2024 is an exciting year for Windows. While the AI features touted by Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs are a flat miss, the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite hardware inside Copilot+ PCs is a definite win.

Finally, after more than a decade of effort, Windows on Arm is a viable alternative to traditional x86 processors—and it’s especially alluring if you long for longer battery life.

But what about games? There’s reason to be skeptical., despite Qualcomm’s pre-release claims that games should just work on Snapdragon X Elite. Games are often developed with a highly specific platform target. Even ports that seem simple, like a move from PlayStation 5 to Xbox Series X|S, can take a lot more effort than you might think. 

To find out how well Qualcomm’s chips fare in PC games, I pitted Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop 7 against a Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 2-in-1 with an Intel Core Ultra processor and Intel Arc integrated graphics. The results are shocking.

Further reading: Surface Laptop 7 review: A new Snapdragon-powered era for Windows laptops

Qualcomm vs. Intel integrated GPUs

Every Qualcomm Snapdragon X chip comes with an integrated Qualcomm Adreno X1 GPU, though the IGP’s performance varies a bit depending on the particular Snapdragon X chip in a device: 

• Snapdragon X Plus X1P-64-100: 3.8 TFLOPs
• Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100: 3.8 TFLOPs
• Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100: 3.8 TFLOPs
• Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100: 4.6 TFLOPs

As you can see, Qualcomm’s naming conventions are a bit opaque even by the standards of the industry, so you’ll need to pay close attention when buying a Qualcomm-powered Windows laptop.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8″)

Read our review

Best Prices Today: $999.99 at Amazon | $999.99 at Best Buy

Though the X1E-84-100 is the best Qualcomm chip, it’s currently exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, leaving the X1E-80-100 in the leading spot for most Qualcomm-powered laptops. This is the chip I’ll be using in my tests for this comparison.

Intel, meanwhile, provides integrated Arc graphics into some—though not all—Intel Core Ultra chips. Here, too, the details can vary quite a bit between chips. The least performant have four “Xe Cores” while the best have eight. Clock speeds vary, too.

Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H, the one I’ll be using for this comparison, is a popular option for thin-and-light Windows x86 laptops, the form factor Qualcomm targets with its debut Snapdragon notebooks.. Many expensive laptops use it for their entry-level configurations, while mid-range laptops provide it as an upgrade over an Intel Core Ultra 5.

Qualcomm Adreno X1: Games that failed

Before diving into benchmarks, I want to address a major problem upfront: Most games currently make little or no effort to support Qualcomm’s hardware.

Qualcomm tried to build pre-launch hype with demonstrations of Baldur’s Gate 3 and Control, which both launch and run on a Snapdragon X laptop. However, many of the games I tried refused to launch, crashed at launch, or had instability problems that made them unplayable.

The list of game titles with such problems include many of the most popular games on Steam:

• PUBG: Battlegrounds has an anti-cheat system that doesn’t currently support Qualcomm’s hardware, so the game refused to launch.
• Counter-Strike 2 launched and, at first, seemed playable. However, the game frequently locked up for seconds at a time. The lock-ups seemed to be triggered by gunfire, which obviously isn’t great in a fast-paced esports shooter.
• Warframe launched to the title and login screens, but opened in an oddly scaled window that made the login button unavailable. The game crashed when I resized or maximized the window.
• Apex: Legends politely refused to launch. The game produced an error message stating Arm chips aren’t supported.
• Diablo IV launched and I was able to enter a game, but the game froze several seconds after I started moving my character, followed by a “[Prism] Device Removal – Win10/Dx12 TQ0 RT0 DLSS0 FG0” error message.
• Valheim crashed to the desktop before the game loaded to the start screen. This happened under both DirectX and Vulkan.

As I discovered in my time using the Microsoft Surface Laptop, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X delivers a stable Windows software experience straight out of the box. From web browsers to video editors, nearly everything ran without a problem. And, to my surprise, a large majority of the apps I use for everyday work already support Arm.

But PC games are a different beast. Very few PC developers bother to create Arm-compatible versions of their game. That’s when emulation tries to step in, but emulating a game is more difficult than emulating a typical desktop application.

Can Intel Arc play these titles? For the most part, yes. Games like Warframe and Counter-Strike 2 are very playable on Arc. Others, like Diablo IV and PUBG: Battlegrounds, push the definition of playable with occasional hitches or stutters, but I suspect gamers who aren’t too critical of performance will still find the experience tolerable.

The laptops used for comparison

I went beyond PCWorld’s typical benchmarks for this comparison because I’m interested in a broader overview of how Qualcomm’s Adreno X1 and Intel’s Arc compare across different games of varying age, graphical fidelity, and genre.

Because of that, I had to test a competitive laptop with Intel Arc graphics side-by-side with the Qualcomm machine. I selected the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 2-in-1 with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H and I pitted it against the new Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 with Qualcomm X1E-80-100.

Both laptops have (roughly) 14-inch screens, and they’re similar in size and weight so neither has innate thermal advantages. They represent many mid-to-high-end laptops with Qualcomm or Intel hardware.

The laptops were set to their respective “Best Performance” modes for these tests. I ran all benchmarks three times and averaged the results. Both laptops were connected to power.

The games tested and their results

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

Firaxis’ Sid Meier’s Civilization IV, released in 2014, is hardly a new game, but it remains among the most popular grand strategy games on Steam. It’s a great game to test because large games like this, with many AI opponents, can still tax entry-level laptops.

I tested this game with the built-in Gathering Storm expansion benchmark at 1920×1080 resolution with low Performance and Memory graphics presets selected. The benchmark ran three times back-to-back and the results were averaged. The DirectX 12 mode was used.

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

• Microsoft Surface Laptop with Qualcomm Adreno X1:
  Avg 21.47 / 1% low 14.52
• Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 2-in-1 with Intel Arc:
  Avg 72.29 / 1% low 39.52

This is a blowout win for the Intel Arc graphics, which averaged a performance uplift of roughly 3.5 times when compared to the Qualcomm Adreno X1. More importantly, Intel Arc delivered a playable and enjoyable experience, while Qualcomm Adreno X1 did not.

Interestingly, an Arm-native version of Civilization VI exists, as the game is available for both the iPad and Nintendo Switch (both have Arm chips). However, it’s not available for Windows. This implies the potential to improve performance with a native Arm release, but Firaxis hasn’t announced plans to bring it to Windows on Arm.

Dota 2

Valve’s Dota 2 remains one of the most popular esports titles on the planet. I tested its performance using the in-game replay function to standardize the results. The game was launched at 1920×1080 resolution with the Fastest detail preset, and three 60-second snapshots of performance were captured from the same replay file.

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

• Microsoft Surface Laptop with Qualcomm Adreno X1:
  Avg 52.8 / 1% Low 17.8 / 0.1% Low 9.8
• Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 2-in-1 with Intel Arc:
  Avg 106.6 / 1% Low 52.6  / 0.1% Low 38.1

This is a playable result for the Qualcomm chip, but only just. The average of 52.8 frames per second is solid, though not amazing, but the 1% lows dip into the high teens, and the 0.1% lows dip to single-digits. The game suffered occasional audio drop-outs and glitches.

Intel Arc is both quicker and more stable. Though far from a speed-demon, the Arc delivers an experience that looks and feels more polished. I think most Dota 2 players could get by with Intel Arc graphics if that was their only option.

Diablo II: Resurrected

As mentioned earlier, Diablo IV crashed on the Qualcomm chip—so I instead gave Diablo II: Resurrected a spin.

Although it appears to be a 2D game at a glance due to its fixed isometric perspective, it’s a full 3D title and can prove surprisingly demanding on low-end to mid-range hardware.

I tested the game at 1920×1080 resolution with the Medium detail preset. Dynamic resolution scaling was disabled. I booted the game up, selected a high-level character, and romped through the River of Flame map on Nightmare difficulty.

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

• Microsoft Surface Laptop with Qualcomm Adreno X1:
  Avg 47.8 / 1% Low 26.8 / 0.1% Low 19.1
• Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 2-in-1 with Intel Arc:
  Avg 74.5 / 1% Low 49.6 / 0.1% Low 27.9

Though hardly perfect, Diablo II: Resurrected was playable on the Qualcomm chip. It delivered an average of about 48 frames per second and 1% lows of 26.8 frames per second, indicating gameplay wasn’t always smooth but usually good enough. I didn’t notice any bugs or glitches in my time with the game, either.

Still, Intel Arc came out ahead by every metric. Not only was Arc’s average framerate much higher, but its framerate dips were less severe. In practice, these numbers mean Diablo II: Resurrected felt smoother and more stable on the Arc system.

Final Fantasy XIV

The popular MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV received a graphical overhaul for its new expansion Dawntrail, but it’s still not an especially demanding game when all things are considered.

I tested it with the standalone benchmark at 1920×1080 resolution and the High (Laptop) detail setting. Dynamic Resolution Scaling was off, while LOD on Distant Objects and Dynamic Grass Interaction were left on.

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

• Microsoft Surface Laptop with Qualcomm Adreno X1:
  4474 / Avg 31.56  / Minimum: 7
• Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 2-in-1 with Intel Arc:
  6111 / Avg 41.8 / Minimum: 24

The Qualcomm chip played the game reasonably well, but it often suffered momentary framerate dips that were a drag on the visuals, while Arc’s dips were relatively rare (though I would still recommend notching down a few detail settings).

This is another win for Intel Arc. While a higher average framerate is great, Arc’s real victory is its superior minimum framerate result. FFXIV fans might get by with the Qualcomm chip in a pinch, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Total War: Warhammer III

Total War: Warhammer III is a real graphical showcase for strategy fans. It has detailed campaign maps and large battles that can include thousands of units. I tested this game with the built-in campaign benchmark at 1920×1080 resolution and the Low detail preset.

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

• Microsoft Surface Laptop with Qualcomm Adreno X1:
  Avg 24 / Minimum 16
• Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 2-in-1 with Intel Arc:
  Avg 30 / Minimum 19

Intel Arc won this comparison, but the margin of victory was far slimmer than with most of the titles I tried—and it might not matter much. While Arc did average 30 FPS, the framerate frequently dipped into the 20s.

Both Intel Arc and Qualcomm Adreno require significant resolution reductions for a truly playable experience in this title.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

Despite its age, Skyrim remains an important title for PC gaming with an active community and a huge library of modifications.

I tested the Special Edition, without mods, at 1920×1080 resolution using the High detail preset. The test run was a walk from the cave you exit at the beginning of the game to the walls of Helgen.

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

• Microsoft Surface Laptop with Qualcomm Adreno X1:
  Avg 29.8 / 1% Low 12 / 0.1% Low 8.3
• Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 2-in-1 with Intel Arc:
  Avg 59.4 / 1% Low 39.7 / 0.1% Low 30.3

This was a clear win for Intel Arc, which roughly doubled the performance of the Qualcomm chip. Skyrim felt more stable on Arc with a 0.1% low of 30.3 frames per second, while it stuttered and hitched frequently on the Qualcomm-powered Surface with a 0.1% low of 8.3 frames per second.

Cyberpunk 2077

Now we have Cyberpunk 2077, a notoriously demanding title that’s representative of cutting-edge cross-platform games.

I ran the benchmark at 1920×1080 resolution and used the Low detail preset. Resolution scaling was enabled because this game simply isn’t playable on this class of hardware without it. The Qualcomm chip used AMD FSR 2.1 while Intel Arc used Intel XeSS 1.2. Ray tracing was off.

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

• Microsoft Surface Laptop with Qualcomm Adreno X1:
  Avg 20.69 / Minimum 14.93
• Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 2-in-1 with Intel Arc:
  Avg 35.83 / Minimum 27.90

This is another win for Intel Arc. Cyberpunk 2077 is just barely playable on Arc, though, so it’s a long way from ideal. On Qualcomm, meanwhile, the game’s average and minimum framerates fall short of acceptable.

Reducing resolution to 720p and fine-tuning the settings can arguably provide a playable experience, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

3DMark

Last, but not least, is a pair of 3DMark synthetic benchmarks: Time Spy and Night Strike. Time Spy is not an Arm-native test, but Night Strike is, and that has a big impact on performance.

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

• Microsoft Surface Laptop with Qualcomm Adreno X1:
  Time Spy 1,880 / Night Strike 24,573
• Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 2-in-1 with Intel Arc:
  Time Spy 3,523 / Night Strike 25,552

In Time Spy, which isn’t Arm-native, the Qualcomm Adreno X1 is leagues behind Intel Arc. But in Night Strike, which does provide an Arm-native version, the two are rather close. Arc still wins, but only by a hair.

This is a very important result. While not especially useful for gamers buying a laptop today, it hints that Qualcomm hardware could eventually end up in a much better place in due time.

Windows games designed for Arm are exceedingly rare right now, which is bad news for Qualcomm. But the Night Strike result shows that Qualcomm could make up a lot of ground if game developers begin to release updates for Windows on Arm.

Qualcomm Adreno X1 vs. Intel Arc: Conclusion

Qualcomm’s big issue is the lack of Windows on Arm among the PC game development community. Unlike other software developers—who are adopting Windows on Arm at speed—PC game developers seem unmotivated and even reluctant.

That’s understandable. Game developers already have to think about possible support for at least six platforms (Windows x86, Mac, Linux x86, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch). Adding Windows on Arm to the pile is surely a strain.

Still, the consequences are clear. Modern games simply don’t run well on Qualcomm’s chip because they generally run emulated, not natively. As a result, many titles experience hitching, stuttering, and/or extended framerate drops that drag down the experience with instability.

This could all change as game developers begin to release Arm-native versions, but I can’t predict how quickly that change will come.

So, what’s the final takeaway? If you’re looking to play PC games on an entry-level laptop today, you should choose an Intel laptop with Arc integrated graphics (or an AMD Ryzen laptop) over a Qualcomm alternative.

Best Prices Today: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8″)

Retailer

Price

$999.99

View Deal

$999.99

View Deal

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

It’s a new era for Windows PCs.

The latest Microsoft Surface Laptop (alongside the revised Surface Pro) ditches Intel and AMD hardware for Qualcomm chips. This isn’t a first, as previous Surface devices like the Surface Pro 9 5G also used Qualcomm. But those devices were introductory sideshows to the main event.

The new Surface Laptop is available only with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip. No Intel or AMD variants are available or planned. This bold move helps the Surface Laptop achieve strong performance and outright spectacular battery life in a thin laptop, in addition to standing as Microsoft’s debut AI-infused Copilot+ PC.

Looking for more options? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: Specs and features

The Microsoft Surface Laptop’s most intriguing hardware is, of course, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip. It’s a system-on-a-chip that pairs up to 12 CPU cores with Qualcomm Adreno integrated graphics. Entry-level Surface Laptop variants have a 10-core processor, but the one I tested had the 12-core upgrade.

• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (12-core)
• Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x
• Graphics/GPU: Qualcomm Adreno integrated graphics
• Neural Processing Unit (NPU): Qualcomm Hexagon
• Display: 13.8-inch, 2304×1536 resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio, 120Hz IPS-LED touchscreen
• Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen 4 solid state drive 
• Webcam: 1080p with dual-mic array
• Connectivity: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x Surface Connector, 1x 3.5mm combo audio
• Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Biometrics: Windows Hello facial recognition via webcam
• Battery capacity: 54 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 11.85 x 8.67 x 0.69 inches
• Weight: 2.96 pounds
• MSRP: $999.99 to start, $1999.99 as-tested

Processor aside, the Surface Laptop was well-equipped with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. These upgrades run up the price, though, which doubles from the entry fee of $999.99 to an as-tested price of $1999.99. That’s rather expensive, though comparable to other premium portable laptops like the Dell XPS 14 and Lenovo ThinkPad X1.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: Design and build quality

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

It’s easy to mistake the new Surface Laptop for an older model at a glance—and I mean that as a compliment. The new Surface Laptop, like its predecessors, has a sleek aluminum body that looks luxurious and feels rigid. It favors a minimalist look with no badging aside from the glossy Windows logo on the display lid.

Look closer, though, and a few details stand out. The display bezels are much smaller than prior Surface Laptop models, and they’re now rounded at the corners for a more organic, approachable look. The edges taper more aggressively than before, too, which makes the new laptop feel thinner in-hand. The new Surface Laptop is technically thicker than its predecessor, but feels more nimble.

The Surface Laptop weighs 2.96 pounds. That’s a bit heavier than competitors like the Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 and Dell XPS 13, both of which weigh 2.7 pounds. Though the difference seems trivial on paper, I did notice it. In fact, the first thing I said while unboxing the Surface Laptop was, “Wow, this feels a bit chunky.” Once placed in a backpack or bag, however, the Laptop’s extra ounces fade away.

Microsoft continues to stick with an unusual display aspect ratio of 3:2, which is far closer to square than the more common 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratios. As such, the Surface Laptop feels a bit boxier than competitors and it might not fit in some sleeves meant for a 13.3-inch widescreen laptop, as its dimensions are different from the norm.

But the 3:2 aspect ratio is an advantage if you frequently work with text documents or web pages, as you can see more vertical space at once. (In fact, the 13.8-inch Surface Laptop’s vertical display height is identical to a 15.6-inch laptop with a 16:9 aspect ratio.)

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: Keyboard and trackpad

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

The new Surface Laptop’s keyboard doesn’t live up to expectations. It has a roomy layout with large palm rests, which makes it comfortable to use, but key feel is an issue. Keys activate with a mushy, quiet, ill-defined action that lacks feedback.

Don’t get me wrong: it’s usable. But I don’t like it as much as the prior Surface Laptop (I own a Surface Laptop 4) or the keyboards found on competing laptops, like the Dell XPS 14 and Asus Zenbook 14 OLED.

A keyboard backlight comes standard—as is typical for a laptop in this price bracket—and offers three levels of brightness. It’s a bit dim even at maximum brightness, so the backlight isn’t easily visible when used in a bright room. However, the backlight’s minimum brightness is very low, which is preferable if you use the laptop in a nearly pitch-black space.

While the keyboard is a miss, the touchpad is solid. It measures roughly five inches wide and a bit more than three inches deep, which is comparable (or smaller) than other Windows laptops. But the touchpad felt extremely smooth and responsive.

It also handled multi-touch gestures with ease. Fans of Windows’ pinch-to-minimize (and other more complicated multi-touch gestures) will be pleased. It also supports haptic feedback, which convincingly emulates the feel of a mechanical button when the touchpad is tapped.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: Display and audio

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

As mentioned earlier, the Surface Laptop has an unusual 13.8-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. It also has a unique resolution of 2304×1536, which works out to a pixel density of 200 pixels per inch.

That’s a bit less than 14-inch competitors with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2880×1600, which hits about 242 pixels per inch. It’s also less than a MacBook Air M3 13.6-inch, which delivers 224 pixels per inch. These numbers aren’t as meaningful as they seem, though, because all three pixel densities look sharp in the real world. Still, the Surface Laptop is at a slight technical disadvantage as far as sharpness.

The Surface Laptop also continues to lag in display technology, as it sticks to an IPS-LED display without a dynamic backlight. That’s bad news for the laptop’s contrast ratio, which is far less impressive than competitors with an OLED display panel or Mini-LED display backlight.

It’s not a problem when working in Word or Adobe Acrobat, but it’s easy to notice when playing games or watching movies, especially in a dark room. The Surface Laptop looks less immersive and engaging than competitors like the Dell XPS 14 and Asus Zenbook 14 OLED.

That said, Microsoft strikes back with a 120Hz touchscreen that feels snappy. Many Windows laptops have abandoned the touchscreen, and others that offer touch—like the Dell XPS 14—stick to a lower refresh rate that feels less responsive. Plus, the Surface Laptop’s traditional clamshell design isn’t well-suited to touch input (the hinge doesn’t even fold back 180 degrees), but if you like to smudge up the screen, the Surface Laptop has you covered.

The 120Hz refresh rate can also, in theory, deliver a more fluid experience while playing PC games. However, the Surface Laptop’s gaming performance and support isn’t great, so finding titles that can run at up to 120 frames per second will be a struggle.

Audio performance is good, if not amazing. The Surface Laptop’s speakers are extremely loud at maximum volume and sound good with less-complex content, like podcasts. Throw a bass-heavy track at the Surface, though, and the speakers become muddy and harsh.

The speakers are above-average for most 13- to 14-inch laptops, but still behind audio leaders like the Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo Yoga 9i.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: Webcam, microphone, and biometrics

A 1080p webcam is packed into the Surface Laptop’s thin top bezel. It provides acceptable video quality straight away, which is improved by AI-powered Studio Effects filters (a feature the Surface Laptop shares with other Copilot+ PCs). The filters add background blur, automatic framing, and real-time effects that, in practice, add up to decent video quality.

Microphone quality is great. It picked up my voice with excellent volume and easily filtered out background noise, including persistent noises (like a fan) just a few feet away from the laptop.

Biometric login is supported through Windows Hello facial recognition. It worked well in my testing and, because it uses an IR camera instead of the primary sensor, it’s reliable in both very dark and bright rooms. Many competitive laptops support the feature, but it’s good to see it included.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: Connectivity

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

The bulk of the Surface Laptop’s wired connectivity comes from a pair of USB-C ports on the laptop’s left flank. Both ports support USB4, Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort, and can accept up to 65 watts of Power Delivery. There’s also a single USB-A 3.1 port for older devices and a 3.5mm combo audio jack for headphones, headset, or microphone.

Microsoft’s Surface Connect is back. It’s a proprietary data and power connector that magnetically attaches to the right flank. The bundled 65-watt power adapter uses Surface Connect instead of USB-C but, as mentioned, the USB-C ports support Power Delivery and can be used to charge and power the laptop as well.

the best thunderbolt dock we've tested

Plugable TBT3-UDZ

Read our review

Best Prices Today: $199.95 at Amazon | $369 at Newegg

Dedicated video-out (in the form of HDMI or DisplayPort) is missing, which might be annoying if you want to connect an older monitor or a modern TV. There’s no wired Ethernet, either. You’ll need a USB-C adapter, hub, or dock if you want to use the Surface Laptop with devices that require these ports. Though a tad disappointing, it’s typical for a portable Windows laptop.

Wireless connectivity is excellent, with support for both Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Wi-Fi 7 is the latest wireless internet standard. It’s so new, in fact, that very few people even have a Wi-Fi 7 router. Still, I think it’s the right move to make Wi-Fi 7 standard. (Anyone willing to pay almost $2,000 for a well-equipped Surface Laptop is likely to be an early adopter of Wi-Fi 7, after all.)

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: Performance

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop is one of more than a dozen new Copilot+ PCs with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip. The Snapdragon uses the Arm instruction set instead of the x86 instruction set that’s common to Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors.

Laptops with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processors, like the new Microsoft Surface Laptop, promise better battery life and efficiency. However, Arm and x86 aren’t natively compatible, which means Windows apps coded only for x86 won’t run on Arm.

To solve that, Microsoft has aggressively urged software partners to develop new Arm-compatible software, meanwhile providing an emulation layer (called Prism) that can run x86 software on Arm hardware.

What does that mean for performance? Let’s dig in.

Note: The Surface Laptop I tested had the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, an upgrade over the 10-core chip in entry-level configurations.

Cinebench R20

Our first couple of CPU-focused benchmarks will take a wandering trail. First, we’ll test the machine using our tried-and-true benchmarking suite, built for x86 chips, so we can see what the Snapdragon X Elite’s performance looks like when it hits Windows 11’s emulation layer. Immediately after, we’ll show the difference in performance running the same software, but using Arm-specific builds for the Surface Laptop. Spoiler: It’s huge, and drives home that while Qualcomm’s chip is fast enough to run software well in any case, the Surface Laptop 7 shines when you can use programs built with Arm’s architecture in mind.

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

First up is Cinebench R20, a heavily multithreaded CPU benchmark. This version of the benchmark doesn’t support Arm, so the new Surface Laptop uses emulation to run the benchmark. The emulation’s stability was perfect in this test, with no crashes or bugs, but the need to run the software through Windows 11’s emulation layer clearly affects performance.

The Surface Laptop is certainly slower than the x86 competition in this test, but it’s not a bad result for software that runs under emulation. The performance of both the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro creeps close to the Dell XPS 13, which has an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor. But the green benchmark lines below show just how truly potent the Snapdragon X Elite can be when it’s running native Arm software.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Mark Hachman / IDG

Mark Hachman / IDG

Mark Hachman / IDG

Mark Hachman / IDG

Mark Hachman / IDG

The charts above show how the Microsoft Surface Pro, which has the same processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite) as the Microsoft Surface Laptop, fares in the Arm-compatible version of Cinebench, R24. That benchmark actually includes a dedicated Arm version, which is compatible with Qualcomm’s processor. We’ve included two charts, one where the Pro is plugged in and one where it isn’t — and Qualcomm leads the pack in both single- and multi-threaded performance here. It’s not particularly close, either.

While we don’t have the Cinebench R24 scores for the Surface Laptop 7 just yet, we do have them for the Cinebench R23. It turned in a very respectable multi-threaded score of 8,896 as well as a single-threaded score of 1,091. As you can see in the charts above, performance is comparable to the Microsoft Surface Pro, so we’re comfortable stating that the chart-topping performance shown in the Arm-native R24 should be similar as well.

Basically, if you’re going to buy a laptop with the new Qualcomm processor, use the Arm-compatible versions of software if you can, especially if you’re performing intense tasks that pound CPU threads like Cinebench does.

Handbrake

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Next up is Handbrake. Though it does have an Arm version available, that version is much newer and not comparable to the version of the software we typically use. Because of that, the benchmark shown above runs under emulation.

And here, like Cinebench, the Snapdragon X Elite has problems. The benchmark was stable but required a dreadfully long time to finish. Clearly, emulation has met its match with this test.

But also as with Cinebench, switching to an Arm-compatible version of Handbrake drastically improves performance, making the Snapdragon X Elite a true contender with Intel’s best chips.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Mark Hachman / IDG

Mark Hachman / IDG

The chart above shows Arm-compatible Handbrake scores for the Microsoft Surface Pro, as again, it has the same processor as the Surface Laptop 7. Without the need to hit Windows 11’s emulation layer, the Qualcomm chip delivers comparable (or better) performance than rival Intel Core laptops, depending on the configuration.

It’s worth saying one more time: Performance is vastly better in native Arm apps that don’t hit the emulation layer, though in practice, most day to day software feels perfectly snappy and responsive on the Snapdragon X Elite platform. More on that after the benchmarking section.

Geekbench 6

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Next up is Geekbench 6. This synthetic benchmark isn’t part of our normal test suite, so we have less data on laptops using it. It has an Arm native version, however, so no emulation is required. 

And what a difference it makes! The Surface Laptop hits an impressive multi-core score of 12,988. That edges out the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (which itself is among the more capable laptops with an Intel Core Ultra processor) and easily defeats the OneXPlayer X1 (a Windows tablet forced to fit Intel’s Core Ultra in a tight wattage envelope).

And the new Surface Laptop is roughly twice as fast as Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9 5G. Launched in 2022, the Surface Pro 9 5G has a custom chip—the Microsoft SQ3—which was designed in collaboration with Qualcomm and based on the Snapdragon 8cx. Clearly, Qualcomm’s performance has improved since then.

3DMark

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

The Snapdragon X Elite’s processor performance looks good, but what about the integrated GPU? 

Qualcomm and Microsoft have spent less time marketing the performance of Qualcomm’s Adreno graphics, aside from a demonstration at Microsoft Build 2024 that showed games like Borderlands 3 and Baldur’s Gate 3 running through Prism emulation.

3DMark’s Time Spy and Night Raid tests provide a lot to dig into. Time Spy does not run native on Arm, but Night Raid does, and that has obvious implications for performance.

The Surface Laptop lags far behind Intel Iris Arc and AMD Radeon 780M integrated graphics in Time Spy. In Night Raid, however, Qualcomm’s Adreno powers the Surface Laptop to a respectable score of 23,348, which trades blows with Intel and AMD’s best integrated graphics.

Does Snapdragon X Elite work in the real world?

The Microsoft Surface Laptop’s benchmark results look solid on paper. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite is on par with, or slightly quicker than, Intel and AMD alternatives when apps have native Arm versions available. Performance under Prism emulation varies but, at its best, it doesn’t inflict a terrible penalty.

But a benchmark suite can only represent a small slice of apps, and my day-to-day experience was simultaneously worse than and better than these benchmarks suggest.

First, the bad news: I don’t think gaming is viable at launch. Microsoft knows this because, during the Reviewer’s Workshop held to answer questions from reviewers about the laptop, the company downplayed the laptop’s gaming performance. (Microsoft Devices VP Pete Kyriacou also told PCWorld that the Snapdragon X Elite-powered Surfaces will excel in productivity, not games.) Microsoft said Qualcomm chips don’t support discrete GPUs or external GPUs, so there’s no way to upgrade performance or side-step Qualcomm’s Adreno graphics.

These problems aren’t just in demanding games, like Cyberpunk 2077 or Total War: Warhammer III. I was surprised and disappointed to find that recent indie favorite, Halls of Torment, failed to play smoothly… despite the fact it relies entirely on 2D graphics. PCWorld will have more to report on the Surface Laptop’s gaming performance in an upcoming article, but for now I caution gamers to sit on the sidelines.

If you want a laptop for productivity and content creation, though, the Surface Laptop holds promise. The apps I use for professional work include the Microsoft Office suite (for writing, editing, and time tracking), GIMP (for photo editing), and Wondershare Filmora (for video editing).

While I expected Office to work without flaws, I was surprised to find that both GIMP and Filmora support Windows on Arm. Both apps worked flawlessly, and the Surface Laptop performed well enough when I opened the Filmora project file for my 43-minute-long video about the development of Baldur’s Gate 2. The timeline took a moment to fully load when flipping back and forth, but the video played in the editor without dropping frames. Cutting, moving, and copying clips were all smooth.

The list of productivity apps with Arm support is decent and growing. Notepad++, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and DaVinci Resolve 19 all support Arm (though, in some cases, the Arm version is still in beta). Adobe Premiere Pro, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects will receive Arm updates this year.

Just want to browse the web and watch Netflix? You’re unlikely to run into issues. Most web browsers, streaming platforms, and video conferencing software support Windows on Arm. Apps that don’t support it yet should still run well under emulation. And while I can’t guarantee every app will work perfectly, I didn’t see problems in my testing. Aside from games, every app I used launched, and none crashed in my time using them.

A note about Copilot+ PCs

The Surface Laptop, like other Copilot+ PCs, has an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) that can handle up to 45 trillion operations per second, and it was meant to highlight Windows 11’s AI features. Instead, the Copilot+ PC launch is a public relations disaster.

The flagship feature, Microsoft Recall, is indefinitely delayed over security and privacy concerns. Microsoft has reeled in the features of Windows’ Copilot app, too. Earlier preview versions could adjust settings and search files, but the version currently available lacks those features. 

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: Battery life

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite is quick, to be sure, but power efficiency is the chip’s real claim to fame. Microsoft says the Surface Laptop can provide up to 20 hours of video playback, a promise it easily fulfilled. 

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Matthew Smith / IDG

Real-world battery life lived up to expectations set by the benchmark. I often used the laptop for several hours at a stretch, yet saw the battery reduce by no more than 10 percent. My use is light (mostly web browsing and writing in Word or Google Docs), but the Surface Laptop’s endurance is much better than usual for a Windows laptop.

These results are even more remarkable given the Surface Laptop’s modest 54 watt-hour battery. Many competitors with AMD or Intel hardware, like the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Asus Zenbook 14 OLED, have a battery capacity above 70 watt-hours.

Still, the Surface Laptop’s battery life is spectacular. In fact, I’d say it’s the most significant threat to alternatives with AMD and Intel hardware. Battery life like this fundamentally changes how the device is used, providing peace of mind when leaving the house without a charger.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: Conclusion

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop is a success, though not without its issues.

After years of misfires, Arm on Windows is finally a viable option. With it comes access to new hardware, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite, which proves an alluring alternative to Intel and AMD devices. Qualcomm’s chip isn’t a good choice for gaming, but it’s great for battery life and it scores very well in CPU benchmarks with native Arm support. 

These traits make the Surface Laptop a solid choice for people who travel frequently or just don’t like to worry about battery life.

Editor’s note: This article was first published on June 25, but was updated June 27 with results of Handbrake and Cinebench testing with Arm-compatible versions of the software.

Retailer

Price

$999.99

View Deal

$999.99

View Deal

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

Best Prices Today: Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi

Retailer

Price

$245.79

View Deal

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

Xiaomi is best known for smartphones (in North America, at least), but the company is making inroads into PCs with a handful of inexpensive laptops and monitors. The Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi is the company’s latest budget ultrawide, and don’t let the price fool you: It’s an attractive display.

Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi specs and features

The Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi’s specifications are nearly identical to dozens of ultrawide monitors from competitive brands like Gigabyte, AOC, and Spectre (to name a few). It has a 34-inch Vertical Alignment (VA) panel with 3440×1440 resolution. Only the refresh rate stands out: It supports up to 180Hz, which is a tad higher than competitors at 120- to 160Hz.

• Display size: 34-inch ultrawide
• Native resolution: 3440×1440
• Panel type: Semi-gloss curved VA-panel with LED backlight
• Refresh rate: Up to 180Hz
• Adaptive sync: Adaptive Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium
• Ports: 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x 3.5mm audio jack
• VESA mount: 75x75mm
• Speakers: Yes, 2x 3-watt stereo speakers
• Price: $289.99 MSRP, $260 typical online retail

The G34WQi carries an MSRP of just $289.99 and often receives a small discount off. That makes the G34WQi an alluring option, though it does face many similarly priced competitors.

Further reading: See our roundup of the best gaming monitors to learn about competing products.

Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi design

The Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi doesn’t make much of an impression out of the box. It’s clad in matte and semi-gloss black plastic that looks and feels fine but unexceptional. The only design highlight is the stand neck, which is svelte and has a piano black glossy finish to add a touch of class. An RGB-LED accent light is included, but it’s rather dim.

