Best commercial		Brother MFC-L8900CDW Color Laser All-in-One Printer		SEE IT	This quiet, top-of-the-line model allows remote control and cloud printing through an app.
Best overall		Canon PIXMA TS8320 All-In-One Wireless Color Printer		SEE IT	This high-quality all-in-one option is great for both the home office and the whole family.
Best budget		HP DeskJet Plus 4155e Wireless All-in-One Printer		SEE IT	This all-purpose affordable option copies, prints, scans, and sends faxes.

Copy machines are an office equipment staple. Businesses large and small and many families use an office copier every day. The best copy machines usually do more than make copies. They’re printers, scanners, and even fax machines that create an all-in-one digital hub for office work. Reliability, connectivity, and versatility are the factors that make a difference in your copy machine. You’ll also need to consider the copier’s size. Copy machines can be behemoths that do everything but type the words or take the pictures for you. That might be great, but do you have the room (and budget) for a machine like that? Consider what you need the copier to do versus extra perks that might add dollars to the price. We’ve rounded up some of the best copy machines on the market and included tips to help you make your pick. 

• Best overall: Canon PIXMA TS8320 All-In-One Wireless Color Printer
• Best commercial: Brother MFC-L8900CDW Color Laser All-in-One Printer
• Best for speed: Brother Monochrome Laser Printer
• Best for small office: Brother MFC-L3710W Compact Digital All-in-One Printer
• Best with cloud printing: HP Neverstop 1202w Wireless Mono Laser Printer
• Best portable: NEEGO H-P Tango X All-in-One Smart Wireless Printer
• Best budget: HP DeskJet Plus 4155e Wireless All-in-One Printer

How we chose the best copy machines

I’m an experienced reviewer of tech and smart office gear. In making our recommendations for the best copy machines, we considered more than a dozen options from leading brands, including HP, Brother, Xerox, and more. We also weighed a variety of consumer needs. The best copy machine for a mid-sized business office might not be the best option for a home office. Keep reading to get a few tips on how to handle your copy volume, quality, and which extra features are worth a splurge. 

The best copy machines: Reviews & Recommendations

The best copy machines offer consistency in copy quality, but there’s more to consider than just quality. The kind and number of copies you need can also help determine the machine that’s right for you. If you make and copy 11-inch by 17-inch posters, you’ll need a wide-format copy machine. These models are found in mid- to large-sized offices. They have wheels, multiple paper drawers, and are some of the fastest models available. 

However, if you don’t need a large format, a digital copy machine that scans documents to create a perfect copy might be more within your budget and needs. They’re more affordable and create excellent copies. 

Another option is one of the best all-in-one printers. These machines copy, print, scan, and fax. They’re smaller and more of an all-purpose office workhorse that doesn’t have the speed or quality of some of the more expensive photocopy machines. 

You also have to think about laser versus inkjet copy machines. The best (and fastest) quality will also come from a laser printer. They can also print a high volume in a short amount of time. The best laser printers are quieter. However, laser printers are more expensive, have expensive replacement cartridges, and tend to be larger. With all that in mind, here are the best copy machines.

Best overall: Canon PIXMA TS8320 All-In-One Wireless Color Printer

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Buy used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: This all-in-one wireless option copies, scans, and prints high-quality photos, making it a great choice for the whole family. 

Specs

• Type: All-in-one inkjet
• Pages per minute (PPM): 10 color, 15 in BW
• Paper capacity: 100

Pros

• Touchscreen is large and easy to use.
• Prints high-quality photos
• Works with WiFi and virtual assistants
• Versatile

Cons

• Expensive

If you’re looking for a device that can not only make copies for a home office, but can also scan and print to serve the needs of an entire household, the Canon PIXMA TS8320 is a top pick. The all-in-one printer is compatible with dual-band WiFi, so you can print and make copies from your devices and using virtual assistants. The large LCD screen makes it easy to use for a range of ages. The TS8320 also comes with a blue ink tank that reduces shadows and noise to allow you to print beautiful photos. And even when it’s not on, you can just press print on a smartphone or tablet, and the TS8320 will turn on and provide the printing on command.

Best commercial: Brother MFC-L8900CDW Color Laser All-in-One Printer

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Why it made the cut: This all-in-one laser printer is designed for office use, with high print output, capacity for up to 1,300 pages, and great connectivity.

Specs

• Type: All-in-one laser
• PPM: 33 in color and BW
• Paper capacity: 300 pages (up to 1,300 by adding additional trays)

Pros

• High print capacity
• Speedy performance
• Provides extra layer of security
• Works with WiFi, USB, and Ethernet

Cons 

• Bulky at 63 pounds

The Brother MFC-L8900CDW is a commercial copy machine that offers top-of-the-line features like remote control through an app and cloud printing. A five-inch touchscreen makes it easier to scroll through options and change settings. It’s got great connectivity and runs much quieter than comparable industrial copiers. The downside is that there can be some color issues like the machine using color ink to print black unless you change the settings.

Best for speed: Brother Monochrome Laser Printer

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Why it made the cut: If fast printing is your priority, this laser printer provides up to 36 pages per minute. 

Specs

• Type: Laser monochrome
• PPM: Up to 36
• Paper capacity: 250 sheets 

Pros

• Fast
• Affordable
• Prints from desktop, laptops, smartphones, and tablets

Cons 

• Only prints in black and white

The Brother Monochrome Laser Printer provides far more than just fast printing, but that’s where it begins. It offers 36 pages per minute of black-and-white copies (no color copies with this one). It can handle different types of paper like cardstock and envelopes. This multifunctional printer also includes a 50-sheet document feeder for copying and scanning. Keep in mind that this printer can be a bear to set up.

Best for small office: Brother MFC-L3710W Compact Digital All-in-One Printer

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Why it made the cut: This device provides the all-around functionality needed in a small office and provides a respectable printing speed for a small number of users. 

Specs

• Type: All-in-one laser
• PPM: 19 in color, 29 in BW
• Paper capacity: 250

Pros

• Has copy, printing, scanning, and faxing capabilities
• Comes with color touchscreen
• Works with the cloud and Dropbox, Google Drive, and Evernote

Cons 

• Heavy

The Brother MFC-L3710W Compact Digital All-in-One Printer’s color touchscreen makes it easier to program your copying jobs, as well as connect to cloud services to download documents. It’s also equipped with WiFi so that a team of people can connect from laptops and mobile devices. This Brother document copier produces excellent color and black-and-white copies with a 19-page-per-minute speed. However, the replacement toner can get pricey if you’re printing in high volumes.

Best with cloud printing: HP LaserJet-Tank MFP 2604sdw Wireless Black & White Printer

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Why it made the cut: This eco-friendly printer works with an app that allows users to print from a wide variety of devices quickly and is also wallet-friendly. 

Specs

• Type: All-in-one laser
• PPM: Up to 23
• Paper capacity: 250

Pros

• Works with HP app for easier setup and cloud access
• Printing costs less than one cent per page
• Energy-Star certified

Cons 

• Doesn’t print color
• Not super fast

The HP does a little bit of everything from a compact package. This laser printer prints up to 23 pages per minute and connects to an HP app for wireless control, including scanning and saving documents to the cloud. Of course, it can also access documents in the cloud for printing and copying too. This HP is an eco-friendly option that uses less ink, comes with up to 2 years of pre-filled toner, and a toner cartridge that’s easier to replace than in other models.

Best portable: NEEGO H-P Tango X All-in-One Smart Wireless Printer

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Why it made the cut: This voice-activated printer syncs with a range of devices and allows you to make copies from virtually anywhere. 

Specs

• Type: Inkjet
• PPM: 11
• Paper capacity: One at a time

Pros

• Easily portable 
• Works with USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth
• Prints high-quality images

Cons 

• Slow print speed
• Low output

The NeeGo HP Tango X All-in-One Wireless Printer offers WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can access copying and printing from mobile devices. It weighs in at about 10 pounds and prints 11 pages per minute. The NeeGo provides high-quality scans, which you can then email or save to the cloud. The HP 64 ink cartridges allow for high-quality graphics and vibrant photos. However, this little powerhouse is an inkjet, so quality and speed can’t rival bigger machines. For more options, check out the best label printers.

Best budget: HP DeskJet Plus 4155e Wireless All-in-One Printer

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Why it made the cut: This affordable all-in-one option gets the job done if you don’t want to spend a lot and don’t mind a slower print speed. 

Specs

• Type: Inkjet 
• PPM: 5.5 color; 8.5 BW
• Paper capacity: 35 pages

Pros

• Has all the basic functions (copying, printing, scanning, faxing)
• Works with WiFi, Bluetooth, USB
• Prints in color and black and white
• Affordable

Cons

• Slow print speed
• Lower quality prints

The HP DeskJet Plus 4155e Wireless All-in-One Printer provides a little bit of everything at a price most people can afford. It’s more than just a copier. It also prints, scans, and sends mobile faxes (but you only get free mobile fax for 24 months). A slower print speed of 8.5 pages per minute means you’ll need to plan in advance for large print jobs. HP recommends it for homes where you print 100-300 pages per month.

Things to consider when shopping for the best copy machines

Speed

Sometimes, you need 200 reports in ten minutes, and not every copier machine can pull that off. Copy speed is measured in pages per minute. Machines that produce 25 to 40 pages per minute are on the high end of productivity. However, speed alone isn’t your only consideration. 

You also have to think about copy quality, cost, and your monthly copy volume. A printer that pumps out fast copies may be great, but if the ink is uneven and blotchy, the copier printer won’t help your business’s professionalism. The point is to balance speed with quality.

The last consideration when it comes to speed is your monthly volume. Are you making a steady number of copies every day, or do you make the majority of the month’s copies at certain times of day, week, or month? If you need 1,000 copies per day, a slow machine can do it as long as time isn’t an issue. However, if you have days where you need 10,000 copies by 11 a.m., you’ll need more speed to meet your volume on time.

Office size

Small-medium businesses (SMB) put their equipment to the test. They typically need one of the best digital copiers to keep up with demand and stay within a smaller budget. Small businesses often need higher volume and faster speeds than a home copier, too. All-in-one digital copy machines offer copying, printing, faxing, and scanning at speeds that meet business needs. 

Features like touchscreens, multiple drawers, and cloud sharing can make it easier for a team of people to use the copy machine. Models with cloud sharing can connect to programs like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneNote so that shared documents can get copied or printed by anyone on the team. It helps if these copiers are wireless so that mobile devices can communicate with the copier, too.

Wireless printing

Copy machines come with some pretty amazing features, including digital sharing and cloud printing. These machines can work with cloud platforms like Google Docs and Dropbox, making it easier to copy on the go, work with clients, or a team. Anyone on your team can tap into the document, print, or make a copy on the office copy machine. 

These machines also connect to mobile devices from anywhere in the home or office. Models that also happen to be all-in-one may be able to scan documents, save them to the cloud, and print them later. They can become a vital source of managing documents and paperwork.

Portability

Whether you travel for business or pleasure, a portable copy machine can save you in a pinch. These small copy machines/printers can help you before a big presentation or let you print receipts and tickets while you travel. They’re pint-sized in comparison to a full-size office copier and weigh as little as six or seven pounds. These models may offer scanning, faxing, and printing, too. 

However, these aren’t the copiers for high-volume jobs. They can print around 10 to 15 pages per minute, so stick to an office printer for high-volume printing and copying. 

Price

Cheap copy machines work when you don’t need to make hundreds of copies daily. They can still offer multiple functions like printing and scanning. Where you’ll see some differences is in the size of the machine, the tray capacity (if there’s a tray at all), and they may not make the cleanest copies. 

You’re also more likely to see inkjet copiers at this price, which also means slower printing speeds. There are some laser copiers for under $100, but a laser copier at this price typically has sub-par copy quality.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best copy machines

• Best overall: Canon PIXMA TS8320 All-In-One Wireless Color Printer
• Best commercial: Brother MFC-L8900CDW Color Laser All-in-One Printer
• Best for speed: Brother Monochrome Laser Printer
• Best for small office: Brother MFC-L3710W Compact Digital All-in-One Printer
• Best with cloud printing: HP LaserJet-Tank MFP 2604sdw Wireless Black & White Printer
• Best portable: NEEGO H-P Tango X All-in-One Smart Wireless Printer
• Best budget: HP DeskJet Plus 4155e Wireless All-in-One Printer

The best copy machine for you will depend on your copy volume and how you intend to use the machine. High-volume copying requires a combination of fast copy speeds, while businesses that copy presentations may need to focus on quality and color. Whether you’re looking for an office copy machine or one for personal use, there’s a model with the right size, speed, and quality waiting for you.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio, to video games, to cameras, and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best copy machines of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Sleekform Folding Desk		SEE IT	No assembly required for this folding desk that’s big enough for two.
Best for kids		Idea Nuova Minecraft 2 Piece Table and Chair Set		SEE IT	This set can inspires future coders while doubling as a desk for arts and crafts.
Best budget		Cubiker Folding Desk		SEE IT	This affordable 40-inch desk is available with an attachable storage bag for office supplies.

If having a regular, stationary desk setup isn’t an option due to limited space, you may want to invest in a folding desk. Whether gaming, writing the next great novel, or working from home, your desk is the foundation to help you focus and get the job done is important. A folding desk offers a perfect, albeit temporary, place for you to get things done without adding too much extra clutter to your space. There are two main types of foldable desks; the one you choose will depend on your personal needs and home layout. If your dedicated work area is super tight, you may want to consider a foldable wall desk—which saves floor space and gives you the option of having an additional shelf when not in use. On the other hand, if you have a little more space to work with, choosing a dedicated multi-level computer desk or a dedicated writing desk with cabinets might be the better selection for you. The best folding desks can maximize your workflow and complement your space. 

• Best overall: Sleekform Folding Desk
• Best for laptops: Elephance Folding Computer Desk
• Best for writing: Tangkula Folding Writing Desk
• Best for kids: Idea Nuova Minecraft 2 Piece Table and Chair Set
• Most sustainable: Eccostyle Solid Bamboo Style Folding Desk
• Best dropleaf: Nathan James Kalos Dropleaf Folding Console Table
• Best for small spaces: 4NM Small Folding Computer Desk
• Best wall-mounted: Haotian Folding Dropleaf Desk
• Best for laps: SAIJI Adjustable Lap Desk
• Best budget: Cubiker Folding Desk

How we chose the best folding desks

Many of us here at Popular Science have worked remotely in some capacity at one point in our careers, from freelance stints to hybrid office life. Being at a desk so much means we each have a certain set of criteria for a space to do our best work. Some of us need built-in computer risers; others prefer something with lots of storage options. We looked at reviews, peer recommendations, and conducted heavy research—online and amongst ourselves—to find the best folding desks.

The best folding desks: Reviews & Recommendations

The best folding desks combine fashion with function—they should be stylish but not so stylish that they’re more aesthetic than practical. Plus, a fold-up desk should be easy to take down, stash, and stow away. Our choices are just that.

Best overall: Sleekform

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Why it made the cut: The wood desk is sleek, simple, and stylish—all things a folding desk should be.

Specs

• Weight: 23 pounds
• Dimensions: 47.2 x 23.6 x 30 inches
• Materials: Metal, wood

Pros

• Comes fully assembled
• Legs easy to fold
• Wood is finished in a scratch-free material

Cons

• Reviews note that a chemical smell lingers when taking the desk out of the box

Assembling furniture can be complicated, but you won’t have to worry about that with Sleekform’s no-assembly fold-down desk. As the best folding desk overall, this model is durable, lightweight, and easy to put together in any room. Plus, the black metal hairpin-style legs of this folding desk also come with special rubber caps to keep your floors scratch-free while moving it around. The wood table is finished with a three-coat water- and scratch-resistant material, so you don’t have to worry about leaving water marks like other wood-topped desks. The desk measures around 47.2 inches by 23.6 inches by 30 inches of 100% real fir wood and weighs only 24 pounds, which makes it easy to transport. Don’t let its lightness fool you—this desk can hold up to 110 pounds. This model is also large enough to accommodate a second person if you want to set up a simple co-working space. A chemical smell lingers when taking the desk out of the box, but it dissipates and disappears in a few hours.

Best for laptops: Elephance Folding Computer Desk

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Why it made the cut: This versatile folding desk is great for your laptop and can also be used as a kids’ table.

Specs

• Weight: 24.2 pounds 
• Dimensions: 29.53 inches H x 19.69 inches W x 39.4 inches D 
• Materials: Steel, particleboard

Pros

• Versatile
• Modern design 
• No assembly required

Cons

• No storage space

Need a workspace that doesn’t take up much room? The Elephance Folding Desk is a solid option for laptops. With almost 30 inches across the workspace, you can fit a laptop and accessories easily. Made from steel that’s painted white and particleboard, this desk blends in easily in modern surroundings. It can also double as a table for kids to work on projects. And at 24 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to move from room to room and stores easily.

Best for writing: Tangkula Writing Desk

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Why it made the cut: Drawers mean you can keep important documents, and novel outlines in an organized place, and the fold-down table makes this desk easy to stow in a corner.

Specs

• Weight: 50 pounds
• Dimensions: 20 x 41.5 x 29.5 inches
• Materials: Wood, steel, PVC

Pros

• Desktop folds for easy storage
• Drawers open smoothly
• Desk is on wheels for transport

Cons

• Can be hard to assemble

Whether you’re a writer by profession or just enjoy sitting down to journal now and again, you can’t go wrong with Tangkula, the best folding desk for writers. This desk has three storage drawers—perfect for keeping all your writing tools nearby in case inspiration strikes. The desk folds in a way that allows you to use it as a nightstand or side table when you’re done writing for the day. The multi-functional feature is a huge plus if you like your furniture to serve several purposes—which ultimately helps save on space. Plus, it’s on wheels, which means you can push it to a new location to get a change of scenery in your own home. Reviews note that this desk takes time to assemble—some estimate it took them between 1-2 hours to put it together. However, you get an incredibly convenient desk once it’s built.

Best for kids: Idea Nuova Minecraft 2 Piece Table and Chair Set

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Why it made the cut: This simple set is inspired by Minecraft and designed for small spaces.

Specs

• Weight: 11.4 pounds
• Dimensions: Chair: 13 x 12 x 13.25 inches: table: 25 x 20 x 15.25 inches
• Materials: Steel frame

Pros

• Comes with table and chair
• Minecraft theme could inspire kids to code
• Can also hold a laptop
• Small storage rack underneath

Cons

• Small workspace

Space can be at a premium in a child’s room, but this folding computer desk makes the most of it. Inspired by Minecraft, this chair and desk combo is lightweight and easy to stow. With a sturdy steel frame, this set also comes assembled. It can double as a workdesk for a laptop or an iPad so your child can play and practice coding. It’s also great for arts and crafts or for eating. Plus, it features a small rack below for books or other items. If your child isn’t a Minecraft fan, Idea Nuovo also makes versions for kids who like L.O.L Surprise! or Spiderman.

Most sustainable: Eccostyle Solid Bamboo Style Folding Desk

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Why it made the cut: Keep your footprint small with this desk that’s made with an environmentally friendly bamboo frame. 

Specs

• Weight: 16.3 pounds
• Dimensions: 29.5 inches H x 31.9 inches W x 22.1 inches D
• Materials: Bamboo, MDF

Pros

• Made from sustainable materials
• Affordable
• Fits in small spaces

Cons

• Tiny workspace

If sustainability is your aim when shopping for furniture, this modern-looking bamboo folding desk could fit the bill. The bamboo legs support an MDF workspace with room for a laptop and a few accessories or even a sewing machine. And this small foldaway desk is easy to store. That said, the workspace is somewhat small.

Best dropleaf: Nathan James Kalos Dropleaf Folding Console Table

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Why it made the cut: This wooden desk is designed with a drop leaf that lets you use it as a desk or a small dining table.

Specs

• Weight: 51 pounds 
• Dimensions: 43 inches L x 40 inches W x 31 inches H
• Materials: Wood

Pros

• Easy to assemble 
• Generous workspace 
• Comes with a dropleaf for extra room

Cons

• No storage 

If you’re looking for a desk that can do double duty, the Nathan James Kalos Dropleaf Desk is an attractive choice. This rustic wooden desk provides a workspace of 40 inches and has a dropleaf construction that allows it to be a fold-down desk or a folding desk table. You can also choose from a brown desk with white legs or a walnut desk with black legs. This versatile piece also doubles as a dining table that can seat six. Plus, it’s easy to assemble and perfect for small apartments or dorms.

Best for small spaces: 4NM Small Folding Computer Desk

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Why it made the cut: This easy-to-assemble desk computer desk looks modern, comes with seven colorways, and stores easily. 

Specs

• Weight: 20.9 pounds 
• Dimensions: 31.5 inches L x 17.72 W x 29.72 inches H
• Materials: Engineered wood, metal

Pros

• Works in many homes
• Easy to assemble
• Multipurpose

Cons

• No shelf space

This modern desk is designed for small spaces. Made of metal and engineered wood, this small folding desk provides a workspace of about 31 inches across, which is plenty of room for a laptop or sewing machine. It’s available in eight colorways to suit your space best. You can also order a version that allows for a hanging folder for storage and comes with hooks for earphones and cords.

Best wall-mounted: Haotian Drop Leaf

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Why it made the cut: Built-in shelves and a fold-down design make this desk blend into your home like a fly on the wall.

Specs

• Weight: 28 pounds
• Dimensions: 18.9 x 35.43 x 14.17 inches
• Materials: Engineered wood

Pros

• Saves space
• Stylish and functional
• Sturdy

Cons

• Needs hung properly
• Assembly required
• 44-pound load limit

If you’re looking to hold on to every inch of space you possibly can, the Haotian folding desk is a good choice. Since it mounts to the wall, you don’t have to worry about taking up too much room on the ground, and there’s the added bonus of having multiple shelves to keep your work tools neat and organized. At 28 pounds, this small foldable desk is on the heavier side, so you should ensure you hang it properly and securely, or else it will end up on the floor. Instead of folding up, which would hide the shelves, it folds down to moonlight as a piece of decor. The desk has a 44-pound load limit, so don’t overload it with monitors or heavy decorative knick-knacks. Assembly is required, and it takes around 1-2 hours to build, per shared user experiences.

Best for laps: SAIJI Lap Desk

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Why it made the cut: Work from your bed, couch, or floor with this handy adjustable lap desk. You can also use it to transform your current desk into a standing desk.

Specs

• Weight: 10 pounds
• Dimensions: 23.62 x 17.72 x 11.02 inches
• Materials: PVC leather, steel, aluminum alloy

Pros

• Easy to adjust
• Incredibly storable
• Lightweight to take anywhere

Cons

• Latch on left side that locks the tray tilt blocks drawer from opening

Whether you’re lounging at home or on the go, the SAIJI Lap Desk makes working much more comfortable with its ergonomic features and stylish design. The desk also features a foldable bookstand, a storage drawer ideal for your mobile device, and a non-slip textured design to keep your laptop in place. It’s also height-adjustable and features two auto-lock buttons on each side to seamlessly switch between five different height levels to find your ideal viewing angle. You can also use it as a cost-effective way to turn your current sit-down desk into a standing one. Simply stow it under your couch or in a closet when you’re done using it for the day. The latch on the left side of the desk that locks the tray tilt also blocks the drawer from opening, reviews note. If this desk doesn’t tickle your fancy, check out our other laptop-friendly desk recommendations.

Best budget: Cubiker

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Why it made the cut: This desk is easy to assemble, easy to transport, and easy on your wallet. Talk about a triple threat.

Specs

• Weight: 23.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 20 x 40 x 30 inches
• Materials: Wood; metal

Pros

• Easy assembly
• Lots of color options
• Lightweight

Cons

• Tabletop doesn’t attach to metal frame

The Cubiker folding desk will give you everything you need without emptying your wallet. Although you won’t get extra features, you will get a well-built, collapsible desk that’s easy to set up and store when not in use. The desk also comes in four color options, including black, brown, and white. Plus, it takes less than 5 minutes to assemble—all you need to do is open the frame and plop the tabletop on top. Because of its weight and transportability, this desk is a great option for college students hopping from one on-campus living situation to another, or for transient working post-grads. However, if you’re worried that the tabletop will fall off the frame, or want to use this desk in your permanent workspace, you might need to attach Velcro strips or something to secure the tabletop to the frame. Here are more narrow desks to consider.

What to consider when buying the best folding desks

Once you’ve established that folding furniture is the way to go for your small space, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the ideal model for you. First of all, be realistic about just how much space you have. Is there enough to comfortably fit a standing desk, or would a portable desk work better? Next, think about your budget. Can you afford to splurge on something like the aforementioned Hoek Home tabletop, or are you looking for a less expensive option? What about a desk that requires little to no assembly? Is the ability to quickly set up or store away your desk important? Keep reading to find out our top choices.

Easy assembly

At first glance, the Sleekform Folding Desk is beautiful, with its rustic tabletop and hairpin legs, but what really makes it special is its no-assembly required design. The fold-out desk comes ready to use straight out of the box. All you have to do is carefully unfold the four metal legs and flip the table over, then fold up and slide it into storage when you’re done. That’s it, no tools or heavy lifting required.

Computer desk or a writing desk

A huge part of finding the best option is knowing exactly what you’ll use it for once it arrives. If you’re looking for a great folding computer desk, look no further than the Elephance Folding Computer Desk. Meanwhile, the Tangkula Folding Writing Desk is great for literary types.

Space

Another great way to maximize space is by picking up a small, wall-mounted folding model. Consider desks that screw into the wall and fold up. This desk is mounted to the wall by two large brackets. You’re still getting a lot of real estate, as well as integrated shelves for plenty of extra storage space. Plus, when the desk isn’t being used, you can fold it flat onto itself while still keeping the shelves on display.

Portability

Lap desks offer the best of both worlds in a sleek and stylish form. As the name suggests, you can use this model while lounging on the couch, but it can also be a great travel desk to take with you. The ability to customize the height and viewing angles makes the desk more ergonomic—which is always a plus when working long hours. Finally, this folding lap desk takes up very little space and can easily be stored in a closet or under your bed until the next time you’re ready to use it.

Price

When you hear the term “budget-friendly,” you might quickly assume that the item will be poorly made and you’d be better off with a more costly option. However, there are quite a few decent budget-friendly folding desks on the market, like the Cubiker folding desk, which is also easy to assemble.

