Which monitor should i buy: The Best Monitors for 2022

The Best Portable Monitors for 2022

Portable displays that you pair with a laptop aren’t a new phenomenon, but in the past couple of years, they have come into their own. Many of the major monitor manufacturers have at least one in their repertoire, and new models are appearing more regularly than ever. Whether you want to add a second screen for giving presentations to small groups, view two programs open full-screen at once, enhance your portable gaming system, or touch up your designs with a stylus, mobile monitors of different sizes, styles, and paradigms are ready to serve.

Why all of these panels, all of a sudden? The widespread adoption of USB Type-C connectivity—with its ability to transfer power, data, and video over a single cable—has been a godsend for the growth of portable displays. They no longer need a dedicated AC adapter for juice (though some do come with one as an option), and many have just a single USB-C port that handles all the connectivity, though some add HDMI or other connectors.

Interested in shopping for one? Read on for a breakdown of our current top, tested portable monitors suited for a variety of user categories, followed by a guide to what to look for to land the right one for you.

More About Our Picks

ViewSonic VG1655

4.0 Excellent

Best Portable Monitor for General Use

Bottom Line:

ViewSonic’s 15.6-inch VG1655 has the same limited color coverage as most other portable monitors we’ve tested, but it’s one of the few to offer a built-in stand, a five-way mini-joystick controller, and a sophisticated onscreen display. It muscles out a win on the strength of those convenience features.

Pros

Five-way mini-joystick controller
Fully realized OSD
Built-in stand allows for easy tilt
Bright, with solid contrast ratio
Good value for money

Cons

Some colors dull in photos and video

Read Our ViewSonic VG1655 Review

Lepow C2S Portable Monitor

4. 0 Excellent

Best Budget Portable Monitor

Bottom Line:

The Lepow C2S Portable Monitor sacrifices some slimness for a full complement of ports and a fold-out metal stand. It’s not the brightest mobile display, but it renders photos and videos nicely.

Pros

Above-par color coverage for a budget portable display
Moderately priced
Generous port selection
Fold-out metal stand

Cons

Short of rated brightness in our testing
Ineffective HDR setting

Read Our Lepow C2S Portable Monitor Review

AOC I1601FWUX USB-C Portable Monitor

3.5 Good

Best Budget Portable Monitor (Larger-Screen)

Bottom Line:

The lightweight AOC I1601FWUX USB-C Portable Monitor is for USB-C laptops that support DisplayPort over USB. It has a roomy 15.6-inch screen with 1080p resolution, but it’s best for business use due to its limited color gamut.

Pros

Compact and lightweight.
Sturdy, foldable stand.
Comes with utility to control settings from your computer.
Draws power and receives video and data over a single cable.

Cons

Works only with USB-C laptops that support DisplayPort over USB.
Narrow color gamut equals dull colors.
Awkward OSD menu navigation.

Read Our AOC I1601FWUX USB-C Portable Monitor Review

Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE

4.5 Outstanding

Best Portable Monitor for Serious Gamers

Bottom Line:

Asus’ ROG Strix XG16AHPE portable display comes jam-packed with features that make it a good choice for both gaming and multimedia viewing. It’s not cheap, but it’s money well spent.

Pros

High refresh rate and low input lag
Built-in battery and speakers
Bright (272 nits) and colorful (97.7% of sRGB)
Kickstand works in both landscape and portrait modes
Includes soft carrying sleeve

Cons

Expensive for a 15. 6-inch portable monitor

Read Our Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE Review

MSI Optix MAG161V

3.5 Good

Best Portable Monitor for Casual Gamers

Bottom Line:

The Optix MAG161V, MSI’s first portable gaming monitor, connects with a range of gaming consoles, smartphones, and computers. It’s solid for casual gaming, but its brightness peak and overall color coverage are ho-hum at best.

Pros

Above-average port selection
Slim screen
Built-in speakers
Broad contrast ratio

Cons

Awkward folding stand
Mediocre brightness and color coverage

Read Our MSI Optix MAG161V Review

Asus ZenScreen Touch (MB16AMT)

4.0 Excellent

Best Portable Monitor With Touch Input

Bottom Line:

The wisely designed Asus ZenScreen Touch brings touch-input capability, flexible stand options, and an on-the-go internal battery to a 15. 6-inch mobile monitor, topping the field.

