To independently search for a suitable model, we recommend using the convenient selection by parameters in the profile catalog. We also advise you to read the material “How does a cheap monitor differ from an expensive one?”, which will make it clearer what you should save on and what you shouldn’t.

What do you need a monitor for?

The first thing to do before buying a monitor is to decide on its intended use. Today, three main use cases can be distinguished, namely:

  • games;
  • working with graphics and video;
  • everyday use, including office work, study, Internet surfing, multimedia entertainment (watching videos and TV series), etc.

The main intended use of your monitor directly determines the main selection factors. It is clear that the workaholic designers, avid gamers or motivated students who want to receive increased scholarship, it will not be difficult to answer the question of why they need a monitor. But what to do, for example, a teenager who studies well, likes to play and is still fond of video processing? Here you need to either prioritize correctly, or buy several devices.

What makes a gamer model stand out from a model for a designer? Let's find out.

What makes a gaming monitor different?

A gaming monitor must have a fast display type with a high refresh rate.

Gaming monitors are aimed at connoisseurs of computer games and perform well in the corresponding scenario. The distinctive features of gaming models today include the following:

  • high frame rate. While 120 Hz used to be a really cool value, now 144 Hz is the minimum recommended for shooters and simulators. It is also not uncommon to find models at 165 and even 200+ Hz. The higher the indicator, the smoother the video image can be in dynamic scenes, but do not forget that the real bandwidth of the video signal also depends on the connection interface and the graphics card of the PC;
  • low response time. For gaming monitors, 1 ms has become the default, while advanced models can offer 0.5 or 0.3 ms of performance. Even differences in fractions of milliseconds are important to demanding gamers and cyber athletes. At the same time there are two different markers - MPRT and GtG, so you should compare by the same criteria, and really fast monitors can be considered with an index of about 1 ms on GtG;
  • support for adaptive synchronization technologies. AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync, along with their respective versions, synchronize frame rates between monitors and graphics cards, preventing issues like jerks, blurs, and freezes. Radeon graphics card users should prioritize monitors with AMD FreeSync, while GeForce users should lean towards G-Sync. However, some NVIDIA graphics cards can still achieve synchronization with monitors supporting AMD FreeSync, as denoted by the G-Sync Compatible label;
  • additional game options. These options vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and include, for example, displaying the crosshairs, FPS counter and/or timer, highlighting dark parts of the frame, as well as presets for different game genres, special settings menus and much more.

Often gaming monitors include VESA Adaptive-Sync, additional backlighting or other distinctive design details (such as red or other bright inserts on the case). And sometimes gaming-oriented models are also equipped with removable side shades (to help focus on what's going on, protect from glare and stares) and/or remote controls.

Gaming monitors

How do monitors for graphic design differ?

Monitors for design and graphics must have a good color gamut and reproduce colors accurately.

Monitors for working with graphics are often called professional. They are recommended for designers, colorists, layout designers, photographers and artists, video editors and cinematographers, as well as other professionals who value high quality and color accuracy. Typical distinctive features of such models include:

  • high bit rate. It is about 10-bit and pseudo 10-bit (8 bits + FRC) devices. The former are capable of displaying more than 1 billion shades at the hardware level, which guarantees excellent color reproduction, while the latter are software-based and strive for the same palette diversity, though in fact they are inferior to models with 10 bits;
  • good color gamut of profile spaces. For example, designers should focus on high percentages (99+) of the AdobeRGB model, which will provide a realistic picture. Cinematographers and video editors will be more important excellent DCI-P3 color space gamut. But when choosing a professional monitor on the standard sRGB is not worth it, because it is inferior to the above two in terms of color gamut and is aimed at a wide user audience;
  • additional certifications. For working with graphics, two standards can be distinguished, namely CalMAN Verified and Pantone Validated. The presence of the former means that the monitor has been calibrated using professional tools, and the factory color accuracy will satisfy even demanding users. The Pantone certificate states that the picture on the display corresponds to the maximum extent to the color system of the same name, and it is widely used in printing and design.

Graphics models most often do not require fast response, unlike gaming models. But high Hertz power for video processing is welcome in professional models just as in gaming ones.

