Our concise best monitors for work 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 brightness and reflections. 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 5 top-performing monitors for work, providing you with the confidence to make an informed decision based on reliable test data and genuine insights.
Below is our list of the 5 best monitors for work. For those who frequently engage in video conferencing, we also feature the best monitor with a webcam, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration. Furthermore, we have a guide for the top computer monitors, offering superior performance for work and personal use.
How Did We Rank the Best Monitors for Work?
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) and 4 specifications to rank the top-rated computer monitors for work 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
- Must be at least 27″
- Must have a bluelight filter
- Must have flicker-free technology
- Must have a rotating screen
🧪 Test Criteria
- Brightness: Equal to or greater than 300 nits, ensuring a bright and clear display under any lighting conditions.
- Reflections: Having monitor reflections under 5% ensures minimal glare, maintains image quality, and enables clear visibility while working.
Latest Updates
- 04/30/2024: Republished the list to include the best monitors for work based on our True Score system.
Top Monitors for Work for 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
HP OMEN 27QS
Best For Business
The HP OMEN 27QS’ low input lag, high brightness, and vibrant colors make it suitable for work in bright environments and fast-paced applications.
True Score
85844Experts
91875Customers
Absolutely Fresh
$242.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good Image quality
- Low response time
- Low input lag
- High refresh rate
Reasons to Avoid
- Low contrast ratio
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 16:9 Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers Yes Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type LED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10, HDR400 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 240 Hz Response Time 1 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27" Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 390 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,014 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 94 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 86 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 All Retailers
$242.00
$349.99$430Save $80
$564.29
Our Verdict
The HP OMEN 27QS monitor offers the best value and doesn’t compromise performance. It also boasts an unparalleled input lag of 8.5 ms, which is a testament to its superb responsiveness, that’s ideal for fast applications and gaming. Its impressive brightness of 389.5 nits ensures clear visibility even in bright office spaces. If you have a lot of ambient light to deal with, this monitor is a great match. Its contrast ratio of 1014:1 delivers clear and distinct visuals, which is crucial for detailed work.
If you prefer a smoother display while you scroll and work, this monitor’s response time of 4.2 ms, coupled with a high refresh rate of 240 Hz, further enhances the user experience by reducing motion blur and providing smoother screen movement. If crisp and blur-free content matters most to you, this monitor is a perfect choice. A 94.40% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage delivers a wide spectrum of colors, ensuring vibrant visuals ideal for high-definition video viewing and advanced graphic design work.
It comes equipped with FreeSync and HDR10 support, delivering a seamless and vibrant display for tasks like video editing or content creation. The built-in speakers add convenience for business users needing audio for video conferencing or multimedia presentations. Compared to the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240, the 27QS stands out due to its superior input lag and better price-to-performance ratio.
Overall, the HP OMEN 27QS is a remarkable business monitor offering high-quality performance and productivity features for an affordable price. Its 4.8% reflections imply that there will be some glare, but this is still a reliable option for enhancing productivity.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240
Best For Mac Mini
The Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 excels with the lowest response, high refresh rate, and top color accuracy, perfect for professionals prioritizing quality visuals.
True Score
838310Experts
88330Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $100$999.99$899.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent OLED Picture Quality
- Ultra-Fast Response Time
- Low Input Lag
- High Refresh Rate and VRR Support
Reasons to Avoid
- Lower Peak Brightness Levels
- Higher Input Lag with Different Refresh Rates
- Potential OLED Burn-In
Specifications
Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers No Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type OLED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 Panel Type OLED Refresh Rate 240 Hz Response Time 0.03 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27" Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 318 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 9,473 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 96 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 90 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 107 All Retailers
- $899.99$1,000Save $100
- $899.99$1,000Save $100
- $899.99
Our Verdict
If crisp, color-accurate, and blur-free content matters most to you, then the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240, with the superior lowest response time of 0.79 ms, is an outstanding choice for a high-quality business monitor. This monitor boasts a high refresh rate of 240 Hz for smoother motion and reduced eye strain. It has an unmatched reflection percentage of 1.8%, indicating superior anti-glare capabilities in brightly lit environments.
If you need vibrant, colorful visuals and stark contrast in white and black levels out of your display, it has an unmatched DCI-P3 coverage of 96.10%. This means it can reproduce a wide and precise range of colors, making it ideal for professional photo and video editing, where color fidelity is crucial. Its unparalleled contrast ratio of 9473:1 is exceptionally high, indicating an extraordinary ability to differentiate between the darkest blacks and the brightest whites, ideal for graphic design and photo editing.
