6 Best Computer Monitors of 2024, According to Testing
Your home office just got better.
Tested by Nikolas GreenwaldData Engineer
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Tired of working off the small screen of your laptop? Consider adding a computer monitor to your home office setup to increase your screen’s size and make it easier to read.
A larger working screen can even help you feel more productive as you juggle Excel spreadsheets, emails and reports. Many of the monitors available today are not only affordable and lightweight, but they feature sharp, 4K resolution that improves the experience of creating presentations, working on school projects, photo editing and even streaming TV shows at the end of the day. Some monitors are also exceptional choices for gaming thanks to fantastic graphics so you can go ahead and hook up an Xbox, PS5 or other gaming console.
The engineers and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Media & Tech Lab regularly test consumer electronics and office essentials, from the best MacBooks and game consoles to work desks, ergonomic chairs and more. To find the best monitor for home offices, our pros evaluated each monitor’s ease of set up, performance, resolution, connectivity and number of available ports. We considered everything from budget models to ones that are great for gaming and streaming.
Whether your workspace needs a boost or you could take some strain off your eyes, these are the best computer monitors you can buy, according to our extensive testing.
Our top picks:
After checking out our reviews, continue reading to get more expert advice on what to look for when shopping for a computer monitor.
Dell UltraSharp 27 USB-C Hub Monitor U2723QE
Pros
- Impressive performance scores according to Lab tests
- Great value
- High resolution
- Display is easy to adjust
Cons
- Doesn’t include speakers
This 16:9 widescreen monitor received top overall scores in our Lab evaluations, standing out for top-notch performance and its high resolution. “4K video looks great,” says Lab assistant Nikolas Greenwald, who conducted the most recent monitor testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute and was impressed by this model.
“Wording and lettering appear crisp and don’t feel like an eyesore like on some monitors. Plus, it handles lower-res content well.” This monitor’s high-quality resolution makes it a great choice for work as well as watching movies in your free time.
Our pros like this monitor’s screen size, which is large yet not too cumbersome or heavy to move around. Though an external power source is required like most computer monitors, we found this model’s screen particularly easy to adjust so you can find the optimal viewing angle for your activity. We also love that it features tons of ports (11 to be exact) so you can easily hook up gaming consoles, your laptop and other accessories. According to our Lab experts, on-unit controls are intuitive and the joystick button makes navigating the display’s settings easy.
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
Pros
- Great value
- Easy set up
- Built-in webcam, speakers and mic
Cons
- Resolution could be better
- Design is a bit bulky
Not willing to spend a fortune but need a second monitor to get some work done and stop hunching over a tiny laptop?
This pick from ViewSonic is an affordable 27-inch computer monitor with everything you need for the home office, including a built-in 1080p webcam for video meetings as well as speakers and a mic for clear audio. You can tilt, swivel, rotate and adjust the monitor's height so both petite and taller figures will be comfortable and there are plenty of connectivity options including USB-C.
According to Greenwald, this bulkier screen isn't the most aesthetically appealing, but it's big and sturdy. Though onboard buttons make it a bit more difficult to control display settings, we like that you can easily adjust the speaker's volume or mute the microphone. In tests, we found that set up was easy and picture quality was decent, though not comparable to some of the more premium monitors featured.
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 |
Pros
- Superior picture quality
- Great for gaming
- Large screen
Cons
- Set up could be easier
- Expensive
Our experts were blown away in Lab tests by this mini-LED monitor for its stunning 4K UHD picture quality, brightness and clarity. It earned top overall scores in Lab tests and had superior performance to other monitors.
What makes it great for gaming? Not only are details and colors rich, but a speedy 144hz refresh rate ensures your monitor is as responsive as it needs to be when gaming precision counts. It also features NVIDIA G-SYNC processors which improve the gaming experience with the most lifelike images and low latency.
Though the cost may be prohibitive for those who aren't professional or serious gamers, we were impressed by the vast amount of easily accessible on-unit display controls and the cable management to keep cords in order. We also love the screen's large 32-inch display and that the screen's height and angle are easy to adjust to your liking. The monitor even features a built-in blue light filter that helps reduce eye strain on late nights. Greenwald does point out, however, that setup was a bit difficult and a bulky external power cord is required.
| Size | 32" |
| Resolution | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) |
Lenovo ThinkVision M14d Mobile Monitor
Pros
- Lightweight, slim and portable design
- Easy connectivity
- Self-standing
Cons
- Screen size is small
- Resolution could be better
Unique not only for its great price of under $500, this monitor also features a super lightweight, portable design. The smallest, most compact monitor of our test group, it serves as an excellent second 14-inch screen when you need some extra space to get your work done. “It folds very sleekly such that it can fit into a bag,” says Greenwald. “It’s self-standing so it serves as a great portable monitor for creatives or those who need to increase screen space on the go.”