The monitor has an aggressive 1500R curve, meaning that the radius of the curve would be complete if the monitor were 1500mm wide. In other words, a smaller curvature number actually translates to a more aggressive curve. Most people will appreciate the immersion a curved screen can provide, but it slightly distorts the image (a straight line rendered across the display will appear curved, not straight), which could annoy content creators who need an accurate image.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

A small, flat stand keeps the monitor secure on your desk and keeps the monitor’s footprint to a minimum. That’s important: Many budget ultrawides, like the Gigabyte GS34WQC, have oversized stands that take up a lot of desk space.

The stand provides adjustments for height, tilt, and swivel, and connects to the monitor with a 75x75mm VESA mount, allowing you to attach a third-party monitor stand or arm. The stand base doesn’t have a tool-less design though, so some assembly is required. A screwdriver is included, and assembly takes no more than two minutes, but more expensive monitors have a tool-free mechanism that’s easier to assemble and disassemble.

Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi connectivity and menus

The Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi’s connectivity is basic but expansive. It has two DisplayPort inputs and two HDMI inputs for a total of four video inputs, which is more than usual for a budget monitor.

However, the monitor lacks any form of USB connectivity, so it can’t be used as a USB hub to connect wired gaming peripherals. This is true for many budget ultrawide monitors, though most competitors with USB ports, like the LG 34BQ77QB, have a lower refresh rate or resolution. A 3.5mm audio out jack rounds out the connectivity.

The monitor’s on-screen menu system is controlled with a joystick located on the rear side of the lower right-hand bezel. It is responsive, easy to control, and navigates through Xiaomi’s well-labeled menus. The menus offer a fair bit of image quality customization, including several gamma presets that target specific numerical values, multiple color temperature presets, and settings for color hue and saturation.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Strangely, the monitor has a separate set of image quality settings for the standard and game modes, which are adjusted independently. That can prove confusing as certain settings, like the monitor’s response time modes, can’t be changed without first activating game mode. On the plus side, this provides an easy way to calibrate the display’s settings differently for work and play.

Xiaomi throws in a few extra features, including several picture-by-picture modes and a black equalizer to elevate the black levels of the display and make enemies more visible in games. These features are appreciated but also available in most competitive monitors.

The monitor lacks speakers, so you’ll have to rely on external speakers or a headset. That’s typical for a budget ultrawide monitor. The few competitors that do offer built-in speakers deliver a sub-par experience that’ll quickly have you looking for an upgrade.

Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi SDR image quality

The Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi has a Vertical Alignment (VA) display panel paired with a conventional LED backlight. It’s a common combination for a budget ultrawide monitor, but effective, and the G34WQi’s SDR image quality holds up well.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Xiaomi scores a win in brightness, as the Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi achieved a maximum sustained SDR brightness of 435 nits. That’s an excellent result for a budget monitor and beats many competitors by 25 or 30 percent.

A brightness of 435 nits isn’t required for typical use, of course, but it’s good news if you want to use the monitor in a brightly lit room or a room with sun-lit windows and poor light control. The G34WQi can easily compete with a room’s ambient light.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Contrast is another win for the G34WQi. The monitor achieved a contrast ratio of 4110:1, which is towards the upper end of what’s available from a budget ultrawide with a VA panel, and much better than what’s available from monitors with an IPS panel (like the HP Omen 27qs and Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS).

A higher contrast ratio translates to an image with more depth and immersion. Bright content seems to pop from the display and darker content shows detail that might be obscured on a less capable display. The monitor’s minimum luminance isn’t perfect, so it can still appear a bit hazy or gray when viewed in a darkly lit room, but this is less noticeable than with most budget monitors.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

The G34WQi posted another strong result with a color gamut that spans 100 percent of sRGB, 94 percent of DCI-P3, and 89 percent of AdobeRGB. These are excellent results for a budget display and more than enough to deliver a saturated, vivid image for gaming and Netflix. It’s also sufficient for many content creators.

With that said, the G34WQi ties competitors like the Gigabyte G34WQC. And some IPS panel monitors, like the HP 27qs, can provide a wider DCI-P3 color gamut. Xiaomi scores well here but it doesn’t stand out from the crowd.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

The same is true of color accuracy. The G34WQi’s color error is low enough that most people, myself included, won’t notice an issue. Videos, photos, and games look realistic and immersive. Still, the monitor’s out-of-box color accuracy is not remarkable and doesn’t beat competitors.

One problem I found noticeable was the monitor’s out-of-box color temperature of 7200K, which was significantly off the target of 6500K. The image seemed too cool and sterile when compared to that target. Color temperature can be adjusted with the monitor’s settings, and the ideal value can vary based on your preference. Still, 6500K is a common target, and most monitors come closer to it.

Gamma, on the other hand, was strong with an on-target gamma curve of 2.2. That means content viewed on the monitor generally looked as bright as it should and provided detail in both bright and dark areas. The curve can also be adjusted in the monitor’s settings, which is helpful for people who need (or prefer) a different gamma curve.

Sharpness was adequate. The G34WQi’s resolution of 3440×1440 works out to roughly 109 pixels per inch, which is identical to a 27-inch monitor with 2560×1440 resolution. Small fonts and high-contrast edges can appear slightly pixelated, and the Windows desktop lacks the absolute clarity of a 4K monitor, but it still looks rather sharp. Very few 34-inch ultrawide monitors offer a higher resolution, and those that do are much more expensive, so the G34WQi’s clarity is on par with its competition.

The Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi’s SDR image quality is excellent for the price and competitive with some more expensive monitors, like the Asus ProArt PA348CGV. It also comes out a tad ahead of the Gigabyte G34WQC, another budget ultrawide I liked. Better monitors are available, of course, but you’d need to leap to a QD-OLED monitor like the Alienware AW3423DWF to see a massive improvement.

Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi HDR image quality

The Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi supports HDR but doesn’t list an official HDR certification (like VESA DisplayHDR 400). That’s just as well because, like most budget monitors, it fails to deliver a good HDR experience.

Brightness is part of the problem. The monitor’s maximum brightness of 435 nits in HDR is precisely the same as its maximum brightness in SDR. That’s not enough to do HDR content justice, and bright portions of a scene lack the detail available on more capable HDR monitors.

Contrast is also an issue. The G34WQi’s conventional LED backlight can’t increase brightness in any single portion of the display without increasing brightness across the entire display. As a result, HDR content will often show less depth than SDR, especially in scenes that combine a few bright highlights with a mostly dark background.

None of this is unexpected. Good HDR performance is out of reach for most budget monitors with the rare exception of new budget Mini-LED monitors like the AOC Q27G3XMN. Those looking for better HDR performance from an ultrawide will need to step up to an OLED or Mini-LED display.

Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi motion performance

The Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi’s specifications are promising. It has a maximum refresh rate of up to 180Hz and claims a minimum pixel response time of one millisecond. The benefits of these features were obvious when playing games. Quickly panning the camera revealed that significant detail remains visible and small, fast-moving objects are easy to see. It’s a huge upgrade from a 60Hz monitor.

With that said, gamers should keep the monitor’s price tag in mind. Motion clarity is good but nowhere near what’s available from more expensive displays. Competitive gamers who want great motion clarity at this price point should instead look towards 27-inch 240Hz widescreen monitors like the LG UltraGear 27GR38Q-B.

Adaptive Sync is supported for smooth, tear-free gaming, and the monitor is AMD FreeSync Premium certified (though only when connected over DisplayPort). Nvidia G-Sync should work with the monitor, as it’s compatible with Adaptive Sync, but the lack of official support means you’re out of luck if it doesn’t work as expected.

Should you buy the Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi?

The Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi is an outstanding budget ultrawide monitor that should work equally well for home office, gaming, and entry-level content creation. It provides strong contrast, a wide color gamut, high maximum brightness, and respectable motion clarity for less than $300.

Xiaomi faces a lot of competition, as many competitors sell ultrawide monitors with identical specifications at a similar price. Still, the G34WQi stands out in a few ways. It’s among the least expensive monitors, it has a compact yet functional ergonomic stand, it has four video inputs, and its maximum refresh rate of 180Hz is higher than most alternatives. These traits make the G34WQi a good choice, and it’s especially appealing when on sale for below MSRP.

Budget Windows laptops in crisis. 

Buying a laptop for $500 is as easy as ever in 2024, but most that dart beneath that price do it with outdated processors that come paired with truly terrible integrated GPUs. 

The Acer Aspire 3 exemplifies the problem. It’s a capable laptop for basic tasks. But if you can stretch your budget to $700 or $800, you can snag a laptop that’s at least twice as quick and a much better value for your money.

Looking for more options? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops under $500.

Acer Aspire 3: Specs and features

The Acer Aspire 3’s most prominent specification is the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor. It’s a relatively basic AMD CPU with a total of four processor cores and eight threads as well as a cut-back version of Radeon integrated graphics.

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7520U
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR5
• Graphics/GPU: AMD Radeon 610M
• Display: 15.6-inch 1920×1080 IPS non-touch 60Hz
• Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen 4 solid state drive 
• Webcam: 720p with dual-mic array
• Connectivity: 1x HDMI, 1x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1x USB Type-C, 3.5mm combo audio, barrel plug power adapter
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
• Biometrics: None
• Battery capacity: 50 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 14.3 x 9.4 x 0.79 inches
• Weight: 3.8 pounds
• MSRP: $499.99

Acer doesn’t skimp on memory or storage, as the Aspire 3 has 16 gigabytes of memory and a terabyte of PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage. Many competitors, including Lenovo, Dell, and HP, offer similar RAM and storage for around the same price, but it’s still good to see these specifications aren’t sacrificed to stay below the five-hundred-dollar price point.

Acer Aspire 3: Design and build quality

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The design of Acer’s Aspire lineup is well-established, with a basic silver-on-silver that lacks distinctive badging, patterns, or textures. It’s boring, to be honest, but that’s not unusual for a budget laptop.

Plastic is the material of choice, but the laptop is reasonably stiff and rigid. The display doesn’t show much flex when it’s opened and it feels rigid when moving it in and out of a backpack. It’s not an Apple MacBook or Razer Blade, but the Acer Aspire 3 feels well put together, especially for the price. 

Unfortunately, the Aspire 3 I received rattled when the laptop was picked up and even when typing on the keyboard. The culprit seemed to be a spring or component near the touchpad. It’s not a functional problem, but did make the laptop feel a bit cheaper than it otherwise would have. 

On the plus side, the Aspire 3 is portable for a budget 15.6-inch laptop. It’s a bit wide at 14.3 inches but only 0.79 inches thick and weighs a mere 3.8 pounds. It can easily fit in most bags meant to accommodate a laptop, and it’s light enough that it won’t feel tiring to haul around campus or between meetings.

Acer Aspire 3: Keyboard, trackpad

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

A spacious keyboard, which includes a number pad, stretches across the Acer Aspire 3’s interior. It has plenty of room to provide large keys, except for the left-side tab, caps lock, and shift keys, which are slightly undersized. The numpad keys are shaved down a hair but remain comfortable and easy to find.

Key feel is mixed. There’s enough travel for a good tactile sensation, but I found the action of each key was a tad too springy, and the rattle I mentioned earlier gave the keyboard an unpleasant sound.

A keyboard backlight is absent, making the laptop difficult to use in dimly lit rooms. While not unusual for a laptop around $500, this is a price point where keyboard backlights are available, and it would’ve been a nice feature to include.

The touchpad is a highlight, measuring over 5 inches wide and about 3 inches deep. It can’t compare to the size of touchpads on more expensive laptops but provides enough room for Windows’ multi-touch gestures. It also felt responsive and didn’t pick up any unintended inputs during my time with the laptop.

Acer Aspire 3: Display, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Acer ships the Aspire 3 with a non-touch IPS display boasting a resolution of 1920×1080. It’s an acceptable display though, perhaps unsurprisingly, far from the best available.

The display makes a good first impression. Spreading 1080p resolution across a 15.6-inch display works out to a pixel density of 141 pixels per inch. A 27-inch 4K monitor has 163 pixels per inch, so the Acer’s display isn’t far behind and, in many cases, will look just as sharp. It’s also fairly bright with a maximum measured brightness of 324 nits. That could be higher, to be sure, but it’s acceptable for a budget laptop. 

However, the Aspire falls back in color performance and contrast. It can look dull or washed-out, especially when viewing darker movies and games, like The Batman or Resident Evil 4. It’s also not the best choice for content creation due to both its resolution and color performance. Video and photo editors, digital artists, and other creative workers are going to need to buy a more expensive laptop.

But it’s difficult to find a better display at this price. The display is comfortable to use for hours at a time in both brightly and dimly lit rooms. That’s not a high bar, but it’s one not all budget laptops can jump. The Acer Aspire 3 is up to the task.

The built-in speakers, on the other hand, are inadequate. They’re not loud even at maximum volume and often sound muddy or unclear, especially when bass is required. They also fire downward, which means audio performance worsens if the laptop is placed on a surface that absorbs sound (like, say, your lap). It’s not a great experience. 

Acer Aspire 3: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

A basic 720p webcam is squeezed into the Acer Aspire 3’s top bezel, and it’s bad. The webcam’s image quality is fuzzy, dull, and lacks both contrast and color. None of this is unusual for an inexpensive 720p webcam, but it remains a huge step down from the 1080p webcams that are now common in more expensive laptops. It’s ok for casual video calls, but that’s about it. 

The microphone performs better. It picks up good volume and filters out some annoying background noise, like the sound of a space heater or a dog barking outside. Recorded dialogue tends to sound distant and tinny, so I wouldn’t recommend recording a podcast, but the microphone is more than adequate for most voice and video calls.

Biometrics login isn’t available on the Acer Aspire 3. That’s not a surprise, as nearly all laptops sold below $600 omit this feature.

Acer Aspire 3: Connectivity

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Acer Aspire 3’s connectivity, though basic, should be enough for most people. It has two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports and one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port. The USB-C port also supports DisplayPort and USB-C Power Delivery, so it can be used to connect a monitor and/or charge the laptop (Acer doesn’t ship the laptop with a USB-C charger, however, and instead uses an old-school barrel plug). A 3.5mm combo audio jack and HDMI 2.1 port rounds out the options.

That covers most devices a typical owner will want to connect. The only port missing is Ethernet, which is a shame, because there’s enough room on the laptop’s flanks to accommodate it. Ethernet connections are possible, but you’ll need to use a USB-C to Ethernet adapter or a USB-C hub with an Ethernet port.

Wireless connectivity is a bit behind the curve. The laptop supports Wi-Fi 6, which is now a couple generations out of date; Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 can offer better performance. Bluetooth 5.2 is available, too. 

Acer Aspire 3: Performance

The Acer Aspire 3 is powered by AMD’s Ryzen 5 7520U, an entry-level mobile processor launched in September of 2022. Its modest specifications include four processor cores, eight threads, and a maximum boost clock of 4.3GHz. It also has a rather low default thermal design power of 15 watts. None of this is great news for the laptop’s performance.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

PCMark 10, a generalized system benchmark, puts the Acer Aspire 3 off to a lackluster start with a score of 4,115. That’s not great, as it positions the Acer Aspire 3 far behind many other laptops we’ve tested recently. 

Clearly, the step down from a laptop with a current generation mid-range mobile SoC (like the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H or AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS) to the older AMD Ryzen 5 7520U is steep.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Cinebench, a heavily multithreaded short-duration CPU benchmark, puts the Acer Aspire 3 in an even less favorable position. Core count is important in this test, so it’s not surprising to see the quad-core Ryzen 5 7520U fall behind more expensive alternatives with at least twice as many cores. 

Intel’s Core i3-N305 is the only recently tested processor that’s slower. It’s actually an eight-core CPU, but doesn’t support hyperthreading and relies entirely on Intel’s Alder Lake E-Cores, which aren’t nearly as quick as the P-Cores found in more expensive Intel processors. 

Still, this again is a steep step down. It suggests that laptops priced around $800 to $1,200 are more than twice as quick in bursty multi-threaded workloads, which brings the Aspire 3’s value into question.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Handbrake, a heavily multithreaded long-duration CPU benchmark, doesn’t change the story. The Ryzen 5 7520U is much, much slower than more modern Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen 8000-series CPUs. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Next we get into graphics performance—and this is where the Acer Aspire 3’s stumble turns into a gnarly face-plant. 

The AMD Ryzen 5 7520U has Radeon 610M integrated graphics with just two (yes, two!) graphics cores. By comparison, the new AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS has Radeon 780M graphics with 12 graphics cores.

The Acer Aspire 3’s IGP severely underperforms most laptops we’ve tested in the last few years, aside from those with similar entry-level AMD Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5 processors. Even the Acer Aspire Go 15, which has a cut-down version of Intel’s aged UHD Graphics, scores a small victory over the Aspire 3 in 3DMark’s Time Spy benchmark. 

While the Aspire 3’s CPU and integrated GPU fail to impress, the laptop offers 16GB of RAM and a 1TB solid state drive. That’s a lot of capacity for a $500 laptop, and it goes a long way towards making the laptop feel snappy and useful in typical day-to-day use. Despite its lackluster performance, it often feels as quick as far more expensive laptops—if you stick with less demanding applications like web browsers and office suites.

Acer Aspire 3: Battery life

At a glance, the Acer Aspire 3’s mediocre performance would seem to hint at excellent battery life. However, as noted, it uses an older version of AMD’s Ryzen mobile processor line which isn’t as efficient as more modern architectures. The laptop also makes do with a 50 watt-hour battery, which isn’t large for a 15.6-inch laptop in 2024 (many have 60 to 70 watt-hours, or more).

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

That has a consequence for battery life. While Acer says the laptop could achieve over 18 hours of battery life in a best-case video rundown scenario, our standard video rundown test (which loops a 4K file of the short film Tears of Steel) drained the battery in roughly six hours and 45 minutes. 

General use didn’t sway my opinion. Using the laptop to write in Google Docs and browse the web sucked the battery at a rate consistent with six to eight hours of battery life. It’s not terrible for a budget Windows laptop, but certainly behind the curve. 

Acer Aspire 3: Windows 11 Home S

The Acer Aspire 3 is shipped with Windows 11 Home S mode enabled. Owners can upgrade to Windows 11 Home at any time, for free, and Acer sent the review laptop with this upgrade installed. 

Haven’t heard of Windows 11 Home S mode? It’s a mode found on some budget Windows laptops that locks app installation to those available on the Microsoft Store. The mode also locks the default browser to Microsoft Edge.

That’s not great. Swapping out of Home S mode is simple and free, but it’s an annoying extra step that might surprise users less familiar with Windows 11. 

Acer Aspire 3: Conclusion

The Acer Aspire 3 is a competent budget laptop with a decent display, lots of RAM, and spacious storage, but its lackluster CPU and GPU performance bring its value into question. 

The Aspire 3’s MSRP of $500 is extremely affordable, but spending a few hundred dollars more can snag you a laptop that’s roughly twice as quick in CPU benchmarks and over six times quicker in GPU benchmarks. It’s an acceptable choice if $500 stretches your budget to the limit, but it’s otherwise not the best value.

Shoppers considering this laptop may want to step down to an even more basic model, like the Aspire 3 A315-24PT-R288 or a Chromebook. That might seem strange, as those laptops are even less capable. But they’re also sold for as little as $300—and I don’t think the Aspire 3 can handle much they can’t. 

A quality monitor arm is one of the best upgrades you can make to your home office setup. A monitor arm gives you more ways to move and position your display/s around your desk, and it can free up usable space on your desk surface. Plus, a monitor arm can make your desk setup look really cool.

The only catch is the price. Most monitor arms worth buying will cost close to $200, and heavy-duty arms capable of holding two large displays are even pricier. The good news is that if you buy a good-quality monitor arm, you’ll likely never need to replace it. That’s why it’s important to choose wisely with your first monitor arm purchase.

To help you with that, we’ve put several popular monitor arms through their paces to find the best of the bunch. Below you’ll find our curated list of recommended monitor arms, with thorough explanations of what qualities made them stand out. And below that, we point out some arms that we weren’t so keen on — to provide a point of comparison.

If you’re still on the fence about whether a monitor arm is worth the money and the time it takes to set up, read our article that answers why a monitor arm is most definitely worth it.

If you’re looking for a new monitor to go with your monitor arm, see our roundups of the best monitors and best home office monitors for recommendations. We recently reviewed the Dell S2722QC, which offers a compelling combination of 4K resolution, USB-C connectivity, and affordability, making it a nice addition to any home office.

Ergotron LX – Best monitor arm

Best Prices Today: $184.69 at Amazon$205 at Lenovo$275 at CDW

The Ergotron LX is a sturdy, practical monitor arm that can handle most monitors. It’s easy to set up, easy to use, and (when purchased in its white or polished aluminum colorway) attractive.

Ergotron positions the LX as an entry-level monitor arm, but the company’s definition of “entry level” exceeds most competitors. The arm is primarily constructed from metal, with some plastic cladding, and can support monitors that weigh up to 25 pounds. Ergotron recommends sticking to monitors 34 inches wide or smaller. The monitor arm is backed by a 10-year warranty.

The arm has a healthy range of adjustment that includes 13 inches of lift, 75 degrees of tilt, 360 degrees of rotation, and 360 degrees of pan (or swivel). While not as smooth as the Herman Miller Flo, I was able to adjust the monitor arm left, right, forward, and back without standing.

Setup is simple. The monitor has an included clamp and grommet mount. Installation is mostly handled with a bundled Allen wrench, though you’ll still need a Philips head screwdriver to attach your monitor to the VESA mount. Most owners will be able to install smaller monitors (24 to 27 inches) alone, but help is recommended for larger displays.

Ergotron also avoids any serious flaws. I have a few nitpicks, sure. I think the clamp could be smaller. The white colorway doesn’t have a color coordinated VESA mount. And the arm’s overall design looks a bit industrial. Still, this is a bomb-proof mount, and it’s available under $200.  

Workstream by Monoprice – Best budget monitor arm

Best Prices Today: $70.79 at Amazon

The Workstream by Monoprice single monitor arm is a no-frills solution that delivers basic monitor arm features at an exceptionally low price.

The monitor arm has an all-metal construction that in some ways feels sturdier than the Ergotron LX, as the Workstream doesn’t include as much plastic cladding. It’s not entirely a win, though, as the plastic that exists feels frail (and I even broke a small, though unnoticeable, bit while adjusting the monitor).

It provides a good range of adjustment, with 13.2 inches of height and 90 degrees of tilt, swivel, and rotation. The arm’s height and tilt adjustment are comparable to others on this list, but it can’t swivel in a full circle, which may prove annoying if you frequently move a monitor arm to share your screen with colleagues.

The Workstream’s slim budget is felt in its difficult setup and stiff operation. Users will need to install several screws for a clamp or gromet mount. More screws may need to be adjusted once the arm is in place, as its default tension proved inadequate for supporting a 32-inch monitor.

Monoprice lists the monitor as capable of supporting 20 pounds, but I felt the 32-inch monitor (which weighed 15 pounds) was pushing the Workstream to its limits. Monoprice also skimps on the warranty, offering just one year of coverage.

These flaws are easily excused by the Workstream’s $60 price tag. It’s clearly less capable, less attractive, and more difficult to use than Ergotron’s LX, but it offers a good range of adjustment and durable construction for less than half the price. It’s an ideal choice for shoppers on a tight budget, as well as those who plan to install a small, light 24-inch or 27-inch monitor.

Herman Miller Flo – Best upscale monitor arm

Best Prices Today: $295 at Herman Miller

Want a monitor arm that gets the job done and looks good doing it? The Herman Miller Flo is for you.

The Flo’s design sets it apart from the pack. Herman Miller ditches the angular, industrial design of many competitors for a smooth, natural look. While clearly designed for a corporate office, it also fits in with a home office setup, where its friendly, approachable look helps it blend in with its surroundings. The Flo is backed by a 12-year warranty and offers 24/7 customer service.

It’s easy to set up and use. The monitor’s clamp works similarly to other monitor arms I tested, but it’s more refined and requires fewer screws (a grommet is also available). The VESA mount is also excellent, providing a simple clip design that’s secure and can be easily pre-mounted to a monitor for simple installation. The way this mount works accommodates monitors that have a slightly recessed mount position, which may cause problems for other monitor arms.

The monitor’s range of adjustment isn’t much different from other high-end monitor arms. It offers 13.3 inches of vertical adjustment, 80 degrees of tilt, and 360 degrees of swivel and rotation. That’s essentially identical to the less expensive Ergotron LX. The Flo’s operation is smoother, however: I found I could adjust a monitor’s height with a mere nudge.

Surprisingly, the Flo has a listed weight limit of 20 pounds and recommends use with monitors weighing at least 7 pounds. Most monitors fit within this range, but some heavier models won’t be compatible with the Flo.

Herman Miller lists the Flo at $295, which is a lot to ask for a single-monitor arm. The Ergotron LX offers similar features at a much lower price. However, the Flo is a smoother, more appealing monitor arm, and worth the upgrade if you want form with your function.

Ergotron HX – Best heavy-duty monitor arm

Best Prices Today: $345 at Lenovo$348.99 at Amazon$349 at CDW

It’s natural, given the only slight difference in name, to think the Ergotron HX is merely an uprated version of the Ergotron LX. That’s not the case. This is an entirely different monitor arm which pairs its increased capacity with improved build quality and a more professional look.

First, let’s talk weight. The Ergotron HX is rated to hold monitors that weigh up to 42 pounds and screen sizes up to 49 inches. That’s an extraordinarily high weight limit—I haven’t reviewed a single monitor in 2023 that exceeds it. I attached both a 32-inch widescreen and 38-inch ultrawide monitor, which weighed roughly 15 and 20 pounds, respectively, and the HX easily handled both.

The use of plastic is minimal and reserved for small portions of cladding that appear used only for cable routing. The arm’s moving parts include larger, sturdier mechanisms, and felt extremely smooth in my use. Ergotron backs the arm with a 10-year warranty.

The monitors range of adjustment is a bit limited compared to the LX. It offers 11.5 inches of height, 75 degrees of tilt, 180 degrees of swivel, and 360 degrees of rotation. However, a somewhat more limited height adjustment is typical in this category due to the size of monitors these stands are expected to carry.

The monitor arm’s impressive design also provides a more robust look. This could be a con for some, however, as the arm can seem a bit…much in a home office setup. It’s an expensive arm, as well. Expect to pay about $350.

The Ergotron HX is an obvious choice if you want to mount an ultrawide, super-ultrawide, or large format widescreen monitor on your desk.

Humanscale M2.1 with M/Connect – Best monitor arm w/ built-in dock

Best Prices Today: $356 at Humanscale

The Humanscale M2.1 with M/Connect laptop docking station is an attractive, robust, and modern monitor arm that can expand your laptop’s connectivity without taking up additional space on your desktop.

Humanscale’s entry-level M2.1 doesn’t include a laptop dock, but it’s designed to accommodate the M/Connect 3, which nestles snuggly into the base of the arm. Most home office shoppers will likely choose the M/Connect 3 USB Data Hub, which currently retails for $253 (on top of the M2.1’s base price of $356). The hub adds three USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. If you want even more ports, the $600 M/Connect 3 Pro Dock adds two more USB-A ports, two more USB-C, Ethernet, and two DisplayPort ports.

The M/Connect 3’s added connectivity is an excellent way to expand the ports on a laptop. Its central location makes the ports easy to access and keeps them firmly located in a set position on your desk (as opposed to freestanding hubs and adapters, which tend to get shoved around, or off, a desk). It’s also a good alternative to a USB-C monitor. We like USB-C monitors, but packing connectivity into the monitor can make it difficult to access some ports, as most are located on the rear of the display.

Connectivity aside, the Humanscale M2.1 is a robust, if conventional, monitor arm. It can handle monitors between 5 and 15 pounds, which is enough to support the vast majority of widescreen monitors under 32 inches in size. It also has a “smart stop” feature, which lets users customize the amount of rotation the arm allows, and easy-to-use quick release joints that are handy when disassembling or moving the arm. The arm isn’t as smooth in operation as the Herman Miller Flo, but it remains easy enough to adjust.

Ergotron LX Dual Monitor Arm – Best dual monitor arm

Best Prices Today: $399.99 at Amazon$405 at Lenovo$415 at CDW

Two monitors are always better than one, and the same goes for monitor arms. It’s no surprise, then, that Ergotron’s LX Side-by-Side ranks as our best dual monitor arm. The Ergotron LX Side-by-Side pairs two LX monitor arms together on one mount. The look, feel, and specifications of each arm are close to its standalone sibling.

Monitor size is one exception: While the standard LX is rated for monitors up to 34 inches, the Side-by-Side’s arm is only rated for monitors up to 27 inches. The monitor arms aren’t long enough to fit two 32-inch or 34-inch monitors side-by-side. Vertical arrangements are also supported, though only if one of the two monitors is small (less than 23 inches diagonal).

Look and feel is otherwise similar to the standard Ergotron LX, and that’s why the dual monitor arm also earns a recommendation. The dual-monitor arm provides the same winning balance of build quality, adjustability, and smooth operation, and it’s backed by the same 10-year warranty.  Pricing is a bit higher at $330, which is a slight savings compared to buying two LX arms individually.

Workstream by Monoprice Dual Monitor Arm – Best budget dual monitor arm

Best Prices Today: $99.99 at Monoprice

The same logic that applies to our favorite dual monitor arm also to the budget model, giving Monoprice’s Workstream Dual Monitor Arm a clear path to victory.

In fact, the dual arm’s pricing is even more impressive. The Workstream Dual Monitor is four times less expensive than the Ergotron LX Side-by-Side. I’m a bit shocked by the quality Monoprice can offer at a $100 price point. Ergotron’s alternative is more attractive and easier to use, but is it four times better? That’s a tough call.

The Workstream’s downsides are identical to standard model. Build quality is impressive for the price, but the arm is difficult to set up and not as smooth in operation. I’m also doubtful the arm is capable of handling two 20-pound monitors, as its spec sheets claim. Fortunately, 27-inch monitors (the largest this arm can handle side-by-side) usually weigh less than 10 pounds, so weight capacity shouldn’t be an issue.

Huanuo HNDS12 – Best mid-range dual monitor arm

Best Prices Today: €94.89 at Amazon DE$139.99 at Amazon

The Huanuo HNDS12 represents a middle ground for shoppers who want an upgrade in quality but need to respect their budget.

Each monitor arm is almost all metal with only a small piece of plastic to provide cable routing. The arm also has gas springs capable of lifting up to 26 pounds of weight, which is enough to handle 32-inch widescreen and 34-inch ultrawide monitors.

There’s one unusual feature: a USB hub. This includes two USB ports that are placed at the front of the arm base. Each of these will need to plug in to your computer, which might be a problem if you have a laptop with just a few ports, but it’s a functional bonus.

The Huanuo HNDS12, like the HNDS6 (below), is a bit fiddly to set up. It has two clamps that need to be adjusted and roughly a dozen screws that need to be installed. The gas springs also require a bit of adjustment to reduce the force provide, at least when used with a 24-inch or 27-inch monitor. 

Still, the HNDS12 is a good pick at its regular retail price of $140, which often drops as low as $110 when on sale. It looks attractive and offers plenty of force for holding larger monitors.

Monitor arms that we don’t recommend

Humanscale M8.1

Best Prices Today: $545 at Humanscale

Humanscale is synonymous with high-end office furniture: The Freedom chair is something of an icon in executive offices across the globe. But Humanscale’s high-end office hardware is at times an awkward fit for a home office, as the M8.1 demonstrates.

The Humanscale M8.1 looks similar to the M2.1, but it’s upgraded to handle monitors between 6 and 28 pounds (almost double the M2.1 in our list above). That’s enough to handle nearly any monitor available today, including large ultrawides like the Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW. The arm can also handle two monitors of the appropriate combined weight and offers a “crossbar” to support them both on a single arm.

That’s good, and useful, but pricing is an obstacle. The arm starts at $545, but the crossbar (required to use two monitors) ups the price to $686. The M/Connect 3 laptop dock is also available to the M8.1 but, of course, adds even more to the price. That’s a bit hard to accept when the Ergotron HX, which supports monitors up to 42 pounds, starts at $350, or $585 for the dual-monitor crossbar version. Ergotron’s alternative feels as sturdy, supports even larger and heavier displays, and is less expensive.

The Humanscale M8.1 has features you won’t find on the Ergotron, such as an optional laptop dock and customizable arm rotation, and it’s a fine selection if price is no obstacle. In most cases, though, the M8.1’s price will be hard to justify.

Huanuo HNDS6

Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Amazon$67.99 at Huanuo

Huanuo’s HNDS6 is a budget dual-monitor arm that’s popular on Amazon (in fact, it’s listed as the best-seller in Computer Monitor Arms). It provides a reasonable level of quality at a low price but fails to unseat the Workspace by Monoprice Dual Monitor Arm on our list.

We’ll begin with the positives, which, to be clear, outweigh the problems. The Huanuo HNDS6 carefully walks the value tightrope to deliver a decent dual-monitor arm at a typical price of $60 (which can dip below $50 on sale). The arm’s metal construction feels rigid and looks durable.

Each arm is rated to hold between 4.4 and 14.3 pounds. That’s not a lot: The Workstream by Monoprice arm is rated up to 20 pounds. Still, it’s enough to handle a huge majority of 24- and 27-inch monitors, and the monitor arms provided plenty of lift in our testing.

We’re not a fan of the arm’s installation. It has two clamps instead of one unified clamp, which is strange, because the base of the monitor arm is one solid piece. There are roughly a dozen screws to install. And the included cable routing can prove hard to tighten once several cables are held within the routing.

The Huanuo HNDS6 is a decent dual-monitor arm for the price and worthwhile on a discount (it was once sold for just $38). In general, though, we think the Monoprice Workstream Dual Monitor Arm provides more for a similar price.

