Best Monitors for Productivity

Ports and ergonomics:

Why choose this monitor:

The BenQ EX240 is an ergonomically flexible screen with integrated TreVolo speakers, providing richer sound output than most integrated speakers. USB ports are included for convenience, alongside multiple HDMI ports and DisplayPort. The Full HD resolution doesn’t offer the same ‘desktop real estate’ as QHD and above but will be adequate for some. An IPS-type panel is employed for strong colour-consistency, with ~sRGB colour gamut for a ‘rich and natural’ look to things. Support for a 165Hz refresh rate and well-tuned pixel responses provide an edge in ‘connected feel’ and a perceived blur reduction which some will appreciate even on the desktop. Well-tuned and flexible Low Blue Light (LBL) settings also feature to aid relaxing viewing. This is a competitively priced ~24″ monitor with strong all-round performance.

Further reading:

A thread focusing on this model in comparison to some others (including EX2510S)

Manufacturer product page

Ports and ergonomics:

Why choose this monitor:

The MSI PRO MP273QP offers a simple ergonomically flexible design, with 75Hz refresh rate for a slight boost in ‘connected feel’ and perceived blur improvement compared to 60Hz. The 27″ screen with 2560 x 1440 resolution offers a good level of ‘desktop real estate’, with good clarity for text and high resolution image content. The IPS panel and ~sRGB gamut ensure consistent colour output that’s ‘rich and natural’, appropriate for most content if you want ‘as intended’ saturation levels. The monitor includes a TÜV Rheinland certified Hardware Solution for Low Blue Light (LBL), including a shift in the blue light peak to less energetic wavelengths to potentially improve viewing comfort. Additional LBL settings are included if you want a warmer look to the image that may be more relaxing in the evening, for example.

Further reading:

Manufacturer product page

Ports and ergonomics:

Why choose this monitor:

The MSI MAG 323UPF delivers a big-screen ‘4K’ experience. Retaining a strong pixel density for excellent text clarity and providing appropriate detail to suitable image content. Whilst also delivering an excellent amount of useful workspace, with lower levels of scaling or application-specific zoom (if any) required. The 160Hz refresh rate, good pixel responsiveness and low input lag ensure a fluid look and feel on the desktop whilst the IPS-type panel ensures a consistently rich colour experience. The generous colour gamut provides a good dose of extra vibrancy, but sRGB emulation is also included for a more muted experience. The monitor offers good ergonomic flexibility with USB-C offering a generous 90W PD. Combined with KVM for easy display input switching and USB peripheral sharing between 2 systems, as well as PiP and PbP support, this is a very versatile monitor for both work and play. The monitor includes a TÜV Rheinland certified Hardware Solution for Low Blue Light (LBL), with a shift in the blue light peak to less energetic wavelengths to potentially improve viewing comfort. Additional LBL settings are included if you want a warmer look to the image that may be more relaxing in the evening, for example.

If you require lower minimum brightness (~52 cd/m² rather than ~130 cd/m²), consider the Gigabyte M32U.

Further reading:

Manufacturer product page

Ports and ergonomics:

Why choose this monitor:

The Philips 34E1C5600HE offers a 3440 x 1440 resolution and 21:9 aspect ratio with 100Hz refresh rate for a bit of extra fluidity on the desktop. The pixel density is good – similar to a 27″ QHD screen – whilst you gain extra horizontal ‘real-estate’. Some find this very attractive for multi-tasking with multiple applications side by side. We find the 1500R curve on ultrawide like this easy to adapt to (mileage may vary), exaggerated and images and photos showing the screen. Some would point towards potential viewing comfort improvements, too. The VA panel offers strong contrast for ‘inkier’ looking text, whilst helping bright elements stand out better against dark backgrounds. The reasonably generous colour gamut offers a bit of extra vibrancy and saturation compared to models following sRGB more stringently, but not to an extreme degree. Other points to note include a sold overall construction with height-adjustable stand, 4 USB 3.2 ports and USB-C provision (note: data transfer via separate upstream port). Plus effective Low Blue Light (LBL) settings and integrated webcam, microphone and speakers for convenience.

Further reading:

An article exploring the 3440 x 1440 resolution

Our review of the 346B1C – similar performance characteristics but alternative styling and features

Manufacturer product page

Ports and ergonomics:

Why choose this monitor:

The BenQ EW3880R provides an expansive 3840 x 1600 resolution spread across a large screen. This gives an excellent amount of useful desktop space whilst keeping the pixel density quite high for relatively crisp text and image content. The IPS panel delivers excellent colour consistency, with the ~94% DCI-P3 colour gamut ensuring strong vibrancy. The light to very light matte anti-glare screen surface with smooth finish keeps things free from clear graininess or layering, too. A relatively gentle 2300R curve is included, something most find to be a natural addition that’s easy to adjust to. Whilst limited to 60Hz, pixel responses are well-tuned and input lag low to help provide a solid 60Hz experience. A range of well-tuned ‘Low Blue Light’ (LBL) settings are included to help promote a more relaxing viewing experience, whilst the integrated sound system is very capable and provides rich and powerful output. The included IR remote is also a nice addition for intuitive OSD navigation or quick adjustment of brightness, volume and various other settings.

Further reading:

Our review

Manufacturer product page