The Best Monitors

A good monitor is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your setup, whether you are adding a second screen to boost productivity, replacing an aging display, or pairing a larger monitor with your laptop at home. From sharper text and better color accuracy to smoother motion and more screen real estate, the right monitor can make everyday work, creative projects, and entertainment noticeably more enjoyable.

There is no single best monitor for everyone, which is why this guide covers a wide range of options. We have included everything from affordable 24-inch displays for everyday use to large 4K monitors for detailed work and high-refresh-rate screens built for gaming. Below, you will find our top picks along with guidance on what each type of monitor is best suited for, so you can choose the one that fits your needs and budget.

Dell UltraSharp U3225QE

Best 4K Monitor

The Dell UltraSharp U3225QE is a 32-inch 4K IPS Black monitor offering excellent contrast, accurate colors, and Thunderbolt connectivity for demanding productivity setups.

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The Dell UltraSharp U3225QE is a premium 32-inch monitor built for users who want a large, refined workspace without compromising image quality. Its size alone represents a meaningful upgrade over smaller displays, providing more room for multitasking while maintaining the clean, professional look Dell’s UltraSharp line is known for. The monitor combines a spacious screen with modern features that suit demanding productivity and creative setups.

The 31.5-inch display offers a noticeably larger canvas that makes complex workflows easier to manage. Applications with dense interfaces feel more comfortable to use, and it becomes possible to arrange multiple documents or browser windows side by side without feeling constrained. Despite the increase in size, the panel delivers strong contrast and uniform brightness, preserving visual consistency across the entire screen.

Image quality is one of the U3225QE’s strongest attributes. Its IPS Black panel produces deeper blacks and higher contrast than typical IPS displays, resulting in a more polished and immersive image. Colors appear natural and well balanced, and the larger panel does not introduce distracting shifts or uneven lighting. This makes the monitor suitable for tasks that benefit from both accuracy and screen real estate.

Connectivity is extensive and thoughtfully implemented. The monitor includes USB-C, DisplayPort, and HDMI inputs, allowing multiple computers to be connected at once. A wide selection of USB-A and USB-C ports supports peripherals, and daisy-chaining allows a second monitor to be connected directly through the display. With up to 140 watts of USB-C power delivery, a single cable can charge a high-performance laptop while handling video and data.

The U3225QE also adapts to its environment. An ambient light sensor can automatically adjust brightness and color temperature throughout the day, helping maintain comfortable viewing conditions as lighting changes. This feature can be useful in offices with variable lighting, though it can also be adjusted or disabled for users who prefer manual control.

Build quality and ergonomics are well suited to a display of this size. The included stand feels stable and supports a full range of adjustments, making it easy to achieve a comfortable viewing position without additional accessories. VESA mounting support is also available for those who prefer a monitor arm.

Price is the primary consideration. The U3225QE sits at the higher end of the market, and some users may weigh it against newer display technologies at similar prices. For those focused on productivity, media editing, and general professional use, the Dell UltraSharp U3225QE delivers an excellent balance of size, image quality, and connectivity that makes it a compelling standalone choice.

Dell UltraSharp U2725QE

Best 27” Monitor

The Dell UltraSharp U2725QE is a 27-inch 4K IPS Black monitor with excellent contrast, accurate color, 120Hz refresh, and Thunderbolt connectivity for modern desks.

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The Dell UltraSharp U2725QE stands out as the best 27-inch monitor for users who want sharp text, detailed images, and a well-rounded set of modern features. Its 4K resolution provides a clear and refined picture that benefits everything from everyday productivity to creative work. Combined with strong contrast, pleasant color reproduction, and generous brightness, the U2725QE delivers a viewing experience that feels premium without unnecessary complexity.

Image quality is a major strength. The 4K panel looks crisp and natural, with fine text rendering and clean detail across the screen. Dell’s enhanced IPS Black technology gives the display significantly higher contrast than typical IPS monitors, allowing darker scenes and subtle gradients to appear more defined. Shadows, clouds, and other low-contrast details are rendered with depth, while skin tones and bright areas remain balanced and realistic.

