How to choose a monitor in 2026? A complete buyer's guide

A monitor is one of the most important devices for work, study and entertainment, but choosing the right model today is not easy. In shops you will find hundreds of different monitors that differ not only in size and price but also in display technology, resolution, refresh rate, colour accuracy, ports and ergonomic features.

For some, vivid colours and an accurate image for photo editing matter most, others look for a large monitor for working with documents, while gamers usually choose models with a high refresh rate and low response time. So before buying it is worth clearly understanding which features really matter for your needs.

In this Acershop guide we explain simply and clearly how to choose a monitor in 2026, how IPS and OLED displays differ, when to choose Full HD, QHD or 4K resolution, how many Hz you really need, which ports to choose and which Acer monitors best suit different use cases.

After reading this guide, you will find it much easier to choose a monitor that meets your needs today and will remain a great choice for many years to come.

What will you use the monitor for? The most important question before buying

Many buyers start with the monitor's size or price, but the most important criterion should be something else entirely – what the monitor will be used for every day. The same model may be perfect for an office worker but completely fail to meet the needs of a photographer or gaming enthusiast.

Before choosing a monitor, answer one simple question – what will you do with it most often? This determines the recommended screen size, resolution, refresh rate, colour accuracy and even the ports you need.

What are you looking for a monitor for?

A monitor is inseparable from the whole workspace

A monitor is worth choosing while taking into account the other equipment you use. If you work with a laptop, we recommend a model with a USB-C port that transmits video and data over a single cable and can charge the computer.

If you are setting up a new workspace with a desktop computer, it is worth paying more attention to resolution, screen size and refresh rate.

If you want to work with several screens, it is also important to check the computer's video outputs – HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C.

Now that you know what you are looking for a monitor for, it is time to find out what screen size is worth choosing. It is the screen diagonal and viewing distance that usually determine everyday comfort.

What size monitor to choose? 24", 27", 32" or UltraWide?

Monitor size is one of the most important selection criteria. A bigger screen does not necessarily mean a better choice – you need to consider how much space you have on your desk, how far you sit from the monitor and what tasks it will be used for.

Today the most popular are 24, 27 and 32-inch monitors, but more and more users are choosing UltraWide models, which make it comfortable to work with several applications at once.

24-inch monitor

24-inch monitors remain a great choice for home, school or the office, especially if the workspace is small. Full HD resolution is usually enough for such a screen, making it an economical solution for everyday tasks.

If you work with documents, browse the web or use office applications, a 24-inch monitor can be perfectly sufficient.

27-inch monitor

The 27-inch monitor is considered the most versatile choice today. It offers more workspace than a 24-inch model but does not take up as much room as a 32-inch screen.

We recommend choosing QHD (2560 × 1440) resolution, as it lets you see more information and provides a sharper image than Full HD.

For most users, a 27-inch IPS monitor with QHD resolution will offer the best balance of price, quality and comfort.

32-inch monitor

32-inch monitors are ideal for professional work, photography, video editing or more complex work with several applications at once.

For this size we recommend choosing 4K (3840 × 2160) resolution. At a lower resolution the image may look less detailed.

UltraWide monitors

UltraWide monitors (21:9 or 32:9 format) are becoming increasingly popular among programmers, analysts, designers and video editors. They let you comfortably see several windows at once and often replace a dual-monitor setup.

If you work with lots of documents or spreadsheets, an UltraWide monitor can significantly increase productivity.

Which monitor size best suits your needs?

Now that you have chosen the right monitor size, it is time to find out which screen resolution really deserves your attention – Full HD, QHD or 4K.

What monitor resolution to choose? Full HD, QHD or 4K?

Monitor resolution determines how much detail you see on screen. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image, the more room for application windows and the more comfortable working with documents, photos or videos. However, a higher resolution does not always mean a better choice – it must be matched to the monitor size and intended use.

Full HD (1920 × 1080)

Full HD is still the most popular monitor resolution. It is ideal for 24-inch screens, everyday work, study, web browsing and watching films.

If you are looking for an economical monitor for home or the office, Full HD will usually be the most rational choice.

QHD (2560 × 1440)

QHD resolution is considered today the golden mean between price, image quality and performance. It provides about 77% more workspace than Full HD, so you see more information at once and scroll documents or web pages less often.

