Best Places To Buy High-Quality Monitors: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're looking to buy a high-quality monitor, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, what will you be using it for? Gaming monitors, for example, require fast response times and high refresh rates to handle video games without blurring or ghosting. If you're an office worker, you might want to consider a monitor with a large USB hub and a KVM switch, which allows you to connect multiple computers to the same monitor.

For those who want a monitor for watching 4K content or working with high-resolution media, a 4K monitor is the way to go. If you're on a budget, a 24-inch monitor will do the trick without breaking the bank.

When it comes to specific brands, Dell, Samsung, and LG all have highly-rated monitors available at Best Buy and Amazon. The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U2723QE) is a good option for productivity, while the Samsung Odyssey G8/G80SD S32DG80 is a premium 32-inch, 4K monitor with a QD-OLED panel that's great for gaming. The LG UltraGear QHD 34-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor is another good option for gamers, with a 160Hz refresh rate and a fast response time.

If you're looking for something a little cheaper, the Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx is a great all-around 27-inch, 4K monitor with a smaller USB hub and no KVM switch. The AOC Q27G3XMN is another budget-friendly option, though it has a lower resolution and fewer features than the Acer model.

Whatever your needs and budget, there are plenty of high-quality monitor options available.

Online: Dell, Samsung, ASUS, Sony, and more

If you're looking to buy a high-quality monitor online, there are several trusted brands to choose from, including Dell, Samsung, ASUS, and Sony. Here's an overview of each brand and what they offer:

Dell

Dell is a well-known technology company that offers a wide range of monitors for different needs and budgets. Their monitors are known for their high quality and performance, making them a reliable option for personal or professional use. Dell's UltraSharp series features high-end monitors with accurate colours and advanced features, ideal for content creation and office work. The P Series and S Series provide more mid-range and budget-friendly options without compromising on quality. For gamers, Dell's Alienware series offers excellent options with high refresh rates and low response times. Overall, Dell monitors provide sharp images, exceptional ergonomics, and a wide range of connectivity options.

Samsung

Samsung is another popular brand that offers a diverse range of monitors, including curved and ultra-wide models. Their Odyssey series is particularly notable for gaming, with high refresh rates, fast response times, and G-Sync or FreeSync support. Samsung monitors also provide excellent picture quality, with some models featuring QLED or Mini-LED technology for enhanced visuals. Additionally, Samsung offers a range of budget-friendly options without sacrificing performance, making them a great choice for those seeking value for money.

ASUS

ASUS is a well-respected brand in the monitor space, offering a wide range of options for gamers and professionals alike. Their TUF Gaming series provides affordable, feature-rich monitors with high refresh rates, low response times, and AMD FreeSync Premium technology. For professional users, ASUS' ProArt series delivers exceptional colour accuracy and factory calibration, making them ideal for content creators and designers. ASUS also offers a range of ultra-wide and portable monitors for those seeking versatility.

Sony

Sony, a renowned electronics brand, offers a range of high-quality monitors, including the INZONE M9 4K HDR 144Hz Gaming Monitor. This monitor is designed for immersive gaming experiences, featuring a high refresh rate, fast response time, and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility. Sony monitors are known for their impressive picture quality, often incorporating advanced technologies like Full Array Local Dimming to enhance the viewing experience. While Sony may not have as extensive a range as other brands, their monitors are built to high standards and are worth considering for those seeking a premium option.

When purchasing a monitor online, it's essential to consider your specific needs, budget, and the features that are most important to you. All four brands mentioned above have strong reputations and offer a diverse selection of monitors to choose from. By comparing their specifications and features, you can make an informed decision that suits your requirements.

In-store: Best Buy, Target

If you're looking to buy a high-quality monitor, Target and Best Buy are great options for in-store purchases.

