The Best Desktop Monitors of 2024
By Linus Tan
Updated Jan 2024
There are many benefits to having an external display to complement your laptop. It can dramatically increase your productivity by allowing you to use both devices simultaneously. Plus, you can view a lot of information at once. If you're tempted to try this out, we've rounded up the best monitors to help you transform your work experience.
Best Overall: Dell P3222QE
✓ 32-inch display with 4K resolution
✓ Ergonomic screen adjustments
✓ High contrast and colour accuracy
✓ Extensive port system
Best for Apple Users: Apple Studio Display
✓ Beautiful 27-inch 5K display
✓ Six-speaker sound system
✓ 12MP ultrawide camera
✓ Clean & minimal design
Best for Creatives: Asus ProArt Display PA278CV
✓ 27-inch display with 4K UHD resolution
✓ 75Hz refresh rate & 5ms response time
✓ Accurate colour display
✓ Low blue light filter
Best for Gaming: Dell Alienware AW3423DW
✓ 34-inch QD-OLED display
✓ High 175Hz refresh rate
✓ Outstanding motion response
✓ Perfect deep blacks
Best for Budget: ViewSonic VA2456-MHD
✓ 24-inch Full HD display
✓ 5ms response time
✓ Low blue light filter
✓ Budget-friendly
#1 Best Overall: Dell P3222QE
Dell P3222QE
Boasting a 4K resolution, the Dell P3222QE is designed for office use with its always-on low blue light feature and large screen size to fit more stuff on your screen. Thanks to the 99% sRGB colour space, this monitor will be of great potential for photo or video editors.
Right from the outlook, the Dell P3222QE looks sleek with three slim bezels at the side and top, as well as a weighted stand. Its excellent ergonomics make us drool because along with height adjustment, you can also tilt, pivot and swivel your monitor for ideal screen positioning. In addition, cord clutter can be kept to a minimum through the centre of the stand's angled slot.
We appreciate how we are getting that anti-glare viewing goodness with the Dell P3222QE. Not only does it make the image pleasant on the eyes even at higher brightness levels, but it's also highly effective at reducing glare, which is just as useful for productivity.
Dell P3222QE
Having HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and 4x USB 3.1 Gen 1(5Gbps) ports on hand push the Dell P3222QE to get more work done. What we love is the IPS screen tech which maintains colour and contrast accuracy despite the viewing angle - a must-have for more serious creative editing. Couple this with the 32-inch sized monitor, it makes it easier to view fine details when working on high-resolution photos and videos.
However, it's priced at a hefty almost S$860, which might not be what you're looking for if you're new to the monitor game.
Overall, the Dell P3222QE is fitted with the right tools for productivity if you spend long hours behind your screen.
Dell P3222QE
Best Overall
✓ 32-inch display with 4K resolution
✓ Ergonomic screen adjustments
✓ High contrast and colour accuracy
✓ Extensive port system
#2 Best for Apple Users: Apple Studio Display
Apple Studio Display
The Apple Studio Display is an incredible monitor that offers a tremendous amount of value and features in a sleek, professional-looking design that is dominated by its 27-inch, 5K screen. Its 12MP ultra-wide camera, six-speaker sound system, triple-mic array, and A13 Bionic chip combine to bring you an unparalleled experience.
With its stunning 5K resolution, the monitor provides vibrant and detailed visuals, displaying over 14.7 million pixels at a density of 218 PPI (pixels per inch). Its six-speaker sound system ensures that you'll be able to experience the full depth and clarity of audio also supports Spatial Audio via Dolby Atmos, while the triple-mic array ensures that your voice will be heard clearly during online calls. Furthermore, the A13 Bionic chip ensures that the monitor runs smoothly and efficiently.
Apple Studio Display
The Apple Studio Display is a great pick for any creative professional thanks to its comprehensive array of features. It comes with a selection of reference modes plus P3 wide colour gamut support, making sure that colours are accurately represented. Additionally, its features provide dependable, consistent performance, allowing users to craft stunning visuals without any trouble.
The Apple Studio Display does not reach its full potential unless connected to a compatible Mac or iPad, as the latest firmware can only be acquired by downloading it through a Mac. Without the Mac or iPad connection, the Studio Display cannot be used as a powerful editing device, nor can it act as an all-in-one media centre for streaming videos, playing music, and more.
The Apple Studio Display is the ideal choice for those seeking a remarkable and engaging experience, especially MacBook Pro users in search of an external monitor.
Apple Studio Display
Best for Apple Users
✓ Beautiful 27-inch 5K display
✓ Six-speaker sound system
✓ 12MP ultrawide camera
✓ Clean & minimal design
#3 Best for Creatives: Asus ProArt Display PA278CV
Asus ProArt Display PA278CV
Are you someone who's venturing into professional editing but don't want to spend a fortune on an external display? Consider the Asus ProArt Display PA278CV.
