PickedTech
Buying guide

The Best Monitors in 2026

For most people working on a 27-inch screen, Wirecutter’s 1440p pick, the ASUS ProArt PA278CGV ($369), is the value sweet spot. Step up to the Dell UltraSharp U2725QE for 4K, or spend about $170 on the BenQ GW2486TC, a 24-inch USB-C monitor that both Wirecutter and PCMag recommend.

By PickedTech Editorial TeamLast updated Prices & specs checked Oct 2026

Disclosure: PickedTech is reader-supported. Some links on this page are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. This never affects which products we recommend or how we rank them. How we make money.

How this page was made: this is a research-based guide built from manufacturer spec pages, official prices and published lab measurements from the outlets we name and link. We haven’t tested these products ourselves, and we don’t invent scores. Our methodology.

Quick answer

For most people working on a 27-inch screen, Wirecutter’s 1440p pick, the ASUS ProArt PA278CGV ($369), is the value sweet spot. Best 4K: Dell UltraSharp 27 4K (U2725QE), $635. Best 27-inch 1440p: ASUS ProArt PA278CGV, $369. Best budget: BenQ GW2486TC, $170. Best for most gamers: Dell Alienware AW2726DM, $350. Best ultrawide: Dell UltraSharp 34 Curved (U3425WE), $778.

Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026

Key facts at a glance

Key facts (prices checked Oct 2026)
PickProductBest forPrice
Best 4KDell UltraSharp 27 4K (U2725QE)a sharp 4K work monitor$635 to $800
Best 27-inch 1440pASUS ProArt PA278CGVmost people on a 27-inch screen$369
Best budgetBenQ GW2486TCa small desk or a tight budgetAbout $170
Best for most gamersDell Alienware AW2726DMmost gamers$350
Best ultrawideDell UltraSharp 34 Curved (U3425WE)one wide screen instead of two$778
Best portableArzopa Z1FCworking away from your desk$110

We combined Wirecutter’s[1] June 2026 monitor guide with PCMag’s[2] monitor picks (prices checked October 2026). It covers the main types of monitor in one place: 4K and 1440p for work, a cheap 24-inch, gaming, ultrawide and portable. Each section links to our narrower guides if you want more choices of one type.

Which should you buy? Our quick picks

IPS Black contrast, USB-C hub and KVM
Check price (opens in a new tab)
Best 27-inch 1440p
ASUS ProArt PA278CGV
$369; 144 Hz and 90 W USB-C
Check price (opens in a new tab)
Best budget
BenQ GW2486TC
About $170; picked by Wirecutter and PCMag
Check price (opens in a new tab)
Best for most gamers
Dell Alienware AW2726DM
OLED for about $350
Check price (opens in a new tab)
34-inch, 120 Hz, 90 W USB-C
Check price (opens in a new tab)
Best portable
Arzopa Z1FC
$110; 144 Hz
Check price (opens in a new tab)

How do they compare?

Monitors compared (Wirecutter and PCMag; prices checked October 2026)
MonitorPrice seenSize and resolutionRefresh rateUSB-C powerBest for
Dell UltraSharp U2725QE$635 to $80027-inch 4K—YesA sharp 4K work monitor
ASUS ProArt PA278CGV$36927-inch 1440p144 Hz90 WMost people on a 27-inch screen
BenQ GW2486TCAbout $17024-inch 1080p100 Hz65 WA small desk or a tight budget
ASUS ProArt PA248CRV$19824-inch 1080p, 16:10—96 W—
Alienware AW2726DM$35027-inch OLED280 HzNoMost gamers
ASUS ROG Strix XG27JCG$69927-inch 5K / 1440p dual mode165 Hz (5K), 330 Hz (1440p)YesWork and gaming on one screen
HP Omen Transcend 32$699.9932-inch 4K OLED——A big OLED for gaming
Dell UltraSharp U3425WE$77834-inch ultrawide120 Hz90 WOne wide screen instead of two
Arzopa Z1FC$110Portable144 HzPowered by USB-CWorking away from your desk

