Computer monitors, though often overlooked, play a crucial role when working or gaming at home, as they significantly impact productivity and visual experience. Using an external monitor can enhance productivity, especially when working from a laptop, and a dual-display setup can offer even more benefits. For gaming or watching movies, the quality of the monitor can greatly affect the viewing experience. The WIRED Gear team, who frequently utilize these large screens in various configurations for reviews, has also evaluated them.
When selecting a monitor, there are several factors to consider, which vary in importance depending on the use. For example, gamers often prioritize higher frame rates more than office workers do.
Resolution: Larger monitors benefit more from higher resolutions, such as 1080p, 1440p (2K), or 4K, allowing app windows to remain legible while taking up less space.
Refresh Rate: Measured in hertz (Hz), this indicates how many times the display refreshes per second. Higher refresh rates result in smoother gameplay. For productivity, 60 Hz suffices, but gamers might prefer a panel that supports 120 or 144 Hz.
Panel Type: Monitors typically use LCD panels, including twisted nematic (TN), vertical alignment (VA), and in-plane switching (IPS). Each type has unique strengths such as color accuracy for IPS, contrast for VA, and speed for TN. OLED panels, which offer true blacks and vibrant colors at the expense of brightness, are also gaining popularity.
Nvidia G-Sync/AMD FreeSync Support: These features are tailored for gaming, allowing monitors to adjust frame rates based on the game to reduce screen tearing without performance loss.
HDR Support: While not critical for productivity, HDR enhances color range and picture quality in media and gaming.
Port Availability: Essential yet commonly overlooked, it’s important to check the types of ports available on a monitor to ensure compatibility with devices, typically including HDMI and DisplayPort inputs.
- Built-in KVM Switch: This feature facilitates switching between different computers or input sources, like a gaming console, using a single setup without needing an external switch.
Setting up a monitor involves choosing appropriate accessories:
Stands: Most monitors come with stands that allow height, tilt, and rotation adjustments to reduce neck and back strain.
Mounting Brackets: For those using monitor arms, checking the VESA mounting standard is crucial to ensure compatibility.
- Speakers: Although many monitors have built-in speakers, they often lack quality and volume, so standalone speakers are recommended.
The guide, updated in October 2024 with three new top picks, showcases the best monitors tested by the team. It also includes advice to understand technical jargon and suggests home office guides like "Best WFH Gear," "Best Laptops," and "Best USB Hubs and Docks" for additional resources.
