How to Choose the Best External Monitor

Your Guide to buying the best External monitors

Overview

An external monitor is a great way to upgrade your computing experience, from increasing the size and clarity of your display or providing extra screen real estate for multitasking. When shopping for an external monitor, there are many factors to consider, such as size, resolution, portability, refresh rate, and price. This buying guide will provide an overview of these features and help you find the best external monitor for your needs.

Key features

  1. Size and Resolution: What size monitor do you need? Will the resolution meet your needs?
  2. Connectivity: What type of ports do you need on the back of the monitor? Does the monitor have the right ports for your setup?
  3. Display Type: What type of display do you need? Do you want an IPS or TN display?
  4. Refresh Rate: What refresh rate do you need? Is the monitor fast enough to handle your workload?
  5. Features: Does the monitor have any additional features that you need? Do you need a monitor with a built-in speaker system or USB ports?
  6. Pricing: How much are you willing to spend? Compare options to find the best value.

See the most popular External monitors on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Viewing Angle: External monitors typically offer wider viewing angles than built-in monitors, making them ideal for viewing content from various angles.
  • Higher Resolution: External monitors often offer higher resolutions than built-in monitors, resulting in greater visual clarity.
  • Weight & Portability: External monitors are typically lighter and more portable than built-in monitors, making them ideal for travelers.
  • Expandable Options: External monitors are highly expandable, allowing users to easily add more monitors to their setup.
  • Multiple Input Sources: External monitors often offer multiple input sources, allowing users to connect to multiple devices.
  • Cost Savings: External monitors may offer cost savings in the long run as they are typically less expensive to repair or upgrade than built-in monitors.
  • Upgrade Options: External monitors offer more upgrade options than built-in monitors, allowing users to easily upgrade their displays without replacing the entire monitor.

Cons

  • Size: External monitors are often limited in size, making them better suited for smaller workspaces.
  • Portability: External monitors are generally not very portable, which can be inconvenient for people who need to move their monitors frequently.
  • Cost: External monitors are typically more expensive than their internal counterparts.
  • Compatibility: External monitors must be compatible with the device or computer they are connecting to.
  • Power Consumption: External monitors typically consume more power than an internal monitor.
  • Heat: External monitors often generate more heat than an internal monitor.

Best alternatives

  1. LED TVs - Flat-panel televisions that use Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology for improved picture quality.
  2. Projectors - A device that projects an image onto a wall or screen.
  3. Touchscreen Monitors - Monitors with a touchscreen overlay, allowing for easy interaction.
  4. Ultra HD Monitors - Monitors with Ultra-High Definition resolution for improved image quality.
  5. Monitor Arms - Accessories that attach to a monitor to give it more flexibility in mounting options.
  6. Curved Monitors - Monitors with a curved screen for improved viewing angles.
  7. Portable Monitors - Lightweight, battery-powered monitors for use on the go.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Tripod - A device used to hold and support external monitors so they can be easily adjusted and displayed in the preferred position.
  • External Monitor Cable - A cable used to connect an external monitor to a computer or other device.
  • Monitor Stand - A platform designed to hold an external monitor and allow the user to adjust the height and angle of the monitor.
  • Monitor Wall Mount - A device used to attach an external monitor to a wall, providing a secure and stable mount.
  • Screen Cleaning Kit - A kit designed to clean and protect an external monitor from dust and dirt.
  • DisplayPort Cable - A cable used to provide a digital connection between an external monitor and a computer.
  • Adapter - An accessory used to connect a computer or other device to an external monitor.

Common questions

  1. What are the main types of external monitors? The main types of external monitors are LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED monitors.
  2. What are the benefits of having an external monitor? The benefits of having an external monitor include increased screen size and resolution, increased responsiveness, and improved picture quality.
  3. What should I consider when buying an external monitor? When buying an external monitor, you should consider the type of connection, screen size, features, resolution, refresh rate, response time, and price.
  4. What is a good refresh rate for an external monitor? A good refresh rate for an external monitor is 120 Hz or higher.
  5. What is the difference between a TN monitor and an IPS monitor? The difference between a TN monitor and an IPS monitor is that TN monitors have faster response times, while IPS monitors provide more accurate color reproduction and wider viewing angles.
  6. Are external monitors compatible with all computers? No, external monitors are not always compatible with all computers. It is important to check the specifications of the monitor and the computer to make sure they are compatible.

Trivia

A recent study has suggested that using an external monitor could help with improving productivity by up to 20%. The study was conducted in the UK by the Human Factors Research Group at the University of Nottingham. This research has provided strong evidence to suggest that the use of an external monitor can have a positive effect on the user’s ability to multitask efficiently. In addition, the study found that the use of an external monitor was associated with improved mental energy levels and higher job satisfaction among employees. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.