Deciding exactly where to start searching for a new monitor can be difficult. There are many different types of monitors available in various sizes, panel types, refresh rates, and resolutions. Buying a new monitor isn't a straightforward process, and there's no perfect solution for everyone. While most people would be happy with a basic monitor that's good enough for everyday use, there are plenty of options that offer extra perks for different uses.
The best PC monitors are usually focused on gaming but also provide high-end picture quality. This means they're versatile enough to use for anything from gaming to simply browsing the web. You can also consider well-rounded budget monitors, but those tend to have fewer features than higher-end models. On top of that, some monitors are designed for specific uses, like those for gaming, work, or content creation, so it's important to think about how you'll use it. If you aren't sure what to look for in a monitor or if the marketing terms confuse you, check out our monitor guides.
We've bought and tested over 375 monitors, and below, you'll find our picks for the best computer monitors available. If you have a more specific usage in mind, check out our recommendations for the best multimedia monitors, the best HDR monitors, the best video editing monitors, and the best photo editing monitors. You can also see all our monitor recommendations. If you want more than just a monitor, look into the best home printers.
We buy and test more than 30 monitors each year, with units that we buy completely on our own, without any cherry-picked units or samples. We put a lot into each unbiased, straight-to-the-point review, and there's a whole process from purchasing to publishing, involving multiple teams and people. We do more than just use the monitor for a week; we use specialized and custom tools to measure various aspects with objective data-based results. We also consider multiple factors before making any recommendations, including the monitor's cost, its performance against the competition, and whether or not it's easy to find.
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Best Monitor
PC Gaming9.1Office8.3Editing9.3Console Gaming9.4Brightness7.2HDR Picture9.4SDR Picture10Color Accuracy9.2Response Time9.9Size27"Panel TypeQD-OLEDMax Refresh Rate240 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution3840 x 2160The best monitor we've tested is the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM. It's a premium 27-inch, 4k monitor that has a QD-OLED panel. Although it's designed for gaming, it's great for a variety of uses and delivers fantastic picture quality. Your favorite content appears realistic, with deep, inky blacks in dark rooms, highlights that pop, and colors that look vivid. However, picture quality is worse in bright rooms because black levels rise, making colors appear purple.
Besides that, it's one of the best options for gaming because of its 240Hz refresh rate and near-instantaneous response time. It even has HDMI and DisplayPort 2.1 bandwidth to take full advantage of gaming consoles and modern graphics cards. While OLEDs like this risk permanent burn-in with constant exposure to the same static elements over time, the risk is mitigated if you vary your usage. Even if you want to use it for work, its 4k resolution helps result in sharp text clarity. It also has a USB-C port with 90W of power delivery and a KVM switch, which helps if you want to change sources and use the same keyboard and mouse on both. You can also check out the 32-inch ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM if you want a larger screen. It performs similarly, but text isn't as sharp due to its lower pixel density.
See our recommendations for the best OLED monitors.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Monitor
PC Gaming8.8Office7.6Editing9.0Console Gaming9.0Brightness6.7HDR Picture9.3SDR Picture10Color Accuracy8.4Response Time9.9Size32"Panel TypeQD-OLEDMax Refresh Rate120 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution3840 x 2160If you don't need all the premium features of the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and you prefer saving a bit of money, look into the Dell S3225QC. Although it's another 4k QD-OLED with similar picture quality, there are a few downsides to getting this more entry-level OLED. For example, it lacks a few features the ASUS has, as it doesn't have a KVM switch. It still has 90W of power delivery over USB-C, though, which is useful if you want to connect a laptop. As it has a larger screen than the ASUS with lower pixel density, there's just a bit more fringing around letters, which you may notice when reading documents or browsing the web.
It has a few less gaming features than the ASUS, too, like a lower 120Hz refresh rate. It doesn't have DisplayPort 2.1 bandwidth to take advantage of the latest graphics cards either. Its HDMI 2.1 bandwidth is helpful if you have an HDMI 2.1 graphics card or current-gen gaming console. Besides the fewer features, it has the advantages of an OLED with its deep blacks and vivid colors, so it's something to consider if you want high-end picture quality, but don't want to pay extra for perks.
See our recommendations for the best 4k monitors.