Monitors for designers

How do monitors for everyday tasks differ?

The conditional third group of monitors by usage includes models for everyday tasks. Basically, these are the models that do not fully meet the requirements of the first two categories - gaming and for design. Such monitors have a general use and cope well with undemanding tasks — study and office work, Internet surfing, multimedia entertainment.

Most often these monitors are cheaper than their counterparts, due to which they provide for a lower bit matrix, standard refresh rate of 60 Hz (or values less than 100 Hz), not the most impressive parameters reflecting the quality of the image. But even here, as a rule, there is the following:

  • popular connection interfaces, including HDMI and DisplayPort;
  • Flicker-Free backlight;
  • laconic design;
  • various ergonomic and equipment features (although they are also typical for gaming and professional monitors, and we will talk about all this in more detail).
In monitors for everyday tasks, ergonomics and visual safety often come to the fore.

When choosing an everyday model, it is important to look at the main usage cases in more detail. For example, if the model is considered mainly for study or routine office work, models with a high level of vision protection are welcome. In addition to the basic Flicker-Free option, it provides filtration of harmful blue light, and TÜV Rheinland certification is a significant confirmation of safety. Although, in general, a gentle effect on vision is relevant for all models without exception.

To watch TV series and movies, a good color gamut is desirable: at least in sRGB space and at least an 8-bit. This does not guarantee reference color accuracy, but it will make the image a little more juicy and provide more pleasant emotions from viewing.

Popular monitors

What do you need to know about image brightness and contrast?

Even at the stage of selecting a monitor for the intended use, it is worthwhile to understand one of the basic parameters of the image — brightness and contrast. Their values also directly affect how well a particular display will cope with the tasks you prioritize.

Brightness affects both the overall perception of the image and the ability to withstand glare.

Let's begin with brightness levels. A baseline is 250 – 300 cd/m² (nits), typical for entry-level and mid-priced monitors. Values below this range result in a dim image, making operation uncomfortable even in moderate lighting. Monitors with 400 nits or more are suitable for appreciating HDR content, providing a noticeable difference against SDR video. For enthusiasts of movies, TV series, and HDR gaming, a brightness exceeding 400 cd/m² is recommended. Premium models may surpass 600 or even 1000 nits, making them ideal for users dealing with HDR content creation and those who face direct sunlight.

The high contrast ratio allows for a more natural black color to be displayed, which greatly affects the overall image quality.

Speaking about contrast ratio, first of all it is worth focusing on the static indicator, while the dynamic one is very marketing and offers a wide range of figures. Thus, values less than 1000:1 are typical for the most budget monitors and can be considered only for basic tasks. For gaming and work with graphics are acceptable models with a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and more. But for a comfortable movie-viewing recommended models with an index of 3000:1 and above. On such displays, even in a room with low lighting, the black color and its shades will look natural.

Monitors with HDR support

Which display type to take when choosing a monitor?

When you clearly know what you need a monitor for, we recommend that you start choosing a suitable display type. Display manufacturing technology directly determines key image parameters and often imposes various restrictions (on the same characteristics or budget).

In the past, buyers chose between TN, IPS or VA; today TN has almost been displaced, but OLED monitors have been added.

Now users can choose among the 4 most popular options, namely:

  • TN+film. This is a rather old, if not outdated display type. Today it appears in the most budget models and occasionally in gaming models, because the main advantage of these displays is fast response. The minuses are obviously more — small viewing angles, low contrast, the most unconvincing color reproduction against the background of competitors. That is, TN+film is not suitable for working with graphics and multimedia entertainment.
  • IPS. Probably the most popular display type in monitors today, with a balanced price-performance ratio. IPS display has excellent visibility, fast response, accurate color reproduction. The obvious disadvantage is a low static contrast ratio (usually 1000:1), so it is not ideal for movie viewing in the dark. Such display is most often used for design, it is also suitable for gaming and for universal use (study, office tasks, etc.).
  • V.A. This display type on monitors is also very common. Once they were inferior to IPS in terms of response speed, but modern versions can be really fast, which means that for gaming they are suitable quite well. Also, VA technology have excellent contrast ratio (usually 3000:1 and above), so it can definitely be considered for video viewing as well. There are nuances with viewing angles and color accuracy: for designers, such displays are obviously released less often than IPS.
  • OLED. A display type with self-illuminated pixels is a technology that combines the advantages of IPS and VA, offsetting their disadvantages. Color gamut is excellent, contrast is high, response is fast, viewing angles are wide, but the price tag is corresponding. Therefore, OLED-monitors can be recommended for almost any usage situations, except for static work with graphics, because this type is prone to burn-in when the same picture is displayed for a long time.

