Our dream of becoming remote workers came true with Covid-19. However, that meant that we had to replicate our entire work setup at home. What felt like a challenge was choosing one of the best monitors for home office, as there were so many options in the market. In fact, we found everything from a modest and simple workspace to even a complicated four-monitor setup. Plus, there are different monitors for gaming, different pieces for wide viewing angles and ergonomics, and even different selections for screen brightness and more. Clearly, we couldn’t just buy the first device we found, which is why we did all the legwork and research about different choices based on sizes, price, needs, space required, and more. Here’s a detailed guide to choosing the best monitors for working from home, no matter how many hours you work.
Dell U4025QW
6
We begin with one of our favorite monitors, the Dell U4025QW. This 40-inch monitor is an ultrawide powerhouse that allows us to open multiple windows perfect for multitasking. Despite not being extremely bright, it performed very well in our home office which got light from the window and saw lots of light at night. Like the Dell U2723QE, which also features on this list, this monitor also has a massive USB hub, including a KVM switch, five USB-A ports, and five USB-C ports. So, we could connect all kinds of devices to it, and the monitor even supported at least 90W of power delivery through the Thunderbolt-supported USB-C port. In fact, it was ideal even for connecting power-hungry gaming laptops.
Pros
- The KVM switch and power delivery over USB-C are superb.
- The image and text clarity were fantastic.
- It boasted great ergonomics and wide viewing angles.
Cons
- It’s very expensive.
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Dell UltraSharp U2723QE
5
Best all-in-one. The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is our pick for an all-rounder when it comes to monitors for working from home. We’re huge fans of this Dell monitor for more reasons than one, starting with the pleasant 27-inch panel. It was just the right size for our desks, our work, and our eyes. What’s more, we loved the 4K resolution as well as the fantastic color space coverage for video/photo editing. However, one of the most notable features is the low blue light emission, which reduced eye fatigue and strain since we used the screen throughout the day. Furthermore, the images were beautifully bright, incredibly accurate, and well-balanced. Finally, it was a fantastic all-in-one monitor hub, with the option of using both DisplayPort and USB-C ports for daisy-chaining our monitors.
Pros
- We loved the in-built connectivity hub with lots of USB ports.
- There is a wide range of color setting options.
- The anti-glare finish, low blue light setting, and high image quality are excellent.
Cons
- The USB-C cable is too short.
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BenQ MA320U 32-inch 4K Monitor
4
Best for Mac. The BenQ MA320U 32-inch 4K Monitor has to be one of our favorite displays. We fell in love with the beautiful 32-inch 4K display that’s specially designed for MacBook, Mac Mini, and Mac devices. Since we were using it within the Apple ecosystem, we found the entire process really seamless and easy to use and set up. We especially like the DisplayPilot 2 integration, letting you control various monitor settings directly through your Mac. Moreover, the two HDMI ports and the native KVM switch also add additional functionality since we work on Macs. Even the speakers were moderately great, making it a fantastic choice for people like us who work on Mac PCs.
Pros
- We love the minimalist design and the 90W PD.
- The seamless macOS integration is perfection.
- It’s also a near-perfect match to MacBook color profiles.
Cons
- The speakers are so-so.
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BenQ PD3225U 32 Inch 4K UHD Thunderbolt Monitor
3
Best 4K. The BenQ PD3225U 32-inch 4K UHD Thunderbolt Monitor was a great pick for a 4K monitor for working from home. We loved the modern and sleek design, especially since it also came with an ergonomic stand that would easily fit into any workspace. The pleasingly large 32-inch screen made the most of the 3840 x 2160 resolution and ensured that we wouldn’t need a second monitor. Moreover, we were thrilled to see complete support for macOS, along with the option to download DisplayPilot 2 which streamlined our controls and made it easy to make adjustments. While it’s on the pricey side, this Mac-focused, multi-platform display was great for home office work.
Pros
- The port offering is tremendous.
- We loved the bright display and ergonomic design.
- It had versatile connectivity options.
- The monitor is factory-calibrated for excellent color accuracy.
Cons
- It’s more usable for macOS rather than Windows users.
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Arzopa M1RC Portable Monitor
2
Best gaming monitor. We never thought a gaming monitor could work well for our work, but the Arzopa M1RC Portable Monitor broke all myths. Considering its sheer amount of features, the Arzopa M1RC made for an exceptional monitor. Firstly, we loved the broad 27-inch display, which not only helped us focus but also made for an immersive experience, thanks to the thin bezels. What’s more, it also boasted a 180Hz refresh rate and a 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution. So, if you’re looking to game post-work, this is a great hybrid pick.
