According to my eyes (and my wallet), if you’re looking for the best value on a new computer monitor, you should look for a 27-inch QHD or a 32-inch UHD display. Monitors with these general specs tend to offer the most for your money when it comes to the screen size, resolution and price tag. Just about any of these models will offer a satisfactorily sharp picture for its size without breaking the bank.
My current monitor is a 27-inch QHD (quad HD or 2,560×1,440-pixel resolution) monitor that I bought for $250. I nearly went with a 32-inch UHD (ultra HD or 3,840×2,160-pixel) display that would have offered more room and more pixels for only a bit more money. Between these two different sizes, you can easily find a screen to perfectly fit your desk space, your work needs and, most importantly, your budget. The world’s creatives, hobbyists and professional gamers who worry about color gamut and refresh rates might find that they need a higher-end screen than you’ll find on our list, but these displays are big enough for most needs, and with sufficient pixel density to produce a sharp, quality image.
Be sure to check out CNET’s monitor buying guide and how we test monitors for more info, and keep updated on the best deals I currently see among 27-inch QHD and 32-inch UHD displays. I will continue to keep this story updated as pricing fluctuates and I uncover better deals, so check back often.
Best 27-inch monitor deals
These 27-inch models feature QHD resolution and give you more screen real estate than a 24-inch, FHD (full HD or 1,920×1,080 pixels) display, and better resolution, too. And it gives you all of that for not too much more money. You might also come across 27-inch 4K displays in your search. Those displays offer a certain quality worth consideration, but in my experience, a QHD or 2K resolution is more than sufficient when stretched across a 27-inch panel.
\n ","topic":"","ttag":"","searchDim":"article-body|listicle|image","variant":"article-body|listicle|image","viewguid":"","event":"listicle|image|1","correlationId":"","_destCat":"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/LG-27QN600-B-FreeSync-Virtually-Borderless\/dp\/B089NZCLHW","productName":"LG 27QN600-B 27\u201d QHD (2560 x 1440) IPS Display with FreeSync, sRGB 99% Color Gamut, HDR10 with a 3-Side Virtually Borderless Design, Black","formatType":"IMAGE","location":"LIST","position":1,"sku":"27QN600-B","dwLinkTag":"article-body|listicle|image","selector":"#article-body #listicle-decbc016-cd8e-407c-83dc-8f534e65c8a5 .itemImage","shortcodeId":"decbc016-cd8e-407c-83dc-8f534e65c8a5","shortcodeType":"listicle","vendor":"Amazon","manufacturer":"LG","coupon":"","productPrice":"230","quantity":""}}” rel=”noopener nofollow” target=”_blank”>
LG
This is the model I ended up buying on Amazon after shopping around. I got it for a reasonable $250, and it’s even cheaper now. It’s an IPS panel with a QHD resolution, a rated 350 nits of brightness and thin screen bezels. I like the simple stand, although I wish it offered height support. Most monitors at this price, however, don’t offer height adjustment, so I can live without it. It doesn’t have internal speakers, but those are generally terrible and not something I’d ever use when I have a Bluetooth speaker in my home office. It has one DisplayPort and two HDMI ports, giving the flexibility to connect to a variety of PCs and laptops. I’ve got no complaints about its image, which I find to be sufficiently bright and crisp.
The 32-inch version of this monitor is on sale for even less if you want to size up.
You’re receiving price alerts for LG 27QN600-B: $230
\n ","topic":"","ttag":"","searchDim":"article-body|listicle|image","variant":"article-body|listicle|image","viewguid":"","event":"listicle|image|2","correlationId":"","_destCat":"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/KOORUI-Computer-Monitors-Freesync-Compatible\/dp\/B0B1B3VZLD","productName":"KOORUI 27 Inch QHD Gaming Monitor 144 Hz, VA, 1ms, DCI-P3 90% Color Gamut, FreeSync G-Sync Compatible, (2560×1440, HDMI, DisplayPort) Black","formatType":"IMAGE","location":"LIST","position":2,"sku":"27E1QA","dwLinkTag":"article-body|listicle|image","selector":"#article-body #listicle-92092420-01f6-4e5e-a1c1-17a2bbcac326 .itemImage","shortcodeId":"92092420-01f6-4e5e-a1c1-17a2bbcac326","shortcodeType":"listicle","vendor":"Amazon","manufacturer":"KOORUI","coupon":"","productPrice":"190","quantity":""}}” rel=”noopener nofollow” target=”_blank”>
Amazon
I’m unfamiliar with the Koorui name but this monitor gets favorable reviews on Amazon and is priced at $190 with a $20 discount. That’s rare for a 27-inch monitor with a QHD resolution. Most budget monitors are rated for a dull 250 nits of brightness, but this Koorui model is rated for a more adequate 300 nits. It’s labeled as a gaming monitor because it has a 144Hz refresh rate that’s speedier than the typical 60Hz refresh rate and also features AMD FreeSync.
