Monitor Buying Guide

Monitor Previews

Notice

Intended Audience

This guide is intended for beginners who are overwhelmed with the plethora of choices, buzzwords, and acronyms of the monitor market. The aim of the guide is to narrow down the buying process by breaking it into manageable chunks. Because of this, there will not be in depth scientific explanation of all the various acronyms, such as TN, IPS, VA, LCD, etc.

Instead, the guide will present the reader with just enough information, so that they can make their own decision. After being exposed to the general landscape of the monitor market, the reader can be more confident to do their own research on particular topics that interest them.

This guide is for you if you fit any of the following:

• You're new to the monitor market, or have never purchased a monitor by yourself.
• You're overwhelmed with the plethora of monitor choices and terminologies.
• You like doing some additional research before making a final purchase.
• You don't really care about the scientific concepts of TN, IPS, VA panels, but just want to know which one is best suited for you.
• You ready to buy a monitor but a still hesistant and need a checklist before making a final purchase.

Wishlist and Criteria Tool

The wishlist and criteria is designed to help you keep track of the various monitor criteria and features that you might want as you read through the guide. It's recommended that you use it because you'll find that the monitor market has a dizzying amount of terms and acronyms.

How the tool is useful:

• You can save/print/take it with you while you shop at a physical store, to have a more productive shoppping trip because you'll know exactly what you want.
• When there is a limited time sale online, you can quickly double check to see that the sale item has all the features you need so you can purchase right away.

There's a button below to hide it should you find it obtrusive.

Toggle Wishlist

Side note There is no such thing as a perfect monitor. There will usually be trade-offs.

Primary Use

How much time you spend on a certain task or activity on your computer ultimately determines the kind of monitor you should get. There are monitors for gamers, graphic designers, programmers and analysts, etc... It's important to purchase a monitor based on your needs, not on what others says, and definitely not on what companies advertise.

Pick Price Range

It's good to have a budget and add an additional $30 - $100 to that budget. As you're shopping, you might come across a good monitor within your original budget, but it might be missing a few important features. If you allow yourself some 'leg room' in your budget, you don't have to compromise on a monitor you kind of don't like. A somewhat flexible budget allows you to still get what you love at the same time not have to compromise too much. A monitor is something many people will spend hours using, and many people keep the same monitor for years.

Try not to divorce your monitor. Returning a monitor is not as easy as other items. It's heavy, bulky, and costly to ship. In addition, not too many stores are going to accept a monitor return with open arms. Do your best to pick and buy a monitor because you love it, not because you "kinda like it", or "it's okay". Don't settle, and think long term!

Pick Aspect Ratio

Defintion Aspect ratio: Describes the proportional relationship of the image's width and height. A 1920 x 1080 monitor with an aspect ratio of 16:9 means that the monitor has more pixels at its width than it has pixels at its height.

While monitor shoppping, you'll see numbers like 16:9, 16:10, 21:9, etc... Don't give yourself a headache thinking about this. Just decide what activity you'll primarily be doing on the monitor and pick based on that.

16:9 aspect ratio is a great all rounder, jack of all trades. It is quite common in mainstream retail stores.

Consider 16:9 if any of the following applies to you:

• You dislike black bars that ultrawides show on unsupported movies and games.
• You like watching more TV shows than movies, since many TV shows support 16:9

16:10 aspect is great for anyone, especially programmers, and analysts, who needs the extra vertical space. You'll scroll up and down less.

Consider 21:9 ultrawides if any of the following applies to you:

• You have some extra cash. (Ultrawides typically cost more)
• You've tried dual or triple monitor setup and are bothered by bezels of many monitors
• You're a programmer who likes to have command prompt, text editor, browser, etc... all opened at the same time.
• You like playing RPG or FPS games.
• You are a content or movie editor who uses Audacity, Adobe premiere (great for expanded timeline)
• You're constantly using Excel and are tired of side scrolling extra wide spreadsheets.
• You love watching movies in 21:9 because it's more immersive.

Warning! Ultrawide is great but make that the particular game or movie actually supports it.

Pick Screen Size

Screen size and pixel should be picked deliberately, not haphazardly. Even though size is a personal preference, some thought should go into it. You want screen size and resolution to mesh with each other nicely, like ketchup and french fries.

A 23" monitor with 3840 x 2160 resolution is not a good match if you're reading lots of text, unless you have bird of prey vision. There's too many pixels on a screen that small. As a result, text would be too small and difficult to read. On the other hand, some people might consider text on a 32" monitor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution too big, bulky, and pixelated.

