How to choose the right monitor for your PC in 2023

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If you are looking for a new monitor for your PC, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of options available in the market. There are different types of monitors, such as IPS, LCD, OLED, and QLED, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. There are also different features to consider, such as colors, gaming performance, casual usage, HDR, size, and more.

But how to choose the right monitor for your PC that suits your needs and preferences? In this article, we will guide you through the main factors to consider when buying a monitor in 2023. We will also compare some of the best monitors in each category and give you some tips on how to optimize your monitor settings.

So delve in and find out how to choose the right monitor for your PC in 2023.

IPS vs LCD: Which one is better for video editing and image editing?

how to choose the right monitor for your PC

One of the first things to consider when choosing a monitor is the panel type. The panel type determines how the monitor displays colors, contrasts, and viewing angles. The most common panel types are IPS (In-Plane Switching) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

IPS monitors are known for their wide color gamut, high contrast ratio, and wide viewing angles. They can display more accurate and vivid colors than LCD monitors, which makes them ideal for video editing and image editing. IPS monitors also have less color shift when viewed from different angles, which means you can share your screen with others without compromising the quality.

LCD monitors are cheaper and more energy-efficient than IPS monitors. They also have faster response times and higher refresh rates, which makes them better for gaming. However, LCD monitors have lower color accuracy and contrast ratio than IPS monitors. They also have more color distortion when viewed from different angles, which can affect your work.

If you are looking for a monitor for video editing or image editing, we recommend choosing an IPS monitor. Some of the best IPS monitors for video editing and image editing in 2023 are:

  • LG 27UK850-W: This 27-inch 4K monitor has a stunning IPS panel with HDR10 support. It has a 99% sRGB color gamut, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, and a 5ms response time. It also has a USB-C port that can deliver power and data to your laptop.
  • Dell UltraSharp U2720Q: This 27-inch 4K monitor has an IPS panel with HDR400 support. It has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, a 1300:1 contrast ratio, and a 8ms response time. It also has a USB-C port that can deliver power and data to your laptop.
  • BenQ PD2700U: This 27-inch 4K monitor has an IPS panel with HDR10 support. It has a 100% sRGB color gamut, a 1300:1 contrast ratio, and a 5ms response time. It also has a USB-C port that can deliver power and data to your laptop.

If you’re a gamer or a video editor, the following paragraphs in this guide on how to choose the right monitor for your PC are for you.

Colors: How to choose the right color gamut and calibration for your monitor?

how to choose the right monitor for your PC

Another important factor to consider when choosing a monitor is the color gamut and calibration. The color gamut refers to the range of colors that a monitor can display. The color calibration refers to how accurately a monitor displays those colors.

The most common color gamuts are sRGB, Adobe RGB, DCI-P3, and Rec.2020. sRGB is the standard color gamut for web browsing and general use. Adobe RGB is a wider color gamut that covers more colors than sRGB, especially in the green and cyan regions. DCI-P3 is a wider color gamut that covers more colors than sRGB, especially in the red and yellow regions. Rec.2020 is the widest color gamut that covers almost all the colors that human eyes can see.

The most common color calibrations are factory calibration and user calibration. Factory calibration means that the monitor comes pre-calibrated from the manufacturer with a certain color profile. User calibration means that you can adjust the monitor settings yourself or use a device like a colorimeter to measure and correct the colors.

If you are looking for a monitor with accurate and consistent colors, we recommend choosing a monitor with a wide color gamut and a good factory calibration or user calibration option. Some of the best monitors with good colors in 2023 are:

  • ASUS ProArt PA32UCX-PK: This 32-inch 4K monitor has an IPS panel with HDR1000 support. It has a 99% Adobe RGB color gamut, a 97% DCI-P3 color gamut, and a Rec.2020 emulation mode. It also has an integrated colorimeter that can automatically calibrate the colors.
  • Acer ConceptD CP7271KP: This 27-inch 4K monitor has an IPS panel with HDR1000 support. It has a 99% Adobe RGB color gamut, a 93% DCI-P3 color gamut, and a Rec.2020 emulation mode. It also has a USB-C port that can deliver power and data to your laptop.
  • ViewSonic VP2785-4K: This 27-inch 4K monitor has an IPS panel with HDR10 support. It has a 99% Adobe RGB color gamut, a 96% DCI-P3 color gamut, and a Rec.2020 emulation mode. It also has a USB-C port that can deliver power and data to your laptop.

Gaming: How to choose the right monitor for your PC if you’re a gamer?

If you are looking for a monitor for gaming, you need to consider some additional features, such as refresh rate, response time, resolution, and adaptive sync. These features affect how smoothly and responsively your games run on your monitor.

Refresh rate is the number of times per second that a monitor updates the image on the screen. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion and the less the blur. The standard refresh rate for most monitors is 60Hz, which means that the monitor updates the image 60 times per second. However, for gaming, you might want a higher refresh rate, such as 120Hz, 144Hz, or even 240Hz, which means that the monitor updates the image 120, 144, or 240 times per second.

Response time is the time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another. The lower the response time, the faster the pixel transitions and the less the ghosting. The standard response time for most monitors is 5ms, which means that it takes 5 milliseconds for a pixel to change color. However, for gaming, you might want a lower response time, such as 1ms or 2ms, which means that it takes 1 or 2 milliseconds for a pixel to change color.