Pros

Gesture-based multi-touch and stylus input.
Built-in battery.
Comprehensive, easy-to-navigate menus, with mini-joystick for navigation.
Good brightness and contrast ratio.
Built-in speakers.

Cons

Pricey for a mobile monitor.
Somewhat dull colors.
Limited touch support for use with Macs, and none for iOS devices.

Read Our Asus ZenScreen Touch (MB16AMT) Review

Lenovo ThinkVision M14

4.0 Excellent

Best Portable Monitor for Image Quality

Bottom Line:

Thanks to its easy portability, high-quality panel, and USB-C connectivity, Lenovo’s ThinkVision M14 is a winning choice as a portable monitor for business or personal use.

Pros

Compact and very lightweight.
Bright for a portable monitor.
Good color fidelity.
Wide range of tilt angles.
Includes protective sleeve.

Cons

USB connectivity only.
Limited OSD controls.

Read Our Lenovo ThinkVision M14 Review

HP EliteDisplay S14 USB Portable Monitor

4.0 Excellent

Best Portable Monitor to Pair With a Business Ultraportable

Bottom Line:

HP’s lightweight EliteDisplay S14 delivers surprising specs and sleek lines for a business-minded travel monitor. It’s a nifty second-screen complement for a midsize laptop that has USB Type-C.

Pros

Slim, compact, and light.
One-cable setup.
OSD is easy to learn.
Clean design that matches up well with thin laptop bezels.

Cons

Stand affords only one angle.
Can’t rotate screen to vertical orientation.
OSD buttons are tricky to reach.
Cover doesn’t protect the back of the monitor.

Read Our HP EliteDisplay S14 USB Portable Monitor Review

Asus ZenScreen Go (MB16AP)

4.0 Excellent

Best Portable Monitor With Internal Battery

Bottom Line:

The Asus ZenScreen Go (MB16AP), a 15.6-inch portable monitor, has a built-in battery to keep it from draining the laptop or other mobile device it’s attached to. Only a slightly muted panel keeps it from top marks.

Pros

Built-in battery.
1080p IPS screen.
Detailed, easily navigable OSD.
Protective cover doubles as foldable stand.

Cons

Somewhat dull colors.

Read Our Asus ZenScreen Go (MB16AP) Review

espresso Display (15 inch)

3.5 Good

Best Portable Monitor for Presenters

Bottom Line:

The 15-inch espresso Display looks gorgeous and has exceptional color coverage for a portable display. You’ll have to pay extra for its stand and the stylus for its touch screen, though.

Pros

Elegant enclosure design
Ultra-thin frame
IPS screen with great sRGB color coverage
Touch-sensitive display

Cons

Considerably dimmer than its rated brightness
Stand, protective cover, and stylus cost extra
Bare-bones OSD
Highly reflective screen
Warranty just one year

Read Our espresso Display (15 inch) Review

SideTrak Portable Monitor

3.0 Average

Best Laptop-Attachable Portable Monitor

Bottom Line:

The cleverly designed SideTrak Portable Monitor can stay attached to your laptop, even while traveling, but its brightness and color range could use improvement.

Pros

Quick to pull out and deploy.
Can stay attached to laptop even when travelling.

Cons

Frame movement could be smoother.
Panel is on the dim side, with some dull colors.
No OSD, and limited control over settings.
Brief warranty.

Read Our SideTrak Portable Monitor Review

How to Buy the Right Portable Monitor

Many smaller desktop displays can be taken on the road in a pinch, but «true» portable monitors are those specifically sold as such. Even those range quite a bit in size: from 3.5 inches to 22 inches. Portable displays run the gamut from personal, business, and general-purpose models to panels for artists and gamers.

The sweet spot for use with a laptop, though, and our focus here, is between 12 and 17 inches. Many users match their portable display with the screen size of their laptop. But also on the market is a handful of models at 10 inches (mostly for use with gaming consoles) and at 7 inches (for use with the Raspberry Pi).