Side note 22", 23.8" (sometimes listed as 24"), and 27" are the most common screen size. They typically occupy about 90% of the sales floor space at my local electronics store, although you might find it varies depending on your region. The sweet spot for monitor size, if you had 2 seconds to pick, would be 27" at 2560 x 1440.

Screen Real Estate

Note that "screen real estate" refers to the amount of display space available for the user to work with. Generally, more screen real estate is preferable, especially for productivity. It allows the user to have more windows and applications opened at the same time, side by side. You could have a browser on the left, a Word document in the middle, and an Excel spreadsheet to the right. No more alt tabbing, resizing, and switching windows! For reference, a 27" monitor at 2560 x 1440 will provide more screen real estate than a 27" monitor at 1920 x 1080.

Pick a Resolution

Defintion Display resolution: The number of distinct pixels that a display device can have shown on it. It is described by width x height, with units measured in pixels. Example: 1920 pixels x 1080 pixels, or more commonly shown as 1920 x 1080, or sometimes just 1080p.

If you ask 10 people their opinions on a resolution you should get for your monitor, you'll probably get 10 different answers. And here's why: Resolution deals greatly with personal preferences and special use case for the monitor.

Some people prefer sharp and crispy text, while others prefer bigger and blockier text. So to find the best resolution for you, first discover what you need to use the monitor for.

Consider the following when picking a resolution:

• Eyesight - If you have good eyesight, you can go for higher resolution as the text will be smaller but clearer and "crispier".
• Distance from monitor - Having your eyes approximately 20 inches away from a monitor screen is a good distance, but if you sit closer or farther from a monitor, then pick a resolution accordingly. If you like sitting close, you can pick a higher resolution because the individual pixels won't be that noticable. If you like sitting far away, you can pick a lower resolution because you're probably too far away to see individual pixels. However, sitting 35 inches away while using a 23" monitor at 3840 x 2160 is asking for trouble because the text will be too small.
• Primary use - If you work mainly with text, go for higher resolution.

Different groups of people will answer monitor related resolution questions differently. If you ask gamers for guidance on whether you should buy a 27" 2560 x 1440 or a 32" 2560 x 1440, then you'll probably get a different response than if you had asked a programmer or writer. The former usually won't care too much about resolution, but rather more about refresh rates. The latter will care more about resolution because they are reading text all day. But if you ask me—web developer and gamer who has average eyesight—then I'll tell you that 27" 2560 x 1440 is great for text and for gaming. I will also comment that 32" 2560 x 1440 is still great gaming but not for text because there's not enough pixel on a screen size that's too already too big.

General Opinions and Outliers

Remember that there will be outliers. You'll occasionally run across people who will say: "I sit 35 inches away from my 23" 3840 x 2160 monitor, and I can see everything just fine!" Listen to your own research and follow the general patterns of the average person, not outliers. These people just have amazing hawk-like eyesight, or a special setup for their monitors.

On Windows Text Scaling

Windows does have a built in text scaling. So if you purchase a 3840 x 2160 and find that the text size is too small, there is option to change the size of the text. However, this also has some issues as well. You'll usually get the best result if you pick the proper resolution in the first place and keep the scaling at the default value of 100%.

Common Question

"If I go from a 24" 1920 x 1080 to a 27" 1920 x 1080, is that an upgrade?"" It depends on your definition of upgrade, but for the the most part, no. You are still working with almost the same number of pixels, just on a larger screen. A great upgrade you'll be very happy with is going from a 24" 1920 x 1080 to a 27" 2560 x 1440p.

Pick a Panel

IPS (In-Plane Switching)

You most likely have an IPS panel right next to you! Check your phone. It probably has an IPS panel. Phone screens need to look great, regardless of how the consumer hold or view it. This makes IPS panels popular for mobile devices.

IPS panels can be described as "vibrant", "colorful", and/or "lively", with great viewing angles, and thus less color shift. To better demonstrate viewing angle and why its useful, take your phone screen and move its screen in different direction. You'll notice that the colors of the picture will change very little. This is a huge advantage of an IPS panel.

Some consumer like IPS because it allows them to lay down on the ground or exercise on the floor while watching a movie. Others like IPS so they can share the same screen when working on a project. Both users will be able to see images and text with mostly the same color and clarity. Try doing this with TN panels, and you'll discover that the pictures can look "washed out."

