Monitors

The Monitor Guide by etree: How to Find the Ideal Screen

The monitor is the window to your digital world. Whether you're working, being creative, gaming, or simply Browse the web – the quality of your screen significantly influences your user experience and even your well-being. However, given the vast selection of technologies, sizes, resolutions, and features, choosing the right monitor can quickly become a complex challenge. Full HD or 4K? IPS, VA, or TN? 60 Hz or 144 Hz? Curved or flat?

This guide navigates you through the jungle of technical terms and various specifications. We explain the technologies, clarify purchasing criteria, and provide tips. The goal is to equip you with the necessary knowledge to make an informed decision and find the monitor that best meets your requirements.

1. Monitor Basics: Technologies and Terms Decoded

To understand the differences between monitors, a basic understanding of the technologies used is helpful.

• 1.1 Display Technologies Compared: LCD, LED, QLED, OLED
  

• LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): This is the basis of many modern flat screens. Liquid crystals align themselves under electrical voltage, allowing light from a backlight to pass through or blocking it to create pixels.
  

• LED Monitors: These are actually LCD monitors where the backlight is provided by LEDs. This allows for slimmer designs, better contrasts, and lower power consumption. Almost all current "LCDs" are LED-backlit. However, there are differences in the arrangement of the LED backlight, such as Edge-LED vs. Direct-LED, which can affect the uniformity of illumination and contrast.
  

• QLED (Quantum Dot LED): A technology largely developed by Samsung, also based on LED-backlit LCDs. An additional layer of "Quantum Dots" (nanoparticles) in front of the LED backlight provides purer primary colors, enabling higher color brilliance and a larger color volume.
  

• OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode): This is a fundamentally different technology. Each pixel illuminates itself organically, eliminating the need for a backlight. Advantages include perfect black levels, theoretically infinite contrast, very vibrant colors, extremely fast response times, and wide viewing angles. However, disadvantages are the potential risk of "burn-in" with permanently displayed static image elements, lower peak brightness compared to top LCDs/QLEDs, and generally higher prices.
  

• 1.2 Panel Types (within LCD): The type of LCD panel used significantly affects image quality and response speed. The following variants exist:
  

• TN (Twisted Nematic): The oldest and often cheapest panel technology. Its main strength is very fast response times, making it attractive for competitive gaming. Weaknesses include mediocre color quality, low contrast, and, above all, very limited viewing angle stability.
  

• VA (Vertical Alignment): Known for excellent contrast ratios and deep black levels, significantly better than IPS or TN. Color quality and viewing angles are better than TN but usually not quite on par with IPS. Response times are often slower than TN or IPS panels, which can lead to visible motion blur ("ghosting") during fast movements.
  

• IPS (In-Plane Switching): Often considered the best all-rounder. Strengths include excellent color accuracy and consistency, as well as very wide viewing angles. IPS is ideal for photo editing, graphic design, and general use. Weaknesses lie in lower native contrast than VA and slower response times compared to TN. However, modern "Fast IPS" panels have significantly improved in this area.
  
  
  

2. Size, Shape, and Sharpness: Resolution, Format, and Diagonal

The physical dimensions and level of detail are crucial features.

• 2.1 Screen Size (Inches): What Makes Sense? Size is given as the screen diagonal in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm). The choice depends on the intended use, available space, and viewing distance:
  

• Up to 24 inches: Compact, space-saving, good for simple office tasks or as a second monitor. Full HD resolution is usually sufficient here.
  

• 27 inches: A very popular all-round size. Offers a good balance between workspace and space requirement. Ideal for QHD resolution, but also suitable for Full HD (less sharp) or 4K (very sharp).
  

• 32 inches: Offers plenty of screen real estate, good for multitasking, immersive games, or movies. QHD is the minimum here; 4K is recommended for good sharpness.
  

• 34 inches and larger (Ultrawide): These particularly wide formats (see 2.3) are the equivalent of two monitors side by side. They are ideal for productivity, multitasking, and immersive gaming experiences.
  

• 40 inches+: Very large monitors, often in TV format, can be useful for special applications (presentations, specific gaming setups) but require a large desk and a healthy viewing distance.
  