When selecting a budget folding desk, you shouldn’t expect too many frills or extra features compared to a folding computer desk. These cheaper desks are usually fairly simple in design and offer basic functionality. Another drawback with a desk in the lower price range is that you may not get the best quality wood. However, if you’re careful and don’t plan on using the desk outdoors, you should be fine with a less expensive model.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best folding desks

• Best overall: Sleekform Folding Desk
• Best for laptops: Elephance Folding Computer Desk
• Best for writing: Tangkula Folding Writing Desk
• Best for kids: Idea Nuova Minecraft 2 Piece Table and Chair Set
• Most sustainable: Eccostyle Solid Bamboo Style Folding Desk
• Best dropleaf: Nathan James Kalos Dropleaf Folding Console Table
• Best for small spaces: 4NM Small Folding Computer Desk
• Best wall-mounted: Haotian Folding Drop-Leaf Desk
• Best for laps: SAIJI Adjustable Lap Desk
• Best budget: Cubiker Folding Desk

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when choosing the best folding desk. It all comes down to what you’re looking for and how it can best fit into your lifestyle and routine. Ideally, you want your folding desk to enhance your overall work experience without adding extra clutter in your space—whether that’s reducing neck and back pain or allowing you to relax on the couch during your next Zoom meeting.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best folding desks of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Mount-It! (MI-1772) Dual Monitor Arm		SEE IT	Full articulation and ease of use are what make this dual monitor arm stand out—especially if you don’t have a lot of desk space.
Best wall-mounted		Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount		SEE IT	The Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount conveys is a more affordable choice if you’re okay installing a more permanent dual monitor setup.
Best budget		VIVO Dual Monitor Desk Mount		SEE IT	VIVO’s Dual Monitor Desk Mount has more features than its modest price suggests.

With so many people working from home, many of us are furnishing our offices on our own dime or with a small work budget rather than requesting equipment at the office—and that can mean some real makeshift monitor stands, etc. Ergonomics, however, is just as important at home as in a cubicle. Using a dual-monitor stand, whether it’s something you put on your desk, a mounted monitor arm, or a bracket you mount on your wall, gives you the freedom to place your screens as you please for both maximum comfort and efficiency. There are many ways to optimize your two-monitor setup: The best dual-monitor stands ensure maximum flexibility, regardless of your approach.

• Best overall: Mount-It! (MI-1772) Dual Monitor Arm
• Best desk-mounted: Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm
• Best wall-mounted: Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount
• Best freestanding: ErGear Freestanding Dual Monitor Stand
• Best vertical: Hemudu HT05B-002 Dual Monitor Stand
• Best premium: Ergotron HX Desk Dual Monitor Arm
• Best budget: VIVO Dual Monitor Desk Mount

How we chose the best dual-monitor stands

To make our selections, I paired my own personal testing and experience with professional reviews and consumer feedback on Amazon. Our favorite monitor arms and monitor stands for dual-display setups provide a wide range of use cases, installation types, and prices. We also kept brand credibility in mind: Among monitor arm manufacturers, there are a handful of respected companies, and a very large number of lesser-known brands that often offer cheap prices but without the reputation or warranty to back them up.

Best dual-monitor stands: Reviews & Recommendations

So you have two monitors, and you want to put them up on a single adjustable stand. Now that you know the basics of what to look for, we have a few recommendations for the best dual-monitor stands, including desk-mounted, wall-mounted, and freestanding options. No matter your home office or PC gaming setup, there should be a decent option for you among these picks.

Best overall: Mount-It! (MI-1772) Dual Monitor Arm

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: Mount-It’s monitor arm makes it very easy to maneuver two big displays without any friction.

Specs

• Mount type: Desk
• Compatible VESA mount sizes: 75mm x 75mm, 100mm x 100mm
• Adjustment mechanism: Gas-spring mount/free moving
• Weight range: 20lb per arm
• Display size range: 19-32 inches
• Available colors: Black, Silver

Pros

• Requires very little desk space
• Offers fine-grain control over the monitors
• Easy-to-move displays

Cons

• Price

We’ve had great success in our tests of Mount-It!’s single monitor arms, and feel very comfortable recommending this dual-display version to anyone who needs a lot of extra digital real estate to work. The arms can hold large, heavy displays, and each one can be twisted, tilted, and turned in several directions. This level of control can accommodate many work styles: video editors who want to see how their color grading tweaks are affecting the look of footage in real time, office workers who want to dedicate a vertically oriented monitor to their e-mail or messaging client, or gamers who want to monitor their Twitch chat.

Two features have impressed us with Mount-It!’s other monitor stands that apply to this one: The ease at which they allow you to control your monitor and how well their clamping mechanism keeps it firmly attached to your desk. We’ve had no issues moving a 27-inch monitor with one hand, and the ability to move your displays closer and further from your face comes in handy more frequently than you’d expect. If you don’t have a lot of physical desk space, this monitor’s clamp will be incredibly helpful. A monitor stand’s feet can take up a lot more room than you think, and having more area back for your go-to tech accessories is very useful.

Best desk-mounted: Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm is a slick desk mount that balances great build quality and the price that comes with it.

Specs

• Mount type: Desk
• Compatible VESA mount sizes: 75mm x 75mm, 100mm x 100mm
• Adjustment mechanism: Gas-spring mount/free moving
• Weight range: 7-20 lbs
• Display size range: 27 inches
• Available colors: Black/white/silver

Pros

• Superior build quality
• Plenty of ergonomic options
• Easy to install
• Lots of color options

Cons

• Expensive

When you think of monitor mounts, free-moving gas-spring arms typically come to mind. They offer smooth action that allows you to move your screens with precision easily. Though it costs more than many other brands, Ergotron’s LX Dual Monitor Arm dual-monitor arm has a higher quality that justifies the price. Plus, it comes with a 10-year warranty, so you know the company stands behind its product. The Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm doesn’t do anything flashy. It just does the basics very well.

Best wall-mounted: Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount looks sharp, and strikes a balance between price and features.

Specs

• Mount type: Wall mount
• Compatible VESA mount sizes: 75mm x 75mm, 100mm x 100mm
• Adjustment mechanism: Gas-spring arms/free moving
• Weight range: 3.3 – 17.6 lbs
• Display size range: Up to 32-inch
• Available colors: Chrome/Black

Pros

• Great price
• Very adjustable
• Detachable VESA plates

Cons

• Requires tools to install
• Requires brick, concrete, or wood anchor

If you’re ready to commit to a specific home, spot, and desk setup, you can save a lot of money on a really great dual-monitor arm with the Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount. It looks sharp, carries a lot of weight, and costs less than half as much as our desk-mounted pick. That said, this is a heavy dual-monitor arm. Not only do you need to attach it to the wall, the manufacturer specifically calls for you to anchor it on a brick, concrete, or wooden stud. Drywall alone may not hold it up. That’s a huge limitation, but if you have the right setup, this is arguably the most stable way to mount your monitors.

Best freestanding: ErGear Freestanding Dual Monitor Stand

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: If you don’t want to mount your monitors on arms, ErGear makes a more conventional dual-monitor stand that’s sturdy and offers strong adjustability.

Specs

• Mount type: Desktop stand
• Compatible VESA mount sizes: 75mm x 75mm, 100mm x 100mm
• Adjustment mechanism: Pole-adjusted height/static arm
• Weight range: Up to 22 lbs
• Display size range: 17-32 inches
• Available colors: Black

Pros

• Glass base
• High weight tolerence
• No “install” time
• Price

Cons

• Fewer placement/ergonomic options
• Base takes up space on your desk

We often recommend desk-clamping or wall-mounted monitor arms for their great adjustability and their ability to free up desk space. However, not all of us can use those options: We can’t all drill holes in our walls, and some desks aren’t clamp-friendly. Whether your options are limited, or you simply don’t want to install anything, a desktop or “freestanding” monitor stand is the way to go.

ErGear’s Dual Monitor Stand features a static base column with adjustable spokes for both monitors. It is as adjustable as a dual-monitor arm, but you can still adjust height, tilt, swivel, and rotation to get very good, ergonomically mind positioning. It’s all held down by a large, sturdy black glass base that has enough room under it to route some cables. While it doesn’t free up as much space as a desk-mounted stand, putting both of your monitors on a single stand still opens up your workstation quite a bit.

Best vertical: Hemudu HT05B-002 Dual Monitor Stand

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Hemudu HT05B-002 allows you to set up a vertical stacking configuration without sacrificing stability.

Specs

• Mount type: Desktop stand
• Compatible VESA mount sizes: 50mm x 50mm, 75mm x 75mm, 100mm x 100mm
• Adjustment mechanism: Static mount
• Weight range: 44 lbs per arm
• Display size range: 13-34 inches
• Available colors: Black

Pros

• Can handle very large and heavy displays
• Has plenty of ergonomic options
• Easy to move

Cons

• Fewer adjustment options compared to free-moving arms
• Still takes up desk space

Ergonomics are, ultimately, the core advantage of using a dual-monitor arm. Putting your displays on a single, adjustable mount allows you to position your displays to reduce the number of neck movements you have to do in your daily work. No matter what you do, though, putting two widescreen displays right next to each other ensures that you will need to turn your head to focus on one screen or the other. Suppose you are the kind of person who uses one display most of the time and only occasionally glances at screen number two. In that case, a stacking monitor stand, which mounts the two monitors in a single column, might be useful. Craning your neck to look up isn’t great, ergonomically speaking, but if you only look at that second monitor every once in a while, it may lead to a net reduction in strain.

If you want to set up a vertical stack, we recommend a desktop mount like the Hemudu HT05B-002, rather than a desk-mounted one. With a vertical setup, you’re putting a lot more stress on the stand arm, and a flat stand handles that extra weight better. The HT05B-002 can handle two 34-inch, 44-lb. screens. It features removable VESA plates for easy installation as well. A wide base limits your desk real estate gains, but you can rest easy knowing that the stand will support your monitors’ weight(s). It’s a small consolation, but the feet under the base raise up enough to fit some of your other cabling underneath.

Best premium: Ergotron HX Desk Dual Monitor Arm

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: If you’re willing to pay a premium for a reliable brand, the Ergotron HX is as sturdy as they come.

Specs

• Mount type: Desk-mounted
• Compatible VESA mount sizes: 75mm x 75mm, 100mm x 100mm (More available with optional bracket adapter kit)
• Adjustment mechanism: Gas-spring arms/free moving
• Weight range: 35 lbs per arm
• Display size range: Up to 32-inch
• Available colors: White, Silver, Black

Pros

• Killer looks
• 15-year warranty
• A trusted name in ergonomics

Cons

• Very expensive

It’s easy to find a monitor arm for under $100, but they’re almost always a gamble. You’re buying a relatively untested design from a brand with little to no reputation, which can be a risky proposition with a dual-monitor stand that holds and protects two pieces of equipment that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you have a pair of very expensive displays, you may want to consider spending a similarly luxurious amount on your stand. 

Ergotron is one of the oldest and most reliable names in the monitor stand game, and its HX dual-monitor arm is a deluxe desk-mounted stand. It has some of the flourishes from our other top picks, including a 15-year warranty and detachable VESA mounts for easy mounting. It also features a unique handlebar beneath the screens that allows you to adjust both displays at once. Those things are all just gravy, though. In this case, you’re spending a lot of extra money on the peace of mind that comes with buying a trusted luxury brand.

Best budget: VIVO Dual Monitor Desk Mount

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: VIVO managed to make its dual-monitor stand comparable to more expensive models without many compromises.

Specs

• Mount type: Desk
• Compatible VESA mount sizes: Gas-spring arms/free moving
• Adjustment mechanism: 75mm x 75mm, 100mm x 100mm
• Weight range: up to 22lb per arm
• Display size range: 13-30 inches
• Available colors: Black, White

Pros

• Gives you a fair amount of control over your monitors
• Won’t take up a lot of room on your desk
• Price

Cons

• No automatic height adjustment

If you’ve invested most of your home office improvement budget on your new displays, it makes sense to save a little bit on a dual-monitor stand. This model from VIVO has most of the features found in our best overall pick, but at a quarter of the price. Each monitor can be tilted and twisted individually, but you can only adjust their height by loosening and tightening a screw on the back. Both monitors have to be set at the same height, which may matter depending on the type of work you do. This stand works with monitors up to 30-inches wide, but VIVO offers a model that can handle displays up to 32 inches if necessary.

We like monitor arms that can be clamped onto a desk rather than sit on top of it because of the space savings, which is why VIVO’s is especially appealing to us. We’re also impressed that it can control monitors up to 22 pounds, which means the arms on this stand are stronger than the ones on our best overall pick. If the lack of height adjustability isn’t a dealbreaker, there’s no reason to spend more money on a dual-monitor stand.

Things to consider before buying one of the best dual-monitor stands

Even if you know exactly which dual-monitor stand or arm to buy, it helps to know a bit about the basic mechanics involved. Different stands require varying amounts of installation at setup, and not every monitor can be mounted on a third-party stand. Understanding these basics will help you pick the right stand for your displays, and ensure you’re ready to install your stand (or call someone who can.)

Why should I use a dual-monitor stand?

There are many reasons to mount your monitors, ranging from purely cosmetic to enabling better ergonomics. The stands with PC monitors vary widely in construction quality, appearance, and features. Some stands take up tons of desk space without offering any additional utility. Others may not allow you to adjust them properly, forcing you to twist or crane your neck to look at them, which could lead to long-term strain. And some of them may just look ugly. When you buy a monitor for its great specs, which you should, it potentially opens the door for you to end up with a huge, ugly stand that gives you a sore neck. Luckily, most monitors allow you to remove the actual display from its stand and mount them on a third-party stand. 

A monitor stand, whether it sits on your desk, clamps on at edge of it, or bolts onto the wall behind it, can solve all of these issues at once, giving you the ability to place your monitor exactly where you want it, reclaiming your desk space for more useful tools, and swapping out what may be garish design for something more subtle and clean.

Stand, clamp, or wall mount?

When moving to a dual-monitor stand, you must choose between a conventional desktop form factor, a clamping desk-mounted design, or a wall-mounted one. Often, picking one versus another comes down to what kind of desk you have, how important it is to reclaim desk space, and the likelihood that you’ll need to move your setup.

If you have a flat desk with an edge or lip, we like clamping monitor stands that clamp to the rear edge of your desk. They’re sturdy, highly adjustable, and easy to install or remove without damaging the desk. (Some offer an option to drill a hole into your desk as an anchor, but it isn’t necessarily mandatory.)

That said, if you have a glass desk, an executive-style desk, or something with lots of cable guides built into the back, a clamp might not be a good fit. In most cases, there’s just no spot to install the clamp. With glass, it could literally shatter the desk. In those cases, a desktop stand makes more sense. Though you won’t get as much space back, a desktop with a dual-monitor stand still consolidates two screens onto a single stand, reclaiming some desk real estate. Also, desktop stands are very sturdy, so it makes sense to use them for larger, heavier screens.

Finally, there’s the wall mount. Whether you use a set of monitor arms or a bracket similar to what you’d use when mounting a TV, the wall mount is an extremely sturdy choice but requires serious installation. To install it, you’ll need to find a stud, drill some holes, and bolt your monitor stand to your wall. Once you install it, your monitor stand isn’t going anywhere, which means your desk setup isn’t going anywhere, either. That lack of flexibility makes it a very niche choice. You don’t want to have to spackle and repaint your walls every time you think your desk would look better over by the window.

Before you buy: Make sure all your monitors have VESA mounts

If you peek around the back of most computer monitors, you’ll notice that the stand for your display probably attaches via four screws in a square configuration. This is a standard configuration maintained by the Video Electronics Standards Association, commonly known as VESA, meant to make stands as close to universal as possible so users can buy new stands easily. 

VESA mounts can come in many sizes, but most PC monitors fall into one of two options, 75mm x 75mm or 100mm x 100 mm. That makes everyone’s life easier: All of our picks support both sizes, as should most third-party monitor stands of any shape and size. That said, you should still double-check your monitors’ specs to see VESA mount sizes you’ll need before buying a dual-monitor stand, if only to make sure that your monitor can be mounted at all. Some very cheap monitors (and a few very expensive ones) build their monitors permanently attached to their stands.

Double-check the weight of both of your displays

Monitors are heavy and expensive. Before mounting them, you should ensure your stand can support their weight. Make sure that your monitors are within the stands’ specified weight limit—don’t risk going above or below whatever limits the manufacturer sets. Most monitor manufacturers include the weight of the displays both with and without stands on their product pages. You have a little wiggle room on the size of the monitor, but consider the weight tolerances to be inviolable laws of nature in this case, or risk breaking hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of monitors.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best dual-monitor stands

• Best overall: Mount-It! (MI-1772) Dual Monitor Arm
• Best desk-mounted: Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm
• Best wall-mounted: Mountup Dual Monitor Wall Mount
• Best freestanding: ErGear Freestanding Dual Monitor Stand
• Best vertical: Hemudu HT05B-002 Dual Monitor Stand
• Best premium: Ergotron HX Desk Dual Monitor Arm
• Best budget: VIVO Dual Monitor Desk Mount

With so many options for mounting your monitors and such a wide range of prices, the best dual-monitor stands are a very affordable and useful upgrade for anyone using two monitors. Whether you’re rocking one display in landscape mode and one in portrait mode, pairing an ultrawide monitor with a standard one, mounting to a desk or a wall, there are dynamic stands for every type of home setup.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best dual-monitor stands of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Alex Tech 10ft – 1/2 inch Cord Protector Wire Loom Tubing Cable		SEE IT	An easy-to-use option that keeps cords hidden.
Best for standing desks		Stand Up Desk Store Under Desk Cable Management Tray		SEE IT	Made for standing desks, so you know it works.
Best hub		Tessan Power Strip with Cable Management Box		SEE IT	Ditch the surge strip and go for something more discreet.

Most people don’t think about cable management for desks until cords get impossibly tangled. And, it doesn’t help that all cords and cables look the same—unplugging the wrong one could lead to an “Indiana Jones”-esque disaster cutscene in your office. Instead of running away from a boulder falling from the ceiling, you run to the surge strip to re-plug in the printer so you can spend the next five minutes waiting for it to turn back on. However, taking your desk from Medusa’s lair to something you’d find on life-hack TikTok is possible. The best cable management for desks will make your home office easier on the eyes and ensure that a snag doesn’t send your expensive computer equipment flying.

• Best overall: Alex Tech 10ft – 1/2 inch Cord Protector Wire Loom Tubing Cable
• Best for standing desks: Stand Up Desk Store Under Desk Cable Management Tray
• Best hub: Tessan Power Strip with Cable Management Box
• Best magnetic: Smartish Cable Wrangler
• Best for glass desks: Scandinavian Hub Store Under Desk Cable Management Tray
• Best clips: Gadgetklip Garden Clips
• Best budget: Newlan Reusable Cable Ties

How we chose the best cable management for desks

Many of us on the PopSci gear team currently work from home, having ditched a regular office cubicle long ago. Having a way to organize our cables and wires gives us more room for neat things to review. And, hiding the mess of cables prevents us from going crazy looking at tangles of wires. To find the best cable management for desks, we looked at critical reviews and peer recommendations, performed personal testing, and conducted heavy research into real-world user impressions. 

The best cable management for desks: Reviews & Recommendations

Our choices for the best cable management systems cover a wide range of budgets, functionalities, and can fit multiple kinds of desks. After searching far and wide, here are our favorite options and ideas for desk cable management.

Best overall: Alex Tech 10ft – 1/2 inch Cord Protector Wire Loom Tubing Cable

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: A simple and effective cable management system that can be utilized in multiple ways.

Specs

• Material: Polyethylene
• Size: ½”-10 feet to ⅜”-25 feet
• Desk attachment: N/A
• Kind of cable management: Protective split sleeving

Pros 

• Can be combined with an under-desk organizer
• UL-recognized
• High operating temperature

Cons 

• Self-wrap can get loose at certain angles
• Keep out of the reach of animals

If you’re new to using cable management systems, or if you’re a seasoned cable management vet looking to up their set-up, this protective split sleeve is versatile enough to use alone or with an under-desk organizer. You can even use them to manage the few unsightly wires behind the soundbar or AV receiver in your home theater setup. You receive 10 feet of it for $8.99, making it incredibly price-friendly, and sizing goes from ½” diameter/10 feet long to ⅜” diameter and 25 feet long. They have a melt temperature of 446 degrees Fahrenheit and are recognized by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a consumer safety organization. What does this mean? You don’t have to worry about sitting near a potential fire hazard (like an overclocked gaming computer). Putting them around wires is easy: Fit the cables in the sleeve, cut off the excess, and you’re done. Plus, it’s easy to “split” wires thanks to the design—just separate the wire you want to take out of the bundle and let the sleeve self-wrap. Although the manufacturer says that it protects against kitty cats’ claws and teeth, we recommend keeping this sleeving away from animals just in case.

Best for standing desks: Stand Up Desk Store Under Desk Cable Management Tray

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This cable management system was built for stand-up desks and doubles as a modesty panel.

Specs

• Material: Alloy steel
• Size: 48” and 60”
• Desk attachment: Screws
• Kind of cable management: Under desk tray

Pros 

• Doubles as a modesty panel
• Comes with a 5-year warranty
• Sturdy

Cons 

• Won’t work on non-wood desks
• Can only attach using screws

Standing desks help with productivity. However, worrying about wires can mess with your ability to focus on the task at hand. Stress no more with the Stand Up Desk Store Under Desk Cable Management Tray. As the name suggests, it’s built specifically as cable management for standing desks. The tray can fit a surge strip and then some, and it doubles as a modesty panel. It’s incredibly sturdy, and the lip on the inside prevents cables and wires from spilling over when taking your standing desk sky-high. It’s worth noting that it only attaches using screws—you’ll have to flip your desk and have an electric screwdriver handy to make the process easier. It comes with a five-year warranty in case you’re not happy with your purchase. However, we think you, your knees, your focus, and your expensive electronics will thank you.

Best hub: Tessan Power Strip with Cable Management Box

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: A surge strip, but make it discreet, have USB-A ports, and be wall-mountable.

Specs

• Material: Plastic, electronic component
• Size: 11.38 x 5.87 x 5.71 inches
• Desk attachment: N/A 
• Kind of cable management: Desk hub

Pros 

• Holds cables and chargers
• Great warranty
• Can fit large AC plugs

Cons 

• No USB-C ports

This hub is like a surge strip that hides the outlets with a plastic privacy hood. Unlike some surge strips, it comes with two USB-A ports so that you can save the four AC outlets for things with AC outlets. You can set it below or on your desk. If you’re looking to keep your desk area more clutter-free, you can even mount it to the wall. An angled flat plug keeps your second outlet open for another device. The only downside of this great hub is the lack of USB-C ports.

Best magnetic: Smartish Cable Wrangler

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Charging cables are an essential-but-disorganized tech accessory, but Smartish’s Cable Wrangler makes them easy to keep in line.

Specs

• Material: N/A
• Size: 3.24 x 3.24 x 1.3 inches
• Desk attachment: Rubber base
• Kind of cable management: On desktop

Pros 

• Small size
• Easy to move
• Grippy bottom

Cons 

• Only useful for charging cables

If charging cables are giving you trouble, Smartish’s Cable Wrangler is a great solution. The cable organizer has a magnetic top that’ll keep all your charging cables aligned and at the ready. It won’t work with larger cords, though. A big part of the Cable Wrangler’s appeal is its small size. You can easily pick it up and move it around on your desk when you’d like, but it won’t slip around on its own, thanks to a rubberized base. While the cords will attach to this organizer’s magnetic top, Smartish also includes magnetized “cable collars” to wrap around them to ensure an even stronger connection.

Best for glass desks: Scandinavian Hub Store Under Desk Cable Management Tray

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This no-drill option takes the focus off of a mound of wires and keeps the focus on your gorgeous glass desk. 

Specs

• Material: Carbon steel
• Size: 17 x 3.5 x 4.3 inches
• Desk attachment: Adhesive stickers or screws
• Kind of cable management: Desk tray

Pros 

• Designed to accommodate surge protectors
• Can attach to the wall
• Velcro straps are included for more organization

Cons 

• Can only be mounted on top of the desk using the adhesive option
• One size

Glass desks can handle an entire computer set-up—unfortunately, you can’t screw in an under-desk tray to organize your wires. With the Scandinavian Hub Store Under Desk Cable Management Tray, this no-drilling-holes problem comes with a solution for glass desks: adhesive stickers that allow you to attach the desk tray without damaging your table. You can even use the adhesive to mount it on a wall, making it a renter-friendly option. It’s roomy enough to accommodate a surge strip to prevent tripping. And, it comes with two velcro straps that allow you to bundle your cords for an even cleaner look. Although the tray comes in one size, you can purchase multiple and set them up however you’d like. If you do decide to switch up your set-up and get a wood desk, the set comes with a set of screws to attach it four other ways.

Best clips: Gadgetklip Garden Clips

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This simple clip can keep a tight grip on all of your cables.

Specs

• Material: Stainless steel and plastic
• Size: 6.02 x 3.11 x 1.73 inches
• Desk attachment: Clip-on
• Kind of cable management: Clips

Pros 

• Sturdy
• Can accommodate thicker cables
• Fun colors

Cons 

• Clips must be attached somewhere

If you’d like to organize the cables on your desk in the simplest way possible, Gadgetklip’s Garden Clips are a great solution. Don’t be put off by their name, these clips can be used to organize cables anywhere, but were designed to be durable enough to survive the elements. This is the most basic type of cable management: feed the cords through a clip, then clamp them to the side of your desk. The Garden Clips are large enough to keep hold of a bundle of power, networking, and charging cables, and you can continue threading more through them over time as your needs change. You’ll need a desk that’s thin enough for a clip to clamp onto, but that’s the only concern you should have with this cable organization tool.

Best budget: Newlan Reusable Cable Ties

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: You don’t have to spend much to organize your cables with these simple, easy-to-use velcro strips.

Specs

• Material: Velcro
• Size: 7.48 x 4.4 x 0.5 inches
• Desk attachment: N/A
• Kind of cable management: Cable ties

Pros 

• Reusable
• Versatile
• Come in a large pack

Cons 

• Best for medium bundles of wire

Getting the cables around your desk doesn’t need to cost a fortune—in fact, you only need about $6 and some change to get started. These velcro reusable cable ties are flexible and versatile—you can use them to bundle a group of wires together, or you can use them to gather excess cable into a suitable length. You can also use them to keep rogue cables neat and tidy since they have a tendency to magically tangle when not in use. Using them with other cable management systems, like the ones above, can take your desk organization to the next level: For example, instead of letting your wire bundle flop around, stow them in an under-desk tray. Plus, you can use them anywhere. Got a guitar cable that you’re not using? Velcro strap! Holiday lights? Velcro strap! Colored pencils? Velcro strap! And, with 60 in a pack, you won’t feel guilty about using them all up or losing a few.

What to consider when buying the best cable management for desks

No one wants to hang a cable management tray and have it come tumbling down from the weight of your wires. The best cable management for desk systems are sturdy, easy to use, and can fit a variety of desks if you decide to change your set-up. Here’s what else you should know when shopping for cable management for your desk:

Amount and style of cables

If you’re trying to organize thicker cables like the ones that power your monitor or desktop, you’ll need stronger solutions, like trays, velcro straps, and protective sleeves. Something meant for smaller wires, like phone and laptop chargers, won’t stand a chance against something meatier. 

