If you’re a programmer, then you know that having a good monitor is essential. After all, you need to be able to see what you’re doing clearly to write code effectively.
But with so many different monitors on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 10 best monitors for programming. Read on to find out more!
Monitor Comparison Table
| Image | Monitor | Size | Reason Choosen | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Dell S2721QS | 27 Inches | Best ultrathin Monitor for Programming | See at Amazon |
 | HP VH240a | 23.8 Inches | Best Vertical Monitor for Coding | See at Amazon |
 | LG 34GN850-B | 34 Inches | Best Curved Ultrawide Monitor For Programming | See at Amazon |
 | Dell UltraSharp U2415 | 24 Inches | Best Screen Performance for Programming | See at Amazon |
 | Samsung C32F391FWN | 32 inches | Best Curved Monitor for Programming | See at Amazon |
 | Dell U2520D | 25 Inches | Best Compact Monitor For Programming | See at Amazon |
 | LG 43UN700-TB | 34 Inches | Best Ultrawide 4k Monitor for Programming | See at Amazon |
 | ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV | 27 Inches | Best Budget Monitor for Programming | See at Amazon |
 | Dell U4919DW | 49 Inches | Best Ultrawide Monitor For Programming | See at Amazon |
 | Asus PB287Q | 28 Inches | Best 4k Monitor for Programming | See at Amazon |
Best Monitor for Programming in 2022 – Our Top 10
1. Dell S2721QS
The first the best monitor for programming on our list is the Dell S2721QS. It is a three-sided ultra-thin monitor that allows viewing from different angles.
As a programmer, you would want high clarity, and this one has an incredible resolution of 4K UHD 2160. This is 3 times clearer than a regular full HD monitor.
The quality of Dell S2721QS monitor is top-notch. Its thin design gives the monitor a versatile look, fitting into just any kind of work environment.
Unfortunately, customers have complained that this monitor doesn’t have enough height adjustment. You might also experience a slight halo on the edges of the monitor.
Pros:
- Three-sided monitor provides flexible viewing
- 4K UHD 2160p resolution
- Versatile design
- Adjustable features
Cons:
- Not enough height adjustment
- Slight halo on each edge of monitor
2. HP VH240a
While ultra-high resolution is great, it is not crucial for programming. As long as it is HD, the display will not disrupt your work.
The HP VH240a has FHD 1080 resolution. It is 23.8-inch-wide and is equipped with an anti-glare matte IPS LED-backlit panel. One of the best things about this monitor is its 5ms response time, which provides a smooth picture without any motion blur.
It is ergonomically designed to maximize convenience when programming, it can be viewed comfortably within a 178-degree angle. Additional feature of the HP VH240a is the VESA mounting system that allows you to hang the monitor on your wall.
On the other hand, its speaker may not be the best. You might also find that the relatively lower resolution to be a slight red flag.
Pros:
- Fast response time (5ms)
- Ergonomic design
- VESA mounting
Cons:
- Weak speaker
- Relatively lower resolution
3. LG 34GN850-B
LG 34GN850-B is another great choice for programming. Just like playing games, it requires you to stare at your screen for a long time.
This monitor is 34 inches wide and has the unique LG Nano IPS Display. Meanwhile, its QHD 1440p resolution is also more than enough for programming.
It has a reaction time of 1ms for less motion blur, ultra-fast refresh rate, and a 3-sided virtually borderless design. We can say it’s an excellent monitor for both gaming and programming.
With that said, the price may be quite expensive for you. Several complaints also report that they haven’t been able to play videos on full screen.
Pros:
- Suitable for gaming and programming
- Nano IPS Display
- Ergonomic design
Cons:
- Relatively more expensive
- Unable to play videos at full screen
4. Dell UltraSharp U2415
Another monitor that we feel deserves a spot on our list of best monitors for programming is the Dell UltraSharp U2415. At 24 inches wide and a resolution of FHD 1080p, we would consider this a benchmark quality for any kind of monitor.
It features a 1000:1 Contrast Ratio and 6ms Response Time, which is convenient for viewing even from a 178-degree angle!
The monitor is also completely equipped with HDMI, Mini DP, DP, Audio line out, and an USB 3.0 with USB 3.0 Upstream Port.
