The best monitor can vary depending on your needs, but most will incorporate some mainstay features. Namely, you want a sleek monitor with sharp colour accuracy and zero lag, to name a few key aspects. Ideally, these benefits won’t cost you an exorbitant amount. On the other hand, some high-end gaming monitors provide the perfect balance between performance, colour accuracy and features.

When shopping for a monitor, you might see the letters LCD and LED pop up over and over again. While both technically represent liquid crystal displays, they differ in terms of lighting source. LCDs or Liquid Crystal Displays utilises fluorescent lights behind the screen, while LEDs use Light-Emitting Diodes. Essentially, this means that LEDs can feature diodes behind the screen or around its edges. As a result, LED monitors are often thinner than LCDs, however, this trend is beginning to change.

As we suggested above, different types of monitors serve different needs. Everything from price to panel type to pixel response rate to native resolution to port access to extra features will distinguish one model from the next. Generally speaking, monitors break down into the following categories:

Running the full gamut, professional monitors come in all sizes and designs. Higher-end models maximise the display potential by way of quantum dot technology and high-performance in-plane switching (AH-IPS). The best professional monitors target graphic designers and deliver top-shelf colour accuracy and image detail, along with ergonomic stands, built-in USB ports, and pivot adjustability, allowing you to rotate the screen a full 90 degrees.

Modern games move fast and the best gaming monitors need to keep pace. Expect lightning-quick response times and refresh rates, which prevent images from blurring as well as other motion errors. Most gaming monitors take up a chunk of physical real estate and typically come in at 27″ and up. USB hubs are essential for esport players and shoot-em-up gamers alike, who need to plug in their controllers. Audio is key so you’ll want to bring in a quality desktop speaker or nice pair of headphones.

The best everyday monitors cover the multimedia basics by way of built-in suites and various connectivity options. You should have at least two USB ports at your disposal and one of them should be a USB Type-C. On the better models, the built-in speakers will be a cut above your standard fare. If you go big on photos and videos, make sure your monitor has a built-in card reader, webcam, and other multimedia features.

It should come as a surprise to no one that there are more panel types than ever before. Here are the most common:

Most PC monitors range from 14″ to 38″ in diagonal size, though that number has been creeping higher and higher in recent years. Naturally, you’ll want to keep your desktop space in mind. Some of the best everyday monitors measure in at about 24″ or 27″ across, though you’ll want to take that size up a notch if you’re watching movies and shows. The native resolution should be at least 1,920 x 1,080 pixels and the ratio should be 16:9, lest you want to compromise the screen image.

At long last: the main event. Here are the best monitors for gaming, work, and everyday use.

Featuring UHD resolution, sharp colour accuracy, a large screen, and ergonomic support, this professional monitor checks all the requisite boxes. It also houses BenQ’s advanced IPS technology, providing more than three times the standard FHD working space to work comfortably in 100% sRGB and Rec.709 colour spaces. A real winner for creative professionals.

Easy to use and seamlessly compatible with a second monitor, this business essential delivers a wide selection of ports, minimal bezels, WQHD resolution, and ergonomic features. The Dell P2720DC isn’t just one of the best monitors for work, it’s also one of the most streamlined and powerful. The monitor allows you to easily tile multiple applications across one or more screens with 38 pre-set window partitions. Not to mention, the monitor also gives you the ability to personalise up to five windows, boosting those who like to multitask.

Affordable, smart, and classic, this is one of the best PC monitors for those on a budget. The full HD display with IPS technology has shortened responses times and improved colour reproduction. The ultra-thin bezel on three sides also adds to the streamlined aesthetic of this classic and cost-efficient accessory. One of the best monitors for work.

Powered by quantum dot technology, Samsung’s 34″ monitor targets gamers and multi-taskers alike. The curved monitor provides an immersive widescreen viewing experience thanks to its 1500r screen. Without a doubt, the Samsung CF791 is one of the best monitors for gaming.

From its huge curved screen to its QHD resolution to its G-SYNC technology, this is one of the best gaming monitors on the market, but it does come at a price. The Balck Edition isn’t cheap, but if gaming is everything, you can’t go past this AOC monitor.

When it comes to gaming monitors, Asus is one of the best names in the game. The ROG Swift PG27UQ is one good reason why. The 27-inch 4K UHD HDR gaming monitor has an overclockable 144Hz refresh rate for super-smooth visuals. Additionally, ASUS’ Aura Sync technology was designed to create more immersive ambient lighting and peripherals.

When only the best gaming monitor will suffice, accept nothing less than this 34″ curved beast from ACER. The 1900R curve bends and extends beyond your peripheral sight giving you a fully immersive experience that on the best monitors for gaming can provide.

Here’s a superwide winner from Asus, which is great for PC gaming and console gaming alike. The curved 37.5-inch beast displays 178° wide-view angle in frameless design for edge-to-edge brilliance. This monitor also cops Bluetooth wireless technology and fast Qi Wireless charging.

For the ultimate gamer or creative, the Dell UltraSharp is the pinnacle of performance. The monitor boasts unprecedented realism, thanks to its Dell PremierColour and 33.2 million pixel resolution. With its 8K resolution and virtually bezel-less display, this piece from Dell is one of the best monitors all-round and ultra-sharp, indeed. It’s also very expensive.

Sleek, curvy, fast, and exceptional, this is one of the best gaming monitors money can buy. The EX3202R boasts 1800R curvature and 31.5-inch screen. Users can also enjoy FreeSync 2 for smooth play all-day.

Streamlined style meets mega-fast refresh rates on this triumphant gaming monitor from Alienware. Specifically designed for the hardcore gamer in mind, the Alienware 25 has a 240Hz refresh rate and 1-ms response time. that’s deadly fast and perfect for getting your respawn right. Effortlessly smooth playtime makes for one of the best gaming monitors on the market.

Are you an avid gamer? Then you’ll go wowie for the BenQ Zowie, which is tight, fast, acclaimed, and affordable. BenQ labels the Zowie XL2540 as the premiere monitor for PCs, fine-tuned to guarantee the smoothest and most responsive experience. The 240Hz refresh rate provides fluid gameplay and a bevy of features, making this one the best gaming monitors we’ve come across.

Ultra-wide and ultra-reliable, this curved monitor delivers premium performance and a host of choice features. The curved gaming display features 1800R and UWQHD high resolution, giving users a crystal-clear picture of the virtual world around them.

With a stunning 5120 x 2880 resolution, the LG UltraFine 5K Display is an absolute beast of a desktop monitor. Designed for the photographers and videographers amongst us, this monitor is extremely powerful and colour accurate. The ideal monitor for those looking to bring a bit of flair to their projects.

Nearly all computer monitors will include a built-in control panel, allowing you to know exactly what your current resolution is. You can use the control panel to adjust the resolution and other factors as well. There are usually buttons on the side of the monitor that will perform a similar function.