Best monitors

5 Best Monitors for Work and Gaming

Dean Blake
By Dean Blake - Guide

Published:

Readtime: 12 min

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Whether you’re using it for work or play, a high-quality computer monitor can make a world of difference in improving your productivity and performance. The best monitors allow you to immerse yourself in your work, tapping out of any distraction a seamlessly enjoying frame rates, fluid movements and pixel clarity as it was designed to be enjoyed. Furthermore, working on a good monitor is generally far more comfortable than operating directly off a laptop screen (and more ergonomic), so it’s little wonder that settling in to play on a good gaming monitor represents a totally different experience than using a basic computer display.

While there is a big step up from entry-level to the best monitors on the market, there is a product for all budgets and price points, but it can be tricky to know where to start. Monitor names tend to be a string of random numbers and letters that make them hard to tell apart, and there are often so many features involved that if you don’t know exactly what you need or want, you’re probably going to get confused quickly—which is exactly why we made this guide.

We’ve been testing a number of fantastic monitors over the past few months and wanted to bring the best together in a digestible, easy-to-understand list to help you make the right choice depending on your use case. There is no perfect monitor, only the one that is perfect for you. With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the best monitors for work and gaming.

Why Trust Our List

To arrive at this list of monitors, the Man of Many team went through hours of rigorous testing, implementation, and analysis before culling it down to the very best. As a result, the list is primarily comprised of products we’ve tested in-house and have used extensively first-hand. While there are a few exceptions to this rule, generally due to scarcity and availability, we made note of the cultural significance surrounding each product should we not have been able to review it personally.

As a publication centred on the latest in products, culture and style, impartiality is at the core of what we do. Over the past 10 years, we’ve built up extensive experience in reviewing tech as a publication. We’re not fans of any one brand and like to get our hands on the latest and greatest tech before we call it the next best thing. For more information on our independence, testing, and review guidelines, you can read our full editorial policies here.

Best Computer Monitors at a Glance

The computer monitors we’ve included below will inspire you to play new games, refresh old favourites or test the limits of your frame rate. To choose the best monitors for gaming, work and play, we focused on features, functionality and affordability, considering their intended use and versatility. Highlights from our list include the following options:

Now you’ve read the highlights, let’s check out the complete list.

Dell S2725DS
Dell S2725DS | Image: Dell

1. Best for Everyone: Dell S2725DS

Panel Size: 27”
Native Resolution:1440p
Refresh Rate:100Hz
Display Technology:LED
Aspect Ratio:16:9
Ports:2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort
Price:AUD$259.60
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The perfect baseline monitor, the Dell S2725DS has everything you would want in an everyday display at a very affordable price. While we’re recommending the 27” model with the native 1440p panel as a minimum, this model can actually be pushed up to 32” or an ultra-wide 34”, while the display can also be upgraded to 4K. Doing so adds to the price, obviously, but even with those additions, the most you’ll pay is around AU$550.

It’s a fairly minimalist design, very much in keeping with the idea that a monitor should blend in rather than stand out. However, it still offers a decent array of ports: two HDMI inputs and a single DisplayPort. There’s no audio port here, but the S2725DS does have two 5” stereo speakers that’ll get the job done, but if you’re like us, you’ll plug whatever PC or laptop you have attached into a better sound system and never look back.

The 100Hz refresh rate is a nice entry point for gamers, as it allows for easy switching between simple productivity tasks and a good gaming experience without the RGB tax. However, it’s not 144Hz, and isn’t likely to satisfy people who have a more capable rig set-up. If all you want is a solid workhorse monitor that doesn’t stand out on your desk, the S2725DS is an amazing companion that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

espresso 15'' Display Non-Touch
espresso 15” Display Non-Touch | Image: Dean Blake/Man of Many

2. Best for Travelling: espresso 15” Non-Touch

Panel Size:15”
Native Resolution:1080p
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Display Technology:LED
Aspect Ratio:16:9
Ports:2x USB-C
Price:AUD$499
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The king of portable monitors, espresso displays are beautiful, lightweight, and powerful—needing only a single cable to provide power and video/audio input. They’re very easy to pick up, pack up, and redeploy elsewhere, and with the launch of the business’ non-touch 15” monitor, it’s as affordable as ever.

