even has a 2.5G Ethernet port. These functions are ideal if you plan to connect a laptop over USB-C, as the U2724DE will greatly expand the laptop’s connectivity. The U2724DE goes all-in on connectivity.
The report highlights that the U2724DE is a 1440p monitor, while many competitors in its price bracket offer 4K. This is often the trade-off made to hit monitor’s 120Hz refresh rate. For 4K goodness see the Dell U3225QE below. Just know that it’s almost 50 percent more expensive. Resolution is the only notable downside.
According to the latest update, read our full.
In a fresh development, dell U2724DE review.
As part of the ongoing story, this 24-inch 1080p IPS monitor stands out with its surprising 120Hz refresh rate and Adaptive Sync support, making it suitable for both productivity and PC tech industry. It also provides great image quality for a budget display, with above-average scores in contrast ratio and brightness, as well as good color performance. Value shoppers who want a good-quality, versatile monitor at a budget price will be pleased with the Acer Vero B247Y G.
According to the latest update, the monitor’s clear on-screen menu system provides easy access to various image settings, while the inclusion of both modern (HDMI, DisplayPort) and legacy (VGA) connections ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices. Build quality exceeds expectations, too, with a fully ergonomic stand that offers height, tilt, swivel, and even pivot adjustments—a rarity in budget displays.
In a fresh development, it’s hard to find a more well-rounded budget monitor. Though it’s possible to find a less expensive 24-inch 1080p monitor, the Vero B247Y G justifies its slightly higher price through quality-of-life improvements, and it still manages to limbo under $150 when discounted (which it often is).
According to the latest update, read our full.
As part of the ongoing story, acer Vero B247Y G review.
Industry observers note that the Pixio PX248 Wave distinguishes itself from other budget options with a colorful, stylish design, and solid motion performance, for an enticing price of $159.99. This is a great budget monitor for gamers who want more than a no-frills display.
The report highlights that the latter two are rather special, as only a handful of monitors — like the more expensive Samsung M8 Smart Monitor — offer similarly out-of-the-box colors. The stand matches the monitor’s colorway, and Pixio even offers an optional color-coordinated monitor arm for those who want to go all-in on a particular desktop vibe. Pixio offers this monitor in four colorways: black, white, blue, and pink.
Industry observers note that image quality is reasonable, too, as the PX248 Wave delivers respectable color accuracy and coverage, making it suitable for both tech industry and casual content creation. It has built-in speakers, too. The monitor’s 24-inch Fast IPS display boasts a 200Hz refresh rate that delivers fluid motion.
As part of the ongoing story, uSB connectivity isn’t available. The included stand is also basic, as it only adjusts for tilt, and the menu controls could be more user-friendly. Despite its visual appeal, the PX248 Wave sticks to the basics with connectivity, which includes HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4.
In a fresh development, pixio’s PX248 Wave manages to match them in image quality and beat them on looks, yet it stays on a budget. Most competitors at this price point have a similar display panel wrapped in a more generic black, gray, or charcoal case.
According to the latest update, read our full.
According to the latest update, pixio PX248 Wave review.
According to the latest update, for anyone who wants a high-performance tech industry monitor, the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED should be at the top of your list.
According to the latest update, it’s an excellent choice for gamers who want both visual clarity and fluid motion. With its 240Hz refresh rate, the MSI delivers fast-paced tech industry yet maintains the deep contrast and vibrant colors that OLED monitors are known for. It also supports Adaptive Sync for smooth frame pacing. This 26.5-inch display delivers stunning 4K resolution with an ultra-smooth 240Hz refresh rate in a cutting-edge OLED panel.
According to the latest update, connectivity is also generous, with HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1a, and USB-C inputs, as well as 98 watts of USB Power Delivery for charging laptops or tablets. The design is a bit plain, but the stand is sturdy and fully adjustable, which is far more important. The QD-OLED panel offers excellent contrast and color accuracy, which makes it a solid pick for creative professionals and anyone who enjoys watching HDR movies.
