Table of Contents
An LED monitor is an advanced LCD monitor (Liquid Crystal Display) that uses light-emitting diodes to display images, as opposed to the cathode ray tubes used in older-style monitors. The technology is used by many flat-panel monitors.
Key Takeaways
- LED display is a flat panel display that uses an array of light-emitting diodes as pixels for a video display
- LED monitors are ideal for gaming, multimedia applications, and office work
- An LED monitor is characterized by its flat-screen display, compact structure, and low operating power consumption
- LED lifespan is 100,000 hours, or about 10 years
These types of computer monitors are ideal for gaming, multimedia applications, and even office work. They're also perfect for playing games at night. In this comprehensive guide, I will be discussing what is LED display, its features, pros and cons, its price, just to name a few.
What is LED (Light Emitting Diode) Monitor?
LED (Light Emitting Diode) Monitor is a new display technology that delivers bright, crisp images, vivid colors, and greater energy efficiency than standard monitors - see LED or LCD monitors compared.
Use Less Power
They use less power than standard LCD monitors — up to 50 percent less. This reduces energy consumption and saves you money, as well as enabling long-lasting battery life in laptops.
Isn’t it amazing how monitor technology has gotten better over the years? No doubt LED display is one of the popular display technologies
Two recent market studies predict that the global LED display market will continue to grow at a rapid pace, surpassing 50 million units by 2022.
What is LED Symbol?
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor that gives off light when electricity passes through it.
You need to know how electricity flows through a circuit in order to understand the LED symbol. In the circuit, the cathode is the negative terminal, and the positive terminal is called the anode. The LED symbol contains anode and cathode terminals plus arrows showing the emission of light.
How Do LED Monitors Work?
An LED (light-emitting diode) monitor is an energy-efficient display that uses LED (light-emitting diode) technology. Compared to CRT monitors, LED monitors are more compact, consume less power, and emit less heat.
LED displays work by use of LEDs for backlight illumination instead of fluorescent tubes or cold cathode fluorescent lamps to produce light.
LEDs are semiconductor devices that change electrical currents into light. The images on an LED display are created by red, green, and blue sub-pixels—tiny sub-sections of the whole sub-pixel.
Clearer images, vivid colors, enhanced contrast levels, and a more environmentally friendly design are just a few of the benefits they come with.
The Edge Lit LED Monitor
Edge lit led display uses LEDs that are positioned on the edges of an LCD monitor facing the center of a monitor to light an image. Because the light-emitting diodes are positioned at the edges of the screen, Edge Lit LED Monitor only dims portions of an image; this is not the full dim that you get with full-array LED displays.
However, Edge Lit LED displays make it easy to view from a variety of angles. Also, they are the least expensive display configurations in flat-panel displays.
Full-Array LED Monitor
In the case of a full array LED display, the LEDs are placed all over the monitor. This type of display delivers vivid colors, richer images, deeper blacks, and whites. Its dimming is finer and everything you see on it will appear as if it is real life.
This is one of the best LED monitors and is a must-have for gamers or movie aficionados.
The Direct-Lit LED Monitor
This is different from the 2 displays that I have discussed above since it has rows of LEDs behind it. What makes it also different is that it doesn’t use local dimming hence it will not be able to produce true blacks.
It produces gray tones instead and this makes it a low-quality monitor.
What are the Parts of LED Monitors?
An LED display has a number of components that allow the monitor to function. Of course, the most important part of the monitor is its display panel, which creates the image you see on your computer screen.
Housing Frame
The frame or cabinet refers to the box-like structure that holds all the components of the monitor together.
There is a range of styles and materials used in making the monitor housing frame, with most being plastic. Some flat LCD screens and LED monitors have an aluminum frame.
The Display Unit
The display unit houses, well, the display. It contains all of the components necessary to show images.
The display unit is the section of the monitor that also contains your LCD screen settings. It houses the buttons that control volume, brightness, contrast, color, etc. This is also where you'll find any ports used for input devices such as microphones, speakers (there are monitors with built-in speakers, too) , games consoles, etc.
