Anyone who uses a laptop or PC every day knows the importance of having the best computer monitors for work. Flickering lights, imbalance colors, bad viewing angles, dark screens, and other issues not only make it hard for you to actually work… it could also have long-lasting effects on your eyesight in the form of eye strain which is avoidable with these monitors. So if you’re looking for the best screens for work purposes, be sure to check out this guide.
In addition to general purpose, we have also reviewed monitors for architects, screens for photo editing under 300 dollars and monitors for trading separately. If you still cannot make up your mind, check out our monitor for CAD reviews.
3 Top Monitor For Work
1. [Best Monitor Overall] LG 34WN80C-B Curved UltraWide Monitor
4.9/5
The LG 34WN80C-B curved ultrawide monitor is the best monitor for business, if you’re a photographer, graphic designer, or any creative firm. Thanks to the 3,440x1440 pixels and 21:9 aspect ratio, the monitor provides plenty of workspace and vivid images even with just a single display.
2. [Best For The Money] HP VH240a Monitor
4.8/5
If you’re looking for an affordable IPS monitor from a trusted brand for basic computing, web browsing, document editing, and light gaming, the HP VH240a monitor would definitely deliver without spending a lot of money.
3. [Best For The Video Quality] LG 29WK600-W UltraWide Monitor
4.7/5
The LG 29WK600-W UltraWide monitor looks pretty impressive straight out of the box. Setting it up is straightforward – you only need to connect the silver stand to the monitor itself. Once it stands up, you can navigate the menu from the on-screen display joystick and adjust brightness, contrast, picture modes and other preferences.
How to Shop for the Best Computer Monitors for Work
What Features to Look for in a Computer Monitors for Work?
So, you have just realized you don't need any of the portable solutions from our business laptop reviews? The first thing you have to decide is the type of computer monitor you’ll need for your work. Some of the available monitors include:
General-use monitors – These monitors work perfectly with day-to-day business tasks like Office applications and browsing. Because most general-use monitors do not have special technologies and features built into them, they are the cheapest work monitor types you could find. We also reviewed HP monitors, many of which are for general use.
Best monitor for graphic design and similar professions – If your career revolves around design and visual content, the best monitor for designers must provide true-to-life colors on screen. Check hi resolution computer monitors with HDR (high-dynamic range) or with better image quality than general-use monitors
Gaming graphics monitor – If you’re a professional gamer, not only should you go for a monitor that can accommodate high-quality graphics, it should also have higher-than-average refresh rates and response times (both of which affect how you see moving objects on the screen).
Curved & Ultra-wide monitor – Both kinds of monitors provide additional screen space (extending left and right widths), but only the curved monitors offer added depth.
Best Computer Monitors for Work Reviews
[Best Monitor Overall]
4.9/5
The LG 34WN80C-B curved ultrawide monitor is the best monitor for business, if you’re a photographer, graphic designer, or any creative firm. Thanks to the 3,440x1440 pixels and 21:9 aspect ratio, the monitor provides plenty of workspace and vivid images even with just a single display.
LG 34WN80C-B Curved UltraWide Monitor Specifications
Panel Type | LED |
Aspect Ratio | 21:9 |
Max. Resolution | 3440 x 1440 pixels |
Brightness | 300cd (typ) / 240cd (Min) |
Contrast Ratio | 700:1 |
Refresh Rate | 60 hertz |
Screen Size | 34 inches |
Item dimensions | 32.70 x 9.90 x 16.90 inches |
Weight | 23.37 pounds |
Design-wise, the top and side bezels of the LG 34WN80C-B are almost invisible. So the monitor looks even wider than it already is (it measures 18.1 inches tall and 32.1 inches wide). It features a large base and supports VESA mount for better flexibility.
The LG 34WN80C-B is designed with a single USB Type-C port with two USB 3.0 ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports and a DisplayPort 1.2. Most of the slots are neatly placed at the back.
The on-screen control module gives you an option to pick between picture-in-picture, gamer mode, or first-person-shooter mode. The LG 34WN80C-B is flexible.
