You can browse all our monitor reviews and use the filters and Face-Off comparison tool to find the right model for you. Otherwise, you can head straight over to our pick of best monitors of the moment.
Although screen size is on the up (from 22" to 27") and general quality is improving, monitors keep coming down in price. And with accurate onscreen image quality, good contrast, plenty of connections (VGA, HDMI, DVI, audio, USB, etc.) and high resolutions (1920 x 1080-pixel Full HD, and up to 2560 x 1440 pixels for some 27" models), stand-alone computer displays have plenty of advantages compared with the often low-quality screens used in laptops.
Monitors are built with various types of screen panel. Unfortunately, TN panels are still widely used in many manufacturers' ranges. TN screens make for tight viewing angles and colours that don't always look consistent over the display. Thankfully, monitors with IPS and VA screens are starting to appear in most manufacturers' ranges, greatly improving overall image quality.
To win over users and stand out from the crowd, monitor-makers are starting to load their displays with all kinds of extra functions, such as touchscreen technology (which could gain ground thanks to Windows 8), 3D, 120 Hz modes for super-smooth, ghost-free 2D gaming, position sensors that make sure you're sitting properly, presence sensors or TV tuners.
Editor's choice
Philips Brilliance 241P4QPY
The 241P4 ensures accurate colour reproduction with good contrast and great usability. Plus, viewing angles are wide and power use isn't too high. Nice work Philips!
Best of the rest
Experts and Pros
ViewSonic VP2770-LED
This 27" monitor (2560 x 1440 pixels) has wide viewing angles and power use is kept in check. Colours are accurate out of the box, contrast is above average and there's a good range of hardware features.
| STORES | £ |
|---|---|
| amazon.co.uk | 859.00 |
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Good for Gamers
AOC e2752Vq
With accurate colours, good contrast and an excellent response time, the AOC e2752vq isn't far from a five-star score. In fact, this 27" monitor has plenty of qualities and is suitable for many types of task, particularly gaming.
| STORES | £ |
|---|---|
| Amazon mark... | 208.49 |
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Budget Option
Philips E-line 237E3QPH
With the 23" Full HD Philips 237EQPH monitor, you get a sleek design, two HDMI ports, accurate colour reproduction and decent viewing angles.
| STORES | £ |
|---|---|
| Amazon mark... | 118.62 |
| Amazon mark... | 214.54 |
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