Best Computer Monitor Buyers Guide For 2019

Learn about the 5 best computer monitors, their features and more.

Are you looking for the best computer monitors available on the market in 2019? Well you’ve come to the right place, where you can find all the advice you need when it comes to finding the perfect top-quality computer screen for your needs.

Picking out the best computer monitors is a bit more complicated than picking out a plain old TV, however. There are a couple of extra features to consider, so we’ll talk about what makes a monitor great for general use, gaming, professional scenarios, and more. And, of course, our guide wouldn’t be complete with discussing the top monitors on the market today and why they are the best buys for you.

Best Computer Monitors for 2019

	Dell U2717D	Samsung UE590	Acer Predator Z301C
Read Full Review	Dell U2717D UltraSharp Monitor Review	Samsung UE590 4K Monitor Review	Coming Soon
Rank	#1 - Editor's Choice/Best Value Computer Monitor	#2 - Best 4K Monitor	#3 - Best Computer Monitor for Gaming
Amazon Rating
Resolution	2,560 x 1,440	3.840 x 2,160	2560 x 1080
Size	27-inch	28-inch	27-inch
Response Time	6ms	1ms (boosted)	4ms
Refresh Rate	60Hz	60Hz-120Hz	144Hz
Connections	HDMI, DisplayPort	HDMI, DisplayPort	HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort
Panel Type	IPS	TN	VA
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

#1 Pick Dell UltraSharp U2717D – Editor’s Choice/Best Value Computer Monitor

The Dell U2717D isn’t flashy or over the top with its features, but a solid all-around winner nonetheless

Price: Check Price | Read Full Review: Dell U2717D Monitor Review | Features: LED display technology, InfinityEdge bezels

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: The Dell U2717D is a great all-around computer monitor for professionals and amateurs alike. 

If there’s one thing that can ruin the immersion of using your new monitor, it’s big, ugly bezels running around all sides of the display. Bezels are a constant reminder that you’re using a machine, which is why Dell is taking them down to the millimeter with its InfinityEdge technology on their latest U2717D 27” monitor.

Alongside a solid color gamut response, high resolution, and fully ergonomic stand setup, the U2717D is also one of the sexiest to look at thanks to InfinityEdge. It may be a bit pricier than what the average buyer can justify for a screen, but if you’ve got the extra scratch it’s more than worth the ticket price.

View on Amazon

#2 Pick Samsung UE590 – Best 4K Monitor

The Samsung UE590 is a fast, gaming-ready 4K monitor that leaves the rest of the competition in the dust

Price: Check Price | Read Full Review: Samsung UE590 4K Monitor Review | Features: 4K display resolution, AMD FreeSync compatibility, 1ms response time

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: With a great resolution and options for boosting the response time, this model is top-tier when it comes to image.

In appearance alone, the Samsung UE590 looks much like the Dell model we just discussed, but it comes with a different set of specs that are no less impressive when considering the best computer monitors. For one thing, this screen provides true 4K definition at 3,840 x 2,160 resolution for extra clarity, and also comes with some picture-in-picture technology that allows you to watch a feed in one part of the screen while working in the rest your screen space.

Perhaps most impressive, the AMD FreeSync technology used in the monitor allows for a 1-millisecond response time when accompanied by a beefy AMD graphics card. Granted, that’s Samsung’s own claim, but it’s still very impressive and makes this monitor an ideal pick for more demanding games even with its meager 60Hz refresh rate. Extra modes include Flicker Free and Eye Saver options that you can use if a particular part of the image reproduction annoys you or gives you headaches during late-night typing sessions.

View on Amazon

#3 Pick Acer Predator Z301C – Top Computer Monitors for Gaming

Price: Check Price | Features: 2560 x 1080 resolution, 200Hz refresh rate, 4ms response time

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: If you like gaming, you’ll love the Predator Z35 that’s devoted to give you the smoothest gaming experience possible.

When it comes to gaming and other particularly demanding video requirements, this 27-inch Asus model gets some of the best computer monitors reviews, and is worth serious consideration for your next shopping list. With a screaming fast 200Hz refresh rate, G-Sync, and nearly 30″ of screen real estate to work with, this monitor offers the perfect combination of performance and value that gamers crave.

