Computer Monitors

Computer Monitors Buying Guide

Monitors are easier to shop once you know what the screen is for and how much desk space you have. Browse computer monitors for sale from ASUS, ViewSonic, Acer, MSI, Dell, HP, Lenovo, LG, and Samsung, from everyday office screens to fast gaming displays and large screens for detail work.

Which Monitor Do You Need?

Office work: spreadsheets, email, and video calls need clear text and enough room for a few windows. Compare 1080p monitors and 1440p monitors.

Laptops: a second monitor gives your laptop a bigger screen at the desk. On a USB-C model, a single cable can bring video to the monitor and power to a compatible laptop.

Two screens: in a dual monitor setup, two matching models line up evenly, and a monitor arm can lift them off the desk. One ultrawide monitor gives you side-by-side room with no bezel in the middle.

Photo, video, and design: sharp detail and accurate color come first, so look at 4K monitors.

Gaming: refresh rate and response time count for more than they do at a desk, so head to gaming monitors. For 4K at 120Hz on PS5 or Xbox Series X, see HDMI 2.1 monitors.

Which Monitor Size Fits Your Desk?

If your desk is small or you're lining up two screens, a 24 inch monitor leaves you room to spare. For one screen that does a bit of everything, a 27 inch monitor fits side-by-side windows without taking over the desk. If you sit farther back and want games and movies to feel bigger, step up to a 32 inch monitor. And if you're tired of juggling windows, a 34 inch monitor spreads them out across one wide screen.

Resolution and Refresh Rate

For everyday work, 1080p keeps the price down and gets the job done. If you read a lot of small text, 1440p makes it sharper and gives you more room, and 4K looks sharpest for detail work. As for speed, 60Hz covers email and video. Step up to 120Hz monitors and scrolling looks smoother, and when games matter too, 4K 120Hz monitors give you the sharpness and the speed. For competitive gamers, look at 240Hz gaming monitors.

Computer Monitor FAQs

How much does a decent computer monitor cost?

Less than $100 for basic work. A 22 or 24 inch 1080p monitor in that range gets the job done for email, documents, and web browsing. Photo and video editors will want sharper detail and more accurate color, and competitive gamers need a faster screen, such as 240Hz. Whatever your budget, there are affordable options for everyday needs and higher-end models when you're ready to take your setup to the next level. Shop by budget: under $200, $200 to $499, $500 to $999, or $1,000 and up.

Is a 24 or 27 inch monitor better?

It depends on your desk. A 27 inch monitor gives two windows more room, while a 24 inch monitor takes up less space. For two screens, a pair of 24 inch monitors needs at least 42 inches of desk, and a pair of 27 inch monitors needs at least 47.

Which brand is best for computer monitors?

There's no single best brand. For office work, compare Dell UltraSharp and Lenovo ThinkVision. For color work, compare ASUS ProArt and ViewSonic ColorPro.

Do any monitors work with any PC?

Yes, as long as the ports match or you use the right adapter. Check that your PC has HDMI, DisplayPort, or a USB-C port that carries video. Your PC sets the highest resolution and refresh rate you'll get.

Do monitors have speakers?

Some do and some don't, so check the listing. Built-in speakers can handle calls and videos. If you want better sound, plan on headphones or desktop speakers.