The rise of devices with built-in displays may have you thinking computer monitors are on their way out, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Even with laptops and all-in-one PCs becoming more prominent, there are still tasks that are best handled on a separate display.

When you buy your monitor apart from the rest of your computer, for instance, you can be sure that the screen tailors as specifically to your needs as the computer itself does. Those more concerned about budget than size and resolution may be drawn to the Asus MG248Q while devout gamers will feel right at home with a massive and ultra-wide AOC Agon AG352UCG. 

Then again, if you’re pairing your monitor with a laptop and dragging it into work everyday, perhaps you prefer something a little more discreet such as Asus’ recently announced ZenScreen portable monitor. At any rate, you can rest easy knowing that we’ll help you find the best monitor for you, regardless of personal preference.

Below is a list of the top 10 monitors on the market, 100% curated by the editors of TechRadar:

1. AOC Agon AG352UCG

Screen size: 35-inch | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440: | Brightness: 300 cd/m2 | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 172/178 | Contrast ratio: 2,000:1 | Color support: sRGB 100% | Weight: 26 pounds

Curved 21:9 screen

G-Sync compatibility

It really is very big

Pricey

The AOC Agon AG352UCG has a lot in common with the aforementioned Philips Brilliance monitor. For one, they both share the same 21:9 aspect ratio paired with a resolution of 3,440 x 1,440. The main advantage this monitor has is G-Sync, meaning if you’re sporting an Nvidia graphics card, you don’t have to worry about screen tearing inhibiting your games. The response time, too, is significantly better here, reducing latency exponentially to improve multiplayer games, like Battlefield 1. On the downside, the AOC Agon is excessively bulky, weighing in at 26 pounds (11.8kg) total. In that case, just be sure your desk can handle the weight.

Read the full review: AOC Agon AG352UCG

2. Acer Predator X34

Screen size: 34-inch | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3440 x 1440 Brightness: 300 cd/m2 | Response time: 4ms G2G (grey-to-grey) | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 100 million:1 | Colour support: SRGB 100% | Weight: 9.9kg

Aggressive design

Perfect color accuracy

Limited port selection

Underpowered speakers

Cinematic monitors are a great alternative to their 4K counterparts when it comes to gaming. In fact, you might say they’re even better due to their ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio. The Acer Predator X34 certainly looks the part, featuring an eye-catching aluminum bezel and angular, crow’s foot-shape stand. It comes with a number of gaming mod cons in tow, including Nvidia’s G-Sync frame-smoothing tech, an immersion-boosting curved shape and fantastic color reproduction that brings games to life. Short of strapping on a virtual reality headset, the Predator X34 is about as immersive as gaming gets – save for the lackluster speakers and missing ports.

Read the full review: Acer Predator X34

3. Asus MG248Q

Screen size: 23.6-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 350 cd/m2 | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 170/160 | Contrast ratio: 100000000:1 | Color support: SRGB 100%, Adobe RGB 72% | Weight: 16.98 pounds

144Hz refresh rate

1ms response time

TN panel

Adaptive Sync for AMD, Intel only

If your PC can’t afford 1440p or 4K gaming, the Asus MG248Q is the next best thing. Despite exhibiting a mere 1080p twisted-nematic, or TN, panel rather than IPS, the Asus MG248Q makes up for any shortcomings with lightning fast response times and Adaptive Sync. The latter reduces screen tearing if you have an AMD graphics card, a clear demonstration that the MG248Q tailors to the budget gamer. On the other hand, even Nvidia fans can rejoice at the 144Hz refresh rate. But, without the right GPU equipped, you might be better off saving for the G-Sync equivalent Asus ROG Swift PG248Q.

Read the full review: Asus MG248Q

4. Acer S277HK

Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Brightness: 300 cd/m2 | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 100,000,000:1 | Colour support: SRGB 100% | Weight: 11.9 pounds

Bezel-less design

Refresh rate

No USB ports

Height not adjustable

You’ll normally shell out an arm and a leg for a 4K display, but that’s not the case with Acer’s S277HK. In terms of pricing, this bezel-less beauty hits the sweet spot. With a 1,000,000,000:1 contrast ratio, a color gamut of 1.07 billion and a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, the Acer S277HK is better seen than heard about. Unfortunately, because of the way Acer designed it, there’s no way to mount it onto a wall for everyone to appreciate, nor is the height adjustable. But, and this is a huge but, if you prioritize high pixel density, reasonable cost and “zero frame” over malleability, this is a monitor to shoot for.