Target

Target offers a wide range of computer monitors, including specialty monitors, to meet your specific requirements and style. You can choose from different sizes, such as ultrawide, curved, or flat screens, with various resolutions like HD, Full HD, QHD, and 4K options. They also provide top brands such as Dell, Samsung, ASUS, Sony, Acer, and LG, ensuring you get a high-quality product.

Best Buy

Best Buy has a vast selection of monitors, including LCD, LED, and gaming monitors, to suit your needs. They offer various features, such as fast refresh rates, response times, 4K Ultra HD, curved monitors, and large-screen monitors for an immersive experience. Best Buy also provides portable monitors, dual-monitor accessories, and wireless monitor options for those seeking flexibility and convenience.

Whether you're a gamer, professional, or casual user, both Target and Best Buy offer a diverse range of high-quality monitors to meet your needs. With their extensive brand selection and varied features, you're sure to find a monitor that suits your preferences and enhances your viewing experience.

For gaming: high refresh rate, low response rate, HDMI 2.1

When it comes to high-quality monitors for gaming, there are a few key specifications to keep in mind. Firstly, a high refresh rate is crucial, as it determines how many times the screen refreshes per second, providing a smoother gaming experience. Secondly, a low response rate is important to reduce motion blur and ensure sharp visuals. Lastly, HDMI 2.1 is the latest version of the HDMI connection standard, offering higher bandwidth and improved features for gaming.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 32-inch 4K 240Hz Gaming Monitor

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 is a premium gaming monitor featuring a 4K resolution and a blazing-fast 240Hz refresh rate. It utilises a QD-OLED panel, delivering perfect blacks and vivid colours. It also supports HDMI 2.1, allowing you to take full advantage of modern graphics cards and gaming consoles. This monitor consistently ranks highly across different sources and receives praise for its exceptional picture quality and gaming performance. While it may be on the pricey side, it offers a combination of high refresh rate, low response time, and HDMI 2.1 support.

LG UltraGear 32-inch 4K 240Hz Gaming Monitor

The LG UltraGear 32GS95UE is another excellent option for gaming, boasting a 4K resolution and a rapid 240Hz refresh rate. It features a WOLED panel, providing brighter images than its competitors. This monitor also supports HDMI 2.1 and includes a unique Dual-Mode feature, allowing you to switch to a 1080p resolution and an incredibly fast 480Hz refresh rate for competitive gaming. While it carries a hefty price tag, it delivers stunning visuals and smooth performance.

Alienware AW2524HF 25-inch 1080p 500Hz Gaming Monitor

If you're seeking an ultra-high refresh rate, the Alienware AW2524HF fits the bill with its astonishing 500Hz refresh rate. However, it has a lower resolution of 1080p and a smaller 25-inch screen. This monitor includes both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort connections, ensuring compatibility with various devices. The AW2524HF is a great choice if you prioritise refresh rate above all else and are willing to invest in a high-end graphics card to utilise its full potential.

ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM 32-inch 4K 240Hz Gaming Monitor

The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM is another impressive option, offering a 4K resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. It utilises a QD-OLED panel, ensuring deep blacks and vibrant colours. This monitor also includes a KVM switch and additional features, although it comes with a higher price tag compared to some alternatives. If you're seeking a well-rounded 4K gaming monitor with a high refresh rate and don't mind spending a bit extra, the PG32UCDM is a solid choice.

Dell Alienware AW2725DF 27-inch 1440p 240Hz Gaming Monitor

If you're looking for a balance between resolution and refresh rate, the Dell Alienware AW2725DF might be ideal. It offers a 27-inch screen with a 1440p resolution and a rapid 240Hz refresh rate. This monitor delivers excellent gaming performance and includes HDMI 2.1 support. While it may not have the highest resolution or the largest screen size, it strikes a good balance and provides a solid option for those seeking a versatile gaming monitor.

For professionals: colour accuracy, USB-C ports, QHD and 4K

For professionals seeking colour accuracy, USB-C ports, QHD or 4K resolution, there are several monitors on the market that can meet these requirements.

