How to buy a monitor for gaming or working from home

Are you pondering whether to choose a 24-inch or a 27-inch monitor? Is Full HD or 4K better for your needs? If such questions are racing through your mind, you’re likely in the early stages of shopping for a new monitor to enhance your work-from-home or gaming setup. This guide aims to simplify the process for you.

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The Essentials

For those merely seeking a basic display for remote work or studying without getting overwhelmed by details, we recommend a 27-inch flat-screen monitor featuring a 4K resolution paired with an IPS panel. Expect to pay around $500 for this setup. If you need a more economical option, consider a 24-inch monitor with a resolution of 1,920x1,080 pixels (Full HD), which can be found for under $150. A 22 or 24-inch monitor is also suitable for children or tight spaces, although they may feel a bit cramped.

Unless you are a dedicated gamer or a creative professional, many technical specifications such as color gamut and latency might not be relevant to you (remember, it’s wise to take manufacturer specifications with a grain of salt).

When connecting to a laptop, ensure compatibility with the right ports. Some USB-C or USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports offer alt-display mode, allowing you to connect to a monitor using USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort cables or adapters. Older laptops typically have native ports like HDMI or DisplayPort.

Read More: Best monitors under $200 you can get right now

If you own a Mac, connecting should be straightforward if it has an HDMI port, or if you are using an iMac or Mac Mini. Be aware that newer MacBooks with USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 may require specific adapters or cables with built-in conversion capabilities. You might need to adjust resolution and scaling options on macOS, as it favors a 16:10 aspect ratio rather than the more commonly used 16:9 ratio found on Windows.

If you want more tailored advice, consider these key guidelines:

• Within the limits of your budget and available desk space, choose the largest monitor that fits. You will find that few regret buying a larger display, while many lament the purchase of a too-small one. Super-widescreen monitors, often with a 21:9 aspect ratio (also referred to as 2.35:1), can be a specialty option for gamers.
• If budget allows, opt for a 4K monitor. If that’s not feasible, select one with a 16:9 aspect ratio—typically 1,920x1,080 (also known as FHD). To find the aspect ratio, divide the horizontal resolution by the vertical resolution, where a 16:9 ratio should equal approximately 1.77:1.
• Ensure the monitor's stand is adjustable for height and tiltable to a comfortable angle. Depending on your needs, you may want a stand that swivels or rotates 90 degrees for portrait mode viewing, which is particularly helpful for vertically scrolling web pages or print layouts.
• Choose a design that you find appealing, as you’ll be staring at it frequently. Many prefer "thin bezels" alongside a well-designed stand with reasonable cable management to keep wires organized.

Determining the Ideal Screen Size

In general, and given the budget and space, bigger screens offer a better experience. Screen size measurements are based on the diagonal length, simplifying comparisons among monitors with similar aspect ratios, though width and ultrawide screens can complicate this.

If you recall geometric principles, you can calculate the display's width and height using the aspect ratio. The further the ratio from 1:1, the wider the screen is, impacting peripheral vision. This calculation helps determine if the monitor will fit the designated area. You can use a DPI Calculator to assist with these calculations.

Choosing the Right Resolution: 4K, FHD, or More?

Resolution, defined by vertical x horizontal pixels, goes hand-in-hand with screen size in selecting a monitor. Optimizing pixel density—the number of pixels per inch—is crucial, as this affects display sharpness and interface element sizing, such as icons and text. Standard resolutions include 4K UHD (3,840x2,160 pixels), QHD (2,560x1,440), and FHD (1,920x1,080). It's more effective to focus on the pixel counts rather than the acronyms, as certain variations can lead to confusion.

For instance, a 27-inch display with a resolution of 1,920x1,080 delivers a pixel density of 81.59 PPI, while a 24-inch display yields 91.79 PPI. Higher pixel density generally enhances clarity to a certain point; thus, FHD appears sharper on smaller screens. Your visual preference also plays a role—some notice pixelation at lower resolutions, while others find something above a certain threshold perfectly acceptable. A target of at least 100 PPI is often advisable. Again, the DPI Calculator can assist with these conversions.