VA (Vertical Alignment)

A great middle ground between TN and IPS

TN (Twisted Nematic)

Panel Conclusion

Picking a panel is about compromise and knowing what you'll use the monitor for. Gamers will like TN panels for their faster response time and affordability. Also, gamers tend to play with the monitor in front of their face, so viewing angle isn't a big priority. However, there is nothing stopping a gamer from getting an IPS pannel with super high refresh rates, and quick response time, if they have the extra money.

Graphic designers will like VA for contrast or IPS for the awesome the viewing angles and vibrant colors.

Pick Finish

For the most part, a monitor's screen being matte or glossy is a matter of personal preference.

Matte monitor advantages:

• Less annoyance due to less reflection
• Less eyestrain due to less light bouncing
• Untainted picture quality because outside objects aren't reflected into monitor

Matte monitor disadvantages:

• Inability see people's reflection sneaking behind you

How to Tell If Monitor's Screen Is Glossy or Matte

If you are unable to tell through pictures while online, take a look at the product specifications, which will typically use the following keywords:

• Anti-glare
• Anti-glare coating
• Matte finish, matte screen

If you are unable to find this information, consider looking at the monitor's manuals. Dell.com has an amazing search engine for their monitors. If you still cannot find the information, try going to Reddit's many subreddits, such as /r/monitors, /r/pcmasterrace, /r/ultrawidemasterrace and asking there. Just make sure to do some research first and let people know that you've tried looking for specs and manuals but couldn't find it. You'll increase your chances of getting help if you make some sort of attempt to research first.

Side note There is a misconception that people have about IPS panels being "glossy", or "too shiny". This is wrong and likely comes from the fact that phones and tablet (which typically have IPS panels) are by nature very glossy, shiny, and reflective. So it's understandable that some people affiliate IPS with glossiness. The panel type has very little to do with how reflective or non-reflective a screen looks. Rather, it's just a matter of the type of coating a manufacturer decides to put on the monitor. So rejoice! You have can pick if you want your IPS to be glossy or matte!

Screen Finish

Bezel Finish

Don't forget to decide if you want matte bezel or not!

Pick Eye Care Tech

Do you suffer from migrane, headache, or eyestrain while using your computer? If so, then getting a monitor with flicker free technology can reduce, or eliminate the problems.

Each company has their own unique name for this technology, but its function remain the same. The following are typical names:

• Acer - Flicker-less
• Asus - Eye care
• BenQ - ZeroFlicker or Flicker-free
• LG - Flicker safe

Pick Mounting Option and VESA Support

If you do not have plans on mounting your monitor on an extendable or flexible monitor arm, and prefer to use the default stand that comes with the monitor, check to see if the built-in stand has any or all the following options:

• Height adjust - For ergonomic reasons, you want to be able to adjust the monitor up and down.
• Pivot and tilt - A quality stand should offer these
• Landscape and portrait mode - Some people prefer the freedom to orient their monitor in a landscape or portrait position for more vertical space.

VESA Mounting

If you're unsure whether you want to use the default stand or VESA mount in the future, then buy a monitor with VESA mounting option. You'll find yourself in a predicament should you want to use VESA mount in the future and your monitor lacks it. There are adapters to use for monitors that do not come with VESA mount holes, but a monitor with built in VESA will give you less headaches.

Warning! Not all monitors come with VESA mount. Double check first!

Prefer

Pick X-Sync Tech

G-SYNC or FreeSync

These two techs will add more cost to a monitor, with G-SYNC typically costing $100 - $200 more than AMD's FreeSync.

Nvidia's G-SYNC and AMD's FreeSync is another debate and discussion that could take a small book to explain. To keep it simple, keep in mind that G-SYNC and FreeSync will give gamers a "smooth, buttery feeling". Some would consider G-SYNC and FreeSync to be a luxury, while others consider these two technology a must have. But for all intents and purposes, for the average consumer, FreeSync, and especially G-SYNC will be a luxury item because it adds to the price of the monitor.

It is important to note that if a user has never experienced G-SYNC or FreeSync, then the user will not miss out on anything. But the moment a user has experienced using these two techs to play games, it is very difficult to play games without these techs. There's no going back once it's been used.

Remember, the choice that you make whether to go G-SYNC or FreeSync is permanent for the lifespan of your monitor or your GPU. You will be effectively "locking" yourself into a company by buying a technology. Let me elaborate: If you buy a monitor with Nvidia's G-SYNC, then all future GPU purchases you make should be Nvidia, if you want to utilize G-SYNC. It's a little wasteful to have a monitor that supports G-SYNC sitting there, not being used to its full potential. Of course, you could always sell the monitor, or just use the monitor without using G-SYNC. Just something to think about!

