Buying a monitor: how to choose a screen to suit your work, gaming and budget

Buying a monitor seems straightforward until you have to choose between Full HD, QHD, 4K, OLED, USB-C, HDR and different refresh rates. Marketing copy often focuses on one impressive specification, while other features get less attention. As a result, a screen may look appealing on paper but disappoint in your workspace.

Look out for these three common pitfalls:

• A high refresh rate without suitable hardware: 180 Hz or 240 Hz is only useful if your computer or console can also deliver enough frames.
• A high resolution on a screen that’s too small: 4K gives you plenty of detail, but text and interface elements may appear smaller. Check that your operating system supports scaling properly.
• Plenty of ports, but not the right functionality: a USB-C port doesn’t automatically mean the monitor can also transfer video, data and power to a laptop. Always check the stated Power Delivery rating and DisplayPort functionality.

The key specifications to compare when choosing a monitor

1. Screen size and resolution

For a monitor for working from home or the office, 24 to 27 inches is a common size. A Full HD monitor with 1920 × 1080 pixels may be enough for email, word processing and everyday browsing. However, Full HD looks less sharp on a 27-inch screen than on a 24-inch one.

A QHD monitor with 2560 × 1440 pixels gives you more workspace and sharper text. It’s a practical choice for spreadsheets, photo editing and having several windows open side by side. A 4K monitor with 3840 × 2160 pixels gives you even more detail, but puts more demands on your graphics card and may cost more.

An ultrawide monitor often has a 21:9 aspect ratio. This lets you place several windows side by side without needing a second screen. Be sure to check the width of your desk, though. A 34-inch model takes up considerably more space than a traditional 27-inch screen.

2. Panel technology and picture quality

• IPS: wide viewing angles and generally consistent colours. A good fit for office work, design and general use.
• VA: often has a higher static contrast ratio, which can make dark scenes look different.
• OLED or QD-OLED: the pixels produce their own light and, according to product specifications, can offer very high contrast and a fast response time. If you’ll be displaying static images for long periods, it’s worth checking the manufacturer’s maintenance features and warranty terms.

When it comes to HDR, don’t just look at the label. HDR10 or DisplayHDR True Black 400 indicates support or certification, but the overall experience also depends on brightness, contrast, local dimming and your computer’s HDR settings. According to the manufacturer’s own information or product listing, colour gamut and HDR performance can vary by model.

3. Refresh rate, connections and ergonomics

A standard 60Hz screen refreshes the image 60 times per second. A high-refresh-rate monitor at 100, 144, 175 or 240 Hz can display motion more smoothly. For office work, 100 or 120 Hz is often a practical step up. A higher refresh rate is more relevant for competitive gaming, provided your PC can make use of it.

Also check:

• HDMI and DisplayPort: check the version and the maximum resolution at each refresh rate.
• USB-C: check whether the port supports video and how many watts of power your laptop can receive.
• USB hub: handy for a mouse, keyboard and other peripherals.
• Ergonomics: height adjustment, tilt, swivel and pivot make your workspace more flexible.
• VESA compatibility: usually 100 × 100 mm or 75 × 75 mm; check this before buying an arm or wall mount.
• Energy rating: compare power consumption in SDR and HDR if the monitor will be on for many hours a day.

Recommended monitors for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Philips 1000 Series 24E2N1100LB/00 24" Full HD 100Hz VA Monitor

Why it suits this profile: The 24-inch size, Full HD resolution and 100Hz refresh rate are well suited to everyday office work, studying and multimedia, without unnecessary extra features.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications clearly state the size, 1920 × 1080 pixel resolution, VA panel and 100 Hz refresh rate. That means you know exactly what you’re getting, rather than having to rely on a vague claim about picture quality.

Key benefit & features

24 inches, Full HD, VA panel, 100 Hz and 4 ms response time.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

Alienware AW3425DW Computer Monitor 86.4cm (34") 3440 x 1440 Pixels Wide Quad HD QD-OLED Blue

Why it suits this profile: This 34-inch curved QD-OLED screen combines a 21:9 aspect ratio with 3440 × 1440 pixels and a stated refresh rate of 240 Hz.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The model lists the resolution, aspect ratio and refresh rate. Check in advance that your desk is wide enough and your graphics card supports these settings.

Key benefit & features

34 inches, QD-OLED, 3440 × 1440 pixels, curved design and 240 Hz.

Suitable for: Specialist needs & intensive users

DELL Pro Plus P2725DE Computer Monitor 68.6cm (27") 2560 x 1440 Pixels Quad HD LCD Black, Silver

Why it suits this profile: For a permanent workspace, this 27-inch QHD IPS model offers USB-C with up to 90W Power Delivery, an RJ45 port and extensive adjustability.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The USB-C functionality is clearly specified, with video, data and 90W power delivery. Check that your laptop supports USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode.

Key benefit & features

27 inches, QHD IPS, 100 Hz, USB-C with 90W Power Delivery, RJ45 and height adjustment.

Practical checks before you order

Before you check out, take a moment to check the following:

1. Will the screen fit on your desk? Measure the width and depth of your desk, as well as your maximum viewing distance.
2. Which cables are included? A monitor may have several ports, but without the right cable you may not be able to get the resolution or refresh rate you want.
3. Is the stand adjustable? Tilt alone isn’t the same as height adjustment or pivot.
4. What warranty applies? EU law provides a statutory guarantee of conformity; any additional manufacturer’s warranty can vary by brand and model.
5. What will it cost to run? Check the power consumption in the product specifications, especially for a large screen, high brightness or frequent HDR use.

Frequently asked questions about buying a monitor

Is a QHD monitor suitable for working from home?

Yes, QHD is practical if you use several windows or want sharper text. Check that your laptop or desktop supports 2560 × 1440 pixels through the connection you’ve chosen.

How long does a monitor last?

Its lifespan depends on build quality, hours of use, heat, settings and panel technology. LCD monitors can last a long time with normal use. For OLED models, it’s worth checking the pixel protection features, warranty and terms relating to possible image retention.

Does a larger or faster monitor use more power?

It can. A larger panel, higher brightness, HDR and a high refresh rate can all increase power consumption. So compare the energy rating and consumption per 1,000 hours in SDR and HDR, rather than looking only at the purchase price.