Recent years have brought on a major shift in the way we work. While working from home is no longer required for many people, there's a certain degree of flexibility in working remotely, letting you keep an eye on your house or children more easily without stepping away from work entirely. But if you want to work remotely, not only do you need a great PC for working from home, but you may also find that you need a monitor (or more than one) to expand your workspace and increase your productivity.
Of course, a monitor doesn't have to be just for work. There are some great gaming monitors out there, along with ones specifically for entertainment. Whether your goal is productivity or entertainment, here are the best monitors available.
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE
A sharp monitor with great colors and a lot of ports
The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is a sharp 4K monitor with great color reproduction for general use, with an IPS Black panel that delivers twice the contrast ratio of a typical IPS monitor. Plus, it has great color coverage and a lot of ports.
- 4K IPS Black panel with high contrast ratio
- Lots of ports, including a USB hub
- Highly adjustable stand
- A little pricy
- No built-in speakers
While no monitor can be perfect for every task, the 4K Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is a phenomenal choice that does a great job in almost every aspect. This is a 27-inch monitor (though a 32-inch version also exists), and it comes in a very sharp 4K resolution, but it has a lot more to it making it an excellent choice.
It's one of the first monitors in the world to use IPS Black technology, providing twice the contrast ratio (2000:1) of a typical IPS panel without sacrificing the viewing angles IPS panels are known for. What's more, the screen covers 100% of sRGB and 98% of DCI-P3, it can reach up to 400 nits of brightness, and it even has basic HDR support with VESA DisplayHDR 400. It's not going to be amazing for HDR content, but for general use, it's great.
Connectivity is also phenomenal on the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE, with two full-size DisplayPort connections, one HDMI port, and a USB Type-C port that can be used for display input and even charge your laptop at up to 90W. The monitor also doubles as a USB hub with multiple USB ports (both Type-A and Type-C) and even Ethernet, enabling a clean single-cable connection to your laptop. The monitor also has a versatile stand, allowing you to adjust the height, tilt angle, swivel, and even pivot the screen to use it vertically.
The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is a bit pricey, but you're getting a great 4K display, lots of connectivity, and a versatile stand, so it's hard to complain. You do miss out on built-in speakers, but if you have the budget for this kind of monitor, you're probably better off buying external speakers that will sound much better or using headphones. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with a screen like this for office or at-home use.
ASUS ProArt PA278CV 27-inch WQHD Monitor
Great value for most users
The ASUS ProArt PA278CV is a great all-purpose monitor with a high resolution, great color accuracy, and solid connection options. It also offers plenty of flexibility with its stand, supporting height, swivel, tilt, and pivot adjustments.
- Quad HD panel with great color coverage and accuracy
- Multiple connectivity options, including USB-C
- Highly adjustable stand
- It won't blow you away for any specific use case
While 4K monitors may be the best you can buy, not everyone is going to need something that sharp. For most monitors, Quad HD resolution is already great, and the Asus ProArt PA278CV is an excellent choice if you want a great monitor that's not only sharp but also has great colors and is very affordable.
For starters, this is a 27-inch monitor with Quad HD resolution, so it's more than sharp enough for office or entertainment use. It also has a 75Hz refresh rate to make motion look a little smoother and potentially makes this a slightly better monitor for occasional gaming. The monitor also has built-in speakers, which can save you some money on external ones or headphones if you don't need the most premium audio experience.
For color coverage, Asus touts 100% coverage of sRGB and Rec. 709, plus a color accuracy of Delta E<2, which means colors will look great for regular office work, creative work, or watching videos. It's not necessarily meant for creative professionals, who might need 100% of DCI-P3 or Adobe RGB, but it's still great for the vast majority of people. The screen can also hit 350 nits of brightness, so visibility should be good in most environments, even with bright lights.
As for ports, the Asus ProArt PA278CV supports DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, and USB Type-C, so it's versatile and ready for modern devices with USB-C outputs. It can even provide 65W of power to your laptop to keep it charged. Finally, the stand supports tilt, swivel, height, and pivot adjustments, so you have a lot of flexibility with how you want to use it. You can also switch to a VESA mount for even more control. For a little over $300, this monitor offers excellent value for just about anyone.
