Our concise best Dell monitors buying guide cuts through the clutter of fake reviews and insufficient expert analysis by digging into data and real-world testing. We scrutinized 286489 reviews (customer & expert) from 196 computer monitors, evaluating essential performance aspects like input lag and contrast ratio. Our research revealed that 71% of experts fall short in their testing, but we’ve identified the credible few. This meticulous process has allowed us to curate a list of 4 top-performing Dell monitors, giving you the confidence to make an informed decision when you buy a top computer monitor based on reliable test data and genuine insights.
Below is our list of the 4 best Dell monitors .
How Did We Rank the Best Dell Monitors?
We’ve redefined computer monitor buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach leverages a comprehensive dataset from 200+ trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics (2 required, 1 nice to have) and 1 specification to rank the top-rated computer monitors and ensure our recommendations meet your specific needs. Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
🛠️ Minimum Specifications
- Title must contain Dell.
🧪 Test Criteria
- Contrast Ratio: 2900:1 or higher (infinite), offering deep blacks and bright whites for an exceptional viewing experience.
- Color Accuracy: At least 90% of the sRGB color gamut, providing rich and vibrant colors.
👍 “Nice To Haves”
- Color Accuracy: At least 85% of the DCI P3 xy color gamut, providing rich and vibrant colors.
Latest Updates
- 05/3/2024: Published the list of best Dell monitors based on our True Score system.
Top Best Dell Monitors For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dell S3222DGM
A great all-rounder at an affordable price, suitable for everything from productivity to gaming, with excellent contrast and vibrant colors, but lacking HDR support.
True Score
84833Experts
935kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $32$319.99$288.44Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional contrast levels
- Good color accuracy
- Fast refresh rate
- Good reflection handling
- Decent peak brightness levels
Reasons to Avoid
- Poor viewing angles
- Limited ergonomics
- No support for HDR content
Specifications
Display Type VA HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format n/a Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 
Panel Type VA Refresh Rate 165 Hz Response Time 2 ms Screen size 32" Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Test Results
Brightness (nits) 337 Contrast Ratio (as ratio x:1) 4,283 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 85 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 98 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 82 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) 0 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 18 Response Time (ms) 5 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 27 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 28 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 27 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 26 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 5 All Retailers
$288.44$320Save $32
$319.00$430Save $111
$329.99
Our Verdict
The Dell S3222DGM is an exceptional value in Dell’s lineup. It delivers great performance for its cost, making it perfectly suited to a variety of general tasks, from web browsing to document editing to gaming. Its brightness level of 337.14 nits keeps the screen visible and clear, even in brighter spaces, giving it extra versatility in different office settings or at home.
The lack of HDR support limits the monitor’s multimedia abilities, but it still boasts a superb contrast ratio of 4282.5:1, significantly enhancing visuals by producing deep blacks and vivid colors, which is welcome in just about anything, from games to movies to streams. The monitor’s color gamut coverage is also impressive, at 98.10% sRGB coverage, which helps make colors vibrant in most SDR content.
The 165Hz refresh rate is geared towards enjoying smoother, tear-free gaming and helps bring down the higher input lag of 18.25 ms to much more manageable levels the closer you get to the full 165 Hz. Plus, the 5 ms response time is fantastic for reducing blur in any fast-paced content, not just games.
Offering outstanding performance at an attractive price point, the Dell S3222DGM is an excellent all-around monitor. It balances affordability, brightness, color accuracy and contrast, making it a solid choice for those looking for a versatile monitor for everyday computing tasks, as well as gaming and streaming.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dell S3422DWG
Offers an excellent mix of productivity and gaming capabilities with its ultrawide screen, high brightness, and strong contrast, providing great value for a dual-purpose monitor.
True Score
83824Experts
916kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $51$399.99$349.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Outstanding input lag
- Excellent response time at the maximum refresh rate
- Large screen with a crisp resolution
Reasons to Avoid
- Narrow viewing angles
- Some black smearing in dark scenes
- Buggy G-SYNC compatibility at frame rates below 60 fps
Specifications
Display Type VA HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format Yes Max Resolution 3440 × 1440 Panel Type VA Refresh Rate 144 Hz Response Time 2 ms Screen size 34" Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Test Results
Brightness (nits) 413 Contrast Ratio (as ratio x:1) 3,008 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 87 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 99 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 83 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) 64 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 5 Response Time (ms) 7 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 35 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 36 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 33 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 31 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 5 All Retailers
- $349.00$400Save $51
- $396.74$510Save $113
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a more affordable dual-purpose monitor, the Dell S3422DWG blends high productivity features with gaming ability. Its low input lag of 4.5ms and swift response time of 6.9ms ensure smooth, crisp visuals across both fast-paced gaming sessions and dynamic video content, making multitasking and entertainment seamless.