• 2.2 Resolution (Pixels): HD, Full HD, QHD, 4K, 5K, 8K: Resolution indicates the number of pixels in width x height. More pixels mean a sharper, more detailed image.
  

• Full HD (FHD): 1920 x 1080 pixels. The minimum standard today. Well-suited for sizes up to 24 inches; appears less sharp on 27 inches.
  

• Quad HD (QHD / WQHD / 1440p): 2560 x 1440 pixels. The "sweet spot" for many users, especially at 27 inches. Offers a significant sharpness increase over Full HD without extremely taxing the graphics card.
  

• Ultra HD (UHD / 4K): 3840 x 2160 pixels. Four times the pixels of Full HD. Results in extremely sharp display and is ideal for 27 inches and larger. Creative professionals and hardcore gamers particularly benefit here. However, a powerful graphics card is required.
  

• 5K (5120 x 2880 pixels) & 8K (7680 x 4320 pixels): These very high resolutions are designed for professional graphics applications or extremely large displays. Currently still niche products with very high hardware requirements.

Pixel Density (PPI - Pixels Per Inch): This is a more objective measure of sharpness as it relates resolution to screen size. A 27-inch monitor with QHD has a higher PPI (approx. 109 PPI) and appears sharper than a 27-inch monitor with Full HD (approx. 81 PPI). Values above 100-110 PPI are generally considered comfortably sharp.

• 2.3 Aspect Ratios like Widescreen, Ultrawide & Co.: Describes the ratio of the screen's width to its height.
  

• 16:9: The standard widescreen format for most monitors and media content (movies, YouTube). You know this format from your television.
  

• 16:10: Slightly taller than 16:9, offering more vertical space. This can be advantageous for office work or Browse. The format is currently experiencing a small renaissance.
  

• 21:9 (Ultrawide): Significantly wider than 16:9. Ideal for immersive gaming (wider field of view), cinema movies (without black bars), and productivity (multiple windows side by side).
  

• 32:9 (Super Ultrawide): This extremely wide format is basically equivalent to two 16:9 monitors side by side, but without the annoying bezel in the middle. Such monitors are suitable for specific gaming and extensive multitasking.
  

• 2.4 Curved Monitors: These are monitors with a curved screen surface. The curvature is indicated by a radius value (e.g., 1800R, 1500R, 1000R). A smaller value signifies a stronger curve.
  

• Advantages: They are intended to better engage peripheral vision, create a more immersive feeling, and allow the eyes to perceive all image areas at roughly the same distance, which can be perceived as more comfortable.
  

• Disadvantages: Not everyone likes the curved feeling. Additionally, the technology takes getting used to for precise graphical work (straight lines). The price is also often higher.
  
  
  

3. Image Quality in Detail: Colors, Contrast, Brightness & HDR

These factors determine how vibrant, realistic, and clear the image appears.

• 3.1 Brightness (Nits) and Contrast Ratio
  

• Brightness: Measured in Candela per square meter (cd/m²), but often referred to as Nits. For normal office environments, 250-300 Nits are usually sufficient. With increasing ambient light, peak brightness should rise to 400 Nits to 600 Nits. In covered outdoor areas, 700 Nits can be a solid value. However, if the monitor needs to be clearly readable in direct sunlight, brightness levels of at least 1000 Nits are absolutely mandatory.
  

• Static Contrast Ratio: The static or native contrast describes the ratio between the brightest white and the darkest black the monitor can display simultaneously. A higher value (e.g., 3000:1 for VA vs. 1000:1 for IPS) means deeper blacks and a more three-dimensional image. Caution: Native contrast should not be confused with dynamic contrast values. The latter is mostly a marketing figure and less meaningful.
  

• 3.2 Color Representation: Color Spaces and Color Accuracy
  

• Color Gamut Coverage: Indicates what percentage of a standardized color space the monitor can cover. This determines color intensity and variety.
  

• sRGB: The standard color space for web content and most everyday applications. Good monitors should cover ~100% sRGB.
  

• Adobe RGB: A larger color space important for professional printing and photo editing. The closer the monitor gets to the 100% mark, the better.
  

