Finding the Best Monitors for Home Office 2023 (Buying Guide)
Let’s face it, choosing the best monitor for your home office is a bit tricky.
With so many factors to consider, including performance, resolution, budget, and ergonomics, it’s easy to get overwhelmed 😮💨.
But worry not! I’m here to help simplify the entire process so you can find the perfect home office monitor that ticks all the right boxes for YOU.
I’ll dive into everything from budget-friendly monitors to ultrawide monitors for enhanced productivity and even monitors for eye strain with blue light reduction to ensure hours of comfortable use.
Read on to learn about top-rated options, including budget-friendly, high-performance, and eco-friendly choices, and find the perfect match for your needs.
Quick Recap
- 2023 offers a wide range of budget-friendly and high-performance monitors for home office use.
- Consider the monitor size, resolution, refresh rate, ergonomics, and other features to make the most of your budget.
- When selecting a monitor, look for eye comfort technologies like blue light reduction.
Table of Contents
What Are The Best Monitors For Home Office?
2023 offers a plethora of outstanding home office monitors catering to various budgets and performance requirements. Some of the top-rated options include:
- LG UltraFine line
- Dell’s USB-C hub monitors
- BenQ’s PD2720U and PD2725U
- HP’s U28
- AOC AGON AG275QZ
- Dell U3223QE
- Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV
- HP Z32k G3
- Dell 27-inch monitor
- Philips 329P1H
- Viewsonic VG2756V-2K
- Dell Ultrasharp U2720QM
- Asus ProArt PA279CRV
- Dell SE2719H
- Dell U2723QE
Budget-Friendly Monitors
Regarding budget-friendly monitors, you don’t have to compromise on quality.
The HP 24MH monitor, for instance, offers a 1080p resolution, a 75Hz refresh rate, an ultra-slim design, low blue light technology, and a micro-edge display, making it a suitable budget gaming monitor for home office use.
Another cost-effective option is the Asus ProArt Display PA278CV, a 27-inch monitor known for its decent color accuracy and built-in speakers. It also offers a variety of ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort input and output, USB-C port, and four USB 3.0 Type-A ports.
The Asus ZenScreen MB249C is a fantastic choice for those seeking a portable solution. This versatile monitor offers:
- A strong, vivid, and precise image
- Sufficient luminosity for a standard home office
- The ability to be mounted in various configurations next to a primary monitor, providing flexibility and adaptability for your workspace
- The option to use a USB-C connection with up to 60 watts of Power Delivery to power the device
High-Performance Monitors
For those who require advanced features for demanding tasks, high-performance monitors are the way to go.
Mini LED, OLED, and Quantum dots OLED (QD-OLED) are the latest high-performance monitor technology, offering increased brightness, enhanced contrast, and superior color accuracy. Some noteworthy high-performance monitor models include:
- AOC AGON AG275QZ: Boasts superfast response times, a wide color range, excellent contrast, an esports-level refresh rate, and a variety of ports.
- HP Z32k G3: Offers excellent color accuracy and USB-C connectivity.
- Asus PA279CRV: Perfect for video post-production editing and reviewing, with 99% DCI-P3/Adobe RGB coverage and Calman-verified color accuracy.
Ultrawide monitors, such as the LG 34WN750 and Dell Ultrasharp U4924DW, provide extra screen space for multitasking and increased productivity.
These monitors are particularly useful for professionals who frequently work with multiple applications or large spreadsheets, as they offer:
- More screen space without the need for a dual monitor setup
- Enhanced viewing experience for immersive gaming and multimedia
- Improved workflow efficiency with the ability to have multiple windows open side by side
- Increased productivity with the ability to see more content at once
Investing in an ultrawide monitor greatly enhances your work and entertainment experience.
Eco-Friendly Monitors
Environmentally conscious users can also find monitors designed with recycled materials or energy-saving features.
The Acer Vero BR277, for example, is partially constructed from Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics, making it a sustainable choice without compromising performance. It offers a maximum refresh rate of 75Hz and a peak brightness of over 300 nits, making it suitable for most home office tasks.
The Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV, another eco-friendly option, is limited to a single USB-C port but provides a strong, vivid display at an affordable price.
Monitor Size and Workspace Considerations
So what about choosing the right monitor size for your workspace?
Factors to consider include your tasks, available desk space, and preferred viewing distance. Opting for a 27-inch monitor is generally recommended, as it provides a good balance between screen size and pixel density for most office tasks.
However, certain tasks may require larger or smaller screen sizes.
For example, a monitor for graphic design and video editing may require a larger monitor to accommodate multiple windows and tools. On the other hand, it is a good thing.