LG UltraWide 49WQ95C
Unrivaled productivity
The LG UltraWide 49WQ95C is an unusually wide monitor in the 32:9 aspect ratio, but that makes it especially great for productivity. It's essentially two monitors side-by-side, and with sharp resolution, a smooth refresh rate, and solid colors, it's the only monitor you'll need.
- Extremely wide display is essentially two screens in one
- Sharp resolution with 144Hz refresh rate and solid color accuracy
- Sleek and modern design
- Very expensive
- Color coverage could be a bit better at this price
Monitors are a way to increase your productivity, so what better way to do it than to get a monitor that's basically two screens in one? The LG UltraWide 49WQ95C is an absolutely fantastic monitor that does exactly that. It goes beyond the traditional "ultrawide" aspect ratio of 21:9, and instead, it has an extremely 32:9 panel, making it perfect for multitasking.
Helping with that is the Dual Quad HD resolution, or 5120x1440, which makes for a very sharp display overall since you can fit a lot of content in that many pixels. Plus, the monitor has a 144Hz refresh rate. That's something you'd usually see in a gaming monitor, but it's great for day-to-day use just to make everything look that much smoother. Even the sound experience is fantastic, with two 10W speakers built-in, delivering powerful and rich sound.
Color coverage is rated at 98% of DCI-P3, so color reproduction should be very good for the vast majority of users here. Plus, with up to 400 nits of brightness, visibility should be great in any indoor environment, even with bright lights. The monitor is certified for DisplayHDR 400, so it can support a baseline HDR experience, though that's not the main focus here.
In terms of ports, the LG UltraWide 49WQ95C has solid connectivity, with two HDMI inputs, DisplayPort, and USB-C, which also supports up to 90W of power delivery to a connected laptop. That makes it very versatile already, but to make it even better, LG also allows you to use two different inputs and split the screen in half, so you see your computer screen next to a console, for example. It all helps this be one of the best monitors for multitasking you can get.
At $1,500, this is a very expensive monitor, but if you can afford it, you're getting a fantastic experience in return.
HP 24MH FHD monitor
Basic Full HD monitor with a lot to offer
It may not have the bells and whistles of more premium monitors, but the HP 24mh is a great monitor if you just need something to get started or need a second monitor. With a Full HD IPS panel, a 75Hz refresh rate, and solid adjustability, there's a lot for the asking price.
- Built-in speakers make it easy to get up and running without any extras
- IPS panel with great viewing angles
- Plenty of adjustability for such a cheap monitor
- No USB-C connectivity
- No swivel
- Design may not be very appealing
We'd all love to have the fanciest monitors around, but not everyone can afford a premium experience, and if you're on a budget, you can still find great monitor options. Whether you just want a basic screen for your desktop or to expand your workspace, the HP 24mh is a great starting point.
It's a relatively basic 24-inch panel with Full HD resolution, but it does have an IPS panel with great viewing angles, which isn't always a given for cheaper displays. Plus, the 75Hz refresh rate makes everything appear smoother on screen, and that's also great to have on such a cheap monitor. What's more, it even has built-in stereo speakers, so you get a basic audio output without having to spend extra on more peripherals.
Connectivity on the HP 24mh isn't as impressive as more high-end laptops, but it does cover the basics, including both HDMI and DisplayPort. It also has a VGA port if you plan on using it with an old-school PC. It's a great option if you still have an old relic lying around in need of a display.
The overall design isn't anything to write home about, as it definitely looks older compared to more modern monitors. That said, the stand does offer a good bit of flexibility, with both height and tilt adjustments, plus the ability to pivot the screen if you want to use it in portrait orientation. That's very rare for an affordable monitor like this one, and it adds a ton of value and versatility.
If all you want is a basic screen to give you more space for your apps or just to get started using your home computer, you can't go wrong with the HP 24mh. It has a $150 MSRP, which is already great, but we've also seen discounts on it in the past, so you can probably get it for even less.
Alienware QD-OLED AW3423DWF
Stunning ultrawide QD-OLED monitor
If you want a gaming monitor, you can't do much better than the Alienware AW3423DWF. With a bright QD-OLED panel, it delivers a superb HDR experience, and it also has a 165Hz refresh rate with FreeSync support.
- Fantastic HDR experience thanks to QD-OLED panel
- 165Hz refresh rate with FreeSync Premium Pro
- Robust connectivity options
- Customizable RGB lighting
- USB hub requires a separate cable
- It's too expensive for most
If you want the best gaming experience, the Alienware AW3423DWF is the way to do it. It may be a cheaper version of the regular AW3423DW, but it keeps everything that makes that monitor truly great, and it only removes unnecessary features to make for a palatable price tag. At $1,100, it's not cheap, but you're getting a lot of monitor for the price.