When considering optimal resolutions versus screen sizes, scaling is crucial. On a 27-inch monitor, both Windows and macOS can scale interface elements larger but not smaller. You can upscale high-density monitors for larger interface elements, but downsizing elements on lower-density displays is impossible. So, don’t count on a larger monitor to accommodate more elements unless your scaling is adequate.

Standard Resolutions

Curved vs Flat Displays

In my opinion, curved monitors provide a way to create a wider display experience without seating yourself too far back, making them a better fit for desktops rather than televisions. Ideally, you should view the entire screen without excessive head movement. A curve becomes necessary as sizes exceed approximately 27 inches. The concept of a more "immersive experience" with curved displays often doesn’t hold true unless the screen completely wraps around you.

The curvature is denoted in “R,” indicating its arc's radius in millimeters. Larger numbers indicate a shallower curve, while smaller numbers imply a tighter arc. An excessive curvature might distract, while a less pronounced curve may not have much effect relative to flat screens. However, forget notions of immersion; unless designed to envelop the viewer, they don’t add any significant depth beyond traditional displays.

The common aspect ratio for many widescreen models is 21:9, resulting in a wider and shorter appearance which can lead to letterboxing in full-screen videos. Meanwhile, larger non-curved monitors at a 16:9 aspect ratio could create a need to adjust your viewpoint significantly, as they would be much taller compared to the curved versions.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for an 27 Inch Curved Computer Supplier. Our knowledgeable sales representatives are ready to assist you in identifying the best options tailored to your needs.

Should I Choose Dual Monitors or One Ultrawide?

Your choice hinges on intended usage. For example, if seeking a high-speed gaming monitor alongside a high-resolution model for work, acquiring two monitors is typically more economical than purchasing a single versatile one. Conversely, if you require extensive screen real estate, an ultrawide monitor may present a simpler solution.

Does Screen Technology Matter? (IPS, TN, etc.)

In general, there's no need to delve into panel technology for a standard display. The cheapest TN (twisted nematic) panels come with drawbacks, while VA (vertical alignment) provides moderate enhancements. IPS and PLS (in-plane switching and plane-line switching) are currently the premier choices. Most monitors utilize LCD technology, typically referred to as LED-lit; these differ from OLED displays, which are thinner but not yet mainstream.

It is essential to evaluate specific features and specifications associated with these technologies. Key factors to consider include:

Color Gamut

This represents the range of colors a monitor can produce. It is typically expressed as a percentage of a color space—an artificial construct encompassing all colors a device is expected to reproduce. For example, Adobe RGB is designed for printers, while sRGB is a standard for consumer monitors. Monitors showcasing over 100% sRGB are generally not TN, leaning toward IPS technology.

Screen Refresh Rate

This indicates how often per second (measured in Hertz, or Hz) a monitor can update images, impacting motion blur and artifacts like tearing. A refresh rate of 60Hz is the bare minimum for comfortable viewing, while 75Hz works well for most applications. High-refresh-rate monitors with TN panels can reach up to 300Hz or 360Hz, but IPS monitors have caught up, now achieving up to 240Hz. For in-depth information on refresh rates, check out Blur Busters.

Pixel Response

This measures the speed at which pixels switch from one state to another (commonly expressed in milliseconds). Faster response times are preferable for gaming. Typically, you should aim for 5ms or below for gaming monitors, with IPS and VA panels ranging from 3 to 5ms.

Contrast

This measures the contrast ratio between the brightest and darkest settings; higher ratios result in more vibrant visuals. You can safely disregard dynamic contrast specifications, focusing on typical values, where anything above 1,000:1 is generally acceptable but 1,400:1 or better is preferred for optimal comfort.

Brightness

Brightness levels are measured in nits (candelas per square meter). Most desktop monitors typically range between 250 to 350 nits, while HDR-capable screens start at 400 nits and can exceed 1,600 nits. Laptop screens need to perform well in various lighting scenarios, often necessitating higher brightness without HDR support.