Office set-up

Where your desk is in your office will determine the best cable management system. A desk against the wall can hide a bundle of cables compared to one facing out or a workstation located in the middle of the room. A combo desk skirt and cable management sleeve can keep your set-up looking clean and wireless. If your desk is against the wall, you can better get away with a simple tray or protective sleeve. 

Desk style

Many cable management systems are installed with screws. This is perfect if your desk is made of wood or particle board. However, it’s harder—or almost impossible—to screw into a glass, plastic, or metal desk. If you’re in the latter camp, choose an option that uses strong adhesive strips to attach a tray to your desk. No holes and no hassle equals a bunch of happy cables and one happy customer (you). Additionally, some clamp onto the table part of your desk. Ditch these if your desk isn’t clamp-friendly. 

Budget

Cable management systems can start at $5 and go into the hundreds. Most casual cable management systems cap at around $75. If you don’t work with huge bundles of cables and wires, something from the $5-$75 range is perfectly suitable. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best cable management for desks

• Best overall: Alex Tech 10ft – 1/2 inch Cord Protector Wire Loom Tubing Cable
• Best for standing desks: Stand Up Desk Store Under Desk Cable Management Tray
• Best hub: Tessan Power Strip with Cable Management Box
• Best magnetic: Smartish Cable Wrangler
• Best for glass desks: Scandinavian Hub Store Under Desk Cable Management Tray
• Best clips: Gadgetklip Garden Clips
• Best budget: Newlan Reusable Cable Ties

The best cable management for desks doesn’t have to be pricey. And they aren’t limited to one thing: you can mix and match different kinds of items to create a cable management system that works for you. From under desk trays to simple velcro straps, there are plenty of options to choose from. The best cable management for desks not only keeps your space organized but keeps you safe. It stops you from tripping over a cable and potentially wrecking your expensive equipment. And, if you have a standing desk or a glass desk, you don’t have to miss out on the organization fun—there are options for you. Now get arranging and assembling!

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best cable management for desks in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Brother Wireless High-Speed Desktop Document Scanner		SEE IT	Brother’s ADS-3300W’s multiple functions are at the heart of its utility, and the screen on top makes it easy to access critical functions.
Best handheld		Epson WorkForce ES-50 Portable Sheet-Fed Document Scanner		SEE IT	If you want a scanner that you could literally take with you to and from jobs, this is the one to get.
Best budget		Brother DS-640		SEE IT	Brother’s monochrome document scanner is quick, small, and inexpensive.

Document scanners might seem straightforward, but buying the first one you see will probably leave you with a device that doesn’t do what you really need. If you’re scanning and collating documents for tax season, for example, there’s a specific scanner for you. If you’re working in a busy office or a front-facing customer service position, another one is better suited for those needs. And if your mission is to collect and perhaps enhance old family photos, having the appropriate model will make all the difference. When you’re ready to go paperless, you’ll need to consider where you plan to use this scanner, the workload you expect it to handle, and the specs of the materials you’ll send through. Some scanners handle double-sided documents in one go, while others require you to enter the file twice. To find the best document scanners for your needs, you’ll need to double-check the specs before you have one of them shipped to your door … and the best place to start is right here!

• Best overall: Brother Wireless High-Speed Desktop Document Scanner
• Best handheld: Epson WorkForce ES-50 Portable Sheet-Fed Document Scanner
• Best photo scanner: Epson Perfection V600 Color Photo, Image, Film, Negative & Document Scanner
• Best double-sided: Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600
• Best with a feeder: Xerox D35 Duplex Document Scanner
• Best budget: Brother DS-640 Compact Mobile Document Scanner

How we chose the best document scanners

We understand that not everyone’s document scanning needs are the same, and have tailored our recommendations based on several criteria. Size is one of our largest considerations because scanners you use infrequently shouldn’t take up a lot of room on your desk. We also ensured that some of our picks catered toward photographers since images can be among the most important media on a document. And you’ll be covered if you need nice-to-have features like double-sided document scanning for increased efficiency. Just add laptop.

The best document scanners: Reviews & Recommendations

Everyone has slightly different scanning needs. Our recommendations take the most popular ones into account and cover a wide range of prices, so be sure to consider all of them before making your choice.

Best overall: Brother Wireless High-Speed Desktop Document Scanner

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Brother’s ADS-3300W’s multiple functions are at the heart of its utility, and the screen on top makes it easy to access critical functions.

Specs

• Speed: 40ppm (pages per minute)
• Double-sided scanning: Yes
• Price: $349.99

Pros

• Fast speed
• Multiple scanning bays
• Touch screen

Cons

• Expensive

This Brother office scanner handles photos and documents with a resolution up to 1200 x 1200 interpolated and 600 x 600 optical. Document scanning is made easier by dual-sided scanning, while photo scanning is enhanced thanks to a number of image optimization features that can even remove blemishes.

Best handheld: Epson WorkForce ES-50 Portable Sheet-Fed Document Scanner

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: If you want a scanner that you could literally take with you to and from jobs, this is the one to get.

Specs

• Speed: 11ppm
• Double-sided scanning: No
• Price: $99.99

Pros

• Thin
• Light
• Scans at a high DPI (dots per inch)

Cons

• Slow to scan

Great for scanning receipts and paper, this Epson handheld document scanner can scan documents in the blink of an eye. It also comes with helpful software that allows you to upload your scans straight to the cloud while also collating and labeling them. No batteries or power supplies here, as a handy USB connection serves as a charger.

Best photo scanner: Epson Perfection V600 Color Photo, Image, Film, Negative & Document Scanner

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This scanner’s support for multiple photo sizes is the key to its success.

Specs

• Speed: 21ppm
• Double-sided scanning: No
• Price: $299.99

Pros

• Great color scanning performance
• Slots for photos of different sizes
• Supports slides

Cons

• Size

This Epson photo scanner is great for photo enlargements as it handles photos and negatives in 6400 DPI. You’ll be able to remove scratches, dust marks, and discoloration thanks to their Digital ICE for Prints feature. The LED scanner requires no warmup and uses less energy than most traditional scanners. If you’re collecting and restoring old family photos, the Epson Perfection is perfect for you.

Best double-sided: Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: If you tend to scan several different types of media, you can’t go wrong with Fujitsu’s ScanSnap iX1500 deluxe.

Specs

• Speed: 30
• Double-sided scanning: Yes
• Price: $680.99

Pros

• Touch screen
• Multiple scanning slots
• Cloud scan support

Cons

• Size

The Fujitsu ScanSnap is designed to scan a wide array of double-sided papers quickly while sorting them in the cloud. Great for the office, this scanner allows for the creation of profiles of multiple users so that scanned files will be sent to the appropriate location and organized by an individual’s presets. It also comes with a one-year subscription to Adobe Acrobat so that your scanned files will be automatically turned into searchable PDF files. Could you ask for more convenience?

Best with a feeder: Xerox D35 Duplex Document Scanner

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Visioneer Xerox D35 can scan up to 45 documents in a row without any human interaction.

Specs

• Speed: 45ppm (pages per minute)
• Double-sided scanning: Yes
• Price: $256.41

Pros

• Automatic document feeding
• LED display
• Speed

Cons

• Size

The Xerox D35 is an unstoppable organization machine. Holding up to 50 pages in its automatic feeder, it scans up to 45 pages per minute so you’ll blaze through your uploads in a matter of minutes. Those scans go straight to the cloud and are automatically turned into searchable PDFs. Visioneer Acuity technology automatically improves the clarity of scanned images even when you’re dealing with imperfect originals.

Best budget: Brother DS-640 Compact Mobile Document Scanner

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: If you’re looking to scan documents and photos on a budget, this Brother scanner hits the sweet spot between price and performance.

Specs

• Speed: 16ppm
• Double-sided scanning: No
• Price: $116.84

Pros

• Size
• Weight
• Price

Cons

• Slower scan speed

This compact mobile Brother scanner is great for paper documents, IDs, business cards, and receipts. Sixteen pages per minute isn’t exactly a blazing speed, but it won’t hamstring you unless you’ve got a lot of work to do. The included software suite helps optimize images and clarify text. You’ll also be able to send your work straight to the cloud, while a USB cord keeps it charged.

What to consider when looking for the best document scanners

Before you click “add to cart” on any scanner, you’ll want to consider your specific needs and goals for the device. From portable scanners to one that can handle large documents, we’re here to help you find the best option for you. For those looking for a scanner to use at home—for both work and personal—we’ve got you covered, too.

Document types

Odds are you’re looking for a scanner that handles both documents, photos, and images without much trouble. While you can easily find a specialty scanner for documents and one for photos, having the option to do both is a better value. To find a good all-around scanner, you’ll want to look for one that includes a wide range of resolutions. You’ll also want a scanner that handles double-sided documents, provides easy connectivity and comes with software that will allow you to easily collate and edit documents and photos.

Portability

Depending on what your work requires, having a portable scanner can increase your efficiency. For those of us who dive into troves of documents on the regular or end up at interviews where subjects offer up old photos, a portable option can be invaluable.

Understandably, you won’t see the range of features in a portable scanner as you would a full-size one, but there are still features you’ll want to look for. You’ll want something light and that can still scan quickly. On top of that, make sure it’s large enough to handle the kind of materials you’ll be scanning, where that’s photo or legal paper. Charging is another major factor if you’re taking your scanner on the go. USB charging is generally the standard and definitely preferable to batteries and external power supply, which may be hard to come by on the road.

Scanning resolution

One size does not fit all when it comes to scanners—especially when you’re working with photos. You may care less about the resolution if you’re just scanning black-and-white files, but if you’re scanning photos you’ll need to make sure your pick can handle a variety of photo sizes and that it can deliver high-resolution scans. Keep in mind: 6400 DPI is the highest resolution scanners can deliver. Bonus: many photo-focused scanners also come with the ability to scan negatives, which can come in extremely handy if you work in a darkroom.

Two-sided scanning

Whether you’re scanning bills, important memos, or reports, you’re almost certainly going to want a scanner that can scan them without requiring you to manually flip them over. Good double-sided scanners can deliver this feature with quick scanning and added software tools that automatically organize your materials in the cloud. Quick tip: For two-sided scanning, look for a scanner that does around 30 scans per minute.

Sheet feeder

These days, there are plenty of apps that let you scan an image or document right from your phone. But when you have to scan a mass of files, you’re going to want to be able to walk away and let the machine get the job done without your help. In this case, an automatic document feeder is the hardware you need. Make sure your feeder can hold a reasonable number of pages relative to your workload so that you won’t have to return to the machine before the job is done.

Budget

Need to keep the cost of your office equipment low? A budget scanner is a decent solution if you aren’t planning to take on a load of work. For under $100, you’ll still be able to procure a device that captures a wide array of documents at a decent speed. Many budget options do come with cloud and device integration so that your scans go straight to storage, but if you’re hoping for high-definition and color scans, you’ll have to pony up a bit more cash.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best document scanners

• Best overall: Brother Wireless High-Speed Desktop Document Scanner
• Best handheld: Epson WorkForce ES-50 Portable Sheet-Fed Document Scanner
• Best photo scanner: Epson Perfection V600 Color Photo, Image, Film, Negative & Document Scanner
• Best double-sided: Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600
• Best with a feeder: Xerox D35 Duplex Document Scanner
• Best budget: Brother DS-640 Compact Mobile Document Scanner

Remember: No matter what kind of document scanner you buy, the software it is compatible with can make a world of difference. Automatic image enhancement and file organization in the cloud can reduce the organizational work associated with scanning. But if scanning is integral to your job, it is absolutely worth something that is accurate and fast because nothing is as bad as waiting for multiple scans just to end up with blurry, unusable files.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best document scanners of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Samsung Odyssey G7		SEE IT	Get that big-screen feel without sacrificing the critical 16:9 aspect ratio.
Best for Twitch		ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN		SEE IT	Highly recommended due to its hardcore refresh rate, response time, and Twitch-compatible aspect ratio.
Best budget		Acer SB220Q		SEE IT	Poured all of your money into a new PC or graphics card upgrade? The Acer SB220Q is for you.

With more and more people live streaming content, you aren’t alone if you are wondering if some monitors for streaming out there perform better than average for creators and consumers of everything from unboxings to speed runs. Monitors are rarely seen when watching someone online, yet they are so vital for the whole streaming experience. For that reason, we’ve put together this round-up of the best monitors for streaming so you won’t have to hope to catch a faint reflection of them in glasses’ frames. 

Thanks to the best webcams for streaming, we’ve all gotten a good look at the headsets and other accessories inside of our favorite streamer’s rooms. Some of the more observant of you might even have a solid idea of the best streaming devices and best mics for streaming already available. Well, read on, and the best monitors to finish your setup will no longer be a mystery. 

• Best overall: Samsung Odyssey G7
• Best for Twitch: ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN
• Best for gaming: BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K
• Best for live streaming IRL: ARZOPA Portable Monitor 2K
• Best for Mac: Apple Studio Display
• Best budget: Acer SB220Q

How we selected the best monitors for streaming

Streaming is an incredibly diverse field. In just a few hours of watching streamers you’re likely to see a huge assortment of content: From Maya in the great, bright outdoors working with wildlife to MoonMoon cursing at Mario in a dark room … from a woodblock printmaker showing detailed shots of his knife work to intensive screen transitions from the two-time himself, DrDisrespect, creators have different needs and uses for monitors.

The result is that it is difficult to select a monitor that is the very best for all streamers. Instead, we looked at monitors that are good for categories like gaming, sitting down and working for long hours, and also a few specialty monitors, like those that work well on the go. We also made sure to consider the current monitors of top streamers and the monitors we predicted they’d buy if they were to buy a new one right now. Combining personal experience, research on high-profile personalities, critical consensus, and user impressions, we narrowed down our list.

Best monitors for streaming: Reviews & Recommendations

Generally speaking, the best monitors for streaming are the best monitors for gaming that have a useful aspect ratio. They also tend to be monitors that keep your head and neck comfortable after many hours of streaming … gotta grind out those ranks, after all. We’ve also included an IRL streaming pick, for streaming on the go, due to the massive surge in popularity of that category. Many of them have already been top-streamer tested or belong to product lines used by your favorite eCelebrities. These are our best monitors for streaming.

Best overall: Samsung Odyssey G7

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This is one of the best monitors around, with a possible 240Hz refresh rate and that big-screen feel while keeping the preferred 16:9 ratio.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Refresh rate: Up to 240Hz
• Response time: 1ms

Pros

• Competitive response time
• Elegantly curved display
• Low eye strain

Cons

• Expensive

The Samsung Odyssey G7 is a monitor that provides a consistently comfortable gaming and streaming experience. With a 31.5-inch curved screen utilizing WQHD level resolution, you get that big-screen feel without sacrificing the critical 16:9 aspect ratio.

If you’re into grinding out the hours in your streamer chair, you’ll be happy to know that it also ranks as a top monitor for reduced eye strain. This is largely in part due to the max refresh rate of 240Hz and the quick 1ms response time all displayed on a comfortably curved screen. What’s even better for the streamer is the fact that these factors also contribute to getting the best KDA in the squad.

When it comes time to complain about this monitor, it can be difficult. However, there is one spec we just don’t like so much about this monitor: the price. While it outclasses the competition in so many ways, we just wish that this wasn’t one of them.

Best for Twitch: ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: It has a top-of-the-line refresh rate and response time with about as much eye care as you can pack into a premium gaming monitor, all while maintaining that key 16:9 aspect ratio.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Refresh rate: 360Hz
• Response time: 1ms

Pros

• Impressively high max refresh rate
• TUV-certified flicker-free and low blue light tech
• Good connectivity (HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, USB)

Cons

• Included stand quite large

The ASUS ROG Swift comes highly recommended for any Twitch streamer looking to make it big in FPS or battle royale games due to its hardcore refresh rate, response time, and Twitch-compatible aspect ratio. It even has great maneuverability for neck comfort and TUV Eye Comfort Certification for those 14+ hour weekend stream marathons. Anyone familiar with the streaming powerhouse XQC will find themselves drawn to this ASUS due to his time with its predecessor, the ASUS ROG Swift 258Q.

Aside from long hours of use, you’ll also find that the ASUS ROG Swift has great connectivity options, with USB and HDMI 2.0 alongside the somewhat better DisplayPort for the best possible frame rate.

The main irritation with this monitor is that the included stand is quite expansive. While it is sturdy and doesn’t shake easily, the stand is just about as wide as the monitor itself and has some depth to it, too. Consider using a wall mount to conserve desk space.

Best for gaming: BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This monitor is used by some of the best gaming streamers in the world and has the specs needed to be a top FPS player.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Response time: 1 ms 

Pros

• Dynamic Accuracy Plus tech for low blur
• Smaller stand base than predecessor
• Intensive response time
• FPS Pro-Grade refresh rate

Cons

• Duller colors than predecessor

Used by YouTube’s favorite medical unprofessional, DrDisrespect, the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K is an overall upgrade to the very popular BenQ ZOWIE XL2540. While retaining a lot of the power of the previous model, it comes in an upgraded package with even more FPS-playing potential.

The Dynamic Accuracy Plus (DyAc⁺) used by BenQ nearly eliminates motion blur. Where the typical LCD monitor will have an intermediary softer color between a flash white and a return to black, the BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K will skip this to produce a crisp transition between colors. When coupled with a 1ms response time, this tech can give you the edge you deserve when you need to get precise headshots and track CS:GO recoil patterns down to the pixel.

We like how it compares to the previous model overall. Not only is the response time better, but it also has a much smaller base at approximately 20% smaller. We weren’t as impressed with the vividness of the colors, which appeared somewhat dull. There’s no other way to put it, though, this monitor will take the top 20% of FPS players to the next level of gaming.

Best for live streaming IRL: ARZOPA Portable Monitor 2K

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Arzopa’s monitor is a portable, high-resolution screen to bring to your next LAN party.

Specs

• Aspect Ratio: 16:10
• Response time: N/A
• Refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros

• Compact size
• High-resolution screen
• Three inputs

Cons

• USB-C ports on one side
• Exact response time not given

If you want to bring a monitor to your next LAN party—especially to connect to a gaming laptop–Arzopa’s 2K display is our recommendation. The 13.3-inch display’s namesake feature is its 2K (2560 x 1600), which, combined with its support of HDR and ultra-thin profile, makes it a pretty powerful portable screen. In our tests, which were mostly conducted by doing office work with some light Apple Arcade gaming, the monitor performed well. ARZOPA doesn’t provide any response time metrics, but the 60Hz display didn’t show any noticeable lag at any point during our tests. Gamers who play first-person shooter titles may want to the company’s G1 portable display, which offers a 144Hz refresh rate but only HD resolution.

This monitor has two USB-C ports and can be powered from your computer, though the company includes a USB power adapter in the box if you don’t want to drain your computer. If you have a PC or Mac with a Thunderbolt 3 port, setting up this display during your LAN party will be a simple, single-cable affair. If your computer has an HDMI port, the company has a separate cable in the box. Once it’s connected, you can control the display’s settings—brightness, color profile, contrast, etc—by pressing a switch on its left side. We recommend futzing around with these settings at home, so you can hop into a game the moment you get to your friend’s house.

Most 13.3-inch portable monitors are only 1080P, and the extra resolution on Arzopa’s 2K display will make a big difference for gamers. The ability to play titles at a higher resolution will reveal even more of its details. Plus, the portable display can be used to help you get work done when you put your controller down.

Consider an iPad a monitor? The 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro is another portable screen to consider.

Best for Mac: Apple Studio Display

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: It’s expensive and not without issues, but Apple’s Studio Display is an attainable 5K display with all the design flourishes you’d expect from an Apple product.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:10
• Response time: 20ms
• Refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros

• 5K display has plenty of room for a game and settings panel
• Designed with the Mac in mind
• 12-megapixel webcam will work in a pinch

Cons

• Expensive
• Low response time

The Mac hasn’t been a dominant game platform since the 1980s. Still, Apple is trying to change that by building in a lot of graphical horsepower into machines running its custom-designed M-Series processors, which debuted in late 2020. If you have one of those machines and want to get into streaming, the Apple Studio Display finally delivers on the promise of a high-end monitor made by Apple for its desktop fans and MacBook aficionados.

Its ultra-high resolution means you can run a 1080P game, streaming settings, and chat on a single screen with no compromises. It only has a Thunderbolt 3 port for video connectivity, but that won’t be an issue since all Macs released since 2016 have that port. The most significant benefit of using a display designed by Apple is that it fits neatly into the company’s hardware ecosystem. The MacBook Pro we used while testing the display immediately connected to the monitor each time we connected it.

If you haven’t invested in a webcam for streaming, this monitor does have a built-in 12MP cam, but its quality is compromised because of a feature called Center Stage, which crops its image and can pan around to keep you in the frame. Still, knowing you’ll always have a camera connected to your streaming machine is comforting. If macOS is your platform of choice, and you’d like to see if Apple’s commitment to gaming is sincere, this is the monitor to pair with an ultra-responsive mouse as your battlestation.

Best budget: Acer SB220Q

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This is a reliable Acer with a price that is nearly impossible to beat, made perfect for chill “Hearthstone” card-slinging or grinding TFT ranks.

Specs

• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Refresh rate: 75Hz
• Response time: 4ms

Pros

• Great refresh rate for the cost
• Good enough response time for average gamers
• Image quality for everyday gaming

Cons

• No VESA mounting

For many streamers, especially those starting out or who want to focus on slower-paced games, getting a super-advanced monitor isn’t a great choice. A quality affordable monitor, like Acer’s SB220Q makes a lot more sense.

Looking at the raw stats, you see a monitor that pushes way above its paygrade. The monitor has a surprisingly high refresh rate of 75Hz in a tier where you’d usually expect 60Hz. For all but the very top players, the 4ms response time of this humble Acer won’t be any different than the 1ms response times sported by some monitors over four times this one’s cost. Additionally, not all games are so twitchy and reaction-based. A Top 100 “Hearthstone Battlegrounds” player is going to do just as well on this as they will anything else.

Really, the only thing we don’t like about it is that you can’t use your own mount with it as it doesn’t have VESA holes. The mount it comes with is okay, but losing the potential for options is always a bummer.

What to consider before buying monitors for streaming

The No. 1 thing to consider is what kind of streamer you want to be. There is always some extra that might fit your particular niche the best. Be creative and work with your audience. Despite how much they enjoy OMEGALUL’ing your every failure, they really do care about your gaming experience, stream quality, and overall well-being. Well, at least, sorta.

Aside from niche favorites, there are some key things that pop up more frequently than others, including screen resolution, response time, and screen flicker. Aspect ratio, in particular, plays a unique role in livestreamed video gaming that you just might not expect.

Aspect ratio

For most streamers, the best aspect ratio for a monitor will be 16:9. The details of why that is the case are a bit lengthy, but worth learning if you want to stream.

Understanding what aspect ratio is and how it affects your streaming experience can be a bit tricky. Aspect ratio falls into a similar category as resolution, as it is a ratio of pixels. Where it diverges from resolution, however, is that it directly describes the rectangular shape of your screen.

The aspect ratio of your monitor can give you a good idea about how it will look. A 2:1 aspect ratio monitor could be 2 feet across and 1 foot up OR 6 feet across and 3 feet up. The vertical-to-horizontal ratio stays the same.

Stream hosting sites have standard viewing windows that can adjust to different viewers’ browser window sizes. Twitch and YouTube both default to 16:9 for this. Try changing your browser window size while watching a stream and see the display automatically adjust. The website automatically adjusts the image size to fit your window based on the aspect ratio selected.

How does this translate to the streaming experience? When aspect ratios don’t match, stream hosting services have to squeeze everything into a smaller space, shrinking the visible area. This can also happen even if you adjust the aspect ratio of your stream away from the 16:9 default if your viewers don’t have equivalent monitors to match.

To get around this, ultrawide streamers have to play games windowed, use specialized software, or find some other way around the issue. The result is a friction between what the viewer and streamer see on the screen, which is undesirable for all. Again, it is best to keep to a 16:9 ratio for a streaming monitor, or keep as close to it as possible.

Refresh rate

Refresh rate is going to be something that affects you, the streamer, directly more than it does the audience. While lower refresh rates can contribute to eye fatigue, which possibly lowers stream length, the biggest deal will be when you’re trying to edge out those headshots in FPS games or avoiding getting ganked in your MOBA of choice.

Refresh rates are measured in Hertz, or Hz, and reflect the number of times per second that a monitor’s image refreshes. The higher, the better, these typically start at around 60 Hz and start to level off around 144Hz, but there are those that go beyond.

For slow, tactical games like “Sid Meier’s Civilization” or casual “Hearthstone BG” runs, this won’t be a huge factor for you. However, when you’re in a 3-on-1 situation in the last minutes of a battle royale, it could make all of the difference in the world.

Response time

Another metric of screen changes, response time tells us how fast it takes a pixel on the monitor to go from one color to another. Measured in milliseconds, the testing usually covers the time to change from white to black or one shade of gray to another.

Much like refresh rate, above, this can make a lot of difference to your performance while playing fast games, especially FPS games. Additionally, it is another factor in the trailing white line behind your rapidly moving white cursor on dark-mode’d websites.

You should strive for a response time around 5 milliseconds or less, but a little bit over won’t affect the average individual too much. To put it into perspective, a blink takes about 150 milliseconds, so an extra millisecond or two in your monitor’s response time isn’t going to make a huge difference unless you’re in the top few percent of players in your game.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best monitors for streaming

• Best overall: Samsung Odyssey G7
• Best for Twitch: ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN
• Best for gaming: BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K
• Best for live streaming IRL: ARZOPA Portable Monitor 2K
• Best for Mac: Apple Studio Display
• Best budget: Acer SB220Q

Getting a high-quality gaming monitor, like the Samsung Odyssey G7, will go a long way for you in your streaming career or hobby. At the same time, I also feel certain that any of the monitors on our list (except the ZenScreen) has all of the qualities necessary to be the main monitor for anyone ready to start dedicating themselves to streaming. Now, go order your monitor, say your “Kappa 1, 2, 3,” and get that stream started!

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best monitors for streaming in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		ASUS ROG Strix		SEE IT	With the best refresh rate of any portable monitor, the Asus ROG Strix is great for gamers and non-gamers alike.
Best for laptops		Arzopa Portable Monitor 2K		SEE IT	The Arzopa’s 2K portable monitor shows that good things come in small packages.
Best budget		Arzopa A1 Gamut		SEE IT	The Arzopa A1 Gamut proves you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality portable monitor.

When you’re using a laptop or traveling and need more screen real estate, portable monitors provide new versatility and solid picture quality in an easily portable form factor. Plus, laptops, tablets, and smartphones provide convenience and mobility, but those small screens can cause headaches, blurry eyes, and fatigue. Trying to crowd a lot of information on such a small screen only exacerbates the problem—especially if you’re using computer devices for several hours a day. However, a portable monitor can provide a much better working and viewing experience. Picking the right one for you will depend on several factors, but we’ve done the legwork to select and highlight the best portable monitors currently on the market.

