It can be difficult to choose a new monitor, as they vary greatly in size, shape, and performance. There are different types of monitors depending on how you plan on using it, and there is no catch-all monitor that is perfect for everyone, but some monitors are more versatile than others. From ultrawide office monitors to high-performance gaming monitors, there is something for everyone on this list.

We've reviewed 53 monitors so far, and below you'll find our picks for the best ones available for purchase in the fall of 2018. You can also check our recommendations for the best gaming monitors and the best 4k monitors.

1. Best Monitor: LG 27UK650-W

   

   LG 27UK650-W

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   7.9

   Mixed Usage

   Score components:

   • 30% Office
   • 30% Multimedia
   • 25% Gaming
   • 10% Media Creation
   • 5% HDR Gaming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.0

   Office

   Score components:

   • 16% Resolution and Size
   • 15% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 12% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 7% Ergonomics
   • 7% Reflections
   • 7% Gray Uniformity
   • 6% Input Lag
   • 5% SDR Color Gamut
   • 5% SDR Color Volume
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 4% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 4% Gradient
   • 2% Motion Blur
   • 2% Refresh Rate
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Image Flicker
   • 1% Curve radius

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.1

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 23% Input Lag
   • 14% Resolution and Size
   • 13% Motion Blur
   • 12% Refresh Rate
   • 9% Ergonomics
   • 8% Image Flicker
   • 6% Reflections
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% SDR Color Gamut
   • 1% SDR Color Volume

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.0

   Multimedia

   Score components:

   • 17% Resolution and Size
   • 10% Input Lag
   • 8% Reflections
   • 8% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 4% Motion Blur
   • 4% Refresh Rate
   • 4% SDR Color Gamut
   • 4% SDR Color Volume
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Image Flicker
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Pre Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.0

   Media Creation

   Score components:

   • 21% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Ergonomics
   • 7% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Input Lag
   • 6% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Motion Blur
   • 6% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Reflections
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Color Gamut
   • 3% SDR Color Volume
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Local Dimming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.0

   HDR Gaming

   Score components:

   • 14% Contrast
   • 12% Input Lag
   • 9% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 9% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Black Uniformity
   • 7% Local Dimming
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Motion Blur
   • 5% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Gradient
   • 5% HDR Color Gamut
   • 5% HDR Color Volume
   • 3% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 2% Gray Uniformity

   Score distribution:
   Size : 27 "
   Resolution : 3840x2160
   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz
   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS
   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : FreeSync

   The LG 27UK650 is the best monitor that we have reviewed so far. It is a very good 27" monitor that is great for pretty much any usage. It has an excellent 4k resolution, great for multitasking or for a more immersive gaming experience, and it has wide viewing angles, so you get an accurate image even when you're not sitting directly in front of it.

   Gamers will appreciate the UK650's low input lag and fast response time, but more serious gamers may be disappointed by the 60 Hz refresh rate. It supports FreeSync, which is great, but due to the 60 Hz refresh rate, the VRR range is quite narrow, so you may still experience screen tearing in more graphically intensive games.

   The LG 27UK650 isn't perfect though. It supports HDR, but it can't get very bright in HDR and doesn't have a wide color gamut, so HDR content won't look as good as it should. It also doesn't look as good in a dark room due to the mediocre contrast ratio and sub-par black uniformity. Overall though, it is a very good, versatile, 4k monitor that should please most people.

   See our review

2. Larger Alternative: LG 32UD99-W

   

   LG 32UD99-W

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Size : 32 "

   Resolution : 3840x2160

   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : FreeSync

   If you like the LG 27UK650, but would prefer a larger 4k screen, check out the LG 32UD99. It offers nearly identical performance to the 27UK650, but in a larger 32" screen. The 32UD99 has slightly better HDR performance, as it has a better color gamut and better color volume, but it still falls short of the threshold to be considered a wide color gamut. They offer similar gaming performance, thanks to a fast response time and low input lag. The 32UD99 is a bit more versatile, as it has a USB-hub on the back, so you can connect your peripherals to the monitor instead of your PC.