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

Most portable displays use a stand consisting of a thin but stiff plastic board, with several grooves or creases on which it folds. At one end is a magnetic strip, which adheres to the back of the monitor at its top. Folding the sheet in the middle, with the angle pointing away from the user, props up the monitor. The bottom of the monitor inserts into a groove, securing it and tilting the device upward. (Some portable displays have several grooves, and you can alter the monitor’s tilt angle by placing the base in a different one.)

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

These foldable stands often double as protective covers for the display when it’s not in use. Some protect just the front of the monitor, while others are larger, wraparound covers that sandwich the entire monitor.

Another stand design that we have seen consists of a rigid, flat base, containing the ports, to which the screen is attached via hinges. You can set the screen at any angle you like simply by tilting it. This kind is much less common, though. Also, a few designs use the laptop itself as the support, fastening to its back or its side and sliding or swinging out for use.

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

Although mobile monitors lack the height, pivot, or swivel adjustability of their desktop counterparts, they are small and light enough that they are easy to adjust manually. Some monitors can be pivoted by hand, though not all stands can support a monitor when it is in portrait mode. In those cases, you could always prop up the monitor against a wall or other surface. Most portable monitors can automatically correct the image so it is always right side up, whether you’re in landscape or portrait mode. (Even in those that lack such automatic image rotation, you can change the orientation in Windows display settings.)

The Best Portable Monitor for a Laptop: How to Evaluate the Screen

When we’re looking at the panels for mobile monitors, the main factors we evaluate are the screen size, the native resolution, the brightness range, the technology the panel uses, and the maker’s claims for color-gamut coverage.

Many users prefer to use a mobile monitor that has the same screen size and native resolution as the laptop screen they are using it with. That said, I have found these panels to be forgiving and have had no trouble running portable displays that are slightly larger than my laptop’s own screen. As long as you don’t mismatch the mobile monitor’s and laptop’s screen aspect ratio (which, almost always, is a normal 16:9 widescreen ratio), you are unlikely to experience much trouble in matching them up.

The native resolution on panels suitable for use with a laptop ranges from 1,366 by 768 pixels up to 3,200 by 1,800 pixels (QHD+). Most of the recent laptop-appropriate screens sport a native resolution of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels (aka 1080p, or «full HD»), but a few go higher.

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

Mobile monitors tend to be dimmer, at their maximum brightness levels, than their desktop counterparts. What is commonly called brightness is actually luminance, or brightness per unit area. Portable monitors tend to cluster around 180 nits (also expressed as «candelas per meter squared») in our testing, even though many are rated at between 230 and 300 nits, which is fine for typical use. The highest we have measured at this writing is 280 nits.

Monitors that make use of in-plane switching (IPS) technology are generally preferred for general use over vertical-alignment (VA) and twisted-nematic (TN) panels due to their wider off-axis viewing angles and good color accuracy. Many recent mobile monitors are IPS, but there’s a catch. When we test a panel for its color gamut, we first test the sRGB color space, which is the default color space for the web and many other applications. This color space comprises essentially all the colors that can be made by mixing red, green, and blue. Most desktop monitors cover at least 95 percent of sRGB, and we have seen portable monitors attain similar coverage. However, since late 2017, a spate of mobile IPS monitors have shown much more limited overall color coverage (60 to 72 percent of sRGB) and very similar color profiles—indicating poor red and purple coverage and slightly enhanced blue-greens. Because of their nearly identical «color signatures,» we assume that these screens come from the same or similar sources, although they are on monitors made by a variety of manufacturers.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

These measured results have been borne out in our experiential testing, where in photos and videos red and purple areas tended to look dull and washed out. Although screens with this issue are fine for most business and productivity use, they are subpar choices for videophiles or photo enthusiasts. In our monitor reviews, we include a chromaticity chart that maps our readings against the ideal readings for the color space being tested, and provide an analysis of the panel’s color coverage.

The Ports: How Are Portable Monitors Powered and Connected?

