Monday, September 22, 2025

How to Choose a Monitor: Resolution, Panel, and Refresh Rate

 


A good monitor makes every task easier. Start with size and resolution: 24–27″ at 1080p is affordable but slightly coarse at close viewing distances. 27″ 1440p is a sharp sweet spot for work and casual gaming. Creators or spreadsheet power users may prefer 32″ 4K for maximum detail.

Next, choose the panel type. IPS offers accurate color and wide viewing angles—great for office and photo work. VA delivers higher contrast for movies but can show motion smearing. OLED has perfect blacks and superb response times, though it costs more and benefits from basic care to avoid image retention.

Refresh rate affects motion clarity. For productivity, 60–75 Hz is fine; gamers appreciate 120–165 Hz. Don’t forget ergonomics: a height-adjustable stand or VESA arm prevents neck strain. Check brightness (300–400 nits indoors), color coverage (sRGB 99%+), and the inputs you need (HDMI/DP/USB-C).

Laptop users can simplify with a USB-C monitor with power delivery—one cable for power, data, and video. Calibrate or at least enable the built-in sRGB mode for consistent colors across devices.

Bottom line: Pick resolution for clarity, panel for color/contrast, and refresh rate for motion—then invest in ergonomics.

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