And while that lower resolution might scare some more pixel-hungry gamers away, I consider it basically the only tradeoff in what’s otherwise a near-flawless gaming experience. The overclock to 200Hz is what really gives Acer the edge over everyone else in the space here, because although some manufacturers have already pushed well into the 240Hz range on standard 16:9 monitors, Acer is the first to bring ultrawides close to that same standard. Ask anyone who’s used a monitor that goes to 200Hz or above and they’ll tell you all the same that the experience really has to be seen, and felt, to be believed; but believe us when we say the effect is well worth it.

Not only that, but with the addition of G-Sync you can be sure that none of those 200 frames per second will be lost due to the annoying problem of screen tearing. For all these reasons and a whole lot more, the Acer Predator Z301C is the best gaming monitor our money and yours in 2019.

View on Amazon

#4 Pick LG 34UM88 – Best Ultrawide Monitor

If you’re a professional who needs a bit of extra room on the screen to work the way you want to, the LG 34UM88 could be the pick for you

Price: Check Price | Read Full Review: LG 34UM88 Ultrawide Monitor Review | Features: LED display technology, 21:9 widescreen format

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: The LG34UM88 gives you extra workspace at an affordable price.

Though they spent years on the fringe of the technology space, over the past year the interest in “UltraWide” monitors has been steadily growing, and for good reason.

Ultrawides like the LG 34UM88 use an aspect ratio of 21:9 (opposed to the traditional 16:9) to give you a few extra inches workspace on either side of your desktop, opening up the horizon so you can see more windows, more tabs, or more applications at once.

Multi-monitor setups do this too, but if you want a seamless, bezelless experience that makes movies and games look better all while giving you the freedom to be more productive at the same time, then an ultrawide might be the next purchase on your early Christmas list.

View on Amazon

#5 Pick  Acer S277HK 27-inch 4K Monitor

This Acer includes good tools for designers and creative professionals to tune their images exactly how they want

Price: Check Price | Features: HDMI 2.0 connectivity, 4K resolution, frameless chassis

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: The Acer S277HK has a sleek new design, low price and HDMI 2.0 compatibility.

This Acer model is a great pick if you need a high-quality design screen but don’t have a lot of money to spend on one. The 27-inch screen comes with 4K resolution for close inspection of photos and video, and with ports that include HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, and mini-DisplayPort you should have no trouble connecting media storage devices.

Calibration tools are particularly extensive on this model: you can choose between several preset modes or go in yourself and adjust the contrast, brightness, gamma, saturation, color temperature, to get the exact profile you need no matter what kind of creative work you’re trying to do.

View on Amazon

#6 Pick  NEC EA275UHD 27″ 4K Computer Monitor

Solid, dependable, and highly rated all around, this NEC is a strong, long-lasting choice

Price: Check Price | Features: Industry-tuned color accuracy, 4K resolution, touch-sensitive OSD controls

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: The NEC EA275UHD features color accuracy that’s unmatched in 4K. 

If you’re a creative professional who demands the absolute best when it comes to color accuracy and customization, the NEC EA275UHD could be your next monitor. Sure, it’s a bit on the pricey side, but that cost also brings with it a whole heap of quality parts and precision-refined color reproduction cells.

One of the most impressive things about this monitor that is it gives you 27-inches of real estate and 4K resolution for under $1,000 – a deal that’s still difficult to find, despite models like our Acer pick. The screen is also fully adjustable and includes ports for DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI-D, as well as on-monitor touch controls…ideal features for a range of entertainment options if you want a monitor that makes a great movie screen for when you punch out the clock but still want to enjoy your purchase well into the rest of the night.

View on Amazon

#7 Pick BenQ GW2750 27-inch – Best Budget Monitor

The BenQ GW2450 is a budget monitor with a solid set of specs for those who don’t want to spend too much

Price: Check Price | Features: 1920 x 1080 resolution, HDMI compatibility, 4ms response time in overdrive

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: If you’re on a budget, the BenQ GW2750 may be one of the best monitor buys available…if you can still find it for sale.

At first look, the specs on this BenQ model don’t really compare well to our other picks. It comes in 1080p, not 4K, there’s a lack of any discernible gaming features, and the response time can only reach 4 milliseconds even when overclocked and is at 12 milliseconds normally.

So why did we pick it? Because there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a dependable monitor that you can find it for extremely low prices, around $138 at the time of this writing. This model has a lot of accolades from electronics reviewers for being a great budget monitor, which means it’s often sold out. Look for a reseller with a reasonable price if you are interested.

