Best computer monitors 2024

Image of the ASUS ROG Swift OLED (PG27AQDM) gaming monitor.
(Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

A monitor is the most crucial accessory for any PC since you wouldn't be able to see what you're doing without one. Whether you're looking for a capable gaming display or a monitor that works wonders with 4K content, there are plenty of the best computer monitors available to choose from.

Trusted gaming monitor testing

Across the Windows Central team, we spend hundreds of hours a year testing PC monitors of different specs and curvatures. Our reviewers have done several hours of extensive testing while analyzing each of these displays.

However, not every monitor is created equal. Some offer far better color accuracy or contrast ratio than others. Depending on the kinds of things you'll be doing on your computer you might also want to consider getting displays with faster refresh rates and response times too. Of course, if you're into gaming, then you should consider the best gaming monitors as well.

Here are the best computer monitors on the market, separating them into different categories for you to choose one easily.

Recent updates

November 1, 2024: I've revamped this page with the latest and greatest computer monitors. We at Windows Central have reviewed all of these monitor recommendations and find them to be the best options out there for a variety of uses.

The quick list

Here's a quick look at our top six picks for the best computer monitors currently available. You can read further down on the page to get more in-depth information about each of these displays, what makes them good and what to be aware of.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST ME
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WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST ME
Rebecca Spear

Rebecca has reviewed dozens of monitors, laptops, and handhelds over the years. She thoroughly analyzes the display panels on these devices and know what to look for when recommending the best specs for your needs.

Best overall: HP OMEN 27qs

HP OMEN 27qs (Image credit: Zachary Boddy / Windows Central)
Perfect for gaming or graphics work

Specifications

Display: 27-inch IPS LCD 16:9, QHD (2560 x 1440)
Refresh Rate / Response Time: 240Hz / 1ms
HDR: HDR400
VRR: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, NVIDIA G-Sync
Ports: x1 DisplayPort 1.4, x2 HDMI 2.0, x1 USB Type-B 3.2 upstream, x2 USB Type-A 3.2, x1 3.5mm audio jack
Warranty: 1-Year Standard

Reasons to buy

+
Outstanding color accuracy
+
Solid and refined-looking build
+
240Hz and 1ms makes for great picture quality
+
NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync support

Reasons to avoid

-
HDR support is basically negligible
-
Lackluster speakers

As you can see in our own Zachary Boddy's HP OMEN 27qs review, this is an impressive 27-inch IPS monitor that offers solid build quality, a great color range, and excellent features to meet your work, creative, or gaming needs. Plus, it's very well priced considering its high 240Hz refresh rate, speed 1ms response time, and VRR (variable refresh rate) support.

"[It's a] really good gaming monitor that nails the fundamentals and provides a more affordable entryway to true high frame rate gaming. If you have a gaming PC that can handle 1440p gaming at up to 240 FPS, this is the best option you're going to find under $500, bar none." — Zachary Boddy

There are a couple of areas where this monitor doesn't impress. Firstly, HDR effects aren't very noticable. Secondly, the speaker quality really isn't great. Now, this is usually the case anyway, so you'll always be better served getting the best computer speakers or best headset.

Best budget: Monoprice Dark Matter 27

HP 24mh FHD monitor. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
Excellent gaming monitor value

Specifications

Display: 27-inch IPS 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate / Response Time: 165Hz / 2ms
VRR: AMD FreeSync, NVIDIA G-Sync
Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x Audio out
Warranty: 3-Year

Reasons to buy

+
165Hz refresh rate and 2ms response time
+
Good color accuracy
+
Less expensive than many other options
+
Simple design

Reasons to avoid

-
Stand can be wobbly
-
Doesn't get very bright
-
Stand isn't adjustable

When I did our Monoprice Dark Matter 27" review, I walked away feeling very impressed by this budget display, especially given the nice features it offers. It's technically a gaming monitor, but can be a great choice for work or school as well. For starters, this IPS panel has a really nice color range. Then there's the 165Hz refresh rate, 2ms response time, and 2560x1440 resolution that helps visuals look smooth and crisp. While not the sleekest monitor out there, the case and bezel looks really nice, to the point that it could fit in almost any environment.

"Thanks to the QHD (2560x1440p) resolution of the screen and the ability to adjust sharpness via the OSD, this monitor does an excellent job of bringing imagery through crisply and with a decent color gamut." — Rebecca Spear

As with any product, this monitor isn't perfect. In my testing, I found that it only reaches a max brightness of around 225 nits. As such, it was hard to make out details in darker movie, show, or video game scenes. I also wasn't very impressed by the stand, which wobbles due to its three-point design. This stand isn't adjustable either, but that's to be expected with budget monitors.

