Need a new monitor for your PC? I’ve combed through scores of options to find the best monitors on the market right now. These picks are the result of hundreds of hours spent testing the latest models from Acer, Asus, BenQ, Dell, LG, Samsung, and other major brands.
While my favorite monitor overall is an awesome choice for most people, I also have alternative options for budget shoppers, gamers, and those seeking the best HDR performance. After all, not everyone needs the same features from a monitor. You can find out more about how I evaluate monitors and what specs matter most below my list of recommendations.
Why you should trust PCWorld for monitor reviews and buying advice: It’s in our name! PCWorld prides itself on PC hardware experience and expertise. We’ve been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review dozens of monitors every year. All of our recommendations have been personally tested and vetted by our expert reviewers, who’ve applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards.
Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE – Best monitor overall

Pros
- Attractive and functional design
- Class-leading Thunderbolt and USB connectivity
- IPS Black improves contrast
- 120Hz refresh rate
Cons
- Most competitors offer 4K resolution
- No HDR support
- Adaptive sync has some caveats
Who should buy the Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE?
Dell’s Ultrasharp U2724DE is an incredibly versatile monitor that will satisfy most users. It’s great for home office productivity, good for gaming, and can handle more serious content creation workflows, like photo and video editing.
The U2724DE has an IPS Black panel that roughly doubles the monitor’s contrast ratio (compared to other IPS monitors). It can’t beat a more expensive OLED or Mini-LED panel, but it’s still alluring. It also lacks the burn-in worries of OLED which, although unlikely to occur in mixed use, might become an issue if you spend all day working in Excel and plan to keep your monitor for as long as possible.
Dell pairs the IPS Black panel with an enhanced 120Hz refresh rate. Upping the refresh rate greatly improves motion clarity and makes the U2724DE a viable display for gamers. That’s a big deal. It means you can buy one monitor for both work and play.
The U2724DE goes all-in on connectivity. Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, DisplayPort-in and -out, and HDMI are present. It even has a 2.5G Ethernet port. These features are ideal if you plan to connect a laptop over USB-C, as the U2724DE will greatly expand the laptop’s connectivity.
Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE: Further considerations
Resolution is the only notable downside. The U2724DE is a 1440p monitor, while many competitors in its price bracket offer 4K. This is often the trade-off made to hit monitor’s 120Hz refresh rate. For 4K goodness see the Dell U3225QE below. Just know that it’s almost 50 percent more expensive.
Read our full Dell U2724DE review
Acer Vero B247Y G – Best budget monitor

Pros
- Solid build with ergonomic stand, tripod mount
- Good image quality for the price
- Easy-to-read menu system
- 120Hz refresh rate, adaptive sync
Cons
- Lackluster cable management
- Only one HDMI and one DisplayPort
- No USB ports
Who should buy the Acer Vero B247Y G?
Value shoppers who want a good-quality, versatile monitor at a budget price will be pleased with the Acer Vero B247Y G. This 24-inch 1080p IPS monitor stands out with its surprising 120Hz refresh rate and Adaptive Sync support, making it suitable for both productivity and PC gaming. It also provides great image quality for a budget display, with above-average scores in contrast ratio and brightness, as well as good color performance.
Build quality exceeds expectations, too, with a fully ergonomic stand that offers height, tilt, swivel, and even pivot adjustments—a rarity in budget displays. The monitor’s clear on-screen menu system provides easy access to various image settings, while the inclusion of both modern (HDMI, DisplayPort) and legacy (VGA) connections ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Acer Vero B247Y G: Further considerations
Though it’s possible to find a less expensive 24-inch 1080p monitor, the Vero B247Y G justifies its slightly higher price through quality-of-life improvements, and it still manages to limbo under $150 when discounted (which it often is). It’s hard to find a more well-rounded budget monitor.
Read our full Acer Vero B247Y G review
Pixio PX248 Wave – Best budget gaming monitor