What to look for in a monitor arm

Purchasing a monitor arm is a bit different from purchasing most home office gear. A monitor arm, unlike a monitor, is a hefty, durable piece of equipment that never really goes obsolete. It must also support the specific functions you want out of the box, since upgrades and customization tend to be limited.

Adjustability and range of motion

The range of adjustability and motion a monitor arm can offer is a critical but often overlooked feature. A monitor arm should adjust for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot—and it should do so without tools.

All the monitor arms we recommend meet this standard, but some differences remain. Only some monitor arms provide 360 degrees of swivel, meaning the neck of the monitor arm can be rotated to any position. That’s handy if your desk is in the middle of your room since you can use the monitor from various positions.

Most inexpensive monitor arms ditch adjustability and stick with simple tension mechanisms that are secured by a screw. It’s inexpensive but fixes the monitor’s position in place once it’s adjusted. We recommend avoiding mounts that use this strategy.

Ease of installation and adjustment

None of the monitor arms tested were difficult to install, but the difference between budget and premium models was clear. Budget models require more screws to install, and the default tension of the arm’s adjustment mechanism is less likely to be suitable out-of-the-box.

The ease of adjustment varies greatly, too. All the monitor arms we surveyed require an Allen wrench to adjust tension (which is necessary if the arm seems too stiff or loose), but some were much more difficult than others. The Herman Miller Flo felt smooth and effortless, while the Workstream by Monoprice required serious torque.

Cable management

Proper cable management is important if you value a clean, clutter-free desk.

This is one aspect of design that didn’t improve with pricing. The Herman Miller Flo’s cable management was basic, while the Workstream by Monoprice hid cables well. This did come with a trade-off, though, as the Flo’s seemed least likely to cause cables to bind while moving the monitor.

While cable management is useful, none of the monitor arms I tested can handle the full complement of cables that might be attached to a high-end USB-C monitor (like the Dell U3223QE). This is an aspect of monitor arm design that manufacturers could improve.

Maximum supported size and weight

It’s important to buy a monitor arm that can handle the monitor you own.

This won’t be a major concern if you own a 24-inch or 27-inch monitor, as most such monitors weigh 10 pounds or less. With that said, it’s wise to double-check the monitor’s weight before buying a monitor arm. Remember the monitor’s weight can exclude its stand. Larger 32-inch, 34-inch, and 49-inch monitors are more difficult to handle and may require an upgrade to a “heavy duty” monitor arm.

Monitor size limits should be respected as well. It might be possible to attach a 40-inch monitor to an arm meant for a 32-inch monitor. The 40-inch monitor may even come within the arm’s weight limit. A larger monitor will distribute weight differently, however, which could cause an arm’s tension mechanism to fail.

How we test monitor arms

Every monitor arm we recommend was personally tested first-hand at a PC World contributor’s home or the PC World office. We examine the quality, ease of installation, and range of adjustment of each arm to verify it meets the manufacturer’s claims. The monitors we use to test arms can vary over time, but generally include at least one 27-inch and one 32-inch widescreen monitor. Monitor arms rated for “heavy duty” use were tested with at least one monitor that weighs 20 pounds or more.

4K resolution is now within reach of everyday PC users, promising a massive improvement to image quality, with four times the pixels of a 1080p display. A 4K monitor is useful not only in games and movies but also when editing documents or browsing web pages. The extra pixels make text look clear and crisp.

After extensive testing, I’ve determined that the recommendations listed below are the best 4K monitors available today, covering a variety of budgets and use cases. If you’re looking for additional options, see our roundups of the best monitors overall, the best gaming monitors, and the best monitor deals. 

Also, make sure you optimize the ergonomics and comfort while viewing that new 4K monitor with a proper monitor arm for your desktop setup. Check out our roundup of best monitor arms to see our top picks.

Updated June 17, 2024 to include the Dell S2722QC as our pick for the best budget 4K monitor. See our summary below to learn more about this great bang-for-buck monitor that offers a compelling combination of 4K resolution, USB-C connectivity, and affordability.

Dell U3223QE – Best 4K monitor

Pros

• IPS Black panel fulfills its promise 
• Accurate color with wide gamut 
• High brightness in SDR  
• USB-C hub with 90 watts of power 

Cons

• Edges of display are noticeably bright 
• HDR performance disappoints 
• Only a 60Hz panel 

Best Prices Today: $627.95 at Amazon

The Dell U3223QE, which also tops our list of the best monitors overall, is an excellent 4K monitor for professionals and everyday users who want excellent image quality. 

Technology is what sets this monitor apart. It has a new IPS Black panel that offers roughly twice the contrast of computer monitors with older IPS panels. This provides a richer image with a better sense of depth and darker black levels in dark scenes. The U3223QE also has a high maximum brightness and excellent color performance with high color accuracy. Images are vibrant and true to life. 

Yet there’s more to the Dell U3223QE than image quality. It’s also a versatile USB-C hub monitor with up to 90 watts of Power Delivery. The built-in hub has multiple USB-A ports, Ethernet, and even DisplayPort out. 

This is a 32-inch 4K monitor, which may be too large for some desks. Dell also has a 27-inch model, the U2723QE, which offers 4K resolution and the same IPS Black panel. We haven’t reviewed that model but expect it will deliver similar performance.

Read our full Dell U3223QE review

Dell S2722QC – Best budget 4K monitor

Pros

• Uniquely affordable USB-C monitor
• 4K resolution with HDR option
• High brightness and good color accuracy
• Integrated speakers

Cons

• Low contrast ratio saps SDR vibrance
• Mediocre color gamut

Best Prices Today: $309.99 at Amazon

The Dell S2722QC has emerged as the best budget 4K monitor you can buy right now. Initially priced at $380, the monitor now retails for around $280 (and as low as $250). It stands out by blending this budget price with 4K resolution and USB-C connectivity typically reserved for more expensive models.

Dell’s 27-inch IPS display delivers crisp visuals and a respectable brightness of 296 nits, suitable for most lighting conditions. In addition to an exceptionally clear, sharp 4K image, the monitor delivers color performance that’s more than adequate for everyday productivity, streaming, and light gaming. These perks are paired with a USB-C port with 65 watts of USB Power Delivery for charging a connected laptop or tablet, as well as two USB-A ports for connecting wiring peripherals. The monitor even ships with a sturdy yet compact ergonomic stand that adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot.

Still, the Dell S2722QC makes a few compromises to keep the price low. The IPS panel’s contrast ratio is low, which can make the image look flat and dull when playing games or watching a movie. It’s better suited for a home office than a gaming den. To be fair, though, quality 4K gaming monitors are usually more expensive. 

Dell’s S2722QC is a good budget 4K monitor that offers a lot of bang for your buck. It doesn’t deliver the highest image quality in all areas, but its combination of 4K resolution, USB-C connectivity, and affordability makes it a solid choice if you want a tack-sharp home office monitor at a low price.

Read our full Dell S2722QC review

Asus ProArt PA279CV – Best budget 4K monitor for creatives

Pros

• Accurate image
• High maximum brightness
• Menu settings allow calibration
• Has USB-C with 65 watts Power Delivery
• Competitive price

Cons

• Unimpressive design
• Luminance uniformity could be better
• HDR is bright but otherwise falls short

Best Prices Today: $420.99 at Best Buy$459.99 at Adorama

Want a great 4K monitor, but need to spend less than $500? The Asus ProArt PA279CV is an excellent choice.

The ProArt PA279CV is a 27-inch 4K monitor that targets entry-level professional use. It has excellent color accuracy, high maximum brightness, and a good contrast ratio for an IPS monitor. 

This monitor also throws in USB-C connectivity. It’s not a great USB-C hub, as it has only a couple USB-A ports, but it offers 65 watts of Power Delivery for charging a connected laptop or tablet.

Asus throws in adaptive sync support compatible with AMD and Nvidia video cards. This prevents screen tearing and provides smooth motion in 3D games. The monitor has a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz. 

The ProArt PA279CV carries an MSRP of about $500, but that price can swing significantly lower when retailers run a sale. We recommend waiting for a discount if possible.

Read our full Asus ProArt PA279CV review

Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX – Best budget 4K gaming monitor

Pros

• 4K resolution
• Good gaming performance
• Tons of ergonomic adjustment options
• Inexpensive 

Cons

• A relatively low 60Hz refresh rate

Best Prices Today: $299.99 at Amazon

For gamers who enjoy stunning graphic detail and slower paced games the focus shouldn’t be on refresh rate, but image quality and high resolution. The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q gives you both. It is a 28-inch 4K display with a refresh rate of 60Hz and adaptive sync making it compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync. It’s also modestly priced at only $400 which is a bargain for a 4K display.

The refresh rate is quite low for something branded as “gaming”, but if you aren’t planning to play quick e-sports or shooter games, then you won’t have to worry about it. It provides you with outstanding image quality and a vivid color range that more than makes up for the middling refresh rate.

The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q delivers on that in most aspects for gamers. But in the end, it’s all about getting a budget friendly 4K display and in that aspect this monitor delivers exceptional value.

Read our full Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q review

Alienware AW3225QF – Best 4K gaming monitor

Pros

• Excellent color performance and contrast
• Good overall HDR performance
• 240Hz refresh rate with great motion clarity
• Big price drop from prior 4K OLED monitors

Cons

• Stand is too large
• Curved panel is an acquired taste
• HDR brightness is still just okay

Best Prices Today: $1199.99 at Dell

The Alienware AW3225QF sets a new benchmark for 4K gaming monitors. It delivers a new 4K QD-OLED panel from Samsung that delivers crystal-clear visuals at a buttery-smooth 240Hz refresh rate, a new high mark for a 4K OLED displays. And it manages to do all of this at a price that undercuts earlier 4K OLED displays, which typically retailed for $2,000 to $3,000 (or more).

Despite that, the AW3225QF looks just as stunning as its more expensive predecessors. It achieves vibrant color with an infinite contrast ratio, and kicking the resolution up to 4K reduces the sharpness problems that plagued many OLED gaming monitors in 2023. The AW3225QF also performs well in HDR games. It can’t sustain the extreme brightness of an OLED monitor but handles small, bright objects well and delivers excellent detail in both bright and dark scenes.

Alienware’s design is both stylish and sophisticated with an attractive white-and-black color scheme. However, the monitor comes with a massive stand that’s a poor fit for smaller desks. A VESA mount is provided for use with a third-party monitor arm or stand.

The AW3225QF’s connectivity options complement its high resolution. It has one DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports, all of which support the monitor’s 4K resolution at its peak refresh rate. One of the HDMI ports also provides eARC support, which is handy for connecting to home theater devices. In fact, this may prove a popular use for the AW3225QF. Its connectivity makes it a reasonable alternative to a small 4K TV, so the monitor’s appeal extends beyond PC gaming. Console gamers who need a small display should also give it a look.

Read our full Alienware AW3225QF review

Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED – Best portable 4K monitor

Pros

• Excellent image quality
• Useful built-in kickstand
• Attractive and sturdy design
• Extensive image-quality options

Cons

• Flimsy bundled keyboard cover
• Some on-screen menu options are confusing
• Power adapter could be smaller

Best Prices Today: $499.99 at Amazon$499.99 at Viewsonic

Viewsonic’s VX1655-4K-OLED is our top choice for creators seeking top-notch image quality in a portable display.

This 16-inch OLED monitor delivers class-leading sharpness with 275 pixels per inch (a 27-inch 4K monitor, for comparison, has 163 pixels per inch). It also delivers vivid, accurate colors and deep contrast that make it perfect for both entertainment and creative work. The monitor’s HDR performance also far surpasses other portable monitors, so it’s a good choice if you want to sit back and watch a movie after a busy day.

Unlike most portable monitors, the VX1655-4K-OLED has a built-in kickstand that flips out from the rear of the display. The kickstand is more stable and easier to use than the detachable, folding stands that inexpensive portable monitors rely on. Connectivity is solid, as well, with dual USB-C inputs and one mini-HDMI.

The monitor has a few minor flaws. The bundled display cover feels somewhat flimsy, the on-screen menu system can be tricky to navigate, and the relatively large power adapter is more cumbersome than it needs to be.

Yet it’s clear the portable monitor’s perks far outweigh its problems. While shoppers can find cheaper alternatives, the VX1655-4K-OLED stands out for its ability to deliver a professional-grade visual experience on the go.

Read our full Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED review

Samsung M8 Smart Monitor – Best 4K monitor for entertainment

Pros

• Has Samsung’s Tizen OS with smart TV features
• Remote, webcam, and speakers included
• Excellent SDR image quality
• HDR quality is good for the price

Cons

• Limited connectivity
• Annoying to set up and access some features
• No adaptive sync or enhanced refresh rate
• Narrow viewing angle

Best Prices Today: $673.52 at Amazon$699.99 at Samsung

A 32-inch 4K monitor is great for everyday PC tasks like web browsing and document editing, but it can be more than that. Monitors in this category are an ideal substitute for a television in a small mixed-used space like a studio apartment, rented room, or dormitory. 

Samsung’s M8 Smart Monitor leans into this by fusing the features of a Smart TV with a traditional 32-inch 4K monitor. The monitor comes with a remote and runs Samsung’s Tizen operating system. You can access streaming content, like Netflix or Hulu, directly from the monitor.

Yet this is still a great PC monitor. A connected PC or other external device can be used by flipping the input source, as you would on a television. Image quality is solid with excellent sharpness, top-tier contrast, high brightness, and attractive color performance. 

The monitor also comes in a variety of attractive stand and bezel color options, with a detachable webcam, and has a USB-C port with up to 65 watts of Power Delivery. It supports Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5, too.

Read our full Samsung M8 Smart Monitor review

BenQ SW272U – Best 4K monitor for photographers

Pros

• Incredible sharpness from its paper-like display
• Wide color gamut and high color accuracy
• Excellent ergonomic stand
• Extensive image quality controls accessible through bundled remote

Cons

• Disappointing contrast ratio
• Modest connectivity for the price
• Very expensive for its feature set

Best Prices Today: $1,499.99 at Amazon

The BenQ SW272U is an excellent 4K monitor for photographers and publishers who prioritize sharpness and accuracy. This 27-inch monitor has a “fine-coated panel” that delivers a simulated paper-like texture and boasts a resolution of 3840×2160 at 60Hz. It also provides a robust, industrial design with ergonomic stand that offers a wide range of adjustment and a glare-reducing hood designed to reduce ambient light.

Connectivity includes standard ports like HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, with the notable addition of an SD card reader, which photographers are sure to like. However, it misses some advanced features like Thunderbolt. The monitor offers an exceptional menu system, accessible through a joystick or a wireless remote, with extensive customization for color gamut, color temperature, and gamma. That’s another key feature for photographers, as it helps users precisely calibrate the monitor’s image based on their needs.

The SW272U also has excellent image quality which, of course, is key for its target market. Its color gamut coverage and color accuracy are defeated only by a few of the best OLED and QD-OLED monitors. The monitor’s sharpness also stands out, offering a high pixel density that, in combination with the fine-coated panel, mimics the quality of printed material. The monitor’s contrast ratio is limited, which proves a downside for entertainment, but it’s less of a concern for its target audience.

There’s only one real issue, and that’s the price. BenQ asks almost $1,500 for the SW272U, and that’s a lot even for a 27-inch 4K monitor. If you’re a photographer hoping to see what your photos might look like in print, though, it’s worth the premium.

Read our full BenQ SW272U review

Dell G3223Q – Best 4K 144Hz monitor

Pros

• Bright, sharp SDR image
• Good color gamut and accuracy
• Solid build quality and ergonomic stand
• Great motion clarity at 120Hz or 144Hz

Cons

• Disappointing HDR performance
• Odd menu choices for creators 
• Modest USB connectivity

Best Prices Today: $592.03 at Amazon$599.99 at Dell

Want a 4K monitor with a high refresh rate for smooth gaming? The Dell G3223Q is an excellent option. 

The G3223Q is a 32-inch, 4K monitor with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (Nvidia G-Sync also works, unofficially). You can play games at high refresh rates with no screen tearing and smooth frame pacing. 

You’ll find two HDMI 2.1 ports on the rear. They’re great for connecting a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X game console, since you can play at each console’s maximum resolution and refresh rate. There’s also a DisplayPort input for connecting your PC. 

None of this would matter if the G3223Q’s image quality wasn’t excellent—but it is. The monitor has great color performance, high brightness, good contrast, and a razor-sharp image thanks to its 4K resolution. 

It’s a good value, too. The G3223Q is towards the low end of pricing for a 32-inch, 4K 144Hz monitor but doesn’t sacrifice features or build quality to achieve it.

Read our full Dell G3223Q review

Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX – Best 4K HDR monitor

Pros

• Excellent gaming performance
• 4K resolution
• Dimmable mini-LED backlight
• Ergonomic adjustment options

Cons

• High power consumption
• Extremely expensive

Best Prices Today: $1,889.99 at Amazon

Want the last word in high-resolution, high-definition gaming and entertainment? You need a fantastic HDR monitor like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX.

This monitor has a Mini-LED backlight with 1,152 independent backlight zones. The backlight greatly improves the monitor’s contrast ratio and achieves eye-searing levels of brightness in small areas of the display. The monitor’s maximum sustained brightness is exceptionally high, as well. 

As a result, the PG32UQX delivers excellent detail in bright areas of the screen while maintaining good contrast and black levels in darker scenes. It also has exceptional color, which further contributes to a great HDR experience. Overall HDR performance rivals the best HDTVs and blows away most HDR monitors.

This is also a 4K 144Hz monitor with support for Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate. HDMI 2.1 is missing, but Xbox Series X|S consoles can achieve 4K 120Hz over HDMI 2.0 through a chroma subsampling mode. 

The only problem? You can expect to pay up to $3,000 for this monitor. Viewsonic’s XG321UG is a less expensive alternative that performs similarly, though it lacks 4K 120Hz support on Xbox Series X|S.

Read our full Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX review

Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC – Best 4K monitor for professionals

Pros

• The best SDR image quality yet
• Good HDR performance
• Long list of image quality features
• Exceptionally sturdy
• Numerous inputs, plus USB hub

Cons

• HDR brightness could be better 
• Glare can be an issue in bright rooms
• Only 60Hz, no adaptive sync

Best Prices Today: $3499 at Asus

Most professional monitors support 4K resolution, but the Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC stands above the pack.

The secret is in the OLED panel. OLED looks fantastic, of course, with excellent contrast, a wide color gamut, and superb color accuracy. What sets the PA32DC apart from less expensive OLED monitors, though, is its use of a conventional RGB subpixel layout. This delivers the best clarity on modern PCs and prevents the color fringing issues that can appear on competitors that use QD-OLED display panels. 

Asus provides a long list of image quality presets and options. The monitor has built-in modes for sRGB, DCI-P3, Rec. 709, and AdobeRGB, among others. It also includes multiple, accurate color temperature and gamma modes. A built-in colorimeter can be used to precisely calibrate color accuracy. 

The monitor is built for use in a variety of professional settings. It’s a rugged, beefy display with thick bezels and a built-in carrying handle to help with transportation. A standard VESA desk stand is available for use in an office or at home, and the monitor has built-in legs for easy setup at a mobile studio or jobsite. 

Priced at $3,000, the PA32DC may seem expensive, but it undercuts competitors like the LG UltraFine 32EP950, Apple Pro Display XDR, and Asus’ older ProArt OLED displays. This is a top-notch professional monitor suited to a wide range of content creation, and those who need excellent color performance will find that it’s well worth the price.

Read our full Asus ProArt OLED PA32DC review

What to look for in a 4K monitor

4K monitors are more expensive than other monitors, so they pack numerous features and a quality display panel. A typical 4K monitor will have features that are optional on a 1080p monitor. Still, there are a few details you should know before buying a 4K monitor.

USB-C

USB-C is an excellent choice for connecting a 4K monitor to a modern laptop with USB-C or Thunderbolt. USB-C can bundle Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which means the monitor can charge a connected device while it outputs video to the monitor. Some monitors, like the Dell U3223QE, are USB-C hubs that expand connectivity for the connected device.

Refresh rate

Most 4K monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate. Those that go beyond 60Hz may only support an enhanced refresh rate over a specific port, so be sure to check the specifications. A monitor will need to support HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 to handle 4K at up to 144Hz. 

HDR

Many 4K monitors support HDR, but most offer lackluster HDR performance. HDR will function, and may look better than SDR, but won’t approach the quality of a good HDTV. If you want quality HDR, look for a minimum of VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification (or VESA DisplayHDR True Black). See our article on everything you need to know about HDR on your PC to learn more.

How we test 4K monitors

We test 4K monitors with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra color calibration tool. It provides objective measurements for contrast, brightness, black levels, color gamut, color accuracy, and gamma, among other metrics. These objective results can be compared with other monitors to see how each performs against the competition.

These objective image results are supplemented with our subjective evaluation of a monitor. We evaluate out-of-box image quality, sampling all types of content from gaming to movies. We look at the feature set. We closely consider details like a monitor’s on-screen menu, ergonomic stand (or lack thereof), and overall build quality. 

2024 is clearly the year of gorgeous OLED gaming monitors, but this sudden explosion in options leaves gamers facing many choices with nearly identical specifications. ViewSonic’s XG272-2K-OLED stands apart from the alternatives with a semi-gloss LG WOLED panel and gobs of connectivity, though these features unfortunately bump up the price.

Further reading: Best gaming monitors 2024: Level up your display

ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED: Specs & features

The ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED is yet another 27-inch OLED monitor with 2560×1440 resolution. This is essentially the industry standard among 27-inch OLED monitors (for now, at least). However, the XG272-2K-OLED is part of a new wave of monitors with an LG WOLED panel instead of Samsung’s QD-OLED.

• Display size: 27-inch widescreen
• Native resolution: 2560×1440
• Panel type: Glossy WOLED
• Refresh rate: Up to 240Hz
• Adaptive Sync: Adaptive Sync 240, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G-Sync
• HDR: Yes, HDR10
• Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C (upstream), 1x USB-B (upstream), 3x USB-A (downstream), 1x 3.5mm audio-out
• VESA mount: 100mm x 100mm
• Speakers: Yes, 2x 3-watt stereo speakers
• Price: $899.99 MSRP

It also differs from competitors on connectivity. Most monitors in this category have three or four video inputs and skip USB-C, but the ViewSonic includes two HDMI 2.1, two DisplayPort, and USB-C, plus three USB-A downstream ports. That’s far better than average, though it’s reflected in the monitor’s $899.99 MSRP.

ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED: Design

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED is available only in an attractive sheer white colorway that seems to split the difference between gaming and professional monitor design. It pairs a customizable RGB light and swooping vents with a conventional panel shape and small, unobtrusive stand. The result isn’t as cohesive as design leaders like the Alienware AW2725DF or Samsung’s new Odyssey OLED G8, but it’s eye-catching.

As mentioned, the XG272 is graced with a compact stand that minimizes the monitor’s footprint on your desk. It’s flat, too, so the desk space it occupies remains usable. The stand has a small cut-out for the monitor’s remote control (more on that in a bit) and provides significant ergonomic adjustment including height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. The monitor also has a 100mm x 100mm VESA mount for attaching a third-party monitor stand or arm.

ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED: Connectivity and menus

ViewSonic doesn’t skimp on the XG272-2K-OLED’s connectivity. On the contrary, it might be the best reason to buy the monitor.

It has two HDMI 2.1 ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, and one USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 15 watts of Power Delivery. That’s a total of five video inputs, all of which support the monitor’s maximum resolution and refresh rate.

The monitor also has three downstream USB-A ports, which is excellent. Most competitors have two USB-A ports or, in some cases, none at all. The USB-A ports can be accessed over the USB-C port, which makes the XG272 a useful USB hub for a laptop, or over a USB-B connection, which is useful for connecting a desktop PC. The USB-C ports limited Power Delivery is a downside, though, as it’s not enough to reliably charge even the most miserly laptops.

ViewSonic’s on-screen menu system is logically arranged and well-labeled, though the font is a bit small. It can be accessed with a joystick centered on the lower bezel or the bundled remote control. The remote is an excellent feature for people who plan to change settings quickly, and the stand even includes a nook for the remote. However, the remote felt cheap and didn’t respond quickly to input. The remotes paired with some BenQ Mobiuz and Samsung M8 monitors are more responsive.

The on-screen menu offers significant image quality customization, but I wasn’t happy with some of ViewSonic’s decisions. Color temperature customization is included, but the color temperature settings have vague labels instead of numerical values (the manual clarifies this, but the overall range of preset color temperature adjustment is less than ideal). Gamma adjustment wasn’t available, and the monitor also lacks DCI-P3 and AdobeRGB presets. Six-axis color saturation adjustment is available, however.

Gamers will find a lot to dig into. The monitor has a black stabilizer feature (which increases the brightness of dark areas of the display to make foes easier to see). It also has a crosshair and several custom aspect ratio modes including a 24-inch 16:9 mode and 19-inch 4:3 mode. There’s also several VRR and BFI settings, which I’ll discuss in the motion clarity section of this review.

A pair of three-watt speakers are included, but they’re not great. The speakers are better understood as a back-up for situations where other speakers are unavailable than a sound system you’d want to use day-to-day.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED: SDR image quality

The ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED has an LG WOLED panel similar to the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG though, unlike the Asus, ViewSonic opts for an anti-glare finish. The XG272’s overall performance is similar to the ROG Strix XG27AQDMG and tends to slightly lag QD-OLED monitors in SDR content, though the difference is often so slim that most gamers wouldn’t notice it.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

First up is brightness, and here the ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED reached a disappointing peak brightness of 180 nits in SDR. That’s low even among OLED monitors, which tend towards a much lower peak brightness in SDR than most monitors.

ViewSonic advertises up to 250 nits, and I was able to get close to that figure in some of the monitor’s image quality presets, such as the Vibrant mode. However, the presets that offer a higher level of brightness aren’t very attractive, and I wasn’t able to reach over 200 nits in the standard image mode even with the monitor’s energy saving features turned off.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Contrast is a traditional strength of OLED, as the technology can achieve a “perfect” black level of zero nits. Put differently, an OLED panel can reduce the brightness of each individual pixel to zero, and do so independently of any adjacent pixel. The result is a realistic, immersive look that’s well-suited to games, movies, photographs, and content creation.

But this perk is shared by all modern OLED monitors. I haven’t tested all the OLED monitors available right now, but I’ve tried quite a few, and all monitor’s I’ve tried with panels from the most recent generations of Samsung QD-OLED and LG WOLED technology have excellent contrast.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The XG272’s color gamut spanned 100 percent of sRGB, 95 percent of the DCI-P3 and 91 percent of AdobeRGB. These are excellent results and on par with the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG, but behind QD-OLED monitors like the Alienware AW2725DF.

In practice, I don’t think the XG272’s color gamut will be an obstacle for gamers, but content creators should keep it in mind. The XG272’s gamut is good, but QD-OLED monitors with better performance are available at the same price.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Color accuracy is another sore spot, as the XG272 comes in behind QD-OLED monitors. Its performance is more similar to the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG, which also has a WOLED panel.

As with color gamut, the XG272’s color accuracy is still sufficient to provide an attractive, alluring image. I doubt most people, myself included, would ever notice an issue without close study of test images and calibration results. Still, the XG272 is not the best option if out-of-box color accuracy is important to you.

The XG272’s color issues are reinforced by its color temperature and gamma results. The monitor’s default color temperature came in at 6900K, which is cooler than the preferred target of 6500K. I also measured a gamma curve of 2.1, below the target of 2.2, which means content will look slightly brighter and more luminous than it should (though the difference is too small to notice in many situations). ViewSonic provides options to calibrate color temperature and gamma but, as mentioned earlier, the specifics of the monitor’s controls make it a bit difficult to tune these aspects of image quality. Calibration software may be required to dial in the image.

Sharpness is an issue. Pixelation and color fringing was noticeable when reading small fonts and along some high-contrast borders in productivity software (it’s especially noticeable in Microsoft Excel). All current 27-inch 1440p OLED monitors share this problem, which is caused by the unusual subpixel layout used by Samsung QD-OLED and LG WOLED panels. Monitors with a higher resolution, like the 32-inch 4K Alienware AW3225QF, tend to side-step this problem, but it remains an issue at 1440p. With that said, I felt the XG272 was ever-so-slightly better than the ROG Strix XG27AQDMG.

On balance, the ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED’s SDR image quality is excellent but behind the best QD-OLED monitors, such as the Alienware AW2725DF. The reality is that any of the OLED monitors listed in the graphs above will deliver a jaw-dropping improvement if you’re upgrading from an older IPS-LCD or VA-LCD panel. Still, the benchmarks matter, and the XG272 suffers several minor defeats when compared to its peers.

ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED: HDR image quality

The ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED delivered remarkable brightness in HDR tests. It achieved a maximum brightness of 1064 nits in a 10 percent window, meaning 10 percent of the display was lit (the rest displayed a uniform black image at zero nits). It also hit 541 nits in a 50 percent window and sustained 249 nits when the entire display was lit.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

These are excellent results. The XG272’s peak brightness in a 10 percent window beats the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG, which hit 724 nits, and obliterates the Alienware AW2725DF. In fact, the XG272 sets a new record for OLED monitor brightness in a 10 percent window. However, the Asus monitor was brighter when 50 percent of 100 percent of the display was lit.

While these figures are excellent, I was less impressed by the XG272’s real-world performance. The test clips I use for evaluating this, which includes the “Gargantua” scene from Interstellar and the “Into the Storm” scene from Mad Max: Fury Road, showed less detail in bright areas of the scene than with the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG.

I also noticed the XG272 struggled with SDR apps when HDR was turned on. The image was desaturated and gamma scaling was all over the map, which caused SDR apps to appear too dark. The XG272 didn’t detect when I flipped HDR on or off in the Windows 11 settings, either, so I had to select the monitor’s HDR mode.

The XG272’s HDR performance is a bit of a mix as a result. Though it can reach an excellent level of HDR brightness, the monitor’s HDR implementation is rough around the edges, and the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG remains a better choice for HDR content.

ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED: Motion performance

Gamers will enjoy the ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED’s maximum refresh rate of 240Hz and lightning-quick gray-to-gray pixel response times of just 0.02 milliseconds. These traits provide an exceptionally clear, crisp image. Small, fast objects are easy to track. Scrolling test images from DOTA 2 and League of Legends showed that fine elements, like character names and hit point bars, are legible while scrolling across the map, though clarity still has room for improvement.

The monitor has a black frame insertion (BFI) feature that can flicker the display at high frequencies to reduce perceived motion clarity. Unfortunately, it only operates up to a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, which makes the features less useful. I didn’t notice much difference in clarity between 120Hz with BFI on and 240Hz with BFI off, which was also true of the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG. However, this feature might still be useful if you’re playing a demanding game that can achieve a frame rate above 120 frames per second.

Adaptive Sync is supported, as well, and the XG272 has official support for Nvidia G-Sync Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Competing monitors also tend to work with both, but some manufacturers don’t bother with certification. Official support for both standards provides some peace of mind for gamers.

ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED: Conclusion

The ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED is a strong WOLED monitor with several features that could make it alluring to specific gamers. It has lots of connectivity, including a USB-C port and several USB-A ports. ViewSonic also provides a compact ergonomic stand and a remote control. These features inflate the price, however, and the XG272’s overall image quality isn’t better than less expensive competitors like the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG. That narrows the ViewSonic’s appeal. But if you need a lot of connectivity, or you spot the monitor on sale for a price closer to its competition, the XG272 is a solid choice.

Any monitor can be used for PC gaming, but a display built for productivity will likely leave you underwhelmed. Limited contrast, blurry motion, and slow refresh rates still hold basic productivity monitors back in games. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of excellent gaming monitors available at a wide range of price points—and the best of them embrace cutting-edge technology unavailable in any other PC display. 

Here are the best gaming monitors of 2023 so far. If you aren’t sold on a gaming monitor, check out our recommendations for the best monitors overall or our roundup of the best 4K monitors for additional options.

Updated June 14, 2024 to include the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG as the best gaming monitor for HDR. This WOLED display is a viable alternative QD-OLED monitors, and has the distinct advantage of delivering higher HDR brightness and coming at a competitive price. See our summary below to learn more.

Alienware AW3423DW – Best gaming monitor overall

Pros

• Excellent contrast ratio 
• Top-notch color gamut and accuracy
• Great motion clarity 
• Respectable HDR performance
• Extremely competitive price

Cons

• Stand is a bit too large
• No USB-C
• Maximum HDR brightness is lackluster

Best Prices Today: $998.97 at Amazon

Alienware’s AW3423DWF is an outstanding PC gaming monitor. 

This monitor has a QD-OLED panel which is like that used in top-tier OLED televisions. OLED provides a nearly infinite contrast ratio, excellent color performance, and respectable brightness. The result is a punchy, vibrant image with an unparalleled sense of dimensionality. The monitor’s ultrawide aspect ratio only heightens the sense of immersion.

Motion clarity is superb. The monitor has a refresh up to 165Hz and supports both AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and VESA Adaptive Sync. The OLED panel technology it uses has lower pixel response times than competitors, too, so there’s minimal added blur and ghosting in motion. Motion is as crisp as you’ll find below 240Hz. 

The Alienware AW3423DWF is an alternative to the AW3423DW, a slightly older and nearly identical monitor. The AW3423DW has a higher fresh rate of 175Hz and supports Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate. It’s also $100 to $200 more expensive. Though we recommend the AW3423DWF for most people, the AW3423DW is better for owners of high-end Nvidia graphics cards.

The AW3423DWF is expensive at $1,099.99, but its performance justifies the price. Competing 34-inch and 38-inch ultrawides without QD-OLED technology are often just as expensive but have less impressive image quality.

Read our full Alienware AW3423DWF review

Dell G2724D – Best gaming monitor under $200

Pros

• Handsome design with functional stand
• Attractive SDR image quality
• Good motion clarity at 165Hz
• Supports all Adaptive Sync standards

Cons

• No USB connectivity or 3.5mm audio-out
• Lackluster HDR

Best Prices Today: $199.99 at Dell Home

The Dell G2724D is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a budget gaming monitor that doesn’t compromise on quality. With attractive design, strong motion clarity at 165Hz, and wide Adaptive Sync support, it provides an immersive gaming experience at an affordable price.

