Our previous article covered essential monitor specs for non-gamers. Gamers need screens that support smooth gameplay. For full-time non-gaming work, features that support gamers have less bearing for desk workers. A good office monitor should have sharp contrast and be flicker-free. It should also have a resolution appropriate to its size. Check out our picks as the best monitors for non-gaming pro users.
In our analysis of computer monitor specs, we broke down the key specs that non-gaming users should look for in a monitor. Those specs served as the foundation for my current build. It shows how any office worker can take advantage of monitor specs to build an optimal setup.
Summary of essential monitor specs
Before getting into our monitor reviews, here are a summary of the key specs to consider:
Panel types
There are three panel types: TN, IPS, and VA panels.
- TN panel monitors: the are the cheapest. They have fast response times and allow for high refresh rates. One downside is that they aren’t color accurate — designers should avoid TN panels. Another downside is that when viewing from a side angle, images look distorted.
- IPS panel monitors: these also have fastest response times. From all viewing angles, they deliver a sharp, crisp image. IPS panel monitors also have the best color accuracy.
- VA panel monitors: these are the worst option for gamers and best for non-gamers. VA panel screens have longer response times and show worse wide-viewing angles than IPS screens. The main appeal of VA screens is that they offer the highest contrast ratios, usually over 3000: 1. In comparison, IPS screens come with a standard 1000: 1 ratio. Higher contrast ratios screens deliver the richest blacks and the best high-quality greyscale rendering. Side-by-side with an IPS screen, a VA panel monitor will always show a sharper, more vibrant image.
Flicker free screens
If you plan to use your monitor full-time, flicker-free technology is essential. At lower brightness levels, LED-backlit screens flicker through pulse-width modulation (PWM). That flickers the backlights “on” and “off” at a steady frequency.
The effect strains the eyes as the pupils rapidly move from larger to smaller. Over time, steady, rapid pupil expansion and retraction cause eye strain and eye fatigue.
Why 1920×1080 24″ monitors are ideal
Beyond tech specs, you also need to decide what size monitor to get. You also need to choose a resolution. Resolution options include 1920×1080 (HD), 2560×1440 (2K), and 3840 x 2160 (4K). Luckily, this is easy to figure out.
Pixel density shows how many pixels a monitor can display in width x height. Windows 10 works best at a pixel density of 90-110 pixels per inch (PPI). A 1920×1080 resolution delivers a pixel density of 92 PPI on a 24″ screen. In comparison, a 27″ 1920×1080 screen has a density of 82 PPI. That will deliver grainy, pixelated images.
Broadly, a 24″ 1920×1080 works best. If you want a bigger screen, get one with a higher resolution. Here are three options that fit within the Windows PPI sweet spot:
| Monitor size | Resolution | Pixel density | Optimal viewing distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24″ | 1920×1080 | 92 PPI | 37″ |
| 27″ | 2560×1440 | 93 PPI | 32″ |
| 32″ | 2560×1440 | 109 PPI | 37″ |
Buying a screen larger than 24″ has some downsides. First, one screen will take up most of your desk. Second, dual (or triple) monitor setups bring more benefits. With multiple screens, you can run multiple desktops for high-level multitasking.
For instance, when producing WorkstationFX articles, I often need browser windows open, plus Photoshop, editing software, and file folders. Arranged on one screen, things can get cluttered and confusing. With multiple screens, I can devote each screen to different tasks.
WorkstationFX setup
A key point to consider when shopping for a monitor is the size of your desk. Adult desks usually vary between 30-60 inches wide. My desk is on the wider side at 55 inches wide (140 cm). That provides enough space for a multiple monitor setup.
It’s possible to squeeze three full-sized monitors on a 55″ surface, but it’s awkward. To make three fit, you need to position two monitors at weird angles. That leaves you with a cluttered desk and less space to work.
After a few years of experimenting, we found our ideal combination. This serves as our ultimate workstation monitor blueprint. Here is a summary of the components, and the rationale behind each one.