• Best overall: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE)   
• Best for laptops: Arzopa Portable Monitor 2K
• Best 4K: Innocn 15.6-inch OLED Portable Monitor (PU15 PRE) 
• Best portable touchscreen: ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT
• Best for vertical use: Arzopa A1C
• Best for drawing: Espresso Display
• Best for gaming: Nexigo 17.3” 300Hz
• Best multi-screen: LIMINK LK14
• Best unattached multiscreen: The Portable Monitor Slide
• Best budget: Arzopa A1 Gamut

How we chose the best portable monitors

As a freelance journalist for over 10 years, I’ve reviewed home and tech products for publications including PopSci, CNN Underscored, NBC News Select, Popular Mechanics, Architectural Digest, Tom’s Guide, The Daily Beast, USA Today’s Reviewed, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and Bob Vila. Our personal monitor selections are based on personal testing, extensive research, recommendations from fellow critics, and user impressions.

The best portable monitors: Reviews & Recommendations

A portable monitor can give you a dual-monitor experience even when you’re away from your desk setup. Even with the limitations of their size and form factor, the best portable monitors come in different sizes and have different features that can help you be more efficient with less digital eye strain. Whether you need it for work, school, or play, at least one of these displays should be a perfect fit.

Best overall: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE) 

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished here: eBay

Why it made the cut: The ASUS ROG Strix has a high refresh rate and lots of great features, making it the best choice for most people.

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 1.98 lbs
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LED
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Inputs: HDMI, USB, Audio jack
• Battery life: 7,800 mAh

Pros 

• 144Hz refresh rate
• Landscape and portrait modes, plus a universal tripod
• Nvidia G-Sync compatible
• Battery-powered option

Cons

• Expensive

Perhaps unsurprisingly from a company that makes excellent, and at times affordable, battlestation accessories, the best portable monitor is made for gaming. The ASUS ROG Strix 15.6-inch portable monitor is one of only a handful of models with a 144Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth animation in and out of games. 

Even if you don’t play much, it has some very useful bells and whistles. Its kickstand rotates, so you can easily switch between traditional landscape or vertically minded portrait mode. It also has stereo speakers in case you forget your headset at home.

In addition to a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable, a USB Type-C cable and a USB Type-C to A adapter are also included. One usual feature is the universal tripod socket—a hole with a ¼” thread—which makes it convenient to use the portable monitor with a tripod stand. However, a sleeve, which can be used as a stand, is also included.

If you really want to max out your portable gaming setup, ASUS also makes an even bigger 17.3-inch version of the Strix portable monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate. Most people, even gamers, don’t really need a 240Hz display, which is why we recommend the less expensive model. It may be worth the extra cash if you want to carry around a zero-compromises esports display, however.

Best for laptops: Arzopa Portable Monitor 2K

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Buy it used or refurbished here: eBay

Why it made the cut: Arzopa’s monitor has a higher resolution than we expected to see at its price.

Specs

• Screen Size: 13.3 inches
• Weight: 1.41 pounds
• Resolution: 2560 x 1600
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: 2 USB-C, 1 Mini HDMI, 1 headphone jack
• Battery life: N/A

Pros

• Compact size
• High-resolution screen
• Three inputs

Cons

• USB-C ports on one side

If you want something to pair with a smaller laptop, the 13.3-inch is the ideal second screen. The portable monitor has the same resolution as Apple’s 13-Inch MacBook Pro (pictured above), which makes them a particularly good pair. Text, images, and videos look sharp on Arzopa’s screen, although I recommend immediately enabling its HDR mode, which wasn’t on by default. This setting will make colors look a lot more accurate, which is necessary if you’d like to use the portable monitor for image or video editing. In our tests, this portable monitor with a MacBook Pro benefited our productivity.

We were used to working on a display of its size and resolution, which made adapting our workflows a lot easier. Arzopa’s monitor has two USB-C ports and one Mini HDMI port to connect multiple devices simultaneously. The company bundles the portable monitor with both a USB-C cable and Mini-HDMI cord so that you can use it with all of your devices right out of the box. Our only complaint is that both USB-C ports are located on one side, requiring us to snake the cord around the back of our MacBook to its Thunderbolt 4 ports. It’d be perfect if Arzopa could update this portable monitor’s design with one USB-C port on both sides.

Overall, we were happy with how easy the monitor was to set up and use. Our MacBook Pro recognized the monitor immediately, and we could adjust its resolution and color profile settings in the Display Preferences section of MacOS. It was also easy to adjust the monitor’s brightness, contrast, and HDR settings through a little switch on the right-hand side of the display. It only took about five minutes to fully set up Arzopa’s monitor, and it would’ve taken less time if we weren’t messing around with different settings.

Most 13.3-inch portable monitors are only 1080P, and the extra resolution on Arzopa’s 2K display makes a big difference. The ability to see even more information on the screen is reason enough to upgrade if you have a lower-resolution second screen. This is an excellent place to start if you’re new to portable monitors.

Best 4K: Innocn 15.6-inch OLED Portable Monitor (PU15 PRE) 

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Why it made the cut: The Innocn PU15 PRE is expensive, but its 4K OLED display is incomparable among portable displays. 

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 2.07 lbs
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: USB and HDMI
• Battery life: 5,000 mAh

Pros

• 4K resolution
• OLED panel
• Touch screen
• Portrait and landscape modes

Cons

• Very expensive

Innocn’s top OLED portable monitor is the most expensive pick on our list, and for good reason. Among desktop monitors and laptops, 4K OLED touchscreens don’t come cheap (and we won’t even talk about the best OLED TVs prices). Among portable monitors, they are virtually unheard of. Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) displays feature self-emitting backlit pixels that can independently turn on and off when an image calls for it, producing incredible contrast and a more vivid picture. Combine that with 4K resolution, and, well, it’s very pretty.

Meanwhile, the touchscreen feature allows you to use the portable monitor like a drawing tablet. It has stereo speakers, in case you need them, and it can be used in both portrait and landscape mode. At $799.99, it is considerably more expensive than the rest of our picks, but it also delivers a higher class of picture.

Best portable touchscreen: ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT

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Buy it used or refurbished here: Amazon

Why it made the cut: The ASUS Zenscreen Touch’s portable touchscreen is responsive and easy to use. You can even draw on it.

Specs:

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 1.98 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LCD
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: 2 Micro USB
• Battery life: 7,800 mAh

Pros

• Touchscreen
• Built-in speakers
• Compatible with Thunderbolt 3

Cons

• Have to download driver for USB Type-A connection

The ASUS ZenScreen Touch’s 10-point 1080p touchscreen won us over with its intuitive fingertip control, which makes it incredibly easy to make changes to documents, play games, and draw on slides. It comes with many of the basic features we look for, including stereo speakers and a smart case kickstand. Having a portable monitor with a touchscreen is especially helpful for traveling workers getting things done on a phone. You can use the ZenScreen Touch app to control your Android phone, making it a perfect pairing for a powerful smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. There’s even a smartpen holder for your stylus to ensure you don’t lose it when not in use.

Best for vertical use: Arzopa A1C

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Why it made the cut: Arzopa’s A1C is a 15.6-inch portable monitor that can be used for email and Slack.

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 1.69 lbs
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LED
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Inputs: HDMI, USB, Audio jack
• Battery life: N/A

Pros 

• Price
• Multiple connectivity options
• Low blue light protection

Cons

• Hinge system is finicky

Arzopa’s A1C portable monitor shares many of the same features as the company’s 2K model, which we recommended earlier, but at a significantly lower cost. The build quality of the display is solid, save for its folding stand, which required a fair amount of time to fully understand.

You need to fold it in a particular way, which was unclear due to the vague instructions—that said, setting up the monitor was smooth sailing once we got the hang of it. You can connect this portable monitor to your device using the included USB-C to USB-C or micro-HDMI to HDMI cable. We exclusively used the former. Our computer quickly recognized the monitor, and we could immediately begin using it.

This display’s 1080P resolution is a step down from Arzopa’s 2K model, but it still displayed colors very well, and text looked pretty clear. HD videos looked perfectly fine on this monitor, and the display is the perfect place to keep spare windows you need to use or reference while working on your computer’s main screen. While the A1C can be used horizontally, using it vertically will make it more comfortable to view certain applications. Email and chat apps (think Slack or Google Teams) work particularly well this way, as do long-form articles.

Basically, turning the monitor on its side gives you a more smartphone or tablet-like experience. The only downside is you have to deal with a cable sticking up over the monitor to your computer. When the A1C is used in this capacity, it can improve your productivity. If you’re trying to mitigate the negative effects of staring at a screen all day, you’ll appreciate this monitor’s built-in blue light protection, which may reduce eye strain during extended use.

If you’ve been holding out on getting a portable monitor by waiting for a good deal, it’s hard to argue with the Arzopa A1C’s value.

Best for drawing: Espresso Display

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Why it made the cut: The Espresso Display has a stylus pen that can be used to draw, sketch, retouch photos, and edit videos on the portable monitor.

Specs 

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LCD
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: USB-C (2)
• Battery life: N/A

Pros

• Touchscreen with stylus function
• Automatically rotates
• Ultra-thin design
• Available in 2 display sizes
• Compatible with various artistic apps
• Built-in speakers

Cons

• Stylus (plus stand and case) are extra

Creatives looking for a portable monitor to complement their main display will appreciate the level of functionality and convenience available on the Espresso Display. It has both touchscreen and pen capabilities, which makes it easier to be productive anywhere. The portable monitor, made of aeronautical grade aluminum, offers two USB ports and is compatible with Mac. It can also support numerous apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchbook, Microsoft Whiteboard, Mural, FigJam, Miro, and ZBrush.

The monitor can be used for document markups as well as whiteboarding. The 15.6-inch version is the largest of the espresso Display models (the other two are 13-inch and 13-inch touch versions), but it’s incredibly slim: 0.2 inches thin and weighing only 2 pounds.

The only problem we found with the espresso Display is that everything is considered extra. The company ships the espresso Display Monitor, USB-C to USB-C cable, and a cleaning cloth. However, the pen, stand, and case are extra.  These items can be purchased separately or in a bundle.

Best for gaming: Nexigo 17.3” 300Hz

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Why it made the cut: The generous screen provides plenty of viewing space, and the 300Hz refresh rate is ideal for gaming.

Specs

• Screen size: 17.3 inches
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: IPS
• Refresh rate: 300Hz
• Inputs: USB-C, HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Battery life:  N/A

Pros

• 300Hz refresh rate
• Adjustable kickstand
• Dual Hi-Fi Speakers
• FreeSync, G-SYNC
• Delta-E <2 color accuracy
• Built-in kickstand

Cons

• Doesn’t come in 13-inch version

If you need an extra monitor for gaming but would prefer something portable that’s easy to break down, store, and transport, the Nexigo 17.3” 300Hz portable monitor certainly fits the bill. The generous 17.3-inch screen eliminates the need to squint and ensures that you can see more of the game. It’s compatible with Playstation, Switch, and Xbox. Or you can use it with any game console with an HDMI or USB Type-C output.

The monitor features a 300Hz refresh rate and is compatible with FreeSync and G-SYNC to provide a seamless gaming experience and lag-free response time.  Gamers will find this particularly important as tearing and stuttering are greatly minimized. And the Delta-E <2 provides accurate colors for a more realistic experience.

The dual Hi-Fi speakers make it easier to hear and be immersed while gaming, though you’ll likely still want to invest in a gaming headset. The built-in kickstand keeps the portable monitor securely in place and can be adjustable from 50 degrees to 80 degrees. There’s also a magnetic protective cover to keep the monitor safe from dust, a foldable stand, and an IR remote.

In addition to the 17.3-inch model, Nexigo also makes a 16-inch version along with models with different refresh rates.

Best multi-screen: LIMINK LK14

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Why it made the cut: Dual monitors attach to either side of your laptop to provide a 3-screen setup.

Specs

• Screen size: 14 inches on each side
• Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1200
• Display type: IPS
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: USB-C, HDMI, Displayport, VGA
• Battery life:  N/A

Pros

• Leather Smart Case
• Kickstand on back and top center 
• Delta-E <2 color accuracy
• Fits 13-inch to 16-inch laptops

Cons

• Not compatible with M1 and M2 chip MacBooks (but does support M1 Pro and M1 Max chip).

Perhaps the only thing better than an extra monitor is two extra monitors. The LIMINK LK14 Portable Triple Monitor attaches to your laptop and provides one monitor on the left side and another one on the right side. (Note: dual monitor setups are referred to as “triple” monitors because when set up correctly, they provide three monitors – including the laptop’s monitor).

We like this dual monitor setup because it doesn’t put undue pressure on the laptop. The LIMINK LK14 uses metal clips and a pull ring to attach the device. The 8-level kickstand on the back ensures that the installation is secure and allows the laptop screen to be tilted from 0 to 45 degrees. Since there are two monitors, it requires two cables to connect (one for each monitor). It’s worth noting that each monitor has three ports.

The aluminum alloy body is strong and corrosion-resistant, but the monitors are still lightweight. When the monitors are not in use, they collapse in the middle and can be stored in the leather smart case for easy transportation.

Best unattached multi-screen: The Portable Monitor Slide

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Why it made the cut: You don’t have to attach your laptop to these dual portable monitors physically, and it can fold into a triangle for sharing your screen with others.

Specs

• Screen size: 13.3 inches x 2  
• Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: IPS
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: USB
• Battery life: N/A

Pros

• Both monitors are rotatable
• 14-level kickstand
• Connects via single cable
• Available in 2 finishes

Cons

• Costs a pretty penny
• Heavier than some dual monitors

Like most snobbish MacBook owners, I like to keep my laptops smooth and clean—so I don’t really like the idea of attaching anything to the exterior. Fortunately, the Slide not only fits on laptops of any size, but the dual monitors are also standalone, so I can just slide my laptop monitor right up against the area where the laptop attaches. This means that I can also use the dual monitors with a smartphone or tablet instead of a laptop. 

Most dual portable monitors need two cables (one for each monitor). However, the Slide only needs one cable for power and video transfer from both monitors. This results in a cleaner, less-cluttered workspace.

The dual monitors can rotate to form a triangle (the left monitor rotates 180 degrees, and the left monitor rotates 60 degrees), making this an excellent choice for presentations or group collaborations. This configuration allows you to provide three viewing angles instead of having people crowd around you. Even when you’re not presenting, having two extra screens significantly increases your viewing real estate. The Slide is available in either a Premium Aluminum or a Carbon finish.

Best budget: Arzopa A1 Gamut

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Why it made the cut: The Arzopa A1 Gamut offers an ideal balance of features, quality, and price.

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Weight: 1.44 lbs
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display type: LCD
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Inputs: Mini HDMI, dual USB-C, Audio jack
• Battery life: N/A

Pros

• Compatible with most devices
• IPS display offers large viewing angles
• Bright, large display
• Plug-and-play design

Cons

• New stand design is a separate piece that could get lost
• Built-in speakers are lacking in quality

Too often, you have to choose between quality and price. The Arzopa A1 Gamut offers a compromise with excellent quality despite the reasonable $149 price. And it frequently goes on sale, so you can usually get it much cheaper. The large 15.6-inch display with slim bezels provides a large viewing area. It made our transition from a large desktop monitor to a portable monitor much easier when on the go.

Arzopa designed the A1 Gamut with an FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution, which results in sharp, clear images and text. You can easily adjust the brightness on the side of the monitor. We found it plenty bright, even when working in rooms with lots of windows and light. And the IPS display makes it easier to see at a range of angles, even if there are windows directly behind you. The 1200:1 contrast ratio is higher than many portable monitors, resulting in a rich, attractive display. While it won’t provide perfectly accurate colors, it works for editing photos in a pinch—just be prepared to make adjustments if you plan on printing the images later.

The A1 Gamut is incredibly easy to set up and use. It comes with all of the cords you may need to connect to your favorite devices and features two USB-C ports along with a mini HDMI port. All you need to do is plug in the monitor, which automatically turns on. You won’t need to fuss with downloading drivers or anything of the sort, as it’s a true plug-and-play device. The main downside is that the ports are all on the left side, which happens to be the same side as our MacBook Pro, making the connection a little less than ideal.

Arzopa redesigned the stand since our version, and it is now a separate metal piece. That separate piece could be easy to lose. But it offers an adjustable height, which is not typical for portable monitors, and makes the display more ergonomic. Unfortunately, the new stand means there is no longer a built-in cover for the A1 Gamut, so you will want to take care when packing it up for travel. 

What to consider when buying the best portable monitors

There are several factors to consider when choosing between portable monitors. Budget, resolution, and ease of connectivity are usually top of mind. However, other factors may depend on your personal preferences. These are some of the features you should keep in mind to ensure the portable monitor meets your needs:

Screen size

Portable monitors tend to mirror the sizes of laptop displays, coming in sizes from 14 inches to 15.6 inches to 17 inches. Since you’re always moving portable displays around, picking a screen size comes down to personal preference. A larger screen looks great and makes things easier to see, but remember that a larger screen will take up more space on your desk or table and in your laptop bag or suitcase.

Connectivity

Most portable monitors connect to devices via USB-C and/or mini-HDMI cables (such as this inexpensive AmazonBasics option). While an increasingly wide array of phones, tablets, PCs, and other devices support USB-C, you may need a USB-C hub, adapters, or a USB-A to USB-C cable. Likewise, if you already have a standard HDMI cable, you may need to purchase an HDMI to mini-HDMI adapter for mini-HDMI-based screens. Make sure that the monitor you select has the ports you need to pair it wherever you plan to use it, including your laptop, smartphone, tablet, camera, and game consoles.

Resolution

Your portable monitor’s resolution will determine the sharpness and clarity of its picture. As you can see, based on our selections, most portable monitors support 1080p resolution (often referred to as Full HD). That puts it on par with most basic and mid-range desktop monitors. There are high-resolution models, including some portable 4K monitors. And, just like when shopping, say, for desktop monitors for Macs, they cost quite a bit more.

Refresh rate

Refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), refers to how many times your monitor can redraw an image each second. A higher refresh rate opens the door for a higher frame rate in games and smoother movement in menus and other software. All monitors on this list feature a 60Hz refresh rate, meaning the screen updates 60 times a second. That’s lower than we’d recommend for a standard monitor, but it is standard among portable monitors. That said, there is a 144Hz display, which stands out as an especially good choice for gaming and drawing.

All IPS, all the time

While desktop monitor panels come in a few flavors, all of the portable monitors on our list are In-Plane Switching (IPS) displays. This technology ensures color accuracy and better views from wider angles (for example, even if someone is standing on the far-left side of the monitor, the view should be good. However, it’s debatable if an IPS display panel makes that much of a difference in a portable monitor. 

Audio

Some portable monitors include built-in speakers (and headphone jacks), which may or may not be important in certain situations. If you’re connecting your monitor to a computer or phone, you may already have the audio covered through the device. In general, the speakers on these monitors aren’t especially impressive, so powered desktop speakers or over-ear headphones are usually the way to go. That said, if you think that monitor audio will be useful, be sure to check for that feature.

FAQs 

Final thoughts on the best portable monitors

• Best overall: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE)   
• Best for laptops: Arzopa Portable Monitor 2K
• Best 4K: Innocn 15.6-inch OLED Portable Monitor (PU15 PRE) 
• Best portable touchscreen: ASUS ZenScreen Touch MB16AMT
• Best for vertical use: Arzopa A1C
• Best for drawing: Espresso Display
• Best for gaming: Nexigo 17.3” 300Hz
• Best multi-screen: LIMINK LK14
• Best unattached multiscreen: The Portable Monitor Slide
• Best budget: Arzopa A1 Gamut

A portable monitor helps make it easier to do serious work away from your primary work setup. Having more screen space to spread out all your windows can help you keep track of things. Looking at a larger display, especially compared to a phone’s screen, will help reduce eye strain. Plus, you have a way to mirror your screen and show other people. If money is no object, the Innocn OLED provides the best resolution possible. However, you can spend a lot less and get something very useful, from the gaming-focused ASUS ROG Strix to the very affordable Arzopa A1 Gamut. No matter what you go with, simply having one of these displays should hopefully make your life a little easier.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best portable monitors of 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Acer Nitro XV282K		SEE IT	In the relatively new field of HDMI 2.1 gaming monitors, the Nitro XV282K is  an expensive panel that perfectly complements the PS5.
Best for esports		BenQ Mobiuz EX2510		SEE IT	The BenQ Mobiuz EX2510 is the best entry-level PS5 monitor, sacrificing 4K in exchange for smooth and solid HD gameplay.
Best Budget		Gigabyte M28U		SEE IT	The Gigabyte M28U hits most of the specs as our top choice, but at a drastically lower price.

Optimized monitors for PlayStation 5 allow Sony’s latest console to show off its true power. With an 8-core CPU and custom AMD graphics chip, the PS5 offers incredible fidelity. According to Sony, it can run games at 120 frames per second and (eventually) can show them at 8K resolution. If you’ve already snagged a PS5 and plan to play it using a PC-style desk setup instead of a TV, you’ll want a compatible monitor that can take advantage of all that power. Depending on your unique gaming or streaming setup, you might want a different style of PS5 monitor, whether budget-friendly or well-equipped for demanding e-sports. Regardless of which screen you ultimately land on, know that it’s an investment to make for your ideal PS5 setup, so we’ve rounded up the best monitors for PS5 to help you find the right panel and make that happen.

• Best overall: Acer Nitro XV282K
• Best esports monitor: BenQ Mobiuz EX2510
• Best 4K/60 monitor: ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q
• Best TV for PS5: LG C2 OLED
• Best curved: SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G8 4K UHD
• Best portable: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE)   
• Best budget: Gigabyte M28U

How we chose the best monitors for PS5

Through testing, reading monitor reviews, comparing specs and features, plus a lifetime of experience in both console and PC gaming, we surveyed modern monitors on the market right now and drilled down on those capable of showcasing the PlayStation 5’s graphical specs. We selected well-reviewed monitors that offer solid value for their price, including top choices and products that selectively cut corners to reduce cost, depending on whether you care more about framerate or resolution.

The best monitors for PS5: Reviews & Recommendations

The best monitors for PS5 vary quite a bit. Some focus on framerate. Some focus on resolution. A couple of them have everything you need. (One is actually a TV.) Depending on what you need and how much you have to spend, we’re confident that you’ll find that at least one of these monitors is a great fit for you and your new console.

Best overall: Acer Nitro XV282K 

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Why it made the cut: In the relatively new and small field of HDMI 2.1 gaming monitors, Acer currently leads the pack with an expensive but solid panel that perfectly complements the PS5.

Specs

• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz
• Size: 28”
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 (2) DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.1 Type C
• Panel Type: IPS
• HDR: Yes

Pros

• 4K
• 144Hz
• HDMI 2.1
• Low Lag

Cons

• Expensive

With a 144Hz refresh rate, 4K resolution, and 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, Acer’s Nitro XV282K is a very comfortable fit for the PS5 (along with any other consoles or gaming PCs you might want to hook up). It also boasts an impressively low 1ms response time for smooth, ghost-free gaming. The only drawback is a slightly sub-par contrast ratio, suggesting that blacks may look gray in a dark room. Otherwise, the image is about as fast and clear as you could hope for now, given the PS5’s high demands.

Best for esports: BenQ Mobiuz EX2510

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Why it made the cut: The BenQ Mobiuz EX2510 is the best entry-level PS5 monitor, sacrificing 4K in exchange for smooth and solid HD gameplay.

Specs

• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz
• Size: 24.5”
• Ports: HDMI 2.0 (2) DisplayPort 1.2
• Panel Type: IPS
• HDR: No

Pros

• 144Hz
• Smooth performance
• Solid build

Cons

• Not 4K

While 4K is the more headline-grabbing resolution, lots of people are more than fine playing in 1080p. In competitive PC gaming circles, framerate is king. Premium esports monitors are often 1080p, but hit incredibly high framerates upwards of 300Hz. Given the PS5’s cap at 120fps, that’s a bit much for our needs, though. BenQ’s Mobiuz EX2510 sits at a more reasonable 144Hz, allowing you to still get as many frames as possible out of your PS5 without sacrificing image quality for less than you might expect.

Best 4K/60 monitor: ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q

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Why it made the cut: 4K monitors are still fairly expensive across the board, but the ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q is a great entry-level 4K monitor that strikes a balance between quality and cost.

Specs

• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Refresh Rate: 60Hz
• Size: 28”
• Ports: HDMI 2.0 (2) DisplayPort 1.2
• Panel Type: IPS
• HDR: Yes

Pros

• 4K
• Great value

Cons

• Middling HDR

When games first made the jump from 30 to 60fps, some people claimed that the human eye wouldn’t even be able to discern the difference, but anyone who’s tried them side by side can confirm that we absolutely can, and it makes games look substantially better. People are likewise capable of noticing the jump from 60 to 120, but with noticeably diminishing returns. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q delivers excellent, color-accurate 4K graphics at a steady and still-generous 60Hz, which is less than perfect for PS5, but still looks buttery-smooth to the average eye. It isn’t perfect: With low overall brightness–350 nits–its HDR doesn’t keep pace with other, more expensive monitors. Still, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better 4K monitor at this price.

Best TV for PS5: LG C2 OLED 

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Why it made the cut: If cost is not a concern, LG’s OLED TVs are the gold standard for incredible image quality with no compromise in responsiveness.

Specs

• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• Size: 55”
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 (4), USB 2.0 (3)
• Panel Type: OLED
• HDR: Yes

Pros

• 120Hz on a TV
• HDMI 2.1
• Incredible blacks and color range
• Wide viewing angels

Cons:

• Very expensive compared to monitors
• Burn-in risk

Where all of the above monitors use the current standard LCD technology, which requires a backlight, the next generation of screens is starting to shift over to OLED, which requires no backlight because every pixel is self-lit and independent. OLED screens allow for rich, perfect blacks and nearly infinite contrast, as well as much slimmer form factors without the need for a backlight. 

It turns out that the best OLED screen to pair with the PS5 is a TV, not a monitor. LG’s C2 OLED, the best PS5 TV, offers these benefits, along with all the top specs you need to get the most out of the PS5: 120Hz, 4K, HDMI 2.1, and extremely low input lag. Obviously, the C2 is much bigger and more expensive than the average PC monitor, but its screen quality is top sharp to ignore. You could, of course, invest in the newer LG C3, but the C2 is fantastic and typically available at a discount because it’s an older model, so the C2 remains our pick for now.