Color performance is reliable for most use cases. Out of the box, the U2725QE delivers accurate colors that look consistent and pleasing in everyday work. Users doing color-critical tasks such as print, web, or video production should still calibrate the display, but for general use the color accuracy is good enough that most differences are difficult to spot without a reference image. This balance makes the monitor flexible for both professional and general workflows.

Connectivity is another area where the U2725QE excels. The monitor functions as a full USB hub, offering eight USB ports, including multiple USB-C connections. When connected to a computer over USB-C, peripherals plugged into the monitor are automatically available to that system. A built-in KVM feature allows the monitor to switch connected accessories between multiple computers, making it easy to share one keyboard and mouse across different devices.

Power delivery over USB-C is especially impressive. The U2725QE can supply up to 140 watts of power, which is enough to charge demanding laptops that require more than the typical 100 watts. This makes it well suited for high-performance laptops and newer mini PCs that rely on USB-C for power, allowing a single cable to handle video, data, and charging.

The monitor also feels smoother to use than older 60 Hz displays. With a 120 Hz refresh rate, scrolling, window animations, and other on-screen motion appear more fluid and easier to follow. While it is not designed as a gaming-first monitor, the higher refresh rate improves everyday interactions and reduces visual strain during fast movement on screen.

Dell backs the U2725QE with a strong warranty that adds peace of mind. The Premium Panel Exchange policy covers even a single bright subpixel, which is one of the most generous pixel policies available. The main drawback is the stand, which can feel a bit wobbly on less stable desks. For users who type heavily or want maximum stability, pairing the monitor with a monitor arm is a worthwhile upgrade.

BenQ GW2486TC

Best Budget Option

The BenQ GW2486TC is a 24-inch Full HD IPS monitor with USB-C 65W charging, 100Hz refresh rate, and eye-care features ideal for office work and productivity.

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The BenQ GW2486TC is a budget-friendly monitor that delivers more features and polish than its price suggests. It produces a clear image with fairly natural colors and pairs that with thoughtful design choices that are uncommon in this price range. For everyday productivity and general use, it offers a clean, capable experience without feeling stripped down.

One of the GW2486TC’s standout features is its USB-C connectivity with power delivery. The monitor can supply up to 65 watts of power to a compatible laptop, allowing a single USB-C cable to handle both the display signal and charging at the same time. This makes it especially convenient for modern laptops and helps reduce cable clutter on a desk. In addition to USB-C, the monitor includes HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, along with a DisplayPort output that allows a second monitor to be daisy-chained without connecting it directly to the computer.

The 24-inch, 1080p screen is well suited for common tasks like email, web browsing, video streaming, and light gaming. At this size and resolution, text and interface elements appear relatively large and easy to read, which many people will find comfortable for long work sessions. Users who are accustomed to higher-resolution displays may notice less on-screen detail and reduced workspace, but for basic productivity and entertainment, the resolution is perfectly serviceable.

BenQ also includes an adjustable stand, which is rare among budget monitors. The stand allows for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments, making it easier to set up an ergonomic viewing position. This flexibility helps the monitor fit into a variety of work-from-home or office setups without requiring an immediate upgrade to a monitor arm.

Design is another area where the GW2486TC exceeds expectations. It features slim bezels on three sides and subtle white accents that give it a cleaner, more modern look than many entry-level displays. The understated styling allows it to blend in easily with both professional and casual desk setups.

There are a few limitations to keep in mind. The display is not especially bright, which can make it look a bit washed out in rooms with a lot of direct sunlight. Color capabilities are also limited to 8-bit color and primarily the sRGB color space, making it a poor fit for design, photo editing, or color-critical media work. Even with these drawbacks, the BenQ GW2486TC remains an excellent value for office tasks, general computing, and anyone looking for a well-equipped budget monitor with modern connectivity.

Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM

Best for Gaming

With its stunning 4K OLED panel, ultra-fast 240 Hz refresh rate, and vibrant HDR performance, this monitor offers top-tier visuals and responsiveness for serious PC gamers.