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Best Mid-Range Monitor
PC Gaming7.7Office8.4Editing7.9Console Gaming8.5Brightness8.7HDR Picture6.8SDR Picture7.1Color Accuracy8.5Response Time7.5Size27"Panel TypeIPSMax Refresh Rate320 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution3840 x 2160If you don't need an OLED monitor and you prefer something versatile in the mid-range price category, look into the Acer Nitro XV275K P5biipruzx. It's different from Dell S3225QC because it doesn't have the same deep blacks, vivid colors, and perfect black uniformity, so it has worse overall picture quality. On the plus side, it gets much brighter than the Dell, making it the better choice to use in well-lit rooms. This is thanks to its Mini LED backlighting, which also improves black levels and overall picture quality in HDR. However, its local dimming feature causes haloing and black crush, and you can't use it in SDR at all, so picture quality is worse in SDR.
Regardless of these trade-offs in perfect quality, it's a versatile monitor for both work and play. It has everything you'd want in a gaming monitor, like HDMI 2.1 bandwidth to take advantage of gaming consoles. Motion looks sharp, and it has low input lag for a responsive feel at any refresh rate. Plus, its 4k resolution helps deliver sharp images and text. It even has a small USB hub with DisplayPort Alt Mode and a KVM switch, which is useful if you want to connect two computers to the monitors.
See our recommendations for the best Mini LED monitors.
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Best Budget Monitor
PC Gaming8.2Office7.6Editing7.9Console Gaming7.4Brightness8.3HDR Picture8.0SDR Picture8.2Color Accuracy8.8Response Time8.5Size27"Panel TypeVAMax Refresh Rate180 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution2560 x 1440If you're looking for a multi-use monitor and you're on a budget, look at the AOC Q27G3XMN. It has a lower 1440p resolution than the Acer Nitro XV275K P5biipruzx, so text and images aren't as sharp and detailed. Another trade-off for getting something cheaper is that the AOC has fewer features than the Acer, as it doesn't have a USB hub to connect your devices. That's normal for an entry-level monitor, so you must ensure your computer has enough ports to connect your devices.
The biggest advantage of the AOC, especially compared to other low-cost monitors, is that it utilizes Mini LED backlighting, similar to the Acer. This means it displays deep blacks against bright highlights, which is great for watching HDR content. Its local dimming is even better than that of the Acer, as it has less haloing and black crush, and you can use it in SDR if you prefer. Lastly, it features gaming capabilities, including a 180Hz refresh rate and a fast response time; however, there's smearing behind fast-moving objects. If you can't find this monitor available in your region, you can also check out the similar AOC Q27G40XMN if you can find it. It even has a better local dimming feature, but it has worse motion handling.
See our recommendations for the best budget and cheap monitors.
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Best Cheap Monitor
PC Gaming6.9Office7.7Editing6.8Console Gaming6.1Brightness7.1HDR Picture4.9SDR Picture5.8Color Accuracy8.1Response Time7.4Size27"Pixel TypeIPSMax Refresh Rate170 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution2560 x 1440If you want a cheap and simple option that's less expensive than the AOC Q27G3XMN, look at the MSI G274QPF-QD. While it's a 27-inch, 1440p monitor like the AOC, there are some things to keep in mind as you drop down in price categories. It has significantly worse picture quality, as it lacks Mini LED backlighting and local dimming. Combined with its low contrast ratio, this means blacks appear gray, and highlights don't pop, resulting in a less vivid HDR experience. However, this is what you have to expect at this price point.
It remains a versatile display for various purposes, including gaming. It features a 170Hz refresh rate that's fast enough for entry-level gamers. Motion appears fairly sharp, with less black smearing than the AOC. Its 1440p resolution also helps make text looks decently sharp. It has a few useful productivity features, like an ergonomic stand and a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode, but it's limited to 15W of power delivery. If you need a work device with a larger USB hub, you can also consider the Dell P2425H, although it features a smaller screen and lower 1080p resolution.
See our recommendations for the best monitors under $200.
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Best Work Monitor
PC Gaming6.5Office8.5Editing7.9Console Gaming7.9Brightness8.1HDR Picture6.2SDR Picture7.5Color Accuracy8.1Response Time4.4Size27"Panel TypeIPSMax Refresh Rate120 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution3840 x 2160While the monitors recommended above are versatile for work and play, if you want something specifically for work, look into the Dell U2725QE. It has a high 4k resolution that makes text look sharp, and it has a wide viewing angle and incredible ergonomics. So, it's easy to share your screen with someone else or adjust it to a preferred position.
