Best Monitor to Get for Work: Top 12 Picks for 2024
This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site and allows us to continue creating helpful content.
Table of Contents
- Quick Picks: Best Work Monitors at a Glance
- How We Evaluated These Monitors
- Detailed Monitor Reviews
- Monitor Comparison Table
- What to Look for in a Work Monitor
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Recommendation
Finding the best monitor to get for work can transform your productivity and reduce eye strain during those long workdays. After testing dozens of monitors across different price ranges and use cases, we’ve identified the top options that deliver the perfect balance of screen real estate, image quality, and ergonomic features that matter most for professional work.
Quick Picks: Best Work Monitors at a Glance
- Best Overall: Dell U2723QE — 27-inch 4K with excellent color accuracy and USB-C hub
- Best Budget: ASUS VA24EHE — 24-inch Full HD with eye-care features under $100
- Best for Programming: LG 34WP65C-B — 34-inch ultrawide for maximum code visibility
- Best Premium: Apple Studio Display — 27-inch 5K Retina with built-in webcam and speakers
- Best Dual Setup: HP E24 G5 — Affordable 24-inch monitors perfect for side-by-side configuration
How We Evaluated These Monitors
We focused on the features that matter most for professional work: display quality for long viewing sessions, ergonomic adjustability to prevent neck strain, and connectivity options for modern laptops. Each monitor was tested for color accuracy, text clarity, and real-world performance across common work tasks like document editing, video calls, and data analysis.
Detailed Monitor Reviews
Dell U2723QE: Best Overall Work Monitor
Key Specs:
- 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS display
- 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage
- 90W USB-C Power Delivery
- Height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments
- Built-in KVM switch
The Dell U2723QE strikes the perfect balance between professional features and everyday usability. The 4K resolution provides incredibly sharp text that reduces eye strain during long reading sessions, while the IPS panel delivers consistent colors from any viewing angle.
What sets this monitor apart is its comprehensive connectivity hub. The 90W USB-C port can power most laptops while transmitting video and data through a single cable, dramatically cleaning up your desk setup. The built-in KVM switch lets you seamlessly switch between two computers using the same monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
The stand offers full ergonomic adjustability, including 90-degree pivot rotation for portrait orientation — perfect for reading long documents or coding. At $600-700, it’s an investment, but one that pays dividends in productivity and comfort for serious professionals.
ASUS VA24EHE: Best Budget Work Monitor
Key Specs:
- 24-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display
- ASUS Eye Care technology with blue light filter
- 75Hz refresh rate
- VESA mount compatible
- Multiple input options (VGA, HDMI)
The ASUS VA24EHE proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality work monitor. At under $100, this 24-inch display delivers sharp text and vibrant colors that rival monitors costing twice as much.
The built-in Eye Care technology automatically adjusts blue light emission and eliminates flicker, reducing eye fatigue during extended work sessions. The 75Hz refresh rate provides slightly smoother scrolling compared to standard 60Hz monitors, making document navigation feel more responsive.
While the stand only offers basic tilt adjustment, the monitor supports VESA mounting for those who want more flexibility. The dual input setup (HDMI and VGA) makes it easy to connect both modern laptops and older desktop computers. For small businesses or home offices on a budget, this monitor delivers exceptional value without compromising on essential features.
LG 34WP65C-B: Best Ultrawide for Programming
Key Specs:
- 34-inch ultrawide (3440 x 1440) IPS curved display
- 21:9 aspect ratio
- USB-C connectivity with 60W power delivery
- HDR10 support
- Picture-by-Picture and Picture-in-Picture modes
The LG 34WP65C-B transforms how you work with code, spreadsheets, and multiple applications. The 34-inch ultrawide format provides the screen real estate equivalent to two 27-inch monitors without the bezels interrupting your workflow.
For programmers and developers, this monitor is a game-changer. You can comfortably view your IDE, documentation, and testing environment simultaneously without constant window switching. The 1440p resolution ensures code remains crisp and readable even when displaying multiple panels side by side.
The curved design helps reduce eye movement across the wide screen, while the Picture-by-Picture mode lets you display content from two different sources simultaneously. The 60W USB-C charging handles most ultrabooks, though power-hungry laptops might need a separate charger. At around $400, it’s competitively priced for the productivity boost it provides.
Apple Studio Display: Best Premium Work Monitor
Key Specs:
- 27-inch 5K Retina (5120 x 2880) display
- P3 wide color gamut and True Tone technology
- Built-in 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage
- Six-speaker sound system with spatial audio
- Thunderbolt 3 connectivity with 96W charging
The Apple Studio Display represents the pinnacle of work monitor design, especially for Mac users. The 5K Retina display delivers text so sharp it rivals printed documents, making it ideal for designers, writers, and anyone who spends hours reading on screen.
The integrated 12MP camera with Center Stage automatically keeps you centered during video calls, while the six-speaker array provides surprisingly rich audio that eliminates the need for external speakers. True Tone technology automatically adjusts the display’s color temperature to match your environment, reducing eye strain throughout the day.
The premium price tag of $1,600 reflects its target audience of creative professionals and executives who value the seamless integration with macOS and the space-saving all-in-one design. While it works with Windows PCs, Mac users will get the full benefit of its advanced features.
HP E24 G5: Best for Dual Monitor Setups
Key Specs:
- 24-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display
- Ultra-slim bezels for seamless multi-monitor alignment
- Height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments
- DisplayPort daisy chaining capability
- EPEAT Gold environmental certification
The HP E24 G5 excels in dual and triple monitor configurations thanks to its ultra-slim bezels and daisy chaining capabilities. When placed side by side, the minimal bezels create an almost seamless viewing experience across multiple screens.
