Discover the best monitors for laptops in 2024, offering enhanced display quality, ergonomic designs, and seamless connectivity for improved productivity and an immersive viewing experience.
Whether you’re a professional working from home, a creative designer, or a multitasking power user, adding a high-quality external monitor to your laptop setup can significantly boost your productivity and improve your workflow. A good monitor provides more screen real estate, better color accuracy, and sharper resolution, making tasks like coding, video editing, or managing spreadsheets much easier.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top monitors for laptops in 2024, focusing on productivity and display quality to help you find the perfect monitor for your needs.
What to Look for in a Monitor for Laptops
Before diving into the list, here are some important factors to consider when choosing a monitor for your laptop:
- Screen Size: A larger screen gives you more workspace, allowing you to manage multiple windows and tasks at once. Monitors ranging from 24 to 32 inches are the sweet spot for productivity.
- Resolution: A higher resolution like 1440p (QHD) or 4K (UHD) provides clearer, sharper images. Full HD (1080p) is standard, but 1440p and 4K are better for creative professionals who need pixel-perfect accuracy.
- Panel Type: IPS panels offer the best color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making them ideal for creative work. TN panels are more affordable but offer less color accuracy, while VA panels provide better contrast but slower response times.
- Connectivity: Ensure your monitor has the appropriate ports (USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort) to connect easily to your laptop. USB-C monitors with power delivery are a great option for charging your laptop while using the monitor.
- Adjustability: A good ergonomic design with adjustable height, tilt, and swivel options can improve comfort, especially during long working hours.
- Additional Features: Features like built-in speakers, USB hubs, or blue light filters can be valuable extras for enhancing your workflow.
Top Monitors for Laptops in 2024
1. Dell UltraSharp U2723QE (27″ 4K)
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)
Panel Type: IPS
Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is one of the best 4K monitors for productivity. With its vibrant IPS panel and 4K resolution, this monitor offers exceptional clarity and color accuracy, making it ideal for photo and video editing. The USB-C connection allows you to connect your laptop and charge it simultaneously, reducing cable clutter. Its ergonomic stand also provides height, tilt, and swivel adjustments for maximum comfort during long work sessions.
Why It’s Great for Productivity:
- 4K resolution for sharp, detailed visuals.
- USB-C connectivity with 90W power delivery.
- Excellent color accuracy for creative professionals.
- Ergonomic stand for better comfort and adjustability.
2. LG 34WN80C-B (34″ UltraWide QHD)
Screen Size: 34 inches
Resolution: 3440 x 1440 (QHD)
Panel Type: IPS
Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
For those who need more screen space to manage multiple applications simultaneously, the LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide monitor is a top choice. Its 21:9 aspect ratio allows you to fit more windows side by side, perfect for multitasking, coding, or working with large spreadsheets. The IPS panel ensures great color reproduction, and the USB-C port offers a single-cable solution for connecting and charging your laptop.
Why It’s Great for Productivity:
- Ultra-wide screen for better multitasking and workspace.
- USB-C connectivity for easy laptop integration.
- IPS panel for wide viewing angles and vivid colors.
- Ideal for coding, editing, and managing large projects.
3. ASUS ProArt PA278CV (27″ QHD)
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Panel Type: IPS
Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort
Refresh Rate: 75Hz
Designed for creative professionals, the ASUS ProArt PA278CV is a superb monitor for designers, photographers, and video editors who require accurate colors. This 27-inch QHD display offers excellent factory-calibrated color accuracy and covers 100% of the sRGB color space. The 75Hz refresh rate is a slight upgrade from the standard 60Hz, offering smoother visuals, while USB-C connectivity makes it easy to hook up your laptop.
Why It’s Great for Productivity:
- Factory-calibrated color accuracy ideal for creatives.
- 1440p resolution for sharp, detailed images.
- USB-C connectivity with power delivery.
- Adjustable stand with height, tilt, and swivel options.
4. BenQ PD3200U (32″ 4K)
Screen Size: 32 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)
Panel Type: IPS
Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
If you’re looking for a large, high-resolution monitor, the BenQ PD3200U is an excellent choice for graphic designers, video editors, and professionals who need precision. The 32-inch screen provides a massive workspace, and the 4K resolution ensures your work is displayed with stunning clarity. BenQ’s DualView feature allows you to display two modes (e.g., sRGB and CAD/CAM) side by side for a more efficient workflow.
Why It’s Great for Productivity:
- 32-inch 4K display offers massive screen real estate.
- Accurate color reproduction, perfect for creatives.
- DualView feature boosts productivity in design work.
- Ideal for video editing, graphic design, and multitasking.
5. HP E27d G4 (27″ QHD)
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Panel Type: IPS
Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
The HP E27d G4 is a great monitor for professionals who prioritize productivity and ergonomics. This 27-inch QHD monitor has a clean design with a USB-C hub that allows for easy docking of your laptop, simplifying your workspace by reducing cables. The monitor is also equipped with HP’s Eye Ease technology, which reduces blue light exposure without compromising color accuracy.
