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You're here to find the best monitor for your setup, whether that be to extend your workspace for productivity or to give your gaming PC the visuals it deserves. And my team of display experts and I have tested hundreds of monitors to help you make the right choice.
It's an exciting time for monitors, with 4K resolution (and higher) becoming easier to grab for less, and high refresh rates well over 120Hz becoming the norm. From 4K OLED displays and ultrawide curved screens to budget-friendly 1080p monitors, we've tested them all — using professional-grade equipment to benchmark colors, HDR brightness, response times and more.
But before we get to that, there are a bunch of monitors out there with ever-confusing model names (does the "LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B" mean that there's an "-A" version? I've checked, and apparently not). But there are a few key details to pay attention to for any monitor, and some specific advice for certain specialized uses.
How to choose the best monitor?
Size: A larger monitor is generally a better purchase simply because it offers the most visual real estate, which is better for both full-screen media consumption and split-screen multitasking. Higher resolution is also better, since it allows better detail and lets you see more information in the same screen size. That old phrase "bigger is better" applies to both here, and we recommend opting for larger screens and higher resolution whenever possible.
Response time: If you care about playing the latest games under the most optimal conditions, you'll want to look for a monitor with low response time. This measures how long it takes for the display to respond to what you're doing, and it's typically expressed as a measurement (in milliseconds) of how long it takes a pixel on the display to go from one color to another and back again.
Unless you're planning to play games that demand quick reflexes or pinpoint accuracy, you really don't need to worry about response time. In general, anything under 10ms is good, though for gaming, under 5ms is better. Many gaming monitors promise response times as low as 1ms, which is about as good as you can hope for.
Refresh rate: Refresh rate measures how many times per second your monitor is able to draw a new image. It's measured in Hertz, and again, if you're not planning on doing a lot of intense gaming, you probably don't need to worry about this very much. Most monitors achieve refresh rates of 60Hz or less, and that's plenty for watching videos or getting work done. However, if you want to play games at higher than 60 frames per second, or you're planning on working with video at framerates higher than 60 fps, you'll want a monitor with higher refresh rates. 120Hz is good, 144Hz is better, and there are now plenty more monitors that offer refresh rates of 240Hz or higher.
From bang-for-your-buck 1080p flat displays to ultrawide 4K curved monitors that are wicked for PC gaming, I've tested my fair share of brilliant monitors over the years. Whether you're in need of a simple but exemplary display for work or require all the details of OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate, there's always a monitor out there that will suit your fancy.
The best monitors you can buy today
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
The best overall monitor
This wonderful LG Ultragear 45GR75DC screen ticks every box from what you could want from a modern PC monitor, whether you’re going to be using it for video or image editing or you mainly plan to play the best PC games on this behemoth.
The LG UltraGear 45GR75DC is damn near a perfect monitor that is superbly priced for the features it offers. For $899 (and LG has already started offering this amazing panel for $100 less than that during certain flash sales), you’re getting an unbelievable amount of bang for your buck. Just take into account that you’re going to need a fair amount of office space to house this supersized screen.
This 45-inch monster may require a large desk, but its 5,120 x 1,440, 32:9 panel makes it a dream display for productivity tasks, even though it's primarily marketed as a gaming monitor. With a 200Hz refresh rate, 1ms response times and that utterly immersive 1500R curvature, there’s no other monitor currently out there on the market that offers so much for both professionals working from home and hardcore gamers at such a keenly competitive price point.
- Read our full LG UltraGear 45GR75C review
The best MacBook monitor
“Immerse yourself in a 5K dream” is how Apple continues to promote its exceptionally sharp-looking monitor. The 27-inch Studio Display is a truly terrific 5K (5120 x 2880) monitor, one that delivers a lot of the value of Apple's $6,000 Pro Display XDR in a much more affordable (though hardly cheap) package.
Starting at $1,599 for the standard class version and rising to $1,899 for the nano-texture glass option, it’s still obviously expensive. Yet if you’ve got that sort of cash to spare, you definitely won’t be disappointed by a monitor that boasts exactly the sort of pristine picture quality I’ve come to expect from Apple displays throughout the years.
Like the Pro Display XDR, the Studio Display offers useful features for creative professionals, including a range of reference modes and P3 wide color gamut support. It also has unique features that any Mac user can enjoy, like an ultra-impressive (for a monitor) six-speaker sound system and a 12MP ultrawide camera that supports Apple's Center Stage feature, courtesy of an onboard A13 Bionic chip.
