The Best Monitors for Work
Our Picks
Dell U2723QE
The work monitor r/Monitors recommends most often. IPS Black panel delivers 2000:1 contrast (double normal IPS), factory-calibrated for accurate colors, and the USB-C hub eliminates cable clutter.
What we like
- IPS Black technology — 2000:1 contrast vs 1000:1 standard IPS
- USB-C with 90W Power Delivery — charges laptops while displaying
- Factory calibrated, Delta E < 2 out of the box
- USB hub (USB-A and USB-C ports) + Ethernet passthrough
What we don't
- $620 is premium pricing
- 60Hz only — not for gaming
- IPS glow still visible in dark rooms (improved, not eliminated)
| Size | 27 inches |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K (3840 x 2160) |
| Panel | IPS Black |
| USB-C PD | 90W |
| Price | $620 |
Dell S2722QC
Solid 4K at half the price of the U2723QE. Standard IPS panel, 65W USB-C, and good factory calibration. The go-to recommendation for budget-conscious 4K buyers on r/Monitors.
What we like
- 4K at $300 — excellent value
- 65W USB-C charging handles most laptops
- Good color accuracy out of the box
- Height, tilt, and swivel adjustable stand
What we don't
- Standard IPS — lower contrast than IPS Black
- No USB hub — just USB-C passthrough
- Speakers are weak (use headphones)
| Size | 27 inches |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K (3840 x 2160) |
| Panel | IPS |
| USB-C PD | 65W |
| Price | $300 |
LG 40WP95C-W
The 5K2K ultrawide that replaces two 27" monitors without the bezel in the middle. Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, 140W charging, and enough pixels to run three apps side-by-side comfortably.
What we like
- 5K2K resolution (5120 x 2160) — like two 27" 1440p monitors
- Thunderbolt 4 with 140W charging and daisy-chaining
- Nano IPS for wide color gamut (98% DCI-P3)
- One cable to laptop for video, power, and data
What we don't
- $1,500 — serious investment
- 40" curved requires desk depth and adaptation
- Some apps don't handle ultrawide aspect ratios well
| Size | 40 inches (curved) |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 5K2K (5120 x 2160) |
| Panel | Nano IPS |
| Thunderbolt | TB4, 140W PD |
| Price | $1,500 |
LG 27UP850N-W
When $300 is still too much, this $350 monitor offers 4K, USB-C with 96W charging, and HDR support. The sweet spot for Mac users who don't need Dell's IPS Black technology.
What we like
- 96W USB-C Power Delivery — charges even 16" MacBook Pros
- VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified
- DCI-P3 95% color coverage
- Height adjustable stand included
What we don't
- Standard IPS contrast (1000:1)
- No USB hub functionality
- 60Hz refresh rate
| Size | 27 inches |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K (3840 x 2160) |
| Panel | IPS |
| USB-C PD | 96W |
| Price | $350 |
How We Researched This
- Rtings measurements for objective data on contrast, color accuracy, and response times
- 3,800+ user reviews from r/Monitors, r/ultrawidemasterrace, and productivity-focused forums
- USB-C/Thunderbolt compatibility reports — laptop charging wattage matters for real-world use
- Long-term reliability — panel uniformity issues and dead pixels often appear after months
What to Look For
What actually matters
Resolution for your size. At 27", 4K is sharp and readable. At 32", 4K is ideal. For 27" on a budget, 1440p is acceptable but noticeably less sharp for text.
Panel type. IPS has the best color accuracy and viewing angles for work. VA has better contrast but worse viewing angles. TN is outdated for productivity use.
USB-C Power Delivery wattage. MacBook Air needs 30W, MacBook Pro 14" needs 67W, MacBook Pro 16" needs 96W+. Check your laptop's requirements.
Ergonomic adjustability. Height, tilt, and swivel adjustment is essential. Fixed stands lead to neck strain.
What matters less
Refresh rate beyond 60Hz. For office work, 60Hz is fine. 144Hz is for gaming. Don't pay extra for high refresh if you're just doing productivity.
HDR at this price range. True HDR requires expensive panels. Budget "HDR400" monitors show minimal improvement. Ignore it for productivity.
Products We Considered
Apple Studio Display: Beautiful 5K screen but $1,600 for no USB-C Power Delivery (only 96W) and no adjustable stand (another $400). The LG 40WP95C offers more at similar price.
ASUS ProArt PA279CV: Excellent color accuracy, but USB-C limited to 65W and occasional QC issues reported.
BenQ PD2725U: Great for designers, but $700+ for similar specs to the Dell U2723QE without the IPS Black advantage.
Our Methodology
We prioritize monitors with accurate factory calibration and proper USB-C Power Delivery for modern laptop workflows. Gaming features are not weighted for this guide.