• DCI-P3: Here too, the more, the better. However, this color space is a standard of the film industry, making it primarily important for current film content and video editing.
  

• Color Accuracy (Delta E): This value indicates how much the displayed colors deviate from the ideal value. A Delta E below 2 is considered very good and barely perceptible to the human eye. This is particularly important for professional creative work.
  

• 3.3 HDR (High Dynamic Range): HDR promises a greater range of brightness and color than Standard Dynamic Range (SDR). The result should be more realistic images with brighter highlights and more detailed shadows.
  

• Requirements: HDR-capable monitor, HDR-capable graphics card, HDR-capable operating system, and HDR content (games, movies).
  

• Standards/Certifications: There are different levels, e.g., according to the VESA DisplayHDR standard (DisplayHDR 400, 500, 600, 1000, 1400, etc.). Higher numbers mean higher requirements for peak brightness, contrast, and color space. True HDR arguably starts around DisplayHDR 600 or 1000.
  

• 3.4 Viewing Angle Stability: How well does the image (colors, contrast) remain consistent when viewed not directly from the front, but from the side or from above/below? IPS panels have a clear advantage here over VA and especially TN. The viewing angle is usually listed by manufacturers in the technical specifications.
  

• 3.5 Surface: Matte or Glossy?
  

• Matte (Anti-Glare): Significantly reduces annoying reflections from light sources. Ideal for bright work environments. Can make colors appear slightly more diffuse.
  

• Glossy: Often makes colors appear subjectively more brilliant and contrast-rich. However, it reflects strongly, which can be very distracting in the presence of light.
  
  
  

4. Speed Matters: Refresh Rate, Response Time & Adaptive Sync

These factors are particularly important for gamers but can also influence the general user experience.

• 4.1 Refresh Rate (Hz): Indicates how many times the monitor redraws the image per second. The higher the value, the smoother the motion appears.
  

• 60Hz / 75Hz: Sufficient for office work, web Browse, and most videos. However, motion can appear somewhat blurry during fast camera pans or scrolling.
  

• 120Hz / 144Hz / 165Hz and more: Offers significantly smoother and sharper motion representation, essential for a responsive gaming experience, but also perceived as more pleasant during normal work. Requires a graphics card capable of delivering correspondingly high frame rates (Frames Per Second, FPS).
  

• 4.2 Response Time (ms): Indicates how quickly a pixel can change its color. Too slow a response time leads to visible smearing or "ghosting" effects during fast movements.
• Low values (<5ms) are important for gaming. 1ms is often the advertised ideal, but measurement methods vary. Look for independent reviews. Overly aggressive acceleration (Overdrive) can also lead to visible artifacts (Inverse Ghosting).
  

• 4.3 Adaptive Sync: G-Sync vs. FreeSync: This technology dynamically synchronizes the monitor's refresh rate with the frame rate (FPS) delivered by the graphics card. This avoids unpleasant effects like screen tearing and stuttering, which occur when the monitor and graphics card are out of sync.
  

• AMD FreeSync: An open standard based on the VESA Adaptive-Sync protocol. It is widely adopted and works with both AMD Radeon and Nvidia graphics cards. There are different tiers (FreeSync, FreeSync Premium, FreeSync Premium Pro) with varying requirements (e.g., minimum Hz, Low Framerate Compensation - LFC).
  

• NVIDIA G-Sync: NVIDIA's proprietary technology. Often requires a special chip in the monitor, increasing costs. Traditionally offers very high quality and strict certification. There are also tiers (G-Sync Compatible, G-Sync, G-Sync Ultimate). It only works with compatible NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards.
  
  
  

5. Connectivity & Additional Features: Ports and Extras

A monitor is only as good as its connection options and additional features.

• 5.1 Video Ports:
• HDMI: The standard for multimedia. Pay attention to the version: HDMI 2.0 is sufficient for 4K at 60Hz. HDMI 2.1 offers significantly more bandwidth and is necessary for higher resolutions and refresh rates (e.g., 4K at 120Hz+, 8K) or features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) over HDMI.
  

