Best monitors for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is our top overall pick for its superb color accuracy, robust connectivity, and excellent ergonomics.
Gamers should look to the LG UltraGear 27GP850 for its fast refresh rate, while creatives on a budget will appreciate the ASUS ProArt PA278QV and anyone wanting an affordable 4K display should consider the LG 27UP850-W.
Choosing a monitor is one of the most personal decisions in a desk setup. The right screen can boost productivity, make games more immersive, and ease eye strain over long sessions. But with so many panel types, resolutions, and refresh rates, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Start by asking what you’ll do most: office work calls for a sharp IPS panel with wide viewing angles; gaming demands a high refresh rate and low response time; creative professionals need accurate color reproduction and a high resolution. Connectivity also matters, USB-C with power delivery simplifies cable management. We researched the most acclaimed models across every use case to help you find the perfect match.
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE
the do-it-all default
4.8out of 5The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE earns its top spot with exceptional out-of-box color accuracy, a versatile USB-C hub with up to 90W power delivery, and a crisp 4K resolution on a 27-inch IPS Black panel. It’s not the fastest for gaming, but its balance of productivity, connectivity, and value is unmatched.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →
ASUS ProArt PA278QV
the budget creative companion
4.5out of 5The ASUS ProArt PA278QV is a hugely popular choice among designers and photographers who don’t need 4K. Its 1440p resolution, factory-calibrated sRGB and Rec. 709 modes, and sturdy build make it a steal for color-critical work. The trade-off is no USB-C and a lower pixel density than 4K alternatives.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →
LG UltraGear 27GP850-B
the speed demon for gamers
4.6out of 5The LG UltraGear 27GP850-B is a 1440p gaming monitor that nails the essentials: a fast 165 Hz (overclockable) refresh rate, quick 1ms response time, and strong color performance thanks to its Nano IPS panel. It’s not the brightest for HDR, but for competitive and casual play alike it’s a top pick.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Dell UltraSharp U2723QE | 4.8 / 5 | $$$ | Anyone who needs a reliable, color-accurate workhorse for office tasks, spreadsheets, and | Check price → |
| Runner-up | ASUS ProArt PA278QV | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Creative professionals on a budget who want reliable color accuracy without paying for 4K. | Check price → |
| Best value | LG UltraGear 27GP850-B | 4.6 / 5 | $$ | Gamers who play fast-paced shooters or esports titles and want smooth motion without break | Check price → |
| Best 4K for creators | BenQ PD3220U | 4.7 / 5 | $$$$ | Professional creative users – especially Mac owners – who demand top-tier color accuracy a | Check price → |
| Best 4K value | LG 27UP850-W | 4.4 / 5 | $$ | Budget-conscious shoppers who want 4K resolution for general productivity, streaming, and | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Dell UltraSharp U2723QE: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Dell UltraSharp U2723QE earns its top spot with exceptional out-of-box color accuracy, a versatile USB-C hub with up to 90W power delivery, and a crisp 4K resolution on a 27-inch IPS Black panel. It’s not the fastest for gaming, but its balance of productivity, connectivity, and value is unmatched.
Pros
- Superb color accuracy right out of the box
- USB-C hub with charging simplifies your desk
- IPS Black technology delivers deeper blacks than typical IPS
- Excellent ergonomics with height, tilt, swivel, and pivot
Cons
- Only 60 Hz refresh rate, not ideal for fast-paced gaming
- No HDMI 2.1 for console gamers
- Built-in speakers are mediocre
Who it’s for
Anyone who needs a reliable, color-accurate workhorse for office tasks, spreadsheets, and light creative work.Who should skip it
You plan to play competitive shooters or want a high refresh rate for fluid motion in games.2. ASUS ProArt PA278QV: the budget creative companion
Runner-upThe ASUS ProArt PA278QV is a hugely popular choice among designers and photographers who don’t need 4K. Its 1440p resolution, factory-calibrated sRGB and Rec. 709 modes, and sturdy build make it a steal for color-critical work. The trade-off is no USB-C and a lower pixel density than 4K alternatives.
Pros
- Excellent factory color calibration for accurate sRGB and Rec. 709
- Solid build with a fully adjustable stand
- 1440p resolution strikes a great balance between sharpness and performance
- Multiple color presets for different workflows
Cons
- No USB-C input limits modern laptop connectivity
- 1440p at is less sharp than 4K for text and photo editing
- Refresh rate is only 60 Hz, not for gamers
Who it’s for
Creative professionals on a budget who want reliable color accuracy without paying for 4K.Who should skip it
You need a 4K resolution for detailed video editing or you rely on a USB-C docking setup.3. LG UltraGear 27GP850-B: the speed demon for gamers
Best valueThe LG UltraGear 27GP850-B is a 1440p gaming monitor that nails the essentials: a fast 165 Hz (overclockable) refresh rate, quick 1ms response time, and strong color performance thanks to its Nano IPS panel. It’s not the brightest for HDR, but for competitive and casual play alike it’s a top pick.
