Individuals may not frequently consider the importance of their computer monitors, but these devices play a crucial role in enhancing productivity, whether for work or gaming at home. A quality monitor can significantly boost efficiency for those working on a laptop, and a dual-display setup can elevate the experience further. It can also improve the visual quality of games and movies, although a poor choice can detract from it. Members of the WIRED Gear team utilize large external screens daily across various setups to aid in writing their reviews, prompting them to evaluate these monitors as well.
When selecting a monitor, several factors should be considered. The significance of these features may vary based on use—gamers often prioritize higher frame rates, whereas office workers may not. However, understanding these key points is beneficial:
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Resolution: Larger monitors benefit from higher resolutions, allowing for more compact app windows without sacrificing legibility. Common resolutions include 1080p, 1440p (2K), and 4K.
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Refresh Rate: Measured in hertz (Hz), the refresh rate indicates how frequently the display updates per second. A higher refresh rate provides smoother visuals for games. For productivity, 60 Hz is adequate, but gamers usually prefer monitors that support 120 or 144 Hz. A sufficiently powerful computer is required to handle these rates, and this feature typically needs to be enabled in the operating system’s display settings.
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Panel Type: Most monitors use LCD panels, such as twisted nematic (TN), vertical alignment (VA), or in-plane switching (IPS), all employing TFT technology. IPS panels are favored for color accuracy, VA for contrast, and TN for speed and refresh rates. The popularity of IPS is increasing due to improved refresh rates. OLED panels are gaining traction for their capacity to display true blacks and vibrant colors, albeit often at the expense of brightness. Choosing a panel type should align with personal preferences like color fidelity, thinness, or brightness.
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Nvidia G-Sync/AMD FreeSync Support: Specifically relevant for gamers, these features help prevent screen tearing without degrading performance. Nvidia produces G-Sync, while FreeSync is from AMD. FreeSync monitors commonly work with modern Nvidia graphics cards, but G-Sync may not be compatible with AMD cards, so compatibility should be verified before purchasing.
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HDR Support: While not essential for productivity, HDR can enhance media consumption by expanding the color range for more vivid images. As many content sources now support HDR, it can be a worthwhile feature to consider.
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Port Availability: Often overlooked, the availability of ports for device connections is critical. Most monitors offer one or two HDMI inputs and a DisplayPort input, but specific needs should be checked to ensure compatibility. A guide on the best USB Hubs and Docks may be helpful for those requiring additional port options.
- Built-in KVM Switch: A KVM switch facilitates the shifting of a monitor, keyboard, and mouse between different computers or input sources, like a gaming console. For those using a shared setup for work and personal use or combining a computer and console, a built-in KVM switch can simplify switching between devices.
Once a monitor is selected, setting it up at a workstation requires the right accessories:
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Stands: The adjustability of stands, included with most monitors, can help minimize neck and back strain. Ideal stands allow height, tilt, and rotation adjustments for optimal screen positioning.
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Mounting Brackets: For those utilizing monitor arms, the mount type is crucial—most follow the VESA standard. It’s advisable to confirm compatibility with existing equipment before purchasing.
- Speakers: While many monitors come with built-in speakers, their sound quality is often lacking. Purchasing a dedicated set of speakers might be more effective, and a guide to the best speakers is available for reference.
There is a wide array of computer monitors on the market tested by WIRED, and they continually update their recommendations. Additional guides on home office gear, laptops, and USB hubs and docks are also available for comprehensive equipment advice.
(Updated October 2024: This guide now includes three new monitor selections.)
