While looking for an office monitor, you might not look out for features that affect the visuals, memory or response time. Gaming monitors differ from office monitors in many ways. There are many distinctions between a gaming monitor vs. regular monitor, and a buyer needs to understand the difference between the two.
Especially for gamers, buying a gaming monitor is as important as choosing the best gaming furniture because a bad choice can deteriorate the experience of your entire ultimate gaming setup.
If you are also worried about choosing the best gaming monitor vs. regular monitor, then in this article, we will be discussing some differences between the two.
Becoming a better gamer is not just about cheat codes and tricks; there are several features in a gaming setup that can make you a competitive gamer and let you score and edge over the others. This includes the right selection of computer accessories, the choice of a gaming monitor, and the ability to choose between a gaming monitor vs. regular monitor. That being said, a computer vs. monitor debate exists for a reason, and many reasons prove that a regular monitor cannot be sufficient for gaming, even if you have been fighting battles on it for years now. This section will enlist all the differences between a desktop vs. monitor for gaming or other regular work.
Regular and gaming monitors differ in several ways, making them suitable for varied applications. You might not receive the same performance from a normal display as a professional gaming monitor if you're a professional player. Gaming monitors vs. regular monitors have certain distinguishing characteristics that make a choice suitable for the right task. Below are some common differences between gaming monitors vs office monitors which you didn't know.
Gaming monitors like the Pixio PXC327 gaming monitor will have a faster response time and higher refresh rates than standard monitors. When playing competitive games like Call of Duty, pro gamers will appreciate the advantage these displays provide. The ability to respond in real-time to an enemy's movements with no delay can mean the difference between winning and losing a match.
Gaming monitors make certain compromises in terms of graphics and color reproduction. They compensate for this by being speedier and delivering a smoother gaming experience (which is precisely what they're built for). Regular displays, especially TVs (which are also monitors), will have greater resolution on static images, but they will not be able to run a video game at 175 Hz without any frame rate latency.
Size is also one of the notices between game monitors vs. regular monitors. Unless the consumer specifies otherwise, regular and ultrawide gaming monitors are usually the same size. Even though the proportions are the same, you'll frequently find that the price differs. It all boils down to the fact that gaming monitors must meet a higher rendering requirement than a standard panel.
If you compare a normal monitor vs. a gaming monitor, there won't be much difference in usage. But here is one thing. Good gaming monitors like PX275C Prime Productivity Gaming Monitor and PX277 Prime Gaming Monitor pretty much cover up all the tasks of a regular monitor. They also offer better memory and response time. Hence you can use a gaming monitor for office purposes such as programming and coding, but using an office monitor for gaming is likely harder.
A distinctive factor that you will witness amongst the two categories is design between gaming monitor vs. regular monitor. While office or normal monitors are not too much about design and looks, gaming monitors are often made attractive. This is because gamers are likely to get inclined towards themes and special colors or RGB effects. You will also find famous curved screen options in gaming monitors, such as the PXC325 Curved Gaming Monitor, which gives you both design and functionality because of its curved screen.
The major difference between a gaming monitor and a regular office monitor is the type of panel you see. Gaming monitors use an IPS panel which is simply the best for gaming. IPS panels gave faster response time and gave greater speed. On the other hand, work monitors have TN or VA panels, giving you lag or a slow response rate while working.
Gaming monitors are more expensive than regular work monitors. Even though the features, size, and resolution differences might not be as high, a gaming monitor is priced higher because it is designed for gaming. This label makes the seller sell a gaming monitor for a higher value than a regular monitor.
But ultimately, it all boils down to taste and price range. The best gaming experience may be had with a gaming monitor. An ordinary monitor will serve, though, if you are on a tight budget or don't require all the features that gaming displays offer. Make sure that path you take is the greatest choice for you and your gaming requirements.
The refresh rate is how images on the screen refresh each second. The higher the refresh rate, the easier transition, and smoothness are offered in a video game. For gaming monitors and videographers, a monitor with a high refresh rate is highly desired. If a display has a low refresh rate, you might not have a seamless experience in either scenario. Low refresh rates during a rapid game cause screen tearing and stuttering.
Video games provide multiple graphics to the display while operating at a specific frame rate. Regular displays have a refresh rate of 60Hz, sufficient for most common tasks like internet browsing, creating presentations, producing documents, etc. Other low-demanding games are also playable with a 60Hz refresh rate.