It has a 27-inch IPS LCD panel with 1440p resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. The color gamut spans 100 percent of sRGB, 86 percent of DCI-P3, and 82 percent of Adobe RGB, delivering a bright and vibrant image that’s excellent in games and adequate for most content creation. The monitor’s Adaptive Sync support is a standout feature, with official support for VESA Adaptive Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync.

It also delivers a handsome design with a matte black and gray chassis and sporty rear vents that provide an aggressive yet unobtrusive look. The functional monitor stand offers a range of ergonomic adjustments and has a compact base that doesn’t consume excessive desk space.

There are a few downsides: The monitor doesn’t offer USB connectivity or 3.5mm audio-out. HDR performance is lackluster, too, making it a so-so choice for HDR gaming.

Yet it’s hard to beat the G2724D’s performance at $199 and, more importantly, it offers everything an average PC gamer is going to need for a smooth, responsive, and attractive gaming experience. It’s the kind of monitor that, despite its budget price, could have a place on your desk for several years.

Read our full Dell G2724D review

Pixio PX248 Wave – Best gaming monitor under $150

Pros

• Attractive design, especially in unique colorways
• Built-in speakers are surprisingly decent
• Solid color accuracy and respectable gamut
• Good motion clarity

Cons

• Built-in stand only adjusts for tilt
• Just two video inputs
• Awkward menu controls
• Color temperature skews cool

Best Prices Today: $139.99 at Pixio$149.99 at Amazon

The Pixio PX248 Wave stands apart from other budget gaming monitors with colorful, stylish design and solid motion performance, all available at an enticing price of $149.99.

Pixio offers the PX248 Wave in four colorways: black, white, blue, and pink. The latter two are rather special, as only a handful of monitors — like the more expensive Samsung M8 Smart Monitor — offer similarly alluring colors. The stand matches the monitor’s colorway, and Pixio even offers an optional color-coordinated monitor arm for those who want to go all-in on a particular desktop vibe.

The monitor’s 24-inch Fast IPS display boasts a 200Hz refresh rate that delivers fluid motion. Image quality is reasonable, too, as the PX248 Wave delivers respectable color accuracy and coverage, making it suitable for both gaming and casual content creation. It has built-in speakers, too.

Despite its visual appeal, the PX248 Wave sticks to the basics with connectivity, which includes HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. USB connectivity isn’t available. The included stand is also basic, as it only adjusts for tilt, and the menu controls could be more user-friendly.

Most competitors at this price point have a similar display panel wrapped in a more generic black, gray, or charcoal case. Pixio’s PX248 Wave manages to match them in image quality and beat them on looks, yet it stays on a budget.

Read our full Pixio PX248 Wave review

Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q – Best budget 4K gaming monitor

Pros

• 4K resolution
• Good gaming performance
• Tons of ergonomic adjustment options
• Inexpensive 

Cons

• A relatively low 60Hz refresh rate

Best Prices Today: $299.99 at Amazon

If you are a gamer who enjoys slower-paced games that feature beautiful graphic detail then you may want to consider a 4K gaming monitor. The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q is a 28-inch 4K display with a refresh rate of 60Hz and adaptive sync, making it compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync. It’s also only $400—a relative steal for a 4K display. It may not have the refresh rate that is required for quick e-sports or shooter games, but it makes up for that with an absolutely superb 4K display. It also has outstanding image quality and a vivid color range that will make most of the other monitors on this list weep.

Asus branded the VG289Q as a gaming monitor and it will deliver on that in most aspects. But ultimately, it is all about getting a 4K display on a budget and in that respect this monitor is second to none in image quality value for your money.

Read our full Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q review

Alienware AW3225QF – Best 4K gaming monitor

Pros

• Excellent color performance and contrast
• Good overall HDR performance
• 240Hz refresh rate with great motion clarity
• Big price drop from prior 4K OLED monitors

Cons

• Stand is too large
• Curved panel is an acquired taste
• HDR brightness is still just okay

Best Prices Today: $1199.99 at Dell

The Alienware AW3225QF is an easy recommendation for the best 4K gaming monitor.

This 32-inch monitor boasts a 4K QD-OLED panel, offering a 240Hz refresh rate — a new feature for 4K OLED displays. Its motion performance is excellent. The 240Hz refresh rate delivers clear and detailed motion in fast-paced games. Nvidia G-Sync and VESA AdaptiveSync 240 are supported, as well (the monitor will work with FreeSync, though support is not officially listed).

The monitor’s SDR image quality is impressive with true-to-life color accuracy, an infinite contrast ratio, and excellent sharpness. The AW3225QF also delivers good HDR performance, offering a cinematic experience with VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black certification and Dolby Vision HDR support. Its HDR brightness can’t match Mini-LED displays but proves a hair better than most OLED competitors.

The AW3225QF excels in video connectivity, including DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports. That means all three ports can handle the monitor at maximum resolution and refresh rate, something that’s not true of many 4K displays. One HDMI port also offers eARC support, catering to enhanced audio setups. That’s handy if you want to use the monitor with home theater equipment, like a soundbar, and position the AW3225QF as a potential TV alternative in small spaces.

Alienware’s design is both luxurious and attractive, with an appealing white-and-black colorway and sturdy materials. The ergonomic stand is too large, however, and won’t fit comfortably on smaller desks. VESA mount compatibility is included and provides an alternative mounting option.

Read our full Alienware AW3225QF review

Innocn 27M2V – Best budget HDR gaming monitor

Pros

• Excellent color gamut and accuracy
• Sharp, vivid picture
• Strong HDR performance
• Good connectivity

Cons

• Design looks nice, but feels inexpensive
• Thin user manual
• Confusing on-screen menu

Best Prices Today: $749.99 at Amazon

Innocn’s 27M2V is an awesome choice if you want punchy, brilliant HDR gaming for less than $1,000. It delivers excellent HDR brightness, 4K clarity, and smooth motion at a reasonable price.

The 27M2V is a 4K Mini-LED monitor with a maximum refresh rate of 160Hz. It falls behind the smoothest monitors available, like the 500Hz Alienware AW2524H, but still looks excellent in motion. Only the most demanding competitive gamers will need a higher refresh rate. The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

HDR is attractive thanks to the monitor’s maximum measured HDR brightness of 877 nits. This is a bit low compared to the best Mini-LED monitors, which can exceed 1,000 nits, but still enough to deliver an obvious boost in HDR games. Bright objects retain good detail, colors look wonderfully saturated, and the dynamic Mini-LED backlight delivers strong contrast.

The 27M2V’s connectivity doesn’t disappoint. It features a USB-C port with a generous 90 watts of Power Delivery, complemented by a DisplayPort and dual HDMI 2.0 ports, tallying up to four video inputs. 

It’s not without its quirks. The monitor’s build, while aesthetically pleasing, feels a bit lackluster when handled. Navigating the on-screen menus is a challenge and made more difficult by the absence of a comprehensive user manual. And while Innocn’s customer service exists, it’s limited to email correspondence.

Yet these minor setbacks are forgiven by competitive pricing. With an MSRP of $799.99, and frequent discounts dropping it to a mere $679.99, the Innocn 27M2V offers unparalleled value for the price.

Read our full Innocn 27M2V review

Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG – Best HDR gaming monitor

Pros

• Compact ergonomic stand
• Superb contrast with deep, inky black levels
• Excellent HDR performance
• Inexpensive for an OLED monitor

Cons

• HDMI ports don’t support 240Hz refresh rate
• No USB-C
• SDR performance is great, but slightly lags QD-OLED peers

Best Prices Today: $699 at Asus

If you’re searching for the best gaming monitor for HDR, look no further than the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG. It has an LG WOLED panel that delivers stunning HDR without breaking the bank.

The XG27AQDMG’s third-generation LG WOLED panel provides exceptional HDR brightness that outperforms QD-OLED competitors and closes gap the with Mini-LED monitors. It can hit a maximum sustained brightness of 724 nits in a 10 percent window, which is enough to deliver punchy HDR highlights and detail across luminant areas of a game or movie. This pairs well with OLED’s deep, inky blacks and wide color gamut, which covers 96 percent DCI-P3 coverage. Put simply: It looks exceptionally immersive and realistic.

However, the XG27AQDMG lags in SDR. Its color performance, though strong, isn’t quite as good as QD-OLED alternatives. Sharpness is merely okay, too, and small fonts can look pixelated at times. 

Gamers will appreciate the high refresh rate of up to 240Hz, which is paired with adaptive sync technologies like AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync for fluid, tear-free gaming. The refresh rate is lower than some QD-OLED competitors, which achieve up to 360Hz. On the other hand, though, the XG27AQDMG provides motion clarity far better than Mini-LED gaming monitors, such as the Red Magic 4K Gaming Monitor.

Pricing is another upside. Sold at an MSRP of $749.99, and immediately available for just $699.99 at release, the XG27AQDMG undercuts the competition on price. Gamers who mostly stick to SDR may want to pay $50 to $100 more for a QD-OLED alternative, but the XG27AQDMG has the edge in HDR.

Read our full Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG review

Gigabyte GS34WQC- Best budget ultrawide gaming monitor

Pros

• Plenty of connectivity and menu options
• Good contrast ratio
• Solid color performance
• Up to 144Hz refresh rate with good motion clarity

Cons

• Stand setup uses screws instead of clip mechanism
• Modest maximum brightness
• HDR is supported but lackluster

Best Prices Today: $299.99 at Best Buy

The Gigabyte GS34WQC stands out as an impressive ultrawide gaming monitor available at a low price. It has a sharp 34-inch display with a resolution of 3440×1440. That’s paired with good motion clarity driven by a 120Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 135Hz) and support for AMD FreeSync, ensuring smooth and consistent gameplay. Camera movements are detailed, and fast-paced action is easily tracked.

Beyond its motion clarity, the GS34WQC delivers great image quality that’s comparable to monitors twice its price. It has a Vertical Alignment (VA) panel instead of the more common In-Plane Switching (IPS). This provides improved contrast with deeper black levels and more convincing shadow detail in dark scenes. These qualities make it especially suitable for games with a dark, gritty presentation.

The monitor boasts a dull but functional design. It has an ergonomic stand that provides height and tilt adjustment, but its assembly requires manual attachment of four screws, unlike competitors with tool-free clip-in stands. The GS34WQC compensates with an intuitive menu system that has extensive customization options, allowing gamers to tailor the visuals to their preferences.

Value, however, is where the GS34WQC really beats the competition. It’s not the least expensive budget ultrawide monitor, but it delivers better image quality and motion clarity than many competitors while keeping the price in check. Indeed, the GS34WQC is so good it makes $400-to-$500-dollar ultrawide gaming monitors more difficult to recommend. The GS34WQC looks just as good at a lower price.

Read our full Gigabyte GS34WQC review

Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 – Best big-screen ultrawide

Pros

• Incredibly immersive gaming experience
• Huge 45-inch ultrawide OLED panel can be adjusted from flat to 800R curve to suit your setup
• Exceptional image quality, contrast, color performance, and HDR
• Elite motion clarity on a 240Hz panel
• Abundant connectivity with USB-C hub and power delivery options
• It made four people who walked into my office stop and say “WHOA” like Keanu Reeves

Cons

• Poor text clarity and general sharpness for productivity work
• Very expensive
• No swivel or tilt options, stand can’t be replaced
• Bending mechanism feels clunky and mildly terrifying at first
• Enabling HDR mutes desktop contrast and vibrancy

Best Prices Today: $1,499.99 at Amazon$1499.99 at Best Buy

Want a monitor that takes immersion to a new level and outshines your friend’s measly 34-inch ultrawide? The Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 is for you. 

The Xeneon Flex is a superb way to enjoy visually stunning games. It has an extremely high contrast ratio and a wide color gamut. Maximum brightness is high (for OLED) as well, which is a benefit if you want to play games with HDR turned on. The monitor’s 240Hz refresh rate and low pixel response times provide top-notch motion clarity. Even its modest 3440×1440 resolution may be seen as a benefit. While it does soften the image, it also reduces the strain on your GPU, making it possible to enjoy high-quality settings on midrange hardware. 

Of course, the Xeneon Flex’s most unique feature is in its name: a unique flexible OLED panel that can be adjusted from a completely flat position to an impressive 800R curvature, one of the tightest curves available in a monitor. The curve is adjusted manually with handles located on each side of the display. It’s a useful extra if you enjoy a wide variety of genres (you may want it flat while playing Civilization IV but curved in Cyberpunk 2077).

Measuring a whopping 45 inches diagonally, the Xeneon Flex is significantly larger than a standard 34-inch ultrawide, providing an incredibly immersive gaming experience and ample space for multitasking applications. It stands taller than a 49-inch super-ultrawide like the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9, although it’s not as wide.

Build quality is good, too, as the Corsair Xeneon Flex features a robust and stable stand with integrated ports including USB-C. However, the stand doesn’t offer height adjustment. With a retail price of nearly $2,000, the Xeneon Flex is an investment, but its versatile OLED panel and superior image quality make it an obvious choice for gamers. 

Read our full Corsair Xeneon Flex review

Acer Predator CG48 – Best big-screen gaming monitor

Pros

• Excellent SDR, strong HDR image
• Great motion clarity
• Superior contrast and wide color gamut
• Multiple PC-friendly connections including USB-C hub
• Useful bundled remote

Cons

• Only one HDMI 2.1 input
• Sharpness is just ok
• Stand offers no adjustment, no VESA mount

Best Prices Today: $1,328.38 at Amazon

Thinking about a TV for your next gaming display? Stop! The Acer Predator CG48 is as large as many OLED televisions and better suited to use with a PC.

The Predator CG48 is a 48-inch OLED monitor with 4K resolution and a maximum refresh rate of 138Hz. It has the same OLED panel as LG’s OLED televisions and delivers great image quality. The monitor’s combination of excellent contrast, spot-on color accuracy, and a wide color gamut provides a realistic and lifelike picture. 

Motion clarity is great, too. The 138Hz refresh rate provides excellent motion fluidity in fast-paced games. OLED also provides low pixel-response times, which minimizes blur across a wide range of refresh rates. 

Unlike a television, the Acer Predator CG48 has a wide variety of options for connecting a PC. This includes DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1, and even USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 65 watts of Power Delivery. You can easily connect several gaming PCs to this display, if needed. The bundled remote can access a wide range of image quality options and adjustments that help you customize the image to your preferences. 

This monitor retails at $1,499.99, which is expensive, but it’s often on sale for at least a couple hundred dollars less. Be sure to shop around before buying.

Read our full Acer Predator CG48 review

LG Ultragear 27GN950 – Best 144Hz gaming monitor

Pros

• Excellent gaming performance
• Incredible image quality
• Ergonomic adjustment options
• Special gaming configurations

Cons

• High power consumption

Best Prices Today: $745 at Amazon$799.99 at LG

If you’re not a professional gamer or you just don’t require the obscenely fast 240Hz, then you can find a whole host of great options at 144Hz instead. Our pick for the best of the bunch is the LG Ultragear 27GN950.

Not only is it still super fast, but it also has 4K resolution, all of the ports your heart desires, and impressively high color fidelity. It is a great option for those who will use it for multimedia other than just gaming and don’t mind sacrificing a little speed to gain a lot of pixel density.

Admittedly, it’s a bit pricey for a 27-inch monitor and you will need a high-end GPU to take advantage of its full potential, but if you can afford it, then this just might end up being the pièce de résistance in your display setup.

Read our full LG Ultragear 27GN950 review

LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B – Best 240Hz gaming monitor

Pros

• Attractive design
• Bright, colorful image
• Excellent motion clarity
• Officially supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync

Cons

• Stand is still too large
• Modest contrast ratio
• HDR is available, but disappointing

Best Prices Today: $396.99 at Amazon

The LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B is a 240Hz gaming monitor that offers buttery-smooth motion and great image quality at a reasonable price point.

Its best trait is its stellar motion handling. A refresh rate of 240Hz helps the monitor deliver fast response times and smooth motion in competitive multiplayer games. Better still, the monitor supports both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. Most similar monitors only support one or the other.

LG delivers great image quality with a bright, colorful picture and a respectable contrast ratio of 1250:1. Although it can’t match the infinite contrast of more expensive OLED alternatives, the 27GR83Q-B provides a better sense of depth and immersion than most gaming monitors below $500.

It has a couple flaws. The 27GR83Q-B’s HDR performance is lackluster, as it can’t achieve a brightness high enough to maximize HDR content. The same is true of the monitor’s competitors, however. LG also opts for an annoyingly large stand, so the monitor might feel oversized on a small desk.

LG asks an MSRP of $499.99, but the monitor’s price has dipped as low as $399.99 on sale. It’s a good value at MSRP and a fantastic deal when discounted. The 27GR83Q-B’s image quality is at the top of its class, and LG’s decision to officially support both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync makes the 27GR83Q-B wonderfully versatile.

Read our full LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B review

Alienware AW2524H – Best 500Hz gaming monitor

Pros

• The best motion clarity available today
• Bright, vivid image quality
• Compact ergonomic stand

Cons

• Limited video input selection
• Mediocre image quality
• High pricing for a 24-inch monitor

Want unparalleled motion clarity? Look no further than Alienware’s AW2524H, the world’s first 500Hz gaming monitor.

This monitor delivers fantastic detail in fast-moving objects and remains legible during rapid in-game map navigation. Competitive gamers will appreciate its ultra-low input latency, complemented by Nvidia Reflex Analyzer, which accurately measures PC response to input. The monitor’s refresh rate is so high, in fact, that you’ll need to double-check the maximum frame rate of your favorite games. Some have a hard frame rate cap below 500 frames per second. 

The AW2524H’s design is outstanding. It relies on Alienware’s sleek, futuristic aesthetic and outstanding build quality. The compact stand enables ergonomic adjustments while minimizing desk space consumption, and a headphone stand is included on the display’s left flank.

The monitor’s image quality doesn’t rival similarly priced monitors but remains respectable and defeats most 24.5-inch 360Hz monitors. This is thanks to the monitor’s vibrant, vivid color. HDR performance is underwhelming, but competitive gamers are unlikely to find this a problem. 

Snagging the world’s first 500Hz monitor doesn’t come cheap, although the price has dropped significantly since it debuted at over $800. But, if you’re on the path to pro, the monitor’s price is a fair exchange for its class-leading motion clarity and responsiveness.

Read our full Alienware AW2524H review

Dell G3223Q – Best HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor

Pros

• Bright, sharp SDR image
• Good color gamut and accuracy
• Solid build quality and ergonomic stand
• Great motion clarity at 120Hz or 144Hz

Cons

• Disappointing HDR performance
• Odd menu choices for creators 
• Modest USB connectivity

Best Prices Today: $592.03 at Amazon$599.99 at Dell

The Dell G3223Q is a large, attractive 32-inch gaming monitor that’s ideal for PC gamers who also want to connect a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S.

It supports 4K resolution at a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and has two HDMI 2.1 connections. You can connect a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S console simultaneously. DisplayPort is also available for your PC. The monitor supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync.

Image quality is strong with excellent brightness, good contrast, and great color performance. These traits, combined with the sharpness of 4K, makes for an excellent SDR experience. HDR isn’t impressive, which could be a concern for console gamers. Most monitors in this price range aren’t great at HDR, however, so we think this issue can be overlooked (for now).

The Dell G3223Q is a good value, too. Typically priced around $825, the G3223Q is among the more affordable HDMI 2.1 monitors with a 32-inch, 4K display panel. We also appreciate the monitor’s design, which feels more durable and looks more attractive than similarly priced alternatives.

Read our full Dell G3223Q review

Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE – Best gaming monitor for mobile use

Pros

• Gaming monitor for mobile use
• 240Hz refresh rate
• Independent operation
• Complete equipment included

Cons

• High power consumption
• Expensive

Best Prices Today: $458.47 at Amazon$489.99 at Adorama

The Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE is a bit unique in that it was designed and built to be a top-quality gaming monitor that is easily portable and mobile friendly.

It is a 17.3-inch display with 1080p resolution and a screaming fast refresh rate of 240Hz. It also has adaptive sync technology and built-in speakers. You can easily connect it to your laptop or next-gen console of choice for on-the-go gaming.

The battery should last you about 3.5 hours without needing to be charged and it comes with a cover that can be folded back to make a stand for the monitor itself. However, if you can afford to buy the extra tripod stand it is recommended as this provides a more stable base as well as height adjustment options.

The specs alone make this an excellent gaming monitor in its own rights, but the ability to pack it up and take it with you makes this a great option for those who like to game on the go. You will pay for this convenience though as even the base option is quite steep, let alone the bundle which includes the tripod stand.

Read our full Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE review

Asus ProArt PA348CGV – Best dual-purpose gaming monitor

Pros

• Excellent SDR image quality 
• Sturdy, hefty design 
• Wide range of customization
• 120Hz refresh rate

Cons

• USB-C hub lacks video-out or ethernet
• HDR is merely passable

Best Prices Today: $876.44 at Amazon

Asus’ ProArt PA348CGV is an excellent ultrawide for professionals, digital artists, creatives, and anyone else wanting to work and play on the same display. 

The PA348CGV delivers top-notch color accuracy, a wide color gamut, and numerous image-quality adjustments, making it ideal for demanding users who need to precisely calibrate a display. Pro users can switch to a preset mode, such as the DCI-P3 mode, or use a custom display mode to calibrate the image in detail. 

Most monitors of this caliber leave gamers in the cold, but the PA348CGV invites them in with a 120Hz refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. It offers smooth frame pacing and great motion clarity, especially at high frame rates. It looks great straight out of the box and is particularly pleasing in bright, vivid games like World of Warcraft or Forza Horizon 5. 

Sold at an MSRP of $729, the PA348CGV is priced to compete with other premium ultrawides, yet its image quality leaves alternatives in the dust. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better value in this category.

Read our full Asus ProArt PA348CGV review

What to look for in a gaming monitor

Gamers have unique needs that exceed an average user. Here’s what PC gamers should look for in a gaming monitor.

Resolution

Most widescreen gaming monitors have a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p), 2560×1440 (1440p), or 4K (3840×2160). A higher resolution improves sharpness and clarity, which helps games look more detailed and lifelike. Increasing resolution also increases demand on your video card, however. Gamers with less powerful hardware may want to avoid 4K. 

Refresh rate

A higher refresh leads to smoother motion by increasing the number of frames that can appear each second. It also reduces input lag, as each frame appears more quickly. A 144Hz refresh rate is a big improvement over the standard 60Hz, and 240Hz is better still. The improvement becomes more difficult to notice after 240Hz, but 360Hz monitors exist for those who want the lowest input lag possible.

DIsplayPort and HDMI 2.1

DisplayPort is the best connection for PC gaming. Even DisplayPort 1.4, which is rather old, can support 4K at 144Hz. HDMI 2.1 can handle 4K at 120Hz and is an acceptable connection for PC gaming, though most gamers will use it for a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S game console.

How we test gaming monitors

We test all monitors with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra calibration tool. This tool can report objective measurements for brightness, contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, color temperature, gamma, and other metrics. 

Our results are recorded and compared to the results for past monitors. Though we rely on our eyes for initial impressions, comparing objective results lets us evaluate monitors against hundreds of older models from past reviews and testing. 

We examine motion clarity by quickly moving the camera across the map in Civilization VI, playing a round of Rocket League, and panning the camera across the landscape in Final Fantasy XIV—among other games. Finally, we use the popular UFO Test for an apples-to-apples comparison between displays.

In addition to gaming prowess, we consider a monitor’s on-screen menu, ergonomic stand (or lack thereof), and overall build quality—all important qualities irrespective of use case.

Shopping for a budget Chromebook can be a minefield. Many Chromebooks are inexpensive, but not all inexpensive Chromebook are worth buying—especially those with just 4GB of RAM and less than 128GB of storage. The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a solid alternative with far more RAM and storage than many similarly priced competitors, though it still doesn’t avoid all the problems common to sub-$500 laptops.

Looking for other options? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best Chromebooks available right now.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Specs and features

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 has an Intel Core i3-N305 processor with eight low-performance cores. It also packs 8GB of RAM and a surprising 512GB solid state drive, which is a ton of storage of a Chromebook.

• CPU: Intel Core i3-N305
• Memory: 8GB LPDDR5
• Graphics/GPU: Intel Integrated
• Display: 14-inch 1920×1080 60Hz IPS-LED
• Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4 solid state drive 
• Webcam: 1080p
• Connectivity: 2x USB-C 3.2, 2x USB-A 3.2, 1x 3.5mm combo audio, 1x mciroSD card reader
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.21Biometrics: None
• Battery capacity: 50 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 12.87 x 8.86 x .81 inches
• Weight: 3.15 pounds
• MSRP: $349.99 (typically $249.99 on sale)

Pricing is competitive. The laptop’s $349.99 is already low and, at the moment I’m writing this review, it’s on sale for just $249.99. 

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Design and build quality

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 tries its best to deliver a design that feels more premium than its price tag, but only partially succeeds. It looks handsome enough when closed thanks to a two-tone look that pairs faux-aluminum with a strip of matte silver plastic. Open the laptop, however, and it’s immediately clear that plastic is the material of choice. The interior tries to upgrade the look with a metallic luster, but the dull finish gives away the game.

Build quality, on the other hand, punches above the price tag. Don’t get me wrong: it’s not exceptionally rugged, and the display flex noticeably when opened. The lower half feels solid when handled, though, and the chassis didn’t emit unwanted creaks or moans as I used it. That’s not guaranteed in a laptop this inexpensive. 

The Chromebook Plus 514’s design is split on portability. It has relatively large display bezels, which means the laptop is a tad wider than more expensive 14-inch laptops, and the laptop’s profile is a bit thick at .81 inches. It weighs just 3.15 pounds, though, so it won’t feel burdensome once stowed in a backpack or messenger bag. 

I also like that the Chromebook Plus 514 has a hinge that rotates 180 degrees to fold completely flat on a desk. That makes it easier to find a comfortable viewing angle when in a cramped situation. It’s a small perk, but budget laptops sometimes cut corners on details like this.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Keyboard, trackpad

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Keyboard quality was a pleasant surprise. The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 has a spacious keyboard layout with large keys. Many keys, including the function row and the left-side Shift, Control, and Alt keys, are larger than on Windows and Mac laptops. 

I have more praise for the laptop’s typing feel. Each key activated with a long, pleasant tactile that ended with a definitive tactile click and springy return. It’s not going to impress keyboard aficionados, but it’s much better than I would expect at this price, and I had no complaints typing on the keyboard for hours at a time. A keyboard backlight is absent, however, and I found the keyboard difficult to use in dim lighting. 

The touchpad was less impressive than the keyboard. It’s small, measuring just four inches wide and three inches deep, and multi-touch gestures can feel cramped. The touchpad was responsive, at least, and I didn’t notice any unintended activations while using it. 

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Display, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Acer ships the Chromebook Plus 514 with a 14-inch IPS touchscreen with 1920×1080 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. It’s a workmanlike entry that never looks excellent but (usually) gets the job done.

Let’s start with what’s good. Acer’s display packs 157 pixels per inch (ppi), which is barely less than a 27-inch 4K monitor (at 163 ppi). That means it looks tack-sharp in a wide variety of content. Many laptops now offer an even higher resolution, but 1080p is respectable for a laptop sold for $350 or less. The display also has a matte coat which reduces glare and improves readability.

The display supports multi-touch input and felt reasonably responsive in my testing. The Chromebook Plus 514 is not a 2-in-1, however, so it doesn’t fold into tent or tablet mode for easy touchscreen use. The touchscreen is nice to have, but it’s not essential. 

Unfortunately, the display can look dim in a brightly lit room due to its maximum measured brightness of roughly 315 nits. It’s uncomfortable to view outdoors or in a room with ample sunlight. Color and contrast are lacking, too. The display is usually fine—I’ve seen budget laptops that look far worse—but the lack of contrast means photos, videos, and games look flat and faded, at least when compared to more expensive laptops.

The laptop’s upwards-facing speakers, like the display, are more functional than pleasant. They’re loud enough to be usable in a quiet room and provide decent audio quality with simple content, like a Zoom video call or a podcast. Music, movies, and games push past the speaker’s limits, though, which leads to a muddy-yet-hollow sound that I found tiring. 

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Chromebook Plus 514 has a 1080p webcam with acceptable video quality. It looked sharp but was a bit lacking in color vibrance and sharpness, which gave the video a faded quality. The microphone picked up my voice without issue but allowed significant background noise to creep in.

Both video and microphone quality is improved by the AI features built into the latest ChromeOS release. They can improve video quality in dim lighting, blur the background, and cancel background noise. The AI background noise cancellation feature was particularly effective. It completely eliminated background music and several vocal crows perched near my window.

A physical privacy shutter is included to cover the webcam. It doesn’t disable the microphones, which remain hot when the privacy shutter is in use (to be fair, this is true of every laptop with a physical privacy shutter that I’ve tested to date).

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Connectivity

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Connectivity is among the Chromebook Plus 514’s best features. Despite its budget price, the laptop packs two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and a MicroSD card reader.

That’s better than some far more expensive laptops: the entry-level MacBook Air 13 M3 and Dell XPS 13 have fewer ports overall and entirely lack USB-A. The Chromebook Plus  514 doesn’t skimp on the USB-C ports, either. Both support Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode, so both can be used to charge the laptop or connect an external display. 

There’s just one port you might miss: HDMI. The Chromebook Plus 514 can be used with an HDMI monitor or TV, but you’ll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a USB-C hub with HDMI support. Ethernet is missing, too, though that’s not unusual for a Chromebook.

Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1. Neither standard is the latest available, but that’s to be expected at this price. Wireless connectivity was reliable in my testing, even when used in a detached office 50 feet and several walls away from a router.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Performance

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 I received for review had Intel’s Core i3-N305. It’s an eight-core processor which, unlike Intel’s more expensive processors, relies entirely on Intel’s lower-performance Efficient Cores. 

• CrXPRT 2: 151
• Speedometer 2.0: 183.1
• Speedometer 3.0: 10.4
• Basemark Web 3.0: 811.4
• Kraken: 728.4
• Jetstream 2: 198.103

That’s a drag on performance. The Chromebook Plus 514 is far from the slowest Chromebook available today: many models sold for $200 or less on Amazon have a Celeron processor with just one or two cores. However, the Chromebook Plus 514 is behind all Chromebooks we’ve recently reviewed, including the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus and Acer Chromebook Plus 515. 

But that might not matter. Chromebooks generally don’t run demanding software locally, so any modern processor with a reasonable core count and clock speed is up to the task. The Chromebook Plus 514 felt as quick as its more powerful peers. I’m sure a few Chromebook super-fans will crave better processor performance, but most users shouldn’t have an issue.

It helps that the Chromebook Plus 514’s memory and storage is stacked: the model I reviewed had 8GB of RAM and a remarkable 512GB solid state drive. That’s alluring. Chromebooks that are similarly priced, or less expensive, often ship with just 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (or less). With that said, shoppers should note the spacious 512GB solid state drive is specific to this particular model, the CB-514-4HT-359X. Other Plus 514 models have the same processor and RAM, but a 128GB solid state drive.

What about games? Don’t plan on playing any games locally on the Chromebook Plus 514. It has an antiquated version of Intel HD graphics with limited performance. It can still play games through cloud streaming services

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Battery life

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 packs a 50 watt-hour battery. That’s not large for a 14-inch laptop in 2024, but the laptop’s entry-level hardware, along with the generally low power draw of ChromeOS and the web apps it relies on, extended the battery to a respectable 10 hours and 34 minutes in the CrXPRT 2 battery test. 

Real-world battery life lined up with the testing. The Chromebook Plus 514 can handle an eight-hour work day of typical web apps, like Google Docs, alongside streaming music and the occasional YouTube video.

Of course, it’s possible to find much better battery life from some more expensive Windows laptops, as well as from Apple’s MacBook Air line-up. But most people shopping for the Chromebook Plus 514 will compare it to other chromebooks or entry-level Windows PCs. The Chromebook Plus 514 has battery life similar to other Chromebooks and outlasts Windows alternatives which, in this price range, usually achieve seven or eight hours of battery life.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Chromebook Plus, now with AI

Although released before Google’s Chromebook Plus with Gemini announcement, the Chromebook Plus 514 supports the features described in that announcement and received the update which includes them during my time with the laptop. The Chromebook Plus 514 has access to Google Gemini through a built-in app and supports adding AI-generated text on a variety of social media platforms and web apps, among other AI extras. They’re also available on other Chromebook Plus laptops, however, so these features don’t give Acer an edge.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Conclusion

Acer’s Chromebook Plus 514 is a solid entry-level Chromebook that manages to avoid most, though not all, of the problems that typically come with a sub-$500 laptop. It has a good keyboard, plenty of RAM, far more than enough storage, and a mix of USB-C and USB-A connectivity. On the downside, the display is dim, the touchpad is too small, and processor performance is so-so. Still, shoppers looking for a budget Chromebook could do much worse, and the Chromebook Plus 514 offers a lot of bang for the buck.

After a few years of modest Chromebook updates, Google is reviving the ChromeOS platform with a new generation that leans on Google’s AI. The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE stands out as a potential leader in this field, as it boasts both a powerful processor and a 120Hz display that’s perfect for cloud gaming. There’s just one problem: it’s not better than its predecessor. 

Looking for more options? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best Chromebooks available right now.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Specs and features

The new Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is very similar to the older Acer Chromebook 516 GE. It updates to Intel’s Core 5 120U, but this is arguably a downgrade, as the new processor has two fewer cores than the Intel Core i5-1240P that was found in the prior model. However, the Core 5 120U bumps up the Turbo Boost clock speed from 4.4 to 5 GHz. 

