A computer monitor is a versatile piece of equipment for your computing and entertainment needs. It’s a must for any desktop setup, and if you’re a laptop user, an additional monitor can help boost productivity when you’re working and give you a better screen for watching streamed movies and TV content when you’re relaxing.
How can an additional monitor help boost productivity? There are several ways you could incorporate one into your laptop workstation. For example, if you work with multiple spreadsheets at once, an additional screen gives you a place to put that second or third spreadsheet. Instead of squinting to view several panels on one small screen, you can spread out your work for easy viewing and access.
What’s more, if you have a laptop whose screen doesn’t adequately display your streamed content or games how you want it to, an additional monitor can up your game. Whereas a laptop may not have full HD resolution — and may only have a screen of 17 inches or less — a larger monitor with full HD resolution can significantly improve your movie nights and gaming sessions.
If you’re shopping for a new computer monitor, there are some specs to consider first, such as size, resolution and panel type. The combination of specs you choose creates your user experience.
One of our favorite computer monitors on the market today is the Dell S2722DZ 27-Inch Computer Monitor. It has a quad high-definition display that makes streamed content immersive and enjoyable. We also like LG FHD 27-Inch Computer Monitor. For hardcore gamers, it effectively manages refresh rates for a pleasurable gaming experience.
What are you looking for in a monitor? We think our list of top computer monitors has something to offer just about everyone.
Best computer monitors
Dell S2722DZ 27-Inch Computer Monitor
This Dell monitor has several fantastic features, and the specs make it one of the best all-around monitors, so it’s suitable no matter what you intend to use it for.
This monitor has a quad high-definition display that renders 2,560 by 1,440 pixels at a 16:9 aspect ratio. Essentially, the image quality is twice as good as a full high-definition display. It has a built-in webcam, noise-canceling microphones and dual 5-watt speakers.
It provides 65 watts of power to maintain your laptop charging, and it has a 5-megapixel IR pop-up camera with features such as facial recognition through Windows Hello for secure sign-on. It has USB-C ports and a height-adjustable stand that can be tilted and swiveled for maximum comfort.
LG FHD 27-Inch Computer Monitor
If you’re looking for an external computer monitor to elevate your gaming to the next level, you won’t be disappointed with this LG 27-Inch monitor. The display doesn’t offer the high resolution our top pick does, but it’s full high-definition, and the three-sided borderless design allows for wide viewing angles.
AMDFreeSync helps manage refresh rates and reduces tearing, flickering and stuttering for smooth gameplay. Readers’ Mode is excellent for minimizing eye strain during extended working or gaming sessions, and Dynamic Action Sync reduces input lag, so your performance never suffers. Also, LG’s Black Stabilizers automatically detect dark scenes and adjust settings for improved picture quality and rich contrast.
Screen Split is an excellent feature for increasing productivity, as it lets you work on two things simultaneously, and On-Screen control lets you tweak settings on the fly.
Samsung 27-Inch CF39 Series
If you’ve ever owned a curved TV, you may have experienced buyer’s remorse since they’re not optimal for a TV-watching experience. Understandably, it could make you wary about considering this curved monitor. But that would be a mistake, and we’ll explain why.
A curved computer monitor is meant for a single person at a head-on angle and is an excellent choice for gamers and those who want to stream HD movies and TV shows. This monitor will add depth and picture quality you might not be accustomed to and may surprise you with how great it looks.
The ultra-slim design makes it suitable for even the most cluttered work areas. It has AMDFreeSync for reducing flickering and stuttering, and the 1,800R curvature delivers outstanding image quality and panoramic views. Plus, a 4ms response time lets you see fast-moving action clearly without lagging.