The report highlights that but if 4K clarity and a fluid 240Hz refresh rate are what you’re after, this monitor is worth the investment. The MSI MPG 272URX is more expensive than 1440p OLED alternatives, which can be found for under $800.
According to the latest update, read our full.
The report highlights that mSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED review.
As part of the ongoing story, the U3225QE has it all: a sharp 31.5-inch 4K IPS Black panel with excellent color accuracy and an above-average contrast ratio for a productivity monitor. The 120Hz refresh rate enhances responsiveness, making tasks like scrolling through documents and multitasking smoother. The ergonomic stand provides height, tilt, swivel, and portrait mode adjustments, and the anti-glare coating ensures comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions. This is a great choice for professionals who want a top-of-the-line home office monitor.
The report highlights that it functions Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports with 140W of Power Delivery—enough to charge most laptops—along with HDMI, DisplayPort, and a secondary DisplayPort for daisy-chaining multiple monitors. A built-in 2.5Gbps Ethernet port ensures a fast and stable wired network connection, a rare capability among monitors. It also offers six USB-A ports, a pop-out USB hub with quick-access USB-C and USB-A ports, and KVM switch functionality for seamless switching between two connected PCs. In addition to all that, the U3225QE’s mitigates the need for external docks and adapters, with generous connectivity.
Industry observers note that while it lacks built-in speakers and its HDR performance is limited, the U3225QE’s extensive connectivity and high-quality display make it a standout choice for professionals who need a central hub for their workspace.
In a fresh development, check out the Dell Ultrasharp U2725QE. It has a similar 4K IPS Black display panel and Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C connectivity. Want a smaller version of this monitor?
According to the latest update, read our full.
According to the latest update, dell Ultrasharp U3225QE review.
According to the latest update, the ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV is perfect for content creators, programmers, designers, and anyone who values ultra-sharp image quality and accurate colors for productivity work.
As part of the ongoing story, that’s much sharper than 5K ultrawides and nearly matches Apple’s Pro Display XDR. Text is crisp and hi-res photos look lifelike. With a true 5K resolution (5120×2880) on a 27-inch panel, the ProArt Display 5K packs an incredibly crisp 218 pixels per inch.
The report highlights that the monitor covers 100 percent of both sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces, plus 91 percent of AdobeRGB, making it ideal for content creation. Its impressive 578-nit brightness ensures excellent visibility in any lighting condition, too. The ProArt Display 5K’s color performance and brightness solidify its position.
Industry observers note that at $800, it’s the most affordable true 5K monitor available as of early 2025. While it has some limitations, like a 60Hz refresh rate and modest contrast ratio, these are minor tradeoffs. It delivers super-sharp 5K resolution, professional-grade color performance, and outstanding value. Most compelling is the PA27JCV’s unmatched value proposition.
According to the latest update, read our full.
Industry observers note that asus ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV review.
In a fresh development, if you want a 32-inch 6K monitor that delivers exceptional sharpness and strong color performance without the sky-high prices usually attached to this resolution, the ProArt PA32QCV is an easy recommendation.
As part of the ongoing story, while it doesn’t claim the very top spot in every technical category, particularly in contrast and HDR performance, its combination of resolution, usability, and value is unmatched. It’s ideal for professionals, prosumers, and creatives—especially Mac users—who need precise visuals, solid brightness, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity with 96 watts of power delivery.
The report highlights that these functions make it easy to tune and calibrate the monitor to fit your needs. The ProArt also benefits from attractive design, a highly functional ergonomic stand, and a wide range of options that provide precise monitor adjustment.
Industry observers note that shoppers who want additional functions should know there are other 6K monitors that provide more connectivity or higher-end capabilities.
According to the latest update, macBook users may also want to look at Apple’s Pro Display XDR, which offers unmatched HDR brightness and contrast alongside its impeccable build quality. Dell’s UltraSharp U3224KB, for example, offers an IPS Black panel, integrated 4K webcam, Ethernet, and more powerful Thunderbolt 4 power delivery, making it a great fit for heavy collaboration workflows.
