What monitors and displays do, and which one you need

A monitor is a screen that connects to a computer, laptop, or other device to show you what is happening on that device. A display is the same thing — the words are interchangeable. The main choice you face is size, resolution (how sharp the image is), and connection type, because different devices plug in different ways.

If you are using a desktop computer, you will need a separate monitor. If you are using a laptop, you already have a built-in display, but you can connect an external monitor to it for a larger screen. Tablets and phones have displays built in and do not need external ones. The rest of this guide covers external monitors you buy and connect yourself.

Before you buy, check what ports your device has on the back or side. The most common connection types are HDMI (looks like a flat rectangle with angled corners), DisplayPort (similar shape but slightly different), USB-C (small oval), and VGA (older, with three rows of small holes). Your monitor must have a port that matches what your device has, or you will need an adapter.

Key Takeaways

  • Monitor size is measured diagonally in inches, and common sizes are 24, 27, and 32 inches — larger is not always better if your desk is small.
  • Resolution describes how many pixels (tiny dots) make up the image; 1920×1080 is standard, and higher numbers mean sharper text and images.
  • Check your device's ports before buying — HDMI and USB-C are most common, but older devices may have DisplayPort or VGA.
  • Refresh rate (measured in Hz) matters mainly for gaming; 60 Hz is fine for everyday work and watching video.
  • Most monitors come with a cable in the box, but some do not, so confirm before you buy.

Monitor size and what it means for your desk

Monitor size is measured diagonally across the screen in inches. A 24-inch monitor is the smallest you will commonly find new; a 27-inch is the middle ground; a 32-inch is large. The bigger the monitor, the more desk space it takes up and the farther back you need to sit to see the whole screen comfortably.

For a desk where you sit about 24 to 30 inches away from the screen, a 24-inch monitor is comfortable. A 27-inch works if your desk is deeper or you can sit a bit farther back. A 32-inch is better suited to larger desks or if you plan to sit 3 feet or more away. If you have limited desk space, a 24-inch is the safer choice — a monitor that is too large for your setup will strain your neck and eyes.

The width of a monitor is roughly twice its height, so a 27-inch monitor is about 24 inches wide. Measure your desk space before you order, especially if you already have a keyboard, mouse, and other items taking up room. Some people mount monitors on an arm attached to the desk instead of using the stand, which saves space.

Resolution: what the numbers mean

Resolution is the number of pixels (tiny colored dots) that make up the image on your screen. It is written as two numbers, like 1920×1080 or 2560×1440. The first number is how many pixels go across the screen left to right; the second is how many go top to bottom. More pixels means a sharper, clearer image, especially for text.

1920×1080 (often called "Full HD" or "1080p") is the standard resolution for most 24-inch and many 27-inch monitors. It is sharp enough for everyday work, watching video, and web browsing. If you do detailed work like photo editing or spreadsheets with small text, or if you have a 27-inch or larger monitor, a higher resolution like 2560×1440 (called "2K" or "1440p") will make text and images noticeably sharper.

Very high resolutions like 3840×2160 (called "4K") exist but are expensive and require a powerful graphics card in your computer. For most people, 1920×1080 or 2560×1440 is the right choice. Check your device's graphics card or processor specs if you are unsure — the manufacturer's website will say what resolutions it supports.

Connection types and cables

The cable that connects your monitor to your device must match the ports on both the monitor and the device. The most common types are HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C. HDMI is the most widely used and works with almost all devices made in the last ten years. DisplayPort is common on gaming monitors and high-end displays. USB-C is newer and found on recent laptops and some tablets.

Before you buy a monitor, look at the back or side of your device and identify which ports it has. If your device has HDMI, buy a monitor with HDMI. If it has USB-C, buy a monitor with USB-C. If your device has a port that the monitor does not have, you will need to buy an adapter cable separately, which adds cost and complexity.

Most monitors come with a cable in the box, but some do not — the product description will say "cable included" or "cable not included". If the cable is not included, you will need to buy one separately. A standard HDMI or DisplayPort cable costs between $10 and $20. USB-C cables are often more expensive.

Refresh rate and response time

Refresh rate is how many times per second the monitor updates the image, measured in Hz. A 60 Hz monitor refreshes 60 times per second; a 144 Hz monitor refreshes 144 times per second. For everyday work, web browsing, and watching video, 60 Hz is perfectly fine and is what most monitors have.