We’ve been using the new model for the past few months, and it’s been uneventful in the best way. Plug in your USB-C-capable laptop, and suddenly you have a beautiful second screen that doesn’t need an additional plug into the wall. It even comes in a bundle with its own magnetic stand which can be extended to sit the display above your laptop screen – a great evolution of the brand’s prior efforts.

There are no speakers or HDMI input, so you’ll need some kind of converter if you want to plug something that can’t send video over USB. We’ve all been living in the dongle-pocalypse for a while, so it’s not a huge deal, but it is worth pointing out. While the monitor itself looks great, the 1080p resolution can look a little blurry (especially when put next to a MacBook screen), and the 60Hz refresh rate is the absolute minimum you’d expect. Espresso doesn’t make any monitors with a higher refresh rate, but they’re really not going after the gaming crowd.

The non-touch version we’re recommending has the same dimensions as its touch-capable older brother but comes in a little under 100g lighter at 765g, keeping it very, very portable. If this is something you plan on moving regularly, I’d recommend picking up some kind of case or cover to keep it in when it’s in your bag, though. The last thing you want is to arrive at a beautiful, scenic location to work, and pull a shattered screen out of your backpack.

Samsung Odyssey G8 32''
Samsung Odyssey G8 32” | Image: Dean Blake/Man of Many

3. Best for Gaming: Samsung Odyssey G8 32”

Panel Size:32”
Native Resolution:2160p
Refresh Rate:240Hz
Display Technology:OLED
Aspect Ratio:16:9
Ports:2x HDMI, 1x Display Port, 2x USB-A 3.0
Price:AUD$1,999
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If you’re after something that will let your expensive gaming rig flex its muscles, Samsung’s Odyssey G8 is everything you’d ever want. Hitting its upper limit of 4K resolution at 240Hz is going to be tough for all but the most cashed-up gamers, but if you’re feeling held back by your current monitor, this is a sizeable upgrade that will future-proof you against whatever upgrades you make to your PC in the future.

We spent about a month with the Odyssey G8, and it is just about the best gaming experience we’ve had. Games looked better and ran smoother on the Odyssey than just about any other monitor we’ve tested, and the deep blacks and vibrant colours of the OLED display made everything we tested pop off the screen.

The 240Hz refresh rate is a massive drawcard here, and it performs exactly as you’d want it to: if you have the power, the Odyssey will show it off. We tested the monitor with a mid-range PC (think medium settings at 1440p, hitting 120-150fps in most games), and the few competitive games we tested shined with the additional FPS.

The big downside with the Odyssey is really just the price: almost AUD$2,000 is a lot to ask for, which is essentially an accessory to another luxury expense, but if you’ve got the cash to splash and want the best, this is it.

LG UltraGear 45'' OLED Monitor
LG UltraGear 45” OLED Monitor | Image: Dean Blake/Man of Many

4. Best Ultrawide: LG 45” OLED UltraGear

Panel Size:45”
Native Resolution:3440×1440
Refresh Rate:240Hz
Display Technology:OLED
Aspect Ratio:21:9
Ports:2x HDMI, 1x Display Port, 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C
Price:AUD$2,999
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If you think 45” is too big, well, you’re not wrong. It probably is too big, but LG’s UltraGear makes a strong case as to why you should probably consider getting a bigger desk. The UltraGear is massive, heavy, and beautiful. The 240Hz refresh rate is geared entirely toward gamers, as is the RGB lighting on the back side of the monitor, while the OLED display keeps everything looking deep and rich. It’s very impressive when it all comes together.