Industry observers note that the Dell U3224KB is currently $2,800 and the Apple Pro Display XDR starts at $5,000. Most people who want 6K resolution will be better off buying the PA32QCV and keeping the extra cash in their wallet. There’s a big problem with these alternatives, though: They’re outrageously expensive.
According to the latest update, read our full.
In a fresh development, asus ProArt PA32QCV review.
Industry observers note that this impressive monitor combines a class-leading image quality with a unique and useful stand. If you want a monitor that you can easily transport for content creation work, the Viewsonic VP16-OLED will fill that role with aplomb.
In a fresh development, it delivers outstanding image quality, scoring top marks in color accuracy, gamut, and contrast. The VP16-OLED’s performance is superior to many full-sized OLED monitors—and completely smashes portable competitors. This makes the VP16-OLED ideal for photographers, videographers, and other content creators. The VP16-OLED has a 15.6-inch OLED panel with 1080p resolution.
Industry observers note that it can be used as a kickstand, as is true of most portable monitors, or expand to hold the monitor upright. The stand includes two USB-C ports, either of which can be used to provide power and video input to the monitor. It also offers a micro-HDMI port for use with devices that lack USB-C. The monitor has a versatile stand.
Industry observers note that viewsonic bundles the monitor with several cable types and a USB-C power brick, so you don’t have to buy additional adapter cables or accessories.
Industry observers note that the Viewsonic VP16-OLED retails at $399.99, more than double the price of a basic 1080p portable monitor. That’s tough to justify if you just need a second monitor to display Slack and Twitter, but it’s a worthwhile upgrade if you care about image quality. There’s just one problem: It’s expensive.
According to the latest update, read our full.
The report highlights that viewsonic ColorPro VP16-OLED review.
In a fresh development, the extra height is great for viewing more lines of code simultaneously and reduces the need for constant scrolling back or forth. The BenQ RD280U is the best monitor for coders thanks to its unusual 3:2 aspect ratio, which is much taller than a conventional widescreen.
The report highlights that the monitor’s IPS panel delivers excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, ensuring code remains clear and legible from any position. The 28-inch display panel has a crisp 3840×2560 resolution, which helps to render small fonts. It also has a matte finish that reduces glare, making it ideal for various lighting conditions. Beyond its unique aspect ratio, the RD280U’s image quality is ideal for long coding sessions.
The report highlights that connectivity is another strong suit of the RD280U, with a versatile array of ports including USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 90 watts of USB Power Delivery. Programmers can easily connect and charge a laptop. The monitor has a MoonHalo ambient light and an automatic night mode, both designed to reduce eye strain during extended use — a crucial consideration for programmers who often work long hours.
The report highlights that the added cost is justified by the fact no competitor offers the same functions at any price. Priced at $599.99, the BenQ RD280U is relatively expensive for a monitor of its size, but its long list of unique functions makes it an easy recommendation for coders.
According to the latest update, read our full.
In a fresh development, benQ RD280U review.
As part of the ongoing story, our monitor guides are based on testing by freelance and staff contributors with decades of combined experience.
The report highlights that this specialized devices can objectively measure a monitor’s brightness, contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, luminance and color uniformity, gamma, and many other aspects of image quality. While we rely on our eyes for an initial impression, we thoroughly test each monitor with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra color calibration tool.
Industry observers note that using this tool helps us detect strengths and weaknesses that don’t stand out at a glance and guarantees that a change in lighting conditions or monitor location won’t skew our impression.
According to the latest update, for more details, see our article on on how we test monitors at PCWorld.
According to the latest update, smith is a freelance technology journalist with 15 years of experience reviewing consumer electronics, including the universe of computer monitors. In addition to PCWorld, his work can be found on Wired, Digital Trends, Reviewed, Lifewire, and other technology publications. Matthew S.
In a fresh development, choosing one from the crowd can be difficult, but knowing the key traits of a monitor will help you make your decision. There are literally hundreds—and perhaps thousands—of monitors to choose from.