   See our review

3. Best Gaming Monitor: ASUS ROG PG279Q

   

   ASUS ROG PG279Q

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.0

   Mixed Usage

   Score components:

   • 30% Office
   • 30% Multimedia
   • 25% Gaming
   • 10% Media Creation
   • 5% HDR Gaming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.1

   Office

   Score components:

   • 16% Resolution and Size
   • 15% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 12% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 7% Ergonomics
   • 7% Reflections
   • 7% Gray Uniformity
   • 6% Input Lag
   • 5% SDR Color Gamut
   • 5% SDR Color Volume
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 4% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 4% Gradient
   • 2% Motion Blur
   • 2% Refresh Rate
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Image Flicker
   • 1% Curve radius

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.7

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 23% Input Lag
   • 14% Resolution and Size
   • 13% Motion Blur
   • 12% Refresh Rate
   • 9% Ergonomics
   • 8% Image Flicker
   • 6% Reflections
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% SDR Color Gamut
   • 1% SDR Color Volume

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.7

   Multimedia

   Score components:

   • 17% Resolution and Size
   • 10% Input Lag
   • 8% Reflections
   • 8% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 4% Motion Blur
   • 4% Refresh Rate
   • 4% SDR Color Gamut
   • 4% SDR Color Volume
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Image Flicker
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Pre Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.8

   Media Creation

   Score components:

   • 21% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Ergonomics
   • 7% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Input Lag
   • 6% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Motion Blur
   • 6% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Reflections
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Color Gamut
   • 3% SDR Color Volume
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Local Dimming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   6.0

   HDR Gaming

   Score components:

   • 14% Contrast
   • 12% Input Lag
   • 9% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 9% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Black Uniformity
   • 7% Local Dimming
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Motion Blur
   • 5% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Gradient
   • 5% HDR Color Gamut
   • 5% HDR Color Volume
   • 3% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 2% Gray Uniformity

   Score distribution:
   Size : 27 "
   Resolution : 2560x1440
   Refresh Rate : 144 Hz
   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS
   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : G-Sync

   If you want the best gaming monitor, check out the ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q. It is a great monitor with excellent gaming performance. It delivers decent picture quality, it has excellent motion handling and outstanding low input lag. It also has great wide viewing angles, great for quick co-op gaming sessions on a console.

   The PG279Q has a great 1440p, 144 Hz screen. This is great for PC or console gaming, as it can be run on much more modest equipment and doesn't require as much of an investment as a good 4k gaming PC. It also supports NVIDIA G-SYNC VRR, ensuring a perfect, tear-free gaming experience if you have a compatible NVIDIA graphics card. Fast moving objects look crystal clear on the PG279Q thanks to the incredibly fast response time, and it supports NVIDIA's ULMB technology, for an even clearer image.

   This monitor looks great in a well-lit room, as it can get bright enough to overcome glare, and has good reflections handling. Unfortunately, it doesn't look as good in a dark room, due to the disappointing black uniformity, and it doesn't support HDR. Overall though, it is a great gaming monitor that should please even the most serious gamers.

   See our review

4. FreeSync Alternative: Samsung C27HG70

   

   Samsung C27HG70

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Size : 27 "

   Resolution : 2560x1440

   Refresh Rate : 144 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : VA

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : FreeSync

   If you like the gaming performance of the ASUS ROG PG279Q, but would prefer something compatible with your AMD graphics card or Xbox One, the Samsung CHG70 is the best FreeSync gaming monitor we've reviewed so far. It has a similar 27" screen and 1440p resolution, great for Xbox One gaming if you don't have room for a big TV. Unlike the PG279Q, the CHG70 has a curved screen, and it supports HDR, which is nice. It's also excellent for gaming, thanks to the extremely fast response time, optional black frame insertion feature, and extremely low input lag. Unfortunately, the CHG70 doesn't have the wide viewing angles of the IPS PG279Q, so it is best enjoyed from directly in front.