Dell UltraSharp U2723QE

The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is a 27-inch monitor that offers a sharp 4K display, top-notch contrast, and a wealth of ports. It has a 3840x2160 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a 90W USB-C charging port. In addition, it features one HDMI port, one DisplayPort 1.4 in, one DisplayPort 1.4 out, Gigabit Ethernet, one USB-C port with 15W charging, and five USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports. The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is known for its colour accuracy, making it ideal for professionals who require precise colour reproduction.

Asus ProArt Display PA278CGV

The Asus ProArt Display PA278CGV is a 27-inch monitor with a QHD resolution of 2560x1440. It offers great colour accuracy, an adjustable stand, and a variety of ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and four USB 3.0 Type-A ports. The monitor can provide up to 90W of power delivery via USB-C, making it suitable for charging laptops. It also comes with a three-year warranty and a good dead-pixel policy.

BenQ PD2706U

The BenQ PD2706U is a 27-inch monitor with a 4K resolution of 3840x2160. It includes a USB-C port with 90W power delivery, one HDMI 2.0 port, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, one USB-C port, and three USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports. The monitor is known for its colour accuracy and comes with a "hotkey puck," a circular controller that makes it easy to adjust settings and swap inputs. It also has a KVM function that automatically routes peripherals to the correct computer.

Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx

The Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx is a 27-inch monitor with a 4K resolution. It features a USB-C port that delivers 90W of power and supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. Additionally, it has two USB-A ports and offers remarkable picture quality, making it suitable for gaming, watching movies, or office work. The monitor uses Mini LED backlighting and has a decent local dimming feature, providing deep blacks and bright highlights.

Dell S2722QC

The Dell S2722QC is a 27-inch monitor with a QHD resolution of 2560x1440. It offers colour accuracy, USB-C connectivity, and a USB hub. The monitor can deliver up to 65W of power via USB-C, making it suitable for charging smaller laptops. It also comes with Dell's Premium Panel Exchange policy, ensuring a replacement if any defects are found.

These monitors offer a range of features that cater to professionals seeking colour accuracy, USB-C ports, and QHD or 4K resolution. Depending on your specific needs and budget, each of these options provides a reliable choice for your setup.

For general use: IPS Black technology, 4K resolution, extensive ergonomic features

If you're looking for a high-quality monitor for general use, there are a few key specifications you should look out for. Firstly, IPS Black technology will deepen black levels and improve contrast, providing a wider viewing angle, improved colour accuracy, and more detailed expression in dark scenes. This technology is ideal for professionals, especially those working with detailed graphs or charts, and for those with multi-monitor setups.

Secondly, 4K resolution will provide a sharp, high-pixel-density image, allowing you to fit multiple windows on your screen and facilitating digital work. However, on monitors smaller than 35 inches, 4K may be too high a resolution for comfortable reading.

Finally, extensive ergonomic features will allow you to adjust the monitor to your preferred viewing angle. This includes tilt, swivel, height, and pivot adjustments, as well as landscape and portrait orientation options.

One example of a monitor that incorporates all these specifications is the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U2723QE). This monitor has a 27-inch 4K screen, IPS Black technology, and a full range of ergonomic adjustments. It also includes dual DisplayPort connectors, a mini-joystick controller, and a USB-C display connection that can charge a laptop. However, it does not include a webcam, and it is priced at over $600, making it a significant investment.

Another option that ticks these boxes is the Apple Pro Display XDR. This monitor offers exceptional colour accuracy and build quality, with a competitive price for reference-grade pro monitors. However, it only works with Apple devices and has no input alternatives to USB-C and Thunderbolt. The stand also costs an additional $1000.

When purchasing a high-quality monitor, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. While IPS Black technology, 4K resolution, and extensive ergonomic features are desirable specifications, there may be other factors that are more important for your particular use case. Additionally, keep in mind that you can often find sales and discounts on monitors, so it is worth shopping around to get the best deal.

Frequently asked questions