Opting for an ideal monitor is a critical decision for anyone setting up a workspace or entertainment hub. Since the majority of our sensory input is visual, the monitor acts as a portal to the digital realm. A top-notch monitor delivers seamless visuals, precise colors, and responsiveness that can make a difference when it matters. However, navigating through the multitude of brands and models can be daunting for someone undecided.
Naturally, budget and personal requirements play a significant role in the selection process. Yet, even with a clear idea of what to purchase, monitor brands offer distinct lineups tailored to diverse financial constraints and usage scenarios. This guide delves into the giants of the monitor industry, delving into each brand and equipping readers with the necessary knowledge to make an educated choice.
Those who have already settled on a brand can explore Game Rant's comprehensive monitor guides, such as the top Samsung monitors, for a detailed overview of the offerings from their preferred monitor manufacturer.
Samsung
Samsung stands out as a versatile player in the tech arena, with its monitor selection mirroring this versatility. This South Korean tech titan dominates the large-screen market and provides some of the finest TVs optimized for movies and entertainment. Leveraging a rich history in display manufacturing, Samsung presents a diverse range of monitors catering to gamers, professionals, and everyday users.
The Odyssey series from Samsung is a bold move targeting the gaming community. Featuring cutting-edge technologies like Quantum Dot displays and ultra-wide curved panels, the Odyssey line distinguishes itself. These innovations position Samsung as a top choice for OLED gaming monitors. For instance, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 boasts an immersive 32-inch curved screen, Quantum Mini LED backlighting, and a 165 Hz refresh rate.
Moreover, Samsung excels in producing monitors suitable for creative tasks. Their Smart Monitor series often includes built-in speakers, support for streaming apps, and remote desktop capabilities, elevating them beyond mere displays.
Asus
Asus, a Taiwanese powerhouse, commands a significant presence in the monitor market. Renowned for their ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand, Asus delivers some of the most sophisticated and feature-rich gaming monitors on the market.
The ROG Swift lineup epitomizes Asus's commitment to performance. Models like the ROG Swift PG27AQDM boast stunning 1440p visuals with lightning-fast 250Hz refresh rates and cutting-edge features for exceptional contrast and HDR performance. Asus frequently collaborates with NVIDIA to offer G-SYNC compatibility.
While the cutting-edge tech from Asus ROG Swift often comes with a hefty price tag, the Asus ROG Strix and TUF lineups present more budget-friendly alternatives, with TUF positioned as the economical Asus brand. Despite the lower price point, the Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM stands out as one of the finest 1080p gaming monitors.
Acer
Acer, another Taiwanese tech giant, boasts a substantial presence in the computer industry. From basic budget options to feature-packed high-end beasts, Acer's monitors span a wide spectrum. Acer's forte lies in striking a balance between value and performance, ensuring buyers find commendable specifications at competitive price points within their lineup.
The Predator line from Acer is particularly popular among gamers. These monitors flaunt high refresh rates, swift response times, and technologies like AMD FreeSync Premium, reducing screen tearing and offering silky-smooth visuals. The Acer Predator X27U, for instance, is a powerhouse with a QHD display, a blazing 240Hz refresh rate, and HDR support.
Acer's Nitro series caters to gamers on a budget. If a Predator monitor catches your eye, a similar model with a few compromises and a more attractive price tag likely exists in the Nitro lineup. The Acer Nitro XV320QU is recognized as one of the top monitors for photo editing, thanks to its sharp and vivid visuals.
LG
LG, a South Korean electronics giant, is synonymous with quality displays across various categories, excelling in the smart TV domain. LG's monitors inherit this expertise, targeting the gaming sector with a focus on image quality and innovation.
The UltraGear series from LG comprises gaming-centric monitors often featuring high-speed IPS panels renowned for stellar color reproduction coupled with rapid response times. LG's Nano IPS technology, enhancing color vibrancy and supporting HDR, positions LG UltraGear as a compelling choice for gamers seeking immersive visuals. Models like the LG Ultragear 27GR83Q-B showcase LG's technical prowess with QHD resolution, 250 Hz refresh rates, and HDR capabilities.
LG also caters to creative professionals through their UltraFine series, emphasizing precise color reproduction and connectivity options tailored for demanding workflows. While LG's monitors might carry a higher price tag compared to competitors, the brand compensates with exceptional visual fidelity.
Dell
Dell, the sole non-Asian entity on this list, is renowned for its laptops and desktops, but its monitor range is equally impressive. Dell offers a diverse array of displays catering to general productivity, gaming, and professional users. The brand's strength lies in reliability, comprehensive performance, and sleek, functional designs.
The S series from Dell has garnered acclaim. These monitors prioritize color accuracy and affordability, making them a preferred choice for photographers, video editors, and designers requiring dependable visuals. The Dell S2722Q, for example, delivers exceptional color reproduction and is esteemed as one of the top budget monitors for video editing.
Dell's gaming monitors under the Alienware banner also deliver robust performance. While they may not always match the cutting-edge specs of some ROG competitors, they offer reliable all-around gaming performance and often showcase striking, futuristic designs. Dell monitors might not be the most budget-friendly, but they present a dependable blend of features, design, and warranty support for the price.
AOC
AOC is recognized for offering solid gaming hardware to budget-conscious gamers. While lacking the brand recognition of heavyweight competitors, AOC provides competitive monitors with features that often outperform their price range.
The AOC Agon series is tailored for gamers, featuring high refresh rates, support for adaptive sync technologies like FreeSync and G-SYNC, and responsive panels across many models. For instance, the AOC Agon Pro AG276QZD offers a 1440p OLED display matched with a speedy 240 Hz refresh rate, making it one of the premier budget OLED monitors for gaming.
Although AOC doesn't always prioritize premium features like HDR or exceptional build quality, some of their monitors may exhibit slightly lower color accuracy compared to options aimed at professionals. Nevertheless, if the objective is high frame rates, AOC stands out as a worthwhile consideration for a responsive monitor without the premium pricing of top-tier alternatives.
MSI
MSI has entrenched itself in the gaming hardware realm. MSI's monitors strike a balance between features, performance, and design, making them a popular choice among gamers.
The Optix series illustrates MSI's commitment to gaming. These monitors frequently boast high refresh rates, low response times, and adaptive sync support for smooth, tear-free gaming experiences. MSI's naming conventions such as MAG and MPG, synonymous with their gaming motherboards, extend to their monitor range as well. The MSI MAG2732, an affordable 27-inch display with a 165 Hz refresh rate, is heralded as one of the finest budget-friendly monitors for programming.
MSI's designs may exhibit a distinctive gamer aesthetic, which might not appeal to everyone. Additionally, some models could be priced higher than the competition despite offering similar specifications.
BenQ
BenQ, while not as flashy a name, delivers remarkably well-rounded monitors suited for diverse applications. The brand places a strong emphasis on image quality and features catering to both serious gamers and creative professionals.
The BenQ Mobiuz series features high refresh rates and low response times, targeting gamers seeking top-tier performance. Their Professional lineup, encompassing the BenQ PhotoVue and DesignVue monitors, addresses the needs of photographers and designers seeking precise color reproduction and convenient features. These monitors often incorporate hardware calibration capabilities and specialized color modes to ensure faithful color representation. The BenQ PD2725U exemplifies this lineup: a 4k display boasting stunning color accuracy and enhanced with Thunderbolt connectivity.
While BenQ might not enjoy the same level of recognition as some competitors, their monitors offer a compelling balance of quality and features for the price. However, BenQ's designs tend to prioritize functionality over aesthetics, which may not resonate with everyone visually.