The computer monitor is one of the most overlooked peripherals. An excellent device with a great display can enhance your productivity – whether you are using it with a desktop or connecting to a laptop. A poor choice might not just impact productivity, but injure your neck and eyesight too, given how much time the average user spends staring at a computer screen. So, if you are considering buying a monitor, or are confused about which one is worth purchasing, then you are at the right place. Here are things to consider before buying a monitor online and a list of top monitors you can buy on Croma. This will help you narrow down your search.
Things to consider before buying a monitor
- Display size: A lot has changed since the days of the hefty 15′′ CRT monitors. These days, it’s not unusual to see monitors that are 27 inches or even bigger in the workplace or WFH setup. Your job will be more productive because larger monitors provide you with more usable room to work without having to minimise or close windows. Having said that, you must ensure that your desk has enough room for a larger monitor. Then there are ultra-wide displays that replicate a dual-monitor arrangement on a single screen. If you are confused about what screen size is ideal, then 22- to 24-inch monitors are the most typical sizes that one can opt for.
- Resolution: The number of pixels a monitor needs to display an image is referred to as resolution. Monitor resolutions typically consist of two numbers – pixels across the length and pixels across the width. 1,920 x 1,080 or FHD is the most popular resolution that is offered. Higher resolutions are sharper and enable you to display more information on the monitor. It’s important to note that everything on the screen gets smaller the higher the monitor’s resolution.
- Refresh rate: The ideal monitor should have a refresh rate of at least 75Hz and the shortest response time possible. For this reason, most gaming monitors have a refresh rate of at least 120Hz (the fastest available is 360Hz), and you should look for a maximum response time of 5ms. There are, however, a few good 60Hz gaming monitors, and many 4K ones are only compatible with 60 Hz. G-Sync or FreeSync is required if you choose a 60Hz monitor and intend to game.
- Response times: Shorter is preferable, but they’re only a top priority if you’re gaming. The response time of a monitor indicates how long it takes for individual pixels to transition from black to white or, in the case of a GtG (grey to grey) monitor, from one shade of grey to another. Motion blur may result from slower response times when playing games or watching frantic films. The quickest gaming displays can have a response time of 0.5ms, while the highest response time you’ll typically experience is 5ms.
- Video inputs: Commonly used inputs are VGA, HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort. Although cables and adapters are readily available for virtually any input to any other input, it is often a good idea to match whatever connector you have on your computer. DisplayPort is typically the best option because it supports 4K at 3840 x 2160 at 60 frames per second. With readily available connections and the capacity to carry audio signals, HDMI is a viable alternative. DVI-D, however, can support higher resolutions, while DVI usually only supports 1920 x 1200.
- Additional features: It’s important to check the number of I/O ports on the monitor as you’ll be able to connect your laptop, speakers, or headphones, among other things accordingly. You can also hook up your gaming console to a monitor, so it’s important to check about this before making a purchase. Similarly, a lot of monitors come with built-in speakers which can provide a louder output than the ones on your laptop.
Best monitors on Croma
Samsung 55.88cm (22 Inches) Full HD LED Monitor
Whether you are looking for a monitor for your desktop or a secondary display for your laptop, this 22-inch Samsung monitor is a great option. The monitor comes with a flicker-free flat panel, which makes it ideal for longer usage, and the FHD resolution offers sharp visuals to the user. It also comes with a dedicated Game Mode, which optimises screen contrast in real-time for better visuals during gameplay. It comes with a number of ports too, including 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x VGA, 1 x D-Sub, and 1 x DVI. Other features include a 3000:1 contrast ratio, Eye Saver Mode, and more.
Dell E2221HN 54.61cm (21.5 Inch) Full HD LCD Monitor
Dell is one of the most popular brands in the world of computers. It’s known for offering premium quality products; this monitor is not an exception. The Dell 21.5-inch full HD LCD monitor comes with a 60Hz refresh rate and a 1000:1 contrast ratio. You also get an anti-glare panel for reduced reflections and a 5ms response time. It supports 16.7 million colours for exceptional clarity and a high contrast rate for sharpness. Connectivity options include HDMI and VGA ports. In a nutshell, it’ll be a perfect addition to your home desktop system or work-from-home setup.
Samsung 21.5 Inch (54.61 cm) Flat Monitor
Ideal for multimedia consumption, the Samsung 21.5-inch monitor features a flat plasma panel for a great viewing experience. It also comes with AMD FreeSync technology, which enhances the gameplay on this 60Hz monitor. There’s also a dedicated Game Mode for seamless gaming. Samsung has equipped the monitor with eco-saving technology, which adjusts display brightness based on the luminescence of screen blacks to reduce energy consumption. Thanks to the flicker-free technology and Eye Saver mode, the monitor is easy on the eyes too, even if you work longer hours. For I/O, you get one HDMI and VGA port.
Samsung SR35 68.58 cm (27 inches) Full HD LED
If you prefer having a premium, high-quality monitor, Samsung offerings should be your de facto choice. The Samsung SR35 is a 27-inch Samsung monitor with a full HD LED panel, resulting in stunning visuals. It also features a Game Mode and AMD FreeSync for an enhanced gaming experience. The refresh rate of 75Hz will also attract gamers. The other features of the monitor include intelligent eye care, and flicker-free technology. The monitor also features HDMI and D-sub ports. Samsung SR35’s large screen with a host of features ensures that you can elevate your productivity and gaming experience.
ViewSonic 60.96 cm (24 Inches) Full HD IPS Screen Gaming Monitor
ViewSonic is known for offering premium affordable computer peripherals to users. This 24-inch monitor flaunts an impressive spec sheet, including an IPS LCD panel, full HD resolution, viewing angles of 178 degrees, and a whopping 144Hz resolution for a stellar gaming experience. Moreover, ViewSonic has equipped the monitor with Hyper-Responsive Control and AMD Freesync Premium Technology. It also comes with an impressive response time of 1ms. As far as I/O is concerned, you’ll get 2 x HDMI 1.4 ports, 1 x DisplayPort, and 1 x 3.5mm earphone socket. If you are looking for an affordable gaming monitor, you can’t go wrong with this one.
LG Slim 55.88cm (22 Inches) Full HD IPS Monitor
Are you looking for a premium option that could be used for work and play? The LG Slim Full HD IPS monitor with a 22-inch panel is a great choice. The flat-screen monitor comes with two HDMI, a D-Sub, a VGA, and headphone ports for seamless connectivity. This VESA-compatible monitor also features a Reading Mode, and Dynamic Action Sync, among other functionalities. It has a refresh rate of 75Hz and boasts AMD Radeon FreeSync technology, resulting in a delightful gaming experience. Another useful feature is the on-screen controls letting you control various aspects of the monitor via your laptop itself instead of fiddling with the buttons.
BenQ Stylish 60.45cm (23.8 Inches) Full HD IPS Monitor
BenQ is yet another popular brand when it comes to computer peripherals, especially monitors. Its 23.8-inch monitor comes with a full HD IPS panel with impressive capabilities like Wide Viewing Angle Technology, Brightness Intelligence Technology, and Low Blue Light Plus Technology. This ensures that you get a gorgeous viewing experience without hurting your eyes over long hours. Other interesting features include a response time of 5ms, 250 nits’ brightness, and a 2W speaker. There’s no dearth of ports either, with 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x D-Sub, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, and 1 x 3.5mm headphone socket. It also flaunts an invisible cable management system that neatly hides all wires inside the display stand, making it ideal for a work-from-home setup.
So that’s the list of best monitors that can be purchased right away on Croma. Which one would you go for? Let us know in the comment box below.