Best Places To Buy Monitors: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're looking to buy a new monitor, it's important to consider what you'll be using it for. Are you a gamer? A photographer? Or do you just need something for everyday tasks like emails and web browsing?

The type of monitor you choose will depend on your intended use. For example, gamers should look for a monitor with a fast refresh rate and low response time, while photographers and other multimedia professionals need a monitor with a large screen, high resolution, and accurate colours.

Other factors to consider include the size of the monitor, the type of panel technology, the resolution, and the price. It's also worth checking what kind of ports and connections the monitor has to make sure it's compatible with your computer.

With so many options available, it can be tricky to choose the right monitor. But by considering your needs and doing some research, you can find the perfect one for you.

Resolution: 1080p is common, but 4K is obtainable

When it comes to monitor resolution, there are a few options to choose from, with the most common being 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. 1080p, or Full HD, is the minimum resolution you should opt for, offering a crystal-clear picture that is great for everyday use and watching movies and videos. It is also more affordable than higher resolutions and can achieve high refresh rates, making it a good choice for budget-minded users and gamers.

1440p, or Quad HD, offers four times as many pixels as 1080p, resulting in sharper images and more screen space. It is considered the "sweet spot" for work and play, giving you crisp visuals and dense pixels. 4K, or Ultra HD, provides four times the pixels of Full HD, delivering immersive gaming experiences, high-resolution photo and video editing, and ample space for multitasking. It is ideal for gamers, graphics professionals, and movie enthusiasts who want to see the finest details.

While 4K monitors offer superior resolution, they also come with some drawbacks. They require a powerful graphics card, especially for gaming purposes, and can struggle to display low-resolution media well, as the content may appear stretched out. Additionally, 4K monitors tend to be more expensive than their lower-resolution counterparts, although prices have become more competitive in recent years.

When deciding between 1080p and 4K, consider your intended use, budget, and the capabilities of your graphics card. If you require sharp images and plan to use the monitor for gaming, graphic design, or video editing, 4K may be the better option. However, if you are on a budget, prefer faster refresh rates, or have a less powerful graphics card, 1080p might be more suitable.

Monitor size: 27-inch is the go-to choice

Monitor size is a very important factor to consider when buying a new monitor. While bigger is not always better, a 27-inch monitor is the go-to choice for many people.

A 27-inch monitor is the perfect size for a lot of people as it is not so big that it is overwhelming on your desk, but it still offers enough screen space to place two windows side-by-side. This is great for productivity as it gives you more visual workspace to use, which is important for a desktop setting.

If you are using complex and detailed applications, a 27-inch monitor with a high resolution will be to your advantage. A 27-inch monitor with a 4K resolution is a great upgrade, as the added sharpness will make text and images look much sharper. This is especially useful if you like to use a small font size on your monitor.

A 27-inch monitor is also the ideal size for media viewing. It takes up most of your peripheral vision, allowing for greater focus, and is perfect for TV shows and movies. The larger screen makes it more comfortable to pull your chair back a little and still soak in all the details.

For gaming, a 27-inch monitor is better for providing great detail when you have a high resolution. The screen takes up more of your peripheral vision, and it is much easier to pick out all the details. This is really beneficial for gaming, depending on the kind of game you play.

However, a 27-inch monitor may not be the best choice for everyone. If you are on a tight budget, a 24-inch monitor will be cheaper. A 24-inch monitor is also better if you want to move your head and eyes less when gaming or working, as the screen takes up less of your peripheral vision.

Monitor type: IPS is the market leader

When it comes to buying a monitor, there are several factors to consider, including the type of monitor, its resolution, size, and refresh rate. While the choice ultimately depends on your intended use, one of the most important considerations is the type of panel technology used.

In-Plane Switching (IPS) is a screen technology used in liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) and is currently the market leader. IPS panels are known for their ability to display accurate and consistent colour from all viewing angles, making them ideal for professionals such as photographers, artists, and graphic designers. This is in contrast to Twisted Nematic (TN) panels, which offer strong viewing angle dependence and low-quality colour reproduction when viewed from the side.

IPS monitors also have faster response times than TN panels, which is important for reducing motion blur when gaming or watching fast-paced videos. While IPS panels may not offer the same deep blacks and contrast as Vertical Alignment (VA) panels, their wide viewing angles, accurate colours, and fast response times make them a popular choice for gamers and professionals alike.

IPS monitors are available in a range of sizes, including under 24 inches, 24 to 30 inches, and above 30 inches. When choosing a size, it's important to consider your intended use and the amount of space you have. For example, if you have limited desk space, a smaller monitor under 24 inches may be more suitable, while gamers and professionals often prefer larger screens for an immersive experience.

