Monitors may not be the first consideration for users, but they play a crucial role whether in a work or gaming setting, affecting both productivity and the quality of visual content. A computer monitor can significantly enhance productivity levels when used with a laptop, and a dual display arrangement can further improve the experience. Monitors can also enhance or diminish the visual quality of games or movies. The WIRED Gear team, who frequently use large external screens in various configurations for reviewing purposes, has decided to review these monitors as well.
When selecting a monitor, several key factors should be considered. These factors may vary in importance depending on the intended use, such as higher frame rates being more important for gamers than for office work, but are useful to consider.
Resolution: Larger monitors benefit from higher resolutions, allowing applications to occupy less space while remaining legible. Common resolutions include 1080p, 1440p (2K), and 4K.
Refresh rate: This measures how often the display updates per second (in Hz). A higher refresh rate provides smoother action in games by delivering more information. For productivity, 60 Hz is sufficient, whereas gamers may look for panels achieving 120 or 144 Hz. A capable computer is needed to maintain a high frame rate and utilize these refresh rates, which often need to be enabled in display settings.
Panel type: Monitors generally feature some form of LCD panel. Popular options include twisted nematic (TN), vertical alignment (VA), and in-plane switching (IPS) panels, each using thin-film-transistor (TFT) technology. IPS is favored for color, VA for contrast, and TN for speed with higher refresh rates and response times. OLED panels, featuring pixels that independently light on and off, offer true blacks and more vibrant colors at times, though often sacrifice brightness. The choice of panel type may depend on priorities like color fidelity, form factor, or maximum brightness.
Nvidia G-Sync/AMD FreeSync support: Specific to gaming, these features allow monitors to adjust frame rates according to the games played, reducing screen tearing without impacting performance. G-Sync is developed by Nvidia, while FreeSync is by AMD. FreeSync monitors generally work with modern Nvidia graphics cards, but G-Sync is not compatible with AMD cards, so compatibility should be checked before purchasing.
HDR support: While not essential for productivity, HDR can greatly enhance media viewing and gaming by expanding the range of colors a screen can display, producing more vivid images. Although content must support HDR, many sources do these days, making it often a worthwhile feature.
Port availability: It’s important to consider the types of ports available for connecting devices. Most monitors come equipped with one or two HDMI inputs and a DisplayPort input, which generally meet most requirements. It’s advisable to verify whether the setup requires additional port options.
- Built-in KVM switch: A KVM switch allows users to easily switch between different computers or source inputs with a single monitor, keyboard, and mouse. For those with setups that include both a work and personal computer, or a computer and gaming console, a built-in KVM switch can eliminate the need for an external device.
After acquiring a monitor, proper setup on a workstation is necessary. This can be achieved with various accessories:
Stands: Most monitors include a stand, the flexibility of which can help alleviate neck or back strain. Ideal stands allow height, tilt, and rotation adjustments.
Mounting brackets: When using monitor arms, the mount type is important. Most monitors employ the VESA standard, and equipment should be checked for compatibility with the mount size and type.
- Speakers: Many monitors have built-in speakers, though they often produce low-quality sound. External speakers may provide a better audio experience.
This guide from WIRED highlights some of the top computer monitors available after extensive testing. Updating this guide is ongoing due to the vast variety of PC monitors. Additional buying advice that elucidates industry jargon is included, as well as other recommendations for home office equipment such as laptops and USB hubs.
This article was last updated in October 2024, adding three new selections to the guide.