For a 27-inch monitor QHD is our most frequently recommended resolution. It is ideal for working with Excel, programming, remote work and everyday use.

4K UHD (3840 × 2160)

4K resolution provides an extremely detailed image and a large workspace. It is especially useful for photographers, designers, architects and video creators who work with high-resolution content.

To take full advantage of 4K, we recommend at least a 32-inch monitor or a workspace where the monitor will be used from an appropriate distance.

Which resolution best suits your needs?

Is a higher resolution always better?

Not always. For example, on a 24-inch monitor 4K resolution in most cases will not deliver as much benefit as a 27-inch QHD monitor. It is also worth checking whether your laptop or desktop computer can comfortably handle the chosen resolution, especially if you plan to play games or work with demanding applications.

Once you have chosen the right monitor size and resolution, it is time to decide on the display technology. In the next section we compare IPS and OLED monitors, discuss their advantages and drawbacks and help you decide which option best meets your needs.

IPS, VA or OLED – which monitor panel to choose?

One of the most important criteria when choosing a monitor is the panel technology. It determines colour accuracy, contrast, viewing angles, depth of black and the overall user experience. Today three types are most common – IPS, VA and OLED.

There is no single technology that is best for everyone. The right choice depends on whether you will use the monitor for work, creative work, films or gaming.

IPS – the best choice for most users

IPS (In-Plane Switching) monitors offer wide viewing angles, natural colours and good colour accuracy. Thanks to these qualities, IPS has become the most popular technology for work, study and professional use.

IPS advantages

• ✔ Very accurate colour reproduction.
• ✔ Wide viewing angles.
• ✔ Ideal for work and photo editing.
• ✔ Large selection of models.

VA – better contrast and deeper blacks

VA (Vertical Alignment) panels offer higher contrast than IPS, so blacks look deeper. Such monitors are often chosen for films, multimedia and some games.

VA advantages

• ✔ High contrast.
• ✔ Good black quality.
• ✔ Great for films.
• ✔ Often a more attractive price.

OLED – the highest image quality

In OLED monitors every pixel emits its own light, achieving perfect blacks, practically infinite contrast and extremely vivid colours. It is one of the most advanced monitor technologies.

OLED is especially valued by photographers, designers, video creators and gaming enthusiasts for whom maximum image quality matters.

OLED advantages

• ✔ Perfect blacks.
• ✔ Exceptional contrast.
• ✔ Very accurate colour reproduction.
• ✔ Excellent HDR image.
• ✔ Fast response time.

IPS, VA and OLED comparison

Another important criterion is the monitor's refresh rate. Is it really worth paying more for a 120 Hz, 180 Hz or even 240 Hz monitor? More on this in the next section.

What is the best monitor refresh rate? 60 Hz, 100 Hz, 120 Hz, 144 Hz or 180 Hz?

A monitor's refresh rate (Hz) indicates how many times per second the screen updates the displayed image. The higher the number, the smoother motion looks on screen. In the past most monitors had a 60 Hz rate, but today 100 Hz, 120 Hz, 144 Hz, 180 Hz and even 240 Hz models are increasingly common.

However, a higher Hz figure does not always mean a better monitor. It is important to choose a refresh rate that matches your use case.

60 Hz – is it still enough?

60 Hz monitors are still perfectly fine for working with documents, email, web browsing and watching films. If you don't play games and are not sensitive to image smoothness, 60 Hz can be a perfectly sufficient choice.

100 Hz and 120 Hz – the new comfort standard

100 Hz and 120 Hz monitors are becoming increasingly popular because for a small price difference they deliver a much smoother image. Even when browsing web pages or scrolling Excel spreadsheets, the difference from 60 Hz is noticeable.

For most users, a 100 Hz or 120 Hz monitor is one of the best choices today.

144 Hz and 180 Hz – for gamers

If you play FPS, racing or other fast-paced games, a 144 Hz or 180 Hz monitor will ensure a smoother image and faster response. Such monitors are also great for working with fast-moving footage or animation.

To take full advantage of such a monitor you also need a sufficiently powerful desktop computer or gaming laptop.

240 Hz – is it worth it?

240 Hz monitors are aimed at professional eSports players and enthusiasts. For everyday work or watching films the benefits of such a refresh rate are usually not noticeable, so for most users this investment is not necessary.

Which refresh rate to choose?