The IPS monitor market is expected to grow due to the increasing adoption of gaming monitors, the rise of e-sports, and the growing demand for high-quality displays from professionals. With their superior image quality, wide viewing angles, and accurate colours, IPS monitors are well-positioned to meet the needs of both gamers and professionals, solidifying their position as the market leader.

Monitor features: Look for USB-C if you want to use the monitor as a USB-C hub

USB-C is rapidly becoming the default choice for connecting different types of devices, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and security cameras. A USB-C monitor is a monitor with built-in USB-C ports, which can provide enough power to run devices and transfer data at high speeds.

When looking to buy a monitor with USB-C, it's important to consider the following:

• Number of Ports: The best USB-C hub monitors will include a mix of Ethernet, USB-A, and USB-C ports. For example, Dell's P2723QE monitor is a USB-C monitor that can handle numerous peripherals at once.
• Wattage: Check the wattage of the USB-C monitor to ensure it can provide enough power for your laptop or device. The monitor should support USB Power Delivery at least equal to the wattage supplied by your device's power adapter.
• DisplayPort Alternate Mode: Make sure your laptop has DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which is needed for video transmission over USB-C. The version of DisplayPort is usually not important, as USB-C devices with this mode will support at least DisplayPort 1.2, which is sufficient for 4K at 60Hz. However, if you're connecting a high-refresh display, you'll need USB-C with support for DisplayPort 1.4 or higher.
• Thunderbolt Support: Thunderbolt has a higher minimum data rate than standard USB and is useful if you want to connect multiple high-speed storage devices or use external graphics. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 support a data rate of 40Gbps, while USB4, the latest USB standard, will increase the minimum data rate to 20Gbps.
• KVM Switch: A KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch allows you to easily multitask with different devices connected to your monitor. Some USB-C monitors offer this feature, making it convenient to switch between sources.
• Price: Monitor pricing can vary significantly due to sales and availability. Compare prices across different retailers to find the best deal.
• Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx: This monitor has a 4K, 27-inch screen and delivers 90W of power through its USB-C port. It supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and includes two USB-A ports. It offers sharp text clarity and remarkable picture quality, making it a great choice for gaming, watching movies, or office work.
• Dell U4025QW: This monitor supports Thunderbolt and has a massive USB hub with five USB-C ports. It can charge even the most power-hungry laptops and supports Thunderbolt daisy chaining for connecting a second monitor. It also includes a KVM switch and has a large 40-inch screen with ultrawide 4K resolution.
• Dell U2723QE: This is a 4K, 27-inch monitor with a bigger USB hub compared to the Acer Nitro, offering five USB-A and three USB-C ports. It has a KVM switch and supports Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes, making it great for multitasking.
• Dell S2722QC: A more affordable option, this monitor has two USB-A and one USB-C port. It supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and provides up to 65W of power delivery, which is sufficient for charging smaller laptops. It has good reflection handling and brightness, making it suitable for well-lit office spaces.
• ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV: This budget-friendly monitor has a lower 1440p resolution but still delivers 65W of power through its USB-C port. It offers outstanding ergonomics, making it easy to adjust, and has a dedicated sRGB mode for exceptional colour accuracy.

Monitor stand: Look for height and tilt adjustment, plus VESA mount support

When buying a monitor, it's important to consider the stand's adjustability and compatibility with VESA mounts. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Height and tilt adjustment: Look for a monitor stand that allows you to adjust the height to achieve an ergonomic viewing position. It should also offer tilt adjustment to reduce glare and improve your viewing experience.
• Swivel and pivot: Some stands offer swivel and pivot adjustments, allowing you to change the monitor's horizontal angle or rotate it into portrait mode. These features are especially useful if you have a multi-monitor setup or need to view your screen from different angles.
• VESA mount support: VESA mounts are standard screw hole patterns on the back of monitors that allow you to attach the monitor to a stand or wall mount. Look for a monitor with a VESA mount if you plan to use a third-party stand or mount your monitor on a wall. The most common VESA patterns are 75x75mm and 100x100mm, but other sizes like 50x50mm and 200x200mm also exist.
• Stability and build quality: Ensure that the stand is sturdy and stable enough to support the weight of your monitor. A well-built stand will also have features like cable management to keep your desk organised.
• Ease of installation: Look for a monitor stand that is easy to install and comes with clear instructions and all the necessary mounting hardware.

Frequently asked questions