1. Size and resolution go together
Sharpness depends on resolution relative to size. As a rough guide, Full HD (1920 × 1080) suits screens up to about 24 inches, 2560 × 1440 suits 27 inches well, and 4K is worth it for larger screens or detailed work such as photo editing. Higher resolution also asks more of the computer driving it.
2. Panel type
- IPS: good color and wide viewing angles, a common all-round choice.
- VA: stronger contrast, often with deeper blacks, but angles and motion can be weaker.
- TN: fast but with narrower angles and weaker color, now less common.
3. Refresh rate
60 Hz is fine for office and everyday use. Higher rates (120 Hz and above) make motion smoother and mainly matter for gaming and fast-moving content. They only help if your computer can deliver the frames.
4. Color
For general use, good coverage of the sRGB standard is enough. For photo or design work, look for wider coverage and independent measurements. Be cautious about marketing labels such as HDR on lower-end screens, which can be little more than a name.
5. Brightness and finish
A bright room needs a brighter screen. Matte finishes reduce reflections; glossy ones can look richer but reflect more.
6. Ports: check against your computer
Confirm that the monitor's inputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C) match outputs your computer actually has, and at what refresh rate and resolution they work together. USB-C connections differ: some carry video and charging, some don't.
7. Ergonomics
Height adjustment, tilt and a standard mounting pattern for an arm make long days more comfortable. They're easy to overlook in a listing and are costly to add later.
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