Some modern displays are touchscreens which allow you to interact with them using your fingers or a specially designed stylus.
A Monitor Stand
The arm or stand, typically built from steel or aluminum, supports the monitor's display during use or tilted downward to save space when stored. These arms typically include a locking mechanism to secure the display unit in place during transport.
Circuit Boards and Internal Components
The circuit boards and internal components control the LED backlight, pixels, and video processing. They also support multiple inputs such as analog and digital ports.
What is the History of LED Monitor?
The first practical light-emitting diode (LED) was invented by Nick Holonyak, an American semiconductor physicist, in 1962 at General Electric Company. The intention of the LED was to emit light.
The first LED device was made by HP or Hewlett Packard Company and released to the public in 1968. The people who spearheaded this invention were Gerald P. Pighini and Howard C. Borden - for more comprehensive history of computer monitors go here.
They were researching and developing practical LEDs. Later, they made HP Model 5082-7000 Numeric Indicator, a device that later became the basis for LED displays. Note that LED displays are not yet developed until 30 years later.
In 1977, James P. Mitchell was the first to develop an LED display. He showed it to the public in 1978 at the Science and Engineering Fair. It was ¼ inch thick and it received awards from NASA and General Motors.
In 2009, LED displays for desktop computers began to be manufactured and one company that led this was NEC. Their first LED display was MultiSync EA222WMe. Currently, many monitor companies such as Samsung, LG, Apple, and Sony are manufacturing LED, LCD monitors.
Who is the Founder of LED Monitor?
The founder of an LED display is James P. Mitchell in 1977. This was a great leap forward in display technology, and more than 30 years later this LED display is still going strong. In fact, his company continues to be one of the leading innovators in display technology.
When he first introduced the LED display in 1977, James P. Mitchell led the way to an industry that has grown significantly since. Mitchell was an engineer who pioneered the development of the first LED-based flat panel, which is now known as the display of choice for everything from desktop computers to TV.
The company grew and evolved to provide a variety of displays, including those for digital clocks, calculators, teletype machines, and video devices. The company also manufactured electronic equipment for the scientific community.
What are the Features of LED Monitors?
An LED display is characterized by its flat-screen display, compact structure, and low operating power consumption. Here are the most popular features of LED displays;
Use Less Energy
LED PC displays are popular because they use less energy; These LED displays use 730% less energy than standard LCD monitors and CRT monitors. These eco-friendly monitors help you save energy while enjoying crisp images.
When you use a lot of computer peripheral devices like printers and scanners, it is important to choose a monitor that has lower energy consumption so it does not overheat and waste energy.
Are Durable
With an LED display, the screen is illuminated by Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs). These LEDs are more durable and reliable than CCFLs, which also contributes to extended lifespan.
Produce Clear Images
LED monitors have high-resolution display screens, which allow the users to view the images with utmost clarity and detail.
The best LED display comes with a resolution above 1920 x 1080. If your PC is equipped with this resolution, you can see super-detailed images and will be able to enjoy excellent picture quality. Your AOC-led monitor or HP computer display will have more vibrant colors plus sharp and crisp images for working and fun, especially if it is one of more technologically advanced ultra-wide moitors.
Are Lighter
This type of computer monitor offers slim, lightweight designs that are perfect for today's mobile computer users. Compared to traditional displays, LED displays are about 30% lighter and will take up less space on your desk, which also make them perfect as portable monitors, too.
The product itself will not put much weight on your shoulder or back when you need to transport it.
What are the Advantages of LED Monitors?
There are many advantages of using an LED monitor instead of an LCD monitor. LED displays are thin and light, produce clearer images, better colors, improved viewing angles, and improved energy efficiency.
At first glance, LED monitors look no different from a traditional LCD monitor, but in reality, they are not all that similar. The LED monitor uses a different backlighting technology to produce a better picture and other advantages over LCD monitors that I have mentioned above.
