Do questions like resolution, display, color gamut, etc. haunt your mind? If you are looking for a buying guide that will give you detailed information about everything regarding monitors then keep on reading.
The following buying guide explains various factors that make a monitor better. From HD resolution to refresh rates, we got you covered!
The monitor is one of the most important components of a computer and the best monitor under 100 USD to 1000 USD available in the market. Without a monitor the whole computer is incomplete. But the market is flooded with monitors, beard curved or flat displays, price ranges, or solutions there are millions of options available.
But before getting any monitors you need to consider things like if refresh rate, its pixel density, and much more. If you know something to nothing about monitors then go through this guide below that explains every single thing. Without further delay let’s start with the guide!
Quick Monitor Buying Guide: Best Monitors
Without getting into detail let’s first talk about a quick introduction to the buying guide.
The first and foremost thing to consider is resolution. The resolution determines how the monitor’s display is going to be.
The minimum resolution requirement is 1080 pixels or FHD or HD. But if you have the budget always up for QHD or 4K this resolution produces the sharpest pictures or images. What resolution means are how many pixels the monitor has in width×height. 1920 × 1080 pixels make a monitor full HD.
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Also, keep in mind the work that you are going to do on the monitor. Gaming professional or general use have different monitors that suit their purpose. Gaming monitors fast refresh rate and low response times. Monitors used by professionals have color accuracy and general use monitors have HD contrast VA panel. Consider the main purpose of the monitor and buy it accordingly.
The size of the monitor also matters. You should pay attention to the dimensions to make sure that the monitor will fit your desk space. Other than that, when it comes to monitors the larger is better. You will never regret buying a monitor that is large but a smaller monitor will disappoint you. Choose the size according to your preference because you will have to continuously stare at the monitor.
Let’s talk about pixel density now; pixel density is the most important factor in a monitor. The ID required pixel density is 109 pixels per inch. Keep in mind a larger monitor will have low pixel density.
Coming to refresh rates now; if the refresh rate is higher the monitor is better. Always choose a monitor that has a higher refresh rate this will help in displaying images properly and swiftly. Pixel rate also plays a role in providing smoother and cleaner images. For gamers, it is advised that do not go below than 75 Hz of refresh rate and the lowest response time that you can find. If you are a professional or want a laptop for general use their 60-hertz refresh rate should do your job efficiently.
Response time is the time a monitor takes to respond to activities. If the response time is less the monitor is better. Response time means how long a monitor takes to change individual pixels from black to white. If the monitor utilizes more response time this could lead to blur images and slow response. But the refresh rate is important mostly for gamers, they should always choose a response time that is 5 milliseconds or less.
Panel technology determines the cost as well as the performance of the monitor. TN monitors are one of the fastest and cheapest monitors but its biggest weakness is color tone differences and poor image quality when viewed from side angles. IPS monitors have a faster response late when compared to TN and have better color than VA panels. VA panels, on the other hand, have the best contrast.
The biggest question of all time should I get a curved monitor or a flat one? This completely depends on your preference. A curved display provides an immersive experience and reduces stress on the eyes. Curved monitors are ultra-wide and mostly 30 inches making them more expensive.
MONITOR RESOLUTION
A monitor resolution means a screens length into width in the unit of pixels. Pixels are tiny dots that are present in a huge quantity in any LCD panel. These pixels contain sub-pixels that have primary colors.to simplify this the more pixels present in each square inch of any monitor the better the display of the monitor will be. If the monitor is packed with pixels it will produce clear pictures. Always keep in mind that if a monitor has a display of 27 inches or more than always go for HD or QHD.
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When it comes to 16: 9 aspect ratios it is always ideal to choose a higher number of pixels but some things might affect the display quality of the monitor.
The first thing is your monitor’s operating system and its font scaling capabilities. A desirable pixel density is 90-110 pixels per inch but if the pixel density is higher than the monitor will be of no use especially for reading text.
The monitor’s graphic card plays an important role in its display. You might have a 4K monitor but if the graphic card is poor then the monitor is of no it might especially affect your gaming experience.
WHAT RESOLUTION IS NEEDED FOR GAMING?