“We were delighted with the portable Arzopa monitor that allowed us to not only work from home but also game without having to get a separate gaming PC!”
Dizzzi
Pros
- We loved the minimal, sleek design.
- The sharp QHD resolution was superb.
- The monitor has a 180Hz refresh rate.
Cons
- The color accuracy is a bit limited.
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Dell 27-inch USBC Hub Monitor P2725HE
1
Best value for money. The Dell 27-inch USBC Hub Monitor P2725HE sits at the top of the list for more reasons than one. After all, the brand has been a fan-favorite for business and work monitors for years. For professionals like us who work from home, this monitor is very hard to beat when it comes to the best bang for your buck. Firstly, the monitor has an in-built USB-C hub, which meant that we could skip the adapters, dongles, dock, and cable mess. So, we could plug any USB-C device into this monitor directly, and it would charge. Plus, we also had access to the other USB ports at the back. Of course, there’s the classic Dell stand and its height adjustability. For those who want the choice, there’s even a VESA bracket on the back for mounting this monitor to the wall. For a price of USD 250-300 for professional use cases, this monitor is pretty hard to beat.
Pros
- The ergonomic stand is great.
- It’s a great price for such a great display.
- It’s versatile and reliable.
- We loved the USB-C hub.
Cons
- None, really.
Buy on:
Our Verdict!
While we love all monitor choices, here are our favorite options of the lot.
- Best all-in-one: Dell UltraSharp U2723QE
- Best for Mac: BenQ MA320U 32-inch 4K Monitor
- Best 4K: BenQ PD3225U 32 Inch 4K UHD Thunderbolt Monitor
- Best gaming monitor: Arzopa M1RC Portable Monitor
- Best value for money: Dell 27-inch USBC Hub Monitor P2725HE
How To Choose The Best Monitors For The Home Office?
Screen Size
One of the first things we had to decide was the size of the monitor that would provide us with enough screen real estate to work. While this largely depends on one’s preferences and needs, there are some aspects you can consider to arrive at a solution. This includes thinking about screen resolution, the kind of work, viewing distance, and available desk space. Additionally, you need to think about whether you prefer a single large monitor or multiple smaller ones. This is a good general guideline for choosing the right-sized monitor.
- Larger desks can be equipped with 32-inch or larger monitors.
- For medium desks, 27-inch monitors could be the best fit.
- If you have a small desk, go for a 24-inch monitor.
screen Resolution
Screen resolution indicates how your monitor displays visual content, so selecting the right one could make all the difference between extraordinary and ordinary viewing. Here are the commonest resolutions and their best use case:
- 5K: Despite being less common, premium 5K monitors offer sharper images and higher screen real estate. However, they need powerful supporting equipment and are considerably more expensive.
- 4K (Ultra HD): Most monitors have this as the highest resolution for its excellent screen real estate, detailed images, and immersive experience. It’s ideal for professional video and photo editors and graphic designers.
- 1440p (Quad HD): This resolution is recommended for multitasking jobs as it offers sharper images and more screen space. It’s also great for casual gaming.
- 1080p (Full HD): This resolution is suited for general tasks, like office work and web browsing.
Ergonomic Features
We usually look for ergonomic features in a monitor since we spend a considerable amount of time in front of our monitor. Choosing the right ergonomic features end up creating a healthy and comfortable home office. So, look for monitors with adjustable tilt, height, and swivel options that allow you to position the screen at eye level, preventing physical discomfort and maintaining good posture.
Connectivity Options
Finally, we always make sure that our monitor has all the necessary ports to connect to our keyboard, mouse, CPU, and other devices like USBs. This is even more important if you’re planning to purchase dual monitors for your home office. When it comes to monitor connections, DisplayPort and HDMI are the most common options. Plus, even USB-C is becoming increasingly popular for mobile and portable devices.
Are you looking to design your entire home office? Check out the best home office wall accessories, the best ergonomic chairs for a home office, and the best small desks for a home office.
What features does my monitor need?
While they largely depend on the user, some features include a dock or port for plugging in different accessories, a good size, and swivel and adjustability features.
What resolution do I need to work from home?
A 1080p monitor works perfectly for most office apps. If you work with colors, images, and graphics, a 4K monitor will be better.
Is a 24 or 27 monitor better for a home office?
While choosing between a 24 or 27-inch monitor, consider features like your usage, viewing distance, and desk space. For instance, if you have more space to sit and can sit a bit away from the screen, then a 27-inch monitor is better, and vice-versa.