Warning! If you want to take advantage of a monitor's FreeSync feature, you need an AMD GPU. Similarily, if you want to take advantage of a monitor's G-SYNC feature, you'll need an NVIDIA GPU.

Warranty and Customer Service

"Customer service is one of those things that you don't really need. But when you need it, you really need it."

When buying monitor, consider both the seller and the manufacturer's reputation and customer service. Most monitors are usually defect free, with the exception of cases where the consumer will get monitors with ghosting, dead pixels, stuck pixels, etc... Because of this, it's important to consider how pain-free or pain-full a company's RMA (return) process is.

It's not a good feeling to be on the receiving end of bad luck with a poor quality monitor and have to deal with terrible customer service on the side. You'll end up talking to the bad seller, who will advise you to contact the manfucturer, who has a headache inducing customer service department who will make you ride a roller coaster to get your monitor fixed. At this point, you'll wish that you had spent the extra dollars and purchased from a reputable seller and manufacturer.

Also remember to consider each company's reputation and the number of warranty years they offer for their products. Typically, warranty varies from 1 year - 3 years.

Pick Refresh Rate

I'm going to keep it simple with refresh rates: Get a monitor with the highest refresh rate that you can afford and that your GPU can handle. Typically monitors with high refresh rates will cost more.

The average mainstream monitor comes with a refresh rate of 60hz, so you can get up to 60fps while gaming depending on the game, as long as your GPU can push out those frames. If you decide to go for monitors with higher refresh rates, make sure to do more research and look at benchmarks to be sure that your current GPU can actually keep up with the high refresh rates.

One thing to keep in mind is that if a user has never experienced higher refresh rates, they won't miss anything because there's no frame of reference to compare anything to. But if a user has been playing on a 144hz monitor for a while, and they have to go back to a 60hz monitor, they will feel the "slowness". Game play will not feel buttery smooth anymore. If you've never used it, don't worry, you're not missing out. If you use it, it's difficult to go back.

Other Considerations

Considering the following before finalizing your purchase, as they might save you some minor headaches:

• Make sure your GPU has the correct ports that the monitor needs: Display Port, HMDI, DVI, etc..
• If cable length is important to you, make sure to buy additional cables in advance. The included cable is usually very short, at around 3 feet long.

Pick Miscellaneous Features

Sometimes you'll see that certain monitors come with extra features, such as Blue light filter or built-in speakers. These features should not make or break your buying monitor decision because there are alternative solutions: If you want blue light filter, get a free program called Flux. If you want great sound, get dedicated speakers.

Some people prefer built in speakers in a monitor, and that's absolutely fine! Although the sound quality won't be amazing, built-in speakers sound pretty decent and are great for people who don't need to blast bass at 1000% and who prefer a clean desk without bulky speaker and subwoofer setups.

Monitor Recommendations

The following are my recommendations for some of the best monitors in the market.

Ultrawides

Alienware AW3418DW

I currently use an Alienware AW3418DW, 34.1" Curved IPS LED Monitor, 21:9, which you can get at Amazon. There is an updated version, the AW3420DW. It will be up to you which version you like, but I'm very happy with the 18DW version right now, and I won't be upgrading any time soon.

Make sure that it is the one with a resolution of 3440x1440. Don't mistake it for its brother, the AW3418HW 34", which has a resolution of 2560 x 1080. Always check and double check. This is why it's important to always have a checklist with you when shopping, like the one this website provides.

Acer Nitro XZ342CK

Freesync ultrawide, from Acer, WQHD (3440 x 1440) VA, with VESA.

For productivity, the Dell Ultrawide U3419w will give you plenty of space for all your windows. You don't have to go with the updated version, the older U3415W is good enough.

27" Inchers

GIGABYTE G27QC

27" 165Hz goodness, 1440P Curved Gaming Monitor, 2560 x 1440 VA, FreeSync

For a 27", 2560 x 1440, I recommend the Dell 2716DG G-SYNC which I got at Dell.com. There is also 2716DGR, where the "R" seems to refer to its "Retail" version, which you'll most likely find at stores like Best Buy. They probably do this to distinguish the products and prevent price matching.

That's All for Now!

Thank you. I hope I was able to help reduce your headache, save you time, and ease your anxiety during your monitor buying process.