iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To choose a computer monitor, start with the work you do and the space you have, then check resolution, refresh rate, connections, adjustability, room lighting and energy use. There is no universally best size or specification: the right balance depends on your computer, desk and viewing needs.
What should I consider when buying a computer monitor?
Use this checklist to build a shortlist before comparing specific monitors:
- Work and desk: Choose a size that suits your tasks and fits your available desk space.
- Image and workspace: Match resolution to the screen size and the amount of detail or room for multitasking you want.
- Motion: Choose a refresh rate that suits how much fast-moving content you view.
- Compatibility: Confirm that the monitor’s inputs work with your computer’s outputs and support the features you need.
- Comfort and room: Check height and tilt adjustment, screen finish and brightness for your viewing position and lighting.
- Ownership details: Review the warranty, defective-pixel policy and energy performance.
ENERGY STAR’s official monitor buying guidance describes resolution as “the number of picture elements, or pixels, that make up an image.” The practical question is how those pixels, along with the other features, fit your use.
How large should the monitor be?
Measure the desk space you can give the display and consider how far you sit from it. A screen should provide enough room for your work without crowding the desk or forcing an uncomfortable viewing position.
#1 Best Overall
- CRISP CLARITY: This 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
- WORK SEAMLESSLY: This sleek monitor is virtually bezel-free on three sides, so the screen looks even bigger for the viewer. This minimalistic design also allows for seamless multi-monitor setups that enhance your workflow and boost productivity
- A BETTER READING EXPERIENCE: For busy office workers, EasyRead mode provides a more paper-like experience for when viewing lengthy documents
ENERGY STAR calls 24 inches a useful affordability-and-quality baseline. That is guidance, not a rule: a smaller display may suit a compact setup, while a larger screen may be useful for gaming, streaming or other work. Pick the size that fits your tasks and space rather than treating one measurement as best for everyone.
What resolution makes sense for the screen size?
Resolution is the number of pixels used to form the image. ENERGY STAR describes 1920 × 1080, or 1080p, as common and suitable for monitors from 21 to 24 inches. Larger displays may benefit from a higher resolution, which can provide more workspace for multitasking and make photos and movies look sharper.
Rank #2
- CRISP CLARITY: This 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- 100HZ FAST REFRESH RATE: 100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games to life. Stream, binge, and play effortlessly
- SMOOTH ACTION WITH ADAPTIVE-SYNC: Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid response time. Every frame will be rendered smoothly with crystal clarity and without stutter
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
Consider both the physical screen size and how you use it. If you often keep several windows visible or work with detailed images, additional resolution may be useful. If your tasks are straightforward, a higher number alone may not improve your experience enough to matter.
Do you need a higher refresh rate?
Refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), describes how often the display updates each second. ENERGY STAR identifies 60 Hz as standard and notes that a faster rate can make motion such as scrolling look smoother.
Rank #3
- Clear visuals. Fluid motion: A 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT deliver smooth, tear‑free motion across work, gaming, and streaming for clearer, more fluid viewing.
- Eye comfort: TÜV Rheinland 3‑star* certification reduces harmful blue light while preserving stunning color quality without compromise. *TÜV Rheinland 3-star eye comfort certification.
- Wide viewing angle: Get consistent views across a wide 178° /178° viewing angle.
- In-Plane Switching (IPS): See excellent color accuracy and consistency across wide viewing angles with In-plane Switching (IPS) technology.
- Ultra-thin bezels: Maximize your viewing experience with thin bezels.
Choose based on the motion you care about. A higher refresh rate may matter more for gaming or other fast-moving content; it is not a necessary upgrade for every reader. Check that your computer and the connection you plan to use can support the monitor’s intended refresh rate.
Will the monitor connect to your computer?
Compare the monitor’s video inputs with the outputs available on your computer. Check the actual specifications for both devices, including which port supports the resolution and refresh rate you plan to use.
Rank #4
- CURVED FOR ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT: An immersive viewing experience with a curved monitor that wraps more closely around your field of vision; It creates a wider view, enhancing depth perception and minimizing peripheral distraction
- SMOOTH PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS CONTENT: Stay in the action when playing games, watching videos, or working on creative projects; The 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur so you don't miss a thing in fast-paced moments¹
- MORE GAMING POWER: Gain the edge with optimizable game settings; Color and image contrast can be adjusted to see scenes more vividly and spot enemies hiding in the dark; Game Mode adjusts any game to fill the screen so you can view every detail²
- KEEP IT EASY ON THE EYES: Care for your eyes and stay comfortable, even during long sessions; Advanced eye comfort technology certified by TÜV reduces eye strain by minimizing blue light and reducing irritating screen flicker²
- INCREASED VERSATILITY: Connect to more; Plug devices straight into your monitor for increased flexibility, making your computing environment even more convenient
Some monitors with USB-C or Thunderbolt can carry video and charge a connected computer over one cable. Do not assume that every USB-C or Thunderbolt port supports both functions: confirm that the monitor and computer support the display and charging capabilities you need.
How do room lighting and adjustability affect the choice?
Look at the screen from your usual seated position and consider the light sources in the room. A matte finish can be more suitable in challenging lighting, such as when a large window is opposite the screen; a glossy finish can reflect nearby surroundings. Brightness also matters in a bright room.
Best Value
- 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the midst of an intense gaming session, our built-in speakers provide rich and seamless audio, all while keeping your desk clutter-free.
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
Check whether the monitor offers the height and tilt adjustments you need to position it comfortably. ENERGY STAR notes that viewing angle is less important for a typical seated user, but it can matter when several people watch the screen together.
How should you judge energy use and contrast claims?
If energy performance matters to you, check whether the monitor has current ENERGY STAR certification for your region and product category. Certification criteria account for power consumption in On and Sleep modes and vary with factors including screen area and resolution. The ENERGY STAR Version 8.0 display criteria took effect January 28, 2020; verify current certification rather than assuming an older version or listing reflects current status.
Be cautious about comparing advertised contrast ratios. ENERGY STAR warns that manufacturers do not measure them uniformly, so those figures are not a reliable basis for comparing monitors.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What else should you check before buying?
Once a monitor meets your core requirements, check the warranty and the seller’s or manufacturer’s defective-pixel policy. These terms can differ between products, and they affect what options you have if the display has a problem.
Compare candidate monitors against your own shortlist: size and desk fit, resolution, refresh rate, computer compatibility, adjustment options, room suitability, warranty and energy performance. Confirm model-specific specifications with the manufacturer because availability and product details can change.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
