Best Monitors For Performance: Ultimate Guide

When it comes to monitors, there are a lot of options to choose from, and it can be hard to know which one will provide the highest level of performance. Some key factors to consider when making your decision include the monitor's resolution, refresh rate, response time, colour accuracy, and connectivity options.

One option that ticks a lot of these boxes is the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 27 4K Monitor. It offers a high resolution of 3840 x 2160, a fast refresh rate of 60Hz, and a response time of 1ms. It also has a wide colour gamut and comes with a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C.

Another great option is the Samsung Odyssey G9 49 Gaming Monitor. This monitor has a high resolution of 5120 x 1440 and an incredibly fast refresh rate of 240Hz. It also has a tight curve for maximum immersion and a response time of 1ms. However, it is important to note that this monitor is quite large and may not be suitable for everyone's setup.

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL3A 27 Monitor is a great choice. It has a resolution of 2560 x 1440, a refresh rate of 180Hz, and a response time of 1ms. It also supports both AMD and Nvidia adaptive-sync technologies.

Ultimately, the best monitor for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. But by considering factors like resolution, refresh rate, response time, colour accuracy, and connectivity, you can be sure to find an option that provides a high level of performance.

4K monitors

When looking for a 4K monitor, it's important to consider not only the resolution but also the performance, budget, and specific features required. Here are some of the best 4K monitors available:

Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U2723QE)

This 27-inch 4K monitor offers a full range of ergonomic adjustments and ports, including USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort. It can charge a laptop via its USB-C connection and provides Ethernet connectivity. It has a high pixel density and wide colour gamut, making it suitable for photo and video work. While it is pricey, it is a good choice for meeting-heavy professionals or those involved in creative content.

Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx

The Acer Nitro XV275K is a versatile 4K monitor suitable for office work and gaming. It displays vibrant colours in both SDR and HDR and gets extremely bright, making it ideal for well-lit spaces. It has a fast response time, HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, and a 160Hz refresh rate, making it great for gaming. It also has a decent local dimming feature and accurate sRGB mode for content creation.

Dell UltraSharp 43 4K USB-C Monitor (U4323QE)

This large 43-inch 4K monitor provides massive amounts of screen space and includes a variety of input/output options, such as USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort connectors. It can be divided into quadrants, each with its own input, making it ideal for multitasking. While it is expensive, it is a good choice for those who require a lot of screen space and unique input options.

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM

The Asus ROG Swift OLED is a near-perfect 4K OLED gaming display with a 32-inch screen, 240Hz maximum refresh rate, and lightning-quick response time. It offers excellent colour accuracy and coverage, unique RGB lighting, and a built-in KVM. It is ideal for computers that can handle high frame rates and resolutions, providing a match made in heaven for gamers.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80

The Samsung Odyssey OLED is a premium 32-inch 4K monitor with a QD-OLED panel, delivering perfect blacks and vivid colours. It has a 240Hz refresh rate and is designed with gaming in mind, but it also has a built-in Tizen OS smart platform for streaming. While it risks burn-in with constant exposure to static elements, it is still a good choice for varied usage if you can vary your screen content.

Philips Brilliance 279P1

The Philips Brilliance 279P1 is a 27-inch 4K IPS monitor with excellent sRGB colour coverage and an ergonomically superior stand. It includes a USB hub, Ethernet jack, HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C ports, making it ideal for small or home offices. It also has built-in speakers and a four-year warranty, making it a great value option.

Dell S3221QS

The Dell S3221QS is a 31.5-inch 4K monitor with a sleek and elegant design. It offers a stunning 4K display, a 3000:1 contrast ratio, and support for 1.07 billion colours. It includes multitasking features like Picture-in-Picture and has a USB 3.0 hub. It is a great all-rounder for those who want a gorgeous 4K display with useful features at a reasonable price.

Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q

The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q is an affordable 28-inch 4K monitor with a versatile ergonomic design. It has thin bezels, a cable management solution, and Adaptive-Sync for a smooth gaming experience. It delivers sharp image quality and accurate, vibrant colours, making it ideal for gamers and those who consume a lot of visual media.

BenQ PD2705UA

The BenQ PD2705UA is a 27-inch 4K monitor ideal for professionals and creatives. It has a gorgeous display, integrated Ergo Arm for pivoting, rotating, and angling the screen, and features like Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture for multitasking. It offers 99% sRGB and Rec.709 colour coverage, making it well-suited for photo and video editing. However, its 60Hz refresh rate may not be suitable for fast-paced gaming.