You’re receiving price alerts for Koorui 27-inch gaming monitor: $190
\n ","topic":"","ttag":"","searchDim":"article-body|listicle|image","variant":"article-body|listicle|image","viewguid":"","event":"listicle|image|3","correlationId":"","_destCat":"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/HP-27-inch-Adjustment-FreeSync-Technology\/dp\/B0949KL83T\/ref=dp_fod_2","productName":"HP X27q QHD Gaming Monitor","formatType":"IMAGE","location":"LIST","position":3,"sku":"2V7U3AA#ABA","dwLinkTag":"article-body|listicle|image","selector":"#article-body #listicle-64247e22-b2a6-4c90-a4f8-d150305c7a3e .itemImage","shortcodeId":"64247e22-b2a6-4c90-a4f8-d150305c7a3e","shortcodeType":"listicle","vendor":"Amazon","manufacturer":"HP","coupon":"","productPrice":"210","quantity":""}}” rel=”noopener nofollow” target=”_blank”>
This 27-inch HP features a QHD resolution, a speedy 165Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync technology for fluid action while gaming. Plus, it has low blue light to protect your eyes, without sacrificing color accuracy. The stand provides height, tilt and swivel adjustment. It’s currently a hefty $90 off at Amazon, which drops it down to one of the lowest prices we’ve seen.
You’re receiving price alerts for HP X27q: $210
\n ","topic":"","ttag":"","searchDim":"article-body|listicle|image","variant":"article-body|listicle|image","viewguid":"","event":"listicle|image|4","correlationId":"","_destCat":"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Pixio-Display-FreeSync-Esports-Monitor\/dp\/B08FXZVJH6","productName":"Pixio PX277 Prime 27 inch 165Hz IPS HDR WQHD 2560 x 1440 Wide Screen Display 1440p 165Hz 144Hz Flat FreeSync Esports, 27 inch Gaming Monitor","formatType":"IMAGE","location":"LIST","position":4,"sku":"PX277P","dwLinkTag":"article-body|listicle|image","selector":"#article-body #listicle-b2a1109e-b64c-4ef4-9397-45dacf382eb3 .itemImage","shortcodeId":"b2a1109e-b64c-4ef4-9397-45dacf382eb3","shortcodeType":"listicle","vendor":"Amazon","manufacturer":"Pixio","coupon":"","productPrice":"240","quantity":""}}” rel=”noopener nofollow” target=”_blank”>
Newegg
This 27-inch Pixio monitor is a great value even at its full $260 list price, and right now at Amazon you can pick it up for $20 less by activating the instant coupon on the product page. It features a QHD resolution along with AMD FreeSync and a speedy 144Hz refresh rate if you want to use it for gaming in addition to work. It’s rated for an ample 350 nits of brightness, so it should be a bit brighter than the Koorui model above.
You’re receiving price alerts for Pixio PX277: $240
\n ","topic":"","ttag":"","searchDim":"article-body|listicle|image","variant":"article-body|listicle|image","viewguid":"","event":"listicle|image|5","correlationId":"","_destCat":"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/ViewSonic-VX2785-2K-MHDU-Frameless-DisplayPort-FreeSync\/dp\/B081QQTQ5Z\/","productName":"\u0022ViewSonic – VX2785-2K-MHDU 27\u0022\u0022 IPS UHD Monitor (USB, HDMI, and DisplayPort) – Black\u0022","formatType":"IMAGE","location":"LIST","position":5,"sku":"VX2785-2K-MHDU","dwLinkTag":"article-body|listicle|image","selector":"#article-body #listicle-87a69f18-7c6c-427b-b825-c7d9ce6634df .itemImage","shortcodeId":"87a69f18-7c6c-427b-b825-c7d9ce6634df","shortcodeType":"listicle","vendor":"Amazon","manufacturer":"ViewSonic","coupon":"","productPrice":"260","quantity":""}}” rel=”noopener nofollow” target=”_blank”>
Viewsonic
The highlight of this ViewSonic model is its USB 3.2 Type-C port, which means you can connect a MacBook and other laptops with a USB-C port (but not HDMI) to the monitor without an adapter or special conversion cable. It also supplies both HDMI and DisplayPort connections along with AMD FreeSync and is rated for 300 nits of brightness. It’s currently $50 off at Amazon.
You’re receiving price alerts for ViewSonic VX2785-2K-MHDU: $260
Best 32-inch monitor deals
The next step up in size, resolution and price from a 27-inch QHD display is a 32-inch UHD display. Ultra HD is also commonly referred to as 4K.