What are the Disadvantages of LED Monitors?
Many people know the advantages of LED monitors over LCD monitors but do they know their disadvantages?
The only main disadvantage of LED monitors is that they costs a bit more than a traditional display. However, if you try to shop for an LED display and compare its features and the price, you will find out that LED monitors are actually worth the price because of all the great benefits you can get from them.
How is LED Monitor Picture Quality?
LED display picture quality is excellent. When it comes to PC displays - see also monitors for Mac Mini - the picture on the screen is very important. It's what attracts people to buy a particular brand or model of LED monitor. Often the first question asked about a computer screen is 'How is the picture quality?
Resolution determines the picture quality of a display. But resolution alone is no longer enough. It’s now about colors, contrast ratio, and the brightness of the monitor. LEDs maximize all of these traits to give you good-looking images.
LED-backlit monitors deliver superior picture quality, which you can notice immediately. The colors are vivid and the black is black, unlike old monitors. This is one of the reasons why they are sought for gaming, photo editing, and watching movies.
What is the Average Price of LED Monitors?
The price of an LED-backlit monitor can vary from $150 to $500 or even $700, depending on your needs and specifications. Cheaper models of various sizes and specifications are being released in the market hence expect to see a high-quality one costing less than it used to 5 years ago like these monitors under $200.
What is the Energy Consumption of LED Monitors?
LED monitors have a very low electricity footprint, especially in comparison to the older types of displays. In recent years, LED display have been viewed as one of the more environmentally-friendly monitor options, primarily because of these factors. Simply put, LED monitors consume less power than many other monitor types.
Their energy consumption is dependent on their size as shown in this table.
Power Consumption of LED Monitors by Screen Size
Monitor screen size | LED |
|---|---|
19 Inches | 20 W |
22 Inches | 30W |
24 Inches | 40 W |
30 Inches | 50 W |
42 Inches | 80 W |
50 Inches | 100 W |
What is the Lifespan of LED Monitors?
Generally, the average lifespan of an LED display is between 60,000 - 100,000 hours depending on usage. That is equivalent to almost 45 years.
The lifespan of LED monitors depends on the duration of its use and how consistently it is used.
The only way to accurately predict the lifespan of a specific LED monitor is if the manufacturer discloses its true specifications, along with a chart that shows a direct correlation between hours of service and degradation of pixels.
What are the LED Monitor Brands?
If you're thinking about making the switch to LED PC displays, then you might be wondering which LED monitor brands there are and what models they make available. Some of them, as you notice, are curved monitors which provide better visuals and better view angles though there are no other significant advantages. The list include:
- HP led monitor such as HP 24f 23.8 ips led fhd freesync monitor
- Samsung LED monitor such as Samsung 24 1080p curved led display
- Asus LED monitor such as ASUS 24 led fhd freesync monitor black
- DELL LED computer such as dell ultrasharp u3415w 34 inch curved led lcd monitor
- AOC LED computer such as AOC 23.6 led curved gaming monitor VESA mount 24g1od
What are the Best LED Monitors?
Not all LED monitors are created equal. Some come with superior features while others do not. However, knowing what you need and exactly what each monitor offers will make your decision a lot easier. Looking at the brands, it is really impossible to say, which one is the best, as there are so many categories and options. We did covered them though in separate reviews, as in our Dell monitors, or Asus displays posts, among others.
The best-LED monitors offer high picture quality, use 70% less power than traditional monitors, have high refresh rates - see top 144Hz monitors - and contrast ratio, low response time, and offer you brightness, clarity, and efficiency that no other monitor out there does.
Here are some of the best LED monitors.
- LED xf270h 27 led fhd freesync lcd monitor
- Alienware 27 ips led fhd freesync lcd monitor
- AOC 23.6 led curved gaming lcd monitor
- ASUS led lcd monitor
- DELL 27 ips qhd led lcd monitor with hdr
- DELL 27 led backlit lcd monitor se2719h
- DELL 27 led qhd g sync lcd monitor black
- DELL gaming led lit lcd monitor 27 black d2719hgf
How to Buy an LED Monitor?