Adaptive Sync – why does it matter?

Many modern monitors support AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible technologies. They synchronise the monitor's refresh rate with the graphics card, help reduce screen tearing and ensure smoother gameplay.

If you plan to play games, we recommend choosing a monitor with at least one of these technologies.

Another important aspect is HDR technology and colour accuracy. Does HDR really improve image quality, and who needs sRGB, DCI-P3 and Delta E figures? We discuss this in the next section.

What is HDR and is it worth paying for?

HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology lets a monitor display a wider brightness range, richer colours and more detail in both bright and dark areas of the image. Properly implemented HDR gives a more natural and realistic picture when watching films, playing games or editing photos and videos.

However, it is important to know that not all HDR monitors are the same. The label HDR on the box alone is not enough – what matters far more is which HDR standard the monitor supports and what maximum brightness it can reach.

What is the difference between HDR10 and DisplayHDR?

HDR10 is the most widely used HDR format, but it does not tell you what real image quality the monitor will deliver.

That is why a much more important indicator is the VESA DisplayHDR certification, which evaluates the monitor's maximum brightness, contrast and colour reproduction.

What is Mini LED?

Mini LED is not a separate panel type – it is a more advanced backlighting technology, usually used in IPS monitors. It allows more precise control of lighting in different areas of the screen, improving contrast, black depth and HDR quality.

While OLED monitors offer the best contrast, Mini LED is often a great alternative for those who want extremely bright HDR images and high brightness.

Does HDR matter for work?

For everyday work with documents, the internet or email, HDR usually brings little benefit. For photographers, video creators and gaming enthusiasts, however, HDR can significantly improve the experience.

If you plan to use the monitor with a laptop or a powerful desktop computer, make sure your equipment also supports HDR video output.

Image quality depends not only on HDR but also on the monitor's ability to reproduce colours accurately. In the next section we explain what the sRGB, DCI-P3, Adobe RGB and Delta E figures mean and who they really matter to.

Colour accuracy – what do sRGB, DCI-P3, Adobe RGB and Delta E mean?

If you will use the monitor for documents, web browsing or watching films, colour accuracy will probably not be the most important criterion. For photographers, graphic designers, video creators and layout designers, however, it becomes one of the most important aspects when choosing a monitor.

In manufacturers' technical specifications you will often see terms such as sRGB, DCI-P3, Adobe RGB or Delta E. At first glance they may seem complicated, but their meaning can be explained very simply.

What is sRGB?

sRGB is the most widely used colour space on the internet and in most everyday applications. If a monitor covers about 99–100 % sRGB, colours will look natural and suit most users.

For office, study, web browsing and films, 99% sRGB is usually more than enough.

What is DCI-P3?

The DCI-P3 colour space is wider than sRGB and can display more rich shades. It is widely used in the film industry, professional video editing and modern HDR monitors.

If you work with video or want the most realistic colours possible, it is worth choosing a monitor with high DCI-P3 coverage.

What is Adobe RGB?

The Adobe RGB colour space was created for professional photography and print. It allows more accurate display of certain green and cyan shades that are important when preparing material for professional printing.

For most home users Adobe RGB is not necessary, but for photographers it can be a very important criterion.

What is Delta E?

Delta E shows how accurately a monitor reproduces colours. The lower the number, the more accurately the monitor renders colours.

What colour accuracy do you need?

We have now covered image quality. The next important step is monitor ports and ergonomics. These often determine whether the monitor will be comfortable to use every day and how easily it will adapt to your workspace.

Which monitor to choose for your needs?

Now you know how monitor sizes, resolutions, panel technologies, refresh rates and ports differ. But the final choice depends on how you will use the monitor every day. Below are our recommendations for the most common scenarios.

Recommended configurations

Which monitor to choose for use with a laptop?

If you work with a laptop, it is worth choosing a monitor with USB-C Power Delivery. In that case a single cable will transmit video and data and charge the computer at the same time.

If you use a desktop computer, it is worth paying more attention to screen resolution, refresh rate and graphics card capabilities.

When is an UltraWide monitor worth it?

We recommend UltraWide monitors for those who work with several applications at once, often use Excel spreadsheets, edit video or program. Such a monitor can replace a dual-screen workspace and reduce the need to constantly switch windows.

Now you know what configuration to look for. In the next section we discuss the 10 most common mistakes when choosing a monitor and show you how to avoid them.