Best curved: SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G8 4K UHD

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Specs

• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Refresh Rate: 240Hz
• Size: 32″
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 (4), USB 2.0 (3)
• Panel Type: QLED
• HDR: Yes

Pros

• Roomy curved screen
• Super-high 240Hz refresh rate
• 1ms response time
• Matte display fights reflections
• Great colors out of the box

Cons

• Expensive
• Stand could be better

A curved monitor can fill up your peripheral vision and drastically expand how big your games feel. Ultra-wide support with the PS5 can be finicky, so this more familiar aspect ratio with a curved design finds a nice middle ground. The rest of this monitor’s specs are far from the middle, though. It offers a 240Hz refresh rate with G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro for super-smooth gameplay. The matte screen does a very excellent job combatting reflections, which is very handy if you typically play in a bright room. Plus, the 1ms response time negates possible lag.

Right out of the box, this monitor provides excellent color worthy of the PS5’s ambitious output. At 32 inches, this isn’t the biggest monitor, but it’s also much more manageable on a desk than a giant 49-inch curved display that the PS5 won’t always play nice with. The price is up there, but it justifies the cost with its performance.

Best portable: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE) 

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Buy it used or refurbished here: eBay

Why it made the cut: The ASUS ROG Strix’s high refresh rate will allow you to enjoy your PlayStation 5 in more places than ever.

Specs

• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• Ports: HDMI, USB, Audio jack
• Panel type: IPS
• HDR: No

Pros 

• 144Hz refresh rate
• Battery-powered option
• Ultra slim

Cons

• No HDR

It shouldn’t be surprising that a gaming company makes the best portable monitor we recommend using with your PlayStation 5. Sony’s latest console is pretty big, but ASUS’ portable screen makes it a bit more feasible to play while traveling. The ASUS ROG Strix XG16AHPE 15.6-inch portable monitor is one of only a handful of models with a 144Hz refresh rate, which means the latest PS5 games will be able to run at their fastest speeds.

The ROG Strix XG16AHPE has multiple ports, but you can connect it to your PS5 over HDMI. If you do want to hook it up to a gaming PC—or any computer—you can use the included USB-C to USB-C cable, too. If you’d like to max out your portable gaming setup completely, ASUS also makes an even bigger 17.3-inch version of the Strix portable monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate. That’s overkill for a PlayStation 5, but the extra screen space may come in handy.

Best budget: Gigabyte M28U

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Why it made the cut: The Gigabyte M28U meets all the same overall specs as our top choice, but at a drastically lower price, with compromises that only the most hardcore gamers will notice.

Specs

• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz
• Size: 28”
• Ports: HDMI 2.1 (2) DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.1 Type C
• Panel Type: IPS
• HDR: Yes

Pros

• 4K
• 144Hz
• HDMI 2.1
• Lowest price for full range of specs

Cons

• Slight input lag
• Minor backlight bleed

The Gigabyte M28U offers the most bang for your buck among the relatively small number of HDMI 2.1-compatible monitors available right now. Like our top choice, it has a 144Hz refresh rate, 4K resolution, and a low 1ms response time, making them functionally equivalent in many situations. The main differences between the two come into play in specific scenarios, like some noticeable backlight bleed if you’re playing in the dark and higher input lag than comparable 144Hz monitors. More specifically, M28U’s input lag measured around 10ms, while the Acer Nitro XV282K clocked in closer to 4ms. That looks like a big difference on paper, but we’re talking about fractions of a second. While the most framerate-sensitive gamers may still notice the difference, the M28U is a very strong choice for most players.

What to consider before buying the best monitors for PS5

Even if money is no object, picking one of the best monitors for PS5 takes a little doing. Not every monitor can take full advantage of the console’s output, so it’s important to check for compatibility. Unlike PCs, which can output graphics at a much wider and more customizable range of settings, the PS5 is limited to a few resolution and framerate options, and so you need a monitor capable of meeting those needs. Moreover, if you can’t afford to spend more than the price of your new console itself on a monitor for it, it’s important to know your priorities–namely, whether you care more about framerate or resolution.

What is HDMI 2.1?

At bare minimum, you’re going to need an HDMI-compatible monitor. While many of the best gaming monitors have followed PC gaming’s shift to DisplayPort cables, the PS5 (and the Xbox Series X) call for HDMI 2.1, the latest iteration of the more ubiquitous HDMI cable. Although it looks the same as previous HDMI cables, HDMI 2.1 greatly increases how much data moves from computer to screen. HDMI 2.0 has a maximum data transmission rate of 18 gigabits per second, allowing for output at 4K at 60Hz or 1080p at up to 240Hz. HDMI 2.1 bumps that up significantly to 48 Gbp/s, allowing computers—including game consoles—to output 4K video at up to 180Hz, or 8K at 50Hz.

For the PS5 specifically, using an HDMI 2.1 cable and monitor opens the door for the PS5 to run games at 4K resolution and 120fps (and, eventually, 8K/30fps). Legacy HDMI 2.0 monitors will still be able to choose between 4K/60fps or 1080p/120fps, but you’ll need HDMI 2.1 to enjoy both simultaneously.

Monitor aspect ratio and resolution

Resolution refers to the number of pixels on screen, with higher resolutions being capable of more fine-grained detail and smoothness. The PS5 outputs at two resolutions: Standard HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) and the richer, more pixel-dense 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels). As you might expect, 4K monitors are newer and more powerful, so they tend to be considerably more expensive than their 1080p counterparts. 

In this PS5 FAQ, Sony says the PS5 hardware can also run games at 8K resolution, but not with the current firmware. Meanwhile, there are no PS5 games that can run in 8K yet, so advise you to avoid spending thousands of dollars to get ahead of the pack.

Since most gaming monitors are built with PC gaming in mind, more choices exist. Many monitors offer up 1440p (2560 x 1440) pixels. A growing number of ultrawide monitors also differ from the usual 16:9 “widescreen” dimensions used for most modern screens. The PS5 doesn’t support 1440p. It can work with an ultrawide screen, though that may present problems from game to game. Realistically, if you’re buying a monitor specifically with the PS5 in mind, you’ll want to stick to standard widescreen monitors with a maximum resolution of either 1080p or 4K.

And while part of the PS5’s appeal is its ability to run games in 4K at better framerates, its sharper, more detailed gameplay shows up on a 1080p monitor as well. If “better” is good enough, settling for 1080p may be a good concession when shopping for a new monitor on a budget.

Refresh rate, response time, and input lag

To judge how games look, resolution goes hand in hand with a second monitor spec, refresh rate, which determines the highest possible framerate at which a game “runs.” Refresh rate, expressed in hertz (Hz), refers to the number of times per second a monitor can “draw” an image on your screen. The higher the refresh rate on your monitor, the more frames of animation your computer or console can animate each second.

Framerate rarely matters for TV and film, which are still traditionally filmed at 24fps but, in games, more frames means smoother animation and, often, more information. Being able to more quickly and subtly perceive motion can give you an edge in playing anything at all action-oriented, which becomes even more important in competitive gaming. During the PS4 and Xbox One era, framerates between 30fps and 60fps were the standard. The PS5 and Xbox Series X have now raised the bar to between 60 and 120fps.

Thus, in order to get the most out of your console, you’re going to want a monitor with a max refresh rate of 120Hz or higher. As with resolution, there are other options available aimed at gaming PCs. You can find monitors that go up to 240Hz or even an absurd 360Hz, which really pushes the border of what the human eye can perceive. For the PS5, though, 120fps is the limit. Luckily, there’s a standard refresh rate for monitors just over that cap—144Hz—that gives you exactly what you need.

What about HDR?

Both PS4 and PS5 games support High Dynamic Range, or HDR, a TV and monitor feature that creates a wider range of in-game darkness and light on 4K monitors with high brightness and color contrast. HDR monitors are brighter overall, with richer, more accurate colors and more nuance in both shadows and bright areas, making images pop more overall. 

There is such a thing as “good” and “bad” HDR. Some monitors support the feature but lack the maximum brightness to create a true range of lighting conditions. When considering a monitor’s HDR, you want to check its brightness settings: Look for a maximum brightness of at least 500-600 NITs and that it features full-array local dimming, which determines how much the monitor can change the brightness of specific parts of the screen.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best monitors for PS5

• Best overall: Acer Nitro XV282K
• Best esports monitor: BenQ Mobiuz EX2510
• Best 4K/60 monitor: ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q
• Best TV for PS5: LG C2 OLED
• Best curved: SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G8 4K UHD
• Best portable: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE)
• Best budget: Gigabyte M28U

If you’ve already got a PS5, or even if you don’t have one yet, you will want to ensure you have a monitor that’s up to the task. Fortunately, once you understand the specs, it’s fairly easy to narrow down the options and find the best monitors for PS5. Consider what’s most important to you, whether that’s smooth, 120fps gameplay or crisp 4K images, and choose accordingly based on your budget.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best monitors for PS5 in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		LG 27GP950-B 27-inch UltraGear Gaming Monitor		SEE IT	With a 27-inch 4K screen, 144Hz refresh rate, and support for the VESA DisplayHDR 600 standard, the LG 27GN950-B is tough to beat.
Best for gaming		LG 27GN950-B 27-inch UltraGear Gaming Monitor		SEE IT	The LG 27GN950-B has a sharp 4K display, excellent HDR, and a fast refresh rate.
Best budget		LG 27MP450-B		SEE IT	Shoppers on a budget won’t find many monitors better than the 27-inch LG 27MP450-B.

LG is best known for home appliances and OLED TVs, but it also makes some of the best PC monitors out there right now. We looked closely at the company’s current monitor lineup and found several good options in various sizes, shapes, and prices. There are ultrawide monitors for boosting your productivity, and high-end UltraFine displays that promise the best color accuracy, sharpness, and detail for editing photos and video. Whether upgrading your home setup or adding something to the office, the best LG monitors will bring PCs to life with sharp contrast and bright colors.

• Best overall: LG 27GP950-B 27-inch UltraGear Gaming Monitor
• Best for gaming: LG 27GN950-B 27-inch UltraGear Gaming Monitor
• Best for Mac: LG UltraFine 5K
• Best 4K: LG UltraFine 32-inch OLED Pro Display
• Best 34-inch: LG 34GP83A UltraGear Gaming Monitor
• Best for photo editing: LG UltraFine 32-inch 4K Monitor
• Best budget: LG 27MP450-B

How we chose the best LG monitors

I’ve spent the past 10 years testing and reviewing consumer electronics for TechnoBuffalo, XDA Developers, and iMore. In that time, I’ve evaluated several monitors, closely examining display quality, color accuracy, and other essential metrics. When not evaluating monitors for a review, I’m using one to watch movies, play video games, and edit photos. The time I’ve spent using various monitors has given me valuable insight into what specs to look for before making a purchase.

To make our selections, I drew on my prior testing and experience and individual reviews from critics, consumer comments, and conversations on forums. Whether you’re looking for a monitor that fits a specific need or need one for general use, we’ve got you covered.

The best LG monitors: Reviews & Recommendations

Now that you know what to look for, let’s talk about the best LG monitors you buy right now. We’ve highlighted all kinds of monitors for different use cases, so every type of LG-loving PC user should find something that meets their needs.

Best overall: LG 27GP950-B 27-inch UltraGear Gaming Monitor

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Why it made the cut: A rare 4K IPS display that can hit 144Hz, the LG 27GP950-B offers the best of everything.

Specs

• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Size: 27-inch
• Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, USB-B
• Panel type: IPS
• HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 600
• Price: $799

Pros

• 4K display
• VESA DisplayHDR 600
• HDMI 2.1

Cons

• Low contrast

Equipped with a 4K IPS panel, the LG 27GP950-B perfectly blends luxury features and practical upgrades for gamers and creatives. Its 27-inch, 144Hz screen is big enough to comfortably run several apps at once but not so big that it will overwhelm your workspace. 

It provides vibrant colors—98 percent of the DCI-P3 wide color gamut—and incredible brightness for HDR, earning it a VESA DisplayHDR 600 rating. Throw in a 1ms response time, as well as G-Sync compatibility and FreeSync Pro support, and you’ve got a finely tuned display for photo and video editors and gamers with top-of-the-line hardware.

The LG 27GP950-B features two HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports with upstream support. An upstream port can connect a monitor to a computer, while downstream can connect a monitor to peripherals.

Best for gaming: LG 27GN950-B 27-inch UltraGear Gaming Monitor

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Why it made the cut: The LG 27GN950-B has a sharp 4K display, excellent HDR, and a fast refresh rate.

Specs

• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Size: 27-inch
• Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x USB-A 3.0
• Panel type: IPS
• HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 600
• Price: $707.99

Pros

• Excellent 4K picture
• VESA DisplayHDR 600
• 98 percent of DCI-P3 color gamut

Cons

• Monitor stand unable to swivel left or right
• No HDMI 2.1

The LG 27GN950-B, part of LG’s UltraGear series, offers sharp picture quality and a high refresh rate. The 27-inch IPS 4K monitor features a 144Hz refresh rate, complete with G-Sync and FreeSync support. It’s no slouch on color accuracy either, covering 98 percent DCI-P3 wide color gamut.

The LG 27GN950-B also has plenty of connection options, including 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and 2 USB-A 3.0 ports, perfect to connect to any configuration of gaming laptop or PC. It also meets our coveted VESA DisplayHDR 600 standard, so you’ll enjoy rich color reproduction and contrast. That means gamers can enjoy a picture that’s color-accurate, bright and vibrant.

Best for Mac: LG UltraFine 5K

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Why it made the cut: The LG UltraFine for Mac features spectacular performance and a high contrast ratio, making it the perfect choice for creatives.

Specs

• Resolution: 5120 x 2880
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Size: 27-inch
• Ports: Thunderbolt 1, USB-C 3
• Panel type: LCD
• HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400
• Price: $1,154.99

Pros

• 5K resolution
• Tight integration with macOS
• Built-in webcam and speakers

Cons

• Price
• Low refresh rate

Apple actually introduced the LG Ultrafine 5K display alongside its updated 2016 MacBooks, and it was the best monitor for Macs until the Studio Display’s introduction in early 2022. Nearly seven years after its introduction, the LG Ultrafine 5K is still the best Mac monitor not made by Apple itself—though it may not hold that crown for long. This monitor’s biggest advantage is its tight integration with macOS—because it was designed to be the external display for Apple computers, it has privileges other screens don’t.

The Ultrafine 5K can connect to a Mac using a single Thunderbolt 3 cable, which carries video, audio, and power; this means a MacBook will charge while connected. Around the back of the monitor, you’ll find three USB-C ports for accessories. One of the most significant advantages is that you can adjust the Ultrafine 5K’s brightness and volume using an Apple keyboard rather than fumbling with controls. That’s good because the display has no physical controls—everything is controlled using software.

In our tests, the Ultrafine 5K looks incredible. Its high-resolution screen is certainly up to Apple’s standards—it’s the same panel that was featured in the now-discontinued 5K iMac—so videographers and photographers will be able to do professional color grading work. Anyone who works best with a lot of windows on their screen will appreciate the (digital) real estate for apps. This monitor’s built-in speakers, microphone, and webcam are only okay, but it’s better to have them than not. Mac users will always be ready for a last-minute video chat without worrying about whether the webcam is plugged in (or even in the same room).

While the LG Ultrafine 5K has held up pretty well over the years, its low refresh rate is kind of a bummer. MacOS isn’t a gaming platform, but the increase in smoothness while scrolling or doing work will be sorely missed if you’re coming from a high refresh rate display. The monitor’s plastic casing is even more disappointing given the quality of the screen itself—especially at a price tag that hovers over $1,000. Still, if you want the best LG monitor for Mac users, the Ultrafine 5K is the best option.

Best 4K: LG UltraFine 32-inch OLED Pro Display

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Why it made the cut: LG’s UltraFine 32-inch OLED Pro Display’s 4K screen will help creatives get the most out of their images and videos.

Specs

• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Size: 32-inch
• Ports: USB-C 3.1, 3 x USB-A 3.1, USB-B, HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4
• Panel type: OLED
• HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400
• Price: $2,237.99

Pros

• 4K OLED Display
• High contrast ratio
• 99 percent of Adobe RGB and DCI-P3

Cons

• Expensive
• Low refresh rate

Okay, so we’re kind of cheating. LG also makes a 32-inch version of the UltraFine OLED Pro Display, and it’s definitely the best LG monitor if 4K resolution is a professional priority. Both the 27-inch and 32-inch UltraFine OLED Pro Displays are great for content creation, but the extra screen real estate of the 32-inch gives you more room to appreciate all those pixels.

You can’t do much better in LG’s lineup for the sharpest, most accurate picture. This is the monitor you need if you edit photos or videos for a living. If you’re looking for a 4K gaming display, our top pick, the LG 27GP950-B UltraGear, will be a better fit.

Best 34-inch: LG 34GP83A UltraGear Gaming Monitor

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Why it made the cut: The LG 34GP83A features an expansive 34-inch display, 98-percent coverage of DCI-P3, and VESA DisplayHDR 400.

Specs

• Resolution: 3440 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Size: 34-inch
• Ports: 2 x HDMI 3.0, 2 x USB-A 3.0, USB-B 3.0, DisplayPort 1.4
• Panel type: IPS
• HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400
• Price: $708

Pros

• Ultra-wide screen
• 98-percent coverage of DCI-P3
• Decent port selection

Cons

• Curved ultrawide displays aren’t for everyone

A curved ultrawide display is excellent for multitasking, and the LG 34GP83A is our favorite in LG’s lineup. The 34-inch IPS display offers a resolution of 3440 x 1400 at a 21:9 wider-than-widescreen aspect ratio. With a 21:9 display, You get about 30 percent more horizontal screen space than a conventional 16:9 monitor, providing plenty of room to keep an eye on many apps at once.

The wider screen is also great for immersive gaming. The 34GP83A has a 144Hz refresh rate that can be overclocked to 160Hz, a 1ms response time, and G-Sync compatibility. The display also features 98 percent coverage of DCI-P3 and VESA DisplayHDR 400, so it’s not a bad option for editing photos and videos. Finally, there are two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-B 3.0, and two USB-A 3.0 ports. If you want to cram all the functionality and screen real estate of a multi-monitor setup into one screen, the LG 34GP83A can do that for you.

Best for photo editing: LG UltraFine 32-inch 4K Monitor

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Why it made the cut: The LG 32UL950-W features a color-accurate 32-inch display, 98-percent DCI-P3 coverage, and a VESA DisplayHDR 600 rating.

Specs

• Resolution: 3840×2160
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Size: 32-inch
• Ports: HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x USB-A 3.0, 2 x Thunderbolt 3.0
• Panel type: IPS
• HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 600
• Price: $696.99

Pros

• Thunderbolt 3 for fast data transfer
• 98-percent coverage of DCI-P3
• Decent port selection

Cons

• 32-inch display may feel too big for some

Another selection from LG’s UltraFine line for creative professionals, the LG 32UL950-W is a terrific choice for photo editors who need a big display with the best possible color accuracy. The 32-inch IPS 4K panel boasts a 1,300:1 contrast ratio, 98-percent DCI-P3 coverage, so you’ll be able to color-grade your images to look as close to real life as possible. The monitor also supports HDR10 and 600-Nit brightness, so your photos will look bright and vibrant on-screen.

Other features offered by the LG 32UL950-W include AMD FreeSync and plenty of ports, including HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and a few USB-A 3.0 ports. The monitor offers two Thunderbolt 3.0 connectors, one of which can be used for quickly transferring images to your computer.

Best budget: LG 27MP450-B

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Why it made the cut: The LG 27MP450-B isn’t as advanced as our other picks, but it nails the basics at an affordable price.

Specs

• Resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh rate: 75Hz
• Size: 27-inch
• Ports: HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4
• Panel type: IPS
• HDR: None
• Price: $169.99

Pros

• Affordable
• FreeSync support
• Sleek design

Cons

• No HDR
• Lacks USB hub

LG’s top monitors skew expensive but the company also makes plenty of great budget and mid-range monitors. The LG 27MP450-B features a 27-inch Full HD display, 75Hz refresh rate, and FreeSync support, which is good enough for most people who perform basic office tasks like word processing and web browsing. It also features a few extra features like Reader Mode, which reduces blue light, and a Flicker Safe mode, which puts less strain on your eyes during extended viewing. The monitor lacks a few luxuries that you’d expect to find based on our other top picks, including HDR10 and a USB hub, but it’s an affordable display that’s a good fit for most home offices.

What to consider when shopping for the best LG monitors for you

Monitors have especially dense and obtuse spec sheets that can overwhelm even tech-savvy customers. To help you make the right decision for your home and setup, let’s walk through the key differentiators that will help you pick between two potentially very similar screens.

Resolution and size

Your screen’s resolution refers to the number of pixels your monitor uses to create an image. There are three common screen resolutions: 1920 x 1080, also called 1080p or Full HD; 2560 x 1440 pixels, which we shorten 1440p or Quad HD (QHD). Lastly, 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) is available among high-end gaming and creative-focused monitors. 

We find that a 1080p monitor looks great for everyday computing—web browsing, Netflix and YouTube, word processing, and spreadsheets. If you’re gaming, especially on a mid-range or high-powered gaming PC, 1440p is a sharp-looking sweet spot. Considering the high price and limitations on refresh rate, we primarily recommend 4K displays for professionals in creative fields like photography and video editing. There are variations that deviate from these three core resolutions, like LG’s Apple-approved 5K Display. More often than not, though, they’re often just a smidge higher than the standards, offering you a minor upgrade if you want a little more detail.

When picking a display, it helps to keep in mind that the size of your screen will impact how sharp your display looks at any given resolution. A 24-inch 4K display and 32-inch 4K display both show the same amount of pixels, but spread them across areas. 

Currently, most displays come in 24-, 27-, or 32-inch sizes. In general, we think you should scale your desired resolution with your screen size to ensure the sharpest possible picture without overpaying for pixels you don’t need. Stick with 1080p on a 24-inch monitor. Go for 1440 if possible with 27 inches. And splurge on 4K if you want a 32-inch display. These are not hard and fast rules—we’ve recommended 27-inch 4K displays in the past, for example, but they can help you set expectations and narrow down your options.

Refresh rate

Your monitor’s refresh rate, expressed in Hertz (Hz), refers to the number of times your monitor draws and redraws what you see on your screen each second. The faster the image refreshes, the smoother and more fluid animated elements will look, from your mouse scrolling across the screen, to a wildly detailed video game.

Modern monitors offer a wide range of refresh rates, most of which were conceived with gaming in mind. The basic refresh rate you’ll find on most productivity-focused monitors falls between 60Hz and 75Hz. This is more than enough to make Windows or macOS look smooth, along with the Microsoft Office suite and other common apps.

For gamers and anyone who wants smoother animations, we recommend prioritizing a 144Hz refresh rate, which allows players to run most games with uncapped frame rates on a powerful PC. In theory, the higher refresh rate will give you the opportunity to react more quickly than someone who owns a 60Hz monitor, giving you a slight advantage.

On top of that, there’s a growing number of esports-grade monitors that offer higher refresh rates—240Hz, 300Hz, and 360Hz. Most players don’t need such a high frame rate, but competitive players may find themselves drawn to them all the same.

If you’re thinking about getting a gaming monitor, you’ll also want to consider whether your monitor supports variable refresh rate technology, which scales your monitor’s target refresh rate to match your PC’s performance. Most modern displays support either Nvidia G–Sync or AMD FreeSync, but it helps to know what you’re getting.

Connectivity

Most modern computers send video and audio to your monitor using an HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C connection. They’re essential for displaying video on your monitor of choice, and each method has its strengths and weaknesses.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface, or HDMI, is the most familiar port. You’re probably familiar with the HDMI cable, since it’s been the standard connection for TVs since it was conceived in 2002 and has been a staple on monitors for many years. Most monitors feature HDMI 2.0, which is not quite the newest version. Some monitors made with console gaming in mind may feature HDMI 2.1, the newest standard. You may also find some older and/or cheaper monitors that use older HDMI connections. (For more on the differences between the many iterations of HDMI, check out our explainer on HDMI 2.1.)

Unlike HDMI, you probably won’t find DisplayPort in too many places aside from PCs and monitors. HDMI hasn’t physically changed since its introduction, but DisplayPort comes in a few different forms. There are multiple versions of DisplayPort, including 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 2.0. Each version supports different resolutions and refresh rates. We recommend looking out for monitors that support DisplayPort 1.4 (and above), which ensures support for up to 8K with HDR at 60Hz. You can get by with DisplayPort 1.3, which supports up to 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 30Hz, but it doesn’t feature HDR, which limits high-end visual fidelity for gaming. 

USB-C is the new kid on the monitor connection block, but it’s an increasingly appealing option, especially if you’re using a modern laptop. USB-C monitors connections can transfer data, video, and power through a single cable, so your monitor cable can also charge your laptop. It’s especially helpful for Mac users, as many modern MacBooks have USB-C ports, but no HDMI or other ports.

Speaking of USB-C, monitors can also augment your PC’s array of ports with a few extra connections on the bottom or sides for connecting computer peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, and external hard drives. We think of extra ports as icing on the cake, though, rather than a good reason to buy or abstain from buying any particular display.

If your monitor lacks ports but has a USB-C connection, you might be able to use a powered USB hub to connect different peripherals, including an SD card to transfer photos and videos.

Panel type

The actual screens in most monitors are Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panels lit by LED backlights. There are three panel types used in most modern monitors, and our LG picks focus on two of them: Vertical alignment, or VA, and in-plane switching, or IPS.

IPS panels are great if you are a photo or video editor because they offer excellent color performance, often providing 95% or higher of the Digital Cinema Initiatives – Protocol 3 (DCI-P3) standard, a more expansive color space used by the film industry. IPS is often the go-to for gaming displays as it offers a strong balance between great color, at the expense of getting the darkest possible blacks.

VA panels offer excellent contrast ratios, so shadows and dark scenes are rich and detailed. They also provide great image quality, color reproduction, and refresh rate. However, some VA panels have poor viewing angles, so you’ll need to sit directly in front of them for the best experience. This makes them a strong pick for curved and ultrawide displays, as well as creative production monitors where accuracy is paramount.

High dynamic range (HDR)

High dynamic range, or HDR, is a display technology that shows greater detail in scenes with higher contrast. Imagine watching a scene in a movie with dim and bright light. It’s a challenging scenario, but with HDR, a monitor or TV can accurately show details while displaying rich, vibrant colors.