It supports Dual Controller, which lets the user control the monitor via keyboard/mouse and a second monitor connected to the PC via Picture-by-Picture mode.
When it comes to performance, the LG 34WN80C-B is definitely wow-worthy. Even if the response time is just at 5ms and 60 hertz refresh rate, it can still perform well as a gaming monitor. Image color is pretty accurate, movement is fluid and smooth, and its 99 percent sRGB color gamut coverage brings a lot to the table.
Pros
Cons
[Best For The Money]
4.8/5
If you’re looking for an affordable IPS monitor from a trusted brand for basic computing, web browsing, document editing, and light gaming, the HP VH240a monitor would definitely deliver without spending a lot of money.
HP VH240a Monitor Specifications
Panel Type | IPS |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Max. Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
Brightness | 250cd/m2 |
Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
Refresh Rate | 60 hertz |
Screen Size | 23.8 inches |
Item dimensions | 8.60 x 21.20 x 19.70 inches |
Weight | 10 pounds |
The HP VH240a is designed with a 23.8-inch viewable diagonal screen size, and edgeless borders on three sides of the screen. A favorite design feature is the sturdy ergonomic stand, which you can swivel 360°, tilt -5° to +30° and rotate up to 90°. It is also height-adjustable with VESA mount compatibility.
Made with In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology, the monitor has full HD 1920×1080 resolution and native refresh rate of 60 frames per second that produces vibrant, accurate colors from every viewing angle.
If you are using the monitor for creative tasks like photo editing, you may experience seeing dark colors that are not as dark. This is mainly because the monitor can only manage a minimum black level of 0.25 nits.
The problem users may have is the lack of ports. The HP VH240a only has a 3.55mm audio jack, an HDMI port, a VGA port (without a VGA cable) and power port. These cover basic connectivity options and can accommodate most computers and appliances.
This HP monitor has a pair of built-in, two-watt speakers, which provides basic-quality sound and is still good on HP considering this model is already affordable as it is. If you need better-sounding audio, you’d have to plug in an external audio device of your choice.
Pros
Cons
[Best For The Image Quality]
4.7/5
The LG 29WK600-W UltraWide monitor looks pretty impressive straight out of the box. Setting it up is straightforward – you only need to connect the silver stand to the monitor itself. Once it stands up, you can navigate the menu from the on-screen display joystick and adjust brightness, contrast, picture modes and other preferences.
LG 29WK600-W UltraWide Monitor Specifications
Panel Type | IPS LCD |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Max. Resolution | 2560 x 1080 pixels |
Brightness | 300cd/m2 |
Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
Refresh Rate | 75 hertz |
Screen Size | 29 inches |
Item dimensions | 27.50 x 8.20 x 16.20 inches |
Weight | 11.50 lbs |
This LG ultrawide monitor is a perfect workhorse if you’re looking to increase your productivity. You can even use the Windows snap assist feature, which divides the screen into 2 to 4 areas simply by dragging windows here and there. To make this a bit more permanent or control without the joystick, you have the LG Onscreen Control software to customize your Picture-in-Picture experience.
You won’t have any trouble with viewing angles, since ultrawide monitors like this excel in providing the best views. Brightness and picture quality is also top-notch, impressive enough to play most games.
If you have an AMD graphics card, you’d appreciate that this monitor supports FreeSync, since it removes stuttering and screen tearing during games.
Perfect as a gaming or business display, the LG 29WK600-W has above-average color accuracy, boasting 99% coverage of the sRGB color spectrum.
While LG did include built-in speakers for the 29WK600-W, don’t expect much of the audio quality. It’s good enough for watching movies or YouTube videos, but may be an issue if you’re editing videos and audio.
Pros
Cons
The ViewSonic VP3881 is a beautiful, gently-curved display. Out of the box, you can already see how easy it is to adjust the height, tilt and swivel the screen. You’ll be able to raise or lower the monitor over a range of five inches. Do note that the stand can be on the heavy side, but since you’d only be carrying it during set-up or prior to mounting, its weight shouldn’t be such a problem.