With a brightness level of 413 nits, it’s best-in-class for brightly lit environments, ensuring clarity and visibility even in well-lit offices. The impressive contrast ratio of 3008:1 also helps improve visual content with deep blacks and vivid whites, beneficial for both gaming and professional creative work, including graphic design and video editing, thanks to its 98.5% sRGB and 87% DCI P3 color gamut coverages.
The ultrawide aspect ratio enhances gaming immersion and significantly boosts productivity by allowing for extensive multitasking capabilities. Thanks to the ample amount of screen space it provides, it’s an excellent feature to have if you’re constantly arranging windows out for design projects or want space for wider timelines.
Equipped with essential eye-care technologies, such as a blue light filter and flicker-free technology, the S3422DWG is designed for extended use. It minimizes eye strain during long work sessions or gaming marathons.
Dell’s S3422DWG is a fantastic all-rounder with a price tag that doesn’t break the bank. Its blend of gaming-friendly specs, workspace-enhancing ultrawide display, and eye-care features make it a top-tier choice for anyone who wants a monitor that can handle multitasking with ease. Thanks to its fantastic brightness, great color gamut coverage, and excellent contrast ratio, it is also a great choice for anyone who wants a monitor that can handle multitasking with ease.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dell Alienware AW3423DW
This premium, versatile monitor has stunning color accuracy and contrast. It is ideal for both gaming and productivity, albeit at a higher cost, and best used in lower light settings.
True Score
828514Experts
871kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $100$899.99$799.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Spectacular image quality
- Ultra-fast response time
- Low Input lag
- High native refresh rate
Reasons to Avoid
- Bright surroundings reduce black levels
- Not suited for gaming consoles
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 21:9 Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers No Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen Yes Display Type OLED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 1 HDR Format HDR10, HDR400 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 3440 × 1440 Panel Type n/a Refresh Rate 165 Hz Response Time 0.1 ms Rotating Screen No Screen size 34" Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync Ultimate Test Results
Brightness (nits) 241 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 0 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 100 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 96 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) 79 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 16 Response Time (ms) 2 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 1 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 70 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 70 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 70 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 70 All Retailers
- $799.99$900Save $100
- $899.98$1,100Save $200
- $914.95
Our Verdict
If you’re looking to enjoy equal parts work and play, Dell’s Alienware AW3423DW is geared towards gamers but features a suite of useful features for everyday productivity. Offering 100% sRGB color gamut coverage, it ensures vibrant and accurate color representation across all forms of media, and the OLED panel’s exceptional contrast ratio brings out exceptionally deep blacks and rich colors. Brightness comes in at 241.39 nits, which is decent for most moderately lit offices, but the panel will struggle if there’s strong ambient or direct light.
The 34-inch ultrawide display gives you a lot of real estate for multitasking or immersive media. While the input lag of 20.5 ms might seem on the higher side, it drops significantly at a 165 Hz refresh rate, which helps make the AW34 well-suited to gaming. Its response time of 2.0 ms is wicked fast and helps reduce blur in action games and fast-paced media.
Comfort-enhancing features like a blue light filter and flicker-free technology extend this monitor’s usability, allowing for longer periods of use without discomfort. This is perfect for setting it up in an office and using it for productivity. The curved design, however, is largely geared toward gaming, but you may find it appealing for multimedia, even if it’s largely useless for spreadsheets.
The main drawback here is the price tag – as an OLED display, the Dell Alienware AW3423DW is very expensive, but the premium you pay for the panel also translates to excellent visual quality and responsiveness with gaming prowess to match. It’s a significant investment, but if you’re looking for a monitor that can do it all, it’ll deliver on everything you throw at it, from web design and spreadsheets to streaming and gaming.
Did you know 71% of computer monitor reviewers are untrustworthy?
Our research found only 33 of 110+ computer monitor reviewers as of May 2024 can be trusted. This is why Gadget Review is committed calculating the most accurate product scores on the web.
To do this, we give every computer monitor review site a Trust Score, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Score with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.