The picks in detail

Best 4K

1. Dell UltraSharp 27 4K (U2725QE)

Best for: a sharp 4K work monitor

Wirecutter’s[1] top 4K pick. Its 27-inch IPS Black panel gives better contrast than typical IPS screens, and it can juggle multiple computers and peripherals with its USB hub and KVM, charge a MacBook Pro over USB-C, and daisy-chain a second display. The flaw is a fairly wobbly stand; Wirecutter suggests a monitor arm if your desk isn’t sturdy. $800 at Dell, $635 at Amazon when Wirecutter checked.

Price (Oct 2026): $635 to $800 Source

Pros

  • IPS Black contrast
  • USB hub, KVM and daisy-chaining
  • Charges a laptop over USB-C

Cons

  • Wobbly stand
  • Pricier than 1440p
Check Dell UltraSharp 27 4K (U2725QE) price (opens in a new tab)
Best 27-inch 1440p

2. ASUS ProArt PA278CGV

Best for: most people on a 27-inch screen

Wirecutter’s[1] 27-inch pick for anyone who doesn’t need 4K. It’s a 1440p display with a 144 Hz refresh rate, USB-C with 90 W charging, a KVM switch and a three-year warranty. Wirecutter found the stand a bit more wobbly than on earlier ProArt models. $369 at ASUS.

Price (Oct 2026): $369 Source

Pros

  • 144 Hz
  • 90 W USB-C and KVM
  • Three-year warranty

Cons

  • Stand is a bit wobbly
  • Not 4K
Check ASUS ProArt PA278CGV price (opens in a new tab)
Best budget

3. BenQ GW2486TC

Best for: a small desk or a tight budget

Both Wirecutter[1] (budget pick) and PCMag[2] (best budget home-office monitor, Editors’ Choice) recommend it. It’s a 24-inch 1080p screen with 65 W USB-C, a 100 Hz refresh rate, an adjustable stand and a DisplayPort output for a second monitor. Wirecutter warns that text can look big if you’re used to 1440p or 4K. About $170.

Price (Oct 2026): About $170 Source

Pros

  • 65 W USB-C
  • Adjustable stand
  • Picked by two outlets

Cons

  • 1080p only
  • Smaller screen
Check BenQ GW2486TC price (opens in a new tab)
Best for most gamers

4. Dell Alienware AW2726DM

Best for: most gamers

Wirecutter’s[1] gaming pick for most people: an OLED for about $350. OLED monitors aren’t the brightest and can look washed out in a bright room, and this one lacks USB-C with power delivery, so it’s a weaker choice if the same screen is also your work monitor.

Price (Oct 2026): $350 Source

Pros

  • OLED picture
  • Affordable for OLED

Cons

  • Can look washed out in bright rooms
  • No USB-C power delivery
Check Dell Alienware AW2726DM price (opens in a new tab)
Best for work and gaming on one screen

5. ASUS ROG Strix XG27JCG

Best for: work and gaming on one screen

Wirecutter’s[1] pick for high-res gaming. You use its 5K mode for work and switch to a lower-resolution 330 Hz mode for fast games. It has a matte coating to cut reflections, USB-C power delivery and a fully adjustable stand. Some online reviewers think the matte coating is too thick, though Wirecutter didn’t see that. $699 at Amazon.

Price (Oct 2026): $699 Source

Pros

  • 5K for work, 330 Hz for games
  • USB-C power delivery
  • Fully adjustable stand

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Some dislike the matte coating
Check ASUS ROG Strix XG27JCG price (opens in a new tab)
Best for a big OLED for gaming

6. HP Omen Transcend 32 OLED

Best for: a big OLED for gaming

PCMag’s[2] best gaming monitor (Editors’ Choice): a 32-inch 4K OLED. $699.99 when PCMag checked. If you mainly play on a console or want a bigger choice, see our gaming monitors guide.