\n ","topic":"","ttag":"","searchDim":"article-body|listicle|image","variant":"article-body|listicle|image","viewguid":"","event":"listicle|image|6","correlationId":"","_destCat":"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Westinghouse-FreeSync-Computer-Technology-Anti-Glare\/dp\/B07XZKW5KS\/ref=sr_1_1_sspa","productName":"Westinghouse 32\u0022 Ultra HD 60HZ LED Home Office Monitor","formatType":"IMAGE","location":"LIST","position":6,"sku":"WH32UX9019","dwLinkTag":"article-body|listicle|image","selector":"#article-body #listicle-5adf6129-b030-40dd-a261-bede94e89e7a .itemImage","shortcodeId":"5adf6129-b030-40dd-a261-bede94e89e7a","shortcodeType":"listicle","vendor":"Amazon","manufacturer":"Westinghouse","coupon":"","productPrice":"252","quantity":""}}” rel=”noopener nofollow” target=”_blank”>
Amazon
This Westinghouse model has a low max brightness of 220 nits, making it a better fit for a basement den or otherwise low-light room than for a sun-drenched office. If you looking for a basic monitor and don’t need the brightest panel, it’s one of the most affordable 32-inch, 4K monitors. It features AMD FreeSync, two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort and a headphone jack. It’s only $252 after you factor in the initial $115 discount plus the instant coupon that takes off an extra 5% at checkout.
You’re receiving price alerts for Westinghouse WH32UX9019: $252
\n ","topic":"","ttag":"","searchDim":"article-body|listicle|image","variant":"article-body|listicle|image","viewguid":"","event":"listicle|image|7","correlationId":"","_destCat":"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/ViewSonic-VX3211-4K-MHD-Widescreen-Coverage-DisplayPort\/dp\/B07F733RYH\/ref=asc_df_B07F733RYH\/?th=1","productName":"ViewSonic VX3211-4K-mhd – LED monitor – 4K – 32\u0022 – HDR","formatType":"IMAGE","location":"LIST","position":7,"sku":"VX3211-4K-MHD","dwLinkTag":"article-body|listicle|image","selector":"#article-body #listicle-dd3f7dc2-4467-43f1-a6f1-3e23386416df .itemImage","shortcodeId":"dd3f7dc2-4467-43f1-a6f1-3e23386416df","shortcodeType":"listicle","vendor":"Amazon","manufacturer":"ViewSonic","coupon":"","productPrice":"290","quantity":"1"}}” rel=”noopener nofollow” target=”_blank”>
Newegg
This is one of the more affordable 32-inch 4K monitors with its current $50 discount. It has HDMI and DisplayPort connections, a 300-nit brightness rating and built-in speakers. It also supports HDR10 and AMD FreeSync and comes wrapped in a compact if basic package with thin bezels.
You’re receiving price alerts for ViewSonic VX3211-4K-MHD: $290
\n ","topic":"","ttag":"","searchDim":"article-body|listicle|image","variant":"article-body|listicle|image","viewguid":"","event":"listicle|image|8","correlationId":"","_destCat":"https:\/\/www.lg.com\/us\/monitors\/lg-32un550-w-uhd-monitor","productName":"LG 32UN550-W: $350","formatType":"IMAGE","location":"LIST","position":8,"sku":"","dwLinkTag":"article-body|listicle|image","selector":"#article-body #listicle-010e5358-8195-4367-aedd-1a0c845a25f1 .itemImage","shortcodeId":"010e5358-8195-4367-aedd-1a0c845a25f1","shortcodeType":"listicle","vendor":"LG","manufacturer":"","coupon":"","productPrice":"350","quantity":""}}” rel=”noopener nofollow” target=”_blank”>
LG
This LG is similar to the above two monitors — 32-inch 4K display with FreeSync and built-in speakers — but is the brightest of the trio with a rating of 350 nits. It’s $50 off at LG right now.
\n ","topic":"","ttag":"","searchDim":"article-body|listicle|image","variant":"article-body|listicle|image","viewguid":"","event":"listicle|image|9","correlationId":"","_destCat":"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Dell-S3221QS-Ultra-Thin-DisplayPort-Certified\/dp\/B08G8WMRRP","productName":"Dell S3221QS – LED monitor – curved – 4K – 32\u0022","formatType":"IMAGE","location":"LIST","position":9,"sku":"S3221QS","dwLinkTag":"article-body|listicle|image","selector":"#article-body #listicle-8d30091b-14f8-4304-96af-d18325118600 .itemImage","shortcodeId":"8d30091b-14f8-4304-96af-d18325118600","shortcodeType":"listicle","vendor":"Amazon","manufacturer":"Dell, Inc.","coupon":"","productPrice":"370","quantity":"1"}}” rel=”noopener nofollow” target=”_blank”>
Dell
At 32 inches, a curved display starts to become an option and not just for gamers. A curved display lets you sit closer without needing to crane your head as much to see the whole screen. This curved Dell display features a gentle 1,800R curvature along with AMD FreeSync and integrated speakers. It also boasts a wealth of adjustability with tilt, swivel and height adjustment. It has a bounty of connectivity with two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort connection, two USB-A ports, a USB-B port and headphone jack. And it’s currently $30 off at Amazon.
You’re receiving price alerts for Dell S3221QS: $370