Its brightness level of 317.53 nits is more than sufficient for most office settings, providing clear visibility without eye strain. The low reflectivity of 1.8% minimizes distractions from ambient light reflections, allowing you to focus better on work. Compared to the HP OMEN 27QS, the Corsair impresses with a superior contrast ratio, offering exceptional image depth and clarity. This, coupled with OLED vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhances the visuals, making it highly suitable for tasks requiring color accuracy, such as graphic design.
Despite the lack of built-in speakers and its premium price tag, the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240’s exceptional performance and OLED technology make it an excellent choice for professionals prioritizing display quality. It’s a remarkable monitor that offers great value, especially if you need the best visual performance for your work.
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 to 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 S2722QC
Best For Cheap
The Dell S2722QC offers 4K clarity, decent brightness, and responsive input, ideal for professionals needing detailed visuals with added built-in speakers.
True Score
83813Experts
882kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $100$399.99$299.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- 4K screen resolution delivers high picture quality
- Supports Variable Refresh Rate technology
- Thin top and side frame for multi-monitor setup
- Great ergonomics
- Wide viewing angles
Reasons to Avoid
- Low 60Hz refresh rate
- No HDMI 2.1 ports
- Low contrast ratio
Specifications
Available Inputs 3.5mm, HDMI, USB Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers Yes Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type IPS Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4k) Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 60 Hz Response Time 4 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27" Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 339 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,247 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 83 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 79 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 All Retailers
- $299.99$400Save $100
- $370.40
- $429.99$558Save $128
Our Verdict
The Dell S2722QC is a versatile business monitor that combines productivity features with a high-resolution display, making it suitable for professional tasks. With a 4K resolution, it provides sharper text and more detailed images for intricate work. A brightness of 339.0 nits ensures that it performs well in most office lighting conditions. The contrast ratio of 1247:1 is decent, offering good differentiation between white and black levels, which enhances the clarity of various types of content.
Its input lag of 9.0 ms contributes to a responsive user experience during work. However, if you’re going to use it for intense applications, the slower response time of 8.3 ms and lower refresh rate of 60 Hz is less than ideal. Though there may be some glare, its 4.6% reflections minimize glare and maintain clear visibility, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience even in well-lit environments.
The Dell S2722QC has a DCI-P3 color gamut of 82.90%, considered decent but not outstanding, sufficient for general use and casual content viewing. Built-in speakers add convenience for users who require audio for presentations or video conferencing without the need for external audio equipment. Compared to the Dell G2724D, the S2722QC offers a higher resolution but at a lower refresh rate and slower response time.
If you’re a professional who needs sharp, clear visuals, its 4K resolution and decent brightness make it a good fit despite its slower response time and lower refresh rate, which may not work for intense work applications. Its high-resolution clarity, built-in speakers, and sufficient color accuracy for general tasks solidify its value as a versatile business monitor.
DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
For cost-effective gaming setups, the best budget gaming monitors offer significant improvements without a hefty price tag. Photographers should look for the top monitor for photo editing to ensure color accuracy and detail. Gamers and movie fans will benefit from understanding FreeSync, which enhances visual smoothness.
Check out our AOC 24G2 review for a monitor that suits gaming and entertainment needs well, while the best Thunderbolt monitor caters to those seeking fast connectivity. Also, consider whether a monitor warranty is worth it to protect your purchase and ensure long-term satisfaction.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dell G2724D
Best For Graphic Design
The Dell G2724D thrives in bright environments with high brightness and solid contrast, ensuring clear visuals and responsive performance for versatile use.
True Score
83822Experts
88126Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $110$299.99$189.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great image quality
- Low Input lag
- High native refresh rate
Reasons to Avoid
- Subpar contrast ratio and HDR color gamut
- Okay response time
- No HDMI 2.1 and USB ports
Specifications
Aspect Ratio 16:9 Available Inputs DisplayPort, HDMI Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers No Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type LED Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10, HDR400 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 165 Hz Response Time 1 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27" Sync Technology AMD FreeSync Premium, G-Sync, VESA Adaptive-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 432 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,350 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 86 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 82 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 All Retailers
- $189.99$300Save $110
Our Verdict
If you need to set up your monitor in a bright room or have a ton of ambient light to deal with, the Dell G2724D, with an unmatched brightness of 432.0 nits, is a reliable pick. This monitor ensures that screen content remains visible under strong ambient lighting, a feature critical in busy office environments. Its contrast ratio of 1350:1 provides good image quality with deep blacks and bright whites, aiding in document readability and detail in visual content. It offers a DCI P3 color gamut of 86.40%, ensuring decent color accuracy for general office tasks.