ViewSonic VP3881 UltraWide Curved Monitor Specifications
Panel Type | LED |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Max. Resolution | 3840 x 1600 pixels |
Brightness | 300cd/m2 |
Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
Refresh Rate | 60 hertz |
Screen Size | 38 inches |
Item dimensions | 4.06 x 35.28 x 15.67 inches |
Weight | 27.98 pounds |
From the back, you’ll see multiple downward-facing ports, including two HDMI ports, 3 USB 3.0 downstream and 1 USB 3.0 upstream ports, one DisplayPort, one USB Type-C port, and audio-in and –out jacks. This means you can connect (and charge) any compatible laptops, phones, tablets and other gadgets via the USB Type-C.
Performance-wise, this 38-inch ViewSonic monitor features a 2300R curve, 3840x1600 resolution and factory-certified, color-accurate sRGB. Do note that the VP3881 was designed for productivity (and not for gaming), so even if it produces uniform colors and grayscales at all times, the 60 hertz refresh rates may not be enough for resource-heavy games.
Since the ViewSonic VP3881 is HDR10 content-supported, the videos you watch on this screen are displayed as they are intended to be seen.
ViewSonic includes its ViewSplit software into the box, which helps you “split” your screen using pre-defined templates or lets you create your custom layouts.
This ultrawide monitor isn’t the most affordable in this list, but it sure is one of the best business monitors you could find within its price range.
Pros
Cons
LG 29WN600-W is an UltraWide IPS Monitor with an ergonomic design, an all-white smudge-proof back panel, modern silver stand, and almost-borderless look on 3 sides. It also has OnScreen Control, so you could have quick-access to all the settings.
LG 29-inch 29WN600-W UltraWide IPS Monitor Specifications
Panel Type | IPS LED |
Aspect Ratio | 21:9 |
Max. Resolution | 2560 x 1080 pixels |
Brightness | 250cd/m2 |
Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
Refresh Rate | 75 hertz |
Screen Size | 29 inches |
Item dimensions | 27.10 x 8.20 x 12.30 inches |
Weight | 10.40 pounds |
Aside from the gorgeous design, this LG monitor also boasts of 2560 x 1080 resolution and sRGB 99% picture mode, resulting in vivid colors and accurate grays.
The 29WN600-W monitor is also equipped with much-welcomed technologies like the AMD FreeSync and Dynamic Action Sync – both of which improve your working experience with less input lag and broken frames during use.
LG 29WN600-W may have some weakness (the not-so-good built-in speakers and the lack of height-adjustment feature), but this monitor is such a workhorse even if you work for hours on end.
Pros
Cons
4.6/5
If you need the best monitor for work, even if it isn’t as massive as the ultrawide screens, the Acer CB242Y monitor has all the features you’d need for day-to-day computing.
Acer CB242Y Full HD Monitor Specifications
Panel Type | IPS |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Max. Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
Brightness | 250cd/m2 |
Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
Refresh Rate | 75 hertz |
Screen Size | 23.8 inches |
Item dimensions | 21.30 x 9.20 x 19.60 inches |
Weight | 14.42 pounds |
Design-wise, this Acer monitor has a minimalist, all-black matte cassis with clean lines and bezel-free on three sides. Even if the screen size is only short 24 inches, the CB242Y still feels and looks heavy with a bigger footprint. The circle-shaped base also looks like traditional monitors and offers enough stability. However, if you’re after space-saving, the circular base can be bulky.
Because of the super-thin bezels and anti-glare coating, the Acer CB242Y can be good for multi-screen setups.
It utilizes 1920 x 1080 resolution, 75Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms VRB response time, but it doesn’t have advanced functions like HDR compatibility. Image quality is great thanks to its IPS panel – you can expect 8-bit color depth for 16.7 million colors, 100% sRGB color gamut and Black Boost for better visibility of objects in shadows when watching or playing games.
This Acer monitor has an on-screen display menu with a joystick. From this shortcut, you can adjust brightness and other settings quickly. I like that you can choose pre-calibrated picture presets from the OSD. This is note-worthy, since many monitors from this price-point remove the OSD feature to cut costs.
