Become a TechRadar Insider
The best monitors on the market today are a sight to behold, making for worthy displays that would fit any PC setup, whether that be for work, gaming, creativity, or good ol' entertainment. If it's time for an upgrade or an all-new screen, you'll be impressed with the visuals these displays have to offer.
And we would know; with over 20 years of testing and reviewing the latest displays, my team of monitor experts and I can help you find the perfect display for your setup. From budget 1080p bangers for fast-paced gameplay to 4K OLED stunners for creative work and beyond, we here at TechRadar have put each monitor we get in through rigorous hands-on and lab testing to choose the ones worth buying.
In this guide, we've handpicked every monitor on this list based on the key criteria I think about when I test or shop for a new monitor: budget, performance, design, and feature set.
✅ More than 100 monitors reviewed over the past few years
✅ 15 years of product testing
✅ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
✅ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
No single monitor will be the perfect choice for everyone's needs, which is why we've picked a selection of displays to cover a wide range of purposes. So, if you're a gamer, we'd recommend the Alienware 27 AW2725Q as the best gaming monitor right now, balancing striking 4K OLED visuals with amazing image quality, and all at an affordable price.
If you're just looking for a simple, affordable display to act as a second screen for your laptop, the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor is the best budget monitor we've tested right now. Better yet, this 1080p screen still comes with plenty of perks. For those after a huge, 4K ultrawide monitor that does it all, look no further than the gigantic 44-inch LG UltraGear GX9 for immersive screen real estate.
Whatever your monitor needs are, I've got you covered with the best monitors we've tested. Let's dive in.
The best monitor overall
✅ You want a single monitor for everything: MSI's X24’s 4K resolution and fast panel mean you get sharp text for work and smooth motion for play—all in one.
✅ You're after cutting-edge OLED tech: With Samsung's latest five-layer Tandem QD-OLED tech, you're getting all the benefits of deep blacks, rich colors and even better resistance to OLED burn-in. This will last you for years.
❌ You’re after a supremely bright display: We'd expect a huge upgrade in brightness here, but as with most OLEDs, this can be a touch dim.
❌ You’re after a bargain 4K display: This is a 4K OLED display, after all, and sporting the latest specs, so expect a high price tag (that said, it's still not the most expensive you'll find).
Looking for top-grade visuals on a minimalist, sturdy display sporting all the high-end ports you could ask for? The MSI MPG 322UR QD-OLED X24 provides, which is why we've named it the best monitor you can grab today.
Workers, gamers and creatives alike will have everything they could want. Sharp 4K visuals with a 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, along with a full range of adjustment, including tilt, height, swivel, rotate and pivot (not to portrait mode, though), make this a fitting monitor for most desks.
While using this monitor, our team found the HDR experience genuinely impressive; it’s not just technically good—it’s the kind of eye-popping upgrade that makes gaming and movies feel special. The panel tech here isn’t just about numbers, either: the QD-OLED delivers color pop and contrast that most LCDs can’t touch.
You get dual HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, and a USB-C port with 98W power delivery—meaning you can hook up a laptop or console with a single cable and still charge your device. That’s a huge plus if you’re juggling between home office and entertainment setups.
Now, brightness isn't its strong suit, and it is relatively pricey. That being said, that's typical of most OLED displays, and it's still not the most expensive around. But if you’re after a single, long-term display that nails the basics and then some, the X24 is the overall winner this year.
Read our full MSI MPG 322UR QD-OLED X24 review
The best budget monitor
✅ You want maximum value on a tight budget: It’s hard to beat the GW2486TC’s $189.99 / £149.99 / AU$289 price for a monitor that delivers across work, media, and even some light gaming.
✅ You need flexible viewing comfort: With 130mm height adjustment, wide swivel, and tilt, it’s easy to set up for any desk or task.
❌ You need professional-grade color or gaming specs: As you might expect, it lacks the advanced calibration tools and color precision found on higher-end models, along with the high refresh rates or response times of displays for gamers.
❌ You want built-in KVM or cable management: There’s no KVM switch or dedicated cable management, so it’s less suited for multi-device setups.
There are plenty of wallet-friendly displays out there, especially if you're after a second screen to connect to your laptop, but none quite reach the value the BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor offers.