This may not be the most advanced monitor, but recommended if you are looking for cheaper options. Moreover, it doesn’t boast the best color quality and may be quite complicated to set up.
Pros:
- Relatively cheaper
- Convenient viewing
- Complete features for programming
Cons:
- Not the best quality for color
- Complicated to set up
5. Samsung C32F391FWN
Samsung C32F391FWN is a monitor known for its efficiency. This 32-inch and 1080p monitor boasts a unique automatic energy saving feature, which will minimize energy consumption for you.
If you want to play games on this monitor, you can switch to game mode for smooth images while using less than 0.3 Watt.
In addition, the 1800R curvature makes it look elegant and provides comfortable viewing from a wide angle. Not to mention Samsung’s Active Crystal Colour Technology which will give the best vibrancy and an excellent 5000:1 contrast ratio.
But keep in mind that this monitor has no screw holes for mounting. It also has quite fragile corners.
Pros:
- Efficient energy usage
- Gaming mode
- Smooth color
Cons:
- No screw holes for attaching to a wall mount
- Fragile corners
6. Dell U2520D
The Dell U2520D is the perfect monitor for multitasking and is equipped with Dell Display Manager’s (DDM) Easy Arrange Monitor. What it does is allow you to tile and view your application side by side and support connected screens for increased efficiency.
It also has an auto-restore feature that will remember where you last left-off. This will return back to where you last left even when unplugged.
Plus, its resolution of QHD (2560 X 1440) is higher than the standard HD monitor. On the downside, it does have a relatively bland color calibration. While it does come with a blue light filter, this monitor doesn’t let you run presets.
Pros:
- Dell Display Manager (DDM) Easy Arrange Monitor system to maximize efficiency
- Auto-restore to prevent progress loss
- High resolution
Cons:
- Bland color calibration
- Blue light filter available but cannot run presets
7. LG 43UN700-TB
If you are looking for a large programming monitor, the LG 43UN700-TB is perfect. It is 42,5 inches wide and has an ultra-high resolution of 4K UHD 2160P.
You can comfortably view this on a wide angle, which makes it suitable for multitasking between different windows. You can still view each app comfortably even when the screen is split into 4!
Another great feature of this monitor is a couple of 10W stereo speakers with rich bass. This will provide an immersive audio experience whenever you want to blast music or watch movies!
One thing to note is the monitor’s brightness is known to fade over time. It could also be difficult to focus when your split screen has contrasting colors.
Pros:
- Large screen
- Great for multiple split screen
- Immersive speakers
Cons:
- Focusing can be hard when the split screen has contrast colors
- Brightness tends to fade
8. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV
The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV has an elegant frameless design. Unlike the other programming monitors that rely on LED, this one is an LCD monitor.
The good news is this does not make it unsuitable for programming! It also has great connectivity, including Mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort, HDMI, dual-link DVI-D, four USB 3.0 ports, and more.
The monitor comes with the ASUS-exclusive ProArt Preset and ProArt Palette, which provides numerous adjustable color parameters. It’s also ergonomically designed and is flexibly adjustable.
However, adjusting the colors means you might get inconsistent colors. This monitor also doesn’t offer the most ideal viewing angle.
Pros:
- ProArt Palette and Preset allows adjustable colour parameters
- Ergonomic design
- Supports various connectivity options
Cons:
- Decent but inconsistent color
- Unideal viewing angle
9. Dell U4919DW
Dell produces many programming monitors, but the Dell U4919DW definitely caught my attention. This curved monitor is 49 inches wide and has a resolution of 5120×1440.
These are complemented with a 16:9 aspect ratio to ensure a brilliant and uninterrupted viewing.
We also love how this monitor is perfect for multitasking. It connects well with two PCs and has a built-in picture by picture. Meanwhile, the Dell Display Manager Software can help you manage your screen efficiently.
Perhaps the only disadvantage I can think of is it’s incredibly high price, especially when compared to other models of its class.
Pros:
- Dell Display Manager Software to assist you in managing your screen
- Complete connectivity features
- Large curved monitor
Cons:
- Relatively expensive for its class
10. Asus PB287Q
The Asus PB287Q is one of the best monitors for programming. It comes with the ASUS eye care technology with flicker-free to reduce eye fatigue.