HDR is now all-but-standard in TVs, but counts as a gaming-focused luxury among monitors. Even when monitors support it, their limited brightness prevents them from achieving the same visual effect that you see on a TV. A dim screen can have difficulty differentiating between high- and low-light situations, so if you want the best HDR performance, you’ll need to find a display with a high peak brightness. When picking out a gaming monitor, we generally recommend looking for VESA DisplayHDR 600 rating or higher, or HDR10. If you’re planning on playing games, HDR 400 or higher is a nice value add, but not worth fretting over.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best LG monitors

• Best overall: LG 27GP950-B 27-inch UltraGear Gaming Monitor
• Best for gaming: LG 27GN950-B 27-inch UltraGear Gaming Monitor
• Best for Mac: LG UltraFine 5K
• Best 4K: LG UltraFine 32-inch OLED Pro Display
• Best 34-inch: LG 34GP83A UltraGear Gaming Monitor
• Best for photo editing: LG UltraFine 32-inch 4K Monitor
• Best budget: LG 27MP450-B

Whether you’re a gamer, creator, or someone who simply cares deeply about display quality, LG’s lineup of monitors is worth checking out. They produce bright, accurate colors and sharp, high-resolution pictures, just like you find in its top-of-the-line OLED TVs.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best LG monitors in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Dell Ultrasharp U2720QM		SEE IT	Think of 4K the way you do a 401(k): It’s a smart investment.
Best ultrawide monitor		Samsung Odyssey Neo G9		SEE IT	For truly voracious content consumers and creators, this monitor offers an astounding 32:9 aspect ratio and pinpoint details.
Best budget		AOC C24G1A Curved Frameless Monitor		SEE IT	Proof that a small change can be a big improvement.

Monitors for home offices have become essential pieces of the remote work lifestyle. We can even spend lunch hours and happy hours in front of them. The home office can transform a corner of the second bedroom into a conference room. An interface for coworkers, teachers, friends, and family, the right monitor in a work-from-home setup can be central to improving both our outlook and using Outlook. So let’s, well, screen options for the best monitors for home office.

• Best Overall: Dell Ultrasharp U2720QM
• Best 4K for gamers: LG UltraGear 27GN950-B Monitor
• Best ultrawide monitor: Samsung Odyssey G9 Monitor
• Best for Mac: Apple Studio Display
• Best USB-C: Dell S2722QC
• Best budget: AOC C24G1A Curved Frameless Monitor

How we chose the best monitors for home offices

We have home offices of our own here at PopSci, complete with standing desks and file cabinets. To find the best monitors for home offices, we referenced what we learned from past monitor coverage and applied it here. We also look at reviews, recommendations, performed hands-on testing, and did heavy research when narrowing down our choices.

The best monitors for home offices: Reviews & Recommendations

A 4K monitor for gaming is going to perform differently than one meant for office use. One of our choices will surely be a great addition to your office setup and still give you room to work and play. Just add a laptop or PC, ergonomic chair, ergonomic mouse, top-notch keyboard, and you’re in business.

Best 4K: Dell Ultrasharp U2720QM

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 27-inches
• Resolution: 4K
• Ports: Two HDMI, two DisplayPorts, one USB-C, two USB-A, one headphone jack
• Refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros

• Size
• Resolution
• Port selection

Cons

• Lower refresh rate
• Price

If you’ve got to crunch the numbers, you shouldn’t have to squint to see them, and the Dell Ultrasharp U2720QM monitor for home office offers 27 inches of crisp 4K display space at a competitive price of about $600. The IPS (that’s In-Plane Switching) LED panel delivers a clearer picture from any angle, features 163 pixels per inch, and has a 1,300:1 contrast ratio (the more above 1,000 that the left number goes, the better). Plus, it offers 95 percent of the P3 gamut, which is the color space many of us have gotten used to watching video. The best Dell monitor for home office supports HDR, or high dynamic range, which means more visible detail, especially in the darker areas of the screen. So, even if the folks from accounting aren’t good about lighting their Zoom calls, you can see more of their faces. And, with USB-C, DisplayPort, and HDMI inputs, the U2720QM is ready to connect to pretty much any standard computer (and it can be used to charge and/or daisy chain USB-C devices).

Need something more specialized? Well, if you’re a video editor, you should check out the best monitors for color grading, while aspiring e-sports professionals can look through the best gaming monitors or read more below.

Best 4K for gamers: LG UltraGear 27GN950-B Monitor

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 27-inches
• Resolution: 4K
• Ports: Two HDMI, Two USB-A, one USB-B, a headphone jack, one DisplayPort
• Refresh rate: 144Hz

Pros

• High refresh rate
• Port selection
• Resolution

Cons

• Price

If a monitor is the window to a game’s soul, you don’t want to shortchange all the passion put into these immersive worlds, do you? With the right hardware support, the LG 27GN950-B’s “Nano IPS” panel can achieve a 144Hz refresh rate (overclocked to 160Hz) and 1ms response time, which is ridiculous for a 4K monitor. It is both G-SYNC and FreeSync—offering flexibility if you do decide to purchase a top-shelf graphics card—but is a solid performer with low input lag right out of the box, offering multiple calibration presets and customizable parameters. It’s a very bright monitor, which is great for fighting the glare of a workday with suboptimal lighting (though, conversely, it might not have the best contrast for dark-room gaming, where a VA panel is preferred). It’s not too terribly much more than an office-oriented 4K monitor, has all the standard ports (USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort), and is capable of delivering a clear, tearing-free experience whether shooting off emails or tearing through another campaign.

Not all monitors have to be a major investment, however, as the best cheap gaming monitors can attest.

Best ultrawide: Samsung Odyssey G9 Monitor

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Specs

• Size: 49 inches
• Resolution: 5120 x 1440
• Ports: One HDMI port, two DisplayPorts, Three USB-A ports
• Refresh rate: 240Hz

Pros

• Refresh rate
• Size
• HDR support

Cons

• May be too big
• Price

The best Samsung monitor for truly voracious content consumers and creators, the Odyssey G9 offers an astounding 32:9 aspect ratio, driven by a company known for its pin-sharp panel innovations. Using QLED technology, this DQHD monitor features 5,120 by 1,440 resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, and HDR10. It has a curvature of 1000R, which matches the human eye and keeps the entire image at the same distance to minimize eye strain, with great peak brightness and reflection handling perfect for those well-lit office appointments. There’s no doubt this represents the pinnacle of side-by-side document comparison, and a Picture-in-Picture feature lets multiple devices be displayed simultaneously. It’s also a monitor optimized for G-SYNC/FreeSync and the motion handling of gaming (making it one of our favorite ultrawide gaming monitors).

Best for Mac: Apple Studio Display

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: It’s expensive and not without issues, but Apple’s Studio Display is an attainable 5K display with all the design flourishes you’d expect from an Apple product.

Specs

• Size: 27-inch
• Resolution: 5120 x 2880
• Ports: Thunderbolt 3/USB-C (96W), USB-C (3)
• Refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros

• 5K display with fantastic color accuracy
• Deep sound from built-in speakers
• 12-megapixel webcam with Center Stage support

Cons

• Expensive

For Mac lovers, the new Apple Studio Display finally delivers on the promise of a high-end monitor made by Apple for its desktop fans and MacBook aficionados. It isn’t as performant as Apple’s premium Pro Display XDR, which costs upwards of $6,000. Still, you get a great 27-inch, 5K display with many quality-of-life features like a Thunderbolt 3 port that delivers 96W of power, three USB-C ports, and one of the best speaker systems you’ll find in a monitor. 

The biggest benefit of using a computer and monitor designed by Apple is that the two work together within the company’s hardware ecosystem. The MacBook Pro we used while testing the display immediately recognized the monitor each time we connected the two. Additionally—and this is admittedly an aesthetic luxury rather than a necessity—its glass and aluminum body looks sharp on a desk. Similarly, we were caught off guard by the quality of the Studio Display’s speakers. Bass was punchy, with ample detail still in the mids and highs.

The only sticking point, beyond the monitor’s price, is the quality of its 12MP webcam. The issue is that the company opted to sacrifice overall visual fidelity for the sake of supporting a feature called Center Stage. This means the webcam will zoom in and crop its image to keep you in the middle of the frame. It’ll also pan around as you move around. This is a neat feature, but we’d have preferred a better-looking webcam.

Still, this is one of, if not the best, of the monitors you can get if you’re an Apple hardware fan outfitting your home office.

Best USB-C: Dell S2722QC

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Specs

• Size: 27-inch
• Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K)
• Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x USB Type-C, 2 x USB-A, 1 x headphone jack
• Max refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros

• 65W of USB Type-C Power Delivery means you can charge your laptop while you use it
• Sturdy Stand
• Rotation and height adjustment

Cons

• Response rate too low for gaming

More and more computers are adopting USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, and if your computer is equipped with one, we strongly suggest checking out Dell’s S2722QC. In our tests, we found its build quality to be excellent—despite its frame being made from plastic—especially the sturdiness of its stand and foot. We could rotate the display by 90 degrees with nary a wobble. Critically, you can adjust this display’s height so you can find an ergonomic position to work in that won’t strain your neck.

Unsurprisingly, this monitor’s USB-C port is its best feature—our 13-inch MacBook Pro never had a problem connecting or charging—but it’s complemented by a pair of HDMI ports, a couple of USB-A ports, and a headphone jack. Those USB-A ports are useful if you decide to connect a webcam and external hard drive to your machine when you plug your laptop into this display.

Overall, we were pleased with the look of Dell’s S2722QC during everyday use. It was more than sufficient for tasks like reading articles, streaming video, and being a part of digital meetings. The display’s color accuracy was suitable for casual photo editing, but professionals are better off with a display that covers the entire sRGB color spectrum. On the other hand, the monitor’s 4K resolution made those photos, videos, and text we viewed look clear.

Our time with the Dell S2722QC shows just how far USB-C monitors have come recently. To get this level of performance from a display that’s this inexpensive is remarkable and proves the company’s commitment to pushing premium features in less expensive hardware.

Best budget: AOC C24G1A Curved Frameless Monitor

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 24-inches
• Resolution: 1080P
• Ports:
• Refresh rate: 165Hz

Pros

• High refresh rate
• Freesync support
• Height adjustable

Cons

• May not be big enough
• Not high resolution enough for creative work

An FHD display with up to a 165Hz refresh rate, the AOC C24G1A monitor features a 1,500R curved VA (Vertical Alignment) panel and 3,000:1 contrast ratio, meaning it will offer inky blacks and vivid colors. You won’t get the same color gamut as an IPS monitor, but you will get some added depth to the physical experience. The monitor’s frame is unobtrusive, and the sturdy stand has height, swivel, and tilt adjustments, offering a well-rounded, responsive experience. You’re restricted to using HDMI or DisplayPort as your connection, but the monitor still offers a lot of upscale, cinematic features for a low price and will improve the general work environment.

If your work involves travel or devices in multiple locations, another cheap option is the 15.6-inch Lepow HD USB-C display—the best portable monitor for mobile presentations. It’s not a replacement, more an extension of your desktop—think an iPad, minus everything but the screen. For just under $200, you get a 1080p IPS Eye Care panel with Mini-HDMI and USB-C ports (and a built-in cover) to connect a laptop, smartphone, or gaming device while on the go.

What to consider when shopping for the best monitors for home offices

Size

Naturally, the first spec you should consider when buying a monitor for your home office is its size. Most external monitors measure between 24 and 27 inches diagonally, which is roughly double the size of a 13-inch laptop display. This is a big enough canvas to make creating digital art or multitasking a lot easier. There are monitors above and below those sizes, too, depending on your needs.

Resolution

A monitor’s resolution will dictate how crisp text, images, videos, and games look, and its importance varies based on what you’re doing. A 1080P HD monitor is perfectly fine for gaming, but won’t cut it for high-resolution photo and video editing. Conversely, a 4K monitor is better for creative professionals but won’t be as important for gamers unless you plan on playing high-end titles at their maximum settings.

Ports

Most external monitors have both HDMI and DisplayPorts, which will allow you to connect a computer to it without the need for an adapter. Some monitors suited for home office use also have USB-C ports, which allow them to act like a hub for smaller accessories like a webcam or external hard drive.

Refresh Rate

This spec dictates how quickly the new information can update the screen. This is the most important feature to consider if you primarily plan on using the monitor for gaming. Every millisecond counts when playing games and can make the difference between winning and losing, so seeing your character move as quickly as possible will make a big difference.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best monitors for home offices

• Best 4K: Dell Ultrasharp U2720QM
• Best 4K for gamers: LG UltraGear 27GN950-B Monitor
• Best ultrawide monitor: Samsung Odyssey G9 Monitor
• Best USB-C: Dell S2722QC
• Best for Mac: Apple Studio Display
• Best cheap monitor: AOC C24G1A Curved Frameless Monitor

Finding the best monitors for home office can take some time, but it’s worth it. Folks always talk about the benefits of investing in real estate. Well, the same goes for screen real estate. When it comes to a work-from-home setup, you may not always start with the optimal space, but if you approach selecting the best monitor for home office like the most cost-effective renovation, you’ll find one simple upgrade can substantially improve your workstation.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best monitors for home offices in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B		SEE IT	The LG UltraGear 27GN650-B works delivers solid gaming specs and high performance for a rotating display.
Best for gaming		Asus VG248QG		SEE IT	The Asus VG248QG gives you competitive speed at a very low price.
Best budget		HP VH240a		SEE IT	It’s hard to believe, but the HP VH240a is a perfectly fine secondary display and costs less than $250.

Add a vertical monitor to your setup to drastically improve your work and gaming. If you’re crunched for space or primarily use it as a secondary display to show a long, scrolling website like Twitter or Facebook, the best vertical monitors give you useful options for optimizing your setup. Rotating a display from landscape to portrait mode can also convey ergonomic benefits. In vertical (or portrait mode), you aren’t moving your eyes, head, and neck from left to right as much. Less movement results in a more comfortable viewing experience. Plus, it’s easier to scroll up and down than from left to right (don’t take my word for it, look at the scrolling design of your mouse!). Vertical monitors are still a relatively new concept, so it’s not a standard feature. It’s also only one part of the display: You still need to judge core elements like resolution, size, and refresh rate, to name a few. Realistically, you don’t need top specs if you’re looking for a secondary screen to flip. Still, the best vertical monitors do more than just rotate, and here are our picks to add this extra efficiency feature into your workflow. 

• Best overall: LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B
• Best for gaming: Asus VG248QG
• Best for coding: Samsung S27R650FDN
• Best for streaming: Dell 25 Gaming Monitor (S2522HG)
• Best 4K: Philips Brilliance 279P1
• Best portable: KYY K3 
• Best budget: HP VH240a

How we chose the best vertical monitors

As a freelance journalist for over 10 years, I’ve reviewed home and tech products for many publications, including Popular Science, CNN Underscored, NBC News Select, Popular Mechanics, Architectural Digest, Tom’s Guide, The Daily Beast, USA Today’s Reviewed, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and Bob Vila. Our vertical monitor selections are based on personal testing, extensive research, recommendations from experts and fellow critics, and user impressions.

The best vertical monitors: Reviews & Recommendations

Vertical monitors are a relatively new concept, so it isn’t a universal feature. That said, plenty of great ones at various price points with wildly varying specs. Some have a better framerate, and others have a better response time. They also vary in size and price. However, at least one of these monitors should have everything you need, whether rotating your primary display or keeping a secondary screen permanently vertical on the side.

Best overall: LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: For the price, this monitor combines the best features and also has plenty of inputs.

Specs

• Size: 27-inch
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Response time: 1ms
• Ports:  2 x HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0, DisplayPort 1.4, 3.5mm Audio

Pros

• Clear, impressive image
• Adjustable height and angle
• Plenty of inputs
• Anti-glare coating

Cons

• No built-in speakers

The LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B Monitor has the perfect number of features without costing an arm and a leg. The generous 27-inch 1440p monitor provides plenty of screen real estate and great viewing angles, whether you’re viewing it vertically or horizontally. It’s good for both work and gaming, with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. There are also many inputs, including two HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Last but not least, it also offers nice adjustability: Both the stand’s height and the monitor’s angle can be adjusted, and the stand has a cable holder in the back. 

Best for gaming: ASUS VG248QG

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: For a sub-$200 monitor, the Asus VG248QG gives you incredible speedy specs, including 165Hz refresh rate and a 0.5ms response time.

Specs

• Size: 24-inch
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh rate: 165Hz
• Response time: 0.5ms
• Ports: HDMI 1.4, DVID, DisplayPort 1.2, headphone jack, Audio In

Pros

• High refresh rate
• Tilts, swivels, height adjustable
• Numerous inputs
• Eye care

Cons

• No built-in speakers

We’re beyond impressed with the ASUS VG248QG. It features some strong specs for a gaming monitor that costs less than $200, including a 165Hz refresh rate and a 0.5ms response time. The 24-inch display features a stand that rotates, tilts, swivels, and features height adjustment options, making it an ergonomic choice. It also features eye-strain protections, including an anti-glare screen and blue light filter. Throw in Nvidia G-Sync compatibility to minimize your screen tearing, and you’ve got a very solid complement to a gaming PC for a very nice price. 

Best for coding: Samsung S27R650FDN

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: Amazon

Why it made the cut: This HD monitor has a high refresh rate, a plethora of ports, and settings to keep your eyes from fatigue.

Specs

• Size: 27-inch
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (1080p)
• Refresh rate: 75Hz
• Response time: 5ms
• Ports: HDMI 1.4, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x USB 3.0 ports, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x USB Type-B, VGA, 3.5mm audio

Pros

• Eye Saver Mode
• Wide viewing angle for collaboration
• Full array of ports panel

Cons

• HD resolution

We selected Samsung’s S27R650FDN as one of the best monitors for programming, and it’s our only recommendation that can be rotated 90 degrees.

A big part of this monitor’s appeal is its relatively low cost, but you’re getting a lot of value for your money. The display has a modern-looking slim bezel design, higher-than-average refresh rate, and an impressive array of ports. If you connect the monitor to your computer using the USB Type B port (this is only used to transfer data, not a video connection), you can use the display’s USB-A ports for accessories.

Especially useful for teams and collaborative efforts, the Samsung S27R650FDN has a 172-degree viewing angle, which can be helpful if you want to get another set of eyes on your latest build. The display’s eye-saver mode reduces the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes by tinting the screen. This is an essential feature if you’ve found your eyes sting after a long day (or night) coding.

This monitor’s only drawback is its 1080P resolution, which will show less detail than a 4K display. This won’t impact your work if you only have one window open, but it might feel a little tight if you’re trying to keep multiple apps open and on-screen simultaneously.

Best for streaming: Dell 25 Gaming Monitor (S2522HG)

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: With a 240Hz refresh rate, crystal clear picture, and ambient lighting, the Dell S2522HG makes it easy to see what you’re doing and put your best foot forward.

Specs

• Size: 25-inch
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Response time: 1ms
• Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, 5 x USB 3.2 ports, 3.5mm headphone jack

Pros

• Clear, colorful images
• Super fast
• Ambient lighting
• Lots of ports

Cons

• No built-in speakers

The Dell S2522HG is a very affordable, very fast gaming monitor with features that make it a strong pick for streamers. The 25-inch 1080p IPS panel features strong color accuracy, making it a good fit for content creation. An esports-grade 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time allow for snappy gameplay. It also features ComfortView blue light reduction, which helps you avoid eye strain from blue light while streaming for a long time. 

It’s also a very adjustable monitor, with swivel, tilt, and height adjustment options on the stand. Last but not least, it has a ton of ports, including two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, five USB 3.2 ports, which will come in handy as your streaming setup expands.

Best 4K: Philips Brilliance 279P1

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The Philips Brilliance 279P1 is a slick, affordable 4K USB-C display.

Specs

• Size: 27-inch
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Response time: 4ms
• Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C, 4 x USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio out, Ethernet

Pros

• Stunning images
• Supports USB-C connection, which charges laptops
• Built-in Speakers
• Swivel, tilt, and also adjust the stand’s height  

Cons

• 4K is overkill for most vertical applications

Certain features usually push the price of a monitor sky-high. The ability to connect a PC via USB-C is one, as is offering 4K resolution. It is impressive, then, that the Philips Brilliance 279P1 offers both for less than $500. While not cheap, it’s a very solid value for both features. The 279P1 provides extremely clear, extremely detailed images and features an “Easy Read” setting that increases contrast and adjusts brightness for reading text files. The monitor is height adjustable and also tilts and swivels. Inputs include two HDMI ports, in addition to DisplayPort, four USB ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio out.

Best portable monitor: KYY K3

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The KYY K3 is an easy-to-use portable display for when you need a vertical monitor away from home.

Specs

• Size: 15.6-inch
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Response time: N/A
• Ports: Mini HDMI, 2 x USB-C, 3.5mm audio in

Pros

• Lightweight
• Cover serves as a stand
• Built-in speakers

Cons

• Limited ports

If you need a portable monitor that you can toss in your bag and that works well in vertical mode with any additional support, we recommend the KYY 15.6-inch Portable Monitor. It’s small—lighter than an iPad—but still outputs at 1080p like most of the full-size monitors on our list. It connects via HDMI or USB-C to connect your laptop, smartphone, or game console. Though the monitor comes with a smart cover that doubles as a stand for landscape mode, the KYY K3 also works as a portrait, or vertical, display.

Best budget: HP VH240a

SEE IT

Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: If you plan to set a monitor vertically and leave it that way, the HP VH240a does everything you need and doesn’t cost much.

Specs

• Size: 24-inch
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Response time: 5ms
• Ports: HDMI, VGA

Pros

• Great price
• Built-in speakers
• Height adjustable

Cons

• No DisplayPort

The HP VH240a is a stellar monitor to buy specifically for a permanent vertical setup. For less than $200, about as little as you can spend on a new monitor, you’ll get a decent 1080p productivity display with a highly adjustable stand and slim bezels. Obviously, any recommendation in this price range comes with caveats. Aside from baseline specs, the VH240a cannot connect to your PC via DisplayPort, which may be a non-starter for some people.

What to consider when choosing the best vertical monitors

The concept of a “vertical monitor” is kind of a misnomer. Most monitors, our selections included, aren’t explicitly designed to be used in landscape orientation. On top of that, most people aren’t going to use their primary display in a vertical orientation. For most people, including some of PopSci’s staff, your vertical monitor is the secondary screen that you turn for Slack or Twitter or whatever you prefer.

Given that, the best vertical monitors are usually budget-friendly generalist displays. You don’t need a high refresh rate for a vertical monitor. You usually don’t need 4K resolution or the most precise color accuracy. Obviously, those things never hurt, but all we’re really looking for is a decent display that can turn on its stand but would also work well as your primary monitor.

Size

Size is more important than usual with vertical monitors, as much of the speed and color accuracy-related matter considerably less when you plan to use a monitor vertically. Picking a larger monitor will also allow you to see your vertically-oriented content more easily at glance. If you’re looking at real-time analytics or audio levels, a bigger display makes it easier to see small nuances quickly.

If you’re in a tight space, don’t forget that your monitor’s dimensions change drastically when rotated vertically. If you have a monitor that’s 27 inches wide and 14 inches tall, the monitor will be 13 inches higher when you flip it. Also, keep in mind that you may need to adjust your chair to view the monitor comfortably if you’re adding a second monitor for the first time. If you need a more dynamic space to make sure everything lines up, we recommend looking for an adjustable standing desk or a monitor arm to give yourself more flexibility.

Resolution

Resolution refers to how many pixels your monitor displays on-screen, horizontally and vertically. These numbers determine the quality of the image displayed on the monitor. Most modern monitors come in one of three standard resolutions: 

1920 x 1080, also called 1080p or Full HD, is the baseline resolution for smaller and less expensive displays. We recommend 1080p displays for 24-inch monitors and work-from-home setups. In most cases, 1080p will be the best choice for a vertical monitor.

2560 x 1440, commonly known as 1440p or Quad HD, is a sharper resolution. Popular Science often refers to 1440p as a “sweet spot” for gaming monitors, allowing players with mid-range or powerful gaming PCs to play many games at higher frame rates.

3840 x 2160, or 4K UHD for short, is the highest resolution you’ll see on a monitor. Unlike TVs, 4K resolution is definitely considered a luxury in a monitor. Unless you want the best image quality possible, 4K is overkill most of the time. If you’re planning to buy a very big monitor, 32 inches or larger, you might want to consider 4K to keep the picture looking as sharp as possible.

Refresh rate and response time

A monitor’s refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), tells you how many times your screen can update what’s happening on the screen each second. Most productivity monitors feature a refresh rate of 60Hz, which works perfectly well for web browsing, word processing, and other everyday computing. If you’re a gamer, streamer, or doing intensive photo and video editing and you don’t want a highly specialized (and probably noticeably more expensive) monitor, we recommend picking a gaming monitor—particularly one with a 144Hz refresh rate, which allows for smoother animation.

Response time refers to the very small amount of input lag that your monitor introduces in sending actions from your keyboard or mouse to your computer and then to your screen. Response time is a minor concern for most productivity monitors, including a vertical monitor. It is primarily a concern in competitive gaming. When looking at gaming monitors, we suggest looking for at least a 1ms response time, which is very common.

Connectivity

Before picking up a monitor, ensure it has the appropriate number of ports or inputs for your devices. Most modern monitors feature HDMI and DisplayPort connections to connect to a computer. Many also have USB ports to connect and charge additional devices. If you’re using an old PC, remember that you may need an adapter to connect over older connections like DVI.

Other features

By definition, all of the vertical monitors on our list can be rotated vertically. However, you may also find it important to adjust the monitor’s height or tilt it as well, which some stands allow and others do not. Likewise, some, but not all, monitors come with built-in speakers to play music or a built-in webcam.

FAQs 

Final thoughts on the best vertical monitors

• Best overall: LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B
• Best for gaming: Asus VG248QG
• Best for coding: Samsung S27R650FDN
• Best for streaming: Dell 25 Gaming Monitor (S2522HG)
• Best 4K: Philips Brilliance 279P1
• Best portable: KYY K3 
• Best budget: HP VH240a

Flipping a monitor 90 degrees to give yourself some scrolling room can be very useful, whether you’re looking at social media, coding, or reading long documents. If you’re buying a monitor with a vertical setup in mind, remember that it’s very easy to go overboard on the specs. You really don’t need a high refresh rate, 4K resolution, or best-in-class color accuracy for most of the applications where a vertical monitor makes the most sense.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best vertical monitors in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Apple Studio Display		SEE IT	Apple’s Studio Display was tailor-made for use with a MacBook Pro.
Best 4K monitor		Dell UltraSharp U2720Q		SEE IT	Dell’s UltraSharp U2720Q offers a step up with 4K resolution and 90W of charging power via USB-C, which better suits the larger MacBook Pros.
Best budget		ViewSonic VP2756-2K		SEE IT	Inexpensive but competitive, ViewSonic VP2756-2K has all the must-have features for MacBook Pro owners for under $300.

The best monitors for MacBook Pros are already built into the machines themselves, but sometimes you just need more room to work. Adding an external monitor can create a more productive work environment. For some of us, the extra real estate for windows and applications that pop up over each workday feels necessary. With a high-end laptop, it’s important to choose a monitor that matches your computer’s capabilities and, in this case, specific requirements. It can drive some really high resolutions (especially the higher-end models), so you’ll want a monitor that can take advantage of its power. As a result, the best monitors for MacBook Pro tend to be a fairly particular breed of high-end display.

