Top Rated LED / LCD Computer Monitors 2019
As someone who works in the blogging and gaming industry I get the chance to not only look at a lot of computer monitors, but also use them as well. In this post I’ll review some of the best LED monitors I’ve come across in 2019 and give you the advantages and disadvantages of each.
I’ll also tell you why I think it’s generally a good idea to purchase a monitor that’s around 24 inches in size.
Choosing a Computer Monitor
There are a few things you should think about before purchasing a computer monitor. Size is perhaps the most commonly discussed question as well as LED vs. LCD and resolution.
What Size Computer Monitor Should You Purchase?
A paid study by Apple in 2016 showed that a larger monitor can improve your overall productivity. The study showed that their 30 inch computer monitors improved productivity not only a little but a lot on specific tasks.
Productivity increased from 46.45 – 65.09% on tasks like making new folders, comparing spreadsheets, rotating through windows, dragging files, and more. In 2018 the a Wall Street Journal article showed that people using 24 inch monitors were able to finish tasks 52% faster than those with 18 inch monitors.
Most of this gain is shown from 18-24 inches. In reality, those purchasing a monitor less than 24 inches in size are then losing money in a time sensitive environment.
This is, of course, assuming that the particular employee has more than enough tasks each day to complete.
How Much Time Can You Save?
Those who do basic tasks on their computer show savings of 1.3 hours a week. While that may not seem like a lot, yearly that’s 67.6 hours saved. Those who normally do more advanced tasks, can expect to save substantially more time.
Considering that the increase in price from a 20 inch monitor to a 24 inch monitor can be as little as 50-75$, in my opinion it’s well worth the extra investment.
LED VS. LCD
LED monitors are in fact liquid crystal displays. The difference is in the backlighting. LED backlighting technology is more energy efficient, doesn’t emit mercury, is thinner, and produces deeper blacks than standard CCFL LCD monitors. As the price differential is menial, I highly recommend you go for LED.
Resolution
Most large monitors, 22 inches+, have full 1920 x 1080p resolution these days. Photo Editing and IPS panel monitors can go significantly beyond this.
Best 24″ LED Monitor for 2019
Viewsonic VX2450WM LED Computer Monitor Review
If you’re looking for a great monitor at a low price, then the Viewsonic VX2450WM could be just what you’re looking for.
It’s certainly not a monitor designed for photo editing, but if you’re not going for accurate color reproduction, then the VX2450WM looks just as good as monitors many times its price. It has a full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution,
Energy Savings
Not only does the LED technology on this monitor produce deeper blacks, it actually saves around 50% of energy when compared to other standard LCD monitors.
Overall:
For the money, the Viewsonic VX2450WM is my favorite 24 inch monitor under $200; however, if you’re willing to spend a little extra money and need accurate reproduction, then the UltraSharp U2412M is also a great choice.
Top Rated 27 Inch LED Computer Monitor
HP2711X Computer Monitor Review
The HP2711x is a favorite for many because of it’s brilliant picture and ultra-slim design.
Picture
With a 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, LED backlighting, and a full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution the specifications for this monitor are good enough, but the real winner here is HP’s BrightView technology which cuts down on overall glare and optimizes your picture with your content.
Design
The design of the HP2711x is perhaps, its greatest feature. The profile, is ultra-thin, and just a couple of times wider than a pencil. The black bezel isn’t overly large like some other monitors, and the stand isn’t overly prominent. Designed with the environment in mind the base is removable, to allow for smaller packaging for transport, and the LED backlight doesn’t emit mercury like standard LCD designs.
ENERGY STAR 5.0 Qualified and EPEAT Silver Registered it meets criteria for global registry and should save you money over time by using less than 1 watt in power saving mode and no more than 40 watts when in use.
Connectivity is simple with VGA, DVI-D & HDMI inputs and its tilt adjustable so you can place it where it feels most ergonomically correct.
Overall:
Admittedly, glossy screens aren’t for everyone; however, the BrightView technology on this monitor does reduce some of the glare. If positioned correctly, you’ll successfully eliminate it altogether. Another possible negative to this monitor is that it doesn’t come with VESA compliant holes, so if you want to be able to mount your monitor, then you’ll need to look elsewhere.
If you can find this monitor at just under $300, then go for it.
A great alternative to it is the ASUS VE278Q 27-Inch LED Monitor, which has better versatility, is VESA Compatible, has a matte screen, and a faster response time for videos and gaming.
Best 22 Inch Monitor
Asus ML228H LED Monitor Review
I’ve dealt with monitors in the past that had a ring stand and while the design idea has been good in the past, but they’ve always seemed a bit flimsy to me. As someone who works in front of a computer all day getting my monitor to the exact location it needs to be is more than important, it’s crucial.
Having your monitor too high or low can lead to additional eye strain, fatigue, and headaches. Ideally you’d look at the monitor straight on from 20-26 inches away with your chin tilted slightly up.
The ring stand of the Asus ML228H is not only ergonomic, it’s also sturdy. Even past Asus ring stand designs had their problems, but you won’t find this to be a problem with the ML228H. The profile is also ultra-slim at just 0.65 inches.
Ideal for movies and games the ML228H has a 2ms response time and the Asus Intelligent image enhancement which makes images more vivid and bright.
Overall:
The ML228H is a great budget option at under $150. While I recommend you go with slightly larger 24 inch monitor for around $20 more, those who need to stick to a budget will be happy they went with the ML228H.
Have a question or comment about this page? Leave a comment below. If you’re looking for a photo editing monitor, then try my lens on the best IPS photo editing monitors.