Some argue bigger screens aren’t necessary for remote work, but research indicates otherwise. Employees with smaller laptop displays or inefficient multi-monitor setups score lower in typing speed tests and complete fewer analytical tasks per hour. Choosing an appropriately sized monitor with sufficient resolution does impact productivity.
This buying guide explains key considerations like screen dimensions, display quality, ergonomic adjustments, and eye safety features when selecting a display for your home office. Whether standard or ultra-wide sizes spanning 1080p HD to 4K clarity, we suggest monitors to cost-effectively maximize your output.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Monitor
Monitors come in various sizes, resolutions, panel types, and feature sets. To simplify your buying decision, focus on a few key factors: screen dimensions suitable for your tasks, display resolution for image sharpness, panel technology for viewing angle and color accuracy, and ergonomic adjustments to prevent eye and neck strain.
#1 Screen Size
The monitor’s overall dimensions will significantly impact your daily work, so screen size is an essential first factor you’d think about.
Standard Monitors
Standard desktop display sizes range from 19 to 27 inches. Within this range, 24 inches is ideal for most general productivity tasks if desk space is limited. Moreover, you can get monitors up to 27 inches with companies like Beetronics if you multitask a lot.
Large Screen Size
Larger monitors around 30–32 inches aren’t terrible if you don’t mind the extra space they take up. But you may find the screen a bit big if you don’t have adequate desk depth. Speaking of big screens, ultrawide monitors ranging from 29 to 49 inches open up a massive horizontal workspace but require a substantial desk footprint and likely wouldn’t work for smaller spaces.
To pick the correct screen size for you, consider how much desk and wall space you have available near your work-from-home setup. Dual monitor setups with two standard or even mixed sizes can optimize efficiency, too, if your desk’s surface allows it.
#2 Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the images on the screen. The higher the resolution, generally the sharper and more detailed the visuals. Here are the most common display resolutions:
1080p
Also called Full HD, 1080p resolution delivers 1920 x 1080 pixels. This creates clear, crisp imagery for basic tasks like writing documents, browsing the web, and viewing multimedia content. However, images may appear a touch soft or grainy compared to higher resolutions. 1080p monitors start around $100, making this resolution very budget-friendly. The smaller pixel density keeps costs low.
1440p
With 2560 x 1440 pixels, 1440p resolutions provide crisp, clear visibility. Text and UI elements look incredibly sharp. This resolution is well-suited for general productivity, research, and writing. These screen types are Ideal for work involving heavy analytics, coding, visual design, or multitasking. 1440p is a nice sweet spot, balancing pixel density with affordability. Expect to pay around $250 and up.
4K
4K monitors display 3840 x 2160 pixels for ultra-fine image quality, intense editing, and precision tasks like 3D modeling, engineering, and visual effects. However, 4K requires more computing power and costs more. HD video and photos shine at this resolution. You’ll pay a premium, but it may be worthwhile if 4K-level detail is vital for your work.
While not totally necessary, higher resolutions allow visibility into small interface elements. Consider your work style and budget to pick the optimal sharpness.
#3 Panel Type
The monitor panel type refers to the underlying technology that displays images and affects factors like image quality and viewing performance. Here are the key types:
IPS (In-Plane Switching) Panel
Known for excellent color accuracy and reproduction due to wide 178-degree viewing angles. Colors will appear consistent no matter where you sit relative to the screen. These monitor types are well-suited for design and media production work where colors are important.
VA (Vertical Alignment) Panel
Vertical Alignment panels offer better contrast and black levels than IPS, thanks to deep dark tones. However, viewing angles tend to be narrower at around 170 degrees. VA panels are a good balance for most general use cases.
TN (Twisted Nematic) Panel
Twisted nematic monitor panel gives fast response times, making them suitable for fast-paced games. However, viewing angles and color quality are the poorest of the main panel types at around 160 degrees. Text may also appear less sharp.
Consider your work style and if color accuracy is essential when picking a panel type. An IPS display will serve creative roles better, while a VA may suffice for general productivity and entry-level uses.
#4 Refresh Rate
The monitor’s refresh rate refers to how many times per second the screen can redraw images. A higher rate results in smoother visuals. Most common home and office monitors sit at 60Hz, which gets the job done for basic tasks.
At 60Hz, scrolling long web pages or documents may cause a slight stutter. Videos could also come across as choppy at times. So, if your work involves lots of scrolling, reading, or media viewing, you may want to consider a higher refresh rate.
Options like 75Hz provide a small but noticeable upgrade in smoothness. Movement appears a bit less jittery, and tasks feel more fluid. This is a worthwhile upgrade for many use cases.
For activities involving fast motion like video editing, graphic design animation, or gaming, going above 75Hz starts to become quite meaningful. Rates of 144Hz and higher eliminate virtually all lag or stutter for a “tearing-free” experience.
Unless your tasks are highly motion-focused, 60Hz or 75Hz should suit you well. However, a higher refresh rate can enhance usability for visual work.
Additional Features to Consider for Comfort and Productivity
While the basics we’ve covered so far are most important, there are some additional features to look at that can enhance your work-from-home experience:
Adjustable Stand
A stand allowing height, tilt, and swivel adjustments is critical for ergonomic comfort. It gives you the flexibility to position the screen in a way that feels natural for your desk setup.
Built-in Speakers
Internal speakers are convenient for watching short videos or webinars without extra devices. However, their sound quality tends to be lackluster unless you’re on a tight budget.
USB Ports
Having several USB-A and, ideally, USB-C ports open up connectivity for peripherals, external drives, and more. Fewer ports mean more dongle confusion on your desk.
Eye Care Technology
Features like blue light filters and low-glare coatings are handy for long work sessions in front of the screen. They reduce eye strain that comes from bright backlights over time
While not deal-breakers, consider if these comfort-focused specs are essential for your specific work style. Specifications that can minimize physical and visual fatigue can boost your long-term well-being and productivity. Don’t forget to also factor aesthetics into your new display investment.
Conclusion
You’re now well-equipped to find the perfect match for your home workstation. Consider your needs, priorities, and budget to pick a monitor that improves focus and efficiency without added strain. Most importantly, choose a display that inspires you as you conquer new challenges in your evolving remote workspace. Enjoy the process of upgrading your environment to feel fully productive anywhere