Though the display has a lower resolution than the latest Retina displays of MacBook Pros and won’t be as stunning as more premium 4K monitors, the image remains clear and easy to read. Our pros like that this monitor connects super seamlessly to laptops and external devices via USB-C, making it a true plug-and-play model that you can move around with you throughout the day. The display is also easily manipulated with three buttons on the interface, according to our testing notes.
| Size | 14.1” |
| Resolution | 2240 x 1400 |
Dell Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor
Pros
- Massive, curved display
- Easy to adjust
- High-quality picture
Cons
- Bulky design is less portable
- May be too large for some
Ready to upgrade your home office or take your gaming setup to new heights? Look no further than this massive 35-inch monitor from Dell. Though not quite as gargantuan as the 49-inch Dell UltraSharp we also tested in the Lab, this will still be a sizeable upgrade for most consumers seeking high-quality performance and size.
In Lab tests, we were impressed by its massive, curved screen that’s super easy to adjust. “The screen tilts and slides up and down very smoothly, making optimal viewing a snap,” says Greenwald. While it’s bulky and difficult to move around, this isn’t the sort of monitor you buy to move from room to room.
We wish it featured on-unit display controls for quick adjustments, but the crisp display makes up for it. “It makes some high-res content even appear low-res due to how high definition it is," Greenwald adds. "For tasks that require a lot of screen space, video games, music production or graphic design, this has great utility.” Greenwald does mention, however, that watching content such as videos with an aspect of 16:9 can feel strange as black bars will be present on all sides of the display.
Nevertheless, this model stood out for its performance in Lab tests, though keep in mind that it may be too much for your average consumer.
| Size | 35” |
| Resolution | 3440 x 1440 |
MP Geminos
Pros
- Innovative design
- Easy set up
- Space-saving
- Built-in webcam, microphone and speaker
Cons
- Unconventional design may not appeal to all
We love the innovative design of this dual-stacked monitor, which aced Lab tests for performance and earned the highest score for ease of use.
While this monitor is geared toward professionals in the creative sphere or those who use certain applications like film editing or music production, we love how the dual setup tilts and works together. It’s also useful that this monitor takes up less desk space than a traditional monitor would and it features a multiport dock station for all your needs. “I’m really impressed with this double-screen layout,” says Greenwald. “Picture quality is great and the format has a lot of utility.”
In Lab tests, we found this monitor’s on-unit controls both useful and complete with the nice touch of an eye care mode. Greenwald points out that the setup works seamlessly despite its unique design. “The screens can't be adjusted like normal computer monitors but the way they move together is so satisfying and it truly feels like it's a good use of the space, especially compared to some of the curved models I've tested.”
Because it’s so easy to adjust, it’s also a good choice for those who work at a standing desk and like to alternate between sitting to standing throughout the day. We also appreciate the built-in webcam, microphone and speaker, and though a touchscreen element on the bottom screen would really take this monitor above and beyond, we found it impressive as is.
| Size | 23.5” |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
How we test monitors
The engineers and scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Media and Tech Lab tested eight computer monitors in our most recent test, evaluating everything from ease of use to performance.
When testing computer monitors, we first consider how easy it is to set up, how many ports it features, connectivity and the intuitiveness of display controls. Next, we measure each display’s size and assess its performance by rating the monitor’s picture quality and resolution as well as checking for any defective pixels. Lastly, we take into account the monitor's weight, ease of adjustability and overall aesthetic appeal.
What to look for when shopping for the best monitor
✔️ Resolution: Ask yourself what you'll be using your computer monitor for to determine the best resolution for you. Generally speaking, the higher the resolution and number of pixels, the better. "You'll need a higher resolution screen if you're doing photo and video editing," advises Greenwald. That being said, if you're primarily using your monitor to work on Excel spreadsheets or Word documents, you won't necessarily need the high-quality, crisp images you get with 4K resolution, though it's nice to have should you decide to stream a show at the end of the day or play a video game.
✔️ Aspect ratio: This is the ratio of the monitor's width to its height. As with resolution, the best aspect ratio for your needs depends on what you're using your monitor for. "It's all about personal preference," says Greenwald. He advises that while most videos and movies are 16:9 (widescreen), you may be happier with other ratios. "Don't go for a monitor with a super long screen if you're bothered by the appearance of black bars when you watch videos on full-screen mode," he suggests.
✔️ HDR: High dynamic range (HDR) makes details clearer, improves contrast and more accurately displays your work. If you work in photo or video this can make a big difference, but according to Greenwald, it's not necessary for tasks like email or PowerPoint.
✔️ Connectivity: Ports allow you to connect external devices to your monitor, such as a laptop, gaming console, headphones or smartphone. The right number for you is entirely up to what you do. "If you're using a lot of external equipment then having a monitor that gives you a few more connection options is a huge win," suggests Greenwald. For instance, "if you're a musician, you know that your gear takes up a ton of USBs so having extra never hurts." Though tons of ports may not be necessary for all, they could come in handy down the line.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Our most recent round of monitor testing was led by Nikolas Greenwald, a Lab assistant in the Good Housekeeping Institute who works to develop our testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Years of staring at the command line and countless Excel spreadsheets have shown him the difference a good monitor can make, not only for one's workflow but also for eye strain and ergonomics.
GH Institute analyst and writer Olivia Lipski closely collaborated with Greenwald to write this guide based on our extensive testing data.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
As a data engineer in the Good Housekeeping Institute, Nik (he/him) works with all of our Labs to develop testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Nik worked in the labs of MIT and Regeneron, working on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.
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