The answer to this question is that GTX 1060 or RX 580. This is because graphic card requirements vary according to the game and to have the very best experience 4K gamers need at least a 1070 TI or RX Vega 64 but this can be substituted with a dual card set up running in NVidia SLI or AMD crossfire.
If you’re looking for clear and sharper pictures then the more the pixels the better will be your gaming experience. But this can sometimes backfire as pixels tend to slow down if the graphic card isn’t supported.
You should consider buying QHD resolution as monitors having a display of 32 inches give better images with a higher pixel density and the best part is that any mid-priced graphic card could work with it.
If you have a 27 inches display or less then you can without a doubt go for an FHD display. It is the best option and delivers the fastest frame rates and won’t disappoint you.
WHICH PANEL IS BETTER TN vs VA vs IPS?
- First things first, TN stands for twisted nematic.
- VA stands for vertical alignment.
- IPS stands for in-plane switching.
All these technologies are used in LCD manufacturing and all of them have advantages and disadvantages. The panels used in any monitor affect its cost as well as colored display.
VA panel is considered to offer the best image quality and beats IPS and TN easily. Twisted nematic displays are less color accurate and black contrast but there’s very little difference and you might not even notice it. TN panels have an upper hand in the speed department. They are exceptionally fast when compared to other displays.
On the other side, TN screens are better in displaying colors but they fail to fit in the budget as that as slightly expensive compared to VA and IPS panels.
WHAT FEATURES MATTER- GAMING MONITORS?
There are millions of options when it comes to gaming monitors and all have their upcoming and shortcomings. But without getting into detail let’s go through essential gaming elements.
Ask any gaming rat out there and you will get the same answer, high refresh rate, speed, and response time are the only things that matter the most.
Let’s talk about casual gamers first. If you occasionally engage in gaming then you might not even notice the difference between 140 fps and 60fps. When it comes to refreshing rate then 60-75 hertz will be enough and if you could just add higher pixel density and a 30-inch display to it; it would make the best gaming monitor. You can also go for saturated color or HDR if you want to do so.
For hardcore competitive gamers, an ideal refresh rate of 144 hertz or more is a must; along with low response time and speed. If you could get all these features in one monitor then go for it without a doubt. These monitors probably will have a lower pixel density and a display of about 27 inches. You will also have to compromise with HDR and extended colors but your gaming requirements would be satisfactorily fulfilled.
WHAT SHOULD MY GAMING MONITOR REFRESH RATE AND RESPONSE TIME BE?
To give you the best advice here,
Lower resolution + good graphics card = faster refresh rates.
Even though gamer should always opt for a refresh rate of at least 144 Hertz, casual gamers or just normal users can go for a 75-hertz refresh rate which will be more than enough. It is best to combine the lowest response time with the fastest refresh rate for the best output. Do not go below a response time of 5 milliseconds.
If you want your monitor for long-term use then the graphics card that you use now should be able to manage high speed easily. Some gaming laptops also have a refresh rate of 60 Hertz but if the refresh rate is 60 hertz then G-Sync or FreeSync is essential for any gamer.
Another thing to consider is the input lag. Input lag is the time that your monitor takes to recognize output from your graphics card or the time that it requires when a button is pushed on your keyboard. Many times high refresh rates have lower input lag but do check this information out while choosing any monitor.
Another thing that you could do is use sites like DisplayLag that make unbiased breakdowns of many monitor’s input lag.
SHOULD I GET A G-SYNC OR FREESYNC MONITOR?
Both G-Sync and FreeSync monitors help to reduce screen tearing and stop the problem of stuttering. But G-Sync monitors are slightly more expensive than the FreeSync monitors.
Always keep in mind if your budget can only include a mid to low speed graphics card then having G-Sync or FreeSync is a must. Always opt for a monitor that has a minimum refresh rate.
G-Sync works with display port and FreeSync works with both HDMI and DisplayPort, making FreeSync more convenient. So, FreeSync monitors take an upper hand here with low cost and convenience.
WHAT IS BETTER G-SYNC OR FREESYNC?
Competitive gamers should consider a G-Sync ultimate or FreeSync premium Pro display for the best outcomes. Both of them support lower input latency and additional benefits for HDR titles.
Let’s talk about it G-Sync monitors, these monitors operate at 8 Hz refresh rate up to monitors maximum and a low frame rate compensation below 30 hertz is a viable solution, but it works only if the max refresh rate is at least 2.5 times the minimum.