• CPU: Intel Core 5 120U
• Memory: 8GB LPDDR4x 
• Graphics/GPU: Intel Integrated
• Display: 16-inch 2,560 x 1,600 120Hz LED, 350 nits
• Storage: 256GB 
• Webcam: 1080p
• Connectivity: 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, 1x USB-A, 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm combo audio
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
• Biometrics: None
• Battery capacity: 65 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 14.0 x 9.8 x .84 inches
• Weight: 3.81 pounds
• MSRP: $699.99 (typically $649.99 on sale)

The specifications are otherwise similar to the previous 516 GE, but capable for a Chromebook. 8GB of memory should be plenty for Chrome and 256GB of local storage feels roomy when the largest locally installed apps are just a few hundred megabytes. The 120Hz display is excellent, too, and gives the laptop an edge if you’d plan to play games on a cloud gaming service that supports high refresh rates like Nvidia’s GeForce Now.

Acer says upgraded models will be available with up to an Intel Core 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage. Pricing remains to be announced, however, and these models weren’t available online at the time of this review.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Design and build quality

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Acer Chromebook 516 GE might be running Chrome OS but it’s definitely not a thin and light system. In fact, it feels rather old school with a thick profile that measures up to 0.84 inches and a large 16-inch display. It’s fairly light at 3.81 pounds, however.

None of this is necessarily bad, but it defines the laptop’s character. This isn’t an ultra-portable system that you pick up to throw in a small bag for quick journeys, but instead a straight-up alternative to full-sized Windows laptops.

There are perks to this design. The 516 GE looks and feels solid, and though it isn’t going to turn heads at your local coffee shop, the display lid has a handsome two-tone look. It’s a rigid laptop, as well, with surprisingly little flex in the display lid and lower chassis even when handled roughly.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Keyboard, trackpad

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Acer Chromebook 516 GE has a comfortable and spacious keyboard that lacks a numpad. There’s enough space to add a numpad, but ditching it keeps the keyboard aligned with the center of the laptop and above the touchpad. It also provides space on each side of the keyboard for upward-firing speakers. I think ditching the numpad was the right choice (though at least one Google Sheets aficionado is shaking their fist at this paragraph, I’m sure).

I found the 516 GE’s keyboard enjoyable, which surprised me, as I wasn’t a fan of the keyboard on the previous model. It looks identical to its predecessor, so I’m not sure if Acer made a change or if I’m simply in a more charitable mood. But compared to what I wrote about the prior model, this keyboard has a better tactile feel and more audible feedback. It’s not amazing, but I did find it pleasing to use for hours at a stretch.

The touchpad, on the other hand, is still mediocre. It measures about 5 inches wide and 3 inches deep and provides enough room to use Chrome OS multitouch gestures. However, it’s not a large touchpad for a modern 16-inch laptop, and I found it a tad too responsive at its default sensitivity. 

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Display, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Every Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE has a 16-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2560×1600 and a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz. 1600p resolution might not sound incredible on paper, but it’s better than most competitively priced laptops and looks sharp in person. I also like that the 16-inch display has a matte surface, which maximizes the usefulness of the display’s listed brightness of up to 350 nits.

Motion clarity, fluidity, and responsiveness are perks thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. This is most noticeable when playing a game over a cloud service that supports frame rates up to 120 frames-per-second, such as Nvidia GeForce Now. But I’ve also come to appreciate the responsiveness a 120Hz display can provide in simple everyday tasks like scrolling down a web page.

Image quality is a mixed bag. The IPS display panel provides accurate and realistic colors that often look alluring, especially when viewing colorful content like Overwatch 2 or the latest Pixar movie. 

Contrast is limited, however, especially when compared to the new and increasingly inexpensive OLED displays available on some slightly more expensive laptops. The lack of contrast is most noticeable in movies and games with a darker palette like Diablo 4.

The upward-firing speakers on either side of the keyboard sound decent at lower volumes, but they have limits. The highs of a vocalist’s voice can begin to sound metallic and shrill at high volume, while the bass thump of a dance track or action movie lacks impact. It’s fine for listening to music while working, but you’ll want headphones or external speakers when playing games or watching Netflix.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

A 1080p webcam is nestled in the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE’s upper display bezel. While it looks decent on paper, it doesn’t live up to expectations. Both photos and video appear soft and grainy: at times, it looks as bad or worse than some 720p webcams. It’s acceptable for a Zoom call, but only just.

The microphone array is another problem. It captured my voice with decent clarity and volume but allowed a lot of background noise to creep in. Even typing on the keyboard resulted in a serious amount of clunking and clacking picked up by the microphones. This was true on the prior 516 GE, but it feels even more notable for the Chromebook Plus iteration, which is supposed to prioritize AI features like noise cancellation.

Biometric login isn’t available on the 516 GE, which is expected given its price. Few laptops sold around $600 have a fingerprint reader or support facial recognition.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Connectivity

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Acer Chromebook 516 GE offers plenty of ports. It boasts two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, both of which support USB Power Delivery for charging and DisplayPort for connecting an external monitor. Acer splits the USB-C ports across the right and left flanks instead of placing both on the same side.

Acer also provides USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. You can connect a wired keyboard, mouse, monitor, headset, and Ethernet simultaneously, all without needing an adapter. That’s something many $2,000 laptops can’t claim. 

Wireless connectivity spans Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. I’d prefer to see Wi-Fi 7, but it’s not usually available in this price range. Wi-Fi 6E is more than adequate for smooth cloud gaming when used with a robust router.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Performance

Acer updates the Chromebook Plus 516 GE from the Intel Core i5-1240P found in the prior 516 GE to the newer Core 5 120U. That seems fine at a glance, but it’s arguably a downgrade. 

Intel’s Core i5-1240P is a 12-core processor with four performance cores and eight efficient cores, while the Core 5 120U is a 10-core processor with only two performance cores and eight efficient cores. As a result, the new processor is at times slower than its predecessor. 

• CrXPRT 2: 214
• Speedometer 2.0: 260
• Speedometer 3.0: 14.2
• Basemark Web 3.0: 1319.96
• Kraken: 411.5
• Jetstream 2: 302.864

Our slate of Chromebook benchmarks turned in scores that, although strong, were often not as high as the prior 516GE. The new Chromebook Plus 516 GE fell behind in CrXPRT 2, Basemark Web 3.0, and the Speedometer tests. However, it scored wins in Kraken in Jetstream 2.

While disappointing, I don’t think the Intel Core 5 120U’s lower core count is a big problem in practice. Most web apps place minimal load on local hardware resources, so it’s hard to imagine scenarios where extra cores are an advantage. 

The Intel Core 5 120U also lacks an neural processing unit (NPU), which might seem like a problem given the many AI features found on Chromebook Plus laptops. However, I didn’t notice any performance issues. Many AI features are handled in the cloud, and those which aren’t don’t seem to use enough local hardware resources to drag down performance.

What about games? Titles available through cloud gaming services, like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, perform beautifully. The 516 GE’s performance is more than enough to handle streaming video and the laptop’s Wi-Fi 6E adapter offered a reliable and stable connection. The main performance bottleneck will be the quality of your Internet connection, not the speed of the 516 GE’s processor or integrated graphics. 

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Battery life

Every Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE ships with a 65 watt-hour battery (which is the same capacity as the prior 516 GE). It’s not large for a 16-inch laptop, but ChromeOS maximizes the power available. 

The CrXPRT 2 battery benchmark, which loops a series of synthetic tests that emulate web browsing and web apps, drained a full charge in 13 hours and 12 minutes. That’s about an hour less than the prior 516 GE, but three hours more than the 10 hours promised by Acer’s spec sheet.

Most Chromebooks achieve similar battery life, so the 516 GE’s result isn’t remarkable. Still, it’s more than enough for a full work day away from a power socket or a flight across the Atlantic. 

The 516 GE’s real-world battery life seemed to dip lower than the benchmark, but still put me on track for at least 10 hours in most situations. Cloud gaming drains the battery more quickly than web browsing, but the laptop can still hold out for six or seven hours before it needs a charge.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Chromebook Plus… now with AI!

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is one of several Chromebooks to launch with Google’s new suite of AI features, which includes Google Gemini, AI enhancements for video calls, AI photo editing, AI generated wallpapers, and more. These features are not exclusive to the new laptops and will also arrive on older Chromebooks.

None of the AI features feel essential. Gemini, for instance, failed to appear on my Chromebook Plus even after the feature launched into public availability. Even if it was available, I’m not sure why I’d prefer to use Gemini in an app instead of the browser, as the app still requires Internet connectivity. The AI-powered Magic Editor in Google Photos is handy for moving or resizing a person in a photo, but similar features are available in competing apps. The AI-generated wallpapers are a miss, as the feature only supports generating wallpapers with a slim range of preset prompts. 

Google has promised a number of more useful features, including AI summaries for PDFs and hands-free ChromeOS navigation through gesture tracking, but it’s unclear when these features will launch.

While the new AI features are so-so, one important perk is immediately available: shoppers who buy qualifying Chromebook Plus models (which includes the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE) receive 12 months of Google’s One AI Premium plan, which provides access to Google Gemini Advanced and 2TB of Google Drive storage. That adds a lot of value, and it might tip shoppers who plan to use a lot of cloud storage towards a Chromebook instead of a Windows machine.

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Conclusion

Acer’s Chromebook Plus 516 GE is a strong pick for shoppers who want a ChromeOS laptop with good performance, lots of storage, and a big screen. The $650 price tag is a bit high for a Chromebook, but the 516 GE offers a lot of value for the money, and it’s sure to appeal to ChromeOS loyalists. It’s also a solid platform for cloud gaming, as the 120Hz display offers good motion fluidity. 

However, the updated Core 5 120U processor puts the new 516 GE in an odd spot. It has two fewer cores than the Core i5-1240P in the outgoing model and, as a result, delivered slightly lower performance overall. I still recommend the 516 GE, but the new model feels more like a marketing maneuver than a useful update. 

Working from home has gone from being a growing trend to a full-scale phenomenon. There are many perks to a work-from-home arrangement, to be sure, but there can also be downsides: For example, there’s a good chance you’ll need to supply your own monitor. Fortunately, there are many great home office monitors to choose from, as I’ve discovered through extensive real-world testing.

Below you’ll find my picks for the best home office monitors, and below that you can learn more about what specs and features matter when shopping for a home office monitor.

For even more monitor recommendations, check out our roundups of the best monitors and the best portable monitors. The latter can be especially useful if you like to be able to work from locations in and out of the home.

And if you really want to take your home office up a notch, consider adding a monitor arm to your desk setup. It not only looks very slick and professional, but it’s the ultimate in ergonomics because a of the added flexibility a monitor arm provides for positioning your display.

Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE – Best home office monitor

Pros

• Attractive and functional design
• Class-leading Thunderbolt and USB connectivity
• IPS Black improves contrast
• 120Hz refresh rate

Cons

• Most competitors offer 4K resolution
• No HDR support
• Adaptive Sync has some caveats

Dell’s Ultrasharp U2724DE is the perfect home office monitor. It has a bright, vivid, sharp panel with excellent color performance. That comes alongside a buffet of ports that make it easy to connect multiple peripherals and expand a laptop’s connectivity.

The star of the show is the monitor’s IPS Black panel. It has a better contrast ratio than other IPS panels, which leads to a more alluring and attractive picture. That comes alongside excellent color accuracy and a wide color gamut. 

Dell pairs the IPS Black panel with an enhanced 120Hz refresh rate. This is great for gaming and improves the monitor’s versatility. You won’t have to buy a second gaming monitor to enjoy games after work. The 120Hz refresh rate can also make the Windows desktop feel snappy, as it reduces input latency and improves motion clarity.

The U2724DE is packed to the gills with ports. Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, and 2.5G Ethernet are included. These effectively turn the monitor into a USB-C hub or dock. It has USB Power Delivery, too, which means the USB-C port can charge a connected laptop.

Resolution is the only downside. The U2724DE’s 1440p resolution isn’t bad, but picky owners may notice the image is softer than a 4K alternative, and some may need 4K to work on specific content (such as editing a 4K video). Those who want 4K should consider the Dell Ultrasharp U2723QE, which upgrades the resolution to 4K but reduces the refresh rate to 60Hz. Shoppers on a budget, meanwhile, can consider the U2724D. It’s almost identical to the U2724DE but sacrifices ports to lower the price.

Read our full Dell U2724DE review

Acer K242HYL – Best budget home office monitor

Pros

• Attractive color accuracy and gamut 
• Acceptable sharpness for a 1080p display 
• Avoids motion clarity pitfalls  
• Menu system is easy to use 

Cons

• Barebones design 
• No height adjustment on stand 
• Only one HDMI, no DisplayPort 
• Power LED is very bright

Want a basic home office monitor that can handle most tasks at a very low price? The Acer K242HYL is it.

Acer’s K242HYL is a 24-inch, 1080p monitor. It’s not as sharp as a premium, 4K monitor, but image clarity is not bad for a monitor in this price bracket. The K242HYL also packs a respectable maximum brightness of almost 300 nits, good color accuracy, and supports 98 percent of the sRGB gamut. None of these figures are record breaking, but they’re great for a budget monitor.

The monitor lacks a height-adjustable stands, but this is common at this price. A VESA monitor stand mount is available for adding a third-party monitor stand.  Video connectivity is limited to just one HDMI and one VGA. The monitor does throw in a few perks, though, including AMD FreeSync support for smooth gaming and a slightly enhanced 75Hz refresh rate.

Often priced at just $99.99, the Acer K242HYL is an impressive value. It’s the least capable monitor on this list, to be sure—but it’s more than adequate for document editing, accounting, project management, video conferencing, and hundreds of other home office tasks.

BenQ GW2790QT – Best 1440p home office monitor

Pros

• Attractive and ergonomic design
• Sharp, bright image
• Includes USB-C and DisplayPort-out
• Acceptable built-in speakers and microphone

Cons

• Mediocre image quality
• No HDR
• No Adaptive Sync

Best Prices Today: $279.99 at Adorama$279.99 at Amazon

The BenQ GW2790QT is a great choice for a budget-friendly 1440p home office monitor. Priced at $300 (occasionally dropping to $280 on Amazon), it delivers a crisp and bright 27-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2560×1440. It also has built-in speakers and even a microphone, which is helpful for video conferencing.

Connectivity is extensive. It includes USB-C with 65 watts of Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode, HDMI, DisplayPort, three USB-A 3.2 downstream ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It also has DisplayPort-out, an uncommon port that lets you reduce cable clutter by daisy-chaining video from the GW2790T to a second monitor.

BenQ provides an excellent ergonomic stand that adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. It has a heavy base that keeps the monitor firmly planted on your desk. The base is flat, so other objects can be placed on top of it, and it takes the unusual step of including a cut-out that can be used as a smartphone or tablet stand.

The monitor has one weakness: It’s perhaps too focused on home office use. It doesn’t have gaming features like AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync and lacks HDR support. That’s easy to forgive, however, given the monitor’s mid-range $300 price tag. It’s not the best for every situation, but it’s excellent for a home office.

Read our full BenQ GW2790QT review

Asus ProArt PA279CRV – Best 4K home office monitor

Pros

• Plenty of connectivity
• Numerous image-quality options
• Extremely wide color-gamut
• Good value for money

Cons

• Mediocre contrast and brightness
• Subpar HDR performance
• Unimpressive motion clarity

Best Prices Today: $469 at B & H Photo

The Asus ProArt PA279CRV is an outstanding home office monitor for professionals, artists, and creators seeking exceptional color performance at an affordable price. 

It has a 27-inch 4K display that packs 163 pixels per inch. That translates to outstanding sharpness and clarity across apps, web pages, movies, and games. The monitor also has a remarkably wide color gamut that rivals more expensive displays, covering 100 percent of sRGB, 99 percent of DCI-P3, and 98 percent of AdobeRGB. 

Asus pairs the monitor’s excellent image quality with elegant design and a sturdy, ergonomic stand that supports height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments. The monitor’s extensive connectivity options include USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 96 watts Power Delivery, two DisplayPort 1.4 (including one output supporting Daisy Chain), two HDMI 2.0, and three USB-A 3.2 Gen-1 ports, as well as a 3.5mm audio-out.

The PA279CRV has a mediocre contrast ratio and struggles with detail and ambiance in dark content. It also offers a modest 60Hz refresh rate, which amounts to lackluster motion fluidity in games.

These downsides are easily excused by Asus’ competitive MSRP of $469. That’s an extremely low price for a monitor that offers 4K resolution and top-tier color gamut alongside gobs of ports. 

Read our full ProArt PA279CRV review

Dell 2424T – Best touchscreen home office monitor

Pros

• Easy-to-use touchscreen
• Unique tilt stand
• Excellent USB-C connectivity
• Good contrast ratio

Cons

• Expensive for its size and resolution
• Image quality is good, but not amazing
• No Adaptive Sync or HDR

The Dell 2424HT is an excellent monitor for those craving a touchscreen experience for their home office. With its 24-inch display, 1080p resolution, and 10-point multi-touch panel, it provides an intuitive touch experience for navigating through documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Dell improves the touchscreen experience with a versatile tilt stand that lets you adjust the angle of the screen for comfortable viewing and easy touchscreen access. The monitor also delivers excellent connectivity with USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort inputs. The USB-C port provides USB Power Delivery, which can charge a connected laptop or tablet. It also serves as a USB hub providing additional USB-A ports and Ethernet.  

The 2424HT delivers solid image quality for office work with good color accuracy, contrast, and viewing angles thanks to its IPS panel. It sticks to a 60Hz refresh rate, however, and lacks Adaptive Sync. The 2424HT’s purpose is clear: It’s for work, not gaming. 

Dell asks a steep $519.99 MSRP, but the monitor is sometimes discounted to $414.99. That makes the Dell 2424HT more expensive than its alternatives, but it makes up for that with superior image quality and connectivity. These advantages make the 2424HT the obvious choice if you want a touchscreen monitor for your home office.

Read our full Dell 2424HT review

Dell U4025QW – Best ultrawide for a home office

Pros

• Sharp, vibrant, color-accurate 5K display
• Incredible connectivity including Thunderbolt, Ethernet
• Long list of menu options and features
• 120Hz refresh rate is impressive at this resolution

Cons

• Stand is wobbly and hard to adjust
• Contrast ratio remains far short of OLED competitors
• HDR doesn’t look its best
• Extremely expensive

Best Prices Today: Not Available at Amazon

The Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW is an ideal ultrawide monitor for a home office setup thanks to its extensive connectivity and a robust feature set. With an array of ports including Thunderbolt, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, the U4025QW is something of a Swiss Army knife for professionals. It’s perfect for connecting multiple devices, daisy-chaining displays, or adding Ethernet to a device that doesn’t have it.

Dell also delivers settings that allow for personalized adjustments, ensuring that the display meets your specific image quality needs, whether it’s color accuracy, brightness, or contrast. The built-in KVM switch provides control over multiple computers from a single monitor, and the monitor has picture-by-picture and picture-in-picture modes, too. The monitor’s image quality is attractive, too, as its 5K (5120×2160) resolution exceeds most competitors to achieve a sharper, more detailed image.

Unfortunately, the monitor’s perks come with a price tag that nearly exceeds $2,000. That’s a lot to ask for a home office monitor, and you could achieve even better image quality with a different display (or save a lot of cash). However, less expensive competitors don’t have the U4025QW’s connectivity.

And that’s what it comes down to. A lot of monitors can work for a home office setup, but an ideal monitor has both great image quality and the connectivity to handle any laptop, desktop, or peripheral thrown at it. The U4025QW is that monitor.

Read our full Dell U4025QW review

Viewsonic VG2756V-2K – Best home office monitor for video calls

Pros

• Bundled webcam, microphone, and speakers
• USB-C port with 90 watts power delivery
• Sturdy and functional design

Cons

• Mediocre image quality
• No HDR
• Bundled features add to the price

Best Prices Today: $399.99 at Viewsonic

Viewsonic’s VG2756V-2K is a 27-inch home office monitor with a built-in webcam, noise cancelling microphone, and speakers. 

The integrated 1080p webcam provides a clear step up from a typical laptop webcam. An integrated lightbar is provided to brighten dark rooms and the entire camera assembly can retract into the monitor, effectively acting as a privacy shutter. The built-in soundbar has two 5-watt speakers that deliver good volume and crisp audio for video or audio calls. They’re paired with a noise-cancelling microphone that prevents echoes and can eliminate most soft, repetitive sounds. 

Viewsonic includes a wide range of connectivity. The monitor has a USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 90 watts of Power Delivery for charging a connected device. It also acts as a USB-C hub that powers two USB-A ports and an ethernet connection. Video inputs include HDMI and DisplayPort for a total of three video inputs.

Image quality is good with excellent sharpness, adequate brightness, and an acceptable contrast ratio. The VG2756V-2K does not support HDR, however, and is not recommended for gaming due to its 60Hz refresh rate and lack of Adaptive Sync. 

The Viewsonic VG2756V-2K is competitively priced with an MSRP of $399. That’s expensive for a 27-inch 1440p monitor, but the premium you’re paying for the monitor’s bundled features is less than you’d pay for a webcam, microphone, and desktop speakers purchased individually. That makes the VG2756V-2K a good value and worthwhile business expense.

Read our full Viewsonic VG2756V-2K review

Acer Vero BR277 – Best eco-friendly home office monitor

Pros

• Good contrast ratio
• Solid build quality 
• Accurate, realistic color
• Uses recyclable plastics, packaging also recyclable

Cons

• Below-average sharpness
• Limited color gamut
• No single standout feature

Best Prices Today: $229.99 at Acer

Concerned about the ecological impact of your home office? You should be. Global E-waste is currently estimated at 53.6 megatons per year and, of course, it’s growing. Acer’s Vero BR277 isn’t going to solve this problem on its own—but it tries.

The Acer Vero BR277, like other Acer Vero products, is partially built from Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics. Despite what you may think, these plastics feel robust. They also have a unique flecked look that stands out from other, less visually interesting designs.

How the monitor is built wouldn’t matter if it was junk—thankfully, it’s quite good. This is a 27-inch 1080p monitor with a respectable maximum brightness of just over 300 nits. The monitor’s color gamut is a bit limited at just 97 precent of sRGB, but it scores well in color accuracy and contrast. The result? Bright, pleasant, realistic image quality.

The monitor has an ergonomic stand that adjusts for height, swivel, and tilt. It also supports AMD FreeSync for smooth gaming and has a maximum refresh of 75Hz.

Pricing is competitive. The monitor originally released at an MSRP of $249.99 but can now be found as low as $169.99. That’s a great price for a home office monitor with good image quality and a height-adjustable stand. Acer also has a 24-inch model, which is even less expensive at $129.99.

Read our full Acer Vero BR277 review

Asus ZenScreen MB249C – Best second monitor

Pros

• Small, versatile desk stand with unique options
• Sturdy built-in kickstand for portable use
• Offers USB-C for easy single-cable connections
• Good image quality

Cons

• Lacks additional connection options
• Only 1080p resolution
• A bit pricey for its feature set

Best Prices Today: $322.74 at Amazon

Asus’ ZenScreen MB249C is a portable home office monitor that can be mounted next to a primary monitor in several ways. 

The MB249C has an adjustable desk stand that can clamp to the back of your desk instead of sitting on top of it, which reduces wire clutter and keeps the surface of your desk free. The monitor also has a built-in kickstand, which is great for portable use, and a “partition mount” to hang the monitor from a vertical surface. The options end with a 100x100mm VESA mount that is compatible with most third-party monitor arms and stands. These options make the MB249C easy to place next to your primary monitor even in cramped spaces.

This is a portable monitor, as mentioned, which means it’s easy to move. The monitor mounts to its stand with a clip mechanism that’s easily detached, and the built-in kickstand can flip out to support the monitor on most flat surfaces. It’s powered by either a USB-C connection that supports up to 60 watts of Power Delivery or the included power adapter. Not everyone will need the monitor’s portable versatility, but it’s handy if you like to work in different locations throughout the day.

Once in place, the MB249C is a competent office and productivity monitor. While it lacks the wow-factor of more expensive alternatives, like the Dell U3223QE, Asus delivers a robust, colorful, and accurate image with plenty of brightness for a typical home office. The lack of features like HDR might seem disappointing but, at this price, it’s better to execute the basics well.

What to look for in a home office monitor

A great home office monitor should have a high maximum brightness, great image clarity, and vivid color. A height adjustable stand is preferable, as it helps with ergonomics, and a wide range of connectivity is useful for connecting multiple devices.

Resolution matters, but 1080p is still fine

4K is the best resolution in most situations, as it provides a sharper image and can make small fonts easier to read. This remains a premium option, however: Most 4K monitors are still above $300. A 27-inch 4K monitor has a pixel density of 163 pixels per inch.

The less well-known 1440p resolution (2560×1440) is a good option for mid-range monitors. It’s not quite as sharp as 4K, but it’s a noticeable upgrade over 1080p. A 27-inch 1440p monitor has a pixel density of 108 pixels per inch.

1080p resolution remains a good pick for budget monitors. It’s not nearly as sharp as 4K, so video may look a bit soft and small fonts may be harder to read, but it’s still adequate for hundreds of home office tasks. A 27-inch 1080p monitor has a pixel density of 81 pixels per inch.

When it comes to brightness, more is more

Brightness is a key trait for a home office monitor.

An office monitor doesn’t need to be bright to look usable: 200 nits is fine. However, a home office is likely to be brighter and to have less light control than a corporate cubical. A maximum brightness of 300 nits, or better, is ideal. You can always turn the brightness down from its maximum if it looks too bright but, of course, the reverse isn’t true.

Make sure you understand connectivity

It’s important to buy a monitor that supports a video output found on your PC. Most desktop computers will offer both DisplayPort and HDMI, while laptops often stick to HDMI. Budget home monitors sometimes support older connections, such as VGA and DVI, but these are not found on new computers. Our guide to display cables can help you identify the ports on your PC.

You only need one video connection between your PC and your home office monitor, and the type of connection you use isn’t terribly important. HDMI and DisplayPort work equally well for home office use.

USB-C isn’t a must-have, but it’s useful

USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode is a new alternative to HDMI and DisplayPort. It bundles a DisplayPort connection into the familiar USB-C port now used by many devices (and soon to be required by law in Europe).

Some high-end laptops, like the Dell XPS 13 Plus, only support video output over USB-C. You can still connect a DisplayPort monitor with a USB-C to DisplayPort cable adapter, but this is a clunky solution.

USB-C, unlike HDMI and DisplayPort, can support Power Delivery to charge a connected device. This is useful for thin-and-light laptops, as it makes docking the laptop easier. Some USB-C monitors, like the Dell U3223QE, have built-in USB-C hubs that connect to multiple USB-A ports, ethernet, and DisplayPort-out. Our guide to USB-C hub monitors has the full scoop on these perks.

How we test monitors

PCWorld’s monitor reviews rely on in-depth testing by a team of staff and freelance writers. Our experts spend hundreds of hours testing and comparing monitors to find the best choice for any budget.

We test monitors with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra calibration tool. This provides objective measurements for brightness, contrast, color accuracy, color temperature, gamma, and color gamut, among other metrics. These objective metrics help us compare dozens of monitors at once and eliminate bias from comparisons.

Do you want a huge amount of usable display space, but without the hassle of a double-monitor setup? An ultrawide monitor is the ticket. Ultrawide monitors have a wider display panel that provides an immersive experience and far more screen real-estate than your average widescreen.

I’ve tested a bunch of ultrawide monitors in order to name the best picks in various categories ranging from those optimized for gaming to those suited for professional use. Below you’ll find a curated list of my favorites in each category. I describe my evaluation process for monitors at the bottom of this article, or for even more details, see the article on how we test monitors for PCWorld.

If you’re still on the fence about whether an ultrawide is the right choice for you, see PCWorld’s article on whether ultrawide monitors are worth it to have all your questions answered.

You can find even more monitor recommendations in our roundup of the best monitors.

Alienware AW3423DWF – Best ultrawide monitor

Pros

• Excellent contrast ratio 
• Top-notch color gamut and accuracy
• Great motion clarity 
• Respectable HDR performance
• Extremely competitive price

Cons

• Stand is a bit too large
• No USB-C
• Maximum HDR brightness is lackluster

Best Prices Today: $998.97 at Amazon

The Alienware AW3423DWF is a legendary monitor. It packs the incredible contrast and realism of OLED in a 34-inch widescreen panel, yet it’s priced at just $1,099. That’s not inexpensive, but it’s better value than other OLED monitors available right now.

Image quality is where it stands out. It delivers a vivid, immersive, rich experience with deep black levels and bright highlights, which are enhanced by the display’s glossy finish. Movies and games seem nearly three-dimensional—as if you’re looking through a window, not staring at a monitor.

What’s the catch? The monitor is not bright, especially in SDR, so it’s a bad choice for a brightly lit room. We also noticed the OLED panel has trouble rendering small fonts smoothly. These are minor issues, though, and shouldn’t trouble most owners.

This monitor targets gamers, so it offers an enhanced refresh rate of up to 165Hz and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for smooth frame pacing in games. However, its excellent image quality will be impressive in everyday use, as well.

It has good connectivity, with two DisplayPort inputs and one HDMI, as well as a USB-A hub with four ports. There’s even a healthy range of calibration options that help demanding owners dial in the image to their personal specifications.

Read our full Alienware AW3423DWF review

Gigabyte GS34WQC – Best budget ultrawide monitor

Pros

• Plenty of connectivity and menu options
• Good contrast ratio
• Solid color performance
• Up to 144Hz refresh rate with good motion clarity

Cons

• Stand setup uses screws instead of clip mechanism
• Modest maximum brightness
• HDR is supported but lackluster

Best Prices Today: $299.99 at Best Buy

The Gigabyte GS34WQC is a great budget ultrawide monitor. It has a sharp 34-inch ultrawide display panel that provides 3440×1440 resolution. It also delivers strong scores across contrast and color accuracy that frequently rival more expensive displays. The result is image quality comparable to many monitors sold for twice as much.

Motion clarity is strong, as well. The monitor has a 120Hz refresh rate, which can be overclocked to 135Hz, and supports AMD FreeSync for smooth and consistent gameplay. Camera pans deliver good detail and fast objects are easy to track. There’s better monitors for motion clarity, of course (similarly priced widescreen monitors can hit a refresh rate of 240Hz), but the GS34WQC’s results are solid for the price.

Gigabyte’s GS34WQC relies on a functional, though basic, design. The monitor’s build quality is commendable and includes a robust stand. Assembling the stand is a hassle, as you must manually attach four screws. Most competitors have a clip-in stand that can be assembled without tools. Fortunately, the GS34WQC has an intuitive menu system with extensive customization options that help gamers customize the visuals to their preference.

But the GS34WQC’s best trait is undeniably its price. The monitor carries an MSRP of $330 and can be had for even less on sale. It’s not the least expensive ultrawide available but it easily beats the image quality of its less expensive ultrawide competitors.

Read our full Gigabyte GS34WQC review

LG Ultragear 34GN850 – Best midrange ultrawide monitor for gamers

Pros

• 21:9 panel with a 34-inch screen
• Curved monitor
• Impressive gaming performance
• Ergonomic adjustment options

Cons

• Only average power consumption
• Expensive

Best Prices Today: $369 at Amazon$750 at LG

The LG Ultragear 34GN850-B, released in 2020, was once the king of ultrawide gaming. It was dethroned by Alienware’s AW3423DWF—and as a result LG has slashed the price. Originally $999.99, this monitor is now available for $699.99 (and sometimes less).

That’s great news. Although surpassed by the Alienware, LG’s Ultragear 34GN850-B is an attractive monitor with excellent color performance, good image clarity, and a bright, vivid picture. It has an enhanced refresh rate of up to 144Hz (with a 160Hz overclocked mode) and supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth gameplay.

Its weakness? Contrast. The IPS panel scores lower in contrast than other monitors on this list, including the Asus ProArt PA348CV, which also has an IPS panel. The image can look hazy in darker scenes.

Connectivity is respectable with two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and two-port USB-A hub for connecting wired peripherals. The monitor also retains many of the features that would be expected of a high-end monitor including a sturdy ergonomic stand and attractive design. 

Read our full LG Ultragear 34GN850 review

Dell U4025QW – Best 5K ultrawide monitor

Pros

• Sharp, vibrant, color-accurate 5K display
• Incredible connectivity including Thunderbolt, Ethernet
• Long list of menu options and features
• 120Hz refresh rate is impressive at this resolution

Cons

• Stand is wobbly and hard to adjust
• Contrast ratio remains far short of OLED competitors
• HDR doesn’t look its best
• Extremely expensive

Best Prices Today: Not Available at Amazon

The Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW is an excellent ultrawide monitor with a vast 40-inch display and 5K resolution that ensures every detail is sharp and defined. But it’s not just about its size and clarity; it’s packed with features, too.

Visually, the U4025QW is a treat, offering unparalleled sharpness and an expansive workspace that enhances productivity and elevates entertainment. The monitor’s impressive 120Hz refresh rate is a rare find at this resolution, ensuring smooth motion on the Windows desktop and in games. It even has an IPS Black display panel, which improves contrast and delivers a more realistic, immersive image.

The U4025QW’s connectivity is extensive. It has Thunderbolt, Ethernet, HDMI, and DisplayPort, as well as a USB hub that includes multiple downstream USB-A and USB-C ports. The monitor’s menu options and settings provide significant image quality control as well as useful features like picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes.

That’s not to say it’s perfect. The monitor’s stand isn’t as robust as it should be, and while the contrast ratio of IPS Black is commendable, it can’t rival OLED. But the most serious downside is the price, which soars close to $2,000. But if you want a big, sharp monitor to serve as the focal point for a desktop command center, the Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW is worth it.