As I alluded to earlier, the mobile-monitor world is undergoing a convergence of power and connectivity thanks to USB Type-C connectivity. Many USB-C ports support both DisplayPort over USB and USB power delivery, letting both data/video and power flow through the port from a computer over a single USB cable. Most new mobile monitors have at least one USB-C port, and some connect solely via USB-C. While this simplicity has its appeal, be sure that your laptop’s USB-C port supports data, video, and power transfer, because some early-generation USB-C ports don’t. (Thunderbolt 3 ports should also work fine; their functionality encompasses all of that of USB-C.)

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

A few mobile monitors use traditional power adapters. This is particularly true of models that work with sketch pens and intended for artists, which are in effect interactive monitors. In a common configuration, the display draws power through an adapter, while two cables connect to the computer. One is HDMI, to handle transfer of the image displayed on the device, and the other is USB (through a USB-A port), to record the pen motions the user makes when drawing on the interactive display. HDMI (usually in the form of mini-HDMI) is also a common port (the most common other than USB-C) on more conventional portable displays.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

A few older portable-display models draw their power from a laptop over a separate USB 3. 0 connection, but USB-C is well on its way to making this kind of connection passé.

Software, the Onscreen Display, and Audio

Nearly all portable displays are plug-and-play and require no software to operate. Any utilities offered, usually supplied on disc and/or through download, will be for specific functions, such as the ability to enable the screen image to remain upright when you switch between landscape and portrait orientation. Sometimes, the display may come with a utility that lets you change monitor settings from your computer screen rather than through the secondary panel’s onscreen display (OSD) controls.

The OSD is the monitor’s menu system, governing user-controllable settings such as brightness, contrast, color levels, picture mode, and aspect ratio. It is often arranged in several submenus. Although a few models include several buttons to use in navigating the OSD, a single button or switch to control it is more common.

In general, audio is not a consideration with mobile monitors, as these devices tend to lack built-in speakers or audio jacks. The few portable displays (often gaming models) that do include speakers, in our experience, have weak ones, and are most useful when paired with a portable gaming console or a smartphone. When the monitor is connected to a laptop, you can always switch from the display’s speakers to your laptop’s speakers by clicking (in Windows) the speaker icon in the taskbar and changing to your laptop’s audio.

So, What Is the Best Portable Monitor to Buy?

Whatever your needs or budget, there’s a model out there that’s right for you; the key thing is to consider the primary display panel that you’ll be using alongside of it. Below, check out the current best portable displays we’ve tested. We update this story regularly, but for the very latest monitor reviews we’ve posted, also see our monitor product guide.

The 5 Best Monitors for 2022

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Electronics
Computers

Photo: Andrew Cunningham

FYI

We’ve updated this guide with our new pick for the best ultrawide monitor, the Dell P3421W.

August 16, 2022

Whether you’re buying a first or second monitor for your desktop computer or buying a big screen to use with your laptop at home, a good monitor is a wise investment. There’s no single monitor that will work best for everyone, but our monitor guides cover all kinds of different sizes, uses, and prices, from basic 24-inch budget models to big 4K screens to high-refresh-rate gaming monitors. Here are the best ones we can find, and what kinds of things they’re good for.

Best picture quality

If you have a newer computer and do a lot of visual work, 4K monitors are for you.
Big, affordable screen

27-inch monitors generally offer the right balance of size and price for most people.
Bigger and better

Ultrawide monitors are good alternatives to dual displays for gamers or multitaskers.
Small and affordable

If you’re low on desk space or just don’t want to spend a ton, 24-inch monitors will do the trick.

The research

Best picture quality: 4K monitor
A big screen for less money: 27-inch monitor
The most affordable option: 24-inch budget monitor
A very big screen: 32-inch 4K monitor
Good for multitaskers: An ultrawide monitor
Further reading

Best picture quality: 4K monitor

Our pick

Dell P2721Q

The P2721Q combines a sleek design and plenty of ports with great contrast, color accuracy, and color gamut support.

Buying Options

$799* from Walmart

*At the time of publishing, the price was $570.

Who this is for: Anyone who has bought a new computer within the past three or four years and does a lot of photo or video editing work. Great 4K monitors make text sharper and show more detail in images, and they can give you more usable desktop space so you can fit more stuff on your screen at once.