Starting with the basics, this is a 34-inch monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio, and it has a sharp 3440x1440 resolution, which is great for gaming and productivity alike. This is also a QD-OLED panel with up to a whopping 1,000 nits of brightness, so you get a fantastic HDR experience. It covers 99.9% of DCI-P3, too, so the visual experience is excellent overall.
Additionally, this monitor comes with a smooth 165Hz refresh rate, which is one of the downgrades compared to the standard AW3423DW model, which goes up to 175Hz. It also supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, whereas the more expensive model supports Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate. Whether those differences justify the extra $200 for the more expensive model is up to you, but we'd argue the cheaper model offers more value.
As for connectivity, the Alienware AW3423DWF is packing a solid supply of ports, including two DisplayPort 1.4 ports and one HDMI 2.0 port, plus a USB hub. Unfortunately, there's no USB-C, so the USB hub requires a separate USB cable to power the included ports, and it can't charge a connected laptop. Design-wise, this model is also more subdued than the more expensive version, with an all-black chassis. It does have RGB lighting, but without as many lighting zones, so it's not as flashy.
Regardless, the Alienware AW3423DWF is a fantastic monitor where it matters, and as long as you have the money for it, it's an easy recommendation.
Samsung Odyssey G6 (G65B)
For gamers who want the smoothest experience
If you're looking for a monitor that's more affordable but still supports a high refresh rate, the Samsung Odyssey G6 is a great choice. Coming in at Quad HD resolution and with a 240Hz refresh rate, it can make the most of a powerful gaming PC, plus it supports DisplayHDR 600 to enhance the visual experience.
- 240Hz refresh rate is great for fast-paced competitive games
- DisplayHDR 600 certification delivers a solid HDR experience
- Highly adjustable stand
- No USB-C connectivity
- Built-in software may feel bloated to some
If you're a gamer who needs the fastest response times while still getting solid picture quality, the Samsung Odyssey G6 (G65B) is a recent addition to the company's lineup that delivers a great overall experience. It's something of a refresh of the previous-generation Samsung Odyssey G7, as those models now have a higher resolution but a lower refresh rate.
This is a 27-inch Quad HD resolution panel with a more traditional 16:9 aspect ratio. It also has a super-smooth 240Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gamers who play competitively and need the fastest reaction times, such as in online shooters.
The screen can reach 350 brightness (typically), and it's certified for DisplayHDR 600, so it should provide a solid HDR experience, especially thanks to the high contrast ratio (2500:1) of the VA panel. Samsung also touts 95% coverage of DCI-P3, so color reproduction is pretty good, and the visual experience, in general, should be great.
In terms of connectivity, the Samsung Odyssey G6 covers the basics with two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort input. It can also serve as a USB hub, but since there's no USB-C connectivity, you can't have a single-cable connection. You need a separate USB cable and display cable, which is a bit more cumbersome. Samsung also makes this monitor useful even without an external device thanks to an integrated smart TV experience powered by Tizen. When you don't have a laptop connected, you can still use the monitor to watch your TV shows without anything extra. You might find this unnecessary, but it can be nice to have if you want an easy way to watch your shows without having a PC connected.
Despite that, the Samsung Odyssey G6 is an excellent gaming monitor that nails the specs needed for a high-end gaming experience. It's not on the same level as the Alienware model above, but it costs much less.
Asus TUF VG259QR
Great for budget-conscious gamers
The Asus TUF Gaming VG259QR isn't meant to wow you, but it does feature a 24.5-inch Full HD IPS panel with great viewing angles that are great for gaming. It has a smooth 165Hz refresh rate for playing competitive games, and it's the perfect fit for a cheaper gaming setup.
- IPS panel with great viewing angles and 165Hz refresh rate
- Fairly sleek stand with great adjustability
- Built-in speakers so you can get started more quickly
- No USB-C connectivity or USB hub
If you're just getting into gaming, or you have an entry-level PC, it's not worth it to invest in a super high-end screen. The Asus TUF Gaming VG259QR is a great pick for those users, offering a great gaming experience despite the lower price. This 24.5-inch panel Full HD panel has a smooth 165Hz refresh rate for high-refresh-rate gaming in competitive games like Fortnite, and it includes Nvidia G-Sync compatibility.