Another advantage of getting this over other 4k options, like the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM or the Dell S3225QC, is that it has a massive USB hub that lets you connect a variety of devices. This includes five USB-A ports and five more USB-C ports. Plus, it has a KVM switch and supports Thunderbolt 4 and 140W of power delivery, which is ideal if you want to connect a MacBook and charge it with a single cable. It's bright enough to fight glare if you want to use it in a room with a few lights, but reflections can get distracting in a sunny room. You can also look into the Dell U3225QE if you want something similar with a bigger 32-inch screen, but you're paying extra for that additional screen space.
See our recommendations for the best work monitors.
Notable Mentions
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Dell Alienware AW2725Q:
The Dell Alienware AW2725Q is a premium 4k, 240Hz QD-OLED that's cheaper than the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM. It's worth getting if you find the ASUS too expensive, but it also has fewer features, as it lacks DisplayPort 2.1 bandwidth, and doesn't get as bright.
See our review -
ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWMG:
The ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWMG is a 32-inch, 4k OLED that competes with the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM. The main difference is that the ASUS has a glossy WOLED panel that maintains low black levels better in bright rooms. However, its colors aren't as vivid as on the PG27UCDM.
See our review -
LG 24GS65F-B:
The LG 24GS65F-B is a cheap gaming monitor that's something to consider over the MSI G274QPF-QD if you need a smaller 24-inch screen. It also has better motion handling, but it's less versatile for work because it has a lower 1080p resolution.
See our review -
Dell S2725DC:
The Dell S2725DC is an entry-level 1440p monitor that's decent for work and play. It has more productivity features than the MSI G274QPF-QD. However, the Dell also has worse motion handling.
See our review -
ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV:
The ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV is a monitor designed for content creators, as it has modes for different color spaces that you may work with. It's also cheaper than the Dell U2725QE, so it's something to consider if you're on a tighter budget. However, it has a smaller USB hub than the U2725QE.
See our review -
Dell S2725QS:
The Dell S2725QS is a budget-friendly 4k monitor that's a cheaper alternative to the Dell U2725QE. Its 4k screen makes text look sharp, but it doesn't come with any USB ports. Regardless, it's something to consider if you want to save money and you don't need a USB hub.
See our review
Recent Updates
Feb 04, 2026:
We replaced the ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWMG with the Dell S3225QC, which is cheaper. We also removed the BenQ MOBIUZ EX321UX because it's hard to find. In the Notable Mentions, we removed the LG 32GS95UE-B and the Dell U4025QW, and we added the XG32UCWMG, the Dell S2725DC, and the Dell S2725QS.
Nov 17, 2025:
We made several changes to represent new monitors in the market. We added the ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWMG as the 'Best Upper Mid-Range Monitor' and renamed the BenQ MOBIUZ EX321UX to the 'Best Monitor For Content Creation.' We also replaced the Dell U3225QE with the Dell U2725QE for consistency with other recommendations, and we replaced the Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx with the newer Acer Nitro XV275K P5biipruzx. In the Notable Mentions, we removed the ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27ACDNG and the ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG, and added the LG 32GS95UE-B, the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV, and the LG 24GS65F-B.
Aug 15, 2025:
We replaced the Dell U2725QE with the Dell U3225QE, as it has a larger screen. We also replaced the Dell P2425H with the MSI G274QPF-QD, as it gets brighter, has a higher resolution, and has HDR support. Finally, we removed the Samsung Odyssey G55C S27CG55 from the Notable Mentions.
Jul 08, 2025:
We replaced the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED with the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM because the ASUS is better and easier to find. We also replaced the MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED with the BenQ MOBIUZ EX321UX, which is more versatile. We replaced the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV with the Dell U2725QE for consistency with other recommendations, and we added the Dell P2425H as the 'Best Cheap Monitor.' We made changes in the Notable Mentions to reflect these changes, by removing the Dell Alienware AW3225QF, ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM, Gigabyte AORUS FO27Q3, and the P2425H, and adding the Dell Alienware AW2725Q, ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27ACDNG, and the Samsung Odyssey G55C S27CG55.
Apr 07, 2025:
We removed the LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B because it's hard to find now. We also replaced the ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS with the ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG in the Notable Mentions.
All Reviews
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best computer monitors currently available. They're adapted to be valid for most people in each price range. Our rating is based on our review, factoring in price and feedback from our visitors.
If you'd prefer to make your own decision, here's the list of all of our monitor reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most of the best PC monitors are good enough to please most people, and the things we fault monitors on are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.