HP Z25n review

The "n" models bring a lot of visual appeal to HP's mid-market Z series monitor lineup thanks to its nearly bezel-less design. Single-monitor office workers will appreciate that the slim bezels give the illusion that the Z25n takes up less space on a desk, while multi-monitor users will appreciate that you can seamlessly connect multiple Z25n displays together to expand your workspace without much visual interruption between screens.

We liked

With a starting size of 23 inches, HP fills a niche in the business-class display space by cramming more pixels into smaller screens, leading to higher pixel density monitors. Traditionally, higher resolution screens, 4K UHD and the WQHD on the HP Z25n and Z23n, are found on larger monitors.

The adjustability of the Z25n makes it a great ergonomic display, especially for business users who spend a large portion of their day in front of a PC. Factory calibration provided accurate color reproduction, great contrast and superb color uniformity, but HP could improve the unit by providing more even brightness across the panel.

Unless you require a studio-grade display, or a higher 4K or 5K resolution panel, the Z25n strikes a nice balance between design, performance and price.

We disliked

If you're working in an open office environment, the 45-degree left and right swivel of the base is enough to share and collaborate with a colleague seated next to you. However, if you're a small business owner with your own office, the display doesn't swivel enough so that you can show your screen to a client seated across from your desk.

Additionally, HP made a few compromises with this display. If you want 4K, you'll have to choose the UHD Z series, which means you'll gain pixel density at the expense of the slim bezels. If you want color accuracy, you'll have to choose the DreamColor display, which trades in slim bezels and a high resolution screen for a colorimeter and a 1080p panel. HP hasn't addressed the needs of the most demanding creative professional with a UHD panel, slim bezels and an option for a built-in colorimeter for on-demand display calibration.

If your job is video-heavy, the uneven screen brightness at higher luminance settings could be distracting, especially against a darker backdrop, and gamers will want faster refresh rates.

Final verdict

If your work doesn't require a higher resolution 4K or 5K screen, HP has created an excellent WQHD display that's well equipped to handle the "harsh" environments of office lighting with a bright screen, anti-glare coating to minimize reflection and a high display to body ratio thanks to the slim bezels at the top and side edges. Combined with an adjustable base and a swivel screen, office workers working long hours in front of a PC will hopefully be comfortable.

And to top it off, accurate factory calibration means that you can use this display for word processing and spreadsheet work, but the Z25n is also versatile enough for light creative projects. Professionals who work with photos and videos may want to invest in a colorimeter to maintain color accuracy over time.