For most people a 24 inch Full HD screen or a 27 inch QHD screen is the sweet spot. Both give sharp text at a normal desk distance, fit on an ordinary desk and do not need a powerful computer to drive them. Go bigger or sharper only if you have a reason: lots of side by side windows, photo editing, or a graphics card that can run games at 4K.
The three numbers that matter most are screen size, resolution and refresh rate. Size and resolution together decide how sharp the picture looks. Refresh rate decides how smooth motion looks, which matters for games and much less for spreadsheets.
After that, the panel type, the ports and the stand make the difference between a monitor you put up with and one you enjoy using every day. You can compare models in the monitors range once you know what you need.
Size and resolution together
A higher resolution on a small screen gives a very sharp image; the same resolution stretched over a bigger screen looks softer. A useful way to compare is pixel density, measured in pixels per inch (PPI).
| Size | Resolution | Pixels per inch | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.5 to 24 inch | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | about 92 to 102 | Everyday use, small desks, budget gaming |
| 27 inch | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | about 82 | Watching from further away; text looks softer close up |
| 27 inch | 2560 x 1440 (QHD) | about 109 | Office work, gaming, a good all-rounder |
| 27 to 28 inch | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | about 157 to 163 | Photo and video work, sharp text, 4K gaming |
| 31.5 to 32 inch | 2560 x 1440 or 4K | about 93 or 138 | Large desks, multitasking |
The figures are simple geometry: the number of pixels along the diagonal divided by the diagonal in inches. Around 90 to 110 PPI looks sharp at a normal arm’s length. Above that, Windows and macOS usually scale text up so that it does not become too small, which gives very crisp text but no extra space.
Ultrawide monitors with a 21:9 shape are worth a look if you edit video, work with long timelines or play racing and flight games, but check that the games and software you use support the wider format.
Panel types
- IPS gives accurate colours and wide viewing angles, so the picture does not shift when you look from the side. It is the usual choice for office work and photo editing.
- VA has deeper blacks and higher contrast than IPS, which suits films and dark games. Viewing angles are narrower and some VA panels smear slightly in fast motion.
- TN is fast and cheap but has the weakest colours and viewing angles. It is now mostly found on budget gaming screens.
- OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response, at a higher price. Static elements such as taskbars can cause burn in over time, so check the warranty terms.
Refresh rate and response time
Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen draws a new picture, measured in hertz (Hz). A standard office monitor runs at 60 or 75 Hz. Gaming monitors run at 144 Hz, 165 Hz or higher, which makes movement, and even scrolling a web page, look noticeably smoother.
A high refresh rate only helps if your computer can produce that many frames per second. For a console, check what the console supports: many games run at 60 frames per second, and 120 Hz needs an HDMI 2.1 connection on the monitor.
Adaptive sync, sold as AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-SYNC (and G-SYNC Compatible), lets the monitor follow the frame rate of the graphics card. This removes the tearing and stutter you get when the two do not match. If you game on a PC, it is worth having.
Response time, given in milliseconds, is how quickly a pixel changes colour. Lower is better, but manufacturers measure it in different ways, so treat it as a rough guide rather than a precise comparison.
Ports and cables
Check which outputs your computer has before you choose a monitor.
- HDMI is on almost every monitor, laptop and console. HDMI 2.0 handles 4K at up to 60 Hz; HDMI 2.1 handles 4K at 120 Hz and above.
- DisplayPort is the usual connection for PC gaming at high refresh rates and supports adaptive sync well.
- USB-C with DisplayPort support carries the picture over one cable. Some monitors also charge the laptop through the same cable (power delivery) and act as a USB hub for your keyboard and mouse, which makes a tidy desk with a laptop.
- VGA and DVI are older connections that only make sense for older computers.
A suitable cable is usually in the box, but not always the one you need. Adapters and longer leads are in the cables range; buy a cable rated for the resolution and refresh rate you want to run.
Stand, ergonomics and extras
A height adjustable stand is the most underrated feature. A general rule from office ergonomics is to place the top of the screen at about eye level or slightly below, at roughly arm’s length, with the screen square on so that you do not twist your neck. Many budget monitors only tilt, so you may need a riser or a monitor arm.
- VESA mounting (holes in a 75 x 75 or 100 x 100 mm pattern on the back) lets you fit a monitor arm or wall bracket.
- Built-in speakers are usually thin sounding; plan on separate speakers or headphones.
- Matte screens cut reflections from windows and lights better than glossy ones.
- Blue light filters and flicker free backlights are common and can make long sessions more comfortable, but regular breaks matter more.
Quick checklist
- Size and resolution chosen together: 24 inch Full HD or 27 inch QHD for most people.
- IPS for colours and office work, VA for contrast, OLED if budget allows.
- 60 to 75 Hz for office use, 144 Hz or more for PC gaming.
- Adaptive sync that matches your graphics card.
- Ports that match your computer, plus the right cable.
- Height adjustment or VESA mounting.
Common questions
Is 4K worth it on a 24 inch monitor?
For most people, no. Text will be very sharp, but you will need to scale it up to read it, and games at 4K need a powerful graphics card. A 27 inch QHD screen gives more usable space for less money.
Can I use a TV as a computer monitor?
Yes, through HDMI, but TVs are large for a desk and some add input lag. If you do, switch the TV to its game or PC mode. A monitor is usually the better choice at a desk.
Do I need a gaming monitor for office work?
No. A 60 or 75 Hz IPS monitor is ideal for office work. A higher refresh rate is pleasant for scrolling, but you are paying for something office software does not need. If your home office also needs a better connection, read the guide to mesh Wi-Fi and routers.