Whether you're a professional graphic designer, a gamer, or a movie lover, finding the best monitor for your needs is crucial. As a computer monitor expert, I know a lot of things that you need to check when buying an LED monitor which I will explain in this section.
Price
The LED Monitor price varies with the size of a display, the type, and the manufacturer. We all know that monitors with great features and added technology are more expensive than those with fewer features.
The average 19 inches LED Monitors price is around $150 and it is suitable for business and office use. For a larger screen like 22 or 24 inches, you need to pay at least $250. For 26 inches, it costs over $350. Above 26 inches, the price generally ranges from $400 to $800.They are suitable for gaming, watching movies since they have more superior features.
Resolution
This is an important factor to consider when buying a computer display. Your LCD monitor (liquid crystal display) or LED monitor resolution is measured in pixels, with each pixel being one tiny dot that forms the picture displayed on the screen. The higher the pixels, the higher the resolution, and the more detailed your image will look.
A higher resolution means that the picture on the screen looks sharper. For general use, 1920 x 1080 is considered HD, while 3840 x 2160/4K is Ultra-HD; aim for this if you want images to look very clear.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a monitor refers to the frequency at which the screen's image is refreshed per second. It is measured in Hertz, and basically the higher the number, the smoother and clearer much-moving image detail will be.
This means you can do more without worrying about slowdown or stuttering.
How to Install a LED Monitor?
This is a step-by-step LED monitor installation guide so that you can install one on your own. It is important that you understand the process flow from start to finish in order to ensure that it is done correctly and safely, which is this section aims to provide.
A small screwdriver and pliers will be needed to complete the installation process.
- Unbox the new monitor. Lift it carefully out of the box and place it on your desk.
- Somewhere inside the box where you bought your monitor from, there will be a user manual. The user manual should have the details on how to install a monitor. Just go through the user manual and you will learn a lot about the installation of your new LED display.
- Time to Connect it to your Computer; Connect your display to the cable that is compatible with your computer, i.e. HDMI, VGA or DisplayPort then plug the power cable in. Restart your computer so it can recognize your new display. Now, you can use your monitor and can start to enjoy great games and movies on your LED screen.
How to Clean a LED Monitor?
There are many things that can be done to prolong your LED displays life and one of them is proper cleaning.
Turn off your Monitor
Before cleaning your monitor, turn it off. This is to ensure that you do not accidentally electrocute yourself.
You should avoid using excessive moisture or water as this can enter inside the screen and cause damage. Also, avoid abrasive compounds that will scratch the screen.
Use A microfiber cloth to Remove Dirt
Any dirt should be wiped off with a clean and dry cloth. The cloth must be just damp and not too wet. Then apply a cleaning solution to the cloth and wipe the LED display screen gently.
How to Connect LED Monitor to TV?
Many LED displays come with the capability to attach to a TV, but few provide the necessary means to do so.
Connecting LCD and LED monitors is easy using a cable such as HDMI that connects one end to the display and the other end into an available port on the TV.
Why LED TV is Cheaper Than LED Monitor?
Consumers often have no idea what the manufacturing cost is. This means manufacturers can easily price items high, whatever the market tolerates. Also, TVs are purchased in higher quantities than monitors, so it's easier to sell TVs cheaper for a profit than monitors.
What are the Common LED Monitor Problems and Solutions?
LED displays are superior to conventional CRT or LCD monitors in most ways. However, like most electronic devices, LED monitors may be susceptible to some problems if they are not properly handled or kept clean.
The common LED display problems are;
Flickering
If you experience flickering, there may be a loose or faulty video cable. To fix this issue, you will need to tighten the cable from the monitor to the video source. This should solve any monitor flickering issue.