It also uses an IPS panel instead of VA, which is more common in cheaper gaming monitors. IPS displays have great viewing angles and handle fast motions better than VA, especially at this price, so you'll get a much more pleasant experience with this model than you might get with many of its competitors. It also reaches 300 nits of brightness, so it's easily visible in most indoor settings. And, since you're saving money, the Asus TUF Gaming VG259QR includes built-in stereo speakers, though you can connect some headphones to the built-in audio jack if you'd rather listen that way.
As you might expect with a cheaper monitor, there's no USB-C connectivity on this model, and there's no option for a USB hub, which is one of the more notable downsides of it. However, it does have two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort input, so you get a decent range of connectivity overall. As for the rest of the design, the monitor looks fairly clean, and it has a nice compact stand that won't take up a lot of space on your desk, leaving more room for peripherals. That stand offers a wide range of adjustability, with height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments, which is always great to see at this price point.
You can spend a little extra to get a higher resolution panel, but this monitor nails the essential aspects of a good experience beyond just the resolution, and it's great for anyone on a budget.
LG Gram +View
For when you need to be productive on the go
There are a few portable monitors out there, but the LG Gram +View easily offers the best value you can get. This large 16-inch screen has a 16:10 aspect ratio and Quad HD+ resolution, making it the perfect companion when working on the go. It's a bit pricy, however.
- Tall 16:10 aspect ratio and sharp resolution make it perfect for productivity
- Easy single-cable connectivity with USB-C
- 99% coverage of DCI-P3 for a great viewing experience
- A bit pricey
Once you get used to having multiple monitors at home, it can be hard to work on the go with a single screen, but thankfully, the LG Gram +View provides a solution, and it's a phenomenal portable monitor for getting work done anywhere.
Unlike most other solutions, the Gram +View is a large 16-inch panel, and it has a 16:10 aspect ratio, giving you a large workspace for additional apps and whatever you need while working on the go. It's very sharp, too, with a 2560x1600 resolution that makes the perfect companion to a mobile powerhouse. There's even more to it, as LG promises 99% coverage of DCI-P3, which makes this one of the very best visual experiences you can get on a portable monitor.
Naturally, connectivity is pretty different with a slim portable monitor compared to a traditional desktop model, but that's not a bad thing, The LG Gram +View uses a single-cable connection with USB Type-C, which even handles power delivery, so you don't need any extra cables to power the display. While it should work on any laptop, the LG Gram +View also has special software that requires Windows, which lets you enable features like auto-rotate. On that note, the monitor has a slim cover that doubles as a kickstand, so you can prop it up in either landscape or portrait orientation.
The monitor doesn't have built-in speakers, so if you're looking for something to use with a Nintendo Switch or something, it's not ideal, but if you're using a laptop, you can use the speakers built into it instead. They're probably better than what you'd find in such a slim monitor, anyway. At $350, the Gram +View is a bit pricey, but it's an excellent monitor if you want to get more work done on the go.
Best monitors in 2023: The bottom line
Those are some of the very best monitors you can buy today for all kinds of uses. We tried to strike a balance between features and a reasonable price, so you're getting great value for money with all these options. Our top pick is the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE because it offers stellar image quality with 4K resolution combined with an IPS Black panel that delivers a more vibrant contrast ratio. It also has great connectivity, including the ability to charge your laptop, and a highly adjustable stand with a modern design.
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE
The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is a sharp 4K monitor with great color reproduction for general use, with an IPS Black panel that delivers twice the contrast ratio of a typical IPS monitor. Plus, it has great color coverage and a lot of ports.
If $300 still sounds too much for you, and you're looking for something more basic, the HP 24mh is a long-standing champ in terms of value. For just $150, you get a Full HD monitor with a 75Hz refresh rate, IPS panel, and built-in speakers that give you everything to get you started. Plus, the stand supports height, tilt, and pivot adjustments, which is rare at this price point.
If you're trying to create the perfect work-from-home setup, consider checking out our list of the best PCs for working from home. If you're buying a monitor for gaming, we also have some great suggestions above, such as the Samsung Odyssey G6. You may also want to check out the best gaming laptops and the best gaming monitors if you're looking for something more specific.