The best monitor 2021: Top 4K and Quad HD options for everyone

 

(Pocket-lint) - There are many reasons why you need a computer, whether you have a monster PC, a MacBook, or just an everyday use-it-for-everything machine. That also means that when trying to purchase one, there are many items to consider.

Only the largest and sharpest panel would do for others. For others the refresh rates for smooth visuals are fast.

Whatever your reason for having a monitor, we have reviewed and rounded up some of the best monitors available right now for all purposes.

Dell Ultrathin S2719DM

For a great price, the Ultrathin series is a fine example of a sleek, minimalist design.

Since it has a lean, streamlined metal stand, as you would get from a huge plastic thing with tonnes of moving parts, you don't get much motion or change out of it. That means you can't get the display at eye level if you're tall, but we noticed that with the ability to turn the screen sideways, we could get it tilted enough to be very easy to use.

It's great as an HDR-ready display, particularly for those seeking something easy, capable, and stylish to complement their minimal desk configuration. Although it's not as pin-sharp as 4K, the Quad HD resolution panel does have plenty of clarity. The IPS LCD-based technology also ensures that you also get decent viewing angles.

The refresh rate of 60hz, response time of 5ms, and AMD Freesync indicate that it's also a capable gaming display. As far as ports are concerned, you get two HDMI ports, a single 3.5mm output and a power input.

Sure, if it had a Thunderbolt port or a Displayport input, we would prefer it, but as an all-rounder, too much is hard to critique.

LG 27UK600

If you're after a regular 16:9 ratio screen in an attractive package that's as precise as it is sharp, LG's 27-inch 4K display is perfect.

The stand does not move up and down; it is set, so without placing it on top of a raised surface of some kind, you can't change the height to be at a more ergonomic level.

But although the height of the stand is not adjustable, the screen can be rotated to ensure that there is some adjustment there.

It's a decent size at 27-inches, and the consistency of the IPS panel at this price point is pretty surprising. There are enormous viewing angles, and we found that colours, contrast, and specifics are very well balanced throughout the board. It built a great panel on which to edit images and videos.

It's not the most gaming-tuned, but it's strong enough for most with the inclusion of AMD's Freesync.

Two HDMI 2.0 inputs are available, both of which support HDR sources and both can deliver 4K at 60Hz. Similarly, the same specification is required for the DisplayPort input.

BenQ EX3501R

It's difficult to look past the BenQ EX3501R if you're after an all-round great ultra-wide panel for content production, media consumption, MacBook use, gaming and everything in between. It's tall, looks professional, feels powerful, and offers a great experience regardless of what you want to use it for.

There is a Type-C USB 3.1 port, so you'll only need one compatible cable and have access to the USB hub. Both the DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0 ports are also available.

Although the AMD FreeSync is designed to ensure that with AMD GPUs there is no frame dropping or screen tearing/aliasing, we found the response time was quick enough that with an Nvidia based GPU we were able to play games at 60fps without problem.

Likewise, thanks to the colour reproduction and extra space offered by the ultra-wide ratio, it created a great tool for editing video on long timelines.

The sturdy structure, stylish chromed feet, and up-and-down movement of 60 mm ensured that it looked good and was reasonably customizable. There's no right/left movement, but that's not what you want to get with a curved monitor.

BenQ EW3280U

The 32-inch 4K and HDR-capable BenQ EW3280U is a truly brilliant choice for a big, all-encompassing screen that does everything you need it to.

There are two HDMI 2.0 ports for fast-acting 4K input on the rear, as well as a DisplayPort link and a USB-C port with 60W Power Deliver output and DisplayPort capabilities to charge and output the display from a compatible PC or Mac using a single USB-C cable.

You might in principle, have a streaming box/stick, PC, console and your laptop all connected to the monitor and switch between them once and again using the nifty little remote control included.

Generally, the visual experience is fantastic too. It's not as pin-sharp as some smaller 4K ones, being a large screen, but you get a lot more real estate to work with. It's perfect for opening many windows or working on video editing, and it works just as well for watching movies or playing sports.

AOC U2790PQU

AOC has been delivering monitors that are good value for money for a long time, and the U2790PQU is no exception. Thanks to a host of useful features and a sharp 4K screen, it's a fantastic 4K display to work on.

The stand is adjustable, so you can lift or lower the height by moving it up and down. You should comfortably be able to find an ergonomic standard for you, irrespective of your eye height. Plus, between -5 and 45 degrees, the screen can be tilted.

Being an IPS LCD means that the screen's accuracy is fine, and 4K implies that it's bright enough for everyone. Plus, for people working from home, or at the workplace, the 27-inch size is just about the sweet spot. It has slender bezels, which also give it an almost edge-to-edge look.

BenQ PD3200U

The BenQ PD3200U is a big monitor that's not too massive on your desk at 32-inches diagonally. Thanks to having smaller bezels, it doesn't take up any more storage than a 27-inch iMac.

The stand can swivel 45 degrees to the left and to the right on its foundation, and the screen can tilt from -5 to 20 degrees while also providing up and down movement of 150 mm in height.

The IPS panel with 4K UHD resolution gives sharp details and crisp text and looks good from almost any angle. What's more you can get one side of the screen set up one way with Dual View mode, and the other half calibrated for another source.

The only thing this display can't do is keep up with gaming monitors that are ultra-fast. It's not the fastest display at 60Hz, but we were still able to play games reliably at 60fps using the Nvidia GTX 1080Ti card.

With two HDMI 2.0 inputs as well as a DisplayPort 1.2 and a micro DisplayPort 1.2 plus four USB outputs, two USB inputs, a 3.5 mm line-in, a 3.5 mm line output and an SD card reader, there is plenty to offer.