The best computer monitors

Computer monitors have come a long way since their chunky CRT forebears. Today’s computer monitors offer big screens, better resolutions and comparatively slimline designs with at least a couple of connection options. There are more a handful of big-name monitor brands nowadays, and more options than ever before. But don’t worry. We’ve got you.

After combing through dozens of contemporary computer monitors, we’ve rounded up the best options to start your display search. In terms of price, you can pay around $100 for a smaller-screen 1080p monitor or hundreds for a versatile 1440p upgrade. For those who want to invest in the best, expect to pay at least a few hundred for a portable monitor and $1,000+ for 4K gaming monitors with the latest panel technologies.

Scroll on for our picks of the best computer monitors in Australia.

The best computer monitor overall is one that’s just at home for work tasks as it is for play, with a decent size, resolution and lots of connection options. Cue the entry of the Samsung Odyssey G65B. For a reasonable investment you get a 27-inch curved computer monitor with 1440p resolution. The G65B offers a near comprehensive range of connectivity options, including speedy DisplayPort and HDMI, plus WiFi, USB 3.0 ports and even Ethernet. When you switch from work to play, there’s a 240Hz refresh rate to keep up with competitive online games. If it’s not quite big enough, consider the 32-inch upgrade instead.

For alternatives, consider any of the options below alongside the 4K Dell UltraSharp U2723QE for work or the Philips 329P1H for USB-C connectivity.

If you want to save money and don’t have a graphics card that lends itself to higher resolutions and faster frame rates, you’ll want to look at a 1080p monitor. Start comparisons with the LG 22MR410-B, which is a 1080p display with a 100Hz refresh rate. That display combo is good enough for work and games, plus the 21.45-inch size is a better fit for desks where real estate is a premium. Modern connectivity is restricted to a single HDMI 1.4 port but there’s also a VGA connector if you want the versatility of using the screen with older computers.

Alternatively, consider the ViewSonic Omni XG2431 if you want a gamer-centric monitor or the HP E24 G5 for an everyday display.

Gaming monitors come in all manner of sizes, budgets, panel types, resolutions and refresh rates. For our category, we’ve gone for a higher-end option with the Alienware AW3225QF. At the heart of this screen is a 32-inch curved display with a 4K resolution, a competitive 240Hz refresh rate and great 1,000 nits brightness. Your eyes will appreciate the QD-OLED monitor panel, plus there’s a great selection of ports. Use DisplayPort or one of the HDMI 2.1 ports for a computer, then connect a PlayStation 5 and/or Xbox Series X to the other spare HDMI ports. This Alienware gaming monitor also acts as a USB hub with four USB 3.2 ports (including one Type-C with power charging).

For gaming alternatives, consider the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 1440p monitor or the Dell S3222DGM for a cheaper 1440p screen.

While Micro-LED screens may as well be sci-fi as far as gaming displays are concerned, Mini-LED screens are an affordable stopgap. Take the Acer XV275KP3, for instance. For a competitive price, you get a 4K Mini-LED screen with a respectable 160Hz refresh rate and solid 1,000Hz nit brightness. Whether you’re a low-light gamer or a bright-light worker, expect this Acer computer monitor to provide great image clarity and straightforward visibility. Connectivity options include the expected DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1, plus a USB-C input for greater platform versatility. This 4K Acer computer monitor supports every monitor use case, looking great in SDR and HDR while it’s at it.

For 4K monitor alternatives, consider the Dell S3221QS for something cheaper or the Gigabyte M27U.

Most monitors are designed to live in semipermanence on a desk. But portable monitors like the Espresso Display 15 Touch are designed with mobility in mind, handy for bigger-screen viewing of smaller-screened devices or a portable second display. The Display 15 Touch takes out the top spot because it ticks all the right boxes. Its lightweight and slim design make it extremely portable. When it’s time to use, fold out the magnetic EspressoScreen protector for an ad hoc tablet-like case or invest in the beefier EspressoStand for more viewing angles. The Display 15 Touch works in landscape or portrait mode and is compatible with devices that offer a USB-C port (which is a lot of them).

For portable alternatives, Espresso also offers 13-inch and 17-inch portable monitors. Otherwise, consider the Mobile Pixels Glance Pro for an OLED alternative or the Asus ROG Strix XG16AHPE if you want a gamer-centric option.

Space and use case should be the first considerations before anything else. If you have limited desk space and want a second monitor, you’ll likely want a 27-inch or smaller screen. Similarly, gaming monitors generally have higher refresh rates, while portable monitors aren’t as fully featured as their stationary counterparts.

Higher-resolution monitors are generally easier on the eye, plus there are different panel types, including, IPS, VA, Mini-LED and QD-OLED (listed from good to best). Generally, the higher the resolution and the newer the panel type, the more you can expect to pay.

Some monitors include additional features like inbuilt speakers (typically average sounding), USB pass-through and extended connectivity options like USB-C or WiFi display. Bear in mind that the graphics card in the device you’re connecting to a monitor will determine the attainable output resolutions, overall fidelity and refresh rates.