How to Choose the Right Monitor for You

Your Guide to buying the best Monitor

Overview

This guide is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the different factors to consider when shopping for a monitor, helping you to make an informed decision and purchase the right monitor for your needs. We’ll cover everything from size, resolution, panel type, and refresh rate, right down to the various connections ports and extras such as built-in speakers. With this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to select the perfect monitor for you.

Key features

  1. Display Type: Look for a monitor that supports the type of display you need for your digital content -- for example, if you are looking for a gaming monitor, consider one with an IPS panel with high refresh rates; if you are looking for a monitor for video editing, consider one with an OLED panel.
  2. Aspect Ratio: Look for a monitor with the right aspect ratio for your needs. Common aspect ratios include 16:9 (widescreen) and 21:9 (ultrawide).
  3. Screen Resolution: Consider the monitor's screen resolution, which is an indication of the number of pixels the display has. The higher the resolution, the more detail you will be able to see on the screen.
  4. Screen Size: Consider the size of the monitor you need. Larger monitors may offer better viewing angles and more on-screen real estate, while smaller monitors may be more suitable for spaces with limited space.
  5. Connectivity Options: Look for a monitor with the right connectivity options for your needs, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C.
  6. Response Time: Look for a monitor with a low response time, which is the time it takes for the monitor to refresh the image on the screen.
  7. Refresh Rate: Look for a monitor with a high refresh rate, which is the number of times the monitor refreshes the image on the screen per second.
  8. Adaptive Sync Technology: Look for a monitor with adaptive sync technology, such as AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync, to reduce screen tearing and provide smoother gaming performance.
  9. Price: Consider your budget when shopping for a monitor. Monitors can range from inexpensive to quite expensive, depending on the features and size.

See the most popular Monitor on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Size - Monitors come in a variety of sizes, which allows users to choose a monitor that best fits their needs and available space.
  • Display Type - Different display types offer varying contrast ratios, viewing angles, and resolutions. Finding the right balance of these features is important for getting the most out of a monitor.
  • Connectivity Options - Most monitors come with a variety of ports, allowing users to connect multiple devices to the same monitor.
  • Price - Different monitors come with different price tags, allowing users to find a monitor that fits their budget.
  • Energy Efficiency - Monitors come in a variety of energy efficiency ratings, allowing users to purchase a monitor that will help keep energy costs low.

Cons

  • Price - Monitors can vary greatly in price depending on size and features.
  • Screen Size - Some monitors may be too large or too small for some users depending on what they need the monitor for.
  • Display Quality - Different monitors have different display qualities, which can impact the clarity and color accuracy of the image.
  • Refresh Rate - The refresh rate indicates how quickly the monitor can draw a new image, which can affect the smoothness of the video.
  • Connection Types - Monitors typically have one or two connection types, which can limit the types of devices they can be used with.
  • Viewing Angle - The viewing angle of the monitor can impact how the image looks from different angles.
  • Power Consumption - Monitors can be quite power-hungry, so it's important to check the power consumption rating before buying.

Best alternatives

  1. LCD High-end monitor with an LED backlight for improved brightness and reduced energy consumption.
  2. OLED Thin, high-contrast and energy-efficient display technology.
  3. Plasma Large display panels that are typically used for TVs, but can also be used for monitors.
  4. IPS A type of liquid crystal display (LCD) that offers better color accuracy and wider viewing angles than traditional LCDs.
  5. QLED A type of LED display that offers enhanced color accuracy and higher brightness than traditional LED panels.
  6. VA A type of LCD display that offers improved contrast and better response time than traditional LCDs.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Monitor Arms – An accessory that allows you to adjust the height, angle, and position of your monitor.
  • VESA Mounts – A mounting system that allows you to attach your monitor to a desk or wall, depending on your needs.
  • Screen Cleaners – A product designed to safely clean your monitor without damaging it.
  • Cables – HDMI, VGA, DVI, and more; these are all connecting cables that can be used to hook up your monitor.
  • Power Adapters – An adapter that allows you to plug your monitor into a wall outlet or surge protector.
  • Privacy Filters – A device that prevents people from seeing what is displayed on your monitor from certain angles.

Common questions

  1. What are the major types of monitors?
    The major types of monitors are LCD (liquid crystal display), LED (light-emitting diode), and OLED (organic light-emitting diode).
  2. What size of monitor should I get?
    The size of monitor that you should get depends on how far away you plan to sit from the screen and what resolution you want to support. Generally, a monitor size of 24-27 inches is good for most people.
  3. What refresh rate should I get?
    The refresh rate is the maximum number of times that a display can be updated with new images per second. Most monitors now have a refresh rate of 60 Hz which is suitable for most applications. Higher refresh rates of 144/240 Hz are available and are ideal for gaming.
  4. What resolution should I get?
    Monitors typically come in resolutions from 720p to 4K, and the higher the resolution, the clearer the screen. For general use, 1080p is a good choice, and for gaming, 1440p is a good choice. 4K is good for high-end usage and is also good for editing photos and videos.
  5. What aspect ratio should I get?
    The aspect ratio is the ratio of the width of the display to the height of the display. The most common aspect ratio for monitors is 16:9, but there are also 21:9 and 16:10 monitors available. The aspect ratio you choose should depend on how you intend to use the monitor.
  6. What features should I look for?
    You should look for features such as adjustable stands, anti-glare coating, adaptive sync technology, and HDMI ports. Other features such as built-in speakers or USB ports may be useful depending on your needs.

Trivia

One interesting fact about Monitor is that, in its early days, it was used for both military and civilian applications. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Navy used a Monitor-class warship for patrolling the waterways. After the war, the vessel was converted into a museum ship and opened to the public in 1975. This is a unique example of a vessel that was used for both defense and tourism. It currently serves as the centerpiece of the San Diego Maritime Museum and is a popular tourist attraction. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Monitor.

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.