Complete Monitor Buying Guide 2024
Everything you need to know before buying a monitor - panel types, refresh rates, resolution, and more.
📋 Table of Contents
🔬 Panel Types Explained
IPS (In-Plane Switching)
✅ Pros
- • Best color accuracy (99%+ sRGB)
- • Wide viewing angles (178°)
- • Excellent for photo/video editing
- • Consistent colors across screen
❌ Cons
- • IPS glow in dark scenes
- • Slightly slower response time (4-5ms)
- • Lower contrast ratio (~1000:1)
- • More expensive than VA/TN
💡 Best for: Professional work, color-critical tasks, multi-user viewing
VA (Vertical Alignment)
✅ Pros
- • Best contrast ratio (3000:1+)
- • Deep blacks, great for dark scenes
- • Good balance of speed and quality
- • More affordable than IPS
❌ Cons
- • Narrower viewing angles
- • Color shift when off-center
- • Slower pixel response (6-8ms)
- • Ghosting in fast motion
💡 Best for: Movies, single-user setups, office work, budget gaming
TN (Twisted Nematic)
✅ Pros
- • Fastest response time (1-2ms)
- • Highest refresh rates (360Hz+)
- • Lowest input lag
- • Most affordable
❌ Cons
- • Worst color accuracy
- • Very poor viewing angles
- • Color shift when looking up/down
- • Low contrast ratio
💡 Best for: Competitive FPS gaming, esports, budget builds
OLED (Organic LED)
✅ Pros
- • Perfect blacks (infinite contrast)
- • Instant response time (0.1ms)
- • Incredible color vibrance
- • Best HDR experience
❌ Cons
- • Risk of burn-in
- • Very expensive ($800+)
- • Lower peak brightness
- • Not ideal for static content
💡 Best for: High-end gaming, HDR content, premium setups
📐 Resolution & Screen Size
| Resolution | Best Size | PPI Range | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p (FHD) | 24" | ~92 PPI | Budget gaming, office |
| 1440p (QHD) | 27" | ~109 PPI | Gaming, productivity |
| 4K (UHD) | 27-32" | ~163 PPI | Professional work, 4K content |
| 5K/6K | 27-32" | ~218 PPI | Video editing, design |
⚠️ Golden Rule: Higher PPI = sharper text. Aim for 90-110 PPI for comfortable viewing. Below 80 PPI, text becomes noticeably pixelated.
⚡ Refresh Rate & Response Time
Refresh Rate Guide
- 📺 60Hz: Office work, web browsing, casual use. Minimum standard.
- 🎮 144Hz: Sweet spot for gaming. Smooth motion, noticeable upgrade from 60Hz.
- ⚡ 240Hz+: Competitive gaming, esports. Diminishing returns for casual players.
Response Time Explained
Response time is how fast a pixel can change colors. Lower is better for reducing motion blur and ghosting.
- • 1-2ms (TN): Best for competitive gaming
- • 4-5ms (IPS): Good balance for most users
- • 6-8ms (VA): Acceptable for casual gaming
- • 10ms+: Not recommended for gaming
🎯 Recommendations by Use Case
🎮 Gaming Monitor
Competitive FPS: TN or IPS, 240Hz+, 1ms, 24-25", 1080p
AAA Gaming: IPS or VA, 144-165Hz, 27", 1440p
Console Gaming: IPS or OLED, 120Hz, 27", 4K, HDR
💼 Professional Work
Photo Editing: IPS, 99%+ sRGB, 27", 4K, factory calibrated
Video Editing: IPS, 27-32", 4K, 10-bit color, HDR
Programming: IPS, 27", 1440p or 4K, matte finish
🖥️ General Use / Office
Budget: VA, 24", 1080p, 75Hz
Standard: IPS, 27", 1440p, 60-75Hz
Premium: IPS, 27-32", 4K, USB-C hub, height-adjustable
✅ How to Test Your New Monitor
Before keeping your new monitor, run these tests within the return window (usually 14-30 days):
Essential Tests
- ✓ Dead Pixel Test - Check all colors
- ✓ Backlight Uniformity - Look for IPS glow
- ✓ Backlight Bleed - Check edges in dark room
- ✓ Refresh Rate - Verify advertised Hz
Advanced Tests
- ✓ Response Time - Check for ghosting
- ✓ Viewing Angles - Verify panel type
- ✓ Gradient Banding - Look for posterization
- ✓ PWM Flicker - Check with camera
💡 Pro Tip: Test immediately after unboxing. Document any issues with photos/videos for warranty claims.
📌 Quick Summary
For Gaming
IPS/TN, 144Hz+, 1440p, 27", 1-5ms response
For Work
IPS, 60-75Hz, 1440p/4K, 27-32", color accurate
Best Value
IPS, 144Hz, 1440p, 27" - versatile for everything
Don't Compromise On
Dead pixel policy, warranty, panel type quality