The time it takes for a command to appear on the screen after you enter it is known as the input lag. This can be brought on by several things, such as the computer's processing speed, the input device's kind, and the monitor's resolution. You can take a few things to reduce input lag if you're worried about it.
Use a lower resolution setting on your monitor to lessen input lag. As fewer pixels will need to be drawn, the monitor will be able to process your inputs more quickly. Alternatively, increasing the refresh rate option will also aid in minimizing lag.
A gaming monitor or a gaming PC vs. monitor setup from a regular one can be differentiated because gaming setups are more keen and considerate about looks compared to a typical work setup. You will find many gaming monitors with features like multiple color options, backlighting, screen type, curved screens, shiny panels, and a shiny finish. They are also designed with a certain theme or an idea to achieve a perfect dual monitor setup by buying a pair of monitors. On the other hand, regular work monitors are simple and don't have much style and design embedded into them. As designed for serious work, these monitors are more professional looking and thus are also cheaper.
Another difference between a gaming vs. regular monitor or a gaming vs. typical setup is that the accessories with a gaming setup are greater than a working setup. This also means you will need a bigger desk setup compared to a work one for a gaming setup. It would help if you had an entire army, from features like CPU holders to various types of monitor cables, speakers, headphones, and gaming Keyboard and mouse to complete a gaming setup. Hence the gaming monitors are designed to bear more load and handle more accessories at once.
Gaming monitors maximize the visual quality of your graphics card and CPU output when you play games or run other programs on the system. They portray color, motion, and image sharpness in various ways, and have the responsibility to present the results of your computer's image processing.
The function of a monitor is to depict a visual demonstration of what is happening inside the system, the CPU, and the machinery of a PC setup. Monitors are also responsible for connecting with accessories such as the keyboard, mouse, and all other devices used along with the screen.
A gaming monitor is all about its specifications rather than looks. If your monitor is pretty but does not offer the right resolution, response rate, response time, adaptation, connectivity, the right display size, usage, and efficiency, then you likely picked the wrong monitor for gaming.
The primary difference you will find between a gaming monitor and a regular monitor is the picture appearance. However, it can be used for work.
Gaming monitors are designed to give faster response time, so users can competitively beat the opponent and move in real-life motion. Moreover, this quality is not as desirable in a regular work monitor, so buying a gaming monitor for work needs isn't wise. Although if you want to work on your gaming monitor, you can work easily because of the faster response.
You may use your game display for various tasks, ranging from content editing to simple media watching. The drawback, of course, is that most gaming displays, for example, sacrifice color fidelity due to need. After all, the goal of a gaming display panel is to provide a fast and responsive gaming experience, not to provide 100% color-accurate material to the user.
Depending on your individual use case, you'll need to weigh these features: Some people will require color-accurate displays for business, while others will be satisfied with high-refresh gaming displays.
A regular monitor for gaming can be used if your monitor meets the required specifications and has enough ability to serve the purpose. However, some people use a pair of regular monitors to cover their gaming needs. And you might also feel a bit tough with response time as regular monitors are not designed for extra quick response.
TVs have the advantage in size and image quality, depending on the technology. On the other hand, gamers have placed a premium on the fast, fluid, and responsive gaming experience that only monitors can deliver.
Moreover, you are likely to experience a slower response time with a TN panel screen, which could be a deal-breaker for many gamers. The problem with a TV is that the response times are much higher, resulting in ghosting. For gamers to enjoy the best experience, it is necessary to have a response time of around 10ms or similar.
To sum up, monitors give a better response time and higher performance than TVs. This quality makes many people more inclined towards choosing a monitor for their work.
For a gamers debate on curved vs. flat monitors, there are many reasons why a curved monitor is better than a flat monitor. This is mainly because gaming is all about views and immersion into the virtual world and curved monitors provide the best viewing angle. With the curved screen covering the peripheral vision, too, you feel a fully immersive experience with a curved monitor.
Macbook owners often worry about setting up the perfect gaming setup with their monitors. If you are also worried about how to connect a Macbook to a monitor, here is a simple answer. Attach the monitor to its external power supply, and then rig it to the MacBook using an HDMI cable or Thunderbolt/USB-C connection.
Yes, playing on a monitor provides a much better experience overall. The monitor allows you to have better performance and improved game quality. The response time is faster, there is zero to no lag, and the graphics are much more alluring. Especially when it comes to a gaming monitor, you can identify the difference between them.
