Best monitors for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
If you want the one monitor that does almost everything brilliantly, get the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE. its IPS Black panel delivers deep contrast and accurate colors, and the built-in USB-C hub makes it a desk centerpiece.
The ASUS ProArt PA278QV is the smart choice for color-critical work on a budget, while the LG UltraGear 27GP850-B is the clear pick for gamers who need speed without sacrificing image quality.
Your monitor is the window to everything you do on a computer, and picking the right one can transform your daily experience, whether that means richer colors for photo editing, smoother motion for gaming, or simply a crisp, comfortable screen for spreadsheets and Zoom calls. The challenge is that the market is flooded with options at every price point, and specs like resolution, refresh rate, and panel type don’t always tell the full story. To narrow the field, we analyzed owner feedback, professional reviews, and real-world build quality across dozens of models. The five standouts below represent the best of what you can buy right now for different needs and budgets. None is perfect, but each excels in its category and will serve you well for years.
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is the rare monitor that genuinely works for both creative pros and office workers. Its IPS Black panel offers remarkable contrast for an IPS. blacks look deep, not gray, and the color coverage is excellent out of the box. The built-in USB-C hub with 90W power delivery simplifies your desk setup, and the 4K resolution keeps text razor-sharp. It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for in build quality and long-term reliability.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →
ASUS ProArt PA278QV
the color-accurate bargain
4.5out of 5The ASUS ProArt PA278QV proves you don’t have to spend a fortune for a monitor that’s ready for sRGB and Rec. 709 work. Its 1440p resolution is a sweet spot for productivity and photo editing, sharp enough without the GPU demands of 4K. Calibration is solid out of the box, and ASUS’s ProArt calibration tools let you fine-tune later. The only real compromise is the physically larger bezel and a lack of 4K, but for the price, it’s hard to beat.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →
LG UltraGear 27GP850-B
the gaming speed demon
4.6out of 5The LG UltraGear 27GP850-B is one of the fastest IPS monitors on the market, with a high refresh rate and lightning-fast response times that make competitive gaming feel incredibly smooth. Colors are vivid and the 1440p resolution keeps clarity high without demanding a top-tier GPU. It’s a fantastic all-around gaming monitor, though the contrast ratio is typical IPS. not deep, and HDR performance is modest. For pure gaming value, it’s tough to beat at this price.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Dell UltraSharp U2723QE | 4.7 / 5 | $$$ | Creative professionals, remote workers, and anyone who wants a single high-quality 4K moni | Check price → |
| Runner-up | ASUS ProArt PA278QV | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Photographers, graphic designers, and video editors who need accurate color on a budget, o | Check price → |
| Best value | LG UltraGear 27GP850-B | 4.6 / 5 | $$ | Competitive and casual gamers who want a fast, colorful 1440p monitor that also works well | Check price → |
| Best 4K for creators | BenQ PD3220U | 4.6 / 5 | $$$$ | Mac-based creative professionals, video editors, and designers who need a color-accurate 4 | Check price → |
| Best 4K value | LG 27UP850-W | 4.4 / 5 | $$ | Office workers, students, and general users who want a crisp 4K display without breaking t | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Dell UltraSharp U2723QE: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is the rare monitor that genuinely works for both creative pros and office workers. Its IPS Black panel offers remarkable contrast for an IPS. blacks look deep, not gray, and the color coverage is excellent out of the box. The built-in USB-C hub with 90W power delivery simplifies your desk setup, and the 4K resolution keeps text razor-sharp. It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for in build quality and long-term reliability.
Pros
- IPS Black technology delivers much deeper blacks than typical IPS panels
- Excellent factory color accuracy with wide sRGB and DCI-P3 coverage
- Versatile USB-C hub with power delivery and KVM functionality
- Solid build quality and a slim, professional design
Cons
- No built-in speakers worth using, plan for external ones
- 60 Hz refresh rate is fine for work but not ideal for competitive gaming
- The stand, while functional, lacks height-adjustable range for very tall desks
Who it’s for
Creative professionals, remote workers, and anyone who wants a single high-quality 4K monitor with convenient connectivity.Who should skip it
You need a high refresh rate for fast-paced gaming, or you are on a tight budget and can’t stretch to the premium price.2. ASUS ProArt PA278QV: the color-accurate bargain
Runner-upThe ASUS ProArt PA278QV proves you don’t have to spend a fortune for a monitor that’s ready for sRGB and Rec. 709 work. Its 1440p resolution is a sweet spot for productivity and photo editing, sharp enough without the GPU demands of 4K. Calibration is solid out of the box, and ASUS’s ProArt calibration tools let you fine-tune later. The only real compromise is the physically larger bezel and a lack of 4K, but for the price, it’s hard to beat.