   See our review

5. Budget Alternative: ViewSonic XG2402

   

   ViewSonic XG2402

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Size : 24 "

   Resolution : 1920x1080

   Refresh Rate : 144 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : TN

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : FreeSync

   If you want something cheaper, the best gaming monitor on a budget is the ViewSonic XG2402. It is a decent 24", 1080p monitor that delivers decent overall picture quality. It has very good peak brightness and great reflection handling, great for daytime gaming in a bright room. There are two HDMI inputs and one DisplayPort, so there shouldn't be any issues connecting the XG2402 to any modern computer or console.

   It is a great gaming monitor. It has an excellent 144 Hz refresh rate, and an outstanding response time, so you get a great tear-free gaming experience with little motion blur. It also supports FreeSync VRR, which is great if you have an AMD video card or an Xbox One, and it has excellent input lag, even if you have to fall back to a 60 Hz refresh rate. Unfortunately, the ViewSonic XG2402 has disappointing viewing angles, so it is best enjoyed from directly in front, and it doesn't look as good in a dark room. 

   See our review

6. Best Office Monitor: Dell U3818DW

   

   Dell U3818DW

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   7.7

   Mixed Usage

   Score components:

   • 30% Office
   • 30% Multimedia
   • 25% Gaming
   • 10% Media Creation
   • 5% HDR Gaming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.1

   Office

   Score components:

   • 16% Resolution and Size
   • 15% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 12% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 7% Ergonomics
   • 7% Reflections
   • 7% Gray Uniformity
   • 6% Input Lag
   • 5% SDR Color Gamut
   • 5% SDR Color Volume
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 4% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 4% Gradient
   • 2% Motion Blur
   • 2% Refresh Rate
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Image Flicker
   • 1% Curve radius

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.8

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 23% Input Lag
   • 14% Resolution and Size
   • 13% Motion Blur
   • 12% Refresh Rate
   • 9% Ergonomics
   • 8% Image Flicker
   • 6% Reflections
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% SDR Color Gamut
   • 1% SDR Color Volume

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.5

   Multimedia

   Score components:

   • 17% Resolution and Size
   • 10% Input Lag
   • 8% Reflections
   • 8% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 4% Motion Blur
   • 4% Refresh Rate
   • 4% SDR Color Gamut
   • 4% SDR Color Volume
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Image Flicker
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Pre Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.6

   Media Creation

   Score components:

   • 21% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Ergonomics
   • 7% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Input Lag
   • 6% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Motion Blur
   • 6% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Reflections
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Color Gamut
   • 3% SDR Color Volume
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Local Dimming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   5.6

   HDR Gaming

   Score components:

   • 14% Contrast
   • 12% Input Lag
   • 9% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 9% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Black Uniformity
   • 7% Local Dimming
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Motion Blur
   • 5% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Gradient
   • 5% HDR Color Gamut
   • 5% HDR Color Volume
   • 3% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 2% Gray Uniformity

   Score distribution:
   Size : 38 "
   Resolution : 3840x1600
   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz
   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS
   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : No

   The Dell U3818DW is the best office monitor that we've tested so far. It has a huge 38" screen and an excellent 3840x1600 resolution that is excellent for multitasking. It also has a unique set of convenient connections that allow you to connect and work on two computers at once, without any additional equipment, even with just one keyboard and mouse.

   It delivers decent picture quality overall. It has great viewing angles, so you can share your work with a nearby coworker without having to swap seats or move your screen. It also has a good stand that can be easily adjusted to an optimal viewing position, and it gets bright enough to handle glare in a bright office, but unfortunately, it doesn't look as good in a dark room.