The downside is this monitor doesn’t have a DisplayPort input, which means you cannot use FreeSync with NVIDIA cards. If you’re not going to use it for gaming, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Pros
Cons
4.5/5
The AOC Q3279VWFD8 boasts a couple of things:
Minimalist straightforward design – Every inch of its 31.5-inch screen is maximized from left to right, top to bottom. The stand, which is pretty space-saving, is perfectly designed for its purpose.
Easy-to-find ports – Unlike other monitors that try to save space and end up hiding the ports completely, the AOC Q3279VWFD8 does a good job of providing access to its HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI-D and VGA ports.
AOC Q3279VWFD8 Monitor Specifications
Panel Type | LED |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Max. Resolution | 2560 x 1440 pixels |
Brightness | 250cd/m2 |
Contrast Ratio | 1200:1 |
Refresh Rate | 75 hertz |
Screen Size | 31.5 inches |
Item dimensions | 16.74 x 28.72 x 6.03 inches |
Weight | 15.40 pounds |
Eyecare Technologies – This AOC monitor is perfect for using even on prolonged hours because it was designed to protect your eyes. From the AMD FreeSync’s stutter-free motion to the FlickerFree and AOC Clear Vision technologies that ensure comfort even on prolonged work hours, it’s always good for brands to look after their customers.
Exceptional viewing experience – The 2560x1440 resolution and IPS panel guarantee that you can enjoy every detail from every angle you view it on the screen.
If you’re planning to mount a monitor or keep it at a permanent spot, you probably wouldn’t mind that this AOC Q3279VWFD8 isn’t height-adjustable. You also cannot swivel or rotate the screen. Your only option is to tilt a little when needed.
For its price, the AOC Q3279VWFD8 is a solid option from a renowned brand. It was designed as a general-use monitor, so don’t expect it could cater to heavy gaming.
Pros
Cons
The Acer SB230 may only have 23 inches of screen size, but its stream-lined design and ultra-thin, zero-frame display makes it look much bigger than it is. At the backside of the monitor, you can see 1 HDMI port, 1 VGA port, and one 3.5mm audio jack.
Acer 23-inch SB230 Bbix Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Monitor Specifications
Panel Type | IPS |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Max. Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
Brightness | 250cd/m2 |
Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
Refresh Rate | 75 hertz |
Screen Size | 23 inches |
Item dimensions | 20.90 x 8.30 x 15.80 inches |
Weight | 4.88 pounds |
Also, what it lacks in size, Acer SB230 totally makes up in performance. It has AMD Radon FreeSync, so if your graphic card supports it, the monitor will change its refresh rate to match the FPS output of your graphics card.
If you’re working on heavy images and videos or playing games professionally, you’d be happy that this small-sized monitor has a refresh rate of 75Hz.
And if you’re using this monitor for long work hours, there’s Acer VisionCare to reduce your eye strain from blue light and flickers.
The Acer SB230 is one of the most affordable monitors on this list that even if you buy two and place them side-by-side, the pair can still be a lot cheaper than other monitors in the market. This is a good option for those who are not fans of ultra-wide screens, but require the added convenience of split-screen productivity.
I appreciate the 3-year warranty, since most monitors only have 1-year warranty. However, do note that this Acer monitor model doesn’t have DisplayPort input or DVI input.
Pros
Cons
4.4/5
For those looking for quality over size, the 32-inch BenQ IPS panel monitor with 4k Ultra HD resolution will surely wow you. This PD3200U model was created specifically for the creatives – the photographers, graphic designers, content creators, CAD users, and so on.
BenQ PD3200U 4K UHD Monitor Specifications
Panel Type | LED |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Max. Resolution | 3840x2160 pixels |
Brightness | 350cd/m2 |
Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
Refresh Rate | 60 hertz |
Screen Size | 31.5 inches 4K |
Item dimensions | 19.30 x 8.40 x 29.15 inches |
Weight | 27.56 lbs |
The design is quite simple – it uses matte-black cabinet with half-inch bezels to maximize the user’s viewing angles. The stand is pretty heavy and feels solid, but can still be comfortably adjusted by height, tilt, twist or turn.