• Best overall: Apple Studio Display
• Best 4K: Dell UltraSharp U2720Q
• Best 5K: LG UltraFine 5K Display
• Best 32-inch monitor: LG UltraFine 32UL950-W
• Best ultrawide: Samsung CJ791
• Best Apple monitor: Apple Pro Display XDR
• Best budget: ViewSonic VP2756-2K

How we chose the best monitors for MacBook Pro

As a freelance technology critic who works from home full-time and is responsible for buying all of my own gear, I put a lot of time into researching my purchases and determining the best setup for my needs. To pick the monitors for this list, I relied on my experience as a writer who has covered technology and hardware extensively for sites like Reviewed, Popular Mechanics, and Engadget. I also turned to expert reviews from a variety of trusted publications and consumer reviews from online retailers to get a good sense of the best options currently on the market.

The best monitors for MacBook Pro: Reviews & Recommendations

Our recommendations for the best monitors for MacBook Pro cover a wide range of options, from budget-minded models to high-end, premium displays. The common thread is that they all allow for a simple grab-and-go work setup, offer USB-C charging, and at least a few spare USB ports for your peripherals. We also focused on features that complement the work the MacBook Pro does best, including color accuracy for photo editing.

Best overall: Apple Studio Display

SEE IT

Specs

• Size: 27-inch
• Resolution: 5120 x 2880
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Ports: Thunderbolt 3/USB-C (96W), USB-C (3)
• Panel type: IPS

Pros

• 5K display with fantastic color accuracy
• Rich sound from built-in speakers
• 12-megapixel webcam with Center Stage support

Cons

• Expensive
• So-so webcam picture quality

Apple’s Apple Studio Display finally delivers on the promise of a high-end monitor made by Apple for its desktop fans and MacBook aficionados that doesn’t cost $5,000. While it isn’t as performant as Apple’s premium Pro Display XDR, you do get an excellent 27-inch, 5K display for the money. This monitor has pro-level features MacBook Pro users need, including a Thunderbolt 3 port that delivers 96W of power, three USB-C ports, and one of the best speaker systems you’ll find in a monitor. 

The main reason to pair a computer and monitor designed by Apple is both were designed to work with one another perfectly. The MacBook Pro we used during our tests instantly connected to the monitor each time we plugged it in, with no flickering or other graphical abnormalities in sight. Also—and this is unnecessary but nice—its glass and aluminum body match the MacBook Pro’s. Surprisingly, the Studio Display’s speakers delivered punchy bass, while there was still a lot of detail in the mids and highs. Again, this isn’t a necessary feature, but you’ll appreciate it if you want a clean desk—the best desktop speakers sound better but require space.

This monitor’s only weak point is its 12MP webcam, which is subpar given its hefty price tag. The issue is that the company decided to sacrifice camera fidelity to support a feature called Center Stage. The Studio Display’s webcam will zoom in and crop its image to keep you in the middle of the frame. It’ll also pan around as you move around. This is a neat feature, but we’d have preferred a better-looking webcam.

Still, if you have a MacBook Pro and want a monitor that was literally made to be its companion, you won’t beat Apple’s Studio Display.

Best 4K monitor: Dell UltraSharp U2720Q

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Dell’s UltraSharp U2720Q offers a step up with 4K resolution and 90W of charging power via USB-C, which better suits the larger MacBook Pros.

Specs

• Size: 27-inch
• Resolution: 3840 × 2160
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Ports: USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.0 (3)
• USB-C Power Delivery: 90W
• Panel type: IPS

Pros

• 4K resolution
• 90W power delivery
• Fully-adjustable stand 

Cons

• 60Hz refresh rate

Dell’s monitors have maintained one of the best reputations around for decades now and generally make for a solid choice across the board whether you’re looking for a budget or high-end display. The UltraSharp U2720Q is a particularly strong choice: It’s the best 4K monitor at a reasonable price, with relatively few compromises. While you will have to settle for a 60Hz refresh rate, which may hurt for gamers and content creators, its great color accuracy, large host of ports, and fully adjustable stand make the U2720Q a strong productivity pick.

Best 5K monitor: LG UltraFine 5K Display

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: While it’s been around the block, LG’s Apple-approved Ultrafine 5K display offers solid specs across the board, making it an ideal (albeit pricey) companion for any MacBook Pro.

Specs

• Size: 27-inch
• Resolution: 5120 x 2880 
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Ports: Thunderbolt 3, USB-C (3)
• USB-C Power Delivery: 94W
• Panel type: IPS

Pros

• Incredibly sharp image
• P3 wide color gamut
• 500 cd/m² brightness

Cons

• Expensive

The LG UltraFine 5K Display has been the best 5k monitor for high-end Mac users for some time. There’s a reason for that: It’s the only third-party monitor line endorsed by Apple and sold at the Apple Store.

That endorsement has extended the display’s lifespan, even as they become harder to find, but it’s easy to understand why Apple picked it. The 27-inch, 5120 x 2880 resolution display features incredible pixel density—218 pixels per inch—plus P3 wide color gamut, making it an exceptional resource for artists and content creators. It also offers a rare all-in-one A/V package, including a built-in 1080p webcam, microphone, and speakers, which are convenient whether or not you wind up using them.

Best 32-inch monitor: LG UltraFine 32UL950-W

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Why it made the cut: If you want a big, big screen, LG’s UltraFine 32UL950-W offers an excellent set of specs as the best 32-inch monitor, with only a couple of drawbacks.

Specs

• Size: 31.5-inch
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Ports: Thunderbolt 3 (2), DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.0 (2)
• USB-C Power Delivery: 60W
• Panel type: IPS

Pros

• 4K resolution
• Thin bezels
• Ample ports

Cons

• 60Hz refresh rate
• 65W power delivery

A 32-inch monitor is basically a TV sitting on your desk and, thus, may be too big for some folks with limited desk space. It’s a bit glamorous, though, and helpful for multi-taskers and creative professionals who just want a big canvas for their work. Technically measuring out to 31.5 inches, the LG UltraFine 32UL950-W packs 4K resolution and plenty of amenities that make it a great fit for a MacBook Pro. That includes a pair of Thunderbolt 3 ports and two standard USB ports, plus HDMI and 3.5mm audio out. The monitor’s thin bezels also ensure the display doesn’t take up any more space than it has to. It does only provide 65W of power via the USB-C cable, however, which isn’t a problem for 13-inch MacBook Pro users, but it will charge 14- and 16-inch models more slowly than with their standard charger.

Best ultrawide monitor: Samsung CJ791

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The Samsung Cj791 comes with a few compromises to keep its price reasonable but offers an immersive experience not possible with standard displays, making it our pick for the best ultrawide monitor.

Specs

• Size: 34-inch
• Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440
• Refresh rate: 100Hz
• Ports: Thunderbolt 3 (2), DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.0 (2)
• USB-C Power Delivery: 85W
• Panel type: VA

Pros

• Immersive, 34-inch curved display
• 85W power delivery
• 100MHz refresh rate

Cons

• Poor contrast and viewing angles

Ultrawide Samsung’s curved CJ791 monitor is a particularly good option for MacBook Pro users, providing 85W of power over Thunderbolt 3, along with a 3,440 x 1,440 resolution, a fairly low 4 ms response time, fast 100MHz refresh rate (plus support for AMD FreeSync), and some built-in 7-watt stereo speakers. Reviews of the monitor have consistently noted that both contrast and viewing angles are a bit lackluster compared to some other non-ultrawide options, so there are a few trade-offs to keep in mind.   

Best budget monitor: ViewSonic VP2756-2K

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: The best budget monitor by monitor standards, ViewSonic’s VP2756-2K offers comparable specs to our top pick in a no-nonsense package.

Specs

• Size: 27-inch
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Ports: USB-C, Displayport, HDMI, USB 3.0 (2), USB Type-B
• USB-C Power Delivery: 60W
• Panel type: IPS

Pros

• Affordable but still includes USB-C
• Fully-adjustable stand
• Good color accuracy
• Built-in stereo speakers

Cons

• Only 60W of power over USB-C
• Somewhat bland appearance

You can always get a cheaper monitor if you’re willing to compromise on size and specs. Still, the ViewSonic VG2756-2K is a very reasonable price-conscious mid-tier monitor that delivers what we’d recommend maximizing everyday work and play with a MacBook Pro. The VG2756-2K is a 27-inch, 1440p monitor you can connect to your laptop via USB-C. It also features a solid 5ms response time, 350 cd/m² brightness, built-in stereo speakers, a fully adjustable stand, and a three-year warranty. One small caveat: The USB-C connection only offers 60W of charging power, so the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros may charge slowly. Aside from that, it’s an enticing mid-range productivity monitor.

Plus, it offers surprisingly accurate color performance right out of the box, which makes it a reasonable option for creative work. That’s usually outside the purview of monitors in this price range.

Best Apple monitor: Apple Pro Display XDR

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Expensive but one of a kind, Apple’s Pro Display XDR is tailored to those who want the best of the best.

Specs

• Size: 32-inch
• Resolution: 6016 x 3384 
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Ports: Thunderbolt 3, USB-C (3)
• USB-C Power Delivery: 96W
• Panel type: IPS

Pros

• 6K resolution
• 1600 nits of brightness
• Exceptional color accuracy

Cons 

• Incredibly expensive
• Stand costs an extra $1,000

Apple’s own Pro Display XDR is not for most people. It costs nearly $5,000 ($6,000 if you also want the stand). Unlike many products, the word “pro” in the name is literal: It is meant for artists and professionals who need the widest color gamut and the best pixel density you can get. If you can afford it, though, it is the absolute best image quality you can get in a monitor right now. The 6K resolution offers incredibly sharp images, and the monitor far outperforms any other on this list when it comes to brightness, contrast, or color accuracy. 

As expensive as it is, however, you’ll still have to factor in the cost of either a stand or VESA mount adapter. You can also inflate the price even further with an upgraded Nano-texture glass panel, which offers a more matte finish. It’s … a lot. And I’m not just talking about how much it costs.

There’s a little hope on the horizon if you’re interested in getting a display direct from Apple. Rumor has it the company may reveal a new, somewhat less expensive monitor in 2023. I personally wouldn’t factor the prospect of an unannounced future project into my monitor purchasing decision just yet, but it’s good to keep in mind.

What to consider before buying the best MacBook Pro monitor

You likely chose a MacBook Pro because it was the laptop that best fit your needs, and you’ll want to do the same with your monitor. For this list, we’re assuming the primary concerns for most MacBook Pro users will be general productivity and creative work rather than, say, gaming. It’s not as if you can’t use these monitors for games; of course, but if that’s your top priority, we have you covered elsewhere. 

Also, certain features of the MacBook Pro create special needs that you’ll want to look for in your monitor or at least give you a few extra ways to optimize your home office setup. Monitors that connect via USB-C for easy charging are a major plus. Still, you also don’t want to overlook the added importance of additional ports that can expand your connectivity options. We also emphasized technical features like color accuracy, which are especially important since you’ll be looking back and forth between your monitor and the MacBook Pro’s extraordinarily vivid display.

Connections

It’s easier than ever to use a laptop—and a MacBook Pro, specifically—with an external monitor. Apple’s recent laptops, including the current MacBook Pros, rely heavily on USB-C ports, which can charge a laptop and transmit data, including video, over a single cable. This means, in many cases, that connecting your laptop to a monitor also charges it. With the right USB hub, you can plug in a monitor and many peripherals all in one cable.

For a time, USB-C was the only way you could plug a monitor directly into an Apple laptop. However, Apple’s most recent 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros also feature a built-in HDMI port, giving you a simple way to connect your laptop to an external monitor without dongles or adapters. HDMI will not charge your laptop but does open the door for a wider range of display options, as it is the primary connection used by TVs and modern PC monitors. For the purposes of this list, we’re leaning towards the convenience of using USB-C for both connecting a monitor and charging, as it reduces cable clutter with little downside for people.

What makes a good monitor?

Apart from USB-C, the specs to consider with a new monitor these days are largely the same ones that we’ve all had to consider for quite some time now. Size and resolution go hand-in-hand. A sprawling 32-inch (or larger) monitor may look impressive on your desk, but if the resolution isn’t high enough, you may find the picture isn’t as clear as you expected because the pixel density is too low. It’s also important to keep in mind that resolution doesn’t just translate to sharpness—a higher resolution gives you more actual workspace to spread out windows and applications. 

A 2560 x 1440 (or 1440p) resolution on a 27-inch display is a good minimum to look for, in general. Keep in mind, however, 1440p falls well short of your MacBook Pro’s Retina display. A 4K (or higher) display will give you sharper text and crisper images. When it comes to movement on the screen, like video, you’ll want to pay attention to the monitor’s refresh rate, which dictates how many times a screen adjusts to reflect movement per second. A 60Hz refresh rate has long been the standard for non-gaming monitors, and will still be adequate for general web browsing and work. That said, a higher refresh rate can make on-screen movements look smoother and allow for more nuanced controls, especially in games and video editing.

Another important consideration is the actual type of display panel used in the monitor. Nowadays, there are three main types used in monitors: IPS (in-plane switching), TN (twisted nematic), and VA (vertical alignment). In general, IPS monitors offer the best balance of features, while TN monitors can have an edge in response time and are usually more affordable. VA monitors are a bit less common but can offer better contrast and deeper black levels, albeit often at the expense of response time.

Consider using multiple monitors

While your inclination with a TV may be to simply buy the biggest one that can fit in your space, that isn’t always a good idea with a computer monitor. You may get more bang for your buck using two monitors. A dual monitor setup allows you to position your screens to best suit the task at hand—even use one or both vertically—and you’ll likely have a larger working area than a single monitor of a comparable cost would offer. That said, there are areas like gaming and movies where a large, single monitor is certainly preferable.

Apple’s 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros with M1 Pro and M1 Max processors both offer native support for multi-display setups. It is technically possible to use two monitors with the 13-inch MacBook Pro, but it requires a workaround. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best monitors for MacBook Pro

• Best overall: Apple Studio Display
• Best 4K: Dell UltraSharp U2720Q
• Best 5K: LG UltraFine 5K Display
• Best 32-inch monitor: LG UltraFine 32UL950-W
• Best ultrawide: Samsung CJ791
• Best Apple monitor: Apple Pro Display XDR
• Best budget: ViewSonic VP2756-2K

Using a monitor makes a huge difference in your work, especially if you’re trying to make your home office feel like an office. You want one that makes your computer look great while making your space feel both comfortable and functional. With a bit of research, you can pick a fantastic monitor that will help you enjoy your computer to the fullest. Though there’s always a shiny new display around the corner—like that rumored Apple monitor—the best monitors for MacBook Pro have the specs you need, so they can be a fixture that follows you from computer to computer.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best monitors for MacBook Pro in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor		SEE IT	Plenty of display real estate, plus the ability to split the screen, make this wall-mountable USB-C monitor extra efficient.
Best 4K		HP 27-inch 4K UHD		SEE IT	Ultra-thin bezels, blue light protection, low-blur technology, and great tilt range make for an optimum viewing option.
Best budget		Samsung Business S27R650FDN		SEE IT	Wide viewing angles, plus equally robust connectivity options, are packed in an energy-saving easy on the eyes display.

Programming and living behind a screen are basically synonymous—so for high-quality coding and study, you deserve comfort, and an optimized monitor for programming is a great place to start. While the stereotype of the hacking coder, slouched into a chair, wearing a hoodie, and blasting their eyes with a bright screen in a dark room is fun, the result will only be a horrible experience. Instead, if you’re a real coder of today, you probably realize you have a long, steady career ahead of you. Increased comfort and feeling good on the job will lead to a fruitful workday and a clear head, ready to innovate. With work from home not going anywhere soon, especially in the knowledge work sector, it is falling more and more on the shoulders of the worker to get their own computer equipment. As a result, we invite you to consider upgrading your life with one of our best monitors for programming picks.

• Best overall: LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor
• Best 4K: HP 27-inch 4K UHD
• Best value: Samsung Business S27R650FDN
• Best for gaming and programming: Samsung Odyssey G9
• Best portable: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE) 
• Best budget: BenQ GW2780

How we chose the best monitors for programming

Staring at screens, typing out notes, and looking through comparison tables is something both the writer and the programmer handle on a daily basis, so personal experience helped guide this guide. Discussing the matter of picking a monitor with software engineers themselves helps, too, of course, with key concerns, including size and resolution. I also looked at user impressions, their concerns, and what critics see as coming trends, such as more working from home; for these reasons, I adjusted toward results that prioritize comfort and eye health after long-term usage.

Ultimately, good monitors for programming are good monitors for computing. Expect to see some overlap in how programming monitors are evaluated with other categories of monitors, such as gaming monitors and trading monitors, etc. The key differences, such as being used for work activities with less chances of a break, will be where we put in a significant portion of our comparison efforts. Still, a good monitor will always be a good monitor.

The best monitors for programming: Reviews & Recommendations

The best monitors for programming include a wide range of brands, makes, and features. Again, a good monitor for programming will be good for a wide variety of uses. Any of the monitors on this list will be good for any purpose but also have some qualities that give them the edge over the competition regarding quality coding time.

Best overall: LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This monitor is ultrawide, the perfect size, and has on-screen controls to make it the best possible experience for people wanting to use multiple windows at once.

Specs

• Size: 34”
• Resolution: 3440 x 1440 pixels
• Screen: Anti-glare, Hard coating

Pros

• Built-in screen-splitting options
• USB-C works great with the MacBook Pro
• Excellent height adjustability for neck comfort
• 100 x 100 VESA wall-mountable

Cons

• Expensive

The LG 34WN80C-B Ultrawide is designed for intensive programming at home. This is seen in its On-Screen tech, maneuverability, and MacBook Pro connectivity. It is also one of the best ultrawide monitors for working at home.

The first way this can be seen is through the huge customization ability available through LG’s On-Screen control options. Using this feature, you can subdivide your screen into defined boxes. Click, drag, and pop your relevant windows into place to fill each section and get the most out of the monitor. You’ll notice that you have space for debugging windows, coding screens, GitHub pages, and more all on one monitor without feeling cramped. Naturally, the 34-inch ultrawide size of this LG plays into that, but the on-screen controls will certainly pull their weight.

Next, let’s talk about maneuverability. This monitor does a great job of accommodating coders of any height by having just over half a foot of vertical height adjustment. Furthermore, this is accomplished without finicky knobs or difficult-to-reach panels; you can just move it with your hands, and the spring-loaded mechanism of the stand will take care of the rest.

Finally, consider that this monitor supports USB-C, making it a really good combo with MacBook Pro laptops. Considering that macOS is a preferred programming environment, there’s a good chance that either your current or next company computer will be one. There are other good monitor options for MacBook Pro users, but not all of them will prove to be best for programmers.

Best 4K: HP 27-inch 4K UHD

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Why it made the cut: This is a 4K monitor for programming with built-in blue light filtering, excellent tilting, and the ultra-high resolution you deserve.

Specs

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Tilt: 5 degrees forward, 16 degrees backward

Pros

• AMD FreeSync for low blur
• Ultra-thin bezel
• Built-in blue light protection
• Great backward tilt range

Cons

• Not VESA compatible for mounting

The HP 27-inch 4K UHD provides a decent size while giving you the 4K resolution you’ll need for intensive graphical projects and standard computer use. The added blue light protection that comes built-in with the monitor is a nice addition for ensuring a couple of crunch hours at night don’t cut into your success the next day.

Multi-monitor setups will particularly enjoy the sub-quarter-inch bezel around the sides of the monitor. Quickly flicking your eyes to your other monitor is comfortable and not immersion-breaking as it can be with some monitors. In fact, if you manage to bump your monitors close enough together, it can feel practically like one monitor from a vision perspective.

One thing I wasn’t so happy about with this monitor was the lack of VESA mount holes. Luckily, the monitor is still quite adjustable with six degrees downward tilt and 17 degrees upward, making this HP great for those who like to tower over your monitor as you work. Ultimately, we think you’ll likely not miss the ability to pair this with a monitor arm unless that happens to be your priority.

It all comes together to give us an outstanding monitor for programming that fits in well with HP’s solid general-purpose monitors. While this HP fits in as the best 4K monitor for programming, you should certainly check out the others if you are an HP fan.

Best value: Samsung Business S27R650FDN

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Why it made the cut: This monitor approaches budget pricing while still having great features for professionals.

Specs

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Viewing angle: 172 degrees

Pros

• Includes Eye Saver Mode
• Wide viewing angle for collaboration
• Full connectivity panel
• Energy-saving mode

Cons

• Unreliable DisplayPort connection

The Samsung Business S27R650FDN has “business” right in the name, but does it hold up to being the best value monitor for programming work? Based on the features and specs that Samsung has managed to pour into it, we’d respond with a resounding “yes.” That’s without mentioning one of the most businesslike features of all: its economical energy-saving mode and bargain sticker price.

With workers in mind, the Samsung Business uses the included Eye Saver Mode to reduce blue light from the monitor. Flicker-Free technology is also included to keep your eyes comfortable and feeling rested through a long shift.

Especially useful for teams and collaborative efforts, the Samsung Business has a 172-degree viewing angle and a wide connectivity panel to support a wide range of devices, including those that use USB 3.0 (including B type), USB 2.0, DisplayPort, HDMI, and old school RGB. For those with a ton of devices, this will certainly be the best value monitor for programming. The only caveat to this is that the DisplayPort is touchy and unreliable, dropping for some users.

Best for gaming and programming: Samsung Odyssey G9

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Why it made the cut: The Samsung Odyssey G9 is the best monitor for gaming and programming due to its size, resolution, and high-performance gaming screen.

Specs

• Size: 49”
• Resolution: 5120 x 1440 pixels
• Refresh rate: 240Hz

Pros

• Gigantic screen size
• Vivid color display
• Intensive curve

Cons

• Very expensive

Here’s another fantastic ultrawide option for your gaming and programming pleasure. Much like our pick for the overall best monitor for programming, the Samsung Odyssey G9 provides a massive screen ready to fit many windows, charts, graphs, debug menus, and the like.

What’s different about the G9 is that it is also one of the best ultrawide gaming monitors, with insanely high refresh rates of 240Hz and a 1 millisecond response time. Add the AMD FreeSync technology that ensures that your monitor matches a compatible graphics card frame-by-frame, and you have a recipe for back-to-back after-work headshots.

Additionally, the G9 has a curve at a degree that copies the curve of the human eye. This helps reduce the need to constantly bend your neck to take in the fullness of the screen. That doesn’t mean you’ll never wish to crane your neck or tilt your head while using a G9, of course, but you should notice a subtle reduction in neck and shoulder stress when compared to other curved monitors for programming.

One thing to remember is that the G9 is bigger than nearly any other monitor out there, making it a great choice of large monitor for programming. Unfortunately, the sticker price has had the chance to measure every square inch of the G9 and has been able to keep up with it. While this is certainly not a cheap monitor for programming, it will keep you happy.

Best portable: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE) 

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Specs

• Size: 15.6 inches
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh rate: 144Hz

Pros 

• Very high refresh rate
• Can be used in landscape and portrait modes,
• Integrated folding kickstand

Cons

• Price

It shouldn’t surprise you that the best portable monitor for any task comes from a company that offers excellent, at times affordable, battlestation accessories. The ASUS ROG Strix 15.6-inch portable monitor is one of only a handful of models with a 144Hz refresh rate, which is necessary for gamers but will make cursor and window movement buttery smooth while writing code.

The display also has many features that other portable monitors lack, including a rotating kickstand that allows you to orient the display vertically or horizontally. This kickstand makes the display more solid than the magnetic stands that come with most portable displays. Another nicety is the display’s stereo speakers, which aren’t powerful but will work in a pinch.

ASUS includes several cords with its portable display, including a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable, a USB Type-C cable, and a USB Type-C to A adapter. This means it’ll be able to connect to any computer right out of the box, no additional accessories necessary. One additional useful feature is the universal tripod socket—a hole with a ¼” thread—which makes it convenient to use the portable monitor with a tripod stand. That said, a sleeve, which can be used as a stand, is also included.

If you really want to max out the performance your programming setup, ASUS also makes an even bigger 17.3-inch version of the Strix portable monitor with a 240Hz rwefresh rate. Most people, even gamers, don’t need a 240Hz display, so we recommend the less expensive model.

Best budget: BenQ GW2780

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Why it made the cut: This monitor checks all of the basic boxes, gives you a bit extra, and still has a price tag worthy of the best budget monitor for programming. 

Specs

• Size: 27”
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Screen: Glossy LED

Pros

• Intelligent brightness adjustment
• Wall mountable with 100 x 100 VESA
• Built-in cable management

Cons

• Low-quality built-in speakers

Our best budget monitor for programming, the BenQ GW2780, stays cheap but has many nifty features that make it worthwhile for programming or any other purpose. 

You can see the standard features that make it great for programming with the 27-inch screen or its 100 x 100 VESA mount capabilities.

However, the extra features that aren’t costing you any extra make the BenQ outcompete other budget monitor contenders. One cool example is a sensor that adjusts your screen’s brightness for you automatically. Another is the built-in cord control in the stand. Sure, these aren’t features most of you are begging for, but these kinds of thoughtful touches show that BenQ is going the extra mile to make a worthwhile product for the budget tier.

However, one extra you probably won’t love is the included speakers. They’re low-quality and quiet, and even people who aren’t professed audiophiles tend to struggle to like them. If you are in need of some speakers on the cheap, there are quite a few desktop speakers or budget Bluetooth speakers out there that will better suit your needs.

What to consider when buying the best monitors for programming

Getting monitors for programming, much like getting monitors for home offices, can be tricky because you’ll want the monitor to be good for other purposes, too. Luckily, many of the factors that translate to being one of the best monitors for programming, also make for great general monitors. For example, programmers are likely to care a lot about size, but people watching Netflix aren’t complaining about monitors being too big. We’ll examine all of the big factors in this sort of multimodal way, including resolution and comfort.

Size

This one is relatively straightforward. In almost every case, bigger is better. The ability to have multiple windows open at the same time and look at things side-by-side cannot be overstated. Moving your head from one monitor to another can make direct comparisons tricky, whereas having everything ready at a glance will help keep you in a happy programming flow state.

While some people might look at a very large screen and feel overwhelmed, it is easy to make your windows smaller and focus on what is important. You cannot do this the other way around—making windows larger than the screen to be more comfortable. Getting something a tad bigger than you’re used to will likely go fine; you’ll get acclimated to the larger size, but going too small will trap you in.

So, when might it be bad to have a larger monitor? When the monitor is so big that it pushes out your other monitors. Sure, the advantages of side-by-side comparison given by a large monitor are important, but that doesn’t mean that having the ability to throw something up in full screen on another monitor is less important. Finding balance and what works appropriately with your given desk space is critical.

Resolution

In the world of movies, we always seem to see blocky, pixelated coding text. The real world won’t have it. Resolution is the most important factor for getting a crisp, easy-to-look-at picture out of your monitor. The higher the resolution, the more pixels you’ll see in a given patch of monitor space.