At its sub-$200 price (it goes for even less during a big sale), it’s a monitor that won’t make your wallet wince, yet it delivers 99% sRGB coverage. That's enough to handle creative work, streaming, and everyday office tasks. Beyond that, it even boasts a 100Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time, and that's more than good enough for some casual gaming.
In our reviewer's month of everyday use, the GW2486TC proved fantastic for all-day work. That 250-nit brightness isn't the brightest by far, but it's perfectly fine for office setups, and combined with its excellent ergonomic stand (130mm of height adjustment, generous swivel and tilt for even vertical viewing), it’s easy to fine-tune for long work sessions or awkward desk setups. Don't expect pro-grade specs here, but that's to be expected at this cost.
If you’re after a practical, reliable monitor for mixed use on a budget, and don’t mind skipping cable management and KVM, the GW2486TC is the obvious choice. It’s built for the buyer who needs one display that just works, day in and day out.
Read our full BenQ GW2486TC Eye-Care Monitor review
The best monitor for professionals
✅ You demand professional color accuracy: Measured 98% DCI-P3 coverage and factory calibration (Delta E < 2) means you can trust this display for color-critical work.
✅ You need ergonomic flexibility: The stand supports height, tilt, swivel, and pivot, so you can set it up for long sessions without neck strain.
❌ You require 4K resolution or Thunderbolt: This model tops out at 2560 x 1440 and lacks Thunderbolt, so power users needing single-cable workflows or ultra-fine detail will want to look elsewhere.
❌ You need full control in HDR mode: When HDR is enabled, brightness and contrast controls are locked out; if you toggle HDR often, this could slow down your workflow.
Pro-level displays are no longer the premium-priced, inaccessible purchase they started out to be – at least as far as the InnoCN GA27S1Q is concerned. This 27-inch panel delivers measured 98% DCI-P3 color coverage and arrives factory-calibrated with Delta E under 2, letting you trust what you see for color-critical client work and print proofs.
Where this display quietly excels is in day-to-day studio comfort. The stand offers generous 120mm height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and a full 90-degree pivot, so getting your palettes, timelines, or canvases exactly where you want them won’t involve makeshift risers or neck strain during long sessions.
There’s a quirk worth flagging: when HDR mode is on, you can’t adjust brightness or contrast, or select other picture modes. Full customization returns once HDR is deactivated. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a detail you’ll notice if you bounce between SDR and HDR tasks.
If color accuracy, pro ergonomics, and value rank highest on your checklist, the InnoCN GA27S1Q stands out among pro monitors this year. Those demanding 4K or all-in-one Thunderbolt simplicity will still look elsewhere, but for most creative workflows, this display gets the essentials right and leaves budget for the rest of your studio. Creatives may want higher resolution and more color modes, but for the most part (and that price), this monitor excels.
Read our full InnoCN GA27S1Q review
The best gaming monitor
✅ You want esports-grade responsiveness: The 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time mean smooth, lag-free action in fast-paced games.
✅ You care about cinematic visuals as much as speed: HDR performance in dark scenes is genuinely fantastic, so games look dramatic as well as sharp, only made better by its 4K QD-OLED panel.
❌ You’re on a strict budget: For a 27-inch display, this is by no means cheap, even if the perks it offers are well worth it. That said, it's not the priciest 4K OLED gaming monitor around.
❌ You want easy, high-refresh gaming on a mid-tier PC: Driving 4K at high refresh rates demands a powerful GPU, so if your setup can't reach the demands the GX9 offers, you won't take full advantage of what it shows.
The Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED is exactly what any gamer could want in a gaming monitor right now: a 27-inch sweet spot that delivers a 240Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth esports action. That compact panel size keeps it practical for most desks, while the high refresh rate puts it in a different league – especially with its 4K QD-OLED panel.
Responsiveness is the main event here. We measured a blistering 0.03ms response time (per spec), and the inclusion of both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync adaptive sync means you can count on fluid, tear-free gameplay no matter your GPU.
The 4K resolution brings games and desktop tasks to life with razor-sharp clarity, fonts look crisp, and in supported titles, you’ll get plenty of detail. Where this QD-OLED really stands out, though, is in HDR: in darker game scenes, the contrast and color pop are genuinely fantastic, giving single-player adventures a cinematic punch.