Main screen: ASUS VA249HE 23.8″
Amazon price:
For my main screen, I decided to go with a VA panel with superior contrast settings. The ASUS VA249 is a 23.8″ VA panel monitor with 3,000:1 ultra-high contrast. It has a non-glare surface, 1920×1080 HD resolution, and a wide 178° viewing angle. It also has four VESA plate screws on the back. Those give the option of removing the base and using a desk mount monitor stand instead.
ASUS VA249 specs
- Physical dimensions: 21.7″ x 13.15″ (without stand)
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080p FHD
- Panel type: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Contrast Ratio: 3000:1 (Static)
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Refresh rate & response times: 75Hz; 5ms
- Ports: HDMI, VGA
- Weight: 11.4 pounds
ASUS VA249 advice
The ASUS VA249 is one of the best budget VA panel screens on the market. The contrast ratio is the highlight. Most VA screens in this price range offer a 1500:1 ratio, which is solid in its own right. The difference of a 3000:1 ratio is most striking when watching films with low light like Apocalypse Now or Barry Lyndon. The latter was shot in a castle using only natural lighting. In candlelit scenes, the ASUS VA249 shows fantastic detail, with everything visible in even the darkest of shots.
For gamers, this monitor is a decent option. It has a reasonable 75Hz refresh rate and supports both FreeSync and Adaptive Sync.
But for non-gamers, the ASUS VA249 offers fantastic value for money. Over full-time sessions, it provides vibrant images with a comprehensive gamut. The high contrast ratio really makes details pop.
Over full-time use, the VA249 also offers excellent eye protection. It comes with a TÜV Rheinland-certified ASUS Blue Light Filter. That pairs with TÜV Rheinland-certified ASUS Flicker-Free technology to reduce eye strain and deliver a comfortable viewing experience.
As the main workstation screen, nothing in this price range matches up to the ASUS VA249.
Second screen: BenQ GW2283 21.5″
Amazon price:
With my main screen decided, I next needed a supplementary screen. Since the secondary position is off to the side, an IPS panel screen makes sense. Those have the best viewing angles. As a result, when positioned to the side, you still get an ultra-clear view of the screen.
To save on desk space, I opted for a smaller screen than my main one. The BenQ 21.5 inch GW2283 IPS monitor provides a great supplement to my main VA panel screen. It has a basic 60 Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time, making it a mediocre option for gamers. For non-gamers, it delivers a crisp 102 PPI, 178° viewing angle, and flicker-free technology.
BenQ GW2283 specs
- Display area: 18.7″ x 10.5″ (without stand)
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080p FHD
- Panel type: IPS
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Refresh rate & response times: 60Hz; 5ms
- Ports: HDMI x 2; D-sub
- Weight: 8.1 pounds
BenQ GW2283 advice
As the second screen in a multi-monitor setup, a BenQ GW2283 monitor is a superb cheap option. If this model doesn’t do it for you, any IPS screen with similar specs can work instead. I tried 2 x 24″ monitors on a dual-monitor stand but wasn’t pleased. For one thing, have an equal-sized side screen made my main screen less prominent, which led to darting eyes. A smaller side screen does the opposite, placing more visual emphasis on the main screen.
For another thing, the extra weight of a larger screen placed more stress on my dual-monitor stand. Mine is rated to support 22 inches on each side, but even so, two 24″ screens looked heavy and made me feel paranoid. If you feel similar, consider buying a BenQ GW2283 21.5″ monitor.
Third screen: Lenovo Legion 5 15″
In most cases, a dual-monitor setup provides plenty of space for professional needs. Adding a third monitor is worth considering for hard-core multi-taskers. For instance, as I’m writing this article, I’m watching UFC fights on one screen, processing photoshop images in another, and writing on the main screen.
Previously, I had a 3-monitor setup connected to a desktop PC. It worked well, but there were downsides.
For one thing, the desktop was more expensive than a laptop. For another, I needed to buy a specialty motherboard to allow three monitor connections (most motherboards only offer two ports). A third problem was that three full-size monitors left me with less desk space for working.
I’m a lot happier using a good-quality laptop as the third screen. The Lenovo Legion 5 comes with a 120Hz 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS. It’s also our