Top 19 Desktop Screen Brands in 2024

Desktop Screen Buying Guide A desktop screen (or monitor) is an essential component of a computer workstation. Without an appropriate display, you cannot effectively utilize the power of your desktop computer. This is why choosing the best monitor for your needs is critical. In this article, we will discuss what you should look for when shopping for a desktop screen. Resolution Resolution is the number of pixels that a screen can display. The higher the resolution, the more detailed and sharper the images and text displayed on the screen will be. Resolution is measured in pixels (e.g., 1920 x 1080). Generally, higher resolutions are better, but they come with a higher price tag. You need to weigh between your budget and your needs. The most common resolution for computer monitors is 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels). However, if you need a larger screen, then you want a higher resolution. For example, if you plan to game or edit photos or videos, you might want a 4K monitor. A 4K monitor has 3840 x 2160 pixels. The more pixels there are, the more detailed the image will be. Size The size of a monitor is an essential factor when it comes to buying a desktop screen. The smaller screens are more affordable, but they may not be suitable if you need a larger screen for work or entertainment purposes. Typically, the sizes range from 19 inches to 32 inches. It's best to get a monitor that fits your work or entertainment needs. If you'll be using the screen for work, a 27-inch monitor is ideal. It provides enough space to view multiple documents side by side, but it's not too large to cause eye strain. However, for gaming or entertainment purposes, a big-screen size could enhance your experience. Panel Type A desktop screen panel types can significantly impact the picture quality, brightness, and viewing angles. There are three main panel types: 1. Twisted Nematic (TN) Panels TN panels are the most basic type and offer the fastest response times, which makes them suitable for gaming. They are also the most affordable, but they offer poor color accuracy, contrast, and viewing angles. TN panels are ideal for those on a tight budget or for those who don't require high-quality images. 2. In-Plane Switching (IPS) Panels IPS panels offer better color accuracy, contrast, and viewing angles than TN panels. This panel type is ideal for photographers, graphic designers, or anyone who requires a high-quality display. IPS panels are more expensive than TN panels, but they are worth the investment. They provide you with the most vivid colors and the best viewing angles. 3. Vertical Alignment (VA) Panels VA panels are a mix of TN and IPS panels. They offer excellent contrast and deep blacks but have mediocre color accuracy and viewing angles. VA panels are ideal for those who require deep blacks, such as gamers who play a lot of dark games. VA panels are more expensive than TN panels but cheaper than IPS panels. Refresh Rate The refresh rate of a monitor is how many times per second the images on the screen refresh. The refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate means smoother, less choppy images, and less motion blur. The most common refresh rate for a computer monitor is 60Hz. However, if you're into gaming, you might want a higher refresh rate monitor. A higher refresh rate monitor comes in handy if you're a gamer or streamer. For gamers, the optimal refresh rate is 144Hz. Some gaming monitors even offer a refresh rate of up to 240Hz. However, these monitors are costly. Response Time Response time refers to the speed at which a pixel can change from black to white and back again. A lower response time is better because it will reduce motion blur and ghosting while gaming. Gaming monitors typically have a response time of 1ms, while mainstream monitors have a response time of about 5ms. Connection Types The connection types of a monitor are crucial because it determines the compatibility with your computer. Generally, modern-day monitors come equipped with the following connection types: 1. HDMI HDMI is the most common connection type used for newer monitors. It delivers high-quality video/audio signals. 2. DisplayPort The DisplayPort connection can transmit high-quality video signals and support multiple monitors without compromising performance. 3. DVI DVI is an older connection type, but it can still provide good quality video signals to a monitor. 4. VGA VGA is an older connection type that one of the earliest connections types. It is not recommended, as it is susceptible to interference and provides poor image quality. The choice of monitor connection type will depend on your computer or video card. Ensure the connection types available on your computer or graphics card prior to making your purchase. Price The price of a monitor usually ranges between $100 to $2000, depending on the specifications. If you're on a budget, you can get a decent monitor for around $100. If you're a gamer or you require a high-end display, then you might have to spend between $400 to $2000. Conclusion Choosing the best desktop monitor may depend on various factors such as your budget, your use case, your display quality preferences, and more. The essential aspects that you should focus on when picking the best monitor for your requirements include the resolution, panel type, size, refresh rate, response time, and connection types. By taking all these factors into consideration, you can buy the best desktop monitor for your budget and purpose, and enjoy the benefits of a better and more enjoyable visual experience with your computer.