What makes the best monitor?
A monitor should be precisely tailored to the needs of the user, but that doesn’t make things any easier. Because every monitor has its individual strengths and weaknesses and many monitors are suitable for multiple purposes. In general, it can be said that simple activities like surfing the web, writing emails and composing texts work well on any monitor. But with so many different manufacturers, sizes and other values being advertised, it’s easy to lose track. How do you know which monitor is the right one for you?
Photographer, Gamer or Office worker? Different values are important depending on the field, and while displaying a wide color gamut and a large screen area is important for editing photos, sharp, clear type is important for anyone who spends their entire workday looking at a monitor. However, a fast response time and refresh rate is important for any gamer. Office workers especially need a screen that’s easy to adjust, as well as a clear image that’s still bright enough even in light-filled office spaces.
To help you find the perfect monitor for you, we’ve picked out some of the best ones here and divided them into different categories. In addition, we even offer you alternatives that have to make concessions in some points, but can shine with other features.
The best 144Hz monitors
144Hz monitor: ASUS XG27AQ
A high Hertz number ensures a smooth and responsive picture, which is why 144 Hz monitors are becoming increasingly popular. The ROG Strix XG27AQ from ASUS convinces with FreeSync and a G-SYNC compatibility, as well as a response time of 1 ms. In addition, the IPS panel ensures brilliant colors. The monitor can be adjusted well and has a very wide viewing angle. The XG27AQ can also be used well in brightly lit rooms. Unfortunately, you will not find an HDMI 2.1 port and the contrast ratio could be better.
Alternative: ViewSonic Elite XG270QG
- Great response time
- Low input lag
- Good reflection behavior
- Wide viewing angle
- Poor color accuracy out of the box
- Cannot produce deep blacks
Alternative: Gigabyte M32U
- 4K resolution
- 2x HDMI 2.1
- Response time 1ms
- Mediocre contrast ratio
- Bad local dimming
The best 240Hz monitors
240Hz monitor: Samsung Odyssey G7
- FreeSync Premium Pro
- 1000R camber radius
- HDR
- Game Mode
- no HDMI 2.1 port
Our recommendation for the best 240 Hz monitor is the Samsung Odyssey G7. It is especially convincing with its installed VA panel, which ensures a high contrast and thus produces a deep black. The WQHD resolution displays enough details and thanks to a response time of 1ms, VRR, FreeSync, G-Sync compatibility, the G7 is the perfect candidate to take home one win after another. The curved design even gives you an immersive gaming experience, as it puts you more in the action.
Alternative: Dell AW2721D
- High response time
- Wide viewing angle
- Low input lag
- No HDMI 2.1 port
- Low contrast ratio
Alternative: ASUS VG279QM
- Overclockable to 280Hz
- Good ergonomics
- Fast response time
- No HDMI 2.1 port
- Low contrast
- High input lag at 60 Hz
The best 4K monitors
4K monitor: Gigabyte M32U
Our best 4K monitor is the Gigabyte M32U with two HDMI 2.1 ports and a 120Hz display. This makes 4K gaming at 120Hz possible without any problems and thus the monitor is also suitable if you want to use it with the new PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles.
Furthermore, the monitor offers a fast response time, a peak brightness of 350 nits and a wide viewing angle. This means you can even play multiplayer games in front of a screen without anyone having to look at a washed out image.
Alternative: Dell S2721QS
- Wide viewing angle
- Good ergonomics
- Large screen with high resolution
- Poor performance in dark rooms
- Low contrast ratio
Alternative: LG C1
- Perfect black
- High contrast
- Wide viewing angle
- 4K@120 Hz
- Gaming mode does not get very bright
- No display port
The best Curved monitors
Curved Monitor: Samsung Odyssey G7
- FreeSync Premium Pro
- 1000R camber radius
- HDR
- Game Mode
- no HDMI 2.1 port
The best curved monitor is the Odyssey G7 from Samsung. Due to the QHD resolution, it delivers a good picture, even though the 1000R curvature requires some getting used to at first. Thanks to the VA panel, the G7 also delivers very solid contrast and deep blacks, which is why you can use it very well in dark rooms. Gamers will be interested in the 240Hz refresh rate, a response time of 1ms and support for both FreeSync and G-Sync.