Our reviewer ran the AW2725Q as a primary display for a week, not just for gaming but for work and media as well. It was comfortable for long hours, and the stand is nicely adjustable.
That said, you do pay a premium for the privilege. But if you want a top-tier gaming experience in a manageable size, and don’t need the flagship ultrawide or creative-centric extras, the AW2725Q is the best upgrade for most PC gamers.
Read our full Alienware 27 AW2725Q review
The best ultrawide monitor
✅ You want a single, uninterrupted workspace: The GX9’s 44.5-inch, 5K2K (5120 x 2160) panel replaces a dual-monitor setup and gives you a seamless field for multitasking.
✅ You crave immersive, cinematic gaming or movies: Its 800R curvature and wide format create a wraparound experience that pulls you into your content.
❌ You have limited desk space: The 44.5-inch panel may be overwhelming or impractical on small desks. Consider how big your workspace is before grabbing this beast.
❌ You're looking for something more affordable: With everything it has to offer, the GX9 is an investment that will last you for years to come. But make sure your wallet is ready for a major dent.
The LG Ultragear GX9 is what happens when you want a single display to do the job of two (or three) monitors. It stretches 44.5 inches across your desk and packs a 5K2K (5120 x 2160) resolution, giving you a panoramic workspace that makes juggling spreadsheets and chat apps feel effortless.
The 800R curve pulls the far edges in, so you’re not just looking at a really wide rectangle—the screen wraps around your field of view for a more immersive, cinematic effect. Our lead tester spent hours gaming on the GX9 (think Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077) and found it genuinely delivered the kind of engrossing, all-encompassing experience ultrawide fans are after. If you want your games and movies to fill your vision, this gets you there.
Performance-wise, the 165Hz refresh rate and 0.03 response time mean you’re getting smooth motion for fast-paced games, not just static work apps. The GX9’s higher refresh rate and massive screen make it a better fit for immersive multitasking and gaming. Plus, it helps that the GX9 has a 98.5% DCI-P3 color coverage to make colors pop.
Of course, all this comes at a price. The GX9 is expensive, and if you’re working with a tight budget, this isn’t the ultrawide for you. Regardless, for buyers chasing the ultimate immersive canvas, the GX9 holds its own, nailing that sweet spot of performance, features, and enveloping screen space.
Read our full LG Ultragear GX9 45GX950A-B review
The best curved monitor
✅ You want a truly immersive curved workspace: The 34-inch curved ultrawide screen draws you in for games and multitasking alike.
✅ You care about color and visual punch: With 95% measured color gamut, images and movies feel lively and rich.
❌ You rely on USB-C or Thunderbolt docking: The AW3425DWM skips Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C, so it's less streamlined for single-cable setups.
❌ You need built-in multitasking features: There’s no Picture-by-Picture or advanced multitasking onboard. Look elsewhere if you're after a feature-rich experience to tinker with.
The Alienware AW3425DWM 34-inch is the go-to choice if you're after an immersive curved monitor that feels just as suited for cinematic gaming as it does for multitasking. Its 34-inch curved ultrawide design really draws you in, making both wide spreadsheets and open-world games feel that much more expansive.
What impressed us most was the combination of sharp 3440 x 1440 resolution and a color gamut measured at 95%. Not quite professional-grade, but more than enough for vibrant movies, detailed images, and rich everyday content. This panel delivers the kind of visual fidelity you'd expect from a premium display, even if you're not editing photos for a living.
And that price? You'd be hard-pressed to find a curved monitor that won't break the bank, let alone feature a 3440 x 1440 resolution, 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. That makes it amazing for immersive gameplay.
However, you do give up a few things for the price: the Alienware AW3425DWM lacks Thunderbolt 3, Picture-by-Picture, and USB-C connectivity, so if your workflow depends on those features or you want effortless docking, you'll want to check out other options. Otherwise, compared to pricier OLED ultrawides, this Alienware curved monitor is a win.
Read our full Alienware A3425DWM review
The best monitor for speed
✅ You want one of the fastest esports displays possible: The Odyssey OLED G6 G60SF offers a true 500Hz refresh rate, giving you a measurable edge when every frame and millisecond count.