Ideal Monitor Sizes for Different Tasks
The optimal monitor size largely depends on the tasks you’ll be performing.
For document editing or data entry, a 24-inch display may suffice, providing adequate screen space while conserving desk space. Graphic designers and video editors will benefit from larger screen sizes, such as 32 inches or even an ultrawide monitor, for more precise color representation and better visibility of their work.
Ultrawide monitors, like the following models, provide a spacious view with high definition, making them ideal for creative professionals who require a larger workspace for their projects.
- Alienware AW3423DWF
- AOC CU34G2X
- LG Ultragear 34GN850
- Dell P3421W
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
These monitors can significantly improve productivity for those with limited desk space by reducing the need to switch between applications or scroll through large documents constantly.
Ultrawide Monitors for Enhanced Productivity
Ultrawide monitors are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to enhance productivity and provide a more immersive experience. By offering extra screen real estate, ultrawide monitors allow for seamless multitasking and improved workflow, especially for professionals who work with multiple applications simultaneously or deal with large amounts of data.
The best ultrawide monitors for home office use include:
- Alienware AW3423DWF
- AOC CU34G2X
- LG Ultragear 34GN850
- Dell P3421W
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
Resolution and Image Quality
Your home office monitor’s resolution and image quality plays a critical role in determining the clarity of text, images, videos, and games.
Depending on your needs, you may opt for the best 5K monitor for the sharpest visuals, a 1440p monitor for a good balance between cost and performance, or a 1080p monitor for budget-friendly options.
In the following subsections, we’ll discuss the benefits of each resolution and provide recommendations for the best monitors in each category.
Benefits of 4K Monitors for Office Work
The best 4K monitors offer the highest resolution and image quality for office work, providing sharper text and more detailed images.
This is particularly helpful for tasks requiring precise visuals, such as photo or video editing, graphic design, or reading large amounts of text when writing an article just like what you’re reading right now.
I love the crisp feeling of a 4k monitor and notable 4K monitors for home office use include the:
- Dell U2723QE
- Acer K242HYL
- Asus ProArt PA279CRV
- HP E27d G4
All of these monitors offer excellent color accuracy and image quality at a premium price point.
Balancing Cost and Performance with 1440p Monitors
If you’re looking for a middle ground between cost and performance, 1440p monitors may be the perfect choice.
These monitors provide a noticeable improvement over 1080p without the premium price tag of 4K monitors. Some of the top 1440p monitors for home office use include:
- Dell U2723QE
- Acer K242HYL
- Asus ProArt PA279CRV
- HP E27d G4
- Dell S3220DGF Gaming Monitor.
- Samsung Odyssey G7
- Philips 254B1
These budget monitor options balance cost and performance, making them an excellent choice for most users.
Connectivity Options and USB-C Integration
You need to consider the connectivity options for your home office and business needs.
HDMI and DisplayPort are the most common video connections, while USB ports are hubs for smaller accessories such as webcams or external hard drives.
And you know how important it is to connect accessories such as a quality microphone and a high-resolution webcam for your online meetings and those high-ticket sales calls.
USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode is a more recent alternative, allowing video transmission over a USB-C connection and providing a single-cable power, display, and data transmission solution. This does wonders for clearing any desk clutter by reducing the amount of cables you need to use.
Let’s compare HDMI and DisplayPort connections and discuss the benefits of USB-C monitors.
HDMI vs. DisplayPort
Both HDMI and DisplayPort connections are prevalent in home office monitors, and there is no definitive benefit of one over the other for remote work.
Most home office monitors nowadays come with an HDMI port and a DisplayPort, so the connection you choose will depend on the availability of your PC or laptop.
However, it’s worth noting that HDMI 2.1 is essential for connecting a monitor for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X game console, so if you plan on using your monitor for gaming as well, this may be an important factor to consider.
The Benefits of USB-C Monitors
USB-C monitors with built-in USB C ports and a USB hub offer a convenient single-cable solution for power, display, and data transmission, simplifying the docking process and reducing cable clutter on your desk.
These monitors also provide charging capabilities, particularly useful for thin-and-light laptops like my MacBook Air or other devices with limited battery life.
In fact, I power my entire home office setup with just a single cable and a USB hub hooked up to my laptop.
Some top USB-C monitors for home office use include the:
- Dell U2723QE
- Acer K242HYL
- Asus ProArt PA279CRV
- HP E27d G4
- Dell S3220DGF Gaming Monitor
- Samsung Odyssey G7
- Philips 254B1
Ergonomics and Monitor Adjustability
Ergonomics and monitor adjustability is something people forget all about, but they are key factors to consider when setting up a comfortable home office workspace.