286,489Monitor Reviews Analyzed
196
Total Products Analyzed
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dell S2722DGM
Despite limited HDR content support, it delivers outstanding performance and value, balancing high brightness and sharp visuals for productivity and gaming, making it a top pick for budget-conscious users.
True Score
81813Experts
905kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $100$299.99$199.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- High refresh rate
- Rapid response time
- Excellent contrast ratio
- Impressive peak brightness
- Decent reflection handling
Reasons to Avoid
- No support for HDR content
- Poor ergonomics
- Narrow viewing angles
Specifications
Display Type LED HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format n/a Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 Panel Type VA Refresh Rate 165 Hz Response Time 2 ms Screen size 27" Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync Test Results
Brightness (nits) 390 Contrast Ratio (as ratio x:1) 2,948 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 75 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 80 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy) 0 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy) 0 Input Lag (ms) 9 Response Time (ms) 5 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left) 43 Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right) 47 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above) 32 Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below) 31 Reflections % (Total Reflections) 6 All Retailers
- $199.99$300Save $100
- $249.99$289Save $39
Our Verdict
Dell’s S2722DGM provides outstanding value and surprising performance if you’re on a tight budget. Its bright display, at 390 nits, ensures clear visibility in various lighting conditions and can hold its own in decently bright spaces. With a contrast ratio of 2948:1, you can expect to see deep blacks and vibrant whites, though it does lag a little behind the more expensive options on our list.
While the monitor excels in sRGB color space coverage at 99.6%, perfect for general productivity and design work as well as web content and streaming, its limited DCI P3 coverage at 75% holds it back when it comes to HDR content. However, its eye-care features, including a blue light filter and flicker-free technology, make it an excellent choice for long work sessions where you’ll be stuck staring at a screen by helping to reduce eye strain.
Gaming on the S2722DGM is also excellent, thanks to its high 165Hz refresh rate, coupled with a swift response time of 5.2 ms and low input lag of 9.2 ms. This ensures fluid motion and timely feedback in fast-paced scenarios. Compatibility with both G-Sync and FreeSync technologies further boosts its gaming credentials, providing smooth gameplay free from tearing across different GPU platforms.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded monitor that does not skimp on quality despite the price tag, Dell’s S2722DGM is fantastic. Its exceptional balance of performance, comfort, and affordability makes it a great choice if you’re looking for a way to enjoy work and play in equal measure, thanks to its excellent brightness, great contrast ratio, fantastic color accuracy and wonderful responsiveness.
DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
Explore what leading HP monitors do to enhance your computing experience. Discover the top vertical monitor for maximizing your productivity. Alos check out our guide on the best MSI monitor for gaming and professional use.
Make sure you understand the differences and advantages in VGA vs HDMI connectivity. Learn how to set up a gaming monitor for the best gaming experience. Find out how to make a monitor wireless for a cleaner and more flexible setup.
Our Approach to Testing Computer Monitors For Best Dell Monitors
We’ve redefined computer monitor buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach uses a comprehensive dataset from trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics like contrast ratio, color gamut, and input lag.
We aggregate and analyze this data, ensuring our recommendations meet the specific needs. Specifically, when it comes to Dell monitors that have an color gamut of at least 85%. Discover our data-driven methodology for precise, reliable gaming monitor recommendations.
Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Dell Monitors?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 1 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these computer monitors and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase the best Dell monitor
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contrast Ratio | >2900:1 | Yes | The difference in brightness between the whites (lit sections) and blacks (dim or unlit sections) of a monitor panel. |
| Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) | > 90% | Yes | How much of the sRGB color gamut is covered by the monitor, which helps indicate color accuracy for web content and games. |
| Color Gamut (DCI P3 xy) | > 85% | No (Nice to have) | How much of the DCI P3 xy color gamut is covered by the monitor, which helps indicate color accuracy for HDR content, which includes certain movies. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 110+ computer monitor reviewers and found that 33 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Score). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for computer monitors.
- Samuel Breton – Rtings, MuckRack
- Chris Eberle – Tom’s Hardware, LinkedIn
- Tony Hoffman – PC Mag, MuckRack
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every computer monitor review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Scores from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Computer Monitor Test Data & Results
1. Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) Test Results
Contrast Ratio
> 2900:1
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How bright the monitor will get, usually under specific testing conditions, like 10% windows (which means 10% of the screen is a white box.)
Units of Measurement: Ratio
Tools to Measure: Luminance meter or photometer or colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
Contrast ratio is how dynamic images are given detail and dramatic effect, with very dark areas appearing truly dark, while bright areas are bright and pop.