Photo: Andrew Cunningham

Why we like it: The Dell P2721Q is the best 4K monitor for most people because of its color accuracy, adjustable stand, and excellent port selection, as well as Dell’s three-year warranty and Premium Panel Guarantee. In addition to the typical HDMI and DisplayPort connections, it provides one USB-A port and two USB-A 3.0 ports on the bottom edge. It also has a USB-C port that can provide up to 65 W of power to your laptop over a single cable, reducing the number of cables on your desk and providing enough power to charge most 13-inch laptops. On its sRGB color preset, its color accuracy is good enough for most people right out of the box.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The P2721Q has a slightly thicker bottom bezel that hides some of the monitor’s internal electronics, as opposed to other monitors that are consistently thin all the way around. This will likely only be a problem for those who flip the monitor into portrait mode, and want to minimize the amount of space between the P2721Q’s screen and another monitor.

A big screen for less money: 27-inch monitor

Also great

Asus ProArt Display PA278CV

This 2560×1440-resolution 27-inch monitor has good color accuracy, an adjustable stand, and all the ports most people will need.

Who this is for: Anyone with a computer (or graphics card) that is more than three years old and can’t support a 4K display, or anyone who relies on apps that don’t scale well.

Why we like it: The Asus ProArt Display PA278CV is a 27-inch monitor with a wide variety of ports and decent color accuracy on most of its presets. The exception is its sRGB preset, which offers fantastic accuracy but locks the display at a relatively dim brightness that we found too low for daily use. The PA278CV has an HDMI port, a DisplayPort input and output, a USB-C port, and four USB 3.0 Type-A ports, making this monitor particularly good for anyone who wants to use theirs with a laptop. It provides enough power to charge most 13-inch laptops, and its flexible stand tilts, swivels, pivots, and adjusts in height. It also has a three-year warranty with a good dead-pixel policy.

Photo: Michael Murtaugh

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although Asus advertises the color accuracy of its ProArt displays, in our tests the PA278CV was good but not great in that regard on almost every preset. If you’re in a dim or dark room, its sRGB setting is exceptionally accurate, but otherwise you’ll have to calibrate the screen yourself to get the best results.

The most affordable option: 24-inch budget monitor

Budget pick

ViewSonic VA2456-MHD

The VA2456-MHD is an affordable and reasonably color-accurate monitor with great contrast that pairs well with any laptop or desktop. Its main flaw is a basic stand that only tilts the monitor up and down, but that’s typical of almost all inexpensive monitors.

Who this is for: Anyone who has limited desk space, prefers a smaller screen, or has less than $150 to spend, and who doesn’t mind giving up nice-to-have features such as a USB hub or an adjustable stand. A 24-inch monitor is a lot bigger than even the largest laptop screen but takes up much less room on your desk than a 27-inch monitor.

Why we like it: The ViewSonic VA2456-MHD is a 24-inch 1080p monitor that isn’t fancy, but it’s a big step up from anything that costs less than $100 or the cheap monitor that you may have bought with your desktop computer. It offers fairly accurate color that will be just fine when you’re looking at photos and watching movies, as well as a good contrast ratio with deeper blacks than you can find on other monitors in this price range. It has a stable stand that doesn’t wobble as much as those of some other cheap monitors we tested. It also has both HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, okay-sounding internal speakers, and a three-year warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The problems with the VA2456-MHD are the same problems that most budget monitors have. It has neither a USB hub nor a USB-C port for newer laptops. The stand can only tilt the monitor up and down, whereas the stands of our more expensive picks also allow swiveling from side to side, pivoting the display 90 degrees, and adjusting its height. And this monitor doesn’t support refresh rates higher than 60 Hz or offer FreeSync support for smoother gaming. It’s the best all-around package for most people, but we have other picks in our guide to budget monitors that provide some of these features in exchange for other trade-offs.

A very big screen: 32-inch 4K monitor

Upgrade pick

Dell P3222QE

The Dell P3222QE is more expensive than most 27-inch monitors, but it has good color accuracy and USB-C connectivity, and its larger display makes it easier to see the detail in 4K photos and videos.

