Best Monitor Size For College: Enhancing Your Productivity

Choosing the right monitor for college can be a tricky task. It's important to consider the size of your workspace, your budget, and the specific features you require.

If you're looking for a monitor to enhance your productivity and learning experience, a high-quality monitor with crisp visuals, vibrant colours, and sharp text will make it easier to read textbooks, write essays, create presentations, and conduct research.

For college students, a monitor that offers a balance between size and portability is ideal. A compact display that is easy to carry around campus and set up in different locations can be convenient. On the other hand, a larger screen can provide more multitasking capabilities, especially if you're working with multiple windows or applications simultaneously.

When it comes to size, 24-inch monitors are a popular choice for those with limited desk space or a tighter budget. They offer a good balance between screen real estate and price. If you're looking for a larger option, 27-inch monitors are often considered the sweet spot, providing a significant amount of screen space without taking up too much desk space.

In addition to size, other factors to consider include resolution, refresh rate, connectivity options, and eye care features. It's also worth thinking about the types of tasks you'll be performing and choosing a monitor that suits your specific needs, whether it's for general academic work, gaming, or creative projects.

Ultimately, the best monitor for college will depend on your individual requirements and preferences. By considering your workspace constraints, budget, and desired features, you can make an informed decision to choose the right monitor for your college needs.

Budget monitors

When it comes to budget monitors for college, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some recommendations and factors to consider:

Size

The size of your monitor is an important consideration. While laptops and tablets are commonly used by students, their screen sizes typically range from 13 to 17 inches, which can be limiting for collaborative work or entertainment. A larger monitor can boost productivity and provide a more enjoyable viewing experience. For a balance between portability and screen real estate, 24-inch monitors are a good option and often the most affordable. If you have more desk space and want a larger display, 27-inch monitors offer a good balance of size and price, while 32-inch monitors are becoming more common and can better utilize 4K resolution.

Features

When choosing a budget monitor, consider your intended use. For example, if you need a monitor for office work or studying, look for one with sharp text clarity and good ergonomics. You may also want a built-in USB hub for connecting peripherals. On the other hand, if you're a gamer, you'll want a monitor with a high refresh rate and VRR support. Color accuracy and resolution are also important factors, especially if you work with color-critical tasks, such as graphic design or video editing.

Recommendations

• ASUS VA24DCP: This 24-inch, 1080p monitor offers good color accuracy and contrast at an affordable price. It features a USB-C port with 65W of charging, making it ideal for connecting to your laptop. However, it has a basic stand that only tilts up and down, and the built-in speakers aren't great.
• Dell G2724D: With a 27-inch, 1440p screen, this monitor is great for gaming and other uses. It has a high native contrast ratio and gets bright enough to minimize glare. It also has wide viewing angles and excellent ergonomics for adjusting the display to your preferences.
• Dell S2721QS: This 27-inch, 4K resolution monitor is ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly option for work. It has an ergonomic stand for easy adjustment and performs well in well-lit rooms due to its brightness and reflection handling. However, it lacks USB ports, which may be an important consideration for connecting peripherals.
• Dell P2425H: If you're looking for a cheaper alternative to the Dell S2721QS, the Dell P2425H is a good option. It has a smaller 24-inch screen and a lower resolution, but it's more affordable and includes a USB hub for connecting devices. It also has an ergonomic stand and decent reflection handling.
• AOC Q27G3XMN: This 27-inch, 1440p monitor is designed for gaming but is versatile enough for other uses. It utilizes Mini LED backlighting, typically found in higher-end models, and delivers deep blacks and bright highlights. It has a high refresh rate of 180Hz and sharp motion handling, although it may occasionally go out of stock.
• Sceptre E248W-19203R Ultra Thin LED Monitor: This sleek 24-inch monitor offers a 60Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution. It includes built-in speakers and "Adaptive Sync" technology to optimize image quality. It also comes with a security lock to hold the monitor in place.
• ASUS VG245H Full HD Monitor: The ASUS VG245H is a 24-inch, 1080p monitor with dual HDMI ports and a smooth 1ms response time, making it ideal for consoles. It has a 75Hz refresh rate and "Asus Eye Care Technology" to reduce eye strain during extended use.