Contrast ratio is responsible for making images appear “dynamic” and “dramatic.” By having a good contrast ratio, a monitor is able to recreate dramatic differences between light and dark spots in scenes, images and games accurately.
At a minimum, we recommend a contrast ratio of 1000:1, as this will do a good enough job at allow for detail in dark scenes and images. If contrast ratio gets too low, the picture quality suffers, and the monitor performs worse across the board, no matter the lighting condition. By getting a monitor with a sufficiently high contrast ratio, you can ensure the picture quality doesn’t suffer, and dramatic scenes with stark shifts in lighting, whether they be in games or videos, are created as accurately as possible.
Contrast Ratio (higher is better)
2. Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) Test Results
Color gamut is responsible for making a monitor produce accurate colors when displaying a variety of content. The DCI P3 xy gamut is considered a “standard” gamut of sorts, and is used to help color grade films. Most HDR content will use this gamut at the very least (though other gamut exist) and it’s a commonly used gamut for films.
When it comes to a computer monitor, having a panel that covers at least 90% of the DCI P3 gamut means it’ll output accurate colors when watching HDR content and movies that use the gamut. If a monitor doesn’t cover enough of the gamut, it causes color inaccuracies and shifts the image quality. If you care about maintaining accuracy in the movies you watch so they look the way they were intended, this gamut needs to be properly covered.
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy)
> 90%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of the DCI P3 xy gamut that the monitor covers.
Units of Measurement: %
Tools to Measure: Colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
Color gamut coverage is important for ensuring that a monitor is able to accurately output colors. The DCI P3 xy gamut is responsible for making movies and HDR content look the way they were intended.
Color Gamut P3 XY (in %; higher is better)
3. Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xY) Test Results
Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy)
> 90%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of the sRGB gamut that the monitor covers.
Units of Measurement: %
Tools to Measure: Colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
The sRGB color gamut is the most commonly used gamut for most colors when browsing the web, watching videos on the web on sites like YouTube, and when playing video games.
Since color gamut comes in a variety of different types, there’s bound to be some confusion as to which is meant for what. sRGB is an extremely common gamut that is used for the vast majority of web content, including how YouTube videos display, and is the primary gamut used for video games.
If you’re looking for accurate colors while web browsing, watching videos or playing games, you’re going to want a coverage of at least 90%. Higher is always better and hitting 100% means that if you correctly calibrate your monitor, you should be seeing content exactly as it was intended. Higher than 100% means that more than just the standard gamut has been covered, which can create more saturated and vivid colors. Coming in under 100% means the colors are less accurate, though this doesn’t become a major issue until you start to fall under 90%.
Color Gamut SRGB (in %; higher is better)
Best Dell Monitors: Mistakes To Avoid
- Not Considering Your Specific Needs: Dell offers a wide range of monitors tailored to various uses, including gaming, content creation, office work, and general multimedia consumption. Another example is if you’re limited on space or don’t want to invest in external speakers, make sure you choose a monitor with great built-in speakers. Identify your primary use case and choose a monitor that best suits your requirements. If you’re concerned about your monitor getting damaged, Dell offers standard warranties on their monitors.
- Ignoring Resolution and Screen Size: Consider the resolution and screen size that align with your preferences and usage scenarios. Higher resolutions provide sharper images and more screen real estate, while larger screen sizes offer greater immersion and multitasking capabilities. 1080p and 4K are the more common resolutions nowadays, or if you want a middle ground, there’s 1440p like on the Dell 27 Ultra Thin Monitor S2719DM.
- Overlooking Refresh Rate and Response Time: If you’re purchasing a monitor for gaming or fast-paced tasks, pay attention to the refresh rate (measured in Hz) and response time (measured in milliseconds). Higher refresh rates and lower response times result in smoother motion and reduced ghosting.
- Disregarding Panel Type: Dell monitors come with various panel technologies, each offering distinct advantages and disadvantages. TN panels typically offer faster response times, while IPS panels provide superior color accuracy and wider viewing angles. Consider which characteristics are most important to you.
The Best Dell Monitors Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Brightness
|
Contrast Ratio
|
Color Gamut (DCI P3)
|
Color Gamut (sRGB)
|
Input Lag
|
Response Time (ms)
|
Reflections %
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  $288.44 $320 $32 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $349.00 $400 $51 |
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  $799.99 $900 $100 |
| 81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $199.99 $300 $100 |