Buying Options

*At the time of publishing, the price was $720.

Who this is for: Anyone who wants a ginormous 4K screen that can display apps without scaling and doesn’t mind paying more to get it.

Why we like it: If a 27-inch monitor isn’t big enough for you, consider the 32-inch Dell P3222QE 4K monitor. It combines good color and contrast, a few display inputs (including USB-C), four USB 3.0 ports, and a gigabit Ethernet port for wired internet connections. The P3222QE’s USB-C port delivers up to 65 W of power, which is enough to charge a 13-inch laptop at full speed, and it also transmits data, video, and audio. It also comes with a three-year warranty and Dell’s Premium Panel Guarantee.

This monitor is big enough that you may be able to use it without needing to scale up text or UI elements to make them readable. Like the Dell P2721Q, the P3222QE comes with a three-year warranty and a Premium Panel Guarantee, which helps make it easier to spend $700 on a bigger monitor. However, it still costs a couple hundred dollars more than the 27-inch monitors we recommend, and it requires a lot more physical space.

Photo: Andrew Cunningham

Flaws but not dealbreakers: At around $720 (as of the time of writing), the Dell P3222QE costs $200 more than our 27-inch 4K monitor pick, the Dell P2721Q.

Good for multitaskers: An ultrawide monitor

Also great

Dell P3421W

The Dell P3421W is a sturdy 34-inch ultrawide, with a sharp 3440×1440 resolution.

Who this is for: A dual-monitor setup is usually the best option if you want to have a bunch of app windows open at once, but an ultrawide model might be a better choice if you need a ton of unbroken horizontal space or if you don’t want monitor bezels in between windows.

Why we like it: The Dell P3421W has a sturdy adjustable stand, lots of ports (including a USB-C port that can handle power, display, and data over a single cable), a three-year warranty, and a built-in KVM switch that allows you to easily swap your keyboard, mouse, and video between two computers. The 1440p display has a 60Hz refresh rate, which is great for typical office work, web browsing, and casual gaming.

Photo: Dave Gershgorn

Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you use your display in direct sunlight, this monitor might not be bright enough for you. It can also provide 65 W of power over USB-C, but some laptops require more. If you have a laptop with an Nvidia GeForce RTX GPU or an Intel Core i7 processor, you might need to keep the laptop plugged in to a separate charger or use a Thunderbolt dock that can provide the extra power.

Most ultrawide monitors are also curved. This design helps minimize viewing-angle problems—when you’re sitting centered, things on the far edges of the screen won’t look as washed out as they would on a flat display of a similar width—but it also makes ultrawide monitors inaccurate for precision tasks that require straight lines, such as drawing, photo editing, or similar design work.

Andrew Cunningham is a former senior staff writer on Wirecutter’s tech team. He has been writing about laptops, phones, routers, and other tech since 2011. Before that he spent five years in IT fixing computers and helping people buy the best tech for their needs. He also co-hosts the book podcast Overdue and the TV podcast Appointment Television.

CCTV Monitor

A monitor for a video surveillance system is an effective and functional device for ensuring complete security at a video surveillance facility. Thanks to the monitor, the user can monitor the situation at the facility in real time or in a recording.

Types of video surveillance monitors

The market for monitor manufacturers is overflowing with a variety of models. The main characteristic of monitors is their type. There are two types:

CRT monitors;
LCD monitors

CRT monitors are equipped with cathode ray tubes, while liquid crystal monitors transmit the image through TFT, LCD or LED functionality.

The first type of equipment is considered less modern, so more and more users are purchasing liquid crystal devices, despite the fact that the price of CRT devices is somewhat lower.

However, if the consumer needs to get a high-quality picture even in motion and in conditions of various climatic changes, liquid crystal devices will be the best option for purchase.

Monitor material

Most often on the market there are devices made of metal alloys and plastic fittings and parts. This type of monitor endures temperature fluctuations, as well as bumps and drops.

If the monitor needs to be mounted in a wall or any other reinforcement, you should purchase an equally strong bracket and mounting materials for the device. All questions on installation and costs for a monitor for video surveillance are reflected in KOSGU No. 310 or No. 340.

