Ever feel like your computer screen is just too small? Maybe you’re trying to get work done, play a game, or even just browse the web, and you wish you had more space to see everything clearly. That’s where an external computer monitor comes in! It’s like giving your computer a much bigger, better window to the world.
But choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different sizes, shapes, and features to think about. Do you need a super sharp picture for drawing? Or maybe a big screen for watching movies? It’s easy to get lost in all the choices and wonder which one will actually be good for you. You want a monitor that makes your computer experience better, not one that causes more confusion.
Don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We’re going to break down what makes a great external monitor and what you should look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident about picking a monitor that fits your needs perfectly. Get ready to upgrade your setup and make your computer time more enjoyable!
Our Top 5 External Computer Monitor Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 External Computer Monitor Detailed Reviews
1. Philips New 24 inch Frameless Full HD (1920 x 1080) 100Hz Monitor
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for a fantastic viewing experience with the Philips 241V8LB monitor. This 24-inch screen brings your favorite content to life with stunning detail and vibrant colors. It’s designed to make your work and play more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- Crisp Full HD visuals make everything look sharp and clear.
- The VA panel delivers amazing contrast, showing off bright whites and deep blacks for true-to-life images.
- Enjoy consistent colors from almost any angle thanks to the wide 178/178 degree viewing angle.
- The nearly bezel-free design on three sides makes the screen feel even bigger and looks super sleek.
- Setting up multiple monitors is easy, helping you get more done.
- EasyRead mode offers a comfortable, paper-like view for reading long documents, reducing eye strain.
- A 4-year advance replacement warranty gives you peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has HDMI and VGA, more modern ports like DisplayPort would be a nice addition for some users.
- The 100Hz refresh rate is good, but for hardcore gamers, higher refresh rates might be preferred.
This Philips monitor offers a great balance of features for both work and entertainment. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting a clear, comfortable, and productive viewing setup.
2. KYY Portable Monitor 15.6inch 1080P FHD USB-C
Rating: 9.1/10
The KYY Portable Monitor 15.6inch 1080P FHD USB-C, HDMI Computer Display HDR IPS Gaming Monitor w/Premium Smart Cover & Screen Protector, Speakers, for Laptop PC MAC Phone PS4 Xbox Switch is a fantastic tool for anyone needing more screen space on the go.
What We Like:
- It has a sharp FHD 1080P display with HDR for great colors and smooth gaming.
- It works with almost everything: laptops, PCs, Macs, phones, and gaming consoles like PS4 and Xbox.
- The monitor is super thin and light, making it easy to take anywhere.
- It comes with a nice smart cover that also works as a stand.
- Built-in speakers add to the entertainment experience.
- The screen is easy on the eyes, with no flickering and reduced blue light.
- It’s easy to set up with just one cable for most devices.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the stand cover offers some viewing angles, more options would be even better.
- The menu control wheel could be a bit more intuitive for some users.
This portable monitor offers a lot of value and flexibility for work and play. It’s a solid choice for expanding your digital world wherever you are.
3. MNN Portable Monitor 15.6inch FHD 1080P USB C HDMI Gaming Ultra-Slim IPS Display w/Smart Cover & Speakers
Rating: 9.4/10
The MNN Portable Monitor 15.6inch FHD 1080P is a fantastic addition for anyone needing an extra screen on the go. Its Full HD resolution and IPS display bring vibrant, lifelike colors to your games and videos, and it’s easy on your eyes for long work sessions. This monitor is perfect for making your workspace more productive or enhancing your entertainment anywhere.
What We Like:
- Sharp, clear 1080P Full HD display with wide viewing angles.
- Easy setup with two Type-C ports for plug-and-play functionality (ensure your device supports it!).
- Super thin and lightweight design, making it ideal for travel and fitting into any bag.
- Versatile display modes like Copy and Extended mode boost work efficiency.
- HDR mode makes images pop with brighter highlights and more realistic colors.
- The included smart cover protects the screen and doubles as a handy stand.
- Built-in speakers provide decent sound for everyday use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires a device with Thunderbolt 3.0 or USB 3.1 Type C DP ALT-MODE for full functionality via USB-C.
- Using non-original USB-C cables might cause connection issues.
This MNN portable monitor offers a great balance of features, portability, and performance. It’s an excellent choice for upgrading your mobile setup for work or play.
4. Samsung 27″ Essential S3 (S36GD) Series FHD 1800R Curved Computer Monitor
Rating: 9.2/10
Level up your view with the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 (S36GD) Series FHD 1800R Curved Computer Monitor. This 2024 model offers a curved screen for a more engaging experience and smooth performance for all your tasks.
What We Like:
- The curved screen pulls you into your games and movies, making everything feel bigger and more realistic. It also helps you see more without your eyes getting tired from looking around.
- With a 100Hz refresh rate, this monitor keeps up with fast action. Games look smooth, and you won’t miss any important details.
- Game Mode lets you tweak settings to make games look their best. You can see enemies hiding in dark areas more easily and enjoy vibrant colors.
- Advanced Eye Comfort technology is a big plus. It helps reduce eye strain during long computer sessions by cutting down on blue light and screen flicker.
- You can easily connect different devices to this monitor, making your setup more flexible and convenient.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers HDMI and D-sub ports, newer connectivity options like DisplayPort are not included.
- The 1800R curve is noticeable but might not be as immersive as sharper curves for some users.
This Samsung monitor is a solid choice for anyone seeking a more engaging and comfortable viewing experience for both work and play. It balances immersive features with eye-care technology, making it a well-rounded addition to your desk.