Best Ultrawide: Dell Ultrasharp 34 Curved Thunderbolt (U3425WE)

Samsung Odyssey G5 Monitor on colorful background. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
Amazing gaming monitor for less.

Specifications

Display: 34-inch IPS WQHD (3440x1440)
Refresh Rate / Response Time: 120Hz / 5ms
VRR: None
Ports: 5x USB-A, 4x USB-C, 1x Thunderbolt 4.0, 1x RJ45, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
Warranty: 3-Year Advanced Exchange Service and Premium Panel Exchange

Reasons to buy

+
Great picture quality and color range
+
Great for multitasking
+
Built-in KVM functions well
+
Plenty of ports and cables

Reasons to avoid

-
Included USB cables are somewhat short
-
True HDR is not supported

If you're a multitasker like me, then you'll love using an ultrawide monitor. You can have multiple windows open at a time to quickly reference data while working or doing homework. In my Dell Ultrasharp 34 Curved Thunderbolt (U3425WE) review, I gained an appreciation for this specific ultrawide display after taking advantage of its built-in Thunderbolt Hub, which allows me to connect several accessories and other devices.

"Dell has once more proven that it is one of the best monitor manufacturers on the market with its latest Ultrasharp 34 Curved Monitor. It offers excellent picture quality with a great color gamut and crisp WQHD resolution. Additionally, the built-in KVM functionality makes it very easy to swap between two connected devices while using the same keyboard and mouse. You'll have to pay a bit for it, but it gets you a convenient display that offers plenty of ports and will last you a long time." — Rebecca Spear

In total, it has five USB-A ports, four USB-C ports, a Thunderbolt 4.0 port, an RJ45 connection, an HDMI 2.1 port, a DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, you will want to place your monitor near your desktop or laptop since the included cables aren't very long. In exchange for its Thunderbolt Hub, Dell didn't include True HDR support, but the picture quality and color range are still very good.

Of course, If you want a really wide ultrawide monitor, I also recommend checking out my Dell Ultrasharp 49 Curved Monitor (U4924DW) review. It might seem daunting or even comically wide, but I've been using this display with my main work PC for a year and a half, and I wouldn't want to go back to working on a smaller screen.

Best gaming monitor: ASUS ROG Swift OLED (PG27AQDM)

Image of the ASUS ROG Swift OLED (PG27AQDM) gaming monitor. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)
Play your favorite games in the best possible way.

Specifications

Display: 26.5-inch OLED 16:9 QHD (2560x1440)
Refresh Rate / Response Time: 240Hz / 0.03ms
VRR: NVIDIA G-Sync
Ports: DisplayPort 1.4 (1x), HDMI 2.0 (2x), 3.5mm audio jack (1x), USB Type A 3.2 Gen 1 (2x), USB 3.2 upstream (1x)
Warranty: 36-Months

Reasons to buy

+
Thin bezel & sleek design
+
Beautiful OLED panel
+
240Hz and 0.03ms
+
HDR10 support
+
NVIDIA G-Sync

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Some software bugs

As you can see from our own Zachary Boddy's Asus ROG Swift OLED (PG27AQDM) review, we absolutely love this gaming monitor and highly recommend it to anyone that wants the best visual experience while playing their digital adventures. This 26.5-inch display supports HDR10 and gets up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness in HDR mode for vivid and vibrant imagery with excellent color accuracy.

Any gamer will be pleased with its performance which allows it to offer a 240Hz refresh rate and an extremely fast 0.03ms response time. Plus, the monitor is compatible with NVIDIA G-Sync, meaning that it can upscale gameplay and decrease the chances of stutter for anyone who uses an NVIDIA GPU of GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost or higher.

"ASUS' flagship ROG Swift OLED 27" gaming monitor is impressive from every angle, with a razor thin design and an absolutely gorgeous display. Its software is awkward, though, and this monitor can't escape the handful of frustrating bugs that plague it." — Zachary Boddy

Connect your favorite devices and peripherals to it using the DisplayPort 1.4 connection, the two HDMI 2.0 slots, and two USB-A 3.0 ports. We also love how easily the adjustable stand allows us to move the monitor around to get it in just the right position. It's an excellent choice for any gaming needs.

Best OLED: Alienware 34 curved QD-OLED (AW2725DF)

LG UltraGear 38-inch 38GN950 ultrawide monitor. (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
An ultrawide monitor for all your multitasking needs.