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The Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM is a high-end gaming monitor built for players who want exceptional image quality and a true 4K experience. Its 32-inch OLED panel delivers deep contrast, rich colors, and impressive shadow detail that elevate visually demanding games and cinematic content. Compared with traditional LCD-based gaming monitors, the OLED technology here creates a more immersive and lifelike image that immediately stands out.

OLED’s ability to control individual pixels is a major advantage. Each pixel can turn completely off when displaying black, resulting in perfect blacks and an effectively infinite contrast ratio. This allows dark scenes to retain detail without looking washed out, while bright highlights remain vivid and punchy. The result is a level of depth and realism that IPS panels simply cannot replicate, making the PG32UCDM one of the most visually striking gaming monitors available.

The 4K resolution adds another layer of clarity, offering far more detail than 1080p or 1440p displays. Textures look sharper, fine details are easier to see, and the overall image appears more refined. That added sharpness does come with higher hardware demands, since modern games require a powerful graphics card to run smoothly at 4K. When paired with a capable system, however, the monitor’s high refresh rate ensures fluid motion and responsive gameplay.

Beyond gaming performance, the PG32UCDM is also well equipped for mixed-use setups. It includes a USB-C port that can deliver up to 90 watts of power, allowing a single cable to handle display output and laptop charging. This makes it easy to switch between a gaming desktop and a work laptop without rearranging cables. HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs further ensure compatibility with modern PCs and consoles.

The monitor also functions as a convenient connectivity hub. A built-in USB hub allows peripherals like keyboards, mice, and external storage to remain connected to the display and switch automatically with the active input. This setup is especially useful for users who rely on one desk for both work and gaming, reducing friction when moving between devices.

Cost is the biggest drawback. OLED monitors remain significantly more expensive than IPS alternatives, and the PG32UCDM reflects that premium pricing. There are also ongoing concerns about OLED burn-in, but Asus addresses this with built-in screen maintenance features and a three-year warranty that includes burn-in coverage. For gamers willing to invest in top-tier visuals and equipped with the hardware to match, the ROG Swift PG32UCDM delivers an outstanding experience that few monitors can rival.

Dell UltraSharp U4025QW

Best Ultrawide Monitor

The Dell UltraSharp U4025QW is a massive 40-inch 5K2K IPS Black ultrawide with excellent contrast, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and built-in KVM support.

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The Dell UltraSharp U4025QW is one of the largest and highest-resolution monitors available, designed for users who want to fit an enormous amount of information on a single screen. Its 5K2K resolution allows operating systems to scale text and interface elements smaller without sacrificing clarity, making it possible to see far more content at once. This creates a spacious, luxurious workspace that easily accommodates multiple documents, large spreadsheets, or several full-size windows side by side.

With a resolution of 5120×2160 on a 40-inch panel, the U4025QW offers more pixels than any other monitor in this guide. The standard 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio keeps the screen practical for everyday work, allowing two or three applications to be displayed comfortably at the same time. A 120 Hz refresh rate further enhances the experience by smoothing animations and general on-screen motion, which helps the display feel responsive despite its size.

Color performance and brightness are solid for such a large display. Out of the box, the monitor provides color accuracy that works well for general productivity and media consumption, with calibration recommended for color-critical creative work. While the brightness and contrast do not fully reach the advertised specifications, the screen still performs well in typical office environments and remains comfortable to use for long sessions, especially given the lack of direct competitors at this size and resolution.

Connectivity is a major strength of the U4025QW. It includes DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 for video input, along with a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port that can deliver up to 140 watts of power to compatible laptops. This makes it capable of charging even demanding systems through a single cable. The monitor also features additional USB-C and USB-A ports, a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connection, and a headphone jack, turning it into a full docking solution for complex desk setups.

The U4025QW is well suited for multi-computer workflows. It can split the screen between two connected systems and includes a built-in KVM switch that automatically assigns connected peripherals to the active input. This allows users to move seamlessly between a desktop and a laptop without unplugging or rearranging accessories, which is especially valuable on a shared or hybrid workstation.