An adjustable monitor allows you to customize the display to your individual viewing needs, ensuring a comfortable experience during long hours of work. Look for monitors with height-adjustable stands, tilt, swivel capabilities, and pivot functions to switch between landscape and portrait orientations.
There is a workaround to this, and that is to use accessories like monitor stands, monitor risers, and monitor arms.
But investing in an ergonomic monitor right out of the gate will improve your overall comfort and help reduce the risk of developing strains or injuries associated with poor posture and prolonged screen time.
Gaming-Ready Home Office Monitors
For those who enjoy gaming in their free time or to relax from a strenuous workday making money online, a gaming-ready home office monitor provides the best of both worlds.
These gaming monitors typically feature high refresh rates and adaptive sync technologies, such as NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync, to deliver smooth, tear-free visuals and minimal input lag, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
Some top gaming-ready home office monitors include:
- AOC AGON AG275QZ
- HP Z32k G3
- Dell S3220DGF Gaming Monitor.
- Samsung Odyssey G7
- Philips 254B1
With these monitors, you can enjoy your favorite games without compromising productivity during work hours.
Portable Monitors for Flexible Workspaces
Portable monitors are a new and upcoming trend in the monitor space that offers a flexible and lightweight solution for those with ever-changing workspaces or digital nomads who need a reliable second screen on the go.
The Asus ZenScreen MB16ACV, for example, is a high-quality portable monitor that provides a strong, vivid, and precise image and can be mounted in various configurations next to a primary monitor, ensuring adaptability for your unique workspace needs.
Another portable option is the Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV, which boasts 10-point touch capability and ASUS Dial compatibility for Adobe software, making it a versatile choice for creative professionals who require a portable workspace.
Eye Comfort and Blue Light Reduction
It’s a good idea to think about eye comfort, especially when spending long hours in front of a monitor, which, to be honest, most of us do to an almost unhealthy level.
Features like flicker-free screens and blue light reduction technologies help minimize eye strain and fatigue, ensuring a more comfortable viewing experience.
Flicker-free screens utilize a backlight system that eliminates flickering, while blue light reduction technologies minimize the amount of blue light emitted from the monitor.
Some of the most eye-friendly monitors for home office use include:
- BenQ EW2880U
- SAMSUNG Odyssey G7 Series
- ASUS PB278Q
- ASUS VP28UQG
- Dell UltraSharp U2720Q.
There are also monitor accessories that entirely change the game, such as one of the best monitor light bars that light up your entire desk and home office environment.
These small gadgets are fantastic and avoid the screen glare you might get from regular desk lamps for artists.
Making the Most of Your Budget
When choosing a home office monitor, make the most of your budget without necessarily compromising on quality.
Consider factors such as:
- Size
- Resolution
- Refresh rate
- Response time
- Connectivity options
- Ergonomics
- Other features that may be important to you
Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices, as well as read user reviews and expert recommendations to find the best monitor for your needs and budget.
Did You Find A Monitor By This Point?
Whether you need a budget-friendly option, a high-performance monitor, an eco-friendly choice, or a gaming-ready display, there’s a monitor out there that’s perfect for your needs.
If you haven’t found what you’re looking for or just need a definite answer to what is the best overall monitor for your home office, then the LG UltraFine is my monitor of choice every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 4K monitors worth the investment for home office use?
4K monitors are worth the investment for home office use due to their high-resolution visuals and improved workflow. They come with a hefty price tag worth considering before buying one.
What are the benefits of ultrawide monitors for home office use?
The benefits of Ultrawide monitors are an extra boost to productivity with increased screen real estate for multitasking, ideal for professionals who need to work with multiple applications and large amounts of data.
They are perfect for designers, developers, and other creative professionals who need to view multiple windows side-by-side.
Ultrawide monitors also provide an immersive gaming experience, with a wider field of view and more detailed visuals.
How important is monitor ergonomics for a comfortable home office setup?
Monitor ergonomics are incredibly important for creating a comfortable home office setup, as they allow you to customize the display to your individual viewing needs and provide a more comfortable experience for long hours of work.
Ergonomic monitors are adjustable in terms of height, tilt, and swivel, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle for your needs. They also come with features such as anti-glare and blue light filters, which can help reduce eye strain and fatigue. Additionally, I’m a big fan of your website.
What are the advantages of USB-C monitors?
The advantages of USB-C monitors are that they provide a single-cable solution for power, display, and data transmission while also offering charging capabilities. This makes it a convenient and clutter-free solution for laptops or other devices with limited battery life.
The USB-C connection is becoming increasingly popular due to its versatility and convenience. It is compatible with a wide range of devices, from laptops to smartphones, and can be used to charge and transfer data.
Chris
Chief Editor & Growth Expert