Upgrade your WFH setup.
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The world of work has changed significantly in the past few years. Working from home — or WFH — is now commonplace. That means you can no longer get away with an ugly or slapdash setup in your home office. It’s time for a serious upgrade.
If you regularly WFH, consider investing in all the things that make the working day more comfortable, enjoyable, and relaxed. We’re talking about things like laptops, desk chairs, keyboards, mice, and more. A good monitor is also an essential tool for boosting productivity, helping you to organise, prioritise, and think clearly. It could be just what you need to overcome productivity issues as you adapt to the new normal.
But how to choose a monitor? As with all tech purchases, it’s easy to get blindsided with spec and jargon. But we can help with choosing a monitor to upgrade your office. Here’s some handy information to get you started.
What size are computer monitors?
Computer monitors are somewhere between a laptop and a TV. They tend to average out at around 24 or 27 inches, though there are definitely bigger options available. If you like to mix up work and play — as in, use the monitor for gaming as well as WFH — a larger monitor might be best. We’ve included a range of sizes below.
What is the best resolution for a computer monitor?
If you’re using the monitor just for work — spreadsheets, documents, and video calls — regular HD (720p) or Full HD (1080p) will do the trick. But if you are also using it for gaming or streaming in your downtime, consider a monitor that goes all the way up to 4K. You’ll find a selection of resolutions in this roundup. And it’s not just about resolution. Monitors may also be equipped with HDR (high dynamic range), which means the monitor can produce richer colours and sharper details.
What makes a monitor good for working from home?
Deciding on a resolution is a good start, though you should mostly look for features that will help with everyday tasks. For instance, some monitors are built with technology to protect you from blue light or reduce eye fatigue — always a problem when you’re staring at a screen for the whole working day. There are also features that make it easier to read on the screen, and display technology that ensures you see the monitor clearly from any angle. Ergonomic features are also good for WFH.
What are ergonomic monitors?
Ergonomic is a term you’ll find while shopping for monitors — and lots of other office equipment, too. It basically means that it’s built for the most efficient and safest use. In the case of monitors that means they can be adjusted to tilt, pivot, and angle at a position that’s comfortable and reduces the chance of neck and posture problems. Sitting at a desk poorly can have bigger health impact than you might realise.
Do computer monitors have speakers?
It really depends on how much cash you’re willing to spend. Basic monitors tend to not have speakers, which means you’ll need to add external speakers (that’s if you need speakers at all, of course). More advanced monitors — such as gaming monitors — are more like little TVs, and will have speakers built-in.
What is the best monitor for working from home?
To help you find a monitor that works for you and your budget, we have tracked down a selection of devices from a bunch of top brands. We’re confident that there’s something for everyone — not to mention every budget — on this list.
These are the best monitors in 2023.
The Samsung CJ79 is the most expensive model on this list and probably the best: an ultra-wide curved monitor that’s designed to follow the natural curve of your eye for a comfortable, immersive viewing experience.
The display is also more advanced than other monitors, using Samsung’s QLED display technology. This uses nanoparticles to enhance colours and visuals. If you stream from your computer, or plan on watching movies after a hard day’s WFH, this monitor is as close as you’ll get to a high-end smart TV.
The Samsung CJ79 is also well connected, with Thunderbolt 3, DP, HDMI, and USB ports. In fact, it can connect to two devices at once. That makes it a great multitasker, too. Forget the inconvenience of a dual monitor setup.
Dell is one of those brand names that goes hand-in-hand with reliable quality. The Dell SE2722HX monitor is no different.
Ultimately, it’s a low-cost monitor that strips back on flashy features but delivers solid performance for the price. There are a few nice touches which are geared towards getting you through the working day. It’s particularly easy on the eyes, with ComfortView, flicker-free, and anti-glare technology.
It’s visually impressive, with AMD FreeSync thrown in for smooth gameplay, but what we really like is how snugly it fits on the desk. If you’re tight on desk space, it has a small stand plus a cable management system (its ports are tucked away under the monitor, plus a cable holder) which keeps things tidy.
OK, so we’re supposed to be talking best monitors for WFH. But who doesn’t get distracted from work with a little playtime? That’s why we like the Acer Predator X28. You can use it for work then use it for its intended purpose (a simply fantastic gaming monitor) during your break time.
Not only is it 4K UHD, it’s absolutely stacked with gaming-friendly features: a high-speed IPS panel, Nvidia G-Sync for smooth gameplay, a thunderous refresh rate on 144Hz, and a blue-light filter to protect your eyes from those heavy gaming (sorry, work) sessions.
There’s plenty to recommend about this monitor for WFH. The IPS technology helps to expand LCD viewing angles so you stay focused, while the stand is ergonomically designed to tilt, swivel, and adjust.
The Philips 242S1AE has user-friendly features to help you stay focused throughout the working day. This includes Flicker-Free technology and reduced blue light to prevent eye fatigue, a Smart Ergo Base ergonomic base for making comfortable adjustments, and an EasyRead mode for reading documents. The monitor also has ultra-narrow bezels, which ensure you have minimal distractions and maximum viewing.
If you’re doubling up as a gaming/entertainment monitor, there’s plenty else to recommend, including the IPS display for wide-angle viewing, Adaptive Synch technology for fluid gameplay, and Philips’ Smart Image technology, which automatically analyses and optimises the image. Ultimately, it’s a work-focused monitor with some extras thrown in for playtime and everyday use.
The BenQ GL2780 monitor isn’t the best that money can buy, but you do get lots for a relatively low price. It offers a stack of features, including a fast response time, 75Hz refresh rate, dynamic ratio, and HDMI connectivity (not to mention DVI, DP, and VGA ports). You also get a combination of LED and TN panel, which delivers authentic colours, deeper blacks, and sharper detail.
The slim bezel design means that the display goes pretty much edge-to-edge, removing distractions and creating virtually seamless multi-panel configurations. It also actively adjusts brightness according to on-screen content and ambient light conditions for full immersion in whatever you’re doing, whether it’s work or gaming.
Sometimes you just want to do things on the cheap. The KOORUI Business Monitor has stacks of great reviews on Amazon but comes in for significantly less than £100, making it a great budget option.
As the name suggests, it’s made for business and work purposes, which is evident from a range of features to protect your eyes from long working days. This cuts back on blue light and eye strain, while a thin design allows you to view the monitor from any angle.
There are features geared towards the actual home office setup, too. It’s compatible with wall mounts, giving you some versatility in where and how you place the monitor. As an added bonus, its 1.5mm bezel allows you to place multiple monitors next to each other to create one large display
Joseph joined Mashable as the UK Shopping Editor in 2018. He worked for a number of print publications before making the switch to the glittery world of digital media, and now writes about everything from coffee machines to VPNs.
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