Freesync monitors have an adaptive refresh up to a monitor’s maximum refresh rate. Some monitors have a 55 Hz refresh rate but they can be problematic as they do not support graphic cards well.
DO I NEED OVERDRIVE ON MOTION BLUR REDUCTION?
Ever heard of ghosting? Ghosting is a blurry trail formed by a moving object on the screen. This occurs mainly due to an even pixel transition or when a monitors pixel takes longer to change from color A to color B than from color B to color A.
Overdrive helps in reducing ghosting by increasing the speed rate of pixel transition via higher voltages.
On the other hand, motion blur reduction maintains motion resolution when on screen action becomes more intense. Motion blur reduction is also recognized under the name ultra-low motion blur.
- So what to choose between overdrive and motion blur reduction?
- Both overdrive and motion blur reduction have positive in negative points.
- Overdrive can create inverse ghosting artifacts and motion blur reduction reduces overall brightness.
Overdrive of any monitor can be tested by blur busters UFO test. When the UFO is switching between your monitor’s different overdrive options observe it carefully and if a white trail is left behind by the saucer then it means that you have gone too far.
- Motion blur reduction cannot be combined with FreeSync or G-Sync.
- It is advisable that gamers off for adaptive refresh every time.
- To eliminate motion blur reduction a graphics card running at 60fps or higher will be beneficial.
Talking about overall brightness, motion blur reduction does nothing to improve it, but it cuts the overall brightness by 60%.
WHATS A GOOD GAMING MONITOR DEAL?
While going for a gaming monitor do not be tricked by the sellers. You can get a monitor for cheaper if you wait patiently for a sale. Make sure that you check reviews and information about the monitor that you have eyes on.
Here is a rough figure that will determine if the deal is ok-
- 144 hertz at 1080 pixels (27 inches or more) – $200 or less.
- 60 hertz at 4K – $250 or less.
Another thing that you could do is check out Amazon and track the price history e of any monitor for buying it.
WHAT FEATURES MATTER IN GENERAL USE MONITORS?
If you have a tight budget then getting something that has multitasking Capabilities is ideal. A monitor that serves all the purposes including entertainment, gaming, productivity as well as computing will be your finest option.
If you want general use display then both professional monitors, as well as gaming monitors, can work amazingly for you and satisfy all your needs.
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The best choice will be to go for VA panels. VA panels are flicker-free panels that offer 5 times the contrast of IPS or TN screens. VA screens have high calibration standards and great image quality.
You might have heard of how damaging blue light is for the eyes and most monitors have blue light in them. If the blue light brightness is reduced the brightness of other colors also is affected. Especially for gaming and watching videos, the graphics and image quality won’t be as pleasing. It is not necessary to prioritize low blue light over other options. To conclude this for any general use laptop having a VA panel is ideal.
WHAT FEATURES MATTER IN PROFESSIONAL MONITORS?
Professional monitors are made to serve specific purposes and special needs. From color accuracy to calibration capabilities, professional monitors are specially designed for professionals.
Even though color-accurate monitors cost more they are worth every rupee spent over it. In any professional use monitor, a delta E value of two or lower is a good sign.
- Calibration options can be achieved through two methods they are:
- On-screen display and software.
- Always choose a monitor that has a flicker-free display.
Calibration options should include choices for different color temperatures, Gamma curves, and color gamut.
Do not go lower than a minimum SRGB and Adobe RGB standards, which have color temperatures ranging from 5000 to 7000 k and Gama presets from 1.8 to 2.4.
If you want a monitor for movie production or TV then go for something that supports the BT.1886 GAMMA STANDARDS.
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WHAT BIT-DEPTH IS NEEDED?
If your budget allows then go for 12 bit. And if you are a professional then it is always better if you opt for 12 bit and invest in monitors that carry out most professional graphic work.
The 8-bit panel would be fine for any general use monitor but if you engage in professional activities on the monitor then do not go below 10 bit as you won’t get satisfactory outcomes.
One more thing to consider here is the graphics card.
If the graphic card can’t output a 10 or 12-bit signal then a deep color monitor is useless. The monitors might fail in extra information by interpolation but it is not suitable for professional work at all.