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In this guide, we'll show you what to look for when shopping for a desktop monitor for work, whether these days that's in a batch for an office or as single panels for remote-working folks. We'll start below with our top picks among office-appropriate monitors we've tested. Read on for our labs-tested favorites, followed by the buying basics you should know when shopping for one. Also note: At the very end of this article is a detailed specifications breakout, in a handy chart format, of our top choices.
For a better display that lets you get more done, you want a model that offers the specific features you need, at the right size, resolution, and cost. And if you're an IT professional tasked with buying a host of monitors for your business or for a fleet of home-based workers, basic functions and price are what matter most. You'll also have to determine what size panel works best for each employee, which features will help enhance productivity, and what kind of warranty you need.
So much of your day-to-day work happens with your eyes. Your workspace may have a powerhouse PC with a ton of storage, an excellent keyboard and mouse , and even a comfy chair, but if your monitor isn't the right fit for what you do, your productivity will suffer.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
4.5 Outstanding
The HP E27m G4 QHD USB-C Conferencing Monitor enhances your video calls with a high-res webcam, dual mics, and powerful stereo speakers, plus the connectivity of a USB-C docking-station display and a full range of ergonomic features. A short standard warranty and primitive OSD buttons are our only quibbles.
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$720.00 Amazon
$549.00 HP
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HP E27m G4 QHD USB-C Conferencing Monitor Review
4.0 Excellent
The Philips 221V8LN has a basic feature set, but its above-par image quality and rock-bottom pricing make it a worthy purchase as a general-purpose budget monitor.
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$69.99 Amazon
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Philips 221V8LN Review
4.0 Excellent
Thanks to its easy portability, high-quality 14-inch panel, and USB-C connectivity, Lenovo's ThinkVision M14 is a winning choice as a portable monitor for business or personal use.
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$169.00 Lenovo
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Lenovo ThinkVision M14 Review
4.5 Outstanding
Chock-full of features and shining with solid brightness and color coverage, the Philips Brilliance 279P1 is an excellent entry in the growing category of docking-station monitors.
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$249.99 Amazon
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Philips Brilliance 279P1 Review
4.0 Excellent
HP's Z27k G3 4K USB-C Display, a feature-rich productivity monitor, covers the full sRGB color gamut, and it has an ergonomically friendly stand and a wide range of ports. It's solid on accuracy and connectivity, too.
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$544.00 HP
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HP Z27k G3 4K USB-C Display Review
4.5 Outstanding
The Dell UltraSharp U4323QE is the 4K productivity monitor to beat, with an enormous 43-inch display that can be divided into quadrants (each with its own input) and plenty of ports.
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$824.99 Dell
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Dell UltraSharp 43 4K USB-C Monitor (U4323QE) Review
4.5 Outstanding
The HP E45c G5 45-inch ultrawide monitor is a spectacular substitute for two separate QHD monitors, offering great color coverage, good ergonomics, and a plethora of ports, plus creative ways to virtually partition its screen in two.
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$1,099.00 HP
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HP E45c G5 DQHD Curved Monitor Review
4.0 Excellent
The Dell P2424HT has nearly everything you could want from a 24-inch touch-screen desktop monitor, including an articulating stand, a USB hub, and good contrast and color coverage.
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$389.99 Dell
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Dell 24 Touch USB-C Hub Monitor (P2424HT) Review
3.5 Good
For Mac-centric content creators, the Studio Display is a stunning, plug-and-go 5K companion for a late-model Mac (especially the 2022 Mac Studio), but the pricing for the panel and its options is hard to swallow.
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$1,599.99 Apple.com
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Apple Studio Display Review
3.5 Good
LG's UltraFine 4K Display (24MD4KL-B) is a pin-sharp, if pricey, pick as a Mac-friendly monitor, designed to pair with an Apple desktop or laptop equipped with Thunderbolt 3.
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$550.00 Amazon
$696.99 Adorama
$699.99 Best Buy
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LG UltraFine 4K Display (24MD4KL-B) Review
4.0 Excellent
The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K PremierColor (UP2720Q) is one of the only monitors in its price range with a built-in calibration tool, which automates and simplifies the task of preserving a panel's color accuracy.