✅ You demand top-tier motion clarity: This monitor’s 0.03ms response time means fast-moving targets stay sharp, helping you track and aim with confidence in high-action games.
❌ You don't need esports-level speeds: That 500Hz refresh rate is high, but not everyone will notice the clear difference over, say, a 240Hz refresh rate display. This one's really for esports pros and competitive enthusiasts.
❌ Your PC isn't up to snuff: The 500Hz refresh rate is only useful if your PC can hit 500 FPS, so make sure your setup can handle it first.
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 G60SF is one of the fastest gaming monitors we’ve ever tested, and with a genuine 500Hz refresh rate, it’s built for one thing: raw, competitive speed. In our hands-on sessions, we found motion blur was minimal and input lag almost nonexistent, so every frame from your GPU lands on screen with barely a hint of delay.
Backing up that speed is an OLED panel rated for a 0.03ms response time. That means even at the highest frame rates, fast-moving targets stay razor-sharp, giving you confidence to snap-aim and track without visual distractions.
Here's the thing. Unless you're on an esports level, or trying to reach those heights, you won't see a significant difference between 500Hz and a 240Hz refresh rate. And that lofty tag makes sense only if you have the PC hardware (and competitive ambition) to push it.
Put simply, if online shooters are your main game and you want to feel every last speed advantage, the Odyssey OLED G6 G60SF is a dream ticket. Everyone else? You’re probably better off with a more balanced (and affordable) display.
Read our full Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 G60SF review
The best monitors: FAQs
Which monitor quality is best?
Well, this really depends on a couple of factors, but first and foremost is your use case.
If you're just a typical PC gamer looking for the best image quality, getting a 4K monitor is going to make your games look fantastic. If you're an esports competitor (or simply like improving in online games), then the only thing that matters is pixel response and refresh rate.
Even a 1080p resolution is acceptable so long as it has at least 1ms pixel response or lower. The refresh on 1080p monitors can go as high as 1,000Hz these days, with the very latest monitors coming onto the market. That said, that's way too high for most, so if you find one with 200Hz and above, you're already in the right range.
For most people, though, a 1440p monitor is perfect, since the jump from 1440p to 4K isn't nearly as impressive as the jump from 1080p to 1440p. That goes for the price tag, too.
What is best screen size for 4K?
Depending on how far away from the screen you are, there will be a point where it just doesn't benefit you to upgrade to a new monitor with a higher resolution.
Typically, 32 inches is considered the best monitor size since this is the size where a person sitting about 3 feet away from a screen will be able to see the difference between 4K and 1440p. The difference isn't going to be huge, but it will be there. Still, many 4K monitors can come with a 27-inch display, and while that's quite compact, it's still a dream to look at over 1440p.
How to choose the best monitor for you
To answer this, first, you need to ask what you need it to do.
Are you a gamer? Then you need to go for the lowest pixel response rate you can afford (0.03ms is the target right now, but 1ms is still enough), even if it means sacrificing image quality. Then you'll need a super high refresh rate. At least 120Hz, but most gaming monitors go well above this (as in, 500Hz and beyond). All that matters is winning, after all, victory doesn't have to be pretty.
Are you a visual content creator, a photographer, or a graphic designer? Then you will definitely need a monitor that has the widest possible color coverage, usually given in percentage of various gamuts. sRGB is the gamut that covers the web, while DCI-P3 is the industry standard for films, and the Adobe gamut covers illustrators and photographers for the most part. Regardless of your use case, you need to get as close to 100% of your particular gamut as possible.
If you're on a high-end gaming desktop with the best graphics card on the market, then a 4K monitor might be more of what you're looking for. 4K monitors can now bring refresh rates of 240Hz and higher, and OLED brings amazing colors and deep blacks, so these are definitely the 4K panels that you need to keep an eye out for.
How we test monitors
We review monitors based on a number of factors, including price, design, and performance. We consider the size of each display, as well as the number and type of ports on each monitor, to determine which display would benefit each user most. Each monitor is used in a variety of scenarios, so we use it for work, media consumption, and gaming to test what it’s best suited to.
Performance is also evaluated by how well the actual screen tech works and its refresh rate. Frames per second are especially important in gaming monitors because you’ll want a high refresh rate during competitive games so you don’t miss a minute of the action.
Today's best monitor deals