Viewing Angle

This describes how far off-center a screen can be viewed without serious contrast or color distortion. There are inherent limitations with TN panels in this respect compared to their counterparts.

Backlight Technology

All displays barring OLED shine light through layers of filters to produce images. OLED uses organic compounds emitting light across the color spectrum, enabling slim form factors and wide color accuracy. Traditional panels may experience backlight bleed, though mini LED technology allows monitors to use local dimming for improved brightness and reduced bleed.

Is Color Accuracy Important?

Basic color accuracy is relevant—for instance, when shopping online, you want to ensure the product matches what is displayed on-screen. As long as the monitor offers settings that dilute overly saturated colors, most users will find it satisfactory. In practice, however, many monitors are calibrated for optimal accuracy at the factory.

Manufacturers often refer to specs such as “Delta E < 2” or “Pantone Validated,” indicating that the monitor has been tuned to minimize discrepancies between displayed color patches compared to reference colors within a defined color space. Should this level of accuracy be vital to you, be prepared for a more complex set of specifications.

Notable for its brightness and color-critical accuracy, Apple's Pro Display XDR is a high-end example of desktop monitors.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Anticipating Costs

In general, a monitor’s cost rises with higher resolution, screen dimensions, refresh rates, brightness levels, and available features. Broader color spectrums and specialized capabilities for gaming or graphics also increase expenses. Nonetheless, a solid general-purpose monitor can generally be found for under $300.

Currently, the market is in a transitional phase before new standards, such as HDMI 2.1, become available. Should you desire to stay up-to-date, avoid purchasing now and wait for new options. Alternatively, purchase a budget-friendly model that meets your immediate needs while you await something more advanced.

Can I Repurpose My Old TV?

While it is possible to connect a TV to your computer, televisions are designed for viewing from a distance, while computer displays cater to closer work. However, as TVs become smarter and more high-resolution, the differences are diminishing. For gamers, having a dedicated monitor for work with a TV for gaming could be an ideal solution. Interested? Here’s how to use your 4K TV as a monitor.

A past monitor trend was the inclusion of Qi wireless charging pads in the stands. Some brands still offer this feature, though it hasn’t become standard.

Josh Miller/CNET

Important Features to Consider

Basic monitors come equipped with speakers, USB hubs, memory card slots, and more, along with features such as picture-in-picture when connected to dual systems. If desk space is limited, considering an integrated display with these features can be beneficial. There are also categories pertaining to gaming or color-sensitive tasks.

Read More: PS5 and Xbox Series X can game in 8K resolution. Should you care?

Additional Considerations

Shopping Tips

Whenever possible, try to see monitors in person. I’ve often set out with specs in mind only to change my choice upon closer inspection. Displays of similar size can appear markedly different in size, brightness, or reflectiveness. You can’t, however, fully assess image quality—this includes color accuracy and brightness—until you view them firsthand. Still, you can check readability and overall aesthetics.

For instances where seeing a product firsthand is impractical, scrutinize user reviews. It’s vital to discern meaningful from trivial feedback, with a focus on build quality and the prevalence of dead pixels. Additionally, evaluating factors like brightness and contrast can be subjective, so understand the return policies and any allowances for dead pixels.

I stand by the belief that manufacturer support experiences vary greatly. You may find that a brand gives excellent service today, but poor support may emerge later.

Anticipated Inclusions in the Box

Even budget monitors should include a standard HDMI cable and a basic stand. Higher-priced monitors might come with a selection of cables. It’s worth noting that if you intend to utilize a VESA mount for wall or arm mounting, confirm that the mounting holes on the monitor align with your intended setup. The majority of budget monitors feature standard VESA 100x100 mm mounts, although some might lack VESA compatibility altogether.

For additional details on the 27-inch gaming all-in-one PC, please reach out to us. We are ready to provide comprehensive answers to your inquiries.

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