Price (Oct 2026): $699.99 Source

Pros

  • 32-inch 4K OLED
  • Editors’ Choice

Cons

  • Pricier than 1440p OLEDs
Check HP Omen Transcend 32 OLED price (opens in a new tab)
Best ultrawide

7. Dell UltraSharp 34 Curved (U3425WE)

Best for: one wide screen instead of two

Wirecutter’s[1] ultrawide pick. The 34-inch IPS Black screen runs at 120 Hz and has 90 W USB-C. You need DisplayPort or USB-C for 120 Hz, because its HDMI 2.0 ports can’t carry it. $778 at Amazon.

Price (Oct 2026): $778 Source

Pros

  • IPS Black contrast
  • 120 Hz
  • 90 W USB-C

Cons

  • 120 Hz needs DisplayPort or USB-C
Check Dell UltraSharp 34 Curved (U3425WE) price (opens in a new tab)
Best portable

8. Arzopa Z1FC

Best for: working away from your desk

Wirecutter’s[1] portable monitor pick surprised its testers with its image and build quality for $110. It runs at 144 Hz and connects over USB-C or Mini HDMI. One Arzopa monitor Wirecutter bought whined when powered on; Arzopa replaced it quickly.

Price (Oct 2026): $110 Source

Pros

  • Cheap
  • 144 Hz
  • USB-C or Mini HDMI

Cons

  • One unit had a whine (replaced)
Check Arzopa Z1FC price (opens in a new tab)

Also considered

ASUS ProArt PA248CRV: Wirecutter’s[1] 24-inch pick ($198): a 16:10 screen with 96 W USB-C.

ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL3A: PCMag’s[2] best budget gaming monitor ($197.39).

MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50: PCMag’s best esports monitor: 500 Hz ($679.99).

HP Series 7 Pro 34 (734pm): PCMag’s best productivity monitor ($1,420.71).

HP E45c G5: PCMag’s best ultrawide for productivity ($1,599).

Alienware 39 5K OLED (AW3926QW): PCMag’s best ultrawide gaming monitor ($1,099.99 at Dell).

Samsung Smart Monitor M9 (M90SF): PCMag’s best smart monitor: a 32-inch 4K OLED that doubles as an entertainment hub ($1,199.99).

4K, 1440p or 1080p?

A 27-inch 1440p monitor is the best value for most desks. 4K makes text sharper and is worth it on 27 inches and up if you read or edit all day, especially on a Mac. 1080p is fine on a 24-inch screen and keeps the price under $200. For more choices see our 27-inch 4K 120Hz, 32-inch 4K, 4K monitors for programming and 4K monitors for Mac under $500 guides.

Why USB-C matters for laptops

A monitor with USB-C power delivery charges your laptop, carries the picture and runs its USB ports over one cable. Check the wattage against your laptop’s charger. See our USB-C monitors under $400 and monitors for MacBook Pro guides.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best monitor for most people?
For a 27-inch screen, Wirecutter[1] recommends the ASUS ProArt PA278CGV, a 1440p, 144 Hz monitor with 90 W USB-C for $369. For 4K, its pick is the Dell UltraSharp U2725QE.
What is the best cheap monitor?
The BenQ GW2486TC, about $170. Wirecutter[1] and PCMag[2] both pick it, and it has 65 W USB-C and an adjustable stand.
Is an OLED monitor worth it?
For games and movies, yes: Wirecutter’s[1] gaming pick, the Alienware AW2726DM, is an OLED for about $350. OLEDs aren’t the brightest, though, and can look washed out in a bright room.

Sources

Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.