Why It’s Great for Productivity:
- USB-C docking station for seamless laptop connectivity.
- QHD resolution for clear and detailed visuals.
- Eye Ease technology reduces eye strain during long work hours.
- Excellent ergonomic adjustability with height, swivel, and tilt options.
6. Samsung Odyssey G9 (49″ UltraWide QHD)
Screen Size: 49 inches
Resolution: 5120 x 1440 (Dual QHD)
Panel Type: VA
Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
For power users who want the ultimate multitasking experience, the Samsung Odyssey G9 is a massive 49-inch curved UltraWide monitor with a 32:9 aspect ratio, essentially offering two monitors in one. This is perfect for developers, data analysts, and content creators who need a lot of screen real estate to work with multiple applications at once. The high refresh rate also makes it a great option for gaming or video editing.
Why It’s Great for Productivity:
- Ultra-wide display for maximum multitasking efficiency.
- Dual QHD resolution for crystal-clear visuals.
- Curved screen provides an immersive and comfortable viewing experience.
- Excellent for heavy multitasking or detailed design work.
7. LG UltraFine 5K (27″ 5K)
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 5120 x 2880 (5K UHD)
Panel Type: IPS
Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3, USB-C
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
The LG UltraFine 5K is designed with macOS users in mind, offering incredible 5K resolution and full integration with MacBooks via Thunderbolt 3. With its stunning color accuracy and 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, this monitor is perfect for creative professionals who need precision in color grading, photo editing, and video production. It also serves as a charging station for your MacBook, delivering up to 94W of power.
Why It’s Great for Productivity:
- 5K resolution offers unmatched detail and clarity.
- Thunderbolt 3 connectivity provides seamless MacBook integration.
- Superb color accuracy for creative professionals.
- Built-in webcam and speakers for video conferencing.
8. Acer Predator XB273K (27″ 4K)
Screen Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)
Panel Type: IPS
Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort
Refresh Rate: 120Hz (overclockable to 144Hz)
The Acer Predator XB273K is primarily known as a gaming monitor, but its 4K resolution, high refresh rate, and color accuracy make it a fantastic option for professionals as well. The monitor supports HDR content and has an impressive 144Hz refresh rate, providing smooth visuals for video editing or even gaming after work. Its excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles also make it great for creative tasks.
Why It’s Great for Productivity:
- 4K resolution with 144Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.
- HDR support offers better brightness and color range.
- Ideal for video editing, gaming, and graphic design.
- Vivid colors and wide viewing angles with IPS panel.
9. ViewSonic VG2455 (24″ Full HD)
Screen Size: 24 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Panel Type: IPS
Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
For those on a budget, the ViewSonic VG2455 offers a great balance of performance and affordability. This 24-inch Full HD monitor features a USB-C connection that provides a clean, single-cable solution for laptop connectivity. The IPS panel ensures decent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making it a good choice for office tasks, web development, and general productivity.
Why It’s Great for Productivity:
- Affordable and reliable for everyday tasks.
- USB-C connectivity for easy laptop integration.
- Full HD resolution with an IPS panel for sharp visuals.
- Compact and adjustable for space-conscious workspaces.
FAQs About Choosing the Best Monitor for Laptops
1. What size monitor is best for working with a laptop?
A 24-27 inch monitor is ideal for most users as it provides enough screen space for multitasking without being too large for a desk setup. However, if you need more space, a 32-inch or ultrawide monitor can be helpful for creative or analytical tasks.
2. Should I get a 4K monitor for my laptop?
A 4K monitor is an excellent choice if you work in fields requiring high resolution, like graphic design, video editing, or CAD. However, if you’re doing basic tasks like word processing or web browsing, a 1080p or 1440p monitor may be sufficient.
3. Can a USB-C monitor charge my laptop?
Yes, many USB-C monitors can charge your laptop while also transmitting data and video. Look for monitors that offer USB-C power delivery (PD) of at least 65W to ensure adequate charging for most laptops.
4. What’s the difference between IPS, TN, and VA panels?
- IPS (In-Plane Switching): Best for color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
- TN (Twisted Nematic): Fastest response times but lower color accuracy.
- VA (Vertical Alignment): Offers better contrast but slower response times than TN or IPS.
5. How important is refresh rate for a productivity monitor?
For general productivity tasks like web browsing, writing, and coding, a 60Hz refresh rate is sufficient. If you’re working with video editing, motion graphics, or gaming, a higher refresh rate (120Hz or more) can provide smoother visuals.
Conclusion
Selecting the best monitor for your laptop can dramatically improve your productivity and work experience. Whether you need a large, ultra-wide monitor for multitasking or a color-accurate 4K display for creative work, there’s a monitor on this list that fits your needs and budget. Consider your workflow, workspace, and laptop compatibility to make the best choice for your setup.