Read the full review: Acer S277HK

• This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out an alternative in the similarly-specced BenQ EW2770QZ.

5. LG 34UC79G-B

Screen size: 34-inch | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,080 | Brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Response time: 10.3ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: sRGB 92.1% | Weight: 8.6kg

Curved 21:9 screen design

AMD FreeSync

Lesser resolution than rivals 

Ineffective gaming modes

If you’re running games using AMD- or Intel-based graphics and want to get into ultra wide displays without spending a fortune, this is the monitor to look out for. At 34 inches diagonally, the LG 34UC79G-B is equipped with AMD FreeSync for screen tear elimination and a 21:9 aspect ratio best suited for games and cinema. Despite the resolution being lower than a lot of other widescreen displays on the market, there’s no denying that the LG 34UC79G-B pulls off a crisp image nonetheless – and with stunning color accuracy at that. Plus, you can change the height, which is more than can be said for even some of the pricier 4K monitors available today.

Read the full review: LG 34UC79G-B

6. Asus ROG Swift PG248Q

Screen size: 24-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 350 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 180Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 170/160 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Colour support: Adobe RGB 74% | Weight: 9.5kg

Cheapest G-Sync display on the market

Amazing 180Hz refresh rate

Just two display inputs

Only 24 inches

If you care more about frame rate more than graphics or resolution, this one’s for you. Because of its mind-blowing 180Hz refresh rate capabilities, the Asus ROG Swift PG248Q takes the 60fps gold standard for gaming and triples it – provided you’re equipped with a rig that can handle the extra stress. While you’re unlikely to enjoy Forza Horizon 3 at 180fps on Ultra settings given its high demand, a higher refresh rate is more than welcome in fast-paced, competitive games that don’t necessarily depend on a wealth of resources. Plus, as one of the most affordable G-Sync displays on the market, it helps that you can rely on the monitor to prevent screen tearing, too.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Swift PG248Q

7. Philips S-Line 243S7EHMB

Screen size: 23.8-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Brightness: 250cd/m2 | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: SRGB 96%, Adobe RGB 76% | Weight: 5kg

Affordable

Power efficient

Encourages VGA use

Contrast range could be better

Not exactly glamorous or high-end when it comes to both specs and appearances, gamers and graphics professionals will wince at the Philips S-Line 243S7EHMB just before realizing it’s not for them. That’s because this monitor was crafted specifically with business users in mind. That’s right, this panel is designed to replace that old clunker of a screen you have set up in your office right now. And, with both VGA and HDMI connections intact, you can expect it to be compatible with virtually any PC – whether it’s brand-new or collecting dust. Plus, although it’s not enabled by default, Philips’ LowBlue mode makes this monitor pretty easy on the eyes too.

Read the full review: Philips S-Line 243S7EHMB

• This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus MG248Q.

8. Viewsonic VP2772

Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Brightness: 350 cd/m2 | Response time: 12ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Colour support: SRGB 100% | Weight: 18.8 pounds

Bezel-less design

Refresh rate

No USB ports

Height not adjustable

Though it won’t win any fashion shows any time soon, the Viewsonic VP2772 is the perfect match for beyond-HD gaming or high-end photo editing. With a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution, it won’t dazzle as much as some of the more lavish 4K screens on our list, but what it lacks in pixels, it excels in color accuracy. Featuring a palette of 1.07 billion colors and gray scales, covering 99% of the Adobe RGB space, the Viewsonic VP2772 is both sharp and vibrant. On the downside, it’s not the best choice for those switching back and forth between Windows and Mac, no thanks to the distortion produced when used with macOS. 

Read the full review: Viewsonic VP2772

• This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out an alternative in the similarly specced BenQ EW2770QZ.

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article