Choosing the right monitor matters: it affects productivity, comfort, and how games and media look. This guide presents four top monitors available today, selected after hands-on testing, cross-referencing expert reviews, and analyzing real-world user feedback. I tested color, motion performance, ergonomics, connectivity, and day-to-day reliability to recommend the best options for different needs.
How we tested and chose
What we measured:
- Color & image quality (subjective inspection plus reference checks against sRGB when possible)
- Motion handling (refresh rate, perceived blur, and judder at typical frame rates)
- Ergonomics and build (stand adjustment, VESA support, footprint)
- Connectivity and compatibility (HDMI, USB-C, power requirements, console/phone compatibility)
- Portability and real-world use (for travel/portable models)
- Value (features vs. price and alternatives)
How scores were weighted:
- Real-world usage (40%): day-to-day comfort, pairing with common laptops and consoles
- Technical performance (30%): resolution, refresh, color coverage, HDR handling
- Build and ergonomics (15%): adjustability, footprint, port placement
- Feedback & reliability (15%): aggregated consumer reviews and manufacturer service notes
Why this matters:
- We prioritized monitors that deliver reliable color and smooth motion for their category rather than chasing peak numbers that aren’t meaningful to typical users. Where possible we called out trade-offs (e.g., resolution vs. refresh rate, or portability vs. color accuracy).
15.6-inch Travel Monitor
Ultra-affordable travel monitor with a 15.6" FHD IPS display, HDR support and an integrated kickstand. Lightweight and plug-and-play, it’s ideal for remote workers and students who need a second screen on the road without breaking the bank.
Why we picked it (Budget Pick)
The 15.6" portable monitor is the easiest way to add screen real estate for under $60. Highlights include a Full HD (1920×1080) IPS panel with HDR support, an adjustable kickstand, and very light weight (~1.4 lbs). In testing it handled video calls, document work, and casual streaming with pleasing clarity for the price. Setup is straightforward via USB-C (full‑function port required) or mini‑HDMI.
Technical details & performance:
- Resolution: 1920×1080 (FHD), IPS, HDR support
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Size/weight: ~15.6", ~1.4 lbs, ~0.3" thick
- Ports: USB-C (power + display when supported), mini-HDMI
Pros: Affordable, very portable, simple plug-and-play, decent color for casual use. Cons: Limited peak brightness and color accuracy compared with desktop monitors; USB-C video requires a full-featured port on your host device; HDR is basic.
Verdict: This is the go-to if you want the cheapest, genuinely usable portable second screen for travel, meetings, or light multitasking. Don’t expect pro-grade color or brightness, but it delivers excellent value for mobile workflows.
Dell 27 Plus 4K
27" 4K IPS monitor with up to 120Hz refresh, FreeSync Premium and 99% sRGB coverage. Excellent for creators who also game — strong color accuracy, sharp detail, and a refined design make it a versatile premium pick.
Why we picked it (Premium Choice)
This 27" 4K display is the premium performer in the group: crisp 3840×2160 resolution, IPS color fidelity (99% sRGB), and a higher refresh ceiling (up to 120Hz) that benefits both creative work and smoother motion in games. Dell’s ComfortView Plus reduces harmful blue light without sacrificing color accuracy — useful for long editing sessions. Audio is built-in and improved over earlier generations, and the contrast and HDR readiness give images more depth than typical budget panels.
Technical details & performance:
- Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K)
- Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium
- Panel: IPS, 99% sRGB, HDR-ready
- Extras: Integrated speakers, ComfortView Plus, very low claimed response time
Pros: Excellent detail and color for photo/video work, smoothness at higher frame rates, refined audio and build. Cons: Higher price than FHD/1440p alternatives; to take full advantage you need a GPU or laptop that can drive 4K at higher refresh.
Verdict: If you want a single monitor that handles content creation and gaming well, this 4K Dell is the most future-proof option in our list — a clear premium pick for serious users who value resolution and color accuracy.
24-inch 120Hz Monitor
Compact 24" Full HD IPS monitor with a 120Hz refresh, HDR10 support and 1ms Motion Blur Reduction. It delivers fluid motion and accurate color at a very attractive price—great for gamers and daily productivity.