Gaming monitors

LG UltraGear™ Gaming Monitors

LG's UltraGear™ series offers a range of high-refresh-rate gaming monitors designed to elevate your gaming experience. These monitors feature rapid response times, with up to 240Hz and speeds faster than 1ms, ensuring you keep up with the latest games and trends. The UltraGear™ monitors also incorporate AMD Radeon™ FreeSync™ 2 technology and NVIDIA G-SYNC technology to minimize screen tearing and input lag, providing a seamless gaming experience.

The UltraGear™ series comes in various sizes, including curved gaming monitors with a 21:9 aspect ratio for an immersive panoramic view. These monitors are ideal for competitive gamers or passionate creatives, delivering stunning visuals and smooth performance.

Philips 329P1H 32-inch Monitor

The Philips 329P1H is a feature-rich monitor offering a 32-inch 4K UHD IPS display with excellent colour accuracy and contrast. It boasts a full set of ergonomic features, ensuring comfortable viewing and reduced eye strain during extended study or gaming sessions. The monitor includes a powerful speaker, a Full HD webcam, and a USB-C docking station with four USB Type-A ports for convenient connectivity. Additionally, it has Ethernet connectivity, providing faster and more reliable connections than wireless options.

While the Philips 329P1H may be more expensive than other options, ranging from $600 to $675, its high-quality display, connectivity options, and ergonomic design make it a solid choice for college students seeking a versatile and reliable monitor.

Dell Gaming Monitor SE2417HG 23.6″ TN LCD Monitor

The Dell SE2417HG is an affordable yet reliable gaming monitor, featuring a 23.6-inch screen with Full HD resolution. It offers dual HDMI ports, allowing easy switching between PC and console. The monitor delivers a smooth gaming experience with a 60Hz refresh rate and a 2ms response time, ensuring minimal input lag for competitive gaming.

MSI 31.5” FHD (1920 x 1080) Non-Glare HDR Ready

For those seeking a curved gaming display, the MSI 31.5" monitor offers a smooth and immersive gaming experience. It features a 180Hz refresh rate, giving you an advantage in competitive gaming, along with a 1ms response time to prevent screen tearing. The HDR technology provides enhanced detail and contrast, ensuring a superior visual experience.

ASUS VG248QE 24-inch Cheap 144Hz Monitor

The ASUS VG248QE is a budget-friendly option, offering a 24-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. It includes FreeSync technology to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, ensuring seamless gameplay. The monitor also has an anti-glare display and flicker-free technology to reduce eye strain during extended use, making it ideal for both gaming and academic pursuits.

Ultrawide monitors

When choosing an ultrawide monitor, it's important to consider your budget and intended use. Ultrawide monitors can range in price from around $250 for basic, general-purpose screens to over $2,000 for fully-featured gaming monitors. Some ultrawide monitors are geared specifically towards gaming, offering high refresh rates and adaptive sync technologies, while others are designed with office use in mind, boasting higher resolutions and additional features such as USB hubs and KVM switches.

• Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U4025QW): This 40-inch monitor offers a high resolution of 5120 x 2160, excellent contrast with IPS Black panel technology, and a wide range of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 and six USB downstream ports. It's an ideal choice for creative professionals, offering both high image quality and extensive connectivity options.
• Samsung Odyssey OLED G9: With a 49-inch curved screen and a 32:9 aspect ratio, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 provides an immersive viewing experience for gaming and media consumption. It features a high refresh rate of 240 Hz, exceptional colour accuracy, and access to Samsung's online gaming hub and streaming apps.
• HP E45c G5 DQHD Curved Monitor: This 45-inch ultrawide monitor delivers full sRGB colour coverage and includes features such as KVM functionality and Ethernet, dual USB-C ports, and four USB-A downstream ports. Its smaller size compared to other ultrawide monitors makes it a good option for those with limited desk space.
• Corsair Xeneon 34WQHD240-C QD-OLED: The Corsair Xeneon is a 34-inch gaming monitor with a dazzling OLED screen and a 21:9 aspect ratio. It offers a fast refresh rate of 240 Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and excellent colour coverage, making it a great choice for gaming, movie watching, and photo/video editing.
• LG 49WL95C-W: The LG 49WL95C-W is a 49-inch ultrawide monitor ideal for multitaskers who need to keep multiple windows open simultaneously. It includes a USB-C port with support for DisplayPort and USB Power Delivery, allowing you to charge your laptop or handheld devices while working. It also features a powerful speaker system and a built-in KVM switch.