Monitor screen diagonal

There is a widespread opinion that it is better to buy a large screen so that all the small details are definitely not missed. And this is true, because the size of the monitor directly affects the clarity and size of the resulting image. What diagonal is most often found on monitors for video surveillance:

7 inches — this size is usually used in car registrars and security points, when such a monitor is purchased in several copies;
10 inches is the standard size for video surveillance. The picture looks smooth and reasonably clear;
19 inches is the most optimal screen size for video surveillance. In the image, even the smallest details can be easily identified and recognized;
24 inches is the diagonal of a computer monitor. Most often, this size is used in large security complexes with a combined type of protection;
32 inches is the size of a small TV. Perfect image quality and details, especially moving and blurry. Nothing escapes the user’s eye with such a monitor.

There are other diagonal monitors, but the above are more common on the market. It is important to take into account the number of cameras at the video surveillance site, because a large number of cameras will require one monitor with a large diagonal or several medium-sized monitors.

Video monitor screen resolution

This characteristic is important not only for security devices, but also for everyday life. Most often, monitors are used for video surveillance that transmit the image in FULL HD quality.

The best monitor resolution is 1080×1920. It provides perfectly smooth and smooth picture quality.

When buying a monitor, it is important to consider the possibility of adjusting the modes and resolution in the settings.

Video surveillance monitor screen

It is important that the screen matrix is durable and new — so it will last a long time without interruptions and malfunctions. Since the monitor will work day and night, the matrix and details of the screen must be of high quality.

Overtemperature protection

An optional monitor power supply protects devices from excessive heat. Any heat is unavoidable as the device is in continuous operation, however, if stocked with an additional power source, overheating will not cause damage to the device.

Health safety

The monitor must meet all performance and safety certifications. In particular, the monitor must not emit harmful radiation or damage eyesight.

The safest models are monitors with liquid crystal screens such as LED. The cost of such devices is higher than the market, but when it comes to security, you should not save on it.

Number of additional slots

The monitor must be supplemented with several connectors for connecting additional equipment:

HDMI;
VGA;
TVI;
AUDIO.

The more connectors the manufacturer has placed on the monitor, the wider the final functionality of the device in operation. The cost of monitors for video surveillance with advanced functionality may differ slightly from the cost of other models on the market, but the investment will be fully justified when connecting cameras to a monitor.

How to choose a monitor for a programmer: matrices, ports and examples

We have already written about vertical mice, and now we want to talk about what you should pay attention to when choosing a monitor for a programmer.

We conducted a survey among our subscribers, and according to the results, most of you use two.

What is the difference between monitors?

The main thing in the monitor is the matrix. It depends on it: the image quality, the number of colors and the price of the monitor. Other things that matter are brightness, refresh rate, stand type (height and swivel), Flicker-Free, and screen resolution.

What are the types of matrices?

TN (TN + Film) is the oldest type. Such matrices have a small viewing angle and poor color reproduction. Their advantage is a response of up to 1ms, due to which TN-matrices are used by e-sportsmen.
VA (MVA, PVA) — have a wide viewing angle and good color reproduction. Among all other types of matrices, they have the highest contrast. They are often used in curved monitors.
IPS (or PLS from Samsung) — have the largest viewing angle and excellent color reproduction. But due to the complex processing of each pixel, this matrix has the slowest response (about 5ms).

The

OLEDs are the highest picture quality, but they still cost the equivalent of a powerful laptop. OLED monitors are more suitable for designers than programmers.

How to connect?

The most common image transmission interfaces (and sound, if the connector is digital):

HDMI — the most common. Capable of transmitting an image in high quality, but may have a frequency limit. And even if you have cable version 1.4 or higher, the monitor can only deliver a high refresh rate over DisplayPort. The maximum resolution is 4K, the maximum frequency is 120Hz.
DisplayPort is a new interface that supports higher refresh rates than HDMI. Keep in mind that this is the only cable that has a latch, without pressing which it will not be possible to remove it. The maximum resolution is 4K, the maximum frequency is 240Hz.
USB Type-C is a universal interface. Through it, you can not only transfer the image, but also charge devices. The maximum resolution is 4K.
DVI — one of the old interfaces, has a resolution limit of up to 1920×1080 pixels. Analog DVI-A — transmits only the image. DVI-I and DVI-D digital connectors are similar but not compatible. The maximum resolution is 1920×1200 (in single-channel mode), the maximum frequency is 60Hz.
VGA (D-Sub) is the oldest analog interface in use. Sends only the image. Officially supports resolutions up to 1280×1024 pixels. However, depending on the video card, it can output up to 2K resolution. The maximum frequency is 75Hz.