Higher refresh rates like 120 Hz, 144 Hz, or 240 Hz are mainly useful for gaming, where a faster refresh rate can make movement look smoother. If you do not play games, a 60 Hz monitor will serve you well and will be cheaper. If you do play games, a 144 Hz monitor is a good middle ground between cost and performance.

Response time is how quickly a pixel changes color, measured in milliseconds. This also matters mainly for gaming. For everyday use, anything under 5 milliseconds is fine. Gaming monitors often advertise 1 millisecond response time, but you will not notice the difference in normal work.

Panel type and color accuracy

Monitor panels come in three main types: IPS, VA, and TN. IPS panels have the best color accuracy and wide viewing angles — if you look at the screen from the side, the colors still look correct. VA panels have deeper blacks and higher contrast but narrower viewing angles. TN panels are the cheapest and fastest but have the worst color accuracy and viewing angles.

For everyday work and web browsing, an IPS panel is the best choice because the colors stay accurate no matter where you sit. If you do photo editing, graphic design, or any work where color matters, an IPS panel is important. If you are on a tight budget and only use the monitor straight-on, a VA or TN panel will work.

The product listing will tell you the panel type. If it does not say, it is likely a TN panel. IPS panels are usually labeled as such and cost a bit more. For most people, the difference is not worth worrying about — focus on size, resolution, and connection type first.

Brightness and eye comfort

Monitor brightness is measured in nits. A brightness of 250 nits is standard and bright enough for most indoor spaces. If your desk is in a very bright room or near a window, you may want 300 nits or higher. Most monitors sold today are between 250 and 350 nits.

If you spend long hours in front of a monitor, look for one with a blue light filter or low blue light mode. This reduces the amount of blue light the screen emits, which can reduce eye strain in dim lighting. Many monitors have this feature built in, and you can usually turn it on or off in the monitor's menu.

Some monitors also have flicker-free technology, which means the brightness does not flicker at a rate your eye can detect. This can reduce eye fatigue during long work sessions. Again, most modern monitors have this, and the product listing will mention it if it is a selling point.

Setting up your monitor for the first time

When your monitor arrives, unpack it carefully and check that nothing is broken. Most monitors come with a stand that you attach to the base — follow the instructions that came in the box, as the process varies by model. Some monitors come with just a base; others come with a stand and an arm for wall mounting.

Connect the power cable to the monitor and to a wall outlet or power strip. Then connect the video cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C) from the monitor to your device. Turn on the monitor first, then turn on your device. Your device should detect the monitor automatically and display an image.

If no image appears, check that both cables are fully inserted and that you have the right cable type. Restart your device. If you are still seeing nothing, check your device's display settings — sometimes you need to tell it to use the external monitor. On Windows, right-click the desktop and select "Display settings". On Mac, go to System Preferences and select "Displays".

Once the image appears, adjust the monitor's height and angle so the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. This reduces neck strain. Most monitors have a stand that tilts and adjusts height — use these to get comfortable. If your monitor does not adjust, you can buy a monitor arm or stand separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a monitor with a laptop?

Yes. Connect the monitor to your laptop using the appropriate cable (HDMI, USB-C, or DisplayPort, depending on what your laptop has). Your laptop will detect the monitor automatically. You can then use the laptop's keyboard and trackpad, or connect a separate keyboard and mouse. Many people close the laptop and use only the external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

What if my device does not have the same port as the monitor?

You will need an adapter cable. For example, if your device has USB-C but the monitor has HDMI, buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter. These cost between $15 and $40 depending on the type. Make sure you buy the right direction — USB-C to HDMI, not HDMI to USB-C. Check the product listing carefully before ordering.

Is a curved monitor better than a flat one?

Curved monitors wrap slightly around your field of view, which some people find more immersive, especially for gaming or watching movies. For everyday work, the difference is minor and mostly comes down to preference. Curved monitors cost more than flat ones with the same specs, so unless you specifically want the curve, a flat monitor is the better value.

Do I need a monitor with speakers?

Most monitors have built-in speakers, but they are usually small and low quality. If you watch a lot of video or listen to music, buy a separate speaker or headphones instead. If you rarely use audio from your monitor, the built-in speakers are fine. Check the product listing to see if speakers are included.

What is the difference between a monitor and a TV?

A TV is designed to be watched from far away and has a tuner to receive broadcast signals. A monitor is designed to be viewed up close and does not have a tuner. You can use a TV as a monitor if it has HDMI or another video input, but the text will be blurry because TVs have lower pixel density. For computer work, a monitor is always the better choice.