Read our full Dell U4025QW review

Asus ProArt PA348CGV – Best ultrawide monitor for professionals

Pros

• Excellent SDR image quality 
• Sturdy, hefty design 
• Wide range of customization
• 120Hz refresh rate

Cons

• USB-C hub lacks video-out or ethernet
• HDR is merely passable

Best Prices Today: $876.44 at Amazon

The Asus ProArt PA348CV surpassed our expectations. Priced at just $729.99, it’s towards the low end of pricing for a professional ultrawide display—yet its performance is near the top of the pack.

This monitor has a wide color gamut, excellent color accuracy, and a virtual buffet of image-quality calibration features that let users precisely tune the image. It’s also a bright and vivid monitor, making it easy to use in nearly any office. Admittedly, it doesn’t set any records in image quality tests—but it ties or comes close to alternatives that are hundreds of dollars more expensive.

Asus throws in a useful USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode and delivers 90 watts of USB Power Delivery. It also drives a USB-A hub with four downstream ports. Additional video connectivity includes two HDMI and one DisplayPort for a total of four input options.

Surprisingly, Asus throws in an enhanced refresh rate up to 120Hz. It’s not sold as a gaming monitor, but it can handle gaming well enough. That’s good news if you need one home office monitor for both work and play.

Read our full Asus ProArt PA348CGV review

Corsair Xeneon Flex – Best big-screen ultrawide monitor

Pros

• Incredibly immersive gaming experience
• Huge 45-inch ultrawide OLED panel can be adjusted from flat to 800R curve to suit your setup
• Exceptional image quality, contrast, color performance, and HDR
• Elite motion clarity on a 240Hz panel
• Abundant connectivity with USB-C hub and power delivery options
• It made four people who walked into my office stop and say “WHOA” like Keanu Reeves

Cons

• Poor text clarity and general sharpness for productivity work
• Very expensive
• No swivel or tilt options, stand can’t be replaced
• Bending mechanism feels clunky and mildly terrifying at first
• Enabling HDR mutes desktop contrast and vibrancy

Best Prices Today: $1,499.99 at Amazon$1499.99 at Best Buy

Want a monitor that takes immersion to a new level and outshines your friend’s measly 34-inch ultrawide? The Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 is for you. 

The Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 takes immersion to a new level, outshining pedestrian 34-inch ultrawides. It’s an incomparable way to enjoy visually stunning games.

The 45WQHD240 has an extremely high contrast ratio and a wide color gamut. Maximum brightness is high (for OLED) as well, which is a benefit if you want to play games with HDR turned on. The monitor’s 240Hz refresh rate and low pixel response times provide top-notch motion clarity. Even its modest 3440×1440 resolution may be seen as a benefit. While it does soften the image, it also reduces the strain on your GPU, making it possible to enjoy high-quality settings on midrange hardware. 

But there is even more to the Xeneon Flex, which is hinted at in its name: The display features a unique flexible OLED panel that can be adjusted from a completely flat position to an impressive 800R curvature, one of the tightest curves available in a monitor. You adjust the curve manually, using the handles located on each side of the display. The flexibility is useful if you enjoy a wide variety of game genres (you may want it flat while playing Civilization IV but curved in Cyberpunk 2077).

The Corsair Xeneon Flex features a robust and stable stand with integrated ports including USB-C. The stand doesn’t, however, offer height adjustment. With a retail price of nearly $2,000, the Xeneon Flex is an investment, but its versatile OLED panel and superior image quality make it an obvious choice for gamers. 

Read our full Corsair Xeneon Flex review

What to look for in an ultrawide monitor

Ultrawide monitors are a favorite of PC enthusiasts, but remain a niche within the larger monitor market. This leaves shoppers with fewer options. Most ultrawide monitors have a 34-inch panel with a resolution of 3440×1440, and similar connectivity.

Still, these monitors can differ in several key areas. Here’s what to look for.

Panel type is a big deal

Ultrawide monitors offer less choice in some regards but that script is flipped when it comes to panel type. Ultrawide monitors come in a variety of panel types: IPS, VA, and OLED.

IPS panels are common in mid-range and premium ultrawide monitors. This panel type delivers great color performance, high maximum brightness, superb sharpness, and good motion performance. It’s weak in contrast, however, which can disappoint when viewing TV shows or movies.

VA panels are typically a budget option, though some are found in premium ultrawide monitors. They have better contrast than IPS panels and deliver similar color performance and brightness—however, budget VA panels tend to be merely okay in these areas. Most VA panels fall short in motion performance and may look blurry when playing fast-paced games.

OLED is king of the hill. It leads in color, contrast, and motion performance. Sharpness is often slightly reduced compared to IPS and VA, but most people will find it a minor downgrade. OLED also is the best choice for HDR.

In general, OLED is better than IPS, and IPS is better than VA. However, some people might prefer VA over IPS because it has a better contrast ratio and looks darker in dark content.

A height-adjustable stand is a must-have

All the monitors on this list provide an ergonomic stand that adjusts for height, tilt, and swivel. This is a must-have feature, but one that isn’t found on the least expensive ultrawide monitors.

As tempting as it may be to save money on a budget model without a height-adjustable stand, you would regret it.

Ultrawide monitors are bulky and tend to require a larger, heavier stand, which in turn makes them more difficult to place on an elevated platform. The old college trick of sticking a monitor on a shoe box won’t work.

Look for USB-C, but don’t expect it

USB-C compatibility is an excellent feature, and USB-C hub monitors can clear away tons of clutter on your desk. Unfortunately, many ultrawide monitors don’t support USB-C yet, or have limitations that detract from the USB-C port’s usefulness.

Asus’s ProArt PA348CV, our favorite ultrawide for professionals, is one exception. It has a USB-C port with up to 90 watts of Power Delivery, and the port drives a USB-A hub with four downstream ports.

Dell, HP, and BenQ also offer ultrawide monitors with USB-C. Most of these lack an enhanced refresh rate, however, and they’re typically more expensive than the Asus.

Pricing is important—and can swing wildly

Monitor pricing is always important, but it’s key for ultrawide monitors. Although very expensive at MSRP, ultrawide monitors routinely see huge price cuts during seasonal sales. They also receive major semi-permanent price cuts later in their life.

The LG Ultragear 34GN850-B is an example of this. Originally sold for $999.99, it’s now routinely available for $699.99, and went as low as $599.99 during Amazon’s Black Friday sale. That’s a 40 percent reduction in price! Waiting for a deal can save you hundreds.

Don’t buy an ultrawide for console gaming

A quick word of warning: You should not buy an ultrawide monitor if you plan to connect a game console frequently.  

Game consoles don’t support ultrawide aspect ratios, so you’ll see black bars on either side of the image. That’s unattractive and wastes the monitor’s potential. It’s best to stick with a widescreen monitor if console gaming is a priority.

How we test monitors

PC World’s team of staff and freelance reviewers conduct in-depth testing to compare monitors across a wide range of categories and price points. We test dozens of monitors each year to find the best pick for every category and price point.

Our testing uses a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra color calibration tool. It delivers objective, unbiased measurements for a wide range of metrics including brightness, contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, color temperature, and gamma. Results are recorded and logged for future comparison. This allows our experts to easily compare many monitors at once and eliminates subjective bias from the results.

It’s easy to see why portable monitors are gaining in popularity among both desktop PC and laptop users. What portable monitors sacrifice in size over a standard monitor they make up for in myriad other ways: Portable monitors are relatively inexpensive, easy to connect, and, best of all, portable. Whether you’re a student, someone who works from home, or a globe-trotting executive, the ability to easily pack up and move a portable monitor when needed is an attractive proposition.

Nevertheless, the widespread availability of these displays and the ability to manufacture them cheaply has resulted in a onslaught of questionable brands on the market. Many of these brands don’t have any established credibility, and quality can often be sub-par. That’s where we at PCWorld come in. We’ve tested multiple models and can separate the best portable monitors from the rest.

To learn more about our evaluation process, see “How we test monitors at PCWorld.”

Our list of favorites below will help you find the right portable monitor for you. You can learn more about what to look for in a portable monitor at the bottom of the article.

Further reading: See our roundups of the best monitors and best home office monitors for even more recommendations.

Arzopa A1 Gamut – Best budget portable monitor

Pros

• Good build quality for the price
• Bright, attractive display
• Two USB-C inputs, plus mini-HDMI
• All cables included

Cons

• Stand only adjusts for tilt
• Limited image quality adjustments
• Mediocre contrast ratio

Best Prices Today: $89.99 at ArzopaNot Available at Amazon

The Arzopa A1 Gamut is a solid 15.6-inch 1080p portable monitor that delivers good image quality, an attractive design, and useful features at a low price.

Arzopa opts for a simple yet elegant design that pairs a thin display panel with a small bump on the lower half to house the monitor’s ports and internal electronics. A faux-leather cover is included to provide protection when stowed. It also folds into a kickstand when the monitor is in use.

The monitor has three input options: two USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and one Mini-HDMI. All required cables and accessories are included. However, the monitor’s menu system is hard to use and offers few adjustments.

Image quality is great for the price. The Azorpa A1 Gamut reaches a maximum brightness of 297 nits, which is brighter than many competitors. The color gamut spans 97 percent of sRGB and 74 percent of DCI-P3. The A1 Gamut appears bright and vivid in day-to-day use and, though not ideal for professional content creation, holds up well while browsing the web, working in Microsoft Office, or viewing YouTube.

The Arzopa A1 Gamut retails for $170 but is frequently sold at a steep discount, often as low as $110. It’s an absolute steal when on sale, and we highly recommend waiting for a discount if one isn’t currently available.

Read our full Arzopa A1 Gamut review

Innocn 15A1F – Best midrange portable monitor

Pros

• Excellent image quality
• Durable and attractive design
• Versatile clip-on stand
• Unbeatable bang-for-the-buck

Cons

• Doesn’t include a protective case
• HDR is supported but disappointing

Best Prices Today: $199.99 at Innocn$319.99 at Amazon

The Innocn 15A1F is an OLED portable monitor that brings excellent image quality and attractive design to a more affordable price point.

It has a 15.6-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 1920×1080 and a 60Hz refresh rate. Its design, reminiscent of the Apple iPad Pro, elegantly combines an aluminum rear panel with edge-to-edge glass.

It also has a unique, versatile clip-on stand that adds stability and a wide range of tilt adjustments. Innocn doesn’t include a protective case, however, so shoppers should consider a third-party protective sleeve.

Image quality is where this portable monitor stands out. It delivers a maximum brightness of 378 nits and achieves an infinite contrast ratio. This combination provides a bright, vivid, and immersive image. It also delivers an impressive 100 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 94 percent of AdobeRGB. That’s more than adequate for photo and video editing. The monitor’s 60Hz refresh rate might be a limitation for gamers, however.

Priced at an MSRP of $349.99, which often drops to a tempting $199.99 on Amazon, the Innocn 15A1F is an excellent choice if you want a portable monitor with top-tier image quality on a budget.

Read our full Innocn 15A1F review

Arzopa G1 Game – Best portable monitor for gaming

Pros

• Thin, light, and durable
• Good SDR image quality
• 144Hz panel delivers good motion clarity
• Inexpensive

Cons

• No Adaptive Sync support
• HDR is supported, but disappointing
• Menu system offers little customization

Best Prices Today: $129.99 at Amazon

Want a light, compact monitor that’s ideal for gaming while away from home? The inexpensive Arzopa G1 Game is a solid choice. 

Arzopa’s portable gaming monitor has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 (better known as 1080p) and a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. The refresh rate, which indicates how many times the display can refresh per second, improves responsiveness and motion clarity. It’s a noticeable improvement over a portable monitor with a 60Hz refresh rate.

The monitor also delivers a bright, attractive image. 1080p resolution may sound mundane in today’s world of 4K displays but, due to a portable monitor’s small 15.6-inch display, it delivers sharpness close to that of a 27-inch 4K monitor. The Arzopa G1 Game also scores well in contrast, color gamut, and color accuracy. 

It’s easy to pack, too, as the monitor weighs just 1.36 pounds and measures roughly four-tenths of an inch thick. A faux-leather case provides protection while traveling and serves as a kickstand. The kickstand’s tilt adjustment is limited, though, which can prove frustrating. 

The G1 Game routinely retails for about $150 on Amazon.com and ranks among the most affordable 144Hz portable gaming monitors available. It’s a good value and an easy recommendation for travelers who frequently game away from home.

Read our full Arzopa G1 Game review

Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED – Best portable monitor for creators

Pros

• Excellent image quality
• Useful built-in kickstand
• Attractive and sturdy design
• Extensive image-quality options

Cons

• Flimsy bundled keyboard cover
• Some on-screen menu options are confusing
• Power adapter could be smaller

Best Prices Today: $499.99 at Amazon$499.99 at Viewsonic

The Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED stands out in the crowded market of portable monitors, particularly for creators who prioritize image quality without sacrificing portability.

The VX1655-4K-OLED delivers exceptional sharpness, color accuracy, and contrast. Its brightness peaks at an impressive 457 nits, which is beneficial for working in brightly lit environments. Its comprehensive color gamut is suitable for color-critical work such as photography, design, and video editing. It also has a native resolution of 3840×2160 (4K), which makes it ideal for working with 4K video, as well as other high-resolution video and image files.

Design is another key strength. It has a built-in kickstand, slim bezels, and a sturdy chassis, all of which makes it easy to set up and stable when in use. The monitor’s connectivity options, which include two USB-C ports and a mini-HDMI port, offer flexibility. However, the inclusion of a full-sized HDMI port would have been preferable.

While the monitor does have minor drawbacks, like a flimsy bundled display cover and confusing on-screen menus, these issues are overshadowed by its overall performance and build quality. Its premium price point reflects its position as a high-end choice for professionals, and its image quality is the best of any portable monitor we’ve tested to date.

Read our full Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED review

What to look for in a portable monitor

Many of the features we look for in a desktop monitor also apply to a portable monitor. A portable monitor should have a bright, sharp image with a decent contrast ratio, wide color gamut, and great color accuracy. The differences between portable monitors and their desktop brethren are more often found in their design, build quality, and connectivity.

Image quality

Most portable monitors have image quality similar to desktop monitors in the same price bracket. Portable monitors tend to score well in brightness and sharpness, but color and contrast are often lacking. OLED portable monitors perform significantly better than less expensive IPS LCD displays. Unfortunately, they’re much more expensive.

Numerous small brands have jumped into the portable monitor market in recent years and quality control can be an issue. We recommend sticking to monitors that are known to achieve high marks in image quality (otherwise, be prepared to use a retailer’s return policy).

Stands, kickstands, and covers

Portable monitors ship with a bundled kickstand or stand that is used to keep the monitor propped up and steady on a desk.

Unlike desktop monitors, where most stands are more or less identical, the stands used by portable monitors vary. Some have a simple kickstand that attaches magnetically, while others use a clip-on case. A rare few, like the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED, have a folding stand that provides significant height and kickstand adjustment.

Connectivity

Connectivity is key. A portable monitor that lacks the port you need to connect your tablet or laptop is useless.

Most portable monitors offer the option to connect over USB, a video input (usually HDMI), or both, but the number of ports available and the standards used vary widely. We look for monitors that offer a healthy selection of ports. We also prefer monitors that can be powered over USB-C by a connected desktop or laptop.

Portability, size, and weight

Our final consideration is the most obvious: portability. Most portable monitors live up to their name with an included kickstand case or cover that can fold flat and protect the display while it’s stowed.

Still, the exact size and weight of a portable monitor is important, and shoppers may need to accept trade-offs between weight and quality. A top-notch pick like the Viewsonic ColorPro VP16-OLED can offer superior durability, but a lightweight budget pick like the Azorpa A1 Gamut might be preferable if you’ll be hauling a portable monitor daily.

How we test monitors

PCWorld’s monitor evaluations stem from the expertise of freelance and staff contributors with decades of collective experience. Although our initial impressions rely on our eyes, we rigorously test each monitor using a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra color calibration tool for a comprehensive analysis.

This device helps us objectively measure a variety of monitor attributes including brightness, contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, luminance and color uniformity, and gamma, among other traits.

We also rely on hands-on testing to judge the quality, size, and weight of a portable monitor. Every monitor we recommend is personally tested first-hand by a PCWorld contributor. This helps us pick out flaws in build quality and portability that separate the best and worst portable monitors. 

At a glance

Expert's Rating

Pros

• Compact ergonomic stand
• Superb contrast with deep, inky black levels
• Excellent HDR performance
• Inexpensive for an OLED monitor

Cons

• HDMI ports don’t support 240Hz refresh rate
• No USB-C
• SDR performance is great, but slightly lags QD-OLED peers

Our Verdict

The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG has a third-generation LG WOLED panel that delivers superior brightness in HDR content.

Best Prices Today: Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG

Those looking for an OLED monitor have a lot of choices in 2024, but if you want a 27-inch 1440p display, those choices have primarily used Samsung’s QD-OLED panel. Now, however, Asus is changing that with the ROG Strix XG27AQDMG. This new 27-inch 1440p 240Hz gaming monitor has an OLED display from LG. It is similar to QD-OLED in many respects but takes the lead in HDR performance.

Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG specs and features

You wouldn’t know the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG from other OLED monitors by glancing at the spec sheet. It is a 27-inch display with a 2560×1440 resolution and a maximum refresh rate of 240Hz. Also, like similar monitors, it sticks to HDMI and DisplayPort for video input and keeps USB connectivity minimal with just two USB-A ports.

• Display size: 27-inch widescreen
• Native resolution: 2560×1440
• Panel type: Glossy WOLED
• Refresh rate: Up to 240Hz
• Adaptive sync: Adaptive Sync 240, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G-Sync
• HDR: Yes, HDR10
• Ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.4 DSC, 2x HDMI (v2.0), 1x earphone jack, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB Type-B (upstream)
• VESA mount: 100x100mm
• Speakers: None
• Price: $749 MSRP

The key difference, of course, is the type of display panel used. WOLED stands for “white OLED,” and it’s a type of panel manufactured by LG that has a subpixel layout with an additional white OLED pixel that joins the red, blue, and green OLED pixels.

This is rather unique, as nearly all LCD and OLED displays throughout history stick to a red, blue, and green sub-pixel layout, and achieve white by lighting all three simultaneously. LG says the unique white sub-pixel can increase the display’s maximum brightness.

The is a successor to the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM, which also had a WOLED panel. That monitor aged poorly as QD-OLED competitors quickly leaped ahead of it. The XG27AQDMG fairs better.

Further reading: See our roundup of the best gaming monitors to learn about competing products.

Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG design

The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG’s design, much like its spec sheet, is difficult to tell apart from other OLED monitors at a glance. It strikes a modern look from the front, with slim bezels along all sides and a glossy display panel. Unlike some competitors, however, Asus branding remains prominent thanks to a glowing red ROG logo.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

From the back, the monitor’s thin profile stands out, and some subtle etching makes the monitor’s gaming intent clear. The monitor includes an RGB-LED accent in the shape of the Asus ROG logo. It can be customized using the on-screen menu or coordinate with other RGB-LED devices via Asus’ Aura Sync.

Asus wisely chooses to use a compact, flat stand for the ROG Strix XG27AQDMG. This reduces the amount of space the monitor takes up on your desk and keeps the space it does consume usable, as you can still place items on the stand. The stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivots 90 degrees for use in portrait orientation. A 100x100mm VESA display mount is available, which means that third-party monitor stands and arms are an option.

The monitor stand includes a threaded mount on the top of the stand. It can be used to attach a peripheral like a webcam, microphone, or LED light, and it’s a useful feature for streamers and other video content creators. You’ll likely need a spacer or adjustable mount to use it, however, because the top of the display will block a peripheral mounted here unless the stand is adjusted to its lowest height.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG connectivity and menus

Asus sticks to the basics with connectivity. The ROG Strix XG27AQDMG has one DisplayPort 1.4 port and two HDMI 2.0 ports, both of which support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) for compatibility with modern game consoles.

It should be noted that this monitor does not support HDMI 2.1, and as a result, it can’t display its maximum refresh rate of 240Hz over HDMI. This could be a problem if you want to connect a PC over HDMI. I always prefer to see a monitor support its maximum refresh rate across all available display inputs, and it’s disappointing to see this omitted.

USB-C connectivity is not available, and the monitor has only two USB-A ports for connecting wired peripherals. These can be accessed through a USB-B upstream connection. This is basic connectivity for a gaming monitor, but similar to competitors.

The monitor’s on-screen menu system is accessed through a joystick centered on the bottom bezel. It is responsive and easy to use. Asus on-screen menus are logically arranged and well-labeled, so navigating them to find features is simple.

Image quality adjustment is extensive. It includes a number of preset modes as well as color gamut modes that target sRGB and DCI-P3. Color temperature and gamma are adjustable as well, and both target specific numerical values instead of vague labels like “cool” or “warm.” Six-axis color customization is included for further fine-tuning if it’s required.

Gamers can elevate the brightness of dark areas of the screen to make enemies hidden in shadowy areas easier to see. The display also includes several aspect ratio modes, which can change the size of the viewable area on the display. That might be useful if you want to restrict the viewable area to a 24-inch 1080p equivalent for esports titles. There’s also a 4:3 mode, which is handy if you want to play a very old PC game that lacks proper widescreen support.

The monitor’s features can be adjusted in Windows with Asus’ DisplayWidget software. It’s quicker and easier to use than the on-screen menu. Most monitor makers offer similar software, but DisplayWidget is more attractive and easier to use than similar software from competitors like Gigabyte and MSI.

Speakers are not included, so you will need to use external speakers or a headset. I always prefer to see bundled speakers, but competitive gaming monitors also exclude them.

Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG SDR image quality

The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG, like every other 27-inch OLED gaming monitor on the market, serves up 2560×1440 resolution. But while competitors use Samsung’s QD-OLED panel technology, the XG27QDMG instead relies on LG’s third-generation WOLED. So, how does it stack up?

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

The ROG Strix XG27AQDMG reached a maximum full-screen SDR brightness of 260 nits. That’s competitive with peers like the Alienware AW2725DF, but it’s still not amazing.

Brightness is said to be a perk of WOLED panels, yet in SDR the XG27AQDMG is barely brighter than alternatives with a Samsung QD-OLED panel. The monitor’s full-screen brightness is fine for a room with good light control, but bright overhead lighting or a sunny window can create a lot of glare and make the monitor uncomfortable to view.

WOLED does have an advantage in HDR brightness, though, as I’ll explain in more detail in the next section of this review.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Contrast is a strength of the ROG Strix XG27AQDMG. The monitor achieved a minimum brightness of zero nits at every display brightness setting, which is effectively a perfect result and boosts the contrast ratio into the millions.

The monitor’s excellent contrast is noticeable across everything viewed on the display, but it’s especially useful in darker games and movies like Diablo IV or Blade Runner. OLED avoids the grayish, foggy look common to less expensive monitors with an IPS panel.

All modern OLED monitors benefit from OLED’s contrast ratio, so contrast is not a reason to buy one OLED display over another. Still, it’s good to see the WOLED performs as well as expected.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

The ROG Strix XG27AQDMG’s color gamut results are interesting. It achieves 100 percent of the sRGB color gamut, 96 percent of DCI-P3, and 89 percent of Adobe RGB. These are excellent results, but they’re a bit behind recent QD-OLED monitors. Most QD-OLED monitors released in 2024 can reach 98 percent of DCI-P3 and 94 percent of Adobe RGB.

Gamers shouldn’t fret over this, as the difference will be difficult to notice while playing games. Even content creators probably won’t find the XG27AQDMG’s slightly reduced color gamut a problem.

Still, if maximum color gamut is a priority for you, a QD-OLED monitor is the better choice. It’s also wise to consider a Mini-LED monitor with quantum dots, such as the RedMagic 4K Gaming Monitor. They achieve unparalleled color gamut results.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

WOLED’s color performance continues to lag behind QD-OLED in color accuracy, as the XG27AQDMG posted results that lag the QD-OLED monitors that PCWorld has tested this year. The XG27AQDMG’s color looks realistic and remains great for gaming, but content creators may want to calibrate the display.

The XG27AQDMG also had slight issues with color temperature and gamma performance. I measured a gamma curve of 2.3 when the setting was at 2.2, meaning content looked a tad darker than it should. Color temperature was also a bit off, with a measured color temperature of 6600K when the monitor was set to 6500K. That means the monitor looked slightly cooler and more sterile than ideal. Both of these variances are fairly minor, though, and not likely to be an obstacle for gamers.

Sharpness is a more noticeable problem. The WOLED panel’s unique subpixel layout can cause color fringing issues around details like small text and fine, high-contrast edges. Small fonts were pixelated and at times showed off-colors along their edges. Asus includes a ClearEdge feature, which is supposed to minimize the problem, but it wasn’t effective in my testing. In fact, at times the monitor looked worse with ClearEdge on than with it off.

This issue is also present on modern QD-OLED monitors, especially 27-inch monitors 1440p resolution, but I do feel it’s a bit more noticeable on the WOLED panel.

The XG27AQDMG’s overall SDR image quality is at once impressive and disappointing. Its wide color gamut and superb contrast make it excellent for games and movies. However, the WOLED panel slightly underperforms QD-OLED in some respects, and its lackluster sharpness stands out. I can recommend the XG27AQDMG if you just want to game, but shoppers looking for a game that’s equally great for gaming, office productivity, and content creation should be wary.

Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG HDR image quality

The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG’s SDR performance slightly lags behind its OLED peers, but it strikes back in HDR.

I measured a maximum sustained full-screen HDR brightness of 269 nits, which basically ties the monitor’s SDR brightness. However, the monitor hit a maximum sustained brightness of 724 nits in a 10 percent window, meaning 10 percent of the display was lit. QD-OLED displays, like the Alienware AW2725DF and Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM, achieved about 400 nits in this scenario.

The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG also hit a maximum sustained brightness of 608 nits in a 50 percent window, meaning half the display was lit. That, too, is better than QD-OLED alternatives, which are lucky to sustain 300 nits.

To put it simply, the XG27AQDMG’s WOLED panel delivers better HDR brightness than QD-OLED. Higher brightness is important because it provides more detail in luminous areas of a scene. The accretion disc around the black hole in Interstellar’s Gargantua scene is a great example. The disk seems like a uniform, glowing uniform mass in SDR, but HDR reveals subtle colors and added detail that was invisible in SDR.

The XG27AQDMG is also great for HDR gaming. Games that have HDR support frequently have attractive particle effects and other small, flashy elements that appear only briefly on the screen. The XG27AQDMG looks exceptionally bright and detailed when displaying these effects. QD-OLED monitors also look good in HDR games, but the XG27AQDMG is superior.

If HDR is at the top of your list of priorities, then the XG27AQDMG is an excellent choice. Its brightness is defeated only by Mini-LED monitors like the AOC Q27G3XMN. Mini-LED monitors have their own disadvantages, though, like halos around small bright objects and, in most cases, less motion clarity. The XG27AQDMG’s combination of brightness, contrast, and motion clarity makes it ideal for HDR gaming.

Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG motion performance

Motion performance is a strength of OLED monitors, and the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG is no exception. Scrolling test images from games like League of Legends and Dota 2 revealed good detail around character silhouettes. The names and hitpoint bars displayed above characters were generally legible in motion, though not always easy to read. Small, fast moving objects remain identifiable and significant detail is visible in decent vistas when panning the camera in a 3D game.

While the XG27AQDMG’s motion clarity is good, it’s defeated by QD-OLED alternatives that hit 360Hz, such as Alienware’s AW2725DF. These competitors are more expensive, but their improved refresh rate can provide a slight motion clarity boost. Keep in mind, however, that a game must achieve a frame rate of up to 360 frames per second for the 360Hz refresh rate to prove useful. That’s difficult, or impossible, with many modern PC games.

Asus offers a backlight strobing mode called ELMB, which rapidly flickers the image to reduce perceived motion blur. It’s effective, but it also lowers the brightness of the display. That can be a problem in SDR content, as there’s not a lot of brightness to spare. The ELMB mode also supports a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, and it doesn’t work with HDR. These limitations take away most of its appeal.

The XG27AQDMG’s official adaptive sync support is extensive. It includes certifications for VESA Adaptive Sync 240, Nvidia G-Sync Compatible, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. The monitor also works with the variable refresh mode on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

All OLED competitors offer adaptive sync support, but many companies choose not to pursue official certification with both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. Technically, monitors without the certification will usually work with both, but I like the peace of mind Asus offers by including official support for both standards.

Should you buy the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG?

The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG is a viable alternative to QD-OLED monitors that performs slightly worse in some situations and better in others. The monitor’s HDR performance is its greatest strength, as it achieves a level of HDR brightness that’s significantly higher than QD-OLED monitors. In SDR, however, the XG27AQDMG slightly lags behind QD-OLED competitors in color performance and sharpness.

Pricing works in Asus’ favor. The XG27AQDMG carries a retail MSRP of just $749.99. A few QD-OLED monitors, like the MSI MAG 271QPX, are available for $750, but most are $50 to $100 more expensive. That makes the XG27AQDMG a great choice for gamers who want OLED but still need to be mindful of their budget.

Need a new monitor for your PC? We’ve combed through scores of options to find the best monitors on the market right now. Our picks are the result of hundreds of hours spent testing the latest models from Acer, Asus, BenQ, Dell, LG, Samsung, and other major brands. 

While we feel that our favorite monitor overall is an awesome choice for most people, we also have alternative options for budget shoppers, gamers, and those seeking the best HDR performance. After all, not everyone needs the same features from a monitor. (If you’re looking specifically for a 4K monitor or gaming monitor, go check out our separate roundups highlighting your best options for those particular needs, as well.) You can find out more about how we evaluate monitors and what specs matter most below our list of recommendations.

Scroll below our recommendations to learn more about our monitor review process, or see our article on how we test monitors at PCWorld for even more details.

Updated May 23, 2024: See our recent review of the Pixio PX248 Wave, which offers gamers a lot for its $150 price tag: a nice design, decent built-in speakers, adaptive sync, and good motion clarity with up to a 200Hz refresh rate. For budget shoppers, it offers good value.

Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE – Best monitor overall

Pros

• Attractive and functional design
• Class-leading Thunderbolt and USB connectivity
• IPS Black improves contrast
• 120Hz refresh rate

Cons

• Most competitors offer 4K resolution
• No HDR support
• Adaptive sync has some caveats

Dell’s Ultrasharp U2724DE is arguably the most versatile monitor ever sold. It’s great for home office productivity, good for gaming, and can handle more serious content creation workflows, like photo and video editing. 

The U2724DE has an IPS Black panel that roughly doubles the monitor’s contrast ratio (compared to other IPS monitors). It can’t beat a more expensive OLED or Mini-LED panel, but it’s still alluring. It also lacks the burn-in worries of OLED which, although unlikely to occur in mixed use, might become an issue if you spend all day working in Excel and plan to keep your monitor for as long as possible.

Dell pairs the IPS Black panel with an enhanced 120Hz refresh rate. Upping the refresh rate greatly improves motion clarity and makes the U2724DE a viable display for gamers. That’s a big deal. It means you can buy one monitor for both work and play. 

The U2724DE goes all-in on connectivity. Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, DisplayPort-in and -out, and HDMI are present. It even has a 2.5G Ethernet port. These features are ideal if you plan to connect a laptop over USB-C, as the U2724DE will greatly expand the laptop’s connectivity. 

Resolution is the only notable downside. The U2724DE is a 1440p monitor, while many competitors in its price bracket offer 4K. This is the trade-off made to hit monitor’s 120Hz refresh rate. Those who prefer 4K should consider the Dell Ultrasharp U2723QE, which also has an IPS Black panel and extensive connectivity. Shoppers on the budget, meanwhile, can consider the U2724D. It’s nearly identical to the U2724DE but reduces the available ports to hit a lower price.

Read our full Dell U2724DE review

Acer K242HYL – Best budget 1080p monitor

Pros

• Attractive color accuracy and gamut 
• Acceptable sharpness for a 1080p display 
• Avoids motion clarity pitfalls  
• Menu system is easy to use  

Cons

• Barebones design 
• No height adjustment on stand 
• Only one HDMI, no DisplayPort 
• Power LED is very bright 

Need a monitor that works well at an extremely low price? The Acer K242HYL is our go-to pick.

The Acer K242HYL’s specifications are good for a budget display. It has a 24-inch screen with 1080p resolution and a maximum refresh rate of 75Hz. Adaptive sync is supported, so the monitor will function with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. Video inputs include HDMI and VGA. Build quality is good thanks to robust plastic panels that feel thick and durable when handled.

This monitor has a bright image with reasonable contrast. Color performance stands out, as the monitor can cover most of the sRGB color gamut and has extremely good color accuracy overall. Photos, videos, and games look close to what their creator intended. 

The K242HYL lacks a height-adjustable stand but offers a VESA mount that is compatible with most third-party monitor stands and arms. 

That aside, the K242HYL is an outstanding budget monitor suited for everyday use, casual gaming, and amateur content creation. This is all the monitor most people will ever need. 

Monoprice CrystalPro 44522 – Best budget 4K monitor

Pros

• Sharp, clear image
• Strong color performance
• Functional ergonomic stand
• Includes USB-C despite low price

Cons

• Generic design
• Limited image quality adjustments
• Not a great choice for viewing games and movies

The Monoprice CrystalPro (Model #44522) stands out as the best budget 4K monitor choice, offering a sharp and vibrant 4K display at an affordable price point of $300 (which is often reduced below $220 during sales).

Image quality is a highlight. The Monoprice CrystalPro delivers a crisp 27-inch IPS panel, a decent color gamut, and good color accuracy. The monitor’s contrast is mediocre but competitive with other budget 4K monitors.

Connectivity is surprisingly good. The monitor includes USB-C connectivity with support for up to 65 watts of USB Power Delivery, which makes it possible to charge a connected tablet or laptop. That feature is usually reserved for more expensive monitors. Monoprice also includes a decent ergonomic stand that can adjust for height, tilt, and swivel. Many similarly priced competitors only adjust for tilt.
The monitor has a couple downsides. Its design is generic and its limited image quality adjustments can make image quality more difficult to customize. These problems are usually shared by competitors, however, which leaves Monoprice in a good spot.