The port selection, however, is pretty basic, and while the monitor doesn’t support daisy-chaining, it’s big enough that you probably don’t need more real estate. The screen is curved toward you (it has a pretty aggressive curve of 800R), which helps keep the whole image visible from your vantage point in the driver’s seat, but it’s big enough that, depending on what you’re playing, HUD and UI elements can be lost in the corners.

It’s also worth noting that not all games support ultra-wide resolutions, so if you’re looking to play something in particular, we suggest you do a bit of research before you drop AU$2,999 on the UltraGear only to discover your favourite game is still displayed in 16:9.

On that, the price is crazy high, but if you’re looking at a gaming-capable ultra-wide OLED monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate, you’re probably aware that it’ll be on the expensive side. Read our full review of the LG UltraGear below.

Philips evnia 34m2c8600 qd oled design
Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 QD OLED | Image: Ben McKimm / Man of Many

5. Best Middle Ground: Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 QD

Panel Size:34”
Native Resolution:3440×1440
Refresh Rate:175Hz
Display Technology:OLED
Aspect Ratio:21:9
Ports:2x HDMI, 1x Display Port, 1x USB-C, 1x USB 3.2, 4x USB-A
Price:AUD$1,799
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If you want the best gaming monitor, get the Samsung. If you want a massive ultra-wide, get the LG. If you want something in between for a more affordable price, check out Philips’ Evnia.

Don’t get us wrong, this is by no means a budget device, but it cuts a few of the ‘nice to haves’ out of the equation to hit a more reasonable price point. For example, compared to some other high-end gaming devices that top out at 240Hz the Envia hits its peak at 175Hz, and the HDMI ports included will only support up to 100Hz, meaning you’ll need to connect your PC via DP or USB-C to get the most out of the display. Is that a deal breaker? Probably not, but it also means console gamers aren’t likely to hit 120Hz here, considering they can’t connect without a HDMI.

The 34” size also makes it a bit more workable than the 45” UltraGear (see below) while keeping the same resolution and form factor. The fact that this is an OLED display keeps the colours popping. It looks fantastic and actually has a very good port selection—featuring four USB-A ports to serve as a USB hub, perfect for your wireless dongles.

All in all, the Philips Evnia is a fantastic monitor that has earned more than its place on this list. It sits comfortably between the Odyssey and UltraGear without going so far as delivering the ultimate gaming experience. AU$1,799 is still a lot of money, but it’s a bit easier to justify than the others.

What to Look for in a Monitor

The best monitor can vary depending on your needs, but most will incorporate some mainstay features. Namely, you want a well-designed unit with sharp colour accuracy and little lag, to name a few key aspects. Ideally, these benefits won’t cost you an exorbitant amount, though when you add the term ‘gaming’ onto a monitor, it tends to retail for a bit more.

  • Size – Most PC monitors range from 24″ 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 using it to watch movies and shows.
  • Resolution – The native resolution should be at least 1080p pixels and the ratio should be 16:9, lest you want to compromise the screen image.
  • Ultrawide – For the ultra-wide experience, there are 49″ screens with both curved and non-curved panels. Resolution types include HD, WQHD, UHD, and 4K. Start with a ratio of 21:9 and work your way up from there.
  • Gaming – If you’re after a monitor for gaming, we suggest something with at least a 1440p native resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. Ideally, a monitor will be capable of at least 120Hz, if not 144Hz, but 60Hz is the minimum we’d recommend.
Dean Blake

Journalist - Tech, Entertainment & Features

Dean Blake

Dean Blake is Man of Many's Technology, Entertainment and Features journalist. He has vast experience working across online and print journalism, and has played more video games, watched more documentaries, and played more Dungeons & Dragons than he'd care to ...

Jacob Osborn

Staff Writer

Jacob Osborn

Jacob Osborn is an accomplished author and journalist with over 10 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin--Madison and co-authored a Young Adult novel through ...