Why we picked it (Best Value for Money)
This 24" IPS monitor packs features you usually see at higher price points: 120Hz refresh, HDR10 support, and up to 99% sRGB coverage, all at around $100. In our testing, motion appeared smooth for both gaming and general navigation; the 1ms Motion Blur Reduction helps keep fast action clear. The ultra-slim bezels make it a tidy pick for dual-monitor setups.
Technical details & performance:
- Resolution: 1920×1080 (FHD)
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Panel: IPS, HDR10, up to ~99% sRGB coverage claim
- Ergonomics: Tilt adjustable, slim stand, virtually borderless design
Pros: Exceptional price-to-performance ratio, strong motion handling, good color coverage for most users. Cons: Stand offers limited adjustment (tilt only), no USB-C power/display passthrough; pro colorists may want a larger gamut and factory calibration.
Verdict: For gamers on a budget and productivity users who want snappy motion and good color without paying for 4K, this LG model is a standout value.
27-inch 100Hz Monitor
27" Full HD IPS display with a 100Hz refresh and ComfortView Plus for reduced blue light. It’s a roomy, comfortable panel for office work, streaming and casual gaming with a neat, compact footprint.
Why we picked it (Editors' Choice)
This 27" Full HD monitor strikes a balance between size, smoothness, and comfort features. The 100Hz refresh rate noticeably improves scrolling and casual gaming over 60Hz screens, while the IPS panel maintains wide viewing angles and pleasant color reproduction. Dell’s ComfortView Plus and TÜV Rheinland certification make it a good pick for long workdays where eye comfort matters.
Technical details & performance:
- Resolution: 1920×1080 (FHD)
- Refresh rate: 100Hz
- Panel: IPS, ComfortView Plus (always-on low blue light), TÜV Rheinland 3-star
- Ports: 1×HDMI, 1×VGA; built-in power supply; cable holder; VESA mountable
Pros: Large, comfortable screen for productivity; higher-than-standard refresh; good ergonomic comfort features; clean design and a small footprint. Cons: FHD on 27" isn't as sharp as 1440p/4K for close desktop work; limited modern input options (no DisplayPort or USB-C on some SKUs).
Verdict: We chose this as the Editors’ favorite for its practical balance of screen size, smooth performance, comfort features and price — a dependable all-rounder for most users.
Quick comparison and who each monitor is for
At a glance
- Dell 27 Plus 4K — 27", 4K, up to 120Hz, best for creators and gamers who want high resolution and color accuracy.
- 24-inch 120Hz Monitor — 24", FHD, 120Hz, best value for gamers and multi-monitor setups.
- 27-inch 100Hz Monitor — 27", FHD, 100Hz, best balanced choice for productivity with eye comfort features.
- 15.6-inch Travel Monitor — 15.6", FHD portable, best budget portable second screen for travel and remote work.
Which is best overall?
- If you want the single best monitor overall (image fidelity + future-proofing), the Dell 27 Plus 4K is the top pick — excellent for photo/video work and higher-frame gaming.
Best alternatives for specific needs:
- Tight budget / travel: the 15.6" Travel Monitor — extremely wallet-friendly and genuinely portable.
- Best value: the 24" 120Hz model — great balance of smooth motion and price for gamers and office users.
- Comfort-first, large desktop: the 27" 100Hz Editors’ Choice — roomy screen and eye-care features for long sessions.
Final recommendation
All four monitors here earned a spot because they solve real user problems in different ways. If you can stretch your budget and need a monitor that covers both creative work and gaming, the Dell 27 Plus 4K is our top overall recommendation. For most gamers and everyday users seeking the best bang for the buck, the 24" 120Hz monitor is a smarter buy. If you need a large, comfortable screen for long work sessions, the Editors’ Choice 27" 100Hz model hits the right mix of size, features and price. And if portability and low cost are your priorities, the 15.6" travel monitor gives you a compact, usable second screen at a very low price.
These recommendations come from hands-on evaluation, cross-checked with technical specifications and broad user feedback. Choose based on the combination of screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and connectivity that matches your daily workflow — that’s what will make the biggest difference in your experience.