The monitor’s input lag of 9.0 ms and response time of 4.3 ms are competitive, ensuring that interactions with the display feel responsive during everyday business use. With a refresh rate of 165 Hz, this offers a smoother visual experience than standard 60 Hz monitors, which can benefit dynamic presentations or video content. FreeSync and HDR10 support indicate that this monitor can also easily handle multimedia tasks, providing flexibility for business users who need a versatile display.
With its 4.8% reflections, it doesn’t have the lowest amount of glare, but it still offers a good level of anti-glare. This reduces distractions from ambient light and ensures a clearer, more comfortable viewing experience in most lighting conditions. Compared to the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240, the Dell G2724D boasts higher brightness, making it an ideal choice for brightly lit environments.
Despite its reflection rate, its exceptional brightness and solid contrast more than compensate, making it great for well-lit environments. With competitive input lag and a high refresh rate, it offers a smooth, versatile display experience that balances visual clarity and performance.
Category Snapshot
Computer Monitors
- Total Brands/Products Tested
27 Brands, 196 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Dell, HP
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$100-$1,500
- Average True Score
74.46
- Important Test Criteria
Brightness (cd/m2)
Contrast Ratio (1000:1) - Most Trusted Testers
- Top Monitor Experts
- Typical Warranty
2 years
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – AKKO
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dell S2721QS
Dell S2721QS excels in bright offices with its 4K clarity, ensuring visible, crisp content and convenient built-in speakers for a well-rounded performance.
True Score
81794Experts
873kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $70$299.99$229.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- UHD 3840 x 2160 resolution
- Wide viewing angle
- Decent peak brightness
- Supports HDR content playback
- Excellent color accuracy after calibration
- 100% coverage of the sRGB color space
- 10-bit IPS panel with fantastic picture quality
- AMD FreeSync support with NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility
- VRR support for providing a tear-free experience
Reasons to Avoid
- Low contrast ratio
- Mediocre black levels
- No local dimming
- No HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4
- Limited to 60Hz refresh rate
- Lacks USB ports
- BFI feature is missing
- Visible backlight bleed on the top and bottom edges
Specifications
Available Inputs 3.5mm, DisplayPort, HDMI Bluelight Filter Yes Built-In Speakers Yes Built-In Webcam No Curved Screen No Display Type IPS Flicker Free Yes HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format HDR10 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Yes Max Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4k) Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 60 Hz Response Time 4 ms Rotating Screen Yes Screen size 27" Sync Technology AMD FreeSync, G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 385 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,037 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 84 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 78 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 100 All Retailers
- $229.99$300Save $70
- $309.00$473Save $164
Our Verdict
If you work in a brightly-lit office setting and need clarity and detail for your work tasks, the Dell S2721QS is an affordable business monitor that offers a high-resolution 4K display. It features a high brightness of 384.99 nits, which ensures good visibility in various office lighting scenarios. If you need to set up your monitor in a bright room or have a ton of ambient light to deal with, this monitor is a smart pick. The monitor’s contrast ratio of 1037:1 provides a good level of image depth and clarity for most business applications.
The monitor’s input lag and response time, both at 8.7 ms, are typical for business monitors in this price range and are suitable for general office use. If crisp and blur-free content matters most to you, this monitor’s response time will meet your needs. It offers a DCI-P3 color gamut of 83.60%, ensuring accurate color representation for general productivity tasks, but creative professionals should look at other models. Its built-in speakers add convenience for users requiring audio capabilities for video calls or multimedia presentations without the need for extra hardware.
The monitor’s reflectivity is well-controlled at 4.5%, which is beneficial for maintaining screen legibility in bright office environments. Compared to the Dell S2722QC, the Dell S2721QS offers a similar high-resolution experience but with higher brightness.
The Dell S2721QS is excellent for professionals seeking a cost-effective 4K monitor. It doesn’t excel in one particular area above the rest, but its impressive brightness, good contrast ratio, and convenient features make it a great value in our lineup.
