Our pick for the best LCD monitor for office work is the the BenQ 2250HM. Office monitors need to be easy, comfortable and convenient. Buyers and business owners will be pleased since products ideal for this usage are particularly affordable, but keep in mind, that build quality, clarity and eye safety and comfort are crucial. Click here to pick out the best printer for your office.
How To Choose LCD Monitors for Office Work
Choosing an excellent display for work such as document processing, browsing, and basic multimedia is easy because there are great performing and inexpensive solutions which can exceed most expectations. To get the most out of your funds, consider the following items before pulling the trigger:
1. Price
Businesses and offices always have an uncompromising budget limit, so practical purchasing is a necessity. Some of the best LCD monitors for office work can only cost you around a hundred or so, but there are prosumer models which can reach more or less a thousand dollars.
Price brackets heavily depend on size, but other factors such as panel type, features and extras can also increase it. Another trick to get around the retail pricing is to check monitor price trends regularly, or you can also wait for big holiday events like the Black Friday sales from our favorite retailers. For learning how to conveniently do this, check out our monitor price trends article here.
2. Size
Size is the most major factor you have to consider since this will affect your budget especially if you purchase some of the best LCD monitors for office work. Based on experience, some start-up business I have come across like the 19 inch to 20-inch options for their affordability since most of these products rarely go over a hundred.
By today’s standards, at least 22 inches with 1080p resolution for a mild mix of multimedia and document processing is comfortable, while 24 inches is overall the best sweet spot for its larger size which is more pleasing to look at. High-end options for studios might go for the more expensive 27-inch with IPS panel options, while ultra-wides which are a lot more expensive are ideal as a space-saving alternative to dual or triple display setups.
3. Resolution
The best LCD monitors for office work with affordable price tags usually have a 1080p full HD resolution since this is the universal standard, but there are still 720p options which fall under a hundred bucks. The latter is comfortable for extended periods of usage, but 1080p slightly edges it out in crispness and sharpness.
If you want more viewing real estate, 1440p is the current middle ground for an increase in pixel density without requiring users to squint at smaller text or objects. Keep in mind that this option will exponentially increase costs, especially if you are getting multiple units. 4K is perfect for gaming, media and post production, but some users might struggle at the image density and pricing.
4. Panel Type
TN is the top choice for this segment since it is affordable and widespread thanks to easier manufacturing processes when compared to IPS and VA. Viewing angles and color fidelity are better on the two latter options, but you don’t need their capabilities unless you are in the multimedia field. But the recent price trends suggest that IPS displays have become affordable especially in this niche, so you have a wider range of options.
For most purposes such as browsing, document processing, and other office-related applications, TN panels still are acceptable. The trick is to get a product with excellent uniformity and quality, so you don’t come across backlight bleed or color tinting, which is unpleasant for any user.
5. Features
In selecting the best LCD monitors for office work, you don’t need cutting-edge capabilities such as blur reduction, rapid refresh rates, or gaming filters. While some of these products we included are still suitable for moderate entertainment, they do not have these specs which increase the pricing.
An essential feature you have to consider for these monitors for office work is their safety and comfort specification, which usually includes blue light and radiation reduction, plus flicker-free operation. Most modern products already have these specs, but there are standard offerings which still use PWM dimming so the screen will flicker which can induce headaches.
Workers usually expose their eyes to the displays for 8 hours a day, so it is best to keep their eye safety and health in your interest. Visual comfort and preservation equate to excellent productivity, a must for any business or work-related endeavors.
6. Extras
Extras are the last you should consider before purchasing an option from our selection of the best LCD monitors for office work, but even then, these parts add value and utility to your purchase. Although, you should remember that products that include these features are usually more expensive, so weighing their usefulness is essential to practicality.
Features such as USB hubs are convenient for thumb drive document transfers, while VESA compatibility allows users to mount an ergonomically restricted product. Built-in speakers are also space and cost savers, but some work environments may require isolated audio or none at all.
Ideally, you should get a fully adjustable monitor for comfort and convenience. But typically, budget-oriented displays only have a tilt feature, which is a well-known limitation of products in this category.
III. The Best LCD Monitors For Office Work
1. Asus VS197DE – Compact Barebones Option
The Asus VS197DE is one of the cheapest monitors we have seen. While wholly unsuitable for gaming sessions, this model’s crystal clear TN panel with a 1366 x 768 resolution is a great budget solution for basic computing. The Asus VS197DE has middling qualities at best, but what we love about is its wide range of brightness adjustment, acceptable saturation and vibrancy via the sRGB mode, and the fantastic panel uniformity.