Cracks, Spots, and Blotches
A crack indicates a structural defect, while a blotch or spot may mean a problem with the internal workings of the monitor. These problems may arise due to moving from one place to another, dropping, or improper handling.
These damages often make it cost-effective to replace your monitor instead of repairing it.
Random Shutoffs
Power problems are usually the most common reason for led computer monitor shutoffs. Unplugging and plugging in the monitor again may solve the problem. Make sure also that the cable is plugged in properly and not loose.
Are LED Monitors Suitable for Gaming?
Yes, LED monitors are suitable for gaming. The features that make LED displays suitable for gaming are high refresh rates, high resolutions, low response times, and fast response times.
Also, they can be used with gaming consoles like Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, as well as computers to play any game on the market.
Are LED Monitors Suitable for Business?
Imagine that you can work on your computer all night avoiding eye strain. With LED displays , this is the case. They are known to emit natural colors and create less harsh lighting than regular monitors.
This allows for crisp, clear images without the headache or eye strain associated with other monitors. LED screens are also more energy-efficient than regular ones, making them ideal monitors for business where energy costs are always an issue.
These monitors will save you money on your power bill while also improving conditions at your office. On the other hand, using multiple monitors for which the bezel less monitors are best suited, is for best productivity, but they can be pricey.
No matter what you do, whether it is editing videos, graphic design, programming, or if you are someone who plays computer games frequently, you will need an LED display.
What is the Purpose of LED Monitor?
These types of computer monitors are ideal for gaming, multimedia applications, and are the monitors of choice for the whole range of professionals .
Graphic Designers
LED displays are definitely top option as monitors for graphic design. VA panels are a bit more affordable but the difference the LED technology makes them deservedly slightly more expensive. Better color rendition and a faster response time should make up for it.
Photographers
A screen with an insufficient refresh rate will not look good on camera even though it looks fine to the naked eye, thus making the refresh rate extremely important for photography. When choosing a monitor for photography, panel type is king. If you buy the best IPS LED (or equivalent) monitor you can afford, the other features are frosting on the cake.
Architects
High refresh rate and high gray scale of LEDs ensures vivid images and meet the high visual image requirements. When looking for a monitor for architects color performance and resolution is also what most such displays should come with. It is understood that best monitors for CAD and similar demanding software that architects just can't imagine their work without have similar if not the same features.
Traders
For traders looking for the absolute maximum amount of space to lay out charts, spreadsheets and data then you could go for multiple 4K screens, it’s certainly possible but you’re probably going to need a bigger desk. Remember, if you are intending to go for a sole 4K screen then make sure it is at least a 40 inch monitor. Another important feature to look out for in your monitor for trading is your eye-safety when spending long hours under artificial light.
Programmers
The monitor should be large in general or at least 23 inches. If you get stuck on a code and need a colleague to look it over, it’s easier to do so on a large monitor. An IPS screen will display the cleanest and best looking contrast. If you’re going to be staring at a screen for many hours at a time, the last thing you want is a fuzzy or pixelated looking font. Lastly, programming monitors should be height adjustable to avoid strain on your neck and shoulder muscles.
What is QLED?
QLEDs (Quantum Light Emitting Diode) are LCD monitors that use quantum dots to create the backlight. Quantum dots are microscopic particles that produce light when electricity is applied.
And because quantum dots can be made with semiconductor materials, their size and color performance can be carefully controlled. This makes possible a brighter, more energy-efficient display.
What is the Difference Between LCD Monitors and LED Monitors?
LCD monitors and LED monitors are the most common display devices used in households and offices around the globe. The main difference between LCD monitors and LED monitors is their backlights.
An LED monitor uses light-emitting diodes for its backlights. While fluorescent backlights are found in standard LCD monitors.
The LED lights behind the monitor produce a crisper and clearer image than LCD monitors and consume less power than LCD monitors, have a longer lifespan than LCD monitors, and are more shock and shatterproof than an LCD monitor.