Resolution is the number of pixels that a monitor displays on the screen. The higher the resolution, the sharper and clearer the image. The standard resolution for most monitors is 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels), which is also known as Full HD. However, for gaming, you might want a higher resolution, such as 1440p (2560 x 1440 pixels), which is also known as Quad HD (QHD), or 2160p (3840 x 2160 pixels), which is also known as Ultra HD (UHD) or 4K.

Adaptive sync is a technology that synchronizes the refresh rate of the monitor with the frame rate of the graphics card. This prevents screen tearing and stuttering, which are visual artifacts that occur when the refresh rate and the frame rate are mismatched. There are two main types of adaptive sync: FreeSync and G-Sync. FreeSync is an open standard supported by AMD graphics cards and some Nvidia graphics cards. G-Sync is a proprietary technology supported by Nvidia graphics cards and some monitors.

If you are looking for a monitor for gaming in 2023, we recommend choosing a monitor with a high refresh rate, a low response time, a high resolution, and an adaptive sync option. Some of the best monitors for gaming in 2023 are:

  • Samsung Odyssey G9: This 49-inch curved monitor has an ultra-wide QHD resolution (5120 x 1440 pixels) and a stunning VA panel with HDR1000 support. It has a whopping 240Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and both FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync Compatible options. It also has a USB-C port that can deliver power and data to your laptop.
  • LG UltraGear 27GN950-B: This 27-inch flat monitor has a 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) and an IPS panel with HDR600 support. It has a blazing-fast
    144Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and both FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync Compatible options. It also has a USB-C port that can deliver power and data to your laptop.
  • ASUS ROG Swift PG329Q: This 32-inch curved monitor has a QHD resolution (2560 x 1440 pixels) and an IPS panel with HDR600 support. It has an impressive
    175Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and both FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync Compatible options. It also has a USB-C port that can deliver power and data to your laptop.

Of course, don’t forget that you’ll also need a good GPU and CPU for a smooth work process and fast rendering times.

If you’re a casual user, the paragraph below in this guide on how to choose the right monitor for your PC is for you.

Casual usage: How to choose the right monitor for your PC if you’re a casual user?

If you are looking for a monitor for casual usage, such as web browsing, social media, streaming videos, or office work, you don’t need to worry too much about the technical specifications of the monitor. You can choose any monitor that meets your budget and personal preferences.

However, there are some features that can enhance your casual usage experience, such as color accuracy, screen size, and connectivity options. Here are some tips for choosing the right monitor for casual usage in 2023:

  1. Screen Size: Consider the size of the monitor based on your desk space and viewing distance. A larger screen can provide a more immersive experience for activities like streaming videos and multitasking.
  2. Resolution: For casual usage, a Full HD (1080p) resolution is generally sufficient. Higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K are not necessary unless you plan to use the monitor for creative tasks or gaming.
  3. Color Accuracy: While color accuracy might not be as critical as for professional tasks, it still contributes to a pleasant viewing experience. Look for monitors that offer good color representation and clarity.
  4. Panel Type: For casual usage, an IPS panel is recommended due to its wide viewing angles and better color reproduction. This will ensure that colors remain consistent even if you’re not viewing the screen straight-on.
  5. Connectivity: Make sure the monitor has the necessary ports for your devices. HDMI and DisplayPort are commonly used for connecting to PCs, laptops, and gaming consoles. USB-C ports can provide a versatile connection option.
  6. Built-in Speakers: If you don’t have external speakers or headphones, having built-in speakers in the monitor can be convenient for watching videos or participating in online meetings.
  7. Blue Light Filter and Flicker-Free Technology: These features can reduce eye strain during prolonged usage, making your monitor more comfortable for extended browsing or work sessions.
  8. Adjustability: A monitor with height, tilt, and swivel adjustments can help you find a comfortable viewing position.

Here are a few monitors suitable for casual usage in 2023:

  • Dell S2419H: This 24-inch Full HD monitor features an IPS panel for good color accuracy and wide viewing angles. It has a slim design and built-in speakers.
  • Acer R240HY: Another 24-inch Full HD IPS monitor with a sleek design. It offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals for casual activities.
  • LG 34WK650-W: If you’re interested in an ultrawide experience, this 34-inch monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio offers extra screen real estate for multitasking and a more immersive viewing experience.

Remember that for casual usage, your personal preferences play a significant role. Pay attention to factors like design, aesthetics, and additional features that align with your needs.

Now let’s get to the final detail of our guide on how to choose the right monitor for your PC.

How to choose the right monitor for your PC: Optimizing Monitor Settings

Once you’ve chosen the right monitor, take some time to adjust its settings for the best experience:

  1. Brightness and Contrast: Adjust these settings to a comfortable level for your environment. A too-bright or too-dark screen can strain your eyes.
  2. Color Calibration: If your monitor allows it, use built-in calibration tools or external color calibration devices to fine-tune color accuracy.
  3. Blue Light Filter: Enable this feature to reduce blue light emissions during evening or nighttime use, which can help improve sleep quality.
  4. Refresh Rate and Response Time: Set these settings according to your usage. If you’re primarily browsing or working, a standard setting should suffice.
  5. Adaptive Sync: If your monitor supports it, enable adaptive sync (FreeSync or G-Sync) to reduce screen tearing during gaming or fast-motion scenes.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right monitor in 2023 depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re focused on professional tasks, gaming, or casual use, there’s a wide range of monitors available to suit your requirements. Consider factors like panel type, color accuracy, resolution, refresh rate, and additional features to make an informed decision. Once you’ve selected your monitor, don’t forget to adjust its settings for the best visual experience. We hope that you’ve liked our guide on how to choose the right monitor for your PC in 2023.