There were no discolorations or changes except when viewing at an angle, making this product an excellent choice for browsing, document processing, and essential multimedia viewing. Another advantage you can get from buying this cheap monitor is that its build quality is superb plus a subtle and sophisticated look that will fit right into your working environment.
2. BenQ 2250HM – Affordable 1080p Performer. Editor’s Choice.
The BenQ 2250HM is a step up to the previous entry in both size and performance since this model offers a peek into gaming territory. You also get a higher, 1920 x 1080 resolution which looks extra crisp and sharp at 22 inches. Colors and contrast are acceptable for the price, plus you get excellent panel quality and screen uniformity which makes browsing and document processing a breeze.
The BenQ 2250HM features a robust build without any creaking, plus you get an adequately thin side profile which already includes the power brick in its internals. Another great design feature for this product is its complete array of input options which includes a port for HDMI, DVI, and D-Sub, enabling users to connect two or three host devices for an all in one experience.
3. HP Pavilion 22CWA – Cheap and Versatile IPS Monitor
The HP Pavilion 22CWA’s hard to beat in its segment since this 22-inch wonder includes a beautiful IPS panel with fantastic colors and clarity. Your documents and images will appear extra sharp thanks to the tighter pixel density from the full HD screen, and while this model has a slower 7ms pixel response time, you can still dab in casual gaming and enjoy the advantages of IPS technology.
Out of the options in this selection, the HP Pavilion 22 CWA is one of the best-looking thanks to its thin profile, almost non-existent bezels, and unique stand. You don’t get a lot of extra physical features such as VESA compatibility, but you have dual input options and an optional mounting adapter in case you want to spice up your work desk with two of this fantastic monitor.
4. Asus VC239H – Thin Bezel 23-Inch IPS Monitor
The Asus VC239H is a globally popular monitor thanks to its fantastic design and adequate performance. This gadget possesses a gorgeous 1080p IPS panel which provides its best performance for color vibrancy with the sRGB mode, and a tweaked standard mode which can reach a contrast ratio of 1100:1 for games and videos. You also get a wider viewing angle from the excellently uniform screen, which is a performance worthy of a higher price tag.
As you can see from the image, the VC239H features a modern minimalist look which both professionals and homebodies will love. This model’s edge to edge design allows it to be virtually bezel-free, plus the matte graphite texture gives it a subtle hint of luxury. The Asus VC239H can only tilt like the previous offerings, but like its high-end cousins from the ROG line, build quality is excellent and robust. Finally, this display is certified flicker-free and equipped with a low blue light feature, making it one the best LCD monitors for office work.
5. BenQ GL2450HM – Essential LCD Monitor for Office Work
The BenQ GL2450HM is the current sweet spot for the best LCD monitors for office work just because it has a comfortable standard size of 24 inches. This full-HD display is one of the cheapest and best performing product in this segment, thanks to its easily adjustable screen output and outstanding uniformity. The GL2450HM has strong capabilities regarding contrast since it can put out as much as 970:1 for great black depths and grayscale performance. Out of the box, the screen appears bluish, but you can easily correct that with a few adjustments to add warmth to the color temps.
The BenQ Gl2450HM only offers essential features such as three signal input options, a basic stand, and a design which is too familiar for quite some time. Still, BenQ did not drop the ball in build quality and stability, plus we like how the OSD buttons are big enough and tactile for smooth operation. For a few more bucks from the other options, you get a well-rounded product which is lag-free and robust in quality.
6. LG 29UM68-P – Entry Level Ultra-Wide Display for Productivity
The LG 29UM68-P is your budget-friendly ticket into the world of space saving and awe-inspiring ultra-wide monitors. This borderless wonder is tagged as a gaming model, but its low price makes it a fantastic choice if your work requires the extra viewing real estate without consuming your desk. The full, IPS panel offers 2560 x 1080 which is enough to hold two or three windows at once with eye-popping levels of detail and color you can expect from the technology.
You also get extra headroom in refresh rate since this model goes up to 75Hz, plus you get the benefits of Freesync if your workstation is equipped with an AMD card. LG’s picture in picture modes are present in this model, so you can maximize productivity by displaying two inputs from separate devices in a single distance. As if these features aren’t enough, the LG 29UM68-P is a work of art thanks to its ArcLine design, which makes some of the other best LCD monitors for office work look outdated.