Pros
- Very fast 165 Hz refresh rate with low input lag
- Nano IPS technology offers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles
- Excellent motion handling with minimal ghosting
- Height-adjustable stand with a small footprint
Cons
- HDR performance is mediocre due to limited brightness and local dimming
- 1440p resolution instead of 4K may disappoint media consumers
- Built-in speakers are weak
Who it’s for
Gamers who play fast-paced shooters or esports titles and want smooth motion without breaking the bank.Who should skip it
You need high-resolution 4K for productivity or creative work, or you watch a lot of HDR movies.4. BenQ PD3220U: the creator’s 4K powerhouse
Best 4K for creatorsThe BenQ PD3220U is a premium 4K monitor built for designers, video editors, and anyone who needs pixel-perfect accuracy. It covers a wide color gamut (including DCI-P3), comes with a sleek Thunderbolt 3 dock, and offers hardware calibration. Its high price and 60 Hz refresh rate mean it’s not for gamers.
Pros
- Excellent factory calibration with 95% DCI-P3 coverage
- Thunderbolt 3 connectivity with power delivery
- Hardware calibration support for consistent color over time
- Ambient light sensor and an integrated hood keep glare down
Cons
- Very expensive, often more than double the cost of similar 4K monitors
- 60 Hz refresh rate makes it unsuitable for gaming
- The stand is large and takes up desk space
Who it’s for
Professional creative users – especially Mac owners – who demand top-tier color accuracy and a premium build.Who should skip it
You’re on a tight budget, or you need a monitor that pulls double duty for both work and high-refresh gaming.5. LG 27UP850-W: the affordable 4K all-rounder
Best 4K valueThe LG 27UP850-W offers a solid 4K IPS panel with USB-C connectivity (60W power delivery) at a price that undercuts most competitors. It’s a great entry point for anyone wanting crisp text and good color for the money. The biggest downsides are limited brightness for HDR and a lower color accuracy out of the box than pricier rivals.
Pros
- Affordable entry into 4K with a quality IPS panel
- USB-C port with charging simplifies laptop connection
- Good viewing angles and decent contrast for an IPS screen
- Built-in speakers are acceptable for casual use
Cons
- Out-of-box color accuracy is adequate but not professional-grade
- Peak brightness is mediocre, making HDR content look flat
- Stand is fully adjustable but feels a bit wobbly
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious shoppers who want 4K resolution for general productivity, streaming, and light photo editing.Who should skip it
You need top-tier color accuracy for professional work, or you regularly view HDR content.Best for specific needs
Best for all-day productivity
If you spend eight hours a day shuffling between spreadsheets, documents, and browser tabs, the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is the clear winner. Its 4K IPS Black panel offers sharp text and deep blacks that reduce eye strain, while the built-in USB-C hub with 90W charging keeps your desk tidy. You won’t need to reach for a separate dock. Our pick: Dell UltraSharp U2723QE.
Best for competitive gaming
Gamers who prioritize speed over resolution should grab the LG UltraGear 27GP850-B. Its 165 Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time deliver silky-smooth motion in fast-paced shooters like Counter-Strike and Overwatch. The Nano IPS panel also keeps colors vibrant, so your games look good even when you’re not chasing high refresh. Our pick: LG UltraGear 27GP850-B.
Best for content creation on a budget
For photographers and video editors who can’t spring for a premium 4K display, the ASUS ProArt PA278QV offers excellent value. Its factory-calibrated sRGB mode and robust stand make it a reliable workhorse at 1440p. You sacrifice some pixel density, but the color accuracy and build quality are hard to beat at this price point. Our pick: ASUS ProArt PA278QV.
Our verdict
No single monitor suits everyone, but if you’re after an all-around champion for work and occasional play, the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is our top recommendation. Gamers and budget-minded creators have excellent alternatives in the LG 27GP850 and ASUS ProArt PA278QV, while the BenQ PD3220U remains the gold standard for professional creative work. Whichever you choose, focus on the use case that matters most to you, and you’ll be happy with your investment.
Frequently asked questions
What size monitor is best for a desk?
For most desks, 27 inches is the sweet spot, large enough for comfortable multitasking without forcing you to turn your head, and it pairs naturally with 1440p. 32-inch suits 4K and creative work at a normal viewing distance, while ultrawides replace a dual-monitor setup. Match the size to both your desk depth and the resolution.
Is 1440p or 4K better for a monitor?
1440p hits the best balance of sharpness, desktop space, and gaming performance at 27 inches and is easier to drive. 4K gives noticeably crisper text and more detail, ideal for 32-inch screens and creative work, but it demands a stronger GPU for gaming and often needs display scaling for readable text.
Which monitor panel type should I choose?
IPS is the all-rounder with great color and wide viewing angles, ideal for work and mixed use. VA offers deeper contrast for media and dark-room gaming but slower response. TN is cheap and fast but has weaker color and angles. For most people an IPS panel is the safest, most versatile choice.
Do I need a high refresh rate monitor?
For gaming, yes, 144Hz feels dramatically smoother than 60Hz and is the single biggest visual upgrade for fast games. For office work, browsing, and creative tasks, 60Hz is perfectly fine, though many people enjoy the extra smoothness of 120Hz or more once they’ve felt it, even on the desktop.
What ports should a good monitor have?
At minimum, HDMI and DisplayPort for flexible connection to laptops and desktops. USB-C with power delivery is a big convenience for laptops, carrying video, data, and charging over one cable. A built-in USB hub and, on some models, daisy-chain support add to a clean, single-cable desk setup.