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$1,199.99 Dell
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Dell UltraSharp 27 4K PremierColor (UP2720Q) ReviewBuying Guide: The Best Computer Monitors for Work in 2024
Most businesses operate within a strict capital budget, so it's important to spend your money wisely. A basic 24-inch monitor can cost anywhere from $90 to $150. If you require more screen real estate, a basic 27-inch panel will run you anywhere from $120 to $220.
If you want to replace a dual-monitor setup with a single display, consider going with an ultrawide monitor. For around $300, you can get a 34-inch ultrawide panel that lets you easily view several windows side by side. For those who have the room (and cash) to spare, 43-inch ultrawide business models start at about $500, while gigantic, sprawling 49-inch models start at around $1,000.
(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)
A subset of ultrawide models support taking in multiple input sources and viewing them side by side onscreen, or via insets. Not all ultrawides support simultaneous display from more than one source; look for monitors that support PbP ("picture by picture")—in which the screens from each source are displayed side-by-side—or PiP ("picture in picture"), in which video from one source runs in an inset box on the screen showing content from the other source. Bear in mind that displaying multiple video sources onscreen at the same time is not a given; you have to look for that feature if you need it.
Also, note that the screens on many new panels larger than 30 inches are concave, with the left and right edges curving slightly toward the user. These curved monitors provide a more immersive experience than flat panels and reduce distortion at the screen's edges.
As always, be prepared to spend more for monitors with high-end, high-resolution panels and features such as height-adjustable and pivoting stands, or picture-in-picture functionality. For example, a high-end, 27-inch Wide Quad High-Definition (WQHD) monitor will cost you at least $200, while 34-inch Ultra High-Definition (UHD) or 4K displays with all the trimmings start at about $350. Fortunately, you don't have to spend big bucks for a sizable midrange UHD monitor; plenty of 27-inch models are available for around $300 if you shop wisely. And it's very likely that you can get by with a native resolution much lower than UHD. (More on that in a moment.)
While it's always nice to work with a big screen, it's not always practical or cost-effective, depending on your budget and available workspace. A 24-inch widescreen (the smallest size of mainstream desktop monitor we cover, or recommend), starting at about $90 is a good fit for users who need to have more than one window open at any given time but have limited space. If there's room (and budget), a 27-inch screen (starting at about $120) is even better for multitasking, while a 34-inch ultra-wide panel ($300 and up) is a space-saving alternative to a dual-monitor setup.
The most common monitor panel technologies relevant for business use are in-plane switching (IPS), vertical alignment (VA), and twisted nematic (TN).
IPS excels at accurate color and grayscale performance, and it delivers wide off-center viewing angles, while VA is known for exceptional contrast. Though they are occasionally used on business models, TN panels are best known for their gaming-friendly attributes: high refresh rates, and fast response times. TN panels used to be, on the whole, the least expensive to produce of the three, but now that they're closer in price, TN panels for business use have largely been superseded by VA and (especially) IPS ones.
(Credit: HP)
IPS has largely become the default choice for mainstream business displays, and you should have no qualms about opting for IPS barring specialized content-creation concerns. A recent IPS variant, IPS Black, offers far better contrast than traditional IPS panels thanks to its ability to render deep black tones. Other less-common panel technologies include patterned vertical alignment (PVA), multi-domain vertical alignment (MVA), indium-gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), and the emerging technologies of full area local dimming (FALD) and mini LED. The latter two promise exceptional color accuracy and high contrast ratios through their ability to control small groups of LEDs at the back of the panel.
Last, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology, which has been used in TVs, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and most recently, a few laptops, is slowly entering the monitor arena. OLED panels provide excellent contrast and color coverage, but their price has been an obstacle for them to take hold in the market. Although you'll spot OLED screens as an option in a handful of pricey business laptops, they have only recently become a factor in stand-alone business monitors. For now, FALD, mini LED, and OLED will appeal most to serious graphics pros and video makers.
These days, nearly every monitor is capable of displaying content in high definition—specifically, what's known as full HD or 1080p resolution, meaning 1,920 by 1,080 pixels. You may find some aging, dirt-cheap displays that peak at 1,366 by 768 pixels or 1,440 by 720 pixels; give them a hard pass.
For basic office use, 1080p resolution should suffice, in a monitor up to 27 inches in panel size. You can also find roomy 32-inch-class monitors with 1080p native resolution, and they are perfectly fine for everyday use, though 1080p may look a tad coarse at that screen size to discriminating eyes, especially for displaying fine text.