   Unfortunately, the U3818DW has only decent motion handling, so it isn't as good for gaming. Fast-moving objects aren't very clear, as it has a slightly higher-than-average response time, and there is some motion smearing due to the monitor's severe overshoot. Some gamers will be disappointed by the simple 60 Hz refresh rate and lack of variable refresh rate technology like FreeSync. Overall though, it is a great office monitor that should please most people.

   See our review

7. Cheaper Alternative: Dell U2718Q

   

   Dell U2718Q

   SEE PRICE

   Newegg.com

   Size : 27 "

   Resolution : 3840x2160

   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : No

   If you want a great office monitor, but the Dell U3818DW is too expensive, take a look at the Dell U2718Q instead. It is almost as good for office use. It has a smaller 27" 4k screen, which is still great for multitasking, and it has a great stand that can be easily adjusted to the optimal viewing position, or even rotated to a portrait orientation if you want to do a multi-screen setup. The U2718Q has very good viewing angles, although slightly worse than the U3818DW, and it has decent reflection handling, good for a bright office. Unfortunately, it has slightly worse connectivity, as it has only 1 HDMI port and no USB-C port, but this shouldn't be an issue for most people.

   See our review

8. Best Budget Monitor: Dell U2518D

   

   Dell U2518D

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   7.7

   Mixed Usage

   Score components:

   • 30% Office
   • 30% Multimedia
   • 25% Gaming
   • 10% Media Creation
   • 5% HDR Gaming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.8

   Office

   Score components:

   • 16% Resolution and Size
   • 15% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 12% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 7% Ergonomics
   • 7% Reflections
   • 7% Gray Uniformity
   • 6% Input Lag
   • 5% SDR Color Gamut
   • 5% SDR Color Volume
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 4% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 4% Gradient
   • 2% Motion Blur
   • 2% Refresh Rate
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Image Flicker
   • 1% Curve radius

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.8

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 23% Input Lag
   • 14% Resolution and Size
   • 13% Motion Blur
   • 12% Refresh Rate
   • 9% Ergonomics
   • 8% Image Flicker
   • 6% Reflections
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% SDR Color Gamut
   • 1% SDR Color Volume

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.7

   Multimedia

   Score components:

   • 17% Resolution and Size
   • 10% Input Lag
   • 8% Reflections
   • 8% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 4% Motion Blur
   • 4% Refresh Rate
   • 4% SDR Color Gamut
   • 4% SDR Color Volume
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Image Flicker
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Pre Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.7

   Media Creation

   Score components:

   • 21% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Ergonomics
   • 7% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Input Lag
   • 6% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Motion Blur
   • 6% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Reflections
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Color Gamut
   • 3% SDR Color Volume
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Local Dimming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   6.8

   HDR Gaming

   Score components:

   • 14% Contrast
   • 12% Input Lag
   • 9% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 9% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Black Uniformity
   • 7% Local Dimming
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Motion Blur
   • 5% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Gradient
   • 5% HDR Color Gamut
   • 5% HDR Color Volume
   • 3% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 2% Gray Uniformity

   Score distribution:
   Size : 25 "
   Resolution : 2560x1440
   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz
   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS
   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : No

   The Dell U2518D is the best budget monitor that we've reviewed so far. It is a very good, versatile monitor with a great stand, good picture quality, and an excellent response time. It has a great 1440p resolution that strikes a good balance between an ordinary 1080p monitor, and the higher performance requirements of a 4k screen. Despite the budget price, it has the same great stand and good build quality found on the majority of Dell monitors, which is great.

   The U2518D delivers good overall picture quality. It has great peak brightness and should look good in most bright rooms, but unfortunately, it doesn't look as good in a dark room. It has decent viewing angles, so you don't have to be sitting directly in front of the monitor for an accurate image.

   Unfortunately, the Dell U2518D isn't the greatest for gaming. Some gamers may be disappointed by the 60 Hz refresh rate and lack of VRR. Although it supports HDR, it doesn't add much to the U2518D, as it doesn't have a wide color gamut and can't get very bright with HDR content. Overall, this is a very good, versatile monitor that should please most people.

   See our review