• DisplayPort (DP): Often the preferred interface for PCs, especially for high refresh rates and resolutions. DP 1.4 is widespread and very capable (e.g., 4K @ 120Hz with compression). DP 2.0/2.1 provides massively more bandwidth for future requirements (8K, high refresh rates).
  

• USB-C (with DisplayPort Alt Mode): Allows transmission of the video signal over a USB-C cable. Very practical for laptops. Often supports data transfer and Power Delivery over the same cable. The performance depends on the DP version supported via Alt Mode (e.g., DP 1.4).
  

• Thunderbolt (3/4/5): Also uses the USB-C connector but offers the highest bandwidth and often allows daisy-chaining the signal to a second monitor.
  

• DVI / VGA: Outdated connectors for older computers, rarely found on new monitors.
  

• 5.2 USB Hub & Docking Functions:
  

• Many monitors have an integrated USB hub with multiple USB-A and/or USB-C ports. This is very convenient for connecting mouse, keyboard, webcam, or USB sticks directly to the monitor. Pay attention to the speed of the ports; USB 3.x is preferable to USB 2.x ports as they work significantly faster and more reliably.
• USB-C Docking/Hub Monitor: These monitors are particularly practical for laptop users. They receive the video signal via USB-C (DP Alt Mode), offer an integrated USB hub, and can charge the connected laptop via Power Delivery (PD) through the same cable. Some monitors even offer an Ethernet (LAN) port, thus functioning as a fully-fledged docking station.
  

• KVM Switch: Some monitors (often business or docking monitors) have an integrated KVM switch. This allows you to connect two different computers (e.g., desktop PC and laptop) to the same monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and switch between computers at the push of a button.
  

• 5.3 Ergonomics: Working long hours at a monitor can be straining. Look for good stand adjustment options:
  

• Height Adjustment: Absolutely crucial to bring the monitor to the correct eye level (top edge of the screen at eye level or slightly below).
  

• Tilt: Allows adjusting the vertical angle to avoid glare and ensure comfortable viewing.
  

• Swivel: Allows rotating the monitor left and right without moving the base. Handy for showing the screen to colleagues.
  

• Pivot Function: Allows rotating the screen 90 degrees into portrait mode. Useful for long documents, programming, or special layouts.
  

• VESA Compatibility: Standardized mounting holes on the back (e.g., 100x100mm) that allow mounting on alternative monitor arms or wall mounts – for maximum flexibility and ergonomics.
  

• 5.4 Other Features:
  

• Integrated Speakers: Often present, but the sound quality is usually only basic. External speakers or headphones are recommended for better sound.
  

• Integrated Webcam/Microphone: Convenient for video conferences, although quality varies greatly between models.
  

• Picture-in-Picture (PiP) / Picture-by-Picture (PbP): Allows displaying content from two different sources simultaneously on one monitor.
  

• Eye-Care Technologies: Blue light filters and Flicker-Free technology contribute to viewing comfort and protect against fatigue.
  
  
  

6. The Right Monitor for Your Purpose: Buying Advice by Application

Let's summarize which features are particularly important for which application areas:

• 6.1 The All-rounder for Office & Everyday Use:
• Size: 24-27 inches
• Resolution: Full HD (24") or QHD (27")
• Panel: IPS (for good viewing angles and colors) or VA (for high contrast)
• Refresh Rate: 60-75 Hz sufficient
• Ergonomics: Height adjustment and tilt important!
• Surface: Matte (Anti-Glare)
• Ports: HDMI, DisplayPort, possibly USB Hub
• Extras: Blue Light Filter, Flicker-Free
  
  
  

• 6.2 The Specialist for Gaming:
• Size: 24-32 inches or Ultrawide (depending on preference)
• Resolution: Full HD (for max FPS), QHD (good compromise), 4K (High-End)
• Panel: Fast IPS (good all-rounder), TN (max speed), VA (good contrast, possibly slower), OLED (best image quality, fast, expensive)
• Refresh Rate: Minimum 120 Hz, better 144 Hz or significantly more
• Response Time: Very low (Ideally ~1ms)
• Adaptive Sync: FreeSync or G-Sync (matching the graphics card)
• Ports: DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1
• Extras: Possibly Curved Monitor or integrated gaming features like a crosshair
  