Industry observers note that a higher resolution provides a sharper, more attractive image and is generally preferable. There’s nothing wrong with 1080p, however. It remains the baseline and is by far the most widely used resolution sold today. Most monitors are available in 4K (3840×2160), 1440p (2560×1440), and 1080p (1920×1080) resolution.
According to the latest update, hDMI and DisplayPort are the most common. USB-C is rising in popularity because it can charge connected devices, such as a laptop. Look for a monitor with a connection supported by your computer.
According to the latest update, this is most appealing to PC gamers, as improved motion performance is most noticeable when panning the camera in a 3D system update. Most monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, but a higher refresh rate (such as 144Hz) will make motion look smooth and crisp.
In a fresh development, it does so by keeping a monitor’s refresh rate in sync with the video input from your computer. Our guide to FreeSync and G-Sync provides more detail. This technology also improves motion performance.
The report highlights that the HDR will function, and may look superior to SDR, but it won’t approach the quality implied by the spec. To ensure a quality HDR experience, look for a minimum of VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification (or VESA DisplayHDR True Black). See our article on everything you need to know about HDR on your PC to learn more. Many 4K monitors support HDR, but often the HDR performance is lackluster.
According to the latest update, our monitor buying guide explains the nerdy details of monitor specifications. Want to know more before you make a decision?
In a fresh development, this 27-inch IPS display with 2560×1440 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and extensive connectivity options can truly do it all, from productivity to tech industry. It’s solidly built, has ergonomic adjustments, and top-of-its class image quality. The best monitor overall is the Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE.
According to the latest update, hovering around $150, the 24-inch, 1080p B247Y G exceeds its price range with a 120Hz refresh rate, adaptive sync, a fully adjustable stand, and above-average image quality. A truly great value! There are monitors that are cheaper than the Acer Vero B247Y G, but none that are nearly as good for the price.
According to the latest update, monitor size depends on personal preference and location.
The report highlights that its small size will still be sufficient because the monitor is closer to you. A 24-inch monitor is fine for a desk that is around 24 inches deep, or less.
The report highlights that the added size will make the monitor easy to see. This also opens up a wider range of 4K monitor options, as 4K is very rare on a 24-inch monitor. Most people, however, will want to go with a 27-inch monitor.
In a fresh development, monitors this large can serve as a TV replacement in a small room. Larger monitors, such as a 32-inch widescreen or 34-inch ultrawide, are great for deep desks and people who want an immersive experience.
The report highlights that you’ll want to sit four to six feet away from a display of this size. Displays of even larger size, such as 42-inch or 48-inch HDTVs, are best for home theater setups or an unusually large office.
According to the latest update, it works by bundling DisplayPort into USB-C, so offers all the same functions as DisplayPort. Yet it retains the functions of USB-C including optional support for Power Delivery to charge external devices. This is why we recommend a USB-C monitor for most people. USB-C is the best display input for most people.
As part of the ongoing story, it supports higher resolutions and refresh rates than HDMI. This input is particularly common on desktop computers. DisplayPort is generally second-best.
As part of the ongoing story, this is improved by HDMI 2.1, but this capability remains hard to find and often adds to a monitor’s price. HDMI comes in third due to lower resolution and refresh rate support.
Industry observers note that it’s also important to buy a monitor that has an input compatible with your PC. All three of the options above handle 1080p at 60Hz, which is the most common resolution and refresh rate available today.
As part of the ongoing story, they’re plug-and-play, which means the monitor should display an image without the need to install driver programs or mess with Windows or MacOS settings. Modern monitors are compatible with all recent versions of Windows and MacOS.
According to the latest update, smith is a freelance technology journalist with 15 years of experience reviewing consumer electronics. In addition to PCWorld, his work can be found on Wired, Ars Technica, Digital Trends, Reviewed, IGN, and Lifewire. Matthew also covers AI and the metaverse for IEEE Spectrum and runs Computer Tech industry Yesterday, a YouTube channel devoted to PC tech industry history. Matthew S.