Pros
- Attractive design, especially in unique colorways
- Built-in speakers are surprisingly decent
- Solid color accuracy and respectable gamut
- Good motion clarity
Cons
- Built-in stand only adjusts for tilt
- Just two video inputs
- Awkward menu controls
- Color temperature skews cool
Who should buy the Pixio PX248 Wave?
This is a great budget monitor for gamers who want more than a no-frills display. The Pixio PX248 Wave distinguishes itself from other budget options with a colorful, stylish design, and solid motion performance, for an enticing price of $159.99.
Pixio offers this monitor in four colorways: black, white, blue, and pink. The latter two are rather special, as only a handful of monitors — like the more expensive Samsung M8 Smart Monitor — offer similarly out-of-the-box colors. The stand matches the monitor’s colorway, and Pixio even offers an optional color-coordinated monitor arm for those who want to go all-in on a particular desktop vibe.
The monitor’s 24-inch Fast IPS display boasts a 200Hz refresh rate that delivers fluid motion. Image quality is reasonable, too, as the PX248 Wave delivers respectable color accuracy and coverage, making it suitable for both gaming and casual content creation. It has built-in speakers, too.
Pixio PX248 Wave: Further considerations
Despite its visual appeal, the PX248 Wave sticks to the basics with connectivity, which includes HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. USB connectivity isn’t available. The included stand is also basic, as it only adjusts for tilt, and the menu controls could be more user-friendly.
Most competitors at this price point have a similar display panel wrapped in a more generic black, gray, or charcoal case. Pixio’s PX248 Wave manages to match them in image quality and beat them on looks, yet it stays on a budget.
Read our full Pixio PX248 Wave review
MSI MPG 272URX – Best gaming monitor

Pros
- 26.5-inch 4K OLED panel looks sharp
- Great contrast and color performance
- Strong motion clarity
- Respectable HDR performance
- Lots of connectivity including USB-C
Cons
- Design is a bit bland
- Gamma, color temperature slightly off-target
- 4K OLED panel carries a premium price
Who should buy the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED?
For anyone who wants a high-performance gaming monitor, the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED should be at the top of your list.
This 26.5-inch display delivers stunning 4K resolution with an ultra-smooth 240Hz refresh rate in a cutting-edge OLED panel. It’s an excellent choice for gamers who want both visual clarity and fluid motion. With its 240Hz refresh rate, the MSI delivers fast-paced gaming yet maintains the deep contrast and vibrant colors that OLED monitors are known for. It also supports Adaptive Sync for smooth frame pacing.
MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED: Further considerations
The QD-OLED panel offers excellent contrast and color accuracy, which makes it a solid pick for creative professionals and anyone who enjoys watching HDR movies. Connectivity is also generous, with HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1a, and USB-C inputs, as well as 98 watts of USB Power Delivery for charging laptops or tablets. The design is a bit plain, but the stand is sturdy and fully adjustable, which is far more important.
The MSI MPG 272URX is more expensive than 1440p OLED alternatives, which can be found for under $800. But if 4K clarity and a fluid 240Hz refresh rate are what you’re after, this monitor is worth the investment.
Read our full MSI MPG 272URX review
Dell S2722QC – Best budget 4K monitor

Pros
- Uniquely affordable USB-C monitor
- 4K resolution with HDR option
- High brightness and good color accuracy
- Integrated speakers
Cons
- Low contrast ratio saps SDR vibrance
- Mediocre color gamut
Who should buy the Dell S2722QC?
If you’re looking for a budget 4K monitor, Dell’s S2722QC is the best option going right now. Initially priced at $380, the monitor can now be found for much less, even dipping below $300. It stands out among other budget offerings by combining 4K resolution and USB-C connectivity typically reserved for more expensive models.
Dell’s 27-inch IPS display is suitable for most lighting conditions, with crisp visuals and a respectable brightness of 296 nits. In addition to its sharp 4K image, the monitor delivers color performance that can easily handle everyday productivity, streaming, and light gaming. A USB-C port with 65 watts of USB Power Delivery for charging a connected laptop or tablet, as well as two USB-A ports for connecting wiring peripherals make it very versatile. The monitor even ships with a sturdy yet compact ergonomic stand that adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot.
Dell S2722QC: Further considerations
Naturally, the Dell S2722QC makes some compromises to keep the price low. The IPS panel’s contrast ratio is low, which can make the image look flat and dull when playing games or watching a movie. Think of it as more of a home office monitor than the centerpiece of a gaming setup. After all, quality 4K gaming monitors are usually more expensive.
All in all, the Dell S2722QC’s combination of 4K resolution, USB-C connectivity, and affordability makes it a solid choice if you want a tack-sharp home office monitor at a low price.
Read our full Dell S2722QC review
Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE – Best 4K monitor

Pros
- Functional, professional design
- Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, Ethernet, and 140 watts of Power Delivery
- New generation of IPS Black boosts contrast ratio
- Excellent sharpness from 31.5-inch 4K panel
- 120Hz refresh rate with VRR
Cons
- Contrast ratio is good for an IPS panel
- HDR brightness is decent, but contrast remains limited
- Doesn’t have speakers