The 8 Best Computer Monitors - Summer 2019
Reviews

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 72 monitors so far, and below you'll find our picks for the best monitors available for purchase in 2019. You can also check our recommendations for the best gaming monitors, the best 4k monitors, and the best monitors for designers.

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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   See our best recommendations

   7.9

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   See our best recommendations

   6.9

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   See our best recommendations
   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, considering size and price. It's a very good 27" monitor that is great for pretty much any use. It has an excellent 4k resolution, great for multitasking or for a more immersive gaming experience. 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 this monitor's low input lag and fast response time, but more serious gamers may be disappointed by the 60Hz refresh rate. It supports FreeSync, which is great, but due to the 60Hz refresh rate, the VRR range is quite narrow, so you may still experience screen tearing in graphically intensive games.

   This monitor 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. Better Gaming Alternative: Gigabyte AD27QD

   

   Gigabyte AD27QD

   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.

   : 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 something with better gaming performance, check out the Gigabyte Aorus AD27QD. It delivers an outstanding gaming experience thanks to the fast refresh rate, excellent motion handling, and low input lag. It also has an impressive array of additional gaming features, including a unique active noise cancelling (ANC) feature that ensures your teammates only hear your voice and not the ambient noise around you. The Aorus also supports FreeSync, even when connected to a recent NVIDIA graphics card.

   See our review

3. Best Gaming Monitor: ASUS VG279Q

   

   ASUS VG279Q

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   See our best recommendations

   8.6

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   See our best recommendations

   7.6

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   See our best recommendations

   5.9

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   See our best recommendations
   Size : 27 "

   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.

   : 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 want a better gaming monitor, check out the ASUS VG279Q. It is the best PC monitor for gaming that we've tested so far. It has outstanding motion handling, with an extremely fast response time that delivers crystal clear motion, and leaves almost no noticeable blur trail behind fast-moving objects. It also has an optional black frame insertion feature, which further clears up motion.

   There are a few extra gaming features on this monitor, including support for AMD's FreeSync variable refresh rate technology. It also has options to add virtual crosshairs to any game, and they can't be detected, which is great.

   This monitor has a limited 1080p resolution, which might be a bit disappointing to some gamers. On the other hand, this lower resolution means you don't need the most powerful graphics card to get the best performance out of this monitor. Overall, this is an impressive gaming monitor that should please even the most demanding gamers.

   See our review

4. G-SYNC Alternative: ASUS PG279QZ

   

   ASUS PG279QZ

   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.

   : 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 to get the most out of your NVIDIA graphics card, the ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ is the best G-SYNC alternative to the ASUS VG279Q. This is an outstanding gaming monitor, with a great 1440p resolution, extremely fast response time, and excellent low input lag. It also has a USB hub, with two USB 3.0 ports, which is very convenient for keeping your controllers charged or connecting gaming peripherals without digging behind your computer.

   See our review

5. 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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   See our best recommendations
   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 computer monitor for office use 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, 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. Unfortunately, it doesn't look as good in a dark room.

   In addition, this monitor 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 60Hz 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

6. Cheaper 27 Inch Alternative: Dell U2718Q

   

   Dell U2718Q

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.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 inch 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. This monitor has very good viewing angles, although slightly worse than the U3818DW, and it has decent reflection handling, which is 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

7. 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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   See our best recommendations
   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 PC monitor in the budget category that we've reviewed so far. It is a very good, versatile monitor with a great stand, good picture quality, and 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.

   This monitor 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, this monitor isn't the greatest for gaming. Some gamers may be disappointed by the 60Hz refresh rate and lack of VRR. Although it supports HDR, it doesn't add much to the monitor, 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

8. Better Gaming 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 and are willing to compromise in size, then get the ViewSonic XG2402. It is a 1080p TN panel monitor with decent overall picture quality. It can get very bright and can handle reflections well, so it's more suited for gaming in a bright room. It has bad dark room performance and you will have to sit directly in front to have an accurate image. This monitor is great for gaming due to the excellent low input lag and the outstanding response time that makes fast motion look crisp. It has a 144Hz refresh rate and supports FreeSync VRR, which is great if you have an AMD video card or an Xbox One. Input lag remains low even when refresh rate drops, which is great.

   See our review