Alternative: LG 34GP950G-B
- Low input lag
- High peak brightness
- G-Sync
- Poor black levels in dark rooms
- No HDMI 2.1 connection
Alternative: Samsung Odyssey G9
- Huge 32:9 screen
- 240 Hz
- FreeSync and G-Sync
- High contrast and deep black levels
- The strong curvature makes it difficult to use with several people
- Problems with VRR at 60 Hz
The best Pivot monitors
Pivot monitor: ASUS ProArt PA278CV
The ProArt Display PA278CV from ASUS is a real all-rounder thanks to its versatility and can score additional points with its pivot function. The ability to rotate the screen by 90° not only finds a good place in offices, but also in gaming. Especially for streamers, a screen for reading the chat is important and due to the crystal-clear picture of the ProArt display, this is possible without any problems. The WQHD resolution does not make the font too small and everything runs smoothly thanks to the 75 Hz.
Alternative: LG 27GN880 27GN880
- 144 Hz
- Ergo stand
- High resolution
- Wide viewing angle
- No HDMI 2.1
- No local dimming
Alternative: Dell S2721QS
- 4K resolution
- Wide viewing angle
- Good ergonomics
- Poor performance in dark rooms
- Low contrast ratio
The best PlayStation 5 monitors
PlayStation 5 Monitor: Gigabyte M32U
We can also recommend the Gigabyte M32U for Sony’s PlayStation 5 console, which should satisfy every gamer. Two HDMI 2.1 ports, a fast response time and a wide viewing angle offer enormous gaming fun, even in local multiplayer mode with friends.
However, you should use one or the other light source with the monitor, otherwise the low contrast and the uneven black level will be too noticeable in the dark.
Alternative: Dell S2721QS
- Good ergonomics
- Good response time
- VRR support
- Large screen and high resolution
- Mediocre contrast ratio
- No Black Frame Insertion
Alternative: LG C1
- TV as monitor
- 4K resolution
- HDMI 2.1 port
- OLED panel
- Non-adjustable stand
- Theoretical burn-in
- Poor performance in bright rooms
- Price
The best Ultrawide monitors
ultrawide monitor: LG 38WN95C-W 38WN95C-W
- Response time 1ms
- DisplayHDR
- almost frameless design
- G-SYNC compatible
- no HDMI 2.1 port
Our favorite as the best ultrawide monitor is the LG 38WN95C-W, which can convince with an aspect ratio of 21:9. This provides enough space to have several windows open side by side, and with a resolution of 3840 x 1600, everything also looks super sharp. At 144Hz, everything also moves quickly and precisely. In addition, the IPS panel offers wide viewing angles and rich colors.
The monitor is also a good choice because it offers various connectivity options: a USB hub, USB-C, as well as a Thunderbolt 3 port, which is really something special. Only the ergonomic behavior is not quite convincing, since it can only be tilted and swiveled minimally.
Alternative: LG 34GP950G-B
- Native G-Sync
- Low input lag
- High peak brightness
- Black tones look gray in dark rooms
- No HDMI 2.1
Alternative: Samsung Odyssey G9
- Huge 32:9 screen
- 240 Hz
- FreeSync and G-Sync
- High contrast and deep black levels
- The strong curvature makes it difficult to use with several people
- Problems with VRR at 60 Hz
The best Xbox Series X monitors
Xbox Series X Monitor: Gigabyte M32U
If you are looking for a suitable monitor for the Xbox Series X, then you are well served with the Gigabyte M32U. It offers two HDMI 2.1 ports to fully utilize the Microsoft console and enjoy 4K gaming @ 120Hz. Furthermore, it is responsive and can also be used as a monitor for multiplayer games due to the wide viewing angle.
