Not all monitors are created equal and not every monitor is suited to everyone. But if you’re looking for the best, we’ve chosen the models you should see.
This article was last updated by Digital Trends section editor Luke Larsen on 6/24/2020.
If you’re shopping for an all-round display, we highly recommend the Dell P272DC monitor. It looks fantastic, comes at an affordable price, and has a handy USB-C connection. Our reviewers, who’ve tested more than 100 displays over the years, find little fault in it.
However, if you have something more specific in mind, like a great 4K display, or something more suited for gaming, we’ve got you covered below.
Why you should buy this: It’s a gorgeous screen with thin bezels and an attractive price.
Who it’s for: Just about anyone. It’d be perfect in a home or work office.
Why we picked the Dell P2720DC:
There’s no perfect monitor for everyone, but this Dell monitor offers the best balance of resolution, design, features, and price. First off, it measures 27 inches diagonally, which is the ideal size for a standard office desk. It’s also 1440p (QHD), which is the perfect happy medium between affordable 1080p and super-sharp 4K.
The previous model, Dell’s S2719DC, was our top monitor until the P2720DC’s debut. Dell monitors offer solid image quality, but the P2720DC has other attractive features. This new model has super-thin bezels around the screen, giving it a modern look, and even includes USB-C for single-cord connections to your laptop.
There are fancier, feature-rich monitors out there (see below), but the Dell P2720DC is the option we’d recommend to most people.
Why you should buy this: If you want fantastic PC gaming at an affordable price.
Who it’s for: Gamers looking for smooth gameplay to match their powerful PC.
What we thought of the Acer Predator XB272:
You can find more expensive gaming monitors that aim for higher refresh rates and higher resolutions. However, like our Dell pick above, the Predator XB272 represents an excellent combination of value, quality, and features.
Most PC gamers still play at 1080p, so not having a higher resolution isn’t overly important. Instead, features like G-Sync support and a 240Hz refresh rate are far more important to avoid screen tearing and stuttering. That might sound like overkill, but if it’s a must-have if you play a lot of competitive online games.
Why you should buy this: It’s a great, spacious monitor if you need a large screen but at a low price.
Who it’s for: Work-from-homers, families.
Why we picked the Samsung 27 SF354:
Most people looking for a new monitor don’t need anything fancy. No matter how cheap you’re going, though,27 inches and 1080p are a couple of good standards to keep. The Samsung SF354 hits both of those at a fantastic price of $170. Beyond that, it has a slim design with relatively thin bezels around the frame.
The SF354 also uses PLS panel technology, which is Samsung’s version of IPS. In other words, you’ll get decent viewing angles and realistic-looking colors. It’s not for gaming or intense content creation, but this basic Samsung monitor is everything the average person needs in a work monitor.
If you’re looking for something even cheaper, check out our list of the best monitors under $100.
Why you should buy this: It’s a beautiful display in a lean frame, with an impressively sharp screen.
Who it’s for: Media viewers who want that 4K, HDR pop and detail.
Why we picked the Dell Ultrasharp U2720Q:
One of our favorite 4K displays for some time, the Dell Ultrasharp U2720Q might not be the largest screen out there, but at 27-inches and 4K resolution, it packs an enormous range of pixels inside a compact frame making for an exceptionally crisp picture.
When combined with great HDR support and a huge 1,300:1 contrast ratio, this monitor looks stunning no matter what you’re doing on it. Dell also offers a model in a 32-inch model, the U3220Q, though it’s a few hundred dollars more expensive.
It’s not designed, though, with gaming in mind. It lacks a high refresh-rate, but the 60Hz is enough for gamers playing slower games who want the added detail of 4K.
