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Choosing the best HDR monitor could mean the difference between a shoddy picture and a vibrant, lifelike image with a wide color gamut and contrast depth. Our evaluation focused on performance/display, ergonomics, and the number of ports.
After more than 16 hours of research, our pick for the best HDR monitor goes to the LG 38GL950G-B HDR Monitor. It is a very well-rounded machine, leading in with a QHD UltraWide 1440p screen, blazing 144Hz refresh rate, and outstanding brightness levels to completely transform your workstation. Keep reading to learn more about top-notch HDR monitors and the best computer monitors available to buy now.
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This best HDR monitor comes loaded with features, led by a stunning QHD UltraWide 1440p and an outrageous 175Hz overclocked refresh rate, an excellent choice for hardcore gamers.
This HDR monitor roars out the gates with a curved WQHD+ (3840 X 1600) IPS display, offering 98% DCI-P3 wide color gamut and VESA DisplayHDR 400 for a truly immersive and lifelike picture. This HDR monitor’s extra-wide, curved shape creates powerful viewing angles, great for multi-players who want to maximize every pixel possible.
While this monitor is excellent for stationary folks, you’ll want a portable monitor if you’re on the go often. Check out our review of the Newsoul portable monitor upgraded 15.6 IPS HDR 1920X1080 FHD Eye Care screen USB-C gaming monitor for a tote-able display.
Related: Looking for a more innovative gaming display? Try the best HDR gaming monitors.
Our favorite activity with this HDR monitor is great gaming all day. A 144Hz refresh rate produces smooth motion and no blur with high-speed scenes. Combined with NVIDIA GSync technology, it is also free of screen tearing. This HDR monitor also contains a healthy number of ports, with two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI, and DisplayPort. All in all, this HDR monitor delivers blistering specs on the picture and refresh side. It’s definitely one of the best curved monitor options on our list, which can probably be used if you’re a Mac Mini owner.
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This monitor comes with 4K UHD (3840×2160) resolution and Brightness Intelligence Plus technology, an excellent choice for people who want variable brightness settings based on ambient lighting conditions.
This HDR monitor really pops, starting with a 4K resolution screen and 95% DCIP3 coverage for outstanding wide color gamut. Combine that with a 10-bit color table and you have yourself more than 1 billion color shades. We really dig BenQ’s Opt-Clarity technology, which adjusts brightness levels based on lighting conditions. AMD FreeSync also works to bolster the monitors’ own native refresh rate by fixing broken frames and creating a more fluid motion. If you’re a fan of G-Sync, check out the best FreeSync monitors with G Sync.
On the ergonomics side, this HDR monitor is very formidable. Eye strain and fatigue are reduced with a combination of flicker-free and low blue light filtering. There are also several connectivity options, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C. It’s a great option for anyone searching for the best 4k monitor.
Award: Best Value
WHY WE LIKE IT: This monitor features a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution screen and ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync technology, which works to optimize refresh rates – an excellent monitor for gamers or movie watchers looking for an affordable option.
This 1080p HDR monitor comes with a sharp, IPS display, and generous 178 viewing angle for excellent color reproduction across all seating positions. Several technologies work together to produce a vivid lifelike picture, including ASUS Shadow Boost technology for darker scenes optimization and GameVisual with different graphical preset options based on the type of game (e.g. first-person shooter and real-time strategy). Consider this monitor’s wide color gamut one of its biggest draws. This best ASUS monitor still has other strengths apart from the color gamut.
In terms of ergonomics, these HDR monitors work well. ASUS Ultra-Low Blue Light technology and flicker-free technology work to reduce eye strain with four different settings to control the amount of blue light based on work tasks. height, swivel, tilt, and pivot options are generous, at 130mm, +90°~-90°,+33° ~ -5°, and +90°~-90° respectively. If eye safety is a big concern for you, then you need to check out our best monitor for eyes buying guide. Or on the other hand, if you’re after a gaming monitor but you’re on a budget, we have a list of the best gaming monitors under 200 for you as well.
Award: BEST PICTURE MODES
WHY WE LIKE IT: This monitor is a well-rounded machine, featuring UHD (3,840 by 2,160) resolution and a whopping 10 picture modes, an excellent choice for people who work across all types of applications needing its own color palette (e.g. Cinema HDR for movie watching) and low blue light mode for reading.