As for connections, the BenQ 4K UHD monitor has two HDMI ports, display port, 4 USB ports, mini display port and SD card reader. The placement of these ports (found at the back and sides) are quite unique, since most monitors just use up the back.
Here’s what makes the 32-inch BenQ PD3200U a big deal in the creative world:
Exclusive AQColor technology – This technology ensures that the colors on your screen produced are the brightest and most accurate since it supports a wide range of color spaces from sRGB to Adobe RGB and everything in between.
DualView – This function is why users choose bigger screens, so they could view programs side-by-side easily.
Keyboard Video Mouse (KVM) Switch – With this feature, users can quickly access files and documents from two computers on a single screen. This way, you don’t need to transfer files or put them into the cloud ever again.
And because this monitor is designed for professionals, BenQ included technologies like Blue Light, ZeroFlicker and Brightness Intelligence to prevent user eye strain.
Pros
Cons
Size
The best monitor size for office work averages from 24 inches to 32 inches. Of course, if your work requires more screen space, you have two options:
Use two or more monitors, or
Go for an ultra-wide or curved monitor (ranging from 34 up to 49 inches)
Generally, the bigger the screen size, the higher the price. Take note of this if your company is just starting out and budget is an issue.
Resolution
Resolution refers to the clarity of images or text displayed on your screen. The recommended resolution for a particular monitor depends on the screen size. Ideally, a 21- to 24-inch monitor would perform best with 1080p resolution (also known as 920×1080 pixels, Full HD or FHD).
Panel Types
There are numerous panel types invented to make your computing a better experience. The more famous once include:
LED (Light-emitting diodes) displays are also LCD monitors, but are famous for consuming less power and producing brighter images.
TN (Twisted Nematic) LCD panels are the most affordable and oldest type of LCD panel in the market.
IPS (in-plane switching) panels are known to have the best viewing angles and colors of the LCD-type family. It is because the crystals align to the viewer.
OLED (organic light-emitting diode) panels have fantastic contrast ratios with good color balance and darker darks.
Image Quality
Even if you don’t know the technology of monitors and get overwhelmed with specs and IT lingo, you can compare the image quality of two or more monitors just by sight.
The best monitors for work, no matter your profession, are displays that can accommodate the image quality required for your job. For example, if you’re a professional photographer, the monitor should have the resolution, brightness, color balance, and other elements enough to edit the photos properly.
Design & Connectivity
You may think the design of a monitor won’t matter, but if you’re in need of a wide screen for multi-tasking, a curved ultra-wide monitor is the best option for you.
If you’ll need a touchscreen with your work, general-use monitors won’t be enough.
Another thing you should consider is the monitor’s video-connection slots, such as DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA and DVI.
DisplayPort connects most laptops or desktops
HDMI connects to HD TVs and computers
VGA (Video Graphics Array) cables is one of the oldest technologies, but they can still be useful if you’re connecting to older devices
DVI (digital visual interface)
Which Is Better for Work: LCD or LED?
This is a bit tricky. All LED monitors are LCD monitors, but not all LCD monitors are LEDs. Both display types use liquid crystals in creating images.
The difference comes with the backlights. LCD monitors use fluorescent lights for backlights, while LED monitors have different backlight configurations (such as edge-lighting and full-array backlighting).
What Kind of Monitor is Best for Your Eyes for Long Working Hours?
This is a legitimate question, especially for people who spend over half a day in front of the computer.
If you ask experts, a curved monitor is the best monitor for office work. Because it gives the user a wider field of view, the user’s eyes won’t be strained by distorted images that often occur with flat-panel displays.
If you’re not sold on a curved monitor, find an ergonomic monitor instead. These displays let users swivel, tilt, adjust the height and set other similar features to obtain your ideal viewing angle.
How Much Should I Spend on a Business Monitor?
Expect a 24- to 27-inch business monitor to be somewhere between $100 and $250.
If your business revolves around graphic design, photography, video editing, gaming, and other tasks that require high resources and above-average image/video quality, expect to spend much higher. Note that the higher screen size, the more expensive these monitors could go.