Shoppers should note our recommendation applies to the 27-inch CrystalPro monitor with model number 44522. Monoprice also has an older, 28-inch model that’s easy to confuse with this newer display. Our recommendation only applies to model 44522.

Read our full Monoprice CrystalPro 44522 review

Dell G2724D – Best budget gaming monitor

Pros

• Handsome design with functional stand
• Attractive SDR image quality
• Good motion clarity at 165Hz
• Supports all Adaptive Sync standards

Cons

• No USB connectivity or 3.5mm audio-out
• Lackluster HDR

Best Prices Today: $199.99 at Dell Home

Dell’s G2724D hits the sweet spot for gamers on a budget who also care deeply about quality.

The 27-inch IPS LCD panel features 1440p resolution and a refresh rate of 165Hz. The color gamut spans 100 percent of sRGB, 86 percent of DCI-P3, and 82 percent of Adobe RGB, ensuring a bright and vibrant image that’s not only excellent in games but serviceable for most content creation. But its standout feature is the Adaptive Sync support, with official support for VESA Adaptive Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync. 

Despite its affordable price, the monitor doesn’t skimp on design, with a handsome matte black and gray chassis and sporty rear vents that provide an aggressive yet unobtrusive look. It also comes with a functional monitor stand that offers a range of ergonomic adjustments and a compact base that doesn’t take up unnecessary desktop space. 

The monitor doesn’t offer USB connectivity or 3.5mm audio-out. Also, the HDR performance is a bit lackluster, so those who require HDR gaming may want to look at other options. 

But it’s hard to beat the G2724D’s performance at $200 or below and, more importantly, it offers everything an average PC gamer is going to need for smooth and responsive gaming. All told, it offers excellent value, and could have a place on your desk for five to 10 years.

If you want to save even more money, check out the Pixio PX248 Wave. It’s a step down from the G2724D, but still surprisingly solid at less than $150 — nice design, decent built-in speakers, up to 200Hz refresh rate, adaptive sync, and good performance.

Read our full Dell G2724D review

Innocn 27M2V – Best budget HDR monitor

Pros

• Excellent color gamut and accuracy
• Sharp, vivid picture
• Strong HDR performance
• Good connectivity

Cons

• Design looks nice, but feels inexpensive
• Thin user manual
• Confusing on-screen menu 

Best Prices Today: $749.99 at Amazon

You likely haven’t heard of Innocn—but if you want a great HDR monitor on a slim budget, the Innocn 27M2V should be on your short list.

The Innocn 27M2V is a 4K Mini-LED monitor with a maximum refresh rate of 160Hz. It hits an impressive maximum measured HDR brightness of 877 nits, which is enough to deliver a gut-punch of detailed luminance in vibrant HDR scenes. The 27M2V outperforms OLED and LED edge-lit monitors.

And it’s no one-trick pony. The 27M2V has accurate and vivid color, immersive contrast, and crystal-clear sharpness. It can’t defeat OLED monitors like the Alienware AW3423DW in SDR content, but it’s closer than you’d think.

The 27M2V provides strong connectivity, too. It includes a USB-C port with 90 watts of Power Delivery for charging external devices. That’s flanked by one DisplayPort and two HDMI 2.0 ports, for a total of four video inputs. 

What’s the catch? The monitor’s design, although reasonably attractive, feels inexpensive when handled. The on-screen menus are confusing, a problem worsened by the lack of a quality user manual. And customer support can only be reached by email. 

Fortunately, these issues are reduced by excellent pricing. The Innocn 27M2V has a retail MSRP of $799.99 on Amazon, but frequently goes on sale for as little as $679.99. It’s fantastic value at either price.

Read our full Innocn 27M2V review

Alienware AW3423DWF – Best gaming monitor

Pros

• Excellent contrast ratio 
• Top-notch color gamut and accuracy
• Great motion clarity 
• Respectable HDR performance
• Extremely competitive price

Cons

• Stand is a bit too large
• No USB-C
• Maximum HDR brightness is lackluster

Best Prices Today: $998.97 at Amazon

Alienware’s AW3423DWF is an outstanding PC gaming monitor. 

This monitor has a QD-OLED panel, which is like that used in top-tier OLED televisions. OLED provides a nearly infinite contrast ratio, excellent color performance, and respectable brightness. The result is a punchy, vibrant image with an unparalleled sense of dimensionality. The monitor’s ultrawide aspect ratio only heightens the sense of immersion.

Motion clarity is superb. The monitor has a refresh up to 165Hz and supports both AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and VESA Adaptive Sync. The OLED panel technology it uses has lower pixel response times than competitors, too, so there’s minimal added blur and ghosting in motion. Motion is as crisp as you’ll find below 240Hz. 

The Alienware AW3423DWF is an alternative to the AW3423DW, a slightly older and nearly identical monitor. The AW3423DW has a higher fresh rate of 175Hz and supports Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate. It’s also $100 to $200 more expensive. Though we recommend the AW3423DWF for most people, the AW3423DW is better for owners of high-end Nvidia graphics cards.

The AW3423DWF is expensive at $1,099.99, but its performance justifies the price. Competing 34-inch and 38-inch ultrawides without QD-OLED technology are often just as expensive but have less impressive image quality.

Read our full Alienware AW3423DWF review

Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX – Best HDR monitor

Pros

• Excellent gaming performance
• 4K resolution
• Dimmable mini-LED backlight
• Ergonomic adjustment options

Cons

• High power consumption
• Extremely expensive

Best Prices Today: $1,889.99 at Amazon

Okay, folks. Hold onto your butts, because we’re about to take a trip out to the cutting-edge of PC monitors: the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX.

This monitor has a Mini-LED backlight with 1,152 zones that can adjust brightness independently. As a result, it can ramp up brightness to extremely high levels when required, or turn off zones entirely in dark scenes. This results in an excellent contrast ratio and superb brightness. 

These traits make the PG32UQX a standout in HDR games and movies. Bright, high-contrast scenes look amazing. You can almost feel the heat of an explosion and the intense glare of sun reflecting off a window or mirror. 

There’s more to the monitor than HDR, however. It scores extremely well in overall contrast, has class-leading color performance, and provides a crisp 4K image. The monitor supports G-Sync Ultimate for smooth gameplay with Nvidia hardware and has a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. 

The only problem? Price. This monitor sells for around $3,000. Shoppers may want to consider the slightly less exorbitant Viewsonic Elite XG321UG as an alternative. It has a similar Mini-LED backlight.

Read our full Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX review

Philips Creator Series 27E2F7901 – Best home office monitor

Pros

• IPS Black panel improves contrast ratio
• Excellent color gamut and accuracy
• Sharp 4K image
• USB-C connectivity with Power Delivery, DisplayPort-Out

Cons

• Generic design
• Awkward on-screen menu system
• Lackluster HDR, 60Hz refresh rate

Best Prices Today: $329.99 at Amazon

Philips’ Creator Series 27E2F7901 is the ideal monitor for your home office. It features a 27-inch display with IPS Black panel technology, tons of useful connectivity, and top-notch image quality.

Its IPS Black display panel is a rather new technology that significantly enhances the contrast ratio compared to older IPS monitors, which results in a deeper, more immersive image. Its color gamut and accuracy are commendable, too, and its 4K resolution means web pages, photos, and PDFs all look razor-sharp.

Connectivity is another big strength. The 27E2F7901 accepts video over HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, with the latter also serving as a USB hub for multiple downstream USB ports. The USB-C port is also capable of charging devices that require up to 96 watts of power. It has DisplayPort-Out, as well, an uncommon connection that can connect a second monitor directly to the Philips.  

While the monitor’s design is not as attractive as Dell’s Ultrasharp series, it still retains the features most people need. It comes with an ergonomic stand that adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. The monitor also has an adapter for use with 100x100mm VESA mounts, making third-party monitor arms and stands an option. 

Though excellent, the 27E2F7901 isn’t perfect. The on-screen menu system can be awkward to navigate. Also, while HDR is supported, the monitor’s HDR performance is underwhelming. And its humble 60Hz refresh rate will disappoint gamers.

These downsides are not uncommon as many competitors also have them. Due to the Philip’s pricing however, these can be forgiven—the 27E2F7901 retails for just $499.99. Though not inexpensive, it undercuts similar home office monitors from Dell and LG by roughly $100. Overall it provides exemplary value by delivering top-tier connectivity and image quality for an excellent price.

Read our full Philips Creator Series 27E2F7901 review

Viewsonic ColorPro VP16 OLED – Best portable monitor

Pros

• Versatile, useful stands
• Good connectivity, cables included
• Numerous image quality customization options
• Top-tier image quality even at default settings

Cons

• Speakers are included, but weak
• Pricey for a portable monitor
• No HDR

Best Prices Today: $392.04 at Amazon

The Viewsonic VP16-OLED is an impressive portable OLED monitor that combines class-leading image quality with a unique and useful stand.

As its name suggests, the VP16-OLED has a 15.6-inch OLED panel with 1080p resolution. It delivers outstanding image quality, scoring top marks in color accuracy, gamut, and contrast. The VP16-OLED’s performance is superior to many full-sized OLED monitors—and completely smashes portable competitors. This makes the VP16-OLED ideal for photographers, videographers, and other content creators. 

The monitor has a versatile stand. It can be used as a kickstand, as is true of most portable monitors, or expand to hold the monitor upright. The stand includes two USB-C ports, either of which can be used to provide power and video input to the monitor. It also offers a micro-HDMI port for use with devices that lack USB-C. Viewsonic bundles the monitor with several cable types and a USB-C power brick, so you don’t have to buy additional adapter cables or accessories. 

There’s just one problem: It’s expensive. The Viewsonic VP16-OLED retails at $399.99, more than double the price of a basic 1080p portable monitor. That’s tough to justify if you just need a second monitor to display Slack and Twitter, but it’s a worthwhile upgrade if you care about image quality.

Read our full Viewsonic ColorPro VP16-OLED review

Asus ProArt PA348CGV – Best ultrawide monitor

Pros

• Excellent SDR image quality 
• Sturdy, hefty design 
• Wide range of customization
• 120Hz refresh rate

Cons

• USB-C hub lacks video-out or ethernet
• HDR is merely passable

Best Prices Today: $876.44 at Amazon

Asus’ ProArt PA348CGV is an ultrawide that targets professionals but throws in features to please gamers. 

Professionals will love the PA348CGV for its excellent color accuracy, wide color gamut, and healthy range of image quality adjustments. The monitor looks outstanding at default settings and can be tuned to fit a variety of color gamuts or meet specific color temperature and gamma targets. 

Monitors like this normally leave gamers in the cold, but the PA348CGV is an exception. It has a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Its motion clarity can’t rival the best 144Hz or 165Hz ultrawide gaming monitors, but it’s a huge boost over a 60Hz panel.

The PA348CGV is built like a tank with sturdy plastics and a weighty stand that keeps the ultrawide panel planted. It also has good connectivity with a total of four video inputs, one of which is USB-C. The USB-C port drives a hub with four additional USB-A ports. 

And here’s the real surprise: the PA348CGV’s MSRP is just $729. That’s not cheap, but it’s close to the price of alternative professional monitors that completely lack an enhanced refresh rate or adaptive sync. That makes the PA348CGV an easy choice for ultrawide enthusiasts.

Read our full Asus ProArt PA348CGV review

Alienware AW2524H – Best high-refresh monitor

Pros

• The best motion clarity available today
• Bright, vivid image quality
• Compact ergonomic stand

Cons

• Limited video input selection
• Mediocre image quality
• High pricing for a 24-inch monitor

Do you want motion clarity? Alienware’s AW2524H, the world’s first 500Hz gaming monitor, is for you.

Fast objects look detailed and quick camera pans across an in-game map remain legible. Competitive gamers will also love its lightning-fast input latency with support for Nvidia Reflex Analyzer, which helps players see precisely how fast their PC responds to input. Just be warned: this performance comes at a premium price of $829.99 MSRP, and the benefits can only be fully realized in games that can reach 500 frames per second.

It’s an attractive monitor, too, with Alienware’s sleek, futuristic design and excellent build quality. The compact stand allows for ergonomic adjustment but doesn’t consume excessive desk space. 

The AW2524H’s image quality is not competitive with similarly priced monitors, but it’s not bad, either. It offers strong SDR image quality with decent brightness, good contrast ratio, and vivid color. However, the HDR image quality is underwhelming, and the monitor lacks some connectivity options, such as USB-C input.

Alienware’s super-fast 500Hz monitor isn’t for everyone, but competitive gamers shouldn’t think twice. The monitor’s motion clarity is unbeatable.

Read our full Alienware AW2524H review

Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC – Best monitor for professionals

Pros

• The best SDR image quality yet
• Good HDR performance
• Long list of image quality features
• Exceptionally sturdy
• Numerous inputs, plus USB hub

Cons

• HDR brightness could be better 
• Glare can be an issue in bright rooms
• Only 60Hz, no adaptive sync

Best Prices Today: $3499 at Asus

Do you need a monitor with exceptional color accuracy, contrast, and sharpness? The Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC delivers. It’s an impressive monitor that, in several respects, is the best we’ve ever reviewed.

The monitor’s key trait is its high-quality OLED display panel. It has excellent contrast, color accuracy, and a wide color gamut, all of which add up to a realistic and dramatic image. The monitor also has 4K resolution and a conventional RGB subpixel layout, which avoids the color fringing issues that are found in QD-OLED monitors like the Alienware AW3423DW. 

Image quality is superb out of the box, but experienced owners can go a step further. The PA32DC has numerous image quality options in its on-screen menu system and includes a built-in calibration utility for ultra-accurate results. Professionals can use these options to achieve the exact results their work requires. 

It’s a wonderfully robust monitor with chunky bezels, big menu buttons, and a sturdy chassis that includes a built-in handle. Asus supplies both a VESA stand for desktop use and flip-out legs for quick setup at a mobile studio or job site. The monitor has extensive connectivity including five video inputs.

The only downside? It’s expensive with a retail price of $3,000. Even that, however, is not so bad: Similar OLED and Mini-LED monitors, like the Apple Pro Display XDR and LG UltraFine 32EP950, are often even more expensive.

Read our full Asus ProArt OLED PA32DC review

Acer Predator CG48 – Best television alternative

Pros

• Excellent SDR, strong HDR image
• Great motion clarity
• Superior contrast and wide color gamut
• Multiple PC-friendly connections including USB-C hub
• Useful bundled remote

Cons

• Only one HDMI 2.1 input
• Sharpness is just ok
• Stand offers no adjustment, no VESA mount

Best Prices Today: $1,328.38 at Amazon

Want a massive display, but don’t want to deal with the “smart” features and limited PC connectivity of a television? Acer’s Predator CG48 is an excellent choice.

This 48-inch OLED monitor delivers 4K resolution and a refresh rate up to 138Hz. It offers an outstanding picture straight out of the box with spot-on color accuracy, excellent contrast, and a wide color gamut. It also has excellent viewing angles and, of course, a large display area that’s ideal for a large office or small home entertainment center. The monitor’s maximum brightness could be higher, but it still looks good in HDR content, especially when used in a dark room.

Though similar in size to some OLED televisions, the Acer Predator CG48 is not a TV. It doesn’t have a TV tuner and can’t connect to a coaxial antenna or cable connection. PC connectivity is superb, though, with DisplayPort, USB-C, and HDMI 2.1 available, as well as three additional HDMI 2.0 ports. 

A remote is included and can be used to navigate the monitor’s on-screen menu. Acer provides a wide range of image quality adjustments that make it easy to customize the image to your liking. The monitor’s out-of-box performance was excellent, too, and worked well with both PC and game console inputs.

The Acer Predator CG48 carries a MSRP of $1,499.99, which is high. It’s often on sale, so it’s wise to shop around. Buying the monitor at a discount can save you hundreds.

Read our full Acer Predator CG48 review

Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 – Best big-screen ultrawide

Pros

• Incredibly immersive gaming experience
• Huge 45-inch ultrawide OLED panel can be adjusted from flat to 800R curve to suit your setup
• Exceptional image quality, contrast, color performance, and HDR
• Elite motion clarity on a 240Hz panel
• Abundant connectivity with USB-C hub and power delivery options
• It made four people who walked into my office stop and say “WHOA” like Keanu Reeves

Cons

• Poor text clarity and general sharpness for productivity work
• Very expensive
• No swivel or tilt options, stand can’t be replaced
• Bending mechanism feels clunky and mildly terrifying at first
• Enabling HDR mutes desktop contrast and vibrancy

Best Prices Today: $1,499.99 at Amazon$1499.99 at Best Buy

Want a monitor that can (literally) flex on your friend’s puny 34-inch ultrawide? The Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 is for you. 

The Xeneon Flex has a flexible OLED panel that can be positioned so that the display is entirely flat or curved up to a radius of 800R (among the most aggressive curves you’ll find on any monitor). A pair of handles on the right and left flank are used to flex the display. They feel a tad awkward but get the job done.

It’s a massive display with a 45-inch ultrawide panel and a 21:9 aspect ratio. It’s much, much larger than a 34-inch ultrawide (roughly 10 inches wider and 5 inches taller), which provides an extremely immersive experience and tons of room for multi-tasking apps. It’s also taller than a 49-inch super-ultrawide like the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9, though (of course) not quite as wide. 

Image quality is excellent with an extremely high contrast ratio and wide color gamut. The 240Hz refresh rate provides superb motion clarity, too. Even HDR performs reasonably well, as the panel’s brightness is relatively high (for OLED, at least). The monitor’s 3440×1440 resolution doesn’t look sharp spread across the 45-inch panel, but this only feels noticeable on the Windows desktop. Games and streaming content look incredible.

The Corsair Xeneon Flex is built like a tank and has a massive, stable stand with built-in ports including USB-C. Unfortunately, the stand doesn’t adjust for height. It’s also an expensive monitor at a retail MSRP of nearly $2,000. That’s a lot of cash, but the Xeneon Flex’s versatile OLED panel and top-tier image quality justify the price.

Read our full Corsair Xeneon Flex review

What to look for in a monitor

There are literally hundreds—and perhaps thousands—of monitors to choose from. Choosing one from the crowd can be difficult, but knowing the key traits of a monitor will help you make your decision. 

Resolution

Most monitors are available in 4K (3,840×2,160), 1440p (2,560×1,440) and 1080p (1,920×1,080) resolution. A higher resolution provides a sharper, more attractive image and is generally preferable. There’s nothing wrong with 1080p, however. It remains the baseline and is by far the most popular resolution sold today. 

Connectivity

Look for a monitor with a connection supported by your computer. HDMI and DisplayPort are the most common. USB-C is rising in popularity because it can charge connected devices, such as a laptop.

Refresh rate

Most monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, but a higher refresh rate (such as 144Hz) will make motion look smooth and crisp. This is most appealing to PC gamers, as improved motion performance is most noticeable when panning the camera in a 3D game. 

Adaptive sync

This technology also improves motion performance. It does so by keeping a monitor’s refresh rate in sync with the video input from your computer. Our guide to FreeSync and G-Sync provides more detail.

HDR

Many 4K monitors support HDR, but often the HDR performance is lackluster. The HDR will function, and may look superior to SDR, but it won’t approach the quality implied by the spec. To ensure a quality HDR experience, look for a minimum of VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification (or VESA DisplayHDR True Black). See our article on everything you need to know about HDR on your PC to learn more.

Want to know more before you make a decision? Our monitor buying guide explains the nerdy details of monitor specifications. 

How we test monitors

Our monitor guides are based on testing by freelance and staff contributors with decades of combined experience. 

While we rely on our eyes for an initial impression, we thoroughly test each monitor with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra color calibration tool. This specialized hardware can objectively measure a monitor’s brightness, contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, luminance and color uniformity, gamma, and many other aspects of image quality. 

Using this tool helps us detect strengths and weaknesses that don’t stand out at a glance and guarantees that a change in lighting conditions or monitor location won’t skew our impression.

Best Prices Today: Acer Swift X 14 (2024)

Retailer

Price

$1699.99

View Deal

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

Once a niche option, 14-inch laptops are now the flagships of many laptop brands, packing powerful hardware and slim design in the same machine. The Acer Swift X 14 OLED seems to fit this bill at a glance, and it even carries an attractive price tag of $1,699.99 with an RTX 4070 and expanded memory inside. But while Acer delivers on performance-per-dollar, the Swift X 14’s generic design makes it hard to recommend over bolder competitors.

Acer Swift X 14: Specs and features

The new Acer Swift X 14 (SFX14-72G-7422) has a few upgrades over the 2023 model we reviewed less than a year ago. It switches from Intel’s 13th-gen Core processor line to the new Intel Core Ultra, upgrades from the RTX 4050 to the RTX 4070 GPU, and doubles the memory from 16GB to 32GB. This bumps the price up $200, which seems fair given the improvements. (A baseline version of this 2024 model with an RTX 4050 and half the RAM is also available for $1,499.)

• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
• Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x
• Graphics/GPU: Nvidia RTX 4070 with 60-watt TGP
• Display: 2,880 x 1,800 120Hz OLED
• Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid state drive
• Webcam: 1080p camera with triple-mic array
• Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 4, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1, microSD card reader, 1x 3.5mm combo headphone/mic jack
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Biometrics: Fingerprint reader
• Battery capacity: 76 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 12.71 x 8.98 x 0.7 inches
• Weight: 3.4 pounds
• MSRP: $1,699.99

Other aspects of the laptop remain the same, however. Its battery, wired and wireless connectivity, and storage haven’t changed. The chassis also appears to be identical to the prior model.

Looking for more options? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best gaming laptops available right now.

Acer Swift X 14: Design and build quality

Acer sticks to its script with the Swift X 14, which, like prior laptops in this lineup, features a dark gray aluminum chassis with a rugged, hard-edged look that can fit in anywhere — from a corporate meeting room to a home office. There’s not much to say about its appearance aside from this. It looks fine, but it’s unremarkable.

Build quality is good, although not better than most of its similarly priced competitors. Opening the display reveals very little flex or warping on the display surface, and the lower chassis is rock solid. This isn’t a unibody metal design, but it feels rigid and seems likely to last as long as you choose to keep it, provided the laptop doesn’t have an accidental high-speed encounter with concrete.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

However, this particular Swift X 14 is a bit more expensive than some of the past models we’ve reviewed, coming in at nearly $1,700. That puts the Acer up against the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and Lenovo Slim Pro 9i. To be frank, the design doesn’t hold up against those competitors. There’s nothing wrong with the Swift X 14, but it doesn’t stand out.

The Swift X 14 measures 0.8 inches thick and weighs in at just 3.4 pounds, which is comparable to most similar laptops. Slimmer and lighter laptops are available, to be sure, but the Swift X 14 is easy to pack and light enough that its heft is hardly noticeable once secured in a backpack or messenger bag.

Acer Swift X 14: Keyboard, trackpad

The Acer Swift X 14 has a spacious keyboard layout that felt familiar and comfortable. The keyboard includes both Microsoft’s Co-Pilot key and an Alt key on the right side of the keyboard. Acer has reduced the size of the spacebar to accommodate these additions, but I didn’t find it a noticeable change and, like it or not, most Windows laptops are making the same choice.

Typing on the keyboard feels okay. There’s enough key travel to be comfortable, but the keys activate with a soft bottoming action that isn’t as definitive as it could be. While I like the keyboard, some recent laptops, such as the MacBook Air 15 M2 and Lenovo’s IdeaPad and Yoga 7 series, have an advantage over Acer. This has changed our opinion compared to the prior model — the keyboard is likely the same as before, but it doesn’t feel as impressive as it once did.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

The keyboard is backlit but, as is typically true of Windows thin-and-light laptops, there isn’t much else to say about the backlight. The backlight is white and doesn’t offer customization beyond a couple brightness settings.

A similarly modest touchpad lurks just below the keyboard. It measures about 5 inches wide by 3 inches deep, which is about average in size for a modern 14-inch laptop. However, shoppers will find larger touchpads on laptops like the Dell XPS 14, Apple MacBook Pro 14, and even the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (though, in the latter case, the difference is small).

Acer Swift X 14: Display, audio

A gorgeous 14.5-inch OLED display is included with every current Swift X 14 laptop. It has a display resolution of 2880×1800 with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz.

The display’s strengths are many. It has an excellent contrast ratio, vivid color, and a tack-sharp look, especially when playing games or watching high-bitrate 4K video. Motion clarity is also excellent thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. It adds clarity to fast-moving objects, whether it’s simply words flying by as you scroll through a webpage, or a foe in your favorite first-person shooter.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

The only downside is one familiar to most OLED laptop displays, and that’s brightness. It can achieve a maximum brightness of just over 400 nits but, because the display is glossy, glare can become a problem when the laptop is used outdoors or in a brightly lit room. Also, while HDR is supported and looks good, the display isn’t bright enough to fully do it justice. Alternatives with a mini-LED display, like the Apple MacBook Pro 14 and Lenovo Slim Pro 9i, have an edge in HDR.

The speakers, on the other hand, aren’t great. They provide enough volume to be useful and sound OK when handling simple audio content, like a podcast or most YouTube videos. When listening to music, though, they have a harsh, metallic quality to the high end that’s grating and unpleasant. Headphones or external speakers are a must if you want to listen to your favorite tunes or immerse yourself in a game.

Acer Swift X 14: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

The Swift X 14 has a 1080p webcam and a triple-array microphone. That sounds good on paper, but in practice it’s mediocre. The webcam’s image was usable but grainy and lacked color saturation. I wasn’t impressed by the microphone, either, which delivered only modest volume. It’s still fine for Zoom, but if you want a laptop that makes you look and sound good on camera, this isn’t it.

The AI-powered noise reduction worked, at least, competently removing the sound of a space heater and several annoying crows perched too close to my window.

A fingerprint reader is built into the power button for biometric login. It worked well in my testing but, like all fingerprint readers I’ve tried, even the slightest grime or dampness can throw it off. Facial recognition through Windows Hello isn’t supported, which is a shame, as many competitive Windows laptops provide it.

Acer Swift X 14: Connectivity

The Acer Swift X 14 is not a large laptop, but it still has plenty of room for connectivity. It features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, both of which support USB 4, as well as two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5 mm audio jack.

The USB 4/Thunderbolt ports both support USB Power Delivery, and either can be used to charge the laptop with the included power adapter, which connects via USB-C. The ports can also be used with a wide variety of third-party USB-C chargers. They can handle DisplayPort output, too, so they can be used to connect to a USB-C or Thunderbolt monitor.

Of course, many price-competitive laptops also have USB 4/Thunderbolt ports, and it’s the Swift X 14’s more conventional connectivity that stands out. It’s great to see two USB-A ports for connecting older wired mice and keyboards. HDMI, meanwhile, is ideal not only for connecting to monitors, but also to TVs and projectors. This combination of ports means you can take the laptop anywhere without worrying about adapters, which isn’t true of most modern 14-inch laptops.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

There’s just one important port that’s missing, and that’s Ethernet. However, most 14-inch laptops have decided to ditch that port, so it’s not unexpected. Ethernet is still usable, but only through a USB-C to Ethernet adapter.

Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. That’s similar to most modern Windows laptops, and Wi-Fi speeds were excellent in my testing, even when the laptop was used in an exterior office more than 50 feet away from the router. I would have liked to see Wi-Fi 7, which is the most recent wireless standard, but most laptops are sticking to Wi-Fi 6E for now.

Acer Swift X 14: Performance

The Acer Swift X 14 I reviewed is a well-configured model with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, Nvidia RTX 4070 graphics, 32GB of memory, and 1TB solid state drive. That’s excellent hardware for a 14-inch laptop, but the Swift X 14’s performance fell short of my expectations.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

PCMark 10 puts the Swift X 14 off to a decent start with a score of 7,004. That’s not bad but it’s also not the best. Though it does top the 2023 Swift X 14.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Cinebench R20, a heavily multi-thread, short-duration processor benchmark, puts the Swift X 14 in a more favorable position. Here it delivers a noticeable gain over last year’s model, and while it doesn’t beat heavy hitters like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and Razer Blade 14, it does outrun the more expensive Dell XPS 14.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Handbrake, a heavily multi-threaded, long-duration processor benchmark, shows the Swift X 14 reaching the limits of its thermal performance. It’s slightly quicker than last year’s model, but the gap is so small that it’s effectively a tie. The ROG Zephyrus G14 and Razer Blade 14, both of which had AMD Ryzen processors, see a significant lead over the Intel-powered Swift X 14 and HP Omen Transcend 14.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

3DMark’s Time Spy provides our first glimpse at the RTX 4070’s performance, and it delivers a decent score of 8,119. That’s a step behind the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and Razer Blade 14, but it defeats the HP Omen Transcend 14. The new Swift X 14 also greatly outperforms the older model with RTX 4050 graphics.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

It’s a similar story in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, an attractive but aging game that represents typical games from the Playstation 4/Xbox One era. It hit a frame rate of 106, which once again falls short of the ROG Zephyrus G14 and Blade 14, but defeats the HP. This is a highly playable result, and one that lets gamers make proper use of the OLED display’s 120Hz refresh rate.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Metro Exodus is an extraordinarily taxing game, at least when enjoyed at 1080p resolution and the Extreme resolution we use for testing. Even without ray-tracing, this title gives laptops like the Acer Swift X 14 and HP Omen Transcend a swift kick in the pants. The Razer Blade 14 manages to hold up better, which is notable because, just like the Swift X 14, it has an RTX 4070. The difference is in thermals and power draw. While the Acer starts out strong, it ultimately hits the limits of its 60-watt TGP. The Razer Blade 14, on the other hand, has an RTX 4070 with an up to 140-watt TGP, and that provides a clear advantage in demanding titles.

I also fired up Cyberpunk 2077 to give the Swift X 14 a workout in this notoriously difficult title. The Acer put in a good effort, as it achieved an average of 57 FPS at 1080p resolution with detail set to Ultra and DLSS turned off. That’s far behind some larger RTX 4070 laptops (the Razer Blade 16 hit 83 FPS, for example), but the game is entirely playable on the Swift X 14.

There’s one final aspect of the Swift X 14’s performance that’s troublesome: fan noise. The laptop’s overtaxed cooling system frequently whirs to life at the slightest provocation. Download a file? Whoosh. Unzip a file? Whoosh. Batch edit a few photos? Whoosh. It’s even more noticeable in games, of course, where the fans are so loud that they’re hard to tolerate. I suggest investing in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones.

Battery life

Acer packs a 76 watt-hour battery in the Swift X 14. That’s not a small battery, but it’s not remarkably large for a laptop in 2024, and a bit small for one with discrete graphics.

The Swift X 14’s battery life holds up fairly well but doesn’t impress. It achieved 7 hours and 18 minutes of endurance in our standard battery test, which loops a 4K clip of the short film Tears of Steel. That’s much better than the 2023 Swift X 14, and it also defeats the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. However, it falls behind other potential competitors like the HP Omen Transcend 14.

Acer ships the laptop with a compact 100-watt USB-C power adapter. It’s relatively easy to pack and, since the laptop only expects 100 watts of power, it’s simple to replace this with an even smaller third-party power adapter. That’s handy for traveling, as there’s no need to take the laptop power brick. Owners can instead grab a single USB-C brick for all their devices.

Should you buy the Acer Swift X 14?

The new Acer Swift X 14 is a lot like the older Swift X 14. It’s a solid mid-range laptop that delivers good performance in a small footprint, but it otherwise struggles to stand out. That’s not because of flaws but, rather, a lack of advantages. Nearly every aspect of the laptop, from design to performance and even the display, is merely good for a mid-range laptop in 2024.

consider this alternative

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

Read our review

Best Prices Today: $1599.99 at Best Buy | $2499 at Asus

The Swift X 14’s most obvious allure is its price, which, at $1,699.99, matches or undercuts competitors like the HP Omen 14 Transcend, Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED, and Dell XPS 14. But the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 spoils Acer’s party, as it manages to deliver even better performance at a lower MSRP of $1,599.99. To be fair, the G14 we tested had only 16GB of RAM, but that’s the sole significant disadvantage against the Swift X 14.

The Acer is a sensible choice if you want great performance-per-dollar, don’t want a “gaming” laptop (like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14), and need to stick with a 14-inch display. But that, I think, is a narrow audience.

USB-C is the one connection to rule them all—literally, in many cases, thanks to a recent law passed by the European Parliament. Its popularity has made USB-C a common sight on new monitors. A USB-C monitor can act as USB hub, giving you additional ports for connecting various USB devices, but the monitor’s USB-C port can also serve as a video-input alternative to HDMI or DisplayPort; and some USB-C monitors can even charge a connected device while in use.

The details of USB-C can be confusing, however, and pricing for USB-C monitors is often higher than that for monitors that lack the interface. See our buyers’ guide below our recommendations to better understand the nuances.

For even more monitor recommendations, check out our roundups of the best monitors and the best monitors for a home office. And while you’re at it, check out our list of best monitor arms so you can optimize the ergonomics and comfort of your desk setup while viewing that brand new monitor.

Updated May 14, 2024: Check out our review of the BenQ PD3225U, which offers the complete package: an impressive 4K IPS Black panel, great brightness, impressive color gamut and color accuracy, loads of image quality customizations, and USB-C support as well as a full complement of ports, mitigating the need for an expansion hub or dongle. Of course, with all this goodness, it’s no surprise that it also comes at a premium price.

Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE – Best USB-C monitor overall

Pros

• Attractive and functional design
• Class-leading Thunderbolt and USB connectivity
• IPS Black improves contrast
• 120Hz refresh rate

Cons

• Most competitors offer 4K resolution
• No HDR support
• Adaptive Sync has some caveats

The Dell U2724DE Ultrasharp has exceptional connectivity that caters to a mix of office productivity, gaming, and multimedia use. It supports Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, and video-out. It also provides up to 90 watts of Power Delivery over USB-C for charging a connected laptop or tablet.