5. Anyuse Portable Monitor 15.6 Inch 1080P USB-C HDMI Ultra-Slim Travel Monitor with Kickstand
Rating: 9.2/10
The Anyuse Portable Monitor is a fantastic addition for anyone needing an extra screen. It’s super thin and light, making it easy to take anywhere. You can use it with your laptop, phone, or even gaming consoles like the PS5 or Xbox.
What We Like:
- The 15.6-inch screen is big and clear with a 1080P resolution.
- It has a wide viewing angle so you can see the screen well from almost anywhere.
- The screen is easy on your eyes with its low blue light feature.
- Setting it up is a breeze with plug-and-play using its USB-C or HDMI ports.
- It’s incredibly thin and light, weighing only 1.37lbs, so it’s perfect for travel.
- You can use it for work, like showing presentations, or for fun, like gaming.
- It works with many devices, including laptops, PCs, Macs, and popular gaming consoles.
- The built-in kickstand makes it easy to prop up.
- It has two built-in speakers for audio.
What Could Be Improved:
- Your device needs to support Thunderbolt 3.0/4.0 or USB 3.1 Type C DP ALT-MODE for the USB-C connection to work properly.
- The brightness might not be enough for very bright outdoor settings.
This portable monitor offers a lot of value for its price, making your digital life more flexible. It’s a solid choice for both productivity and entertainment on the go.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Next External Computer Monitor
So, you need a new screen for your computer? An external monitor can make your work and play way better. It gives you more space to see everything. We’ll help you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
Screen Size
Monitors come in different sizes. You measure them diagonally. Smaller ones, like 21 inches, are good for tight desks. Bigger ones, 27 inches or more, give you lots of room. Think about how much space you have and what you’ll use it for.
Resolution
Resolution tells you how clear the picture is. It’s like how many tiny dots make up the image. For everyday tasks, 1080p (Full HD) is fine. For gaming or detailed work, 1440p (QHD) or 4K (UHD) looks amazing. More dots mean a sharper picture.
Refresh Rate
This is how many times the screen updates per second. It’s measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate makes moving things look smoother. For gaming, 120Hz or 144Hz is awesome. For normal use, 60Hz is usually enough.
Panel Type
There are different types of screens.
- IPS: These screens show great colors. They also have wide viewing angles, so the picture looks good from almost anywhere. They are a popular choice.
- TN: These screens are fast and good for gaming. They can be cheaper. But their colors might not be as good as IPS.
- VA: These screens have good contrast, meaning dark colors are really dark. They are a middle ground between IPS and TN.
Connectivity
You need to plug your monitor into your computer. Look for ports like HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C. Make sure your computer has the right ports too. Some monitors have built-in USB hubs, which is handy.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Most monitors have a plastic body. This keeps them light and affordable. Some higher-end monitors might use metal for a stronger feel. The stand is also important. A sturdy stand keeps your monitor from wobbling. Adjustable stands let you tilt, swivel, and raise or lower the screen. This helps you find a comfortable position.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Color Accuracy
Good color accuracy means the colors on your screen look real. This matters for artists and photographers. Look for monitors that cover a good percentage of color spaces like sRGB or Adobe RGB.
Brightness and Contrast
Brightness is how light the screen can get. This helps when you use it in a sunny room. Contrast is the difference between the brightest white and the darkest black. Good contrast makes the picture pop.
Screen Finish
Most monitors have a matte finish. This stops annoying reflections from lights or windows. Glossy screens can have vibrant colors, but they show a lot of glare.
Response Time
This is how quickly a pixel can change color. A low response time (like 1ms) is good for fast-paced games. It helps prevent blurry images.
User Experience and Use Cases
For Work and Productivity
If you do a lot of typing, coding, or writing, a larger screen with a good resolution is great. A curved monitor can also feel more immersive. You can often use multiple monitors together for even more space. This boosts how much you can get done.
For Gaming
Gamers want fast refresh rates and low response times. A monitor with adaptive sync technology like G-Sync or FreeSync is also a big plus. This stops the screen from tearing.
For Watching Movies and Creative Work
If you watch a lot of movies or edit photos and videos, color accuracy and good contrast are key. A larger screen can make movies feel more like a cinema experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How big should my monitor be?
A: It depends on your desk space and what you do. 24-27 inches is common for general use. Bigger is better if you have room and need more screen real estate.
Q: What is the best resolution for a monitor?
A: 1080p is good for basic tasks. 1440p or 4K offer much sharper images for gaming, movies, and detailed work.
Q: Do I need a high refresh rate?
A: If you play fast games, yes. For everyday tasks like browsing and office work, 60Hz is usually fine.
Q: What’s the difference between IPS, TN, and VA panels?
A: IPS has the best colors and viewing angles. TN is fast but colors aren’t as good. VA has great contrast.
Q: What does “response time” mean?
A: It’s how fast pixels change. Lower is better for gaming to avoid blur.
Q: Which ports do I need?
A: HDMI and DisplayPort are most common. USB-C is useful for newer laptops.
Q: What is adaptive sync (G-Sync/FreeSync)?
A: It makes your game graphics smoother by matching the monitor’s refresh rate to your graphics card.
Q: Are curved monitors better?
A: They can be more immersive, especially for larger screens. They help reduce eye strain for some people.
Q: How important is color accuracy?
A: Very important for artists, photographers, and anyone who needs true-to-life colors.
Q: Can I use two monitors at once?
A: Yes! Many people use dual monitors for more workspace. It can really help you be more productive.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.