Resolution is defined by both numbers and letters, which can be somewhat confusing. The numbers give a reading of the pixels shown, horizontally and vertically. For example, a resolution of 1920 x 1080 shows 1920 pixels from right to left and 1080 pixels from top to bottom. Resolution numbers are often abbreviated to just show the vertical number—1920 x 1080 is known in this system as 1080p.

Letter abbreviations are also commonly used. Some of the most common abbreviations are as follows: FHD (Full High Definition) is 1920 x 1080; QHD (Quad High Definition) is 2560 x 1440; and UHD (Ultra High Definition) is 3840 x 2160. Interestingly, despite only getting to 3,840 pixels wide, this is commonly referred to as 4K.

So, what resolution is good for programming? This is another case of the bigger, the better, but we recommend going for at least 1080p, with 1440p and higher offering the best experience. One often unmentioned but worthy note is that your desktop space changes with your resolution. So, if you’re the type of programmer with about 40 to 50 files and folders on your desktop, plus a dozen or so game shortcuts, then you’ll definitely want to opt for the highest resolution possible!

Comfort

It’s a sad fact, but you’ll probably be working more often than you’d like to be. Be comfortable while you do it. For this review, we’re looking at three key comfort factors that can work for you:

Range of tilt: Your monitor’s ability to tilt will add comfort by increasing the flexibility of its facing. Having a monitor that is tilted too high or too low could have the negative effect of subconsciously forcing your head to match, giving you headaches or unnecessary shoulder tension.

Ability to wall mount: Rigging up your monitor with a reliable wall mount or desk stand will give you the advantages of increased desk space and heightened maneuverability of your monitor. Look for VESA-compatible monitors, with 100 x 100 mounting surfaces giving you the most options in terms of wall mounts to buy and 200 x 200 being an okay alternative for ultrawide monitors.

Eye comfort: Screens that are too bright, glossy, or that suffer from screen flickering can all cause eye discomfort. Nowadays, monitors also provide built-in blue light blocking to improve users’ sleep quality. All of these factors can greatly affect how you perceive your time with your monitor and the quality of your work, so much so that we’d recommend you check out our monitors for eye strain if this is a recurring problem for you.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best monitors for programming

• Best overall: LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor
• Best 4K: HP 27-inch 4K UHD
• Best value: Samsung Business S27R650FDN
• Best for gaming and programming: Samsung Odyssey G9
• Best portable: ASUS ROG Strix (XG16AHPE) 
• Best budget: BenQ GW2780

Getting one of the best monitors for programming doesn’t have to be difficult. If you find a monitor that is easy to use in daily life, treats your eyes well, and connects properly with your work computer, then you’ve probably found a decent programming monitor. Still, considering a unique monitor like the LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide or the business-minded Samsung Business S27R650FDN might give you the extra edge you’ve been looking for.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best monitors for programming in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Apple iMac M1 24-inch		SEE IT	Apple’s colorful new iMacs revive the iconic all-in-one’s colorful spirit, and a snappy Apple-made CPU.
Best for gaming		HP Envy 34-inch		SEE IT	The HP Envy 34 is a rare GPU powerhouse, making it a solid fit for gaming.
Best for business		Dell Inspiron 27 7000 All-In-One		SEE IT	Dell all-in-ones like the Inspiron 27 7000 still get the job done.

Traditional desktop computers—with their discrete monitors, towers, and wired mice and keyboards—have a reputation for being complicated affairs, making all-in-one computers all the more attractive. With traditional computers, there are all kinds of cables, each with its own color-coded connection. You have to plug in a display, a mouse, a keyboard … and what about a webcam or some speakers? Plus, a full-size tower can be a hulking beast. It’s a lot of components to buy and keep track of, especially if you aren’t into micromanaging your PC. If you don’t need a bulky desktop tower’s power and superior customization, the best all-in-one computers—or “AiO,” for short—give you strong computing performance in a streamlined form factor.

With a full CPU/graphics chipset or card, monitor, and speakers all inside a sleek, screen-shaped chassis on your desk, an AiO just needs you to plug in a few cables, and you’re ready to go. Though they’re less popular than they used to be, they remain a great option for people who need a computer to do a little bit of everything. The best all-in-one computers are powerful, well-rounded machines that excel for work and play.

• Best overall: Apple iMac M1 24-inch
• Best for gaming: HP Envy 34-inch
• Best for photo editing: Microsoft Surface Studio 2
• Best for business: Inspiron 27 7000 All-In-One
• Best touchscreen: HP Essential 27-inch All-in-One
• Best budget: HP Chromebase AIO22

How we chose the best all-in-one computers

I’ve been building and repairing PCs for over 20 years and reporting on PCs—including all-in-one systems—for five. In that time, I’ve developed a good understanding of what makes a usable, long-lasting computer in terms of specs like the processor, RAM, and graphics, for not just gamers but for everyday users as well—the office workers, web users, and homework doers of the world. To select the best all-in-one computers, we researched popular brands and configurations of AiO PCs and how consumers use them. We ensured that our picks span a wide range of use cases, from casual web browsing and word processing to creative professionals and gamers.

The best all-in-one computers: Reviews & Recommendations

Whether you’re looking for a clean, cable-free desk setup, a simple machine for the kids to use, or you want to fit a powerful machine into a small office space, the best all-in-one computers can satisfy every kind of casual PC user. These are our favorite AiO options right now.

Best overall: Apple iMac M1 24-inch (2021)

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The M1 chip offers superior performance in a lightweight system, and Apple’s engineering is tough to match.

Specs

• CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU
• GPU: 7-core – 8-core GPU, integrated
• RAM: 8 GB – 16 GB Unified Memory
• Display: 24-inch 4.5K Retina Display
• Storage: Up to 2 TB
• Ports: 2 USB 4/Thunderbolt, 2 USB 3, Type-C

Pros

• Snappy M1 CPU
• A color to fit any aesthetic
• The Retina display looks great

Cons

• Limited port selection

If you need an all-in-one PC with enough power to dabble in almost anything, you just can’t beat Apple’s 2021 iMac, which features the company’s M1 processor. Sleek, thin, and playfully colorful, the iMac looks polished and pleasing, thanks to Apple’s impressive engineering and design sense. Whether you’re just surfing the web, working from home, or getting into content creation, the M1 can handle it. Its 4.5K Retina display is one of the most impressive-looking screens you’ll find on an all-in-one. It also comes with Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, which are comparatively great for pack-in peripherals.

To get this thing started, you just unbox it and plug in one cable. An office setup—home or business—doesn’t get cleaner than that. About the only downside is that Apple’s adherence to its clean aesthetic means that the port selection is pretty limited. The basic iMac has just two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports. The more expensive configuration has the same, plus two USB 3 ports—all of which are USB-C. If you want to connect any legacy devices or standard USB drives to this thing, you’re going to need a USB-C hub.

Best for gaming: HP Envy 34-inch

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: The HP Envy 34-inch offers powerful configurations, including an option with an Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics card.

Specs

• CPU: Intel Core i7-11700
• GPU: GeForce RTX 3060
• RAM: 32GB
• Display: 34-inch 5120 x 2160 Ultra widescreen IPS display
• Storage: 1 TB SSD
• Ports: 2 USB 4/Thunderbolt, 4 USB Type-A SuperSpeed 10 Gbps, 2 USB Type-A 5 Gbps, 1 USB-C SuperSpeed 5 Gbps HDMI Out, Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 6, Headphone/Microphone, 3-in-1 card reader

Pros

• Nvidia 3060 GPU
• Ultrawide display
• Detachable webcam
• Lots of Ports
• Upgrade options for RAM and Storage

Cons

• Expensive

Realistically, you should not look for an all-in-one PC if gaming is your top priority. All-in-ones skew toward casual use cases, and AAA PC games require a lot of graphical firepower. The HP Envy 34 is one of the few all-in-ones that will let you play most PC games on mid-to-high settings, thanks to a powerful top-of-the-line configuration with an Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU. With an 11th-Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 6GB of GDDR RAM, and a very capable modern GPU, there’s a strong enough core here for playing visually stunning games like Red Dead Redemption 2. 

The 34-inch 5120 x 2160 Ultra widescreen IPS display offers 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, meaning that it’ll be able to show your movies and games in full, accurate color. For communication, HP has included a 16MP webcam that can attach magnetically to anywhere on all four edges of the screen, ensuring that it can fit into any configuration without having to embed it in the screen.

And, unlike most all-in-ones, the Envy 34 offers some upgradability, including two additional RAM slots to add memory and M.2 drive slots for additional storage. There’s also a solid selection of ports, including both USB Type-A and Type-C ports. This is a truly capable system that will work great for office work and content creation while doing double duty as a good-looking gaming rig.

Best for photo editing: Microsoft Surface Studio 2

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Buy it used or refurbished: Amazon

Why it made the cut: Four years later, the Microsoft Surface Studio 2 still delivers a unique touchscreen experience for creatives.

Specs

• CPU: Intel Core i7-7820HQ
• GPU: GeForce GTX 1060 or 1070
• RAM: 16 GB or 32 GB
• Display: 4500 x 3000 28-inch, 10-point multi-touch PixelSense Display
• Storage: 1 TB or 2 TB SSD
• Ports: 1 USB-C, 4 USB 3.0, SD Card Reader, Gigabit Ethernet, Headphone

Pros

• Highly adjustable touchscreen display is great for artists, photographers, and other creatives
• Unique design
• Great color accuracy

Cons

• Really expensive
• Older CPU and GPU

The Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is one of the oldest models we looked at, and it’s far from perfect, but it’s going to be the perfect tool for visual artists looking for an all-in-one. Make no mistake, this is a computer for professionals—the base model costs more than $3,500 to start. But, in return, you get a unique computer designed specifically for drawing and photo editing. The Surface Studio 2 features a highly movable screen that can sit upright like a monitor or drop down to act as a digital drawing pad. The 28-inch display is individually color-calibrated and offers 99 percent sRGB coverage and between 96.9 and 98 percent DCI-P3 color gamut, according to critics. The display is designed specifically to work with Microsoft’s Surface Pen, which comes with the computer, and the Surface Dial—an optional peripheral that lets you adjust settings like brush size and hardness on the fly without having to stop working.

After four years, Surface Studio 2’s Intel Core i7-7820HQ and Nvidia 10-series GPU verge on being prohibitively outdated, especially given its shocking price tag. And yet, no other desktop does what it can do. That may be enough to attract some photo editors and visual artists.

Best for business: Dell Inspiron 27 7000 All-In-One

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: While it isn’t made for heavy graphics or photo editing, the Dell Inspiron 27 7000 can handle just about anything else you can throw at it.

Specs

• CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce MX330
• RAM: 16 GB or 32 GB
• Display: 27-inch 1920 x 1080 touch display
• Storage: 512 GB – 2 TB
• Ports: Gigabit Ethernet, 1 USB 2.0 with Power on/Wake-up support, 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 USB 3.1 with Power on/Wake-up support, 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 with PowerShare, 1 USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 1 Microphone/Headset Jack

Pros

• Tons of ports
• Fairly priced
• Current-gen system with WiFi 6, 11th-Gen Intel, and more

Cons

• Stand won’t be a great fit for all desks

Dell’s Inspiron 27 7000 delivers a solid balance between performance and price in a Windows all-in-one. It offers WiFi 6 (which is blazing fast if your router also has the feature), plenty of RAM, and a discrete but low-power GPU. It also has a huge list of ports for you to plug into, including both HDMI in and out, which means you could use it as a monitor for a game console or plug in a second monitor. The lawn-chair-style base is a bit of an odd duck: It takes up more space than it needs to, which may make it hard to place on some small desks. With that said, it starts at just under $1,500, making it only a little bit more expensive than the base iMac. When it comes to daily browsing and office use, Dell’s offering should last you a very long time.

Best touchscreen: HP Essential 27-inch All-in-One

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Buy it used or refurbished: eBay

Why it made the cut: This touchscreen-enabled desktop offers powerful performance in a rare AMD-based configuration.

Specs

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U
• GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics, integrated
• RAM: 32GB
• Display: 1920 x 1080 (1080p) touchscreen
• Storage: 1TB M.2 SSD and 1TB HDD
• Ports: 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A; 2 USB 2.0 Type-A; 1 HDMI Out; 1 Gigabit Ethernet; 1 Headphone/Microphone

Pros

• Lots of HDD space
• Plenty of ports
• Tons of RAM and storage

Cons

• Expensive
• 1080p on a 27-inch display

Aside from the Apple iMac, every system on our list features an Intel processor. For the sake of variety, we wanted to ensure there’s at least one AMD option on the table. The HP Pavillion 27-inch offers a strong processor in the Ryzen 7 5700U, with a whopping 32GB of RAM that will make it good for all kinds of heavy-duty creative work. The system compares favorably to the other AiOs on this list with 2TB of HDD space, a 1920×1080 touchscreen display, and a 1080p front-facing camera built into the bezel for all those Zoom meetings that could’ve been emails. There are other models available with a 512GB SSD instead of 1TB, and with 16GB RAM instead of 32GB, offering a bit of flexibility in price and specs.

Best budget: HP Chromebase AIO22

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Why it made the cut: The HP Chromebase AIO22 costs very little for an all-in-one system, making it a solid pick if you just want the bare minimum.

Specs

• CPU: Intel Pentium Gold 6405U
• GPU: Intel UHD Graphics, integrated
• RAM: 4GB
• Display: 1920 x 1080 IPS touchscreen display
• Storage: 64 GB
• Ports: 2 USB Type-A SuperSpeed 10 Gbps, 2 USB-C 5 Gbps, Headphone/microphone

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Chrome OS keeps things simple
• Screen rotates for video chat

Cons

• Extremely low-powered machine

The Chromebase is the very definition of a budget machine, featuring a low-powered Intel CPU and just 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Running Chrome OS means that this machine isn’t going to be very good for gaming or heavy-duty office work. What it is great for, though, is anything involving light web browsing. It could be a great kitchen computer or something that you can put in front of your kids without worrying too much about them breaking it. Chrome OS means that it’s going to be hard to infect with the standard viruses and adware that Windows PCs can be subject to and harder for curious clickers to install random things from shady corners of the internet.

What to consider before buying one of the best all-in-one computers

Though setting up and using an all-in-one PC is easier than a desktop tower, shopping for one is just as complicated. They’re sealed up, like laptops, so you can’t customize them after purchase. That means you must ensure you’re getting the exact specs you want on day one. Plus, an all-in-one has a built-in display, speakers, and often a webcam, all of which can make or break a machine.

Processor

The Central Processing Unit, or CPU, is the core of your computer. It performs the computations behind every task your computer performs. It is the most important part of any PC. Generally speaking, you want to look for an all-in-one system with relatively new parts to ensure it will perform well for a long time because they are increasingly not user-upgradeable. 

Windows systems feature processors from one of two companies: Intel or AMD. Intel’s “Core” desktop processors come in four varieties, i3-i9, corresponding to ascending processing power and speed levels. Intel regularly revises its chips, so look at the generation to determine whether you’re getting a newer or older version. In 2022, Intel is manufacturing its 12th-generation chips: We’d generally stick to 11th- or 12th-generation Core i5 or Core i7 chips whenever possible.

AMD has a similar naming convention for its Ryzen desktop processors. The models range from Ryzen 5-9, which also get faster and more powerful as you go, with a four-digit number specifying the model. AMD’s current chips, the 5000 series, all feature model numbers that start with a “5.” While AMD chips aren’t used quite as often as Intel’s in all-in-one systems, we usually look for Ryzen 5000-series 5 or 7 chips when they’re available.

The most recent version of Apple’s singular all-in-one features Apple’s bespoke M1 processor. Due to software compatibility and the new iMac’s strong performance, we would recommend avoiding older models, as they are likely to lose software support in the next few years.

Since all-in-ones are usually mid-range machines, you shouldn’t expect top-of-the-line performance in most cases. As such, the most important thing is to ensure you’re prepared for the long haul by getting modern hardware. For a deeper dive into CPUs and how to tell a good one from a great one, check out some of our other PC-focused guides.

Storage and memory

Storage and memory are two of the malleable specs on any computer, even all-in-one machines where you pick from a limited number of specific configurations. Storage, or hard drive space, dictates how much data you can store on your computer, including applications and files like documents and photos. Memory helps your computer get quick access to data related to programs and files you’re actually using, and plays a large role in how fast your computer runs. 

Storage: Most people know storage as a numbers game. The bigger the hard drive, the more files you can store. Though you can always augment your computer’s hard drive with an external hard drive, you want enough storage on your computer to hold crucial programs and files that you access often. While size is important, hard drive speed helps determine your PC’s performance.

Modern PCs use one of two kinds of hard drives: Solid state storage (SSD) and hard disk drive (HDD) storage. SSDs of most any type are ideal for your operating system and applications, while HDD storage is best for files (photos, videos, music) and very large applications (think of something like Call of Duty Warzone‘s 175GB install). If given the opportunity, we always recommend opting for a smaller SSD over a gigantic HDD, as it will help your PC run smoothly.

Memory: RAM, or Random Access Memory, plays a large role in how fast your computer feels. There are different types of RAM and some options are faster than others. Even with the best all-in-one computers, you won’t have much control over the specifics of what RAM you use, though. Realistically, you just need to make sure there’s enough of it. We generally recommend looking for a computer with 8GB-16GB of RAM, depending on how you plan to use your PC, but there are use-cases for very low and very high amounts of memory, including:

• 4GB: Very light browsing, email
• 8GB: General browsing and light work
• 16GB: The current standard for a high-end system—enough for multitasking and gaming
• 32GB: More than needed for most users, great for heavy workloads like video editing and graphics rendering.

The display is key

When buying an all-in-one system, the display you start with is the one you’re definitely stuck with. Therefore, it’s one place where you shouldn’t compromise. Look for a display that’s large enough to fit your space. Display resolution—the number of pixels the screen uses to create an image—dictates the sharpness of your screen. Display resolutions range from 1920 x 1080 pixels (1080p) to 3840 x 2169 pixels (4K UHD) and beyond. As with dedicated monitor guides, we generally recommend scaling resolution up with screen size: On a 27-inch all-in-one or larger, we’d recommend looking for a 1440p (QHD) display or higher.

Some of the systems below also highlight color gamut and accuracy. These are technical specs meant primarily for photographers and video editors who must ensure they can see the full depth of their work as clearly as possible. For the average person, higher color accuracy and wide color gamut translate into brighter, deeper colors. That said, high color accuracy generally leads to higher prices, so you should probably ignore the specs unless you plan to use your system for creative work.

To dive deep into display specifications, make sure to check out our guide to the best monitors for color grading.

How long do you want your PC to last?

Since all-in-one desktops are sealed up like most laptops, what you see is typically what you get. That means there is a direct correlation between your PC’s specs and how long it will work well for whatever you plan to do with it. Most all-in-one manufacturers offer lots of ways for you to customize and upgrade your PC before you buy it. This will make your computer more powerful and more expensive. More importantly, though, it may be the difference between needing a new PC in four years versus buying a new one in five or six.

For example, there are lots of AiO PCs out there with just 4GB of RAM. That’s not enough to do much beyond checking email and light web browsing these days. Even if you don’t play games or use any processor-intensive programs, web browsing can feel sluggish on a PC with 4GB of RAM if you open too many tabs. Spending a little extra money on more RAM is usually a good way to make your computer feel more powerful on day one, and keep it running well for years after.

As covered above, you’ll typically want 8GB-16GB of RAM and 512GB or more of solid-state storage. If you plan to play video games on your PC, you’ll also want a discrete, dedicated graphics card. Like gaming laptops, the best all-in-one computers tend to skew toward lower-end GPUs. An older model, like an Nvidia GTX 1650, should be enough to facilitate basic games and competitive multiplayer games for now, but likely won’t for the full lifespan of the PC. Ideally, gamers intent on buying an all-in-one should prioritize a modern GPU, like an Nvidia RTX 3060, to play a full range of games.

Ports

Even with the best all-in-one computers, you will still likely need to plug a few peripherals into your PC. Wireless mice and keyboards often come with USB dongles, and maybe you’ll want to plug in other devices like a camera or your phone. You’ll want to make sure your PC has enough ports to accommodate your gear. 

Also, those connections are your only lifeline for upgrading or expanding your system’s functionality. You can always plug in an external hard drive if you need more storage, but only if you have enough ports. You can always get a USB hub to expand your connectivity options, of course, but there’s no substitute for a full suite of direct connections on your computer.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best all-in-one computers

• Best overall: Apple iMac M1 24-inch
• Best for gaming: HP Envy 34-inch
• Best for photo editing: Microsoft Surface Studio 2
• Best for business: Inspiron 27 7000 All-In-One
• Best touchscreen: HP Essential 27-inch All-in-One
• Best budget: HP Chromebase AIO22

All-in-one PCs aren’t as popular as they were in the late 1990s and early 2000s. As such, there’s only a limited range of options, which are made for a specific type of PC user—people who demand at least mid-range performance but crave the convenience of a single, unibody machine.

Right now, Apple’s M1-powered iMac is a hard one to beat. The M1 chipset is a strong performer that asks for very little power, and it benefits from all the different elements of Apple’s walled garden. The iMac looks and runs great, and if you treat it well, it’ll continue to do that for years. With that said, the Dell Inspiron 7000 is just as affordable and is going to succeed for office work. Even if they generally aren’t quite as flexible as a discrete desktop, the best all-in-one computers are undeniably convenient and have more than enough power to get things done.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best all-in-one computers of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Part of the reason augmented reality has had difficulty gaining a foothold comes down to the whole “augmented” part of the equation. Is there a way to create unobtrusive devices that are easy to use while still delivering solid performance? Apart from holding your smartphone awkwardly in front of your face or strapping a headset the approximate size and comfort level of a microwave to your face, the options are limited. 

TCL, however, is doing its best to bring AR to more people with their NXTWEAR S XR glasses. Lightweight and designed to look more like cool (if slightly bulkier) Ray-Bans than VR headsets, the NXTWEAR S smart glasses are meant to bring the “personal screen” experience out into the real world in a more comfortable and potentially useful way.

SEE IT

Overview

• The NXTWEAR S XR glasses feature a pair of micro-OLED FHD displays that project a 201-inch 16:9 60Hz image at 6-meter distance. With up to 400 nits of brightness, you can see clearly even outdoors. Their resolution is 1920 x 1080 in 2D mode and also 3D compatible, offering 3840 x 1080 resolution in that mode.
• They come with three pairs of lenses, including “sunglasses” that can help improve the viewing experience in sunlight and myopia glass frames for nearsighted people. 
• The NXTWEAR S also features fully immersive audio and adjustable volume and brightness settings. 
• The glasses connect to smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles via magnetic USB-C DisplayPort cable. However, most devices, such as older iPhones and Nintendo Switches, need a separate adapter. 

Pros

• Intuitive to connect and use right out of the box
• Lightweight (85g) and stylish design—it actually looks like something you wouldn’t mind wearing in public
• Image and sound quality are excellent, with its 1080p projection particularly impressive

Cons

• Although the glasses themselves are lightweight and generally pretty stylish, the device is still cumbersome, especially with the 30g cord and additional adapters required for specific devices
• The NXTWEAR S can connect to, say, a laptop right out of the box but requires one kind of adapter for iPhones and yet another for the Nintendo Switch. The adapters, in turn, also often need to be charged, so you can run into a problem with your device and your adapter running out of steam at opposing times
• The image quality is generally excellent, but the transparency of the image is a little distracting (especially when watching movies) and takes getting used to—it feels like a hybrid of a second screen and an AR headset but with the weaknesses of both  
• There is a noticeable lag when playing mobile games

Verdict: There’s no doubt this is a great (if incremental) step forward for wearable second-screen/AR devices, but it’s not quite there yet. Technically impressive and “only” $349 (honestly, there are far more expensive fashion sunglasses), the NXTWEAR S XR glasses further cement TCL’s reputation for making affordable devices that don’t skimp on quality (just like their TVs). However, it’s hard to see the NXTWEAR S being a go-to device for people except in very specific cases. 

On a plane and don’t want to risk tech-neck staring at your smartphone? This is a great alternative (just be prepared for a flight attendant to casually walk through a car chase in the middle of Fast X). Are you in bed and want to watch Better Call Saul, but your partner is asleep? Again, this is great for that. But when doing, say, laptop work, it’s nice not to have the option to look up and see your desktop floating in space above your latte. And, unless you’re a supremely gifted typist, you’ll still need to look down and occasionally lift the glasses to type or move your cursor around. It’s cool but not exactly practical.  

The TCL NXTWEAR XR glasses build

Right out of the box, the TCL NXTWEAR S XR glasses are (pardon the expression) Apple-like in their stylish simplicity. You get a small carrying case, the magnetic USB-C cable, a separate eyeglass pad so you can adjust fit and comfort level, and Ray Ban-like sunglass overlays that attach to the front of the NXTWEAR magnetically (and with TÜV Rheinland Certified lenses, they do actually provide sun and blue light protection). 

Everything you need can be placed into the carry case, which has a nice, padded interior and a hard plastic shell, making it perfectly easy to store in a laptop bag or stuff into your airline carry-on without worrying about scratching the lenses or crushing the device. 

The TCL NXTWEAR XR glasses setup

Overall, the core device is unfussy and well-designed, with set-up generally very easy (as long as you have a compatible device handy). I was able to hook the NXTWEAR S to my MacBook immediately, and the computer was able to recognize the device and switch into “second screen” mode without my having to do anything. Again, this device is intuitive and a great step forward, but it needs to be more device-agnostic.

The TCL NXTWEAR XR glasses performance

The TCL NXTWEAR gets right to work without any complicated or annoying setup. Once plugged in, you can immediately access the second screen, which looks crisp and clear with CONTRAST > 100000:1 and sRGB 108%, among other specs. Volume and brightness adjustments can be made easily via small buttons on the right temple. I used it primarily on a MacBook and iPhone and didn’t even have to download an app to start enjoying it immediately. 

The magnetic eyepiece not only improves the look of the glasses (you go from cybernetic accountant in 2099 to Tom Cruise on an aircraft carrier in a flash), but it does help temper some of the transparency and gives you richer, more “TV”-like colors. On the negative side, the device does have some compatibility issues with apps like Amazon Prime and MoviesAnywhere. 

So, who should buy the TCL NXTWEAR S XR glasses? 

Early adopters, who love a good gadget more than they look for practicality, will find that the NXTWEAR S XR glasses offer a fantastic design that delivers on its promises—it’s just that what it promises isn’t something you’ll necessarily have to or want to integrate into your everyday life. 

It seems clear that TCL will keep iterating on this idea, and each phase will likely smooth out some of the roughness and cumbersome annoyance. At around $400, it’s an expensive novelty, but it has potential and is fun to play with in small doses (allow your eyes to re-adjust to the real world after wearing them for a bit).

The post TCL NXTWEAR S XR glasses review: A smart wearable with an emphasis on wearability appeared first on Popular Science.

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