Dell employs a new type of display panel called IPS Black, which achieves a better contrast than past IPS panels. It enhances the monitor’s depth and immersion which, though not able to conquer OLED or Mini-LED, is better than average for its category. The monitor scores high marks in color accuracy and offers a wide, vibrant color gamut.

The most surprising feature is the monitor’s 120Hz refresh rate. Boosting the refresh rate improves motion clarity and fluidity in 3D games. It also makes the Windows desktop feel more responsive. Very few competing USB-C monitors have a 120Hz (or better) refresh rate, and those that do lack the U2724DE’s range of connectivity.

Dell makes a couple sacrifices to achieve a refresh rate of 120Hz. It sticks to a modest display resolution of 2560×1440 instead of 4K (3840×2160). HDR is missing, too. Those willing to sacrifice the 120Hz refresh rate for 4K resolution and HDR should consider the U2724DE’s predecessor, the U2723QE. 

Dell’s U2724DE carries a reasonable MSRP of $649.99 which, though not inexpensive, is good value for the monitor’s many features. It’s a great USB-C monitor for work and play.

Read our full Dell U2724DE review

BenQ GW2790QT – Best budget USB-C monitor

Pros

• Attractive and ergonomic design
• Sharp, bright image
• Includes USB-C and DisplayPort-out
• Acceptable built-in speakers and microphone

Cons

• Mediocre image quality
• No HDR
• No Adaptive Sync

Best Prices Today: $279.99 at Adorama$279.99 at Amazon

The BenQ GW2790QT is an inexpensive monitor that doesn’t skimp on USB-C. Though priced at just $300 (with occasional drops to $280 on Amazon), it features a USB-C port with 65 watts of Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which makes it possible to connect and charge a laptop or tablet.

It also has HDMI, DisplayPort, three USB-A 3.2 downstream ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It even includes DisplayPort-out, a rare feature that simplifies cable management by enabling daisy-chaining to a second monitor.

That’s not all. The GW2790T has built-in speakers and a microphone, which makes it an all-in-one video conferencing display. The microphone admittedly isn’t the best, but it’s fine for video conferencing.
BenQ throws in an ergonomic stand with adjustments for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. The stand’s sturdy base ensures the monitor remains securely in place on your desk. It also has a unique cut-out that can be used as a smartphone or tablet stand.

The GW2790T’s many strengths are offset by a couple downsides. It lacks gaming-oriented features like AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync, and it doesn’t support HDR. These missing features make the GW2790T less useful for entertainment, but it’s a go-to pick if you want an affordable USB-C monitor for your office.

Read our full BenQ GW2790QT review

Viewsonic ColorPro VP16 OLED – Best portable USB-C monitor

Pros

• Versatile, useful stands
• Good connectivity, cables included
• Numerous image quality customization options
• Top-tier image quality even at default settings

Cons

• Speakers are included, but weak
• Pricey for a portable monitor
• No HDR

Best Prices Today: $392.04 at Amazon

The Viewsonic VP16-OLED is a remarkable portable OLED monitor that brings together top-notch image quality, USB-C connectivity, and an innovative stand design. 

The monitor’s 15.6-inch 1080p OLED panel delivers exceptional color accuracy, gamut, and contrast. It surpasses many full-sized OLED monitors and nearly all portable monitors. This makes it a great choice for productivity, though it also looks excellent when viewing movies or playing games. 

The VP16-OLED’s stand can be used as a kickstand or expanded to hold the monitor upright, making it ideal for professionals who want to maximize their workspace or need improved ergonomics. The stand includes two USB-C ports, both of which can provide power and video input to the monitor, and a micro-HDMI port for compatibility with non-USB-C devices. The monitor includes all the necessary cables as well as a USB-C power brick.

There is a drawback: the cost. The Viewsonic VP16-OLED’s MSRP of $399.99 is expensive for a portable monitor. However, if you place a high value on image quality and want the best monitor for your portable office, the Viewsonic VP16-OLED is an excellent choice.

Read our full Viewsonic ColorPro VP16-OLED review

Asus ProArt PA348CGV – Best ultrawide USB-C monitor

Pros

• Excellent SDR image quality 
• Sturdy, hefty design 
• Wide range of customization
• 120Hz refresh rate

Cons

• USB-C hub lacks video-out or ethernet
• HDR is merely passable

Best Prices Today: $876.44 at Amazon

The Asus ProArt PA348CGV is a spectacular ultrawide USB-C monitor. It manages to serve a huge range of people, from gamers to prosumers and professionals, without letting anyone down.

This monitor has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and up to 90 watts of Power Delivery, so it can charge a connected laptop or table. The USB-C port can drive up to four additional USB-A ports, offering a wide range of physical connections. It doesn’t support ethernet or video-out, however, so some owners will still need an additional adapter. 

Image quality is superb. Color accuracy is excellent, the color gamut is wide, and maximum brightness is high. The monitor’s 34-inch panel has a resolution of 3440×1440, which is roughly equivalent to a 27-inch 1440p monitor and looks sharp in everyday use. The monitor has a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, which is good news for gamers.

The ProArt PA348CGV is reasonably priced, as well, at $729.99—not a bargain, but lower than most ultrawide monitors with similar features. Its price, wide range of features, and excellent image quality make the ProArt PA348CGV a great USB-C monitor for gamers and content creators.

Read our full Asus ProArt PA348CGV review

Dell Ultrasharp U4924DW – Best super-ultrawide USB-C monitor

Pros

• Excellent build quality and stand
• Lots of connectivity including USB-C
• Easy-to-use menu with numerous options
• IPS Black improves contrast ratio

Cons

• Image quality is mediocre overall
• No HDR or Adaptive Sync
• Expensive for its feature set

Best Prices Today: $1,249.99 at Amazon1359.99 at Dell

The Dell Ultrasharp U4924DW is the best super-ultrawide monitor with USB-C. It offers outstanding USB connectivity, functioning as a USB-C hub with a total of six downstream USB ports (four USB-A, two USB-C) plus Ethernet and audio-out. The USB-C port also supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode and provides 90 watts Power Delivery, letting users connect and charge a laptop or tablet over a single USB-C cable. This eliminates the need for a separate USB-C hub or dock which, in turn, reduces cord clutter behind your desk.

Dell’s U4924DW is a curved ultrawide but has a less aggressive curve than alternatives focused on gaming, which in turn makes it more suitable for work tasks. It also benefits from a sturdy, elegant design, a small yet effective stand, and VESA mount compatibility for both 200x100mm and 100x100mm mounts. The monitor also supports picture-by-picture and picture-in-picture modes that let users view two input devices at once. It’s perfect for use in either a home or corporate office.

Image quality is solid, but the monitor has a mediocre 60Hz refresh rate and lacks support for HDR. The lack of these features is surprising given its $1,999 price point. Still, the U4924DW is a wise investment if you care more about productivity than gaming and entertainment.

Read our full Dell Ultrasharp U4924DW review

LG DualUp 28MQ780-B – Best USB-C monitor for productivity

Pros

• Unique aspect ratio is useful for photo, video editing
• Makes an awesome second monitor 
• Highly adjustable stand 
• Vivid, accurate color

Cons

• Difficult to fit in a small home office 
• USB-C port offers limited downstream connectivity 
• Can lack immersion in some content

Best Prices Today: $596.60 at Amazon$699.99 at LG

The LG DualUp 28MQ780-B is a USB-C monitor with a unique 16:18 aspect ratio that’s almost exactly square. It can rotate into a 18:16 aspect ratio if you’d prefer. The monitor is much taller than most monitors and, as a result, has an adjustable stand that clamps to the rear of your desk instead of a normal desktop stand.

The monitor’s odd form factor is ideal for viewing large, complex documents and can be useful for editing portrait or square photos. It’s also well suited for use as a second monitor alongside a large 32-inch display.

The DualUp 28MQ780-B has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 90 watts of Power Delivery, so it can charge a connected laptop or tablet. The USB-C port can extend connectivity to two additional USB-A ports. Unfortunately, the monitor lacks ethernet or video-out, so some owners may need an additional adapter.

What about image quality? It’s great. The monitor has great color accuracy, a wide color gamut, and respectable sharpness thanks to its resolution of 2560×2880. Just be warned: The odd aspect ratio makes it a strange fit for gaming and movies. This is a monitor built for work, not play.

Read our full LG DualUp 28MQ780-B review

What to look for in a USB-C monitor

Many features desirable in a USB-C monitor are the same as on any other display. A sharp, vivid, bright, and contrast-rich screen is best. However, shoppers who want to buy a USB-C monitor should keep an eye on details only relevant to USB-C.

Remember, too, that a USB-C display can be used in two contexts. First, you can connect your USB-C monitor to a desktop PC or laptop via a USB-C cable, and use it like a traditional USB-C hub via the USB-C cable’s 20Gbps interface. That’s pretty straightforward.

Second, you can also use the USB-C cable as a replacement for a display cable like HDMI or DisplayPort, especially for newer laptops that might eliminate an HDMI or DisplayPort port.

It’s here that USB-C monitors can get tricky. The traditional rule of thumb is that a USB-C port can support a 4K display at 30Hz resolution. DisplayPort Alternate Mode (see below) increases that to 4K60, which is much easier on the eyes. Newer laptops use DisplayPort 1.4, which combines a high-bit-rate mode (HBR3) with a DSC compression mode that should allow for 4K60 video alongside the ability to use USB 3.1 storage devices.

Be aware, however, that the USB-C cable’s 20Gbps throughput may not allow for video to be passed to premium displays like the NZXT Canvas S27Q at its full 1440p, 165Hz refresh rate. Those specifications probably assume that you’re using a dedicated video port like DisplayPort, instead, as well as its separate video cable. You can certainly connect the display to your laptop using both a video cable and the USB-C cable simultaneously, however.

If your laptop uses either Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 — all of which use a 40Gbps data connection and a USB-C port on your laptop — you should probably have no issues connecting your laptop to the monitor at the full refresh rate using a Thunderbolt cable. Just consult your laptop’s specifications and/or manual to make sure.

Power Delivery

USB-C Power Delivery provides power over a USB-C cable. It’s not part of the core USB-C specification, so devices with USB-C (including monitors) don’t always support it. Power Delivery can pack up to 240 watts, but most USB-C monitors provide just 65 to 90 watts. It’s a perfect fit for those who own a thin-and-light laptop, 2-in-1, or tablet.

Power Delivery is inadequate for some devices, such as gaming laptops, which consume more power than current USB-C monitors can provide. These laptops may still charge when left at idle but will charge slowly (or even discharge the battery) when in use.

Ethernet

Wired ethernet is a desirable feature in a USB-C monitor. Many modern laptops lack a physical Ethernet port, so its inclusion on a monitor is convenient. It can improve the speed and reliability of a connected device’s internet connection.

While useful, this is an expensive feature available only on premium models. The Dell U3223QE is the only USB-C monitor on this list with ethernet support.

DisplayPort Alternate Mode

DisplayPort Alternate Mode is a feature available to USB-C that handles video as if the USB-C cable was a DisplayPort cable. It supports all the features you’d expect from DisplayPort including high refresh rates and adaptive sync.

A monitor without this feature won’t accept video over USB-C, meaning you’ll have to connect both USB-C and a separate video input. All the monitors on this list support DisplayPort Alternate Mode.

How we test monitors

PC World’s monitor guides are the result of independent tests by PC World staff members and freelance technology journalists. 

We test each monitor with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra color calibration tool. This tool can measure a monitor’s brightness, contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, uniformity, gamma, color temperature, and other important aspects of display quality. Using a tool that measures objective quality helps us objectively compare dozens of monitors.

Our tests of USB-C monitors also consider the range of USB-C connectivity and features available. We prefer to see a USB-C monitor with a complete range of physical connectivity including ethernet and at least 90 watts of Power Delivery, but these desirable features are balanced against the monitor’s price.

18-inch laptops are back, baby. These goliaths, once thought banished in the pursuit of thinner, lighter systems, have returned to accommodate the higher performance (and power consumption) of modern hardware. Many large laptops come with large price tags, but the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 bucks that trend to deliver respectable performance per dollar. 

Looking for other options? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best gaming laptops available right now.

Acer Predator Helios Neo 18: Specs

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 18’s specifications are typical for a mid-range gaming laptop. An Intel Core i7 processor is paired with Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB of solid state storage. 

• CPU: Intel Core i7-14650HX
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR5
• Graphics/GPU: Nvidia RTX 4060 at 140 watts
• Display: 1920×1200 IPS 165Hz
• Storage: 1TBPCIe 4.0 NVMe solid state drive
• Webcam: 720p
• Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (featuring power off charging), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI 2.1 port with HDCP support, 1x 2.5G Ethernet (RJ-45) port, 1x 3.5mm combo audio
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Biometrics: None
• Battery capacity: 90 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 15.93 x 12.39 x 1.36 inches
• Weight: 7.25 pounds
• MSRP: $1,499.99

Pricing is a perk, as the Predator Helios Neo 18 retails for $1,499.99. That’s not a low price for a laptop with Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics, but most similarly equipped laptops have a smaller display, and some reach lower pricing with a 512GB solid state drive that can quickly become tight for gamers who enjoy modern AAA games with an install size over 100GB. The Helios Neo 18’s value also benefits from good performance relative to its hardware, which at times comes close to peers with RTX 4070 graphics.

Acer Predator Helios Neo 18: Design and build quality

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 isn’t expensive for a modern gaming laptop with an 18-inch display, but I easily forgot that while using the laptop. Acer relies on expanses of metallic black with plastic trim to build a sturdy, attractive chassis. There’s even a few hints of flair, most noticeably a layer of transparent plastic along the vent which covers the laptop’s branding. 

The Neo 18 isn’t gorgeous, to be clear. It’s relatively subtle and plain. Still, if placed side-to-side by some more expensive laptops like the MSI Raider GE78 or Asus ROG Strix Scar 18, the Acer doesn’t stand out as the budget option.

This is a large laptop that weighs in at 7.52 pounds and measures up to 1.36 inches thick. It’s larger and heavier than the MSI Raider GE78 or Asus ROG Strix Scar 18, as well as most 18-inch or 17.3-inch alternatives. I’d imagine gamers looking to travel would pick a smaller system, but the Neo 18 is a particularly poor choice. Its weight will prove cumbersome and it won’t fit in most bags, backpacks, and luggage designed to hold a laptop.

Acer Predator Helios Neo 18: Keyboard, trackpad

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

A spacious keyboard with numpad spans the majority of the Predator Neo 18’s wide interior. Most keys are full-sized, or close to it, with function row (as usual) proving an exception. The numpad keys are also similar in size to the alphanumeric keys, although they’re ever-so-slightly shorter. 

I also found the keyboard pleasant to use for lengthy typing sessions. Each key has respectable travel and activates smoothly before reaching a subtle but definitive bottoming action. The keyboard is quiet, and I would prefer a more tactile end to key action, but now I’m nitpicking. I used the keyboard for hours on end with no complaints. 

The keyboard has an RGB backlight that can be customized across several zones. It looks attractive enough to add interest for gamers who want it, but it lacks the degree of customization available from more expensive 18-inch competitors.

The touchpad is good, too. It measures six inches wide and nearly four inches deep, which is plenty of space for Windows’ most complex multi-touch gestures. A few high-end competitors, like the Razer Blade 18, offer a better touchpad. But some more expensive laptops, like the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18, have a smaller and less enjoyable touchpad. 

Acer Predator Helios Neo 18: Display, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

At this point, you might wonder what Acer had to sacrifice to achieve a lower price point. One answer: the display. Although it measures 18 inches diagonally, Acer sticks to a simple IPS panel with 1920×1200 resolution and a refresh rate of 165Hz.

Opinions on the display will hinge on perspective. It’s clearly inferior to the 18-inch OLED and Mini-LED displays available from more expensive alternatives, and especially lacking in contrast. Darker, grittier games like Diablo VI or Resident Evil: Village can seem hazy and flat. 1920×1200 resolution isn’t especially sharp, either, though still better than a 27-inch 1440p monitor. Brightness is another issue: the display barely clears 300 nits, so it can seem dim in a bright room.

On the plus side, the Neo 18’s display delivers good color performance with a wide color gamut and solid color accuracy. Brighter and more colorful games, like Palworld or Stardew Valley, look excellent. The added size is also enjoyable when compared to a 16-inch alternative. Two inches might not sound important, but going with the 18-inch screen increases the total display area by 25 percent, which is very noticeable. 

Motion clarity is decent. The IPS display’s refresh rate of 165Hz isn’t impressive in 2024 but still provides a major leap in smoothness and clarity when compared to a 60Hz or 90Hz screen. It’s also a good fit for the laptop’s capabilities. A refresh rate would look appealing, but the Neo 18’s mid-range hardware would have difficulty delivering the frame rates needed to take advantage of a 240Hz panel.

The laptop’s speakers, unlike the display, punch well above the laptop’s price with loud, clear sound, a deep sound stage, and a hint of low-end oomph. They’re still laptop speakers and will start to sound muddy in the most demanding, bass-heavy music, but they’re a great fit for movies and games. 

Acer Predator Helios Neo 18: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

Acer also sticks to the basics when it comes to the webcam and microphone. It has a 720p webcam and dual-array microphone which, though serviceable for Zoom calls, are towards the low end of quality available from a laptop sold in 2024. Many laptops now have a sharper 1080p webcam and microphones that provide stronger, clear audio. 

Biometric login, meanwhile, is absent. You’ll need to login the old-fashioned way: with a password.

Acer Predator Helios Neo 18: Connectivity

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

When it comes to connectivity, though, Acer doesn’t hold back. The Predator Helios Neo 18 has two Thunderbolt 4 ports (also compatible with USB-C), three USB-A 3.2 ports, HDMI, 2.5G Ethernet, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and a microSD card reader. 

That’s an extremely broad range of ports that should cover what gamers need, and then some. It’s possible to connect a high-resolution, high-refresh rate monitor and multiple wired gaming accessories at once. 

However, while the connectivity is great, it doesn’t establish a notable edge over competitors. Most large laptops have gobs of ports. I also dislike that the majority of the available ports are on the laptop’s flanks, rather than the rear. Large laptops will spend most time on a desk with many peripherals attached, and rear-facing ports improve cable management.

Wireless connectivity is provided by an Intel Killer Wi-Fi adapter that supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. I would prefer to see Wi-Fi 7, but it’s not yet common at this price point, and Wi-Fi 6E still delivers excellent performance when paired with a quality Wi-Fi 6E router. 

Acer Predator Helios Neo 18: Performance

Acer sticks to mid-range hardware for the Helios Neo 18 but provides it with the power and thermal headroom needed to perform at its best. The laptop has an Intel Core i7-14650HX processor, Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of solid state storage. None of that sounds exceptional—and there’s firm limits to the Neo 18’s performance—but it’s a quick laptop for the price.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

PCMark 10, a general system benchmark, posted a strong result of 7,744 on the Predator Helios Neo 18. That’s better than most price-competitive laptops with the exception of the AMD-powered Framework Laptop 16, which punched above its weight. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Neo 18 again posts strong results in Cinebench R20, which is a short-duration, heavily multithreaded processor benchmark. It achieved a score of 8,002, which defeats most similarly priced gaming laptops aside from the Dell G16 7630, which we tested with a 13th-gen Intel Core i9 HX processor. That might seem odd, but it’s in line with what we have come to expect from Intel’s 14th-gen hardware, which generally delivers performance that’s only a smidge better than the prior generation.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Handbrake, a heavily multithreaded long-duration processor benchmark, didn’t shake up the results. The Neo 18 remains a performer, though Dell’s G16 slightly outran it. To be fair, however, the Dell G16 configuration we tested was also several hundred dollars more expensive, so Acer’s performance remains strong for the price.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Neo 18’s good results continue in graphics benchmarks. The RTX 4060 isn’t the quickest mobile graphics chip, and it only has 8GB of video memory, which will prove limiting in some games. But the Neo 18 keeps the RTX 4060 well-fed with up to 140 watts of power and, as a result, its performance is at times closer to an RTX 4070 than some RTX 4060 peers.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Shadow of the Tomb Raider slightly changes the story. In this game, the Neo 18 scores identically to the older Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 and starts to fall noticeably behind the RTX 4070 laptops. Still, an average of 130 frames per second is great for the price and more than enough to enjoy the game.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Metro Exodus is a demanding game (at least at the Extreme preset, which we use), but the Neo 18 continues to do well. Here it once again shows itself closer to RTX 4070 hardware than some RTX 4060 systems, and it delivers a playable average of 45 FPS.

We wrapped up the benchmarks with Cyberpunk 2077. The game averaged a healthy 70 FPS at 1080p resolution and Ultra detail (with DLSS/FSR off). Using the Overdrive ray-tracing mode radically tanked performance to just 17 FPS, a result that may be blamed on the RTX 4060’s mere 8GB of video memory. Gamers can enjoy Cyberpunk 2077’s ray-tracing on the Neo 18, but the Medium preset is a better fit when ray-tracing is enabled.

All results reported above were achieved in the Neo 18’s default “Balanced” performance profile, but we also tested the laptop’s Turbo profile, which significantly increased performance in many situations. PCMark 10 leapt from 7,744 to 8,112, while 3DMark Time Spy increased from 10,389 to 11,288. Turbo mode also maximizes fan noise, however, so we don’t think it’s a viable choice for gaming in most situations. 

Acer Predator Helios Neo 18: Battery life

Acer packs a sizable 90 watt-hour battery in the Predator Helios Neo 18. That’s a lot of juice, but the laptop’s hardware can suck down a full charge quickly.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Our standard battery tests, which loops a 4K file of the short film Tears of Steel, sucked down a full charge in just under four hours. That’s not unusable, but it’s pretty quick, and I’d advise gamers not to expect more than a few hours of battery life even when enjoying the light games that don’t tax the GPU.

Indeed, I experienced that in one situation where Nvidia Optimus failed to engage. Optimus is designed to hand graphics duties over to the Intel IGP when the Nvidia GPU’s performance isn’t required, but it can be finicky. Because of that, the battery drained in just 58 minutes, despite a workload that was nothing more than web browsing and watching video.

The 330 watt power brick, which charges the laptop over a barrel plug connection, doesn’t help portability. It’s big and heavy, further increasing the load you’ll carry if you travel with the Neo 18. 

Acer Predator Helios Neo 18: Conclusion

Acer’s Predator Helios Neo 18 shows the benefits of a big-screen laptop that can be delivered at a slim price tag. Though sold for just $1,499.99,  the Neo 18 provides excellent performance, a huge display, lots of connectivity, and an attractive design. A lack of portability is the true price paid for the Neo 18’s perks, as it’s even heavier and thicker than some 18-inch alternatives, and the battery didn’t hold out for long even in less demanding circumstances. Still, the Neo 18 is a great pick if you’re looking for a semi-portable alternative to a gaming desktop.

Best Prices Today: Pixio PX248 Wave

Retailer

Price

Pixio

$139.99

View Deal

$149.99

View Deal

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

Let’s be real: Most gaming monitors are rather boring, and those that aren’t tend to lean towards an edgy, masculine, or cyberpunk look. The few that bucks the trend, like Alienware’s retro sci-fi aesthetic, are usually expensive. Pixio’s PX248 Wave offers an affordable alternative to the status quo, and backs up its looks with good motion clarity.

Pixio PX248 Wave specs and features

The Pixio PX248 Wave’s basic specifications are typical for any budget monitor. It has a 24-inch IPS display panel with a resolution of 1920×1080. The monitor offers HDMI and DisplayPort input and supports Adaptive Sync.

• Display size: 24-inch widescreen
• Native resolution: 1920×1080
• Panel type: Fast IPS
• Refresh rate: Up to 200Hz
• Adaptive sync: Adaptive Sync
• HDR: Yes, HDR10
• Ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-A (for firmware updates only), 1x 3.5mm audio jack
• VESA mount: None
• Speakers: 2x 3-watt speakers
• Price: $149.99 retail

Two specifications stand out, however. The monitor has a 200Hz refresh rate, which, though not the highest available for $150, is certainly towards the upper limit of what gamers can buy on a budget. It also has a pair of 3-watt speakers that are stronger than most of its peers.

What really stands out, however, is something that doesn’t translate easily to a spec sheet: the looks.

Further reading: See our roundup of the best gaming monitors to learn about competing products.

Pixio PX248 Wave design

The experience delivered by the Pixio PX248 Wave depends on the colorway that you purchase. Four colors are available: Black, White, Pink, and Blue. I received the Pink colorway, which is a rare option for any gaming peripheral and especially for a monitor.

And you know what? It looks great. Pixio opts for a cozy, pastel shade of pink that is a perfect fit for anyone looking to create a lighter, more inviting atmosphere for their gaming den.

Of course, going for a more basic colorway like Black will lessen the impact of the design, but Pixio’s build quality is good for the price. Plastic is the material of choice, but I noticed virtually zero flex while handling the monitor, and the design doesn’t scream “budget” to all who look. You could spend twice as much and not buy any noticeable gain in build quality.

Ergonomics is where Pixio makes some cuts. The monitor has a simple tripod-style stand that clips to the back of the monitor and only adjusts for tilt. A VESA mount is included for use with third-party monitor arms and stands but uses the less popular 75x75mm bolt pattern instead of the more standard 100x100mm pattern. The 100mm pattern is also supported with an adapter, which can be finicky.

Those looking to complete the look of the PX248 Wave’s pink, blue, and white colorways should consider the Pixio PS1S Wave monitor arm. I didn’t get a chance to test it, so I can’t vouch for its quality, but it’s built to color-match the PX248 Wave monitor.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Pixio PX248 Wave connectivity and menus

The Pixio PX248 Wave’s connectivity is limited even for a budget monitor. It has just two video inputs: one HDMI 2.0 and one DisplayPort 1.4. Both inputs support the monitor’s maximum refresh rate of 200Hz, which is nice to see on a budget monitor. However, most competitors offer three video inputs.

Pixio also includes a 3.5mm audio jack for audio pass-through to a headset and a single USB-A port. However, the USB-A port is only meant for use with firmware updates, and indeed, I could find no other purpose for the port.

The monitor’s options are selected by navigating through the on-screen menu with buttons located on the lower-right lip. These are more cumbersome to use than the joystick-style controls that are common on many monitors. Pixio’s menu is easy to navigate, at least, and offers a fair range of options, including adjustments for gamma, color temperature, hue, and saturation.

A pair of 3-watt speakers are included, and they’re a pleasant surprise. There’s enough volume to be usable and mostly avoid sounding muddy, which is important when listening to music and playing games. There’s even some dynamism in the sound stage that provides a sense of depth that’s uncommon for built-in speakers. Dedicated external speakers will be an upgrade, but I could get by with the bundled speakers in a pinch.

Pixio PX248 Wave SDR image quality

Image quality can be dicey with a budget gaming monitor, but has improved in recent years. The Pixio PX248 Wave reinforces that trend with solid color performance and a decent contrast ratio, though it also has a few flaws.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

The monitor’s brightness tops out at about 292 nits, which, though not bad, is towards the low end of what I would expect from a modern monitor with an IPS display panel. This level of brightness is enough to be usable in most situations, but brightly lit rooms may begin to overwhelm the display and make it appear dim.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

I measured a maximum contrast ratio of 1050:1. That’s hardly a record-setting result; in fact, it is towards the low end of what is available from modern gaming monitors. Still, the contrast ratio is acceptable for the price and high enough to hold up in some situations.

The PX248 Wave suffers when displaying dark games in a dark room, as it lacks the deep blacks and shadow detail needed to provide a convincing representation. It’s at its best when displaying bright, colorful content in a well-lit room, as this helps obscure the monitor’s problems with darker content.

As the graph shows, there’s a major gap between monitors that have an IPS panel, like the PX248 Wave, and those that have a VA panel, like the AOC 27G15. That might lead you to think a VA panel is better, but budget VA panels tend to have problems with sharpness, so there’s no perfect choice. Gamers have to decide if more realistic contrast or a sharper image is preferable.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

The PX248 Wave’s color gamut comes in at 99 percent of the sRGB gamut, 82 percent of DCI-P3, and 77 percent of AdobeRGB. This again is a long way from the best performance available but is fine for the price. It lacks the rich and saturated look that is available from monitors with a wider color gamut, but it still has enough range to hold some allure.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Color accuracy, on the other hand, requires no excuses or caveats. The monitor’s out-of-box color accuracy is good, and though I wouldn’t recommend it for professional photographers, it’s fine for editing family photos or uploading an occasional video to YouTube. It’s difficult to find better color accuracy for the price.

However, the monitor does have issues with one aspect of color, and that’s color temperature. The measured out-of-box color temperature is 8500K, which is way off the intended target of 6500K. Simply put, the monitor’s color looks far too cool and sterile. The color temperature adjustments provided by the monitor can improve this, but the color temperature remained above 6500K even when set to the “Warm” preset. Gamma was slightly off, producing a gamma result of 2.1 when it should be at a result of 2.2, but this was far less noticeable.

Sharpness is acceptable. A resolution of 1920×1080 is not going to impress most shoppers in 2024, but on a 24-inch monitor, it provides an acceptable pixel density of 92 pixels per inch. As you might expect, the PX248 Wave looks sharper than a 27-inch 1080p or 32-inch 1080p display. Small fonts can look jagged when browsing the web, but sharpness issues are less noticeable in games, especially those with a quality anti-aliasing implementation.

On the whole, the Pixio PX248 Wave’s image quality performance is what I would expect from a budget gaming monitor. It has some strengths, such as its sharpness and color accuracy, but also weaknesses, such as the unusually cool color temperature.

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Matthew Smith / Foundry

Pixio PX248 Wave HDR image quality

The Pixio PX248 Wave provides support for HDR but, like any budget monitor, it’s not a great choice for HDR content. It lacks the brightness, contrast, and color gamut required to do HDR justice, so it does little to improve image quality over SDR. The same is true of the monitor’s competition, however, so the PX248 Wave is at no disadvantage here.

Pixio PX248 Wave motion performance

Refresh rate is among the Pixio PX248 Wave’s most alluring features. It offers a maximum refresh rate of up to 200Hz, which is exceptional for a monitor that retails at $150. It also provides Adaptive Sync that should function with both Nvidia and AMD video cards. FreeSync worked without issue when the monitor was connected to my Radeon RX 7800 video card.

Motion clarity at 200Hz is solid, but not amazing. Scrolling tests from League of Legends and DOTA 2 showed that character silhouettes and spell effects were easy to make out, but hitpoint bars and character names were still difficult to read. Motion clarity holds up better when panning the camera in 3D games, as significant detail is retained in distant objects and fine textures.

The monitor’s decent out-of-box motion clarity can be improved with MPRT, a feature that reduces motion blur by strobing the backlight at an extremely high frequency. It also has several improved response time modes that increase the speed at which pixels respond to changes.

These modes introduce noticeable visual artifacts. MRPT adds a slight “double image” effect behind moving objects and disables Adaptive Sync, while bumping up the response time results in an over-sharpened look.

However, the features are undeniably effective at reducing motion blur. I think the MRPT mode, in combination with the Medium response time mode, will be appealing to competitive gamers on a tight budget. It delivers motion clarity close to what I’ve witnessed on a 360Hz display. If you’re not interested in competitive games, however, I’d recommend leaving both features off.

Should you buy the Pixio PX248 Wave?

The Pixio PX248 Wave is a great choice for gamers who want attractive design and solid motion clarity in an extremely inexpensive monitor. Priced at just $150, the PX248 Wave is affordable for a monitor with a refresh rate above 144Hz, yet it also provides several unusual colorways that will fit a variety of gaming setups. Strong audio performance from the built-in speakers add icing to the cake.

Image quality is a mixed bag, however, due to issues with color temperature and mediocre contrast. And the PX248 Wave, like most gaming monitors below $200, faces pressure from low-to-mid-range alternatives like the Dell 2724D, which typically costs $50 more but defeats the PX248 Wave by every metric. Even so, gamers that must stick to a budget of $150 should give the Pixio PX248 Wave a look.

Buying an ultrawide monitor for your PC is the most dramatic choice you can make short of purchasing a full-sized HDTV and slapping it on your desktop.

What is an ultrawide monitor?

Ultrawides are massive monitors that will dominate your desk and may even require a re-think of your existing office or gaming setup. Distinct from a standard widescreen display, which offers a 16:9 aspect ratio, ultrawides go longer on the horizontal and slightly shorter on the vertical, for an aspect ratio of 21:9, or 32:9 for super-ultrawide.

Consequently, ultrawide monitors increase your field of view. This makes them more immersive for games and movies, although the format also offers benefits for productivity work.

Finally, ultrawide monitors can be relatively pricey, with even midrange ultrawides starting around $500. Yet there’s good reason to make an ultrawide your next monitor.

Further reading: The best ultrawide monitors we’ve tested

Ultrawide vs. widescreen comparison:

• 30″ 21:9 – equivalent height to 24″ 16:9, but ~33% wider
• 34″ 21:9 – equivalent height to 27″ 16:9, but ~33% wider
• 38″ 21:9 – equivalent height to 30″ 16:9, but ~33% wider
• 40″ 21:9 – equivalent height to 32″ 16:9, but ~33% wider
• 49″ 32:9 – equivalent to two 27″ 16:9 monitors side by side

Yes! An ultrawide monitor is worth it

If you just want a quick recommendation, here it is: Yes! Buy an ultrawide monitor. An ultrawide monitor makes multitasking more comfortable and enhances your gaming experience with an immersive field of view.

Most people should focus on buying a 34-inch ultrawide monitor with a resolution of 3440×1440. If you want to game, look for an enhanced refresh rate (120Hz or better) and support for an adaptive sync standard compatible with your graphics card. This describes most ultrawide monitors sold today, so you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Top reasons to upgrade to an ultrawide monitor

As mentioned, ultrawide monitors can enhance gaming, movies, and productivity. Here’s how.

An ultrawide monitor is an awesome upgrade for most PC games