This monitor offers a very sharp picture. The combination of an IPS display and UHD resolution delivers a rich and clean wide color gamut and contrast, which is a noticeable difference if you’re comparing 2K versus 4K monitors. A 10-bit TN LCD panel is good for 1+ billion shades of color. Kudos for AMD FreeSync technology, which helps limit image tearing for an optimized game frame rate for high-speed motion video. One critique is this HDR monitor’s limited ergonomics, with only a modest tilting angle ( 15°) and no height or swivel adjustment. However, it makes up for it with BenQ’s proprietary EyeCare technology and Brightness Intelligence +, which comes with four color modes, low blue light-filtering, and sensor activated, auto-brightness adjustment based on ambient lighting conditions. This is a great option for designers looking for the best monitor for graphic design.
Award: BEST DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: This monitor rocks with an IPS Zero Frame display and striking IPS display with a 178° wide viewing angle, a great choice for minimalist design fans who want to maximize screen space.
This HDR monitor is a solid performer across the board. A 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution screen and 90% DCI-P3 color gamut allow a rich color depth, which are similar visual features to the best 4K gaming monitor. It is also a formidable gaming monitor with AMD RADEON for optimizing refresh rates and screen stutter/tear management. This best Acer monitor is great for fast-paced, competitive games that require responsive performance.
One of this HDR monitor’s biggest strengths is its ergonomic design. It uses an ErgoStand, a highly versatile stand design that accommodates generous ranges, including a full 360° swivel, 177mm height adjustment, and -5° to 35° tilt. A VESA back panel bolt pattern also allows for easy wall mounting. Kudos for BlueLightShield and ComfyView technology which also works to minimize eye strain and fatigue, critical for long working hours, making it one of the best business monitor options on our list.
Award: BEST FOR MULTI-TASKING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This monitor comes with an ultra-wide, 1800R curvature-rated setup, a great choice for multi-taskers who want increased screen space to toggle multiple apps at once.
Consider this 1440p HDR monitor as a well-rounded machine. A 21:9 aspect ratio, 3440×1440 resolution, and panoramic panel offer an immersive viewing angle for watching HDR content, especially when viewing from dead center. Contrast ratios result in purer whites and deeper blacks. However, its1 6.7 million wide color gamut and 9-bit color depth fall short of other HDR monitors we’ve researched, with many offering 10-bit for 1 + billion shades.
This BenQ EX3501R curved-screen monitor is very comfortable to use. Sensor-activated Brightness Intelligence Plus helps optimize brightness levels based on ambient lighting conditions. Pulse Width Modulation is also a formidable backlight dimming technology to help reduce eye fatigue. It’s one of the best widescreen monitor options out there.
Award: BEST FOR DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT
WHY WE LIKE IT: This ultrawide HDR monitor offers custom functions, such as an on-screen timer to track elapsed game time and multiple JHDR modes, an excellent choice for astute gamers looking to tweak and customize beyond the level of detail of a casual gamer.
This best HDR monitor is packed with modes to tweak the player experience. A curved 43-inch (32:10 aspect ratio ) screen delivers DisplayHDR 409 support for outstanding, crisp picture quality. Several technologies layer to optimize the image, such as ASUS’ Shadow Boost technology for dark area optimization and Radeon FreeSync 2 for silky smooth motion, brightness, and contrast ratios.
To really know what you’re getting with contrast ratio, visit our resource content about defining dynamic contrast ratio.
Additional gaming features with this best HDR monitor are its picture-by-picture hotkeys, which allow easy viewing of video sources side by side with automatic layout adjustment to maximize screen space. Two USB 3.0 ports, three HDMI 2.0 inputs, and a DisplayPort. All in all, this is easily one of the best 4K gaming monitors we’ve researched. For vertical screen options, visit our best vertical monitors buying guide.
Award: BEST FOR IMAGE MANIPULATION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This monitor comes with crisp 4K UHD 2160p and Paper Color Sync technology, which replicates printer output on-screen, an excellent choice for photo editors.