  
  

• 6.3 The Precision Artist for Creative Professionals:
• Size: 27 inches or larger
• Resolution: QHD, 4K, or 5K
• Panel: IPS (possibly OLED) for color accuracy and viewing angles
• Color Representation: High color gamut coverage (near 100% sRGB, >90% Adobe RGB/DCI-P3) and high color accuracy (Delta E < 2, ideally < 1). Hardware calibration capability or factory calibration is advantageous.
• Brightness/Contrast: Good to very good.
• Ports: USB-C/Thunderbolt (often practical for laptops), DisplayPort, HDMI, integrated USB hub, SD card reader.
• Ergonomics: Very important for long work sessions.
  
  
  

• 6.4 The Booster for Business & Multitasking:
• Size: 27 inches or larger, Ultrawide (21:9 / 32:9) very useful.
• Resolution: QHD or 4K on large displays, or corresponding Ultrawide resolutions (e.g., 3440x1440, 5120x1440).
• Panel: IPS or VA.
• Ergonomics: Height adjustment, tilt, etc.
• Ports: USB-C with Power Delivery and integrated hub/docking function ideal for laptop users.
• Extras: Good readability (matte display), Blue Light Filter, Flicker-Free.
  
  
  

7. Setup and Care: Getting the Most Out of Your Monitor

A good monitor only unfolds its potential with proper setup and care.

• 7.1 Ergonomic Setup:
  

• Position: Place the monitor so the top edge of the screen is at or slightly below your eye level when sitting upright.
  

• Distance: The recommended viewing distance is about an arm's length (varies slightly with screen size).
  

• Angle: Tilt the monitor slightly backward (approx. 10-20 degrees) so your gaze is directed slightly downward.
  

• Lighting: Position the monitor sideways to the window to avoid direct glare or reflections. Ensure pleasant, glare-free ambient lighting.
  

• 7.2 Connection and Configuration:
  

• Cable Choice: Use high-quality cables (HDMI, DisplayPort) that support the required bandwidth for your desired resolution and refresh rate (e.g., HDMI 2.1 for 4K@120Hz). DisplayPort is often the better choice for high refresh rates on PC.
  

• Operating System Settings: Ensure Windows or macOS has selected the correct resolution and refresh rate for the monitor. Enable HDR or Adaptive Sync in the settings if applicable.
  

• Monitor Menu (OSD - On-Screen Display): Familiarize yourself with your monitor's settings. Here you can adjust brightness, contrast, color profiles, sharpness, overdrive (response time acceleration), and special features.
  

• 7.3 Working with Multiple Monitors:
  

• Advantages: Significantly more screen real estate for improved multitasking and higher productivity.
  

• Setup: Position the monitors as seamlessly as possible next to each other, ideally at the same height. Ensure the models have similar characteristics (size, resolution, panel type) for a consistent visual impression. Use your operating system's display settings to define the arrangement and main display.
  

• 7.4 Cleaning and Care:
  

• Turn off the monitor before cleaning.
  

• Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth for dust.
  

• For heavier dirt, slightly dampen the cloth with water or a special screen cleaner (never spray directly onto the screen!). Do not use harsh cleaners or solvents!
  

• Clean the housing and stand regularly as well.
  
  
  

8. Conclusion: Keeping Clarity in the Sea of Pixels

Choosing the right monitor is an important decision that significantly influences your daily computing experience. Technology is evolving rapidly, offering suitable solutions for every application area and budget.

The key is to know your own needs and priorities. Ask yourself: What do I primarily use the monitor for? What size and resolution make sense? Are color accuracy, high refresh rates, or ergonomic adjustment options particularly important to me?

Understand the basic technologies (panel types, resolution, refresh rate, Adaptive Sync, HDR) and pay attention to the specifications relevant to you. An expensive gaming monitor is just as much overkill for pure office work as a simple office monitor is unsuitable for professional photo editing.

Also consider ergonomics and connectivity options, especially if you use the monitor intensively or connect it to a laptop. A well-adjusted, high-quality monitor is not just a window to the digital world, but also an investment in your productivity and well-being.