View on Amazon

Key Features of a Top Rated Monitor

Widescreen Format: A wide screen is not necessary for a great computer experience…but it is a really big help, especially in a world now dominated by mobile devices with much of the same capability as a PC. What makes a desktop computer unique today? One of the answers is ithe monitor, which can display your content bigger and better than any tablet or phone. Screens around 24 to 34 inches are optimal for the best experience – as long as you have the space to accommodate!

Accessory and Connection Compatibility: Accessories are mildly important to TV screens (most computers favor HDMI these days), but should be a main priority when considering which computer monitor is right for you. Do you need HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI? If you are buying a monitor and computer combo like the iMac, you should also make sure that the monitor has enough USB ports and other connection options for your accessories.

Ergonomics: No, we’re not talking about your keyboard. Specifically, we’re talking about the way the monitor moves. A good monitor will come with extensive ergonomic options in terms of viewing angles, swiveling, and tilting, all depending on where you set up your computer and what your overall desk layout will look like by the time you’re done. 

Speedy Response Times: This feature is particularly important for anyone who fancies themselves a PC gamer. Obviously, you need a computer screen that knows what it’s doing when it comes to response times and refresh rates, and the higher the number, the better. Today’s games demand the absolute fastest times possible in this department, so if you plan on doing a lot of online battling, be sure you get a screen that has G-Sync or FreeSync capabilities, along with response times under 4ms and refresh rates 60Hz or higher (144Hz max).

A Solid Warranty: There are plenty of warranty schemes out there that basically come down to getting more money out of you. Look instead for manufacturer warranties that cover at least a couple months of operation for your computer monitor, if not at least a year or longer. 

Mistakes to Avoid

Buying Too Much Screen: We know, our first piece of advice was to get a widescreen. But monitors can get expensive, especially if you really don’t need the screen size or resolution. Keep your needs in mind, and aim for lower prices rather than higher prices.

Caring About Black Levels and Contrast Ratios: Yes, black levels really exist, but there’s no good way to measure them except to stare at the screen with your own eyeballs. Contrast ratios and similar claims are easily fabricated and mean very little to anyone outside of the marketing team. Just note which screens have “grayer” blacks, and try to stay away from those the best you can.

Ignoring Your Graphics Card: The monitor is only half the story. You need a good graphics card for any sort of demanding monitor activity, so don’t buy a great monitor and forget about your GPU in the process. 

Most Important Features

Panel Type

• Several different types of panels exist for the best computer monitors, each a little different.
• Twisted nematic or TN panels have excellent response times for budget gaming.
• Vertical alignment panels are known for their color and clarity, but they are also significantly more costly than many other types of panels.
• In-Plane Switching panels (IPS) are a step above vertical alignment panels with their color accuracy, viewing angles, and brightness. However, they tend to be the most expensive and the least useful for action with their low response time and lag issues.
• Plane-line switching panels are made by Samsung, and are a new effort to create wide viewing angles and brightness with better affordability than other options. 

Resolution

• Due to some odd aspect ratio specs, the resolution on monitors can be a bit…different. Many 4K monitors exist, but unlike TVs the resolution numbers can vary based on the screen shape.
• Optimally, anything above 1920 x 1080 is solid for 2019 models, including 2560 x 1440, 3440 x 1440, and 3840 x 2160 (4K)
• Remember that higher resolutions will create smaller text and images (the size of the screen remaining equal) so you may have to enlarge certain content.

Response Time

• Response times refer to how quickly the monitor can update the image based on the input it receives.
• A great response time these days is anywhere from 5ms – 1ms, but will rarely go above that.
• Fast response times can indicate a robust screen for the average user, but they are most important to gamers interested in “twitch” games, or those who need a monitor that can double as an entertainment station. 

Connections

• Look for HDMI connections and, if necessary, DisplayPort ports. HDMI has become the new standard for most of the best computer monitors, but alternatives like DisplayPort are popular in some circles. As always, look at the ports and cables you currently want before buying the monitor.
• If you want to use a feature like Nvidia’s G-Sync or AMD FreeSync, you’ll need a PC that has a DisplayPort 1.2 slot.
• Try to avoid monitors with only a DVI connection unless that’s all your PC supports.