The only con about LED monitors compared to LCD monitors is that LED monitors generally cost more.
What is the Difference Between IPS and LED Monitors?
IPS (In-Plane Switching) is an LCD technology that offers excellent color accuracy, high brightness, and wide viewing angles. It uses fluorescent backlights.
LED displays use light-emitting diodes instead of CCFLs, resulting in higher energy efficiency. The main difference between them is backlights. IPS use CCFLs while LEDs use light-emitting diodes. All that and more is thorooughly explained in our IPS and LED technology back-to-back review.
What are the Other Types of Monitors?
If you’re an avid computer user, I’m sure you’re familiar with other types of monitors that are on the market. They include;
- LCD monitors
- Plasma monitors
- OLED monitors
- Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitors
- Touch Screen Monitors
Which size of LED Monitors is more Usable?
The size of LED displays that are more usable include;
- 19 Inches
- 22 inches
- 24 inches
- 30 inches
- 42 inches
- 50 inches
Which LED Monitors are the Best for Gaming?
If you take your gaming seriously, then you want to purchase a display that is the best for a competitive sport. Here is a list of the best monitors for gaming. All have a high refresh rate, high resolution, and low response time making them ideal for your gameplay. However, because it can achieve much higher refresh rates than LEDs we'd call OLED monitors the winner in this category, as this OLED and LED comparison suggests.
These LED gaming monitors though are used by many professional gamers. They also deliver excellent graphics performance with bright colors and deep blacks that result in incredible gameplay.
- Su28e590d 28 inch 4k uhd led lit monitor
- Sceptre 24 curved 75hz gaming led monitor
- Dell s2319nx 23 ips led fhd monitor black silver
- Dell s2419nx 24 ips led fhd monitor black silver
- HP 27q 27 led qhd monitor pike silver
- HP 27yh 3ua74aa aba 27 led monitor black
Where to Buy the LED Monitors?
If you want to buy the LED monitors of Samsung, Panasonic, or LG then you can order one through online stores. You can order monitor online of any size and of any brand. They give shipping for the monitor to your home.
The stores that you can buy directly include;
- Amazon
- Ali baba
- eBay
- Best Buy
What are the Cheapest LED Monitors?
You will find a range of budget monitors in different sizes and resolutions. A search online for "LED computer monitors" shows various monitors with prices from $150 to well over $600.
Some of the cheapest LED monitors include;
- LG ultragear 24 led fhd freesync monitor black
- LG ultragear 27 ips led fhd freesync monitor black
- Alienware aw2518h 25 led fhd g sync monitor black
- AOC c4008vu8 40 curved led monitor 4k ultrahd white
- AOC gaming c24g1 24 curved led monitor fullhd
Which Computer Brands Use LED Monitors?
Because LED displays offer better value than other monitor technology, you will see the technology utilized in the products of leading brands like;
- Dell
- ASUS
- Samsung
- HP
- Toshiba
- ACER
FAQs
1. Can LED monitor be used as TV?
Yes, as long as your monitor has certain modern capabilities, it can be used as a television screen pretty effortlessly. For many models though, it is not as easy as just plugging the cable box into a computer monitor.
2. Where to Buy the LED Monitors?
If you want to buy the LED monitors of Samsung, Panasonic, or LG then you can order one through online stores. You can order monitor online of any size and of any brand. The stores that you can buy directly include Amazon, Ali baba, eBay and many more.
3. How long do monitor LEDs last?
The lifespan of a LED monitor is higher than that of a CRT monitor and LED monitor. On average, it has a lifespan of 80,000 hours to 120,000 hours of active use. This duration translates to 30 to 40 years if you use it for 8 hours every day.
4. Do LED monitors degrade over time?
LEDs slowly dim over time. Half life is the time, in hours, of how long the backlight can operate before its brightness is at 50% of what it originally was when first turned on. So if the half-life is rated at 50K hours, then the brightness of your backlight will be half as bright at 50K hours.