An ambient light sensor adds further convenience by adjusting brightness and color temperature based on room lighting throughout the day. This helps reduce eye strain and keeps the display looking consistent as lighting conditions change. Software support also makes it easier to manage settings directly from the computer, rather than relying on physical controls.

The primary drawback is cost. The U4025QW is expensive, reflecting both its size and its unique resolution. It also falls short of its advertised brightness and contrast in measured performance, though these differences are not obvious in everyday use. For users who want a massive, high-resolution ultrawide that can replace multiple monitors and simplify complex workflows, the Dell UltraSharp U4025QW delivers a compelling and unmatched experience.

Asus ProArt PA24ACRV

Best 24” Monitor

The Asus ProArt PA24ACRV is a 24-inch WUXGA IPS monitor with factory-calibrated color, USB-C 96W charging, and compact design ideal for creative professionals.

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The Asus ProArt PA24ACRV is a premium 24-inch monitor designed for users who want a sharper display without moving up to a larger size. It builds on the strengths of other ProArt models by pairing a higher-resolution panel with excellent connectivity and a solid, adjustable stand. For users willing to spend a bit more, it delivers clearer text and finer detail while keeping the same compact footprint that works well on smaller desks.

The main upgrade is resolution. The PA24ACRV uses a 2560×1440 panel, which looks noticeably sharper than lower-resolution 24-inch displays. Text appears cleaner, small interface elements are easier to read, and images show more fine detail. The monitor uses a standard 16:9 aspect ratio rather than a taller format, which slightly reduces vertical workspace but aligns perfectly with most video content, eliminating letterboxing when watching movies or shows.

Color accuracy remains a strong point. The PA24ACRV maintains the ProArt line’s reputation for reliable, consistent color reproduction, making it suitable for photography, design, and general creative work. Colors are well balanced out of the box, and the display responds well to calibration for users who require tighter control. This balance of resolution and color performance makes it a practical choice for professionals who want precision without stepping into much larger monitors.

Connectivity is another area where the PA24ACRV excels. A USB-C port with up to 96 watts of power delivery allows a single cable to handle video, data, and laptop charging. This setup works especially well with modern laptops, reducing cable clutter and simplifying desk setups. The monitor also includes HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs, giving it flexibility when connecting desktops, laptops, or other devices.

The display also supports daisy chaining through its DisplayPort output, allowing multiple compatible monitors to be connected in series from a single computer. This makes it easier to expand into a multi-monitor setup without running extra cables to the PC. For users who want more screen space but prefer smaller displays, this capability adds long-term flexibility.

Ergonomics and build quality round out the package. The included stand supports height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments, making it easy to achieve a comfortable viewing position. The construction feels sturdy and well suited for daily use in professional environments, and VESA mounting support allows for easy integration with monitor arms if desired.

The main limitation is size. A single 24-inch monitor can feel cramped for heavy multitasking, especially compared with larger 27-inch or ultrawide displays. The higher resolution helps fit more content on screen, but users who frequently juggle many windows may still benefit from a dual-monitor setup. Even so, the Asus ProArt PA24ACRV stands out as one of the best 24-inch options available for those who want sharp visuals, accurate color, and modern connectivity in a compact form.

Choosing the right monitor ultimately comes down to how you work and what you value most in a display. Screen size, resolution, color quality, and connectivity all play a role in shaping your day-to-day experience, and even small differences can have a big impact on comfort and productivity. A well-chosen monitor can reduce eye strain, streamline your workflow, and make everything from writing and coding to editing and multitasking feel more efficient.

Rather than chasing specs alone, it’s worth focusing on how a monitor fits into your space and routine. Consider how much screen real estate you truly need, whether you rely on a single-cable laptop setup, and how important features like refresh rate or color accuracy are for your work. When those pieces align, the right monitor becomes less of a piece of hardware and more of a tool you stop thinking about and simply enjoy using every day.