Portability

Portable monitors are typically smaller, thinner, and lighter than standard monitors, making them easy to carry in your backpack and set up in different locations. They usually come with a protective case or cover, making them durable and travel-friendly. Some portable monitors also have built-in batteries, eliminating the need for a power outlet.

When choosing a portable monitor, consider the connectivity options. USB-C and HDMI ports are common and allow easy connection to laptops and other devices. Some portable monitors also support DisplayPort and Mini HDMI connections.

In terms of size, portable monitors typically range from 14 to 15 inches, offering a good balance between screen real estate and portability. A smaller screen can be more convenient for travel, but it may not provide the same level of immersion or detail as a larger display.

It's also important to consider the resolution of a portable monitor. A Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution is common and provides a crisp and clear viewing experience. Some portable monitors even offer higher resolutions, such as 2K or 4K, for an even better picture quality.

Additionally, some portable monitors come with built-in speakers, enhancing your audio experience. These speakers can be useful for video calls, streaming movies, or playing games.

When choosing a portable monitor for college, it's essential to consider your specific needs and priorities. If you require a larger screen or higher resolution for tasks like video editing or graphic design, a standard monitor with a higher specification may be more suitable.

• Lenovo ThinkVision M14d: This 14-inch portable monitor offers a high 2.2K resolution, bright and high-contrast display, a sturdy hinged stand with a wide tilt range, and USB-C connectivity with power delivery and DisplayPort support.
• Lepow 15.6 Inch Computer Display: This lightweight and compact 15-inch monitor features a full HD 1080p display, two built-in speakers, and a durable PU leather exterior. It easily fits into your backpack and is perfect for moving between locations on campus.
• ViewSonic VA1655: This 15.6-inch portable monitor is designed for productivity on the go, with a full HD 1080p resolution and an anti-glare screen. It offers USB-C and Mini HDMI connections and can be powered by a laptop or a power bank, making it versatile and convenient.
• Mobile Pixels DUEX Max: This innovative solution turns your single laptop screen into two LCD screens, doubling your screen space. It's a lightweight and portable option that easily attaches to your laptop, providing the benefits of dual monitors without the bulk.

Remember to consider your specific needs, budget, and the features that are most important to you when choosing a portable monitor for college.

Resolution

For college students, a Full HD resolution monitor is generally sufficient. This resolution offers a good balance between image quality and performance. It is suitable for tasks such as writing essays, conducting research, and creating presentations. Full HD monitors are also more affordable and widely available.

However, if you plan to use the monitor for tasks that require more detail, such as photo or video editing, a higher resolution may be beneficial. A QHD or 4K monitor will provide a sharper image and more screen real estate, allowing you to view multiple windows side by side. Keep in mind that a higher resolution will also require a more powerful graphics card and may be more expensive.

When choosing a monitor, it is also important to consider the screen size. A larger screen size will provide a more immersive experience and allow you to see more content at once. However, it will also take up more desk space. A 24-inch or 27-inch monitor is a good option for college students, offering a balance between screen size and portability.

In addition to resolution and screen size, other factors to consider when choosing a monitor for college include connectivity options, ergonomics, and additional features such as built-in speakers or a height-adjustable stand. It is also important to consider your budget and choose a monitor that offers the best value for your needs.

Frequently asked questions