7. Asus MX27AQ – Sophisticated 1440p Display for Executives
The Asus MX27AQ is exponentially more expensive than the previous models in this guide, but the features it carries can be considered as a huge upgrade. This offering packs a 1440p quad HD resolution into its 27-inch form factor and a beautiful, high-quality AH-IPS panel which is capable of stunning colors and contrast worthy of a high-end monitor.
The unique looks of the Asus MX27AQ are given by its luxurious aluminum exterior and edge to edge design, making the huge viewing space a distraction-free, borderless look. Every part of the MX27AQ is crafted with quality in mind, but its fantastic secret weapon is its dual speakers with ICEpower technology designed by Bang and Olufsen, a staple brand in upmarket audio.
8. Dell P4317Q – Display For Your Command Center
The Dell P4317Q is a 43-inch 4K behemoth designed for professionals with special requirements such as programmers, stockbrokers or security professionals. This product is touted as a multi-input display with ports for up to four host devices and a Picture by Picture feature which can output four simultaneous videos without bezel breaks. Splitting the screen into four panels will reduce each one to a 1080p resolution, but 4K perfect downscales to the latter, so your images will be distortion free. You also get accessories like USB 3.0 ports for maximum productivity, neatly wrapped in Dell’s sleek-looking signature aesthetic.
The gorgeous IPS panel of the Dell P4317Q boasts of a 10-bit interface for a wide gamut coverage, with excellent levels of vibrancy and contrast. Another unique feature is the RS232 connection which allows your IT department to have convenient remote management for this monitor. The Dell P4317Q is a highly specified product, but its exclusive capabilities quickly make it a flagship product in the best LCD monitors for office work selection.
9. LG 27UD68-P – Monitornerd’s Favorite 4K Display
The LG27UD68-P is our current 4K gaming monitor king, but its excellence in clarity and color accuracy also makes it one of the best LCD monitors for office work. This model’s color gamut coverage exceeds 99%, so your media is guaranteed to be accurate. To maximize the 3840 x 2160 viewing space, LG provides its customers with their Split Screen 2.0 tool which divides the 4K display into fourteen different configurations.
Apart from its stunning performance, the LG 27UD68-P looks beautiful thanks to its borderless display which goes from edge to edge, plus the sexy ArcLine signature design from the Korean brand. The build quality exceeds expectations if you consider this product’s average price range, and like most of LG’s products, this iteration is made to last. The LG27UD68-P’s gaming pedigree includes technologies such as Freesync and Dynamic Action Sync, enabling users to enjoy a stutter free, visual fiesta unlike any other.
10. Dell UP2715K – Ultimate 5K Professional Monitor
If you are in the post processing industry for photos and videos, the Dell UP2715K is the top of the line candidate for the best LCD monitors for office work. This flagship model dominates the clarity and sharpness arena with its massive, 5180 x 2880 5K resolution. This premium model’s color performance is meant to complement its unmatched clarity with its full coverage of the sRGB and Adobe RGB gamuts, plus it’s out of the box compatibility with colorimeters ensure your color-critical work is accurate.
Like most of its favorite products, Dell used their signature matte black and aluminum design to create a subtle but sophisticated product which boldly impresses onlookers with its upscale caliber. The UP2715K is bezel free, apart from the black borders which surround the jaw-dropping 5K screen. To help justify its hefty price tag, this model comes with a plethora of connections including six USB ports and a dual DisplayPort layout, since the resolution requires the bandwidth of two DP connections.
Final Thoughts
The best LCD monitors come in all sorts of flavors, so we reckon you won’t find it difficult to find a suitable entry for your personal workspace or your small business. There are a plethora of available products, but through the course of our reviewing experience, these ten products are your best choice regarding pricing, reliability, and performance. Most of the monitors involved in this guide are budget options, but there are also high-end alternatives for the meticulous techie. If you, however, find out that you would want a product with a gaming pedigree, you can check out MonitorNerd’s Best Gaming Displays for 2017 here.
Flynn says
Those monitors are expensive for the brand names, I have a $300 32″ Viotek monitor that works perfectly for me…
Paolo Reva says
Thank you for sharing your feedback Flynn! We hope we get a chance to review the Viotek monitor you have sometime soon.
Nicholas says
Asus MX27AQ with no VESA is a huge feature to be missing for any “business” oriented monitor. I would never make this a pick without making that clear in my review.
Paolo Reva says
Hey there Nicholas, thank you for your insight and pointing out that small detail. We based our selection of the Asus MX27AQ regarding how the brand packaged it along with its good performance.