Pros
- Delta E <2 factory-calibrated color accuracy for photo and video work
- 1440p resolution provides a good balance of sharpness and performance
- Includes a hood and a fully ergonomic stand (height, pivot, swivel, tilt)
- Budget-friendly enough for freelancers and students on a tight budget
Cons
- Lower resolution than 4K competitors, fine for most but not for ultra-sharp text
- Plasticky bezels feel less premium than Dell or BenQ alternatives
- No USB-C input, relies on HDMI and DisplayPort, so you may need adapters
Who it’s for
Photographers, graphic designers, and video editors who need accurate color on a budget, or for a secondary color-critical monitor.Who should skip it
You want a 4K display for maximum desktop space and crispness, or you prefer a monitor with USB-C connectivity for your laptop.3. LG UltraGear 27GP850-B: the gaming speed demon
Best valueThe LG UltraGear 27GP850-B is one of the fastest IPS monitors on the market, with a high refresh rate and lightning-fast response times that make competitive gaming feel incredibly smooth. Colors are vivid and the 1440p resolution keeps clarity high without demanding a top-tier GPU. It’s a fantastic all-around gaming monitor, though the contrast ratio is typical IPS. not deep, and HDR performance is modest. For pure gaming value, it’s tough to beat at this price.
Pros
- Very high refresh rate with excellent motion handling and low input lag
- Wide color gamut (DCI-P3) for vibrant, punchy visuals
- Fast IPS panel means good viewing angles and minimal ghosting
- Ergonomic stand with height, tilt, and swivel adjustment
Cons
- Contrast ratio is average for IPS. blacks look gray in dark rooms
- HDR brightness is not sufficient for true HDR gaming
- Overdrive settings can produce some overshoot at lower frame rates if not tuned
Who it’s for
Competitive and casual gamers who want a fast, colorful 1440p monitor that also works well for everyday use.Who should skip it
You prioritize deep blacks and HDR for single-player cinematic games, or you need a monitor primarily for color-critical professional work.4. BenQ PD3220U: the creator’s 4K powerhouse
Best 4K for creatorsThe BenQ PD3220U is built for creative professionals who need accurate 4K with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. Its factory calibration covers sRGB, DCI-P3, and even Adobe RGB well, and the IPS panel offers good uniformity. The built-in Thunderbolt hub simplifies daisy-chaining for Mac or PC, and the included shading hood is a nice touch. The premium price is justified by the feature set, but be aware that HDR performance is still limited by peak brightness.
Pros
- Excellent out-of-the-box color accuracy with multiple color space modes
- Thunderbolt 3 connectivity with power delivery and daisy-chain support
- Includes a detachable shading hood and a remote puck for on-screen controls
- Solid build quality with a sleek, professional design
Cons
- Peak brightness is only moderate, not ideal for true HDR workflows
- Expensive, a significant investment that rivals high-end alternatives
- Only 60 Hz, so not suitable for gaming or high-motion video review
Who it’s for
Mac-based creative professionals, video editors, and designers who need a color-accurate 4K monitor with Thunderbolt ease.Who should skip it
You work in HDR video finishing (you’ll need a brighter display), or you want a monitor that also handles high-refresh-rate gaming.5. LG 27UP850-W: the affordable 4K all-rounder
Best 4K valueThe LG 27UP850-W delivers 4K resolution and USB-C connectivity at a price that makes high-res displays accessible. Colors are good for general use and light photo work, and the slim bezels and adjustable stand add to its appeal. Where it falls short is in contrast and HDR. typical for IPS. and the screen can be a bit reflective in bright rooms. But for everyday productivity, media consumption, and even casual creative work, it’s a smart, wallet-friendly 4K option.
Pros
- 4K resolution at a very reasonable price makes text and images look sharp
- USB-C port with power delivery supports laptop charging and video
- Good out-of-the-box color for sRGB content and general use
- Clean design with thin bezels and a fully adjustable stand
Cons
- Modest contrast ratio and mediocre black levels, not for dark-room use
- HDR mode is underwhelming due to low peak brightness
- Factory calibration isn’t as tight as more expensive ProArt or BenQ models
Who it’s for
Office workers, students, and general users who want a crisp 4K display without breaking the bank, and who need USB-C simplicity.Who should skip it
You need professional-grade color accuracy for print or video work, or you plan to use HDR content regularly.Best for specific needs
Best for gaming
If fast motion and fluidity matter more than anything, the LG UltraGear 27GP850-B is your monitor. Its high refresh rate and minimal input lag give you a clear edge in competitive titles, while the vibrant IPS panel keeps colors rich for single-player games. It’s a pure gaming performer that also works well for everyday use. Our pick: LG UltraGear 27GP850-B.
Best for photo and video editing
For creators on a budget, the ASUS ProArt PA278QV offers excellent calibration and a full sRGB/Rec. 709 workflow at a very accessible price. If you need 4K and Thunderbolt, the BenQ PD3220U is the upgrade, it delivers factory-tuned color and a professional feature set that makes Mac-based editing seamless. Our pick: ASUS ProArt PA278QV.
Best for office productivity and multitasking
The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is the ultimate desktop hub. Its 4K resolution gives you acres of screen real estate, the IPS Black panel makes text pop, and the USB-C port with 90W power delivery charges your laptop and runs peripherals through a single cable. If you spend your day in documents, spreadsheets, and video calls, this is the monitor to buy. Our pick: Dell UltraSharp U2723QE.
Our verdict
No single monitor is perfect for everyone, but the five above have been carefully chosen to cover the most common needs: work, gaming, and creative tasks. If you want just one recommendation to start with, the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is the most versatile pick, it balances image quality, connectivity, and build like few others. For gamers, the LG UltraGear 27GP850-B is the speed king at a fair price, and for budget-conscious creators, the ASUS ProArt PA278QV remains a stellar value. Think about what you do most, match it to the pick above, and you’ll be happy with your choice.
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.