Alternative: Samsung Odyssey G7
- 240 Hz
- Native FreeSync support and compatible with G-SYNC
- Great contrast ratio
- Low input lag
- No HDMI 2.1
Alternative: LG C1
- TV as monitor
- 4K resolution
- HDMI 2.1 port
- OLED panel
- Non-adjustable stand
- Theoretical burn-in
- Poor performance in bright rooms
- Price
The best 27 inch monitors
27 inch monitor: Samsung Odyssey G7
- FreeSync Premium Pro
- 1000R camber radius
- HDR
- Game Mode
- no HDMI 2.1 port
If you are looking for a very good 27-inch monitor, you should definitely take a closer look at the Samsung Odyssey G7, since the overall package is simply right here. Especially if you play fast and competitive games like shooters, the G7 offers everything you need: a response time of 1ms, 240Hz, VRR via FreeSync and G-Sync.
The 1000R curvature adds to the immersion and puts you right in the middle of the action. The narrow viewing angle does not make much of a difference here. The screen also cuts a much better figure than other monitors due to the WQHD resolution, since you have enough room for multitasking.
Alternative: ASUS VG279QM
- 280 Hz
- Good viewing angle
- Good ergonomics
- Low contrast
- High input lag at 60 Hz
Alternative: ASUS ProArt PA278QV
- Good ergonomics
- Wide viewing angles
- Flicker free
- No HDR
- Only 75 Hz
- Low contrast
The best 32 inch monitors
32 inch monitor: Gigabyte M32U
With two HDMI 2.1 ports and 4K resolution, the Gigabyte M32U is one of our best 32-inch monitors. It can take full advantage of the new consoles and also delivers a precise 120Hz display. However, it can also be used super as an office monitor since it has a slim design and thus fits on every desk.
Furthermore, the monitor has a wide viewing angle, is responsive and gets bright enough with 350 nits to display HDR content well. However, it should be used in rooms that are not quite as dark, otherwise the low contrast and uneven blacks will be too noticeable.
Alternative: Samsung Odyssey G7
- 240 Hz
- FreeSync Premium Pro
- 1000R camber radius
- HDR
- Game Mode
- No HDMI 2.1
Alternative: LG 32UL500-W
- 4K resolution
- High contrast
- Strong color gamut
- Only 60 Hz
- Few gaming features
The best Allround monitors
Allround Monitor: Samsung Odyssey G7
- FreeSync Premium Pro
- 1000R camber radius
- HDR
- Game Mode
- no HDMI 2.1 port
The Samsung Odyssey G7 can also shine as an all-round monitor and not only pleases the gaming community with its values. 240Hz, 1ms response time and VRR support with FreeSync and G-Sync make every gamer’s heart beat faster. In addition, the curvature offers a unique, immersive experience that puts you right in the middle of the action.
But the Odyssey G7 can also function as an office monitor, as it displays rich colors and clear lines. In addition, content runs smoothly and quickly and the 32 inches offer enough space for multitasking. Furthermore, various devices can be connected and a Picture-in-Picture mode is available to display two input signals simultaneously.
Alternative: Acer Predator XB253QGP
- 144 Hz
- High contrast
- Good viewing angle
- Low price
- No HDMI 2.1
Alternative: LG 27GN880 27GN880
- 144 Hz
- Ergo stand
- High resolution
- Wide viewing angle
- No HDMI 2.1
- No local dimming
The best Gaming monitors
The best gaming monitor: Samsung Odyssey G7
- FreeSync Premium Pro
- 1000R camber radius
- HDR
- Game Mode
- no HDMI 2.1 port
As the best gaming monitor, we can recommend Samsung’s Odyssey G7 as it offers excellent values for any gamer. QHD resolution, a 1000R curvature for incredible immersion, a refresh rate of 240Hz and a response time of 1 ms. In addition, FreeSync and G-Sync are supported, and the Odyssey G7 features a VA panel that delivers good contrast and solid black levels. This makes the monitor suitable for dark rooms but the viewing angle is unfortunately not as good here.
The monitor also features a USB hub, RGB bias lighting on the back, and Picture-in-Picture mode, which allows two input signals to be displayed simultaneously. Perfect for comfortably watching a series while you have to do annoying quests to progress in the game.