It is also worth highlighting other technologies that complement the display types themselves. First of all, let us emphasize the QLED quantum dot filter. It can be combined with both traditional LED displays and OLED. In terms of image quality, such models are really versatile, but they are expensive, so they are not suitable for everyone. A similar statement is true for mini-LED backlighting. Such models should be considered if you have no budget restrictions.

By the way, do not forget that two IPS displays do not mean approximately the same image, just as two different VA displays can have very different images from each other.

OLED monitors

Which screen is suitable: size, resolution, aspect ratio, curvature

Usually, the display size is almost the first thing people pay attention to. We would recommend you to first determine the intended use, suitable parameters of brightness and contrast, display type, and then think about the size of the screen. Moreover, you can deal with the size of the monitor in the last turn. When literally all factors are taken into account, you can simply choose the largest value in inches, which "fits" in your budget. The larger the diagonal, the better. True, there is a "but".

This “but” is resolution. If you take a large 40+ inch model with Full HD detail, then the pixel size will be close to 0.5 mm. In practice, this results in a grainy effect. Thus, a pixel size greater than 0.3 mm can be considered large, and a pixel size less than 0.23 mm can be considered small. Here are some examples:

  • the pixel size on a 24-inch Full HD display is 0.28 mm, and on a Quad HD (2560x1440 pixels) resolution it is 0.21 mm;
  • for a 27-inch size — Quad HD format provides excellent detail (pixel size 0.23 mm), and Full HD — clearly not ideal (0.31 mm);
  • on a 32-inch Quad HD monitor, the resolution gives a balanced image with a pixel size of 0.27 mm, and the 4K format provides excellent detail without grain (0.18 mm);
  • on a 43-inch screen, Ultra HD provides a pixel size of 0.27 mm, and less detail is no longer desirable. After all, this is not a TV that we usually look at from afar.
With a certain degree of convention, the following recommendations for the ratio of size and resolution of the monitor can be adhered to.

When selecting a monitor, it's crucial to consider the resolution and size at the very least. If you aim to align with the optimal display resolution, it's important to take the following into account:

  • Full HD is generally sufficient for everyday tasks;
  • for working with graphics, it is better to choose 4K models;
  • for gaming, the choice should take into account the capabilities of the PC hardware and preferred titles: in multiplayer dynamic shooters, Full HD is usually sufficient, and in story-based games, appreciated detail Quad HD and Ultra HD;
  • if you are taking a monitor for the future (that is, upgrading your computer will be earlier than buying a new model), then it is still better to look at displays with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels and higher.

The display of a modern monitor can differ not only in size, but also in aspect ratio, and can also be regular or curved. The last aspect is very individual, for example, in games, curvature can provide better concentration and immersion, but the main thing is that the user likes it. In addition, if a regular display is suitable for group viewing, then in the case of a curved one, the distortion of the image when deviating from the center will be very serious. In general, if possible, it is worth testing a curved model before purchasing, and then making a decision.

According to the aspect ratio, the following models are found:

  • rectangular. Such monitors were popular before, but are now used in a narrow manner, for example, on cash register equipment. Definitely not suitable for games and multimedia;
  • widescreen (ratio 16:9 or 16:10). These are the most popular and versatile models. This layout is optimal for watching movies and gaming, but is also suitable for design, working with graphics and various everyday tasks. Perhaps it may not be very convenient with documents, but in this case there are monitors with pivot mode;
  • ultra-wide (21:9) and super ultra-wide (32:9). Such ratios are less common, but are considered convenient for games and work, especially if you need to work in several open windows at the same time. Ultrawide monitors essentially replace two conventional 16 by 9 wide-format models at once. For comfortable operation of these two types of displays, a large diagonal and high detail are needed, as a result, their price tag is usually quite high.
Monitors can have different aspect ratios, and along with wide-format ones, ultra-wide models are also increasingly in demand.