Users who work with detailed images or large spreadsheets may want to go with a WQHD monitor, which offers 2,560-by-1,440-pixel resolution, typically at a diagonal screen measurement of 27 to 32 inches. (This resolution is also called "1440p.") Some ultrawide variants of this resolution go up to 49 inches in size with 5,120-by-1,440-pixel resolution, which is great for multitaskers, who will be able to keep several windows open onscreen, side by side, at once, or stretch a spreadsheet out. Ultrawide models are a good alternative to a multi-monitor array.
UHD resolution, also known as 4K (3,840 by 2,160 pixels), is a boon to graphic designers and photographers. UHD monitors are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 24 inches up. However, for everyday productivity use, UHD is mostly practical only at sizes of 32 inches and up. Multi-windowing at 4K and smaller screen sizes will tend to lead to some quite small text.
As is usually the case with features, the more you get, the more you'll pay. A display with a highly adjustable ergonomic stand—one that not only lets you adjust tilt, height, and swivel but also pivots between landscape and portrait orientations—will cost a good deal more than a display that has only a tilt adjustment.
(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)
The same goes for ports. You might still see the occasional DVI or VGA port, but your monitor should connect to your PC via an HDMI cable or a DisplayPort cable. (Indeed, one of these interfaces is generally a necessity for resolutions above 1080p.) A growing number of monitors add USB Type-C ports with DisplayPort functionality, which, with a properly equipped client PC or laptop, can let you push the video signal over this interface.
Some monitors have USB hubs that let you plug USB thumb drives or other devices into more convenient ports on the monitor instead of reaching around the back of your PC; such a display will have both a USB upstream port (for connecting the monitor and computer) and one or more USB downstream ports (for thumb drives and other peripherals). Don't confuse these USB ports, however, with USB-C video-signal connectivity.
On USB Type-C-capable monitors, sometimes that same connection can act as the video-signal carrier and the data conduit, and often can supply power to run or charge your computer as well. You'll want to look at the specs or product description carefully for details on that. These kinds of functionality are often dubbed "DisplayPort over USB" and "USB Power Delivery (PD)," respectively.
Some monitors, especially Mac-friendly ones, have Thunderbolt ports, Many of these are Thunderbolt 3, but we are seeing some with Thunderbolt 4, as well. They offer a speedy connection when paired with a computer with Thunderbolt ports, which includes recent Macs and some Intel-CPU (but not AMD-based) machines. You can identify a Thunderbolt port by its lightning-bolt icon; check the computer's specs if you're not sure. A Thunderbolt port is physically the same as a USB-C port, but there is no guarantee that a Thunderbolt monitor will work as fully intended if connected to a non-Thunderbolt-supporting USB-C port. You do pay a premium for monitors with Thunderbolt ports, so be sure you can use such a connection before you invest in a Thunderbolt display.
(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)
If you spend an inordinate amount of time in front of a screen, you may want to consider a model that offers a "low blue light" setting that can help reduce eyestrain and fatigue. And if you require accurate colors, look for a monitor with an extensive menu of image settings and color palettes.
We generally test each business monitor in three color spaces: sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3. sRGB is the de facto color standard for web-based photos and numerous other purposes, and is the most generally useful and applicable of the three. Adobe RGB has a much wider color gamut than sRGB, but it is mostly used for select graphic arts purposes such as print photography. Last, DCI-P3 is a color space designed for cinema video and is used mostly by videographers and filmmakers. A few high-end models come with a built-in or separate color-calibration hardware tool, but third-party calibration solutions are available as well. For ordinary productivity work, that's not needed. (See more about how we test monitors.)
(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)
Built-in speakers can reclaim valuable desktop workspace, but the ones in monitors, especially business-oriented panels, are typically underpowered and tinny-sounding. If your management doesn't want employees listening to music in open air at their desks, look for a monitor without embedded speakers. The same goes for built-in webcams, which are much less common; they can be useful for videoconferencing, but you'll want to be sure you need them before springing for the extra cost.
If you plan on using wall-mounting kits or articulating arms to conserve desk space, make sure the monitors are equipped with VESA-compliant mounting brackets or holes. Last, look for at least a three-year warranty that covers parts, labor, and backlighting.
To get you started, we've listed some of our top-rated business monitors in a variety of sizes and price points. Also, be sure to check out our overall monitor favorites for a wider selection that includes entertainment panels, and our sub-selection of portable monitors if you need a small panel you can take on the go.