Budget monitors

If you're looking for a monitor that won't break the bank, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best budget monitors available:

• HP 24mh 23.8-Inch Display: This monitor offers more than your typical sub-$200 business monitor. It has a DisplayPort connector in addition to the usual HDMI and VGA ports, and it also has height and pivot control in addition to the standard tilt adjustment. It has a 1080p IPS panel, impressive sRGB coverage, and a contrast ratio well above its rating. It even has built-in 2-watt speakers, which is a rarity at this price point.
• Philips 221V8LB: This 21.5-inch monitor is an insanely low-priced display that offers an enormous value at $69.99. It has a 1080p resolution, a 100Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync compatibility, making it suitable for casual gaming. Its vertical alignment (VA) panel provides an astoundingly high contrast ratio and full sRGB color coverage.
• Acer SB220Q: This compact, general-purpose monitor is a steal at its usual price of under $100. It has a 21.5-inch 1080p IPS panel with very good color accuracy in the sRGB space. It's a great choice for a second monitor or for use in tight spaces. It also comes with a surprisingly long three-year warranty.
• Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQL3A: This 27-inch QHD (2,560-by-1,440-pixel) display is a standout in the sub-$300 gaming-monitor landscape. It offers a refresh rate of up to 180Hz and AMD FreeSync Premium technology to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. It delivers high-enough refresh rates, low input lag, and a quality color profile, making it a great option for budget and mainstream PC builds.
• NZXT Canvas 32Q Curved: This 31.5-inch curved monitor combines a 1500R curvature with QHD (1440p) resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and low input lag. It supports AMD's FreeSync Premium and is Nvidia G-Sync Compatible. It provides full sRGB color coverage and an excellent contrast ratio, making it a great choice for gamers on a tight budget.
• Samsung 24-Inch CF396 Curved LED Monitor: This 24-inch curved monitor has a compact panel size that keeps the price down. It's limited to full HD (1080p) resolution and doesn't have many ports, but it's bright for a budget monitor and has excellent sRGB color coverage. Its gently curved screen and mini-joystick controller are uncommon features at this price point.
• MSI Modern MD271UL: This 27-inch 4K IPS display is a great budget option, offering a modest price, above-average brightness and contrast, and great color coverage. It has two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort connector, and a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB Alternate Mode and up to 65 watts of USB Power Delivery. However, it's limited to tilt adjustment and has a frustrating OSD control system.
• ViewSonic VG1655: This 15.6-inch portable monitor offers some uncommon features, such as a fold-out stand with a wide tilt range and a five-way mini-joystick controller for easy navigation of the onscreen display (OSD) menu. It has two USB-C ports and a mini HDMI port, but its poor sRGB coverage makes it better suited for working with text and spreadsheets than photos and videos.
• ViewSonic VX1755: This 17.2-inch portable gaming monitor offers a high refresh rate of 144Hz and low input lag at a reasonable price. It's designed to work as a second screen for a laptop or as a primary display for a gaming console on the go. While it has a so-so color range and accuracy, it's still a good option for casual gamers on a budget.

When choosing a budget monitor, keep in mind that you may have to make some compromises in terms of features and performance. Most budget monitors have limited ergonomic features, basic stands, and a standard pair of HDMI and VGA ports. However, some manufacturers sweeten the deal by adding extras like additional ports, built-in speakers, curved screens, or mini-joystick controllers. It's also important to consider the panel technology, resolution, refresh rate, and port options that best suit your intended use.

Gaming monitors

Dell S3222DGM 32-inch QHD Monitor:

The Dell S3222DGM is a versatile option that offers a large screen, excellent performance, and a competitive price. It features a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, and a VA panel that delivers an impressive contrast ratio of over 4,200:1. It has two HDMI 2.0 connectors and one DisplayPort 1.2 port, along with high-quality build construction.

Alienware AW2524HF 500Hz Monitor:

The Alienware AW2524HF is a high-refresh-rate monitor with a top speed of 500Hz, making it ideal for competitive gamers. It has a smaller 25-inch screen with a 1080p resolution, and it requires a powerful graphics card to maximize its potential. The AW2524HF offers excellent color saturation, contrast, and build quality.

Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP 27-inch QHD OLED Monitor:

The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP is a top-tier gaming monitor with a 2560 x 1440 resolution and an impressive 480Hz refresh rate. It boasts exceptional video processing capabilities, accurate colors straight out of the box, and a rich feature list for gaming and convenience. The monitor also has a premium build quality and styling.

Alienware AW3423DWF 34-inch Widescreen QD-OLED Monitor:

The Alienware AW3423DWF combines a QD-OLED panel with a popular 34-inch widescreen form factor. It delivers stunning colors in both SDR and HDR content, a 165Hz refresh rate, and Alienware's premium materials and build quality. The monitor has a 3440 x 1440 resolution and offers an immersive gaming experience.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 32-inch 4K Curved Monitor:

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 is an excellent choice for those seeking a 4K resolution gaming monitor. It has a 32-inch screen, a 240Hz refresh rate, and is G-Sync and FreeSync certified. The monitor provides accurate colors out of the box and features 1,196 dimming zones for enhanced contrast and image quality.

Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2P 32-inch 4K OLED Monitor:

The Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2P is a well-rounded gaming monitor with a high-quality OLED panel. It offers a 240Hz refresh rate, support for AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, and an expansive array of ports. The monitor delivers accurate and vibrant colors, excellent build quality, and top-notch video processing with blur-free motion.

Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 49-inch Ultrawide OLED Monitor:

The Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 is a massive 49-inch OLED monitor that delivers a brilliant visual experience. It has a resolution of 5120 x 1440 and a 240Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gamers seeking an immersive widescreen experience. The monitor includes a remote control and a surprisingly good four-speaker audio system.

Alienware AW3225QF 32-inch 4K QD-OLED Console Gaming Monitor:

The Alienware AW3225QF is a perfect companion for console gaming, offering a 240Hz refresh rate, 4K resolution, Dolby Vision support, and a 32-inch QD-OLED panel. It provides inky blacks, brilliant colors, an accurate picture, and the build quality associated with the Alienware brand.

Curved monitors

The best curved monitor for gaming is the Dell Alienware AW3423DWF, which has incredible black levels and vibrant HDR performance. It also has a 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio, making it ideal for enjoying PC games. The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is another impressive gaming monitor, with a 49-inch OLED screen, 0.03ms response time, and a 240Hz refresh rate.

For those on a budget, the Gigabyte G27FC is a great option, offering solid picture quality and decent gaming performance at an affordable price. The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 is a good choice for both productivity and gaming, with its 34-inch curved display and stunning picture quality.

If you're looking for a curved monitor for work, the Dell U4025QW is a great option. It has a 40-inch screen with a 5k2k resolution and high pixel density, producing sharp text. It also has a range of productivity features, such as Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes, making it a great choice for office use.

OLED monitors

However, OLEDs are prone to burn-in when exposed to the same static elements over time, making them less suitable for work purposes. Nevertheless, this risk is reduced if the monitor is used for varied tasks.

• Samsung Odyssey G8/G80SD S32DG80: This 32-inch QD-OLED monitor combines a 4K resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gamers seeking a detailed image and a responsive feel. It has a near-instantaneous response time, vivid colours, and bright highlights, making it fantastic for HDR content. It also supports HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, making it a great choice for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S gamers. Additionally, it features a built-in smart platform and a matte screen coating that reduces glare.
• LG 32GS95UE-B: This 32-inch, 4K, 240Hz monitor is a WOLED panel, which means colours aren't as vivid, but blacks remain deep even in bright rooms. It features a unique Dual-Mode that changes the resolution to 1080p and the refresh rate to 480Hz, making it ideal for competitive esports gaming.
• Gigabyte AORUS FO27Q3: This 27-inch QD-OLED monitor has a lower 1440p resolution but a higher 360Hz refresh rate, making it a great choice for PC gaming. It delivers vivid colours, bright highlights, and sharp motion. It also includes useful features like a KVM switch and a USB-C port.
• Dell Alienware AW3423DWF: This QD-OLED monitor has a 21:9 aspect ratio, offering more horizontal screen space for atmospheric games. It has a lower 165Hz refresh rate, but the picture quality is still impressive.

Other notable OLED monitors include the Dell Alienware AW2725DF, ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM, Dell Alienware AW3225QF, and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9/G95SC S49CG95.

While OLED monitors offer impressive features, it's important to consider your specific needs and budget before making a purchase decision.

Frequently asked questions