Refresh Rates

• Yes, monitors have refresh rates, too. Choices are typically divided between 60Hz, 120Hz and 144Hz. A higher refresh rate is associated with smoother action on-screen with less juttering between frames. 
• Opinions on refresh rate vary, but overall it’s thought that 144Hz monitors really do provide better pictures than lowly 60Hz options. 
• Please keep in mind that consoles (PS4, Xbox One, etc.) only support 60Hz video, so if you want a monitor for your console, don’t pay more for a 144Hz version.

Which Computer Monitor is Best for You

For a general computer monitor at home or work, it’s hard to do better than the Dell UltraSharp U2717D , but for greater image clarity and perhaps some graphic design work, the NEC EA275UHD may be the best choice. If you’re a serious gamer looking for a good monitor the ASUS MG279Q is very tough to beat, but if your budget is a concern, then the Philips model is a good choice for gaming too. And of course, if you’re really tight on funds, the BenQ GW2750 is a solid budget model worth considering for every other task you can think of. 

Last Year’s Computer Monitor Winners

Last Year’s Winner Dell U2713HM Computer Monitor

The Dell U2713HM is a great all-around screen for anyone who needs to upgrade on the cheap

Price: Currently Unavailable | Features: 99% Adobe RGB color reproduction, UltraSharp pixel accuracy

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: The solid specs make this a great all-around computer monitor for any task.

Dell has produced some of the best computer monitors in its time, and it’s no surprise that one of the most experienced manufacturers is wowing us yet again. This 27-inch model provides plenty of screen real estate without being too cumbersome, and offers resolution at 2,560 x 1440.

While it may look a little stodgy, the U2113HM also gets points for its ergonomic qualities, which include swiveling, tilting, height adjustment, and a pivot to turn the screen all the way around into portrait mode if necessary. The viewing angle is a pleasant 178 degrees if you feel like sharing the screen with anyone, and the monitor also meets EPEAT Gold and TCO Certified display standards for environmental quality. Extra features on this model are pretty sparse, but include a PowerNap mode to save more energy. Note that both HDMI and DisplayPort are supported. However, the response time and refresh rate are both fairly low compared to high-end gamer monitors.

It’s also worth mentioning that this is an older model, which helps when looking for a lower price but may not offer the newest of the new features. The U2713H is a newer model if you have to have all the latest features.

Currently Unavailable 

Previous #2 Pick  LG 34UM95 34″ 4k Wide Screen Monitor

The LG 34UM95 is a great and affordable ultrawide.

Price: $865.98 | Features: 21:9 aspect ratio, 3440 x 1440 display resolution, UltraWide

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: Ultrawide enthusiasts should definitely give the LG 34UM95 a second look. 

Do you find your current monitor to be too small, but all those ultra-wide monitors are still too expensive to justify an upgrade? Luckily, LG has found a strong middle ground here with the 34UM88, a 34-inch UltraWide screen that includes 3440 x 1440 resolution and anti-glare treatment that makes this one of the best options for professionals who need as much screen real estate as they can get to be the best at what they do.

Thanks to a ThunderBolt connection on the back, the monitor works just fine if you have any compatible Macs, while other ports include two HDMI connections and a DP 1.2 outlet. Oh, and thanks to the low energy rating, this model might even save electricity compared to your current, smaller screen.

View on Amazon – $865.98

Previous #3 Pick Philips 272G5DYEB Computer Monitor

The Philips 272G5DYEB offers a lower price point with a some great extra features.

Price: $499.00 | Features: 3D-ready for gaming or movies, 144Hz refresh rate, Nvidia G-Sync ready

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: A slightly less expensive model for gamers or graphic designers, this Philips monitor is held back by resolution and connections, but is still a great buy.

All right gamers, here’s another model for your serious consideration. This 27-inch screen is one of the best computer monitors you can get on shelves today. The response time, like the Samsung UE590, is down to one millisecond thanks in part to Nvidia’s GPU syncing technology, and the refresh rate is all the way up to 144Hz, so you’ll get lightning quick updates of everything that’s happening on the screen.

The monitor is also ready for 3D output if that interests you, but unfortunately part of the reason why this monitor didn’t place higher is the resolution which sits at the same old HD 1080p with not a sign of 4K in sight. Also, oddly enough, there’s no HDMI or DVI option, only a DisplayPort and set of USB 3.0 ports, most likely due to G-Sync. If you don’t have a computer that carries a DP 1.2 slot, you might be better off looking somewhere else.

View on Amazon – $499.99

Also Read: Best TV For Gaming