This 4K HDR monitor has a highly accurate screen rendition of on-screen photography to print. Combined with a 99% Adobe RGB coverage and 95% of P3 color spaces, color reproduction is spot on. GamutDuo preview technology also works to place two color gamuts side-by-side, allowing photo editors to select the best rendition of their work. Plus, 10-bit color depth allows a rich, 1+billion color palette for an ultra-sharp picture.
One of our favorite features with this HDR monitor is its HotkeyPuck G2 technology, a circular scroll wheel that makes flipping through color modes and preset shortcuts a breeze. All in all, we were very impressed with the suite of features from a screen quality and usability standpoint. It’s one of the best photo editing monitor options on our list.
Award: BEST FOR MOVIE WATCHING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This HDR 27-inch monitor comes with Quantum Dot (QLED) technology, which is one of the best monitor display types available today, and 1800R curvature rating, perfect for movie watchers who want the most vivid, lifelike picture possible.
Along with the leading gaming monitors for PS4, this best HDR monitor for PS4 Pro’s headliner is Quantum Dot technology, which controls individual pixels for sharper and clearer image quality to the tune of a billion shades. A 144Hz screen refresh rate and Nvidia’s G-Sync adaptive-sync compatible technology and minimal input lag work exceptionally well in improving refresh rates by eliminating screen stutter and tearing.
We also love its connectivity options, sporting two HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and a DisplayPort. On the ergonomics side, it carries a healthy tilt, swivel, height adjustment, and pivot wrangler, including a full 90 degrees to enable Portrait Mode, especially useful for programmers looking to maximize screen space. If you’re a Mac user, the best monitor for Mac mini guide may also be of interest to you.
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This monitor comes with Dual QHD (5120×1440) resolution and 90% Adobe RGB color reproduction, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded, extra-wide curved monitor with little drawbacks.
This monitor’s dual-quad VA panel is very impressive, consisting of a VESA DisplayHDR 400 screen for outstanding contrast management to bring out deeper blacks and purer whites. 90% Adobe RGB and flawless sRGB coverage help with color reproduction, resulting in a more vibrant and dynamic picture.
We are big fans of this HDR monitor’s 120Hz refresh rate supported by AMD FreeSync tech, which optimizes the frame rate to eliminate stutter, minor ghosting, and tearing. Games and movies run very smoothly with no noticeable blur. All in all, this monitor’s combination of resolution, VESA DisplayHDR 400 support, and refresh rates makes it solid all-around. If sound is an important feature, the best monitor with speakers could be a great fit for you as well.
In determining the best HDR monitor to buy, we explored performance/display, ergonomics, and the number of ports. Our favorite HDR monitors used IPS panels for the widest color depth, as well as full-array local dimming technology for color contrast optimization, a brightness level of at least 500 nits, and ~100% sRGB color output for true color accuracy. The larger the screen size, the more impressive. Generally, we aim for 72% sRGB) for simple office tasks and a 72% sRGB rating for more intensive tasks, such as photo and video editing that require more accuracy in transferring what’s on the screen to print.
Another important thing to note with the best HDR monitors is ergonomics. Swivel, tilt, and height adjustment functions should be offered with as much range as possible. VESA back panel bolt patterns are a plus for easy wall mounting, especially important to preserve desktop space in tight rooms. Do not forget low blue light filters and flicker-free technology to help minimize eye strain.
Connectivity is a very important consideration. Look for the best HDR monitors with at least an HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, and two or more USB ports for greater compatibility across different types of external devices.
Secondarily, although not required, go with HDR monitors supporting Nvidia Gsync or AMD FreeSync technology, all of which boost native refresh rates for no blur high motion scenes.
Yes, we are big fans of HDR monitors. HDR monitors are nimble with pixel density and color depth, resulting in a sharper picture than Full 1080p. HDR images are also known for improved contrast ratios between light and dark images with improved backlighting.
We feel the best HDR monitors have a minimum of a 300 nits brightness rating, native 120Hz high refresh rates for no blur motion, and layered technologies such as nVidia GSync and AMD Freesync compatible to boost response times for sports watching and gaming performance. Do not forget ergonomics - healthy tilt, swivel, and height adjustment angles along with flick free technology is a must to reduce eye strain and extend those long working hours.
We consider 300 nits an absolute minimum to work with no issues in brighter rooms. Go for a 500 nits brightness rating or a higher HDR 1000 monitor for the best brightness performance.