The fully adjustable stand matches heights perfectly between monitors, while the pivot function allows for mixed orientations in complex setups. DisplayPort daisy chaining means you can connect multiple monitors through a single cable from your laptop, simplifying cable management significantly.
For professionals who need maximum screen real estate for trading, data analysis, or project management, two or three of these monitors provide more usable space than single ultrawide displays at a similar total cost. The consistent color reproduction across units ensures a uniform appearance in multi-monitor arrays.
BenQ EW3270U: Best for Eye Comfort
Key Specs:
- 32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) VA display
- Eye-Care technology with brightness intelligence
- Built-in USB-C dock with 65W power delivery
- HDR10 support
- Multiple preset modes for different work types
The BenQ EW3270U prioritizes visual comfort with advanced eye-care features that adapt to your working conditions. The Brightness Intelligence technology automatically adjusts screen brightness based on ambient lighting, while the low blue light modes can be scheduled to activate during evening hours.
The 32-inch 4K display provides ample space for detailed work without requiring multiple monitors. The VA panel delivers deeper blacks than IPS alternatives, making it comfortable for extended use in darker environments. Various preset modes optimize the display for reading, programming, or general office work.
The built-in USB-C hub consolidates connectivity, though the 65W power delivery may not be sufficient for gaming laptops or high-performance workstations. At around $500, it offers premium features at a reasonable price for professionals who prioritize eye health during long work sessions.
Monitor Comparison Table
| Monitor | Size | Resolution | Panel Type | USB-C Charging | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell U2723QE | 27" | 4K | IPS | 90W | $600-700 |
| ASUS VA24EHE | 24" | 1080p | IPS | No | $80-100 |
| LG 34WP65C-B | 34" | 1440p UW | IPS | 60W | $350-450 |
| Apple Studio Display | 27" | 5K | IPS | 96W | $1,600 |
| HP E24 G5 | 24" | 1080p | IPS | No | $200-250 |
| BenQ EW3270U | 32" | 4K | VA | 65W | $450-550 |
What to Look for in a Work Monitor
Screen Size and Resolution
The sweet spot for most work scenarios is 27 inches with 4K resolution or 24 inches with 1080p. Larger screens provide more workspace but require higher resolutions to maintain text clarity. For specialized tasks like coding or financial analysis, ultrawide monitors offer horizontal space that traditional formats can’t match.
Ergonomic Adjustability
A fully adjustable stand prevents neck strain and improves long-term comfort. Look for monitors that offer height adjustment (at least 4 inches), tilt (-5° to +20°), and swivel capabilities. Pivot rotation is valuable for reading documents in portrait mode or coding applications.
Connectivity Options
Modern work monitors should include USB-C with power delivery to simplify laptop connections. HDMI and DisplayPort inputs provide compatibility with various devices, while built-in USB hubs reduce cable clutter. Consider monitors with KVM switches if you regularly work with multiple computers.
Eye Care Features
Blue light filters, flicker-free backlighting, and automatic brightness adjustment reduce eye strain during extended work sessions. Some monitors include ambient light sensors that automatically optimize display settings throughout the day.
Color Accuracy and Panel Type
IPS panels offer the best color consistency and viewing angles for professional work. VA panels provide better contrast but may show color shifting at extreme angles. TN panels are fastest but have poor color reproduction and viewing angles, making them unsuitable for serious work applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size monitor is best for office work?
24 to 27 inches provides the optimal balance of screen real estate and desk space for most office tasks. Smaller monitors limit productivity, while larger screens may cause neck strain if positioned too close. The key is maintaining an arm’s length viewing distance regardless of size.
Is 4K worth it for work monitors?
Yes, especially for text-heavy work like writing, coding, or data analysis. 4K resolution provides significantly sharper text that reduces eye strain and improves readability. However, ensure your computer can drive 4K displays smoothly, and consider scaling settings for comfortable text size.
Should I buy one large monitor or two smaller ones?
Two 24-inch monitors often provide more usable space than one 32-inch monitor at a similar total cost. Dual monitors excel for multitasking with distinct applications, while single large monitors work better for applications that benefit from continuous screen space like design work or spreadsheets.
Do I need a curved monitor for work?
Curved monitors primarily benefit ultrawide displays (34 inches or larger) by reducing eye movement across the screen. For standard 16:9 monitors under 32 inches, the curve provides minimal benefit and may cause distortion in certain professional applications.
How important is USB-C connectivity?
USB-C with power delivery significantly simplifies laptop setups by combining video, data, and charging through a single cable. If you use a modern laptop as your primary work computer, USB-C connectivity can dramatically reduce desk clutter and improve your daily workflow.
What’s the ideal refresh rate for work monitors?
60Hz is sufficient for office work, though 75Hz provides slightly smoother scrolling that some users prefer. Higher refresh rates (120Hz+) primarily benefit gaming and don’t justify the additional cost for professional applications like document editing or data analysis.
Final Recommendation
The Dell U2723QE emerges as our top choice for most professionals, combining excellent image quality, comprehensive connectivity, and ergonomic design at a reasonable price point. Its 4K resolution and USB-C hub make it future-proof for years of productive work.
Budget-conscious buyers should consider the ASUS VA24EHE for basic office tasks, while developers and analysts will appreciate the expanded workspace of the LG 34WP65C-B. Whatever your specific needs, investing in a quality work monitor pays dividends in productivity, comfort, and eye health over years of daily use.