With its ultrawide camera, fantastic speaker setup and gorgeous 27-inch 5K screen, this is easily one of the best monitors for MacBook Pro owners seeking an external display.
- Read our full Apple Studio Display review
The best productivity monitor
The Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is a thing of beauty, if not a tad pricey at $1,900. Sure, it costs as much as a premium desktop PC, yet that price is justified in large part thanks to the UltraSharp’s outstanding color reproduction, its wonderful 5K/120Hz curved screen and a port selection that is seriously tough to top.
Big is beautiful, right? That's certainly the case with the Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor, which is a total beast when it comes to productivity. This 40-inch model is not exactly affordable, and you’ll certainly need a good amount of desk space to get the most out of it. Thankfully, smaller, far cheaper versions are available if you’re working with a cramped office setup.
What really separates the UltraSharp from other curved monitors is its pop-out, front-facing USB hub, which is not only great for charging devices but also when it comes to decluttering your desk by offering a great cable management solution. This is a truly unique display even by curved monitor standards, which is why it gets the nod from me for the best and most interesting curved PC display you can pick up today.
- Read our full Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor review
The best ultrawide monitor
With its stunning 45-inch curved OLED panel, the LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B ranks among the most impressive ultrawide curved monitors out there right now. It excels at creating an immersive gaming experience for nearly any PC game you throw at it, further enhanced by colors that practically leap off the screen.
Switching between its dual display modes is straightforward, and impressively, its curved design also lends itself well to productivity. While its $1,999 price is a significant investment and its brightness, typical for an OLED, doesn't exactly shine, the monitor's phenomenal picture quality and compelling dual resolution/refresh rate options (5K/165Hz and 2K/330Hz) will satisfy.
It's an excellent high-end option for PS5, Xbox or PC, and for those seeking a versatile display that can handle work and even serve as a TV, you'll be hard-pressed to find a finer curved monitor.
- Read our full LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B review
The best value monitor
There's really not a whole lot to complain about when it comes to the Alienware AW2525HM, not when this ultra-sleek, 25-inch monitor with a 320Hz refresh rate is just under $250 (and even less during a sale).
Yes, a 320Hz refresh rate to buttery smooth visuals in highly competitive games, but also a 0.5ms response time, fantastic color accuracy, exceptional brightness and even HDR. All wrapped up in a compact, minimalist design that fits right on a gaming desk as well as an office setting. That's the best of both worlds.
Although it doesn't arrive with any built-in speakers, and its HDR is weak, that doesn't take away from the major perks any gamer who enjoys fast-paced multiplayer games and single-player hits will gain. It's a simple, 1080p screen, but its one of the finest ones out there for the money.
- Read our full Alienware AW2525HM review
The best 2K monitor
The Alienware AW2725D is a mid-range powerhouse, and the little sibling of the Alienware AW2752Q — one of our favorite 4K monitors. This is the 1440p QHD variant, which has its advantages. Firstly, it’s cheaper, but its lower resolution also allows a faster refresh rate than its 4K brother, and better brightness figures in our lab tests.
QHD still looks super sharp and detailed at 27 inches, and the QD-OLED panel is gorgeous, with bags of contrast and vivid color. In fact, this monitor performed extremely well in our color accuracy and gamut coverage, making it an excellent choice for gamers who also need a production display.
The AW2725D is mainly about gaming, though, which is where it excels. In testing, its fast 280Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms GTG response time resulted in buttery smooth gameplay with no motion blur or ghosting in fast-paced titles.
Our only issues with this monitor were its lack of speakers and relatively few USB ports, but those aren’t major. If you’re looking for your first mid-range monitor and/or an upgrade from a budget display, the Alienware AW2725D is a killer.
- Read our full Alienware AW2725D review
The best 4K monitor
The MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED is a powerhouse display that bridges the gap between productivity and enthusiast gaming, provided you can stomach the premium price tag. It's slick with the incredibly thin design and generous port selection, and for any gamer looking for high-end visuals, this won't disappoint.
This monitor is a stunner. During our testing, the QD-OLED panel delivered breathtaking visuals, making games pop with vibrant color and deep contrast, while the blistering 240Hz refresh rate provided an incredibly fluid experience on PC. Usability also gets high marks here; the included stand is significantly sturdier than what we often see from competitors, and MSI earns bonus points for including mounting hardware right in the box, giving you immediate flexibility.