  1. Wirecutter: The best monitors (updated June 10, 2026) (nytimes.com)
  2. PCMag: The best computer monitors (editors’ note September 4, 2026) (pcmag.com)
best of

The Best Webcams in 2026

For most people on video calls, Wirecutter’s pick is the Logitech Brio 505 ($130): sharp 1080p video, accurate white balance, speedy autofocus and subject tracking. If you want a cheaper option, the Anker PowerConf C200 2K is $70. PCMag’s best overall, the OBSBOT Tiny 3, adds 4K and a motorized gimbal.

best of

Best Gaming Monitors

A 4K OLED is the best gaming monitor if you can afford one. A 1440p OLED is the premium sweet spot, and a $150–$330 LCD still gets you a big upgrade over 1080p.

best of

Best 1440p gaming monitors

1440p is the sweet spot for PC gaming: sharp on a 27-inch screen and much easier to drive at high frame rates than 4K. Here’s what to buy at every budget.

best of

Best 4K Monitors for Mac Under $500

One-cable USB-C setups for MacBooks, and a cheaper 120Hz pick for Mac mini.

best of

The Best 4K Monitors for Programming

For code, sharp text and vertical space matter more than color accuracy or HDR. These monitors put the most readable lines on screen for the money.

best of

Best 27-Inch 4K Monitors with 120Hz or Faster

Sharp 4K text and smooth motion used to cost a lot. Now 27-inch 4K at 120Hz starts around $300.

best of

Best 32-Inch 4K Monitors

For gaming, a 240Hz 4K OLED from about $800. For work, Dell’s U3225QE Thunderbolt hub. On a budget, Dell’s S3225QS costs about $330.

best of

The Best Monitors for MacBook Pro

macOS looks sharpest at about 218 pixels per inch, which is why 27-inch 5K displays are the gold standard for Macs. Here’s how the options compare, plus a strong 4K alternative.

best of

The Best Monitors for Photo Editing

Buy a factory-calibrated wide-gamut panel if print work matters. BenQ SW and ASUS ProArt target photographers; Dell UltraSharp is the office-friendly USB-C pick.

best of

Best Gaming Monitors for PS5 and PS5 Pro

For a PS5 or PS5 Pro, the key is HDMI 2.1, which lets the console run 4K at 120Hz. The ASUS ROG Swift PG27UCDM is the top pick from both RTINGS and PCMag; the ViewSonic XG275D-4K is PCMag’s best value at $499.99.

best of

The Best Monitors Under $300

You can still get a 27-inch 4K IPS under $300 in October 2026 — USB-C power often pushes past the budget.

best of

Best OLED gaming monitors under $500

Buy a full-brightness 280Hz panel (Alienware AW2725D on sale, or MSI 271QP X28) if you care about HDR. Buy the Gigabyte GO27Q24A if you want the cheapest good QD-OLED and play in a dim room.

best of

The Best Portable Monitors for Laptops

A second screen that fits in a laptop bag and runs off one USB-C cable. The differences are resolution, brightness, touch and weight.

best of

The Best Ultrawide Monitors for Productivity

One wide screen can replace two 27-inch monitors — if you pick the right resolution, curve and USB-C/Thunderbolt power.

best of

The Best USB-C Monitors Under $400

Under $400 you can get a 27-inch 4K USB-C display for a laptop — just verify PD wattage before you ditch the brick.

best of

The Best USB-C Hubs in 2026

For most laptops, Wirecutter picks the Baseus 10-in-1 Dual Monitor Docking Station ($61). It has plenty of ports, dual monitor support on Windows and a two-year warranty. If you only need a couple of ports and a 4K60 display, the UGREEN Revodok Pro 6-in-1 is $16. PCWorld’s best overall is the Anker 555.

best of

The Best Keyboards in 2026

Wirecutter’s best wireless keyboard for most people is the Logitech Pop Icon Keys ($50), which switches between three devices. Want a number pad? Get the Logitech K585 Slim ($45) or the backlit MX Keys S ($120). PCMag’s best for most users is the Razer Pro Type Ultra ($159.99).