What is desirable in equipping a monitor, and what can be neglected?

Monitors can be equipped with a variety of elements, but not all of them are really worth paying extra for. Useful features include:

  • an ergonomic stand that allows you not only to tilt, but also to rotate the screen, change its height, and switch it to portrait orientation. An alternative to these features is the presence of holes for VESA mounting;
  • popular connection ports, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort v 1.4. For the future, you can also consider models with USB C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) or even Thunderbolt;
  • USB hub (preferably with 3.2 ports). Useful when the monitor is used with a stationary PC, where the system unit is located in a hard-to-reach place;
  • KVM switch. A relatively new option that allows you to use one set of monitor, mouse and keyboard with different devices (for example, PC and laptop) and easily switch between them.
Thoughtful ergonomics of the monitor include an adjustable stand and the ability to avoid clutter with wires.

Various ergonomic features can come in handy, for example, headphone holders or systems for hidden cable routing. The remote control and webcam will be a little less useful (it’s easier to purchase such an accessory separately). It is rarely justified to choose a monitor with built-in speakers: the sound quality in them is mediocre, and it is better to use headphones (for this you can consider models with a mini-Jack output (3.5 mm)) or buy a normal audio system.

What other types of monitors are there?

The current range is not limited to monitors for gaming, working with graphics and everyday tasks. For example, devices such as video walls, LCD panels and information displays have long been available. All of them serve mainly for information in crowded places; they can be used for educational purposes, for advertising — at exhibitions, in shopping centers, etc.

Relatively recently, other types of monitors that are aimed specifically at home use have begun to gain popularity. Among them, for example, we can highlight smart models. These monitors are self-sufficient and can be used as a multimedia device without a PC (smart TV analog), since they are equipped with their own processor and operating system with access to streaming services, social networks, etc., and have a LAN port or Wi-Fi module for connection to the Internet, support other technologies, for example, Apple AirPlay 2.

Smart monitor is both a desktop device and a self-sufficient multimedia center.

Another type of display that deserves attention is portable monitors. These are small in size (usually up to 18 inches) and compact devices that can be connected to laptops. Increasingly, they are equipped with a USB C port, through which both a video signal and power can be transmitted simultaneously, which only adds to the ease of use.

Smart Monitors

What else to consider before buying a monitor: recommendations

Let's conclude with a few more non-critical, but sometimes significant moments of choice:

  • Most monitors have a black body, followed by snow-white models and variations in gray and silver designs. It is clear that the choice here depends only on your preferences, as well as the design of the PC case, laptop, etc.
  • Thin bezels are also a design issue. But in general, models with minimal framing around the screen look better. However, almost all manufacturers call their monitors thin bezel monitors. Only models with a frame width of less than 5 mm fall into the corresponding category of our filter.
  • Monitor screens most often have either a matte or glossy (anti-glare) coating. It is believed that the first is more practical and cheaper, but reduces brightness and contrast, and the second, although more active in collecting dirt and fingerprints, is not afraid of glare and helps to reveal the full potential of the display type.
The thinner the bezels, the more _seamless_ the _joining_ of two monitors will be.
  • Monitors can be equipped with a built-in or remote power supply unit. In the first case, the case is thicker, but from the device to the socket there is an ordinary cord with a plug (there is no need to look for a place for the PSU on the table or anywhere else). The cable is easier to replace, but if it is the power supply unit that breaks, the repair will be more difficult. A remote PSU makes the monitor thinner, and its replacement is easier, but it is located directly on the cable, which can negatively affect the aesthetics of the interior (if it is not hidden from view).
  • It is quite difficult to give recommendations on brands, because there are many brands on the monitor market that have proven themselves well. We can highlight Samsung and LG, Acer and Asus, Dell and BenQ, as well as Philips, MSI, Gigabyte, AOC, HP and Lenovo. Accordingly, it is better to start from other factors and decide on a brand at the decisive stage of the search.

We hope you will be able to understand the wide range of models and find the best option for your needs!