We’ve dug deep to find only the best monitors in the US, UK and Australia.
The rise of devices with built-in displays may have you thinking computer monitors are on their way out, but that couldn’ t be further from the truth. Even with laptops and all-in-one PCs becoming more prominent, there are still tasks that are best handled on a separate display.
When you buy your monitor apart from the rest of your computer, for instance, you can be sure that the screen tailors as specifically to your needs as the computer itself does. Those more concerned about budget than size and resolution may be drawn to the Asus MG248Q while devout gamers will feel right at home with a massive and ultra-wide AOC Agon AG352UCG.
Then again, if you’ re pairing your monitor with a laptop and dragging it into work everyday, perhaps you prefer something a little more discreet such as Asus’ recently announced ZenScreen portable monitor. At any rate, you can rest easy knowing that we’ ll help you find the best monitor for you, regardless of personal preference.
Below is a list of the top 10 monitors on the market, 100% curated by the editors of TechRadar:
A curvy ultrawide that even has G-Sync
The AOC Agon AG352UCG has a lot in common with the aforementioned Philips Brilliance monitor. For one, they both share the same 21: 9 aspect ratio paired with a resolution of 3,440 x 1,440. The main advantage this monitor has is G-Sync, meaning if you’ re sporting an Nvidia graphics card, you don’ t have to worry about screen tearing inhibiting your games. The response time, too, is significantly better here, reducing latency exponentially to improve multiplayer games, like Battlefield 1. On the downside, the AOC Agon is excessively bulky, weighing in at 26 pounds (11.8kg) total. In that case, just be sure your desk can handle the weight.
A gaming monitor with attitude
Cinematic monitors are a great alternative to their 4K counterparts when it comes to gaming. In fact, you might say they’re even better due to their ultrawide 21: 9 aspect ratio. The Acer Predator X34 certainly looks the part, featuring an eye-catching aluminum bezel and angular, crow’s foot-shape stand. It comes with a number of gaming mod cons in tow, including Nvidia’s G-Sync frame-smoothing tech, an immersion-boosting curved shape and fantastic color reproduction that brings games to life. Short of strapping on a virtual reality headset, the Predator X34 is about as immersive as gaming gets – save for the lackluster speakers and missing ports.
A reasonable price for 144Hz and Adaptive Sync
If your PC can’t afford 1440p or 4K gaming, the Asus MG248Q is the next best thing. Despite exhibiting a mere 1080p twisted-nematic, or TN, panel rather than IPS, the Asus MG248Q makes up for any shortcomings with lightning fast response times and Adaptive Sync. The latter reduces screen tearing if you have an AMD graphics card, a clear demonstration that the MG248Q tailors to the budget gamer. On the other hand, even Nvidia fans can rejoice at the 144Hz refresh rate. But, without the right GPU equipped, you might be better off saving for the G-Sync equivalent Asus ROG Swift PG248Q.
A bezel-less beauty
You’ ll normally shell out an arm and a leg for a 4K display, but that’s not the case with Acer’s S277HK. In terms of pricing, this bezel-less beauty hits the sweet spot. With a 1,000,000,000: 1 contrast ratio, a color gamut of 1.07 billion and a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, the Acer S277HK is better seen than heard about. Unfortunately, because of the way Acer designed it, there’s no way to mount it onto a wall for everyone to appreciate, nor is the height adjustable. But, and this is a huge but, if you prioritize high pixel density, reasonable cost and “zero frame” over malleability, this is a monitor to shoot for.
A reasonable entryway to ultra wide and FreeSync
If you’ re running games using AMD- or Intel-based graphics and want to get into ultra wide displays without spending a fortune, this is the monitor to look out for. At 34 inches diagonally, the LG 34UC79G-B is equipped with AMD FreeSync for screen tear elimination and a 21: 9 aspect ratio best suited for games and cinema. Despite the resolution being lower than a lot of other widescreen displays on the market, there’s no denying that the LG 34UC79G-B pulls off a crisp image nonetheless – and with stunning color accuracy at that. Plus, you can change the height, which is more than can be said for even some of the pricier 4K monitors available today.
Faster than you can say G-Sync
If you care more about frame rate more than graphics or resolution, this one’s for you. Because of its mind-blowing 180Hz refresh rate capabilities, the Asus ROG Swift PG248Q takes the 60fps gold standard for gaming and triples it – provided you’re equipped with a rig that can handle the extra stress. While you’re unlikely to enjoy Forza Horizon 3 at 180fps on Ultra settings given its high demand, a higher refresh rate is more than welcome in fast-paced, competitive games that don’t necessarily depend on a wealth of resources. Plus, as one of the most affordable G-Sync displays on the market, it helps that you can rely on the monitor to prevent screen tearing, too.
Nothing fancy, but you’ ll get your job done
Not exactly glamorous or high-end when it comes to both specs and appearances, gamers and graphics professionals will wince at the Philips S-Line 243S7EHMB just before realizing it’s not for them. That’s because this monitor was crafted specifically with business users in mind. That’s right, this panel is designed to replace that old clunker of a screen you have set up in your office right now. And, with both VGA and HDMI connections intact, you can expect it to be compatible with virtually any PC – whether it’s brand-new or collecting dust. Plus, although it’s not enabled by default, Philips’ LowBlue mode makes this monitor pretty easy on the eyes too.
What this professional monitor lacks in style it makes up with exceptional picture quality
Though it won’ t win any fashion shows any time soon, the Viewsonic VP2772 is the perfect match for beyond-HD gaming or high-end photo editing. With a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution, it won’ t dazzle as much as some of the more lavish 4K screens on our list, but what it lacks in pixels, it excels in color accuracy.