Our Approach to Testing the Best Monitors for Work
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 monitors for work that have a brightness of at least 300 nits and reflections of 5% or less. Discover our data-driven methodology for precise, reliable work monitor recommendations.
Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Monitors for Work?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required), 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 monitor for work!
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brightness | > 300 nits | Yes | How bright the monitor will get, usually under specific testing conditions, like 10% windows (which means 10% of the screen is a white box.) |
| Reflections | < 5% | Yes | The total amount of light, in percentage, your monitor reflects. |
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. Brightness (Nits) Test Results
Brightness is the biggest determining factor for how vivid images appear and how well a monitor is going to deal with the environment it’s placed in. Brightly lit offices will make it harder to see the screen if the brightness is too low, which degrades the image quality of anything on screen.
In most situations, we recommend a brightness of at least 200 nits, though higher is always better, as it allows the monitor to be placed in progressively brighter rooms and offices without issue. That said, 200 nits are enough to work in standard lighting conditions so that images stay vivid.
Brightness
> 300 nits
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The difference in brightness between the whites (lit sections) and blacks (dim or unlit sections) of a monitor panel.
Units of Measurement: Nits
Tools to Measure: Luminance meter or photometer or colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
Brightness is how a monitor is able to display vivid images and overcome ambient light sources.
Brightness (in nits; higher is better)
2. Reflections % (Total Reflections) Test Results
Reflections % (Total Reflections)
< 5%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much light is reflected by the screen from ambient and direct light sources.
Units of Measurement: %
Tools to Measure: Camera
Why It’s Important:
Reflections and glare ruin the image quality on screen by washing out the image itself and making it hard to see what you’re doing.
When using a monitor in any kind of room outside of one that’s pitch black, the screen is going to reflect light. As the light becomes strong, you’re likely to see more light and more glare reflect off it, but depending on the coating and screen type, this can be mitigated. Good screen coatings will keep ambient light and direct light managed by reducing the impact they have on the screen. Bad reflections handling means even weak light sources will create glare that makes it hard to use the monitor.
That’s why we recommend your monitor reflect no more than 5% of the total light shining on it. This keeps glare in check, prevents image quality from being ruined, and allows you to actually see what you’re working on when using your monitor. Lower is always better, but 5% is enough to work without issue.
Reflections % (lower is better)
Best Monitors for Work: Mistakes To Avoid
- Choosing the wrong size: While a large monitor may seem appealing, it’s crucial to consider your workspace and how you’ll be using the monitor. A screen that’s too large can strain your neck and eyes if you’re sitting too close. Similarly, a monitor that’s too small may not provide enough screen real estate for multitasking. Assess your workspace and requirements to determine the optimal size. Additionally, understanding the benefits of dual monitors can be beneficial, as they significantly expand your visual workspace and enhance productivity by allowing more windows to be viewed simultaneously without constant switching and resizing.
- Ignoring resolution: The monitor’s resolution impacts the clarity and detail of the content displayed. Higher resolutions, such as 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels), offer sharper images and more screen real estate, which can be beneficial for tasks that require precise detail or multitasking. However, higher resolutions may also require more powerful hardware to drive effectively. Consider your usage needs and budget when selecting the resolution. For those looking for a balance between high resolution and performance, the top 1440p monitors offer excellent clarity without the extensive hardware demands of the best 4K models.
- Overlooking ergonomic features: Ergonomic features such as height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot can significantly impact your comfort and productivity, especially during long work hours. Ensure the monitor you choose offers adequate ergonomic adjustments to suit your preferences and promote healthy posture. Additionally, consider the best monitors for eye strain for displays that include eye-care technologies to further enhance viewing comfort and reduce fatigue.
- Neglecting connectivity options: Ensure the monitor has the necessary ports to connect to your devices, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and VGA. Additionally, consider features like USB hubs or built-in speakers if they are essential for your workflow. This is also important if you need a mobile solution, like the AOC I1601FWUX Portable USB-C monitor, which offers excellent connectivity with its USB-C port, making it an ideal choice for professionals who frequently transition between multiple work locations.
The Best Monitors for Work Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Brightness
|
Contrast Ratio
|
Color Gamut (DCI P3)
|
Color Gamut (sRGB)
|
Input Lag
|
Response Time (ms)
|
Reflections %
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  $242.00 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $899.99 $1,000 $100 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|  $299.99 $400 $100 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $189.99 $300 $110 |
| 81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $229.99 $300 $70 |
