Buying guide · Monitors
How to Choose a Monitor
Monitors range from under $100 to well over $1,000, and the specs can be confusing. Answer these six questions in order, and you'll know which kind to buy before you look at a single model.
Updated November 2026 · 5 minute readAs an Amazon Associate, Tech Trends earns from qualifying purchases. These picks are real Amazon listings. Prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Six questions to ask
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What will you use it for?
Email, browsing, and streaming look fine on almost any monitor. Gaming calls for a faster screen, and photo or video editing calls for a sharper one with accurate color.
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Pick a size that fits your desk
24 inch suits small desks, 27 inch is the most popular size, and 32 inch or a 34 inch ultrawide gives you lots of room if your desk is deep enough. Sit about an arm's length away.
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Match the resolution to the size
1080p looks sharp up to about 24 inch. At 27 inch, 1440p is the sweet spot. For 32 inch, or for crisp text and photo work, go 4K.
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Refresh rate and panel type
60 to 100Hz is plenty for work. Gamers should look for 144Hz or more. IPS panels have the most accurate color, VA panels have deeper blacks for the price, and OLED has true blacks and the fastest motion, but costs more.
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Check the connections and the stand
USB-C lets one cable connect and charge a laptop. A height-adjustable stand helps your neck. To use a monitor arm or wall mount, make sure it has VESA mounting holes.
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Set your budget
Under $150 buys a good 1080p screen. $150 to $300 gets you 1440p, fast gaming, or basic 4K. $300 to $600 adds USB-C, OLED, or pro color. The table below is a quick shortcut.
Which monitor is right for you?
| Type of buyer | What to look for | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday use | 24 to 27 inch, 1080p, 100Hz | Dell 27 Monitor SE2725HM, FHD, IPS, 100Hz, Eye Comfort, Anti-Glare |
| Working from home | 27 inch, 4K, USB-C | Dell 27 Monitor S2725QC, 4K UHD IPS, 120Hz, 99% sRGB, 4ms, FreeSync Premium |
| Gaming | 27 inch, 1440p, 144Hz or faster | ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A 27 Inch 1440p 180Hz G-SYNC Gaming Monitor |
| Photo and video | 27 to 32 inch, 4K, IPS or OLED | ASUS ProArt PA279CRV 27 Inch 4K UHD USB-C HDR Professional Monitor for Mac |
| Multitasking | 34 inch ultrawide | Acer Nitro 34in WQHD 3440x1440 Curved 200Hz Gaming Monitor XZ340CUR X0 |
| Travel | 15.6 inch portable, USB-C | ASUS ZenScreen 15.6” 1080P Portable USB Monitor (MB16ACE) - Full HD (1920 x 1080), IPS, USB Type-C, Eye Care, Anti-Glare Surface, Lite Smart Case, External Screen for Laptop, 3-Year Warranty |
Our monitor picks
Dell 27 Monitor SE2725HM, FHD, IPS, 100Hz, Eye Comfort, Anti-Glare
A 27 inch IPS screen at 100Hz for a low price.
Dell 27 Monitor S2725QC, 4K UHD IPS, 120Hz, 99% sRGB, 4ms, FreeSync Premium
Sharp 4K, built-in speakers, and USB-C, so one cable can connect a laptop.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A 27 Inch 1440p 180Hz G-SYNC Gaming Monitor
A fast 180Hz, 1440p screen that is a big step up from 1080p.
msi MAG 271QPX QD-OLED, 27 OLED Gaming Monitor, 2560 x 1440 (QHD), 0.03ms Response time, 360Hz, True Black HDR 400, HDMI, DP Port, USB Type C, Tilt, Height, Black
A 360Hz QD-OLED with HDR, USB-C, and a height-adjustable stand.
ASUS ProArt PA279CRV 27 Inch 4K UHD USB-C HDR Professional Monitor for Mac
A 4K IPS screen made for accurate color, with USB-C and an adjustable stand.
Acer Nitro 34in WQHD 3440x1440 Curved 200Hz Gaming Monitor XZ340CUR X0
A curved 34 inch ultrawide at 200Hz for a fair price.
ASUS ZenScreen 15.6” 1080P Portable USB Monitor (MB16ACE) - Full HD (1920 x 1080), IPS, USB Type-C, Eye Care, Anti-Glare Surface, Lite Smart Case, External Screen for Laptop, 3-Year Warranty
A light 15.6 inch screen that runs from one USB-C cable.