Plus, we love that it has an ergonomic design which can be adjusted and tilted to your own liking. This 28-inch monitor with 4K UHD resolution is a great companion for your programming job.
Just like the other monitors we’ve recommended so far, this one supports various connectivity and can be comfortably viewed from a wide angle.
It does support VESA mounting, but a lot of customers have said that the monitor is too bulky to actually mount. You may also find the design to be slightly outdated.
Pros:
- ASUS eye care technology
- Ultra-high resolution
- Ergonomic design
Cons:
- Too bulky to mount
- Outdated design
How to Choose a Monitor for Programming
Here are some things to consider when choosing a monitor for programming.
1. Screen Size
Having a larger screen can benefit your eyes and make it easier to read codes. Those using two monitors usually have one large monitor and another smaller one.
People have different preferences depending on their computer set up, but most prefer having wider screens as this also helps them when splitting screens.
Also read: 10 Best Monitors for Eyes
2. Resolution
Programming requires you to stare at the monitor for a long time, which is why screen size and resolution are important factors when choosing a monitor.
While there are monitors with ultra-high resolution, many people find the standard 1080 HD to be more than enough.
3. Screen Orientation
Programming will require you to open different tabs at once. Thus, having a simple screen orientation will help you be more efficient when working.
People have different preferences when it comes to screen orientation, so I recommend you checking the specs before deciding on a monitor.
4. Response Time
One of the things to avoid from a programming monitor is slow response time. It will be frustrating especially when your work requires speed.
All the monitors we recommended above have more than adequate response time. If you have the budget, we recommend getting the fastest one, though it may cost more.
5. Refresh Rate
Just like response time, a higher refresh rate is also better. We recommend getting a monitor with at least 100 Hz refresh rate. However, a lower refresh rate is still acceptable as long as it is not lower than 60 Hz.
6. Display Panel
There are many different types of display panels, but the most popular is IPS. IPS display panels have relatively wider angles that are more convenient to look at. However, other display panels such as LED and LCD are also perfectly acceptable.
7. Customer Reviews
In our list of best monitors for programming, there are different choices of monitors with different features. We would like to remind you to go over the 6 previous points before deciding on a monitor.
If you are still hesitant over the different choices, it is best to check customer reviews and go over these different perspectives. Keep in mind that reviews may be biased as everyone has different preferences.
Also read: 10 Best Monitors for Architects
8. Price
Another equally important factor to consider when buying a monitor for programming is the price. While it may be nice to buy one of the high-end monitors with advanced features, don’t forget that there are still cheaper alternatives that work perfectly well for programming.
In the end, it is extremely important for you to get the monitor that fits your budget.
Conclusion
This concludes our list of the 10 best monitors for programming, and how to choose the perfect monitor for you. Don’t overthink as all of these monitors we’ve listed are more than enough for programming.
The only thing you have to do is find the one that best fits your preference and budget. Happy buying!
FAQ
1) Is 1080p enough for programming?
1080p is enough for programming. Because you won’t need higher than that. Higher resolutions will only result in slower rendering which doesn’t have any benefit while programming.
2) Is 4k necessary for programming?
4k isn’t necessary, but it certainly helps if you’re working with complicated projects and want to be able to see all of your code at once.
3) How big should my monitor be for programming?
This depends on your eyesight. If you have 20/20 vision, a 24″ monitor should suffice. If you don’t see so well, then a 27″ monitor may be a better choice for you.
4) Do you need 2 monitors for programming?
You can get away with one monitor for programming. But if you’re the type of person who likes multitasking, then a second monitor will certainly come in handy!
5) What is the best aspect ratio for programming?
The best aspect ratio for programming depends on whether you prefer more vertical space or horizontal space. A 16:9 widescreen monitor will give you the most horizontal room, while a 4:3 monitor will give you more vertical room.
6) Which is better for programming, IPS or TN?
TN monitors are generally cheaper than IPS monitors, but they don’t offer great viewing angles. If you’ll be programming while standing up and moving around, then go for an IPS monitor. Otherwise, a TN monitor should do the job just fine.