To start with, the PA278CV is composed of matte black and metallic textures, giving off a stylish feel despite its more affordable price point. This monitor is bezel-free on three of its sides so you get a clear view when you work. Whatever your preferences, you can get the perfect view angle since the stand allows you to adjust the height, swivel, tilt and pivot.
The Asus ProArt Display PA278CV stands out as it features one DisplayPort 1.2 and an HDMI 1.4 connector. There's also a 65W USB-C port to easily connect this monitor to any portable laptop. It also comes with four USB 3.1 slots and a 3.5mm audio jack to connect a variety of accessories. The built-in USB-C port is also a great bonus, allowing you to easily connect to a laptop or other device in order to quickly transfer data.
Asus ProArt Display PA278CV
With a 75Hz refresh rate and a 5ms response time, the Asus ProArt Display PA278CV is a great option for your editing work especially if you want a responsive and colour-accurate monitor. Not only that, the 2560 x 1440 resolution ensures you have a crisp, high-quality image. It's also reassuring that the PA278CV has an integrated low blue light filter and flicker-free technology so you no longer have to worry about eye strain even after prolonged use.
Unfortunately, the Asus ProArt Display PA278CV lacks uniformity, proven more obvious when black or dark images are displayed. While no backlight leaks have been reported, it does present clouding issues in low-light images. Keep in mind, this aspect varies from one unit to another.
Overall, the Asus ProArt Display PA278CV is an excellent choice for those who require a reliable monitor for colour-critical tasks. With its 27-inch display, 4K UHD resolution, 100% sRGB coverage, and 10-bit colour depth, this monitor offers an incredibly vibrant and accurate viewing experience.
Asus ProArt Display PA278CV
Best for Creatives
✓ 27-inch display with 4K UHD resolution
✓ 75Hz refresh rate & 5ms response time
✓ Accurate colour display
✓ Low blue light filter
#4 Best for Gaming: Dell Alienware AW3423DW
Dell Alienware AW3423DW
The Dell Alienware AW3423DW is an impressive 34-inch ultrawide monitor designed to give gamers an immersive, high-quality gaming experience. It boasts excellent HDR, a lightning-fast refresh rate of up to 175 Hz, and a 21:9 aspect ratio, all engineered to deliver an unparalleled level of visual clarity and detail.
The Alienware AW3423DW has a slim bezel design, making it ideal for creating a multi-monitor setup for an immersive gaming experience. It also features modern gaming features, such as NVIDIA G-SYNC technology and AlienFX lighting, to ensure a high-performance gaming experience.
Dell Alienware AW3423DW
The Dell Alienware AW3423DW offers stunning visuals with its exquisite colour accuracy and deep, inky blacks that create a truly mesmerising experience. You are sure to be captivated by its vivid colours and brilliant contrast while gaming or watching movies.
The build quality of the Dell Alienware AW3423DW is nothing short of exceptional, with its robust construction and superior craftsmanship evident in every inch of its design. Its sleek, futuristic look is sure to impress. If you're searching for a monitor to transform your gaming experience, look no further than this.
Dell Alienware AW3423DW
Best for Gaming
✓ 34-inch QD-OLED display
✓ High 175Hz refresh rate
✓ Outstanding motion response
✓ Perfect deep blacks
#5 Best for Budget: ViewSonic VA2456-MHD
ViewSonic VA2456-MHD
For those who are searching for a monitor that checks all the boxes and won't leave you broke, the ViewSonic VA2456-MHD is a great option. This monitor stands out from the rest with its stylish frameless edge-to-edge design that gives you a truly immersive experience. With its Full HD 1920x1080 resolution, you can enjoy stunning clarity and detail no matter what you're doing - be it working or gaming - and no matter your vantage point. This monitor is sure to give you an unbeatable viewing experience that won't break the bank.
It offers a solid viewing experience with its 24-inch Full HD display and its 5ms response time ensures smooth images with minimal lag. Its sleek design also ensures a seamless fit in any workspace, making it a great choice for those who don't need the latest features but still want a reliable monitor.
ViewSonic VA2456-MHD
The ViewSonic VA2456-MHD is designed to help you stay productive with its range of connectivity options such as VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort. It also features Flicker-Free technology and a Blue Light Filter, which help to preserve your vision and reduce fatigue.
Additionally, the VA2456-MHD comes with dual-integrated stereo speakers, allowing you to experience the full audio and visual range of your multimedia entertainment. With these features, the VA2456-MHD is the perfect monitor for any workspace or home entertainment space, delivering the perfect combination of productivity and entertainment.
Overall, the ViewSonic VA2456-MHD is an ideal choice for those who don't need all the bells and whistles of more expensive monitors. It offers great value for the money and is an excellent choice if you don't need the latest features.
ViewSonic VA2456-MHD
Best for Budget
✓ 24-inch Full HD display
✓ 5ms response time
✓ Low blue light filter
✓ Budget-friendly
Compare Desktop Monitors
Final Thoughts
Deciding which monitor is suitable for you depends on the space you have available and what you intend to use it for. No matter your final choice, we guarantee that having a second screen will be a transformative experience.
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