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely high 360Hz refresh rate and super fast 0.03ms response time
+
Excellent color accuracy and crisp detail
+
Great selection of ports

Reasons to avoid

-
No G-Sync support

OLEDs area a very popular pick these days for anyone who wants their monitors to display exceptionally vibrant imagery and true black contrast. They're also really good for gaming since they can support really high refresh rates and speedy response times. But you'll want to take a look at my Alienware AW2725DF review to see the most beautiful OLED I've ever seen.

"This gaming monitor is one of the most impressive options on the market today. Its 27-inch screen size, 360Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and compatibility with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro make it an ideal choice for eSports or aspiring professional players. Plus, that QD-OLED panel makes visuals vibrant and crisp, even when displaying darker scenes." — Rebecca Spear

Having a 360Hz refresh rate is insane. But coupling that with FreeSync and a 0.03ms response time means this display offers incredible motion clarity. You'll have noticed that this is specifically a QD-OLED, and what that means is it has all of the perks of a regular OLED, but it can get a lot brighter. This particular one can reach up to 1,000 nits, which makes it easier to make out details in displayed visuals.

Best for creatives: Lenovo L32P-30

Asus ProArt 32-inch PA328CGV Monitor. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Exceptional display for creatives

Reasons to buy

+
Quickly switch between color gamut profiles via OSD or software.
+
Bundled wide-angle 1080p webcam with fantastic microphone quality.
+
Great color range

Reasons to avoid

-
USB ports are hard to reach in a pinch.
-
Limited articulation with the included stand.

Whether you're a creator who likes to work in Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, or other creative programs the Lenovo L32P-30 will be right there to show off your work to incredible effect. With a 3440x1440 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, HDR abilities, and a max brightness of around 600 nits, it's a solid display for not only creatives but general PC owners too.

It comes with plenty of ports, including a single DisplayPort 1.2, an HDMI 2.0, three USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a USB-C Gen 1, and an audio jack. However, in his Lenovo L32P-30 review, our own Ben Wilson noted that the display doesn't offer a lot of articulation, so it can be hard to plug the cables into the ports at times.

Focused as a monitor for creatives, the monitor boasts excellent color accuracy out of the box. Content looks stunning on-screen, plus, you can quickly switch between color gamut profiles via the OSD or software. This purchase also comes with a Lenovo LC50 webcam, which has an excellent microphone for carrying your voice clearly for recordings or meetings.

"The L32p-30 can function as a serviceable gaming monitor if you've found it at an enticing discount, but its strongest points remain in the creative category. Still, bundling a wide-angle 1080p webcam with impressive dual microphones seals its fate as an ideal candidate for those working from home." — Ben Wilson

Bottom line

Why you can trust Windows Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best overall PC monitor is a tough choice to make. You have to decide what you want in a monitor before picking a random one off the shelf. Do you need something for gaming, creative work, or just general PC work? Gaming enthusiasts require a low response time and high refresh rate, while creatives will enjoy excellent color accuracy.

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Profile view of the Redmagic 4K Gaming Monitor

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Windows Central)

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There are so many great options out there as our collection here showcases. Still, the top pick we'd recommend you buy goes to the HP Omen 27qs. Gorgeous looks with exceptional color output are matched by a 2560x1440 resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, and HDR 400 certification. It's definitely pricey, but overall, it's one of the best monitors out there for most people.

If you're looking to play some games, we'd recommend the excellent Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM. This monitor is a monster for gaming, coming with an insanely fast response time of 0.03ms and a 240Hz refresh rate. It also supports G-Sync and FreeSync to allow it to smooth out gameplay when connected to systems with compatible GPUs.

Meanwhile, if you're looking for a monitor that allows you to multitask more efficiently, you can't go wrong with the Dell Ultrasharp 3 Curved Thunderbolt (U3425WE). It can easily fit two or even three windows on the screen so you can work in one and reference the other two for research or work data. It's incredibly helpful for work, school, or personal projects.

Rebecca Spear
Gaming and News Editor

Self-professed gaming geek, Rebecca Spear, is one of Windows Central's editors and reviewers with a focus on gaming handhelds, PC gaming, and laptops. When she isn't checking out the latest games on Xbox Game Pass, PC, ROG Ally, or Steam Deck; she can be found digital drawing with a Wacom tablet. She's written thousands of articles with everything from editorials, reviews, previews, features, previews, and hardware reviews over the last few years. If you need information about anything gaming-related, her articles can help you out. She also loves testing game accessories and any new tech on the market. You can follow her @rrspear on X (formerly Twitter).