Anyone with a high-end gaming PC capable of driving this resolution and refresh rate, it is an easy recommendation that showcases your rig's full potential.
- Read our full MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED review
The best large screen monitor
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 instantly grabs your attention thanks to its stupendous size. This was the first-ever 49-inch OLED gaming monitor, and even years after its initial release, it's easily still one of the most immersive panels around,
Yes, it's pretty pricey. Yet I often see it retail for as low as $1,299 (or less) in sales. While that’s still a lot of cash, the almost ridiculous amount of screen real estate you’re getting for that investment makes the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 a no-brainer purchase for fans of the 32:9 aspect ratio that can afford it.
Having owned 21:9 traditional ultrawide monitors for years before I picked up my current Samsung beast, I can honestly say I’d struggle to return to a PC display that wasn’t super ultrawide. That aspect ratio essentially means you’re getting two 16:9 monitors squished together in a single display, and when it comes to productivity, it’s bliss to work on.
If you have the money to spare, you're getting a feature-rich monitor with 1,800R curvature to give you wrap-around vision that makes it instantly effortless to lose yourself in the modern PC games. This Samsung's super-speedy 0.03ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate also ensure it's the ideal monitor for fans of first-person shooter games.
There's so much to admire here with the sheer class and craft Samsung has clearly put into making this incredible OLED super ultrawide. Providing you have the funds (and desk space), you should pick one up immediately if you love 32:9 screens.
- Read our full Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 review
How we tested these monitors
When seeking out the best monitors, we test every display we review with our Klein K 10-A colorimeter, paired with testing software. We use this high-quality scope to measure the display's brightness levels, color gamut and color accuracy.
Brightness is measured in nits, or candela per square metre (cd/m2). More nits means a higher brightness, which translates into a clearer picture, brighter colors and usually a more realistic-looking image. For basic monitors, we expect a display backlight to produce between 2-300 nits of brightness, though HDR (high dynamic range) displays will often exceed that with a higher maximum brightness. However, brightness alone doesn't make for a great display, since some monitors will wash out colors or offer inconsistent backlight that varies in some portions of the display panel.
HDR also presents its own testing challenges, as new capabilities and standards allow a monitor to offer higher peak luminance than our standard tests will register. When in doubt, read an individual review for a discussion of these issues and how an individual product will handle each.
Color is the other big concern for displays. Monitors that produce more colors have a larger color gamut, as measured under the sRGB or P3 color standards. This is presented as a percentage, with higher percentages indicating more colors.
Color accuracy is the other aspect of color, which lets us measure how closely a monitor can reproduce a given shade. This is presented as a Delta-E rating, which indicates the level of deviation from perfect. Zero is a perfect score, while higher numbers indicate lower accuracy.
We also test a display's response time, using a Leo Bodnar input lag tester. This device measures how long it takes a signal to travel from a source device to the monitor and show up on the display. Measured in milliseconds, this number is most useful for gamers and anyone who needs immediate onscreen feedback from any input.
Finally, every monitor we test is also used for web browsing, streaming video and gaming, as well as the writing of the review itself. Our anecdotal testing will often allow us to note the quirks of a display that lab testing might miss, whether it's difficulty in scaling content or issues with backlight or color reproduction.
How to choose the best gaming monitor
Gaming has its own unique concerns. When the difference between victory and defeat can come down to split-second timing, you can't afford long lag times. If you want one of the best gaming monitors, we recommend finding a display that offers response times of 15 milliseconds or less.
Smoother gameplay is also part of what you pay for in a gaming monitor, so pay attention to what frame-syncing technology a monitor supports. AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync both allow the monitor and the graphics card to coordinate the refresh rate of the screen with the output of the GPU
But they approach this problem in slightly different ways, and a given monitor will likely provide support for only one or the other format. If your gaming rig uses Nvidia cards, you'll want a G-Sync capable monitor, while AMD-based systems will play nicely with a FreeSync display.
For a secondary monitor to use on the road, you'll want something that's small enough to carry with your laptop, and simple enough to set up and use within moments. For this, we recommend choosing one with a USB-C port for connectivity, as that allows the monitor to use a single cable for both video signal and power.
While the basic advice of "bigger is better" does still have some application here, it's also worth considering how well a portable monitor matches the size of your laptop display, since a larger display panel will have different dimensions than your laptop, and may not fit as easily into your backpack or laptop bag.