The supported screen refresh rate depends on the resolution and interface version.

What else is important?

In addition to the type of matrix and interfaces, you should pay attention to:

screen brightness — usually from 200 to 1500 candelas per m². If you have to work a lot in the dark, it is better to choose a low brightness — 200-250 cd;
screen size — choose the size based on your needs and the amount of space on the table, but in general, the larger the screen, the freer your favorite IDE will feel;
aspect ratio — standard screen proportions — 16:9, ultra-wide monitors are suitable for those involved in video editing and those who like to line up three windows in a row;
degrees of freedom of the stand — from adjusting the angle of inclination to changing the height and rotating the screen;
Flicker-free — this technology allows you to avoid flickering at any monitor brightness (without it, eyes can hurt at low brightness).

Our selection of programmer monitors

We selected monitors based on the following characteristics: nice picture, IPS-matrix, screen size of at least 27 inches, 90-degree stand, Flicker-free and low brightness. We are not the ultimate truth, so if you want to recommend something, write your options in the comments.

DELL S2721HS(X) 27″

Brightness — 300 cd/m².
Screen size — 27 inches.
The aspect ratio is 16:9.
Screen resolution — 1920×1080.
Frame rate — 75 Hz.
Field of view — 178 degrees.
Anti-glare screen coating.
Blue filters.
Ports: HDMI, DisplayPort.
Price ~14500₽.

Iiyama ProLite XB3270QS-B1 31.5″

Brightness — 250 cd/m².
Screen size — 31.5 inches.
The aspect ratio is 16:9.
Screen resolution — 2560×1440.
Frame rate — 60 Hz.
Field of view — 178 degrees.

Which monitor should i buy: The Best Monitors for 2022

The Best Portable Monitors for 2022

More About Our Picks

ViewSonic VG1655

Bottom Line:

Pros

Cons

Lepow C2S Portable Monitor

Bottom Line:

Pros

Cons

AOC I1601FWUX USB-C Portable Monitor

Bottom Line:

Pros

Cons

Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE

Bottom Line:

Pros

Cons

MSI Optix MAG161V

Bottom Line:

Pros

Cons

Asus ZenScreen Touch (MB16AMT)

Bottom Line:

Pros

Cons

Lenovo ThinkVision M14

Bottom Line:

Pros

Cons

HP EliteDisplay S14 USB Portable Monitor

Bottom Line:

Pros

Cons

Asus ZenScreen Go (MB16AP)

Bottom Line:

Pros

Cons

espresso Display (15 inch)

Bottom Line:

Pros

Cons

SideTrak Portable Monitor

Bottom Line:

Pros

Cons

How to Buy the Right Portable Monitor

The Best Portable Monitor for a Laptop: How to Evaluate the Screen

The Ports: How Are Portable Monitors Powered and Connected?

Software, the Onscreen Display, and Audio

So, What Is the Best Portable Monitor to Buy?

The 5 Best Monitors for 2022

The research

Best picture quality: 4K monitor

Our pick

Dell P2721Q

Buying Options

A big screen for less money: 27-inch monitor

Also great

Asus ProArt Display PA278CV

The most affordable option: 24-inch budget monitor

Budget pick

ViewSonic VA2456-MHD

A very big screen: 32-inch 4K monitor

Upgrade pick

Dell P3222QE

Buying Options

Good for multitaskers: An ultrawide monitor

Also great

Dell P3421W

Further reading

Further reading on monitors

The Best 4K Monitors

The Best Budget Monitors

The Best Ultrawide Monitors

The Best 27-Inch Monitor

About your guide

Further reading

The Best Budget Monitors