The 10 most common mistakes when choosing a monitor

Even when you know the main monitor parameters, it is easy to make mistakes before buying. Most of them only become apparent once you start using the monitor every day. Below are the most common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

❌ 1. Buying a monitor that is too small

A 24-inch monitor is still great for many tasks, but if you work with several applications at once every day, a 27-inch model will usually provide much more comfort.

❌ 2. Choosing the wrong resolution

A 32-inch monitor with Full HD resolution is usually not the best choice. The larger the screen, the more important it is to choose a higher resolution – for example, QHD or 4K.

❌ 3. Focusing only on the Hz figure

A high refresh rate matters for gaming, but for working with documents a higher resolution, an ergonomic stand or a USB-C port will bring far more benefit.

❌ 4. Ignoring ergonomics

If you spend the whole working day at the monitor, height adjustment, rotation and VESA mounting can be more important than an extra 60 Hz or higher brightness.

❌ 5. Not checking the ports

Before buying, make sure the monitor has all the ports you need – HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C. This is especially important if you will use the monitor with a laptop.

❌ 6. Overpaying for features you will not use

If the monitor will only be used for office work, 240 Hz, OLED or a professional Adobe RGB colour space will most likely bring no real benefit.

❌ 7. Not thinking about the future

A monitor is often used for 7–10 years, so it is worth choosing a model with USB-C, an ergonomic stand and at least QHD resolution right away, if your budget allows.

❌ 8. Buying a monitor without considering the computer's capabilities

If your computer does not support 4K resolution or a high refresh rate, some of the monitor's capabilities will go unused. This is especially relevant for gaming systems.

❌ 9. Not choosing the right display type

For office work a quality IPS monitor is usually enough, while OLED or Mini LED is only worth choosing when their advantages will actually be used.

❌ 10. Choosing based only on the size of the discount

A discount alone does not make a good purchase. Always compare the monitor's size, resolution, ports and ergonomics. Sometimes a slightly more expensive model will last much longer and provide more comfort.

If you are looking for good deals, visit the Acershop promotions section.

We have now covered all the key monitor technologies and the most common mistakes. Finally, we answer the most frequently asked questions to help you make a final decision before buying a new monitor.

Which Acer monitor to choose? Specific recommendations by need

Below are our recommendations from the Acer monitors currently sold at Acershop.lt. You will see the current price and stock on the product page.

💶 Affordable monitor for everyday work

If you need a simple and reliable monitor for documents, browsing and films, choose a 24" Full HD: Acer EK241YP0bi, Acer SA242Y H1bi (100 Hz) or the larger 27" Acer SA273P1bi.

🏢 Monitor for the office and working from home

For long working hours it is worth choosing an IPS panel, 100–120 Hz and a height-adjustable stand: Acer Vero B247Y G (23,8"), Acer Vero B277 G (27"). If you often work with spreadsheets or several windows, choose a 27" QHD – Acer Vero B277U G.

📹 Monitor with a camera for video calls

For Teams or Zoom meetings it is convenient when the camera is already built in: Acer Vero CB242Y D6 or Acer Vero B8 B248YE (with a camera, speakers and LAN port).

🎮 Gaming monitor

For beginners – 144 Hz Full HD Acer Nitro VG240Y P6. A 27" QHD offers more detail: Acer Nitro XF27Q Ergo (144 Hz) or Acer Predator XB27QX Ergo (210 Hz). For competitive gaming – Acer Nitro XF27QX Ergo (QHD, 300 Hz) or Acer Predator XB253Q F (Full HD, 360 Hz).

✨ OLED monitor

For those seeking the best contrast and speed – Acer Predator X27QX Ergo OLED or Acer CE270U X OLED (27" QHD OLED, 240 Hz, 0,03 ms).

🖥 UltraWide (34") monitor

For working with several windows – Acer Vero CB343CUR; for gaming – Acer Predator X34 V3 (Mini LED, 180 Hz) or Acer Predator X34QXC Ergo OLED (OLED, 360 Hz).

🧳 Portable monitor

A second screen for travel or a small desk – Acer PM161Q B1 (15.6"), touchscreen Acer PM161QT, dual Acer PD193Q E or the professional OLED Acer ProDesigner PE160WUT.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Before buying a new monitor, buyers often ask the same questions. Below are clear answers to help you decide more easily.

Is a 27-inch monitor the best choice?

For most users – yes. A 27-inch monitor provides enough workspace, remains comfortable to use both at home and in the office, and does not take up too much desk space. If you choose a 27-inch model, we recommend QHD (2560 × 1440) resolution.

Is a 4K monitor worth buying?

A 4K monitor is recommended for photographers, designers, video editors and anyone working with high-resolution content. For everyday work with documents or the internet, a QHD monitor is enough in most cases.

IPS or OLED – which monitor to choose?

IPS monitors are more versatile and usually offer the best value for money. OLED monitors feature exceptional contrast, perfect blacks and excellent HDR, so they are better suited to professional creative work and top-class gaming.

Is a 100 Hz monitor enough?

Yes. For most users a 100 Hz monitor already provides a noticeably smoother image than 60 Hz. For work, web browsing and everyday use it is one of the best choices.

Does a non-gamer need a 180 Hz monitor?

Usually not. If your main activities are documents, the internet and online meetings, a higher resolution, an ergonomic stand or a USB-C port will bring more benefit.

Can a USB-C monitor charge a laptop?

Yes, if the monitor supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD). In that case a single cable transmits video and data and at the same time charges a compatible laptop.

Is a monitor with height adjustment worth it?

Definitely yes. Height adjustment lets you adapt the monitor to your workspace, reduces strain on the neck and back and helps maintain correct posture during long working hours.

When is an UltraWide monitor worth it?

An UltraWide monitor is recommended for programmers, analysts, designers and anyone who works with several applications at once. Such a monitor often replaces a dual-screen workspace.

Is HDR essential?

HDR is not essential for everyday work. It brings the most benefit when watching films, playing games and working with HDR content.

Is it worth buying a monitor during a sale?

Yes, if during the sale you get the same or a better configuration for a lower price. You will find the latest offers in the Acershop promotions section.

Which monitor is best for working from home?

For most remote workers we recommend a 27-inch IPS monitor with QHD resolution, a 100–120 Hz refresh rate, a USB-C port and an ergonomic stand.

Is it worth buying two monitors?

If you often work with several applications at once, two monitors can significantly increase productivity. However, for many users a single large 34-inch UltraWide monitor provides the same effect.

Which monitor is best for gaming?

For gamers we recommend a 27-inch QHD monitor with at least a 180 Hz refresh rate, an IPS or OLED panel and FreeSync or G-SYNC Compatible support.

Can a monitor be mounted on an arm?

If the monitor has VESA mounting holes, it can be mounted on a wall or a dedicated monitor arm. This helps save desk space and improves ergonomics.

Which affordable monitor to choose?

For everyday work a 24" Full HD monitor is enough, e.g. Acer EK241YP0bi or Acer SA242Y H1bi. If you work long hours, it is worth paying a little extra for IPS and an adjustable stand, e.g. Acer Vero B247Y G.

Which portable monitor is best?

A 15.6" Full HD portable monitor with USB-C suits most people, e.g. Acer PM161Q B1. For creative work – OLED Acer ProDesigner PE160WUT.

Where to find the right Acer monitor?

The full range of the latest Acer monitors is available in the Acershop online store, where you can compare models by size, resolution, ports and purpose.

How to choose a monitor in 2026 – our final recommendations

If you have read this guide from start to finish, you have probably noticed that there is no single monitor that suits everyone. The best choice depends on the nature of your work, the applications you use, your workspace and budget.

Nevertheless, based on practical experience and the questions customers ask most often, we can offer a few universal recommendations.

Browse the Acer monitor range

If you already know what monitor you are looking for, we invite you to browse the Acer equipment we offer.

• 🖥️ Acer monitors
• 💻 Acer laptops
• 🖥️ Acer desktop computers
• 📽️ Acer projectors
• 📱 Tablets
• 🖱️ Acer accessories
• 🔥 Special offers and promotions

Read more in the Acershop Academy

Want to better understand computer and monitor technologies? Read our other buying guides.

• 💻 How to choose a laptop?
• 📽️ How to choose a projector?
• 📱 How to choose a tablet? (coming soon)
• 🎮 IPS, VA or OLED – how do monitor panels differ? (coming soon)
• 🖥️ QHD or 4K monitor – which to choose? (coming soon)