The Ultimate Monitor
Buying Guide
Everything you need to make the right choice
Whether you’re a gamer, professional, or someone who enjoys watching movies and browsing the web, the right monitor can significantly enhance your daily experience. With so many options available, finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming.
This buying guide will help you understand key specifications, choose the right size and aspect ratio, and explore additional features to consider. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for in your perfect monitor.
Understanding Monitor Specifications
Resolution
The resolution of a monitor refers to the number of pixels that make up the display.
Higher resolutions result in sharper and more detailed images. However, they also require more powerful hardware to run effectively, especially in gaming and video editing scenarios.
Full HD 1920x1080
This is the most common resolution and is suitable for most general tasks, including office work, web browsing, and watching movies.
QHD 2560x1440
Offering a higher pixel count than Full HD, 2K monitors provide better image clarity, making them ideal for gaming and graphic design.
4K 3840x2160
With four times the pixels of Full HD, 4K monitors deliver stunning detail and clarity, ideal for professional photo and video editing, as well as an immersive gaming experience.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second the monitor updates its image. Increased refresh rates lead to smoother motion, significantly enhancing the viewing experience, especially in fast-paced environments. Gamers and users in such activities benefit greatly from this improvement, as it reduces motion blur and enhances responsiveness.
60Hz
Standard for general use, providing a smooth experience for office work, web browsing, and watching videos.
120Hz and above
Recommended for gaming and fast-paced tasks. Higher refresh rates reduce motion blur and provide a more responsive experience.
Panel Type
Different panel types offer varying advantages in terms of
colour accuracy, viewing angles, and response times.
IPS
In-Plane Switching
Known for excellent colour accuracy and wide viewing angles. Ideal for graphic design, photo editing, and general use.
TN
Twisted Nematic
Recommended for gaming and fast-paced tasks. Higher refresh rates reduce motion blur and provide a more responsive experience.
VA
Vertical Alignment
Provides better colour reproduction and viewing angles than TN panels, with good contrast ratios. Suitable for general use and media consumption.
OLED
Organic Light Emitting Diode
Offers superior colour accuracy, contrast ratios, and faster response times. Ideal for high-end professional work and immersive gaming, but often more expensive.
Response Time
Response time measures how quickly a pixel changes from one colour to another. Lower response times reduce motion blur and ghosting, which is essential for fast-paced activities like gaming.
1ms to 4ms
Ideal for Gaming
Lower response times are crucial for reducing motion blur and ghosting in fast-paced games.
5ms to 8ms
Ideal for Professional Work
Professional work such as graphic design and video editing benefits more from colour accuracy than ultra-low response times.
Choosing the Right Monitor Size
and Aspect Ratio
Monitor Size
Monitor size plays a significant role in your overall experience, impacting productivity, immersion, and space requirements. Larger monitors provide more space for multitasking and an immersive viewing experience, but they also require more desk space.
24-27 inches
Ideal for office work and general use, offering a good balance between screen real estate and desk space.
27-32 inches
Suitable for gaming and media consumption, providing a more immersive experience.
32 inches and above
Best for professional work such as video editing and graphic design, where large screen real estate is beneficial.
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of the monitor. This metric is important in defining your field of view for specific tasks, whether it be gaming, watching content, or doing work.
16:9
Standard
The most common aspect ratio, suitable for general use, gaming, and media consumption.
21:9
Ultra-wide
Ultra-wide monitors provide a more immersive experience, ideal for gaming and multitasking.
32:9
Super Ultra-wide
Super ultra-wide monitors offer extensive screen real estate, perfect for professionals who need to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Additional Features to Consider
Adjustable Stands
Monitors with adjustable stands allow you to customise the height, tilt, and pivot of the screen, creating an ergonomic setup. This flexibility is essential for reducing strain on your neck and eyes during prolonged use, enhancing your overall experience and minimising physical discomfort.
Built-in Speakers
Some monitors come with built-in speakers, offering convenience and saving desk space. While built-in speakers offer convenience for general use, they may not provide the best audio quality for gaming or media consumption. For superior sound, external speakers or headphones are recommended.
Gaming-Specific Technologies
Gamers should consider monitors with technologies like AMD FreeSync, NVIDIA G-Sync, and HDR support to enhance their gaming experience. FreeSync and G-Sync ensure smoother gameplay by eliminating screen tearing, while HDR provides richer colours and better contrast, enhancing overall visual quality.
AMD FreeSync and
NVIDIA G-Sync
These technologies reduce screen tearing and stuttering by synchronising the monitor's refresh rate with the graphics card's frame rate.
HDR
(High Dynamic Range)
Enhances the contrast and colour range, providing more realistic and vibrant visuals in games and videos.
FAQs
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How do I know what monitor to get?Consider your primary use case (gaming, professional work, general use), budget, and space constraints. Depending on your lifestyle and use of a monitor, you might prioritise different specs. Focus on key specifications like resolution, refresh rate, panel type, and additional features.
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How do I choose a monitor for my computer?Match the monitor's specifications with your computer's capabilities. Ensure your graphics card can handle the monitor's resolution and refresh rate.
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How do I choose between monitors?Compare specifications, read reviews, and consider the brand's reputation. Look for monitors that offer the features and performance that align with your needs. Important metrics to look out for and research are refresh rate, response time, resolution, panel type etc.
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How far should I sit from a 27-inch monitor?The ideal viewing distance for a 27-inch monitor is between 60 and 100 cm, with a slight downward gaze of up to 16 degrees to reduce eye strain and improve comfort. Screens positioned too close or at eye level can increase visual discomfort (source)
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What else should I consider?Consider connectivity options (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C), warranty, and customer support. Look for features like blue light filters and flicker-free technology to reduce eye strain.
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Should I get a G-Sync or FreeSync monitor?Choose based on your graphics card: G-Sync for NVIDIA cards and FreeSync for AMD cards. Both technologies improve gaming performance by reducing screen tearing.
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Which monitor is right for you?The right monitor depends on your specific needs. Gamers should prioritise high refresh rates and low response times, while professionals might focus on colour accuracy and larger screen sizes. The first step to finding the right monitor for you is to determine what you will be using it for and what you personally value when it comes to your experience.
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Can I use my old TV instead?While you can use a TV as a monitor, it may not offer the same performance in terms of refresh rates, response times, and input lag. Monitors are specifically designed for closer viewing and detailed tasks, making them a better choice for computer use. For more information, check out our guide on TV vs Monitor.
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Should I get dual monitors?Setting up dual monitors can significantly enhance productivity by providing extra screen space for multitasking. Consider the space on your desk, your budget, and your specific needs. For example, professionals might benefit from having one monitor for work and another for reference materials, while gamers can enjoy an immersive experience by using one monitor for gaming and another for streaming or chats. Check that your computer's graphics card supports multiple monitors and offers sufficient ports for connectivity.