Alternative: Gigabyte M32U
- 4K resolution
- 144 Hz
- HDMI 2.1
- KVM function
- HDR too weak in dark rooms
Alternative: ViewSonic Elite XG270QG
- 165 Hz
- NVIDIA G-Sync (native)
- RGB lighting
- Dark rooms
The best Graphics monitors
Graphic monitor: Eizo CG279X
- wide color gamut (including 99% AdobeRGB coverage)
- Resolution up to 4K
- Sensor for automatic self-calibration
- True Black Display
- price
The Enzo brand is considered the holy grail among graphics monitors, and for good reason. The CG279X is one of the best monitors for creative minds and impresses not only with a good contrast ratio of 1300:1, but also a brightness of 350 cd/m2. Various models even enable 4K resolution so that every detail is visible, and 99% of the Adobe RGB color space, as well as 98% of the DCI-P3 standard are supported. This means that RAW formats converted to AdobeRBG are reproduced with absolute color fidelity.
Alternative: ASUS ProArt PA278CV
- Excellent color gamut
- Wide viewing angles
- High resolution
- Built-in ruler and screen overlays to aid measurement/alignment
- Low contrast ratios
- Poor HDR support
Alternative: Dell S2721QS
- 4K resolution
- Wide viewing angle
- Good ergonomics
- Poor performance in dark rooms
- Low contrast ratio
The best Office monitors
office monitor: ASUS ProArt PA278CV
The home office deserves a very good screen and the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV is our favorite in this regard. Whether for normal office tasks or creative work, the ASUS monitor is a very good choice in both cases. It offers a great ergonomic variety and can be individually adjusted to the user. Furthermore, the 27-inch monitor offers a QHD resolution and thus provides enough space for multitasking.
The refresh rate of 75Hz is solid, allowing content to run smoothly. The IPS panel also offers a wide viewing angle, making sharing content with colleagues or co-workers no problem. Furthermore, color accuracy is excellent and the display covers the full sRGB range. Additionally, the monitor has various interfaces and even a USB hub. Third-party devices can also be connected and charged via the DisplayPort.
Unfortunately, HDR support is not available. The response time is very low though and VRR is also supported, which prevents tearing.
Alternative: Dell S2721QS
- 4K resolution
- Wide viewing angle
- Good ergonomics
- Poor performance in dark rooms
- Low contrast ratio
Alternative: Gigabyte M27Q
- 170 Hz
- Wide viewing angles
- Good visibility in bright rooms
- Exceptional SDR color gamut
- Black looks gray in dark environments
- Poor ergonomics
The best Monitors under 200 Dollars
Monitor under 200 Dollar: Asus VA24DQLB
The Asus VA24DQLB is worth its money. The installed IPS panel resolves with 1920 x 1080 pixels and offers strong viewing angle stability and illumination. The color purity is excellent. Thanks to low input lag and FreeSync support, a few games in between are also possible. However, without LFC and with only 75 Hz, the anti-tearing measure is only effective in a limited range. The model also scores with extensive ergonomics, high energy efficiency and USB 2.0 interfaces.
Alternative: HP X24ih
- 144 Hz
- Low input lag
- Good ergonomics
- Few connection options
- No HDR
Alternative: Samsung C27F396FHU
- High contrast
- Energy efficiency
- Few connection options
The best Monitors under 500 Dollars
Monitor under 500 Dollar: ASUS ProArt PA278CV
A good all-rounder and thus the best monitor under 500 Euros is the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV. Primarily, creative people will enjoy this monitor since it offers quite a bit of space with 27 inches, but also displays very high color accuracy and covers the complete sRGB color space. Furthermore, various third-party devices like a camera or laptop can be charged via the USB C port.
However, the ASUS display is also very suitable for the home office or casual gamers. 75Hz, a low response time and VRR support make the screen a good candidate for gaming and it can also be used as a monitor in portrait mode.
Alternative: ASUS VG279QM
- Overclockable to 280Hz
- Good ergonomics
- Strong response time
- No HDMI 2.1
- Low contrast
- High input lag at 60 Hz
Alternative: Gigabyte M27Q
- 170 Hz
- Wide viewing angles
- Good visibility in bright rooms
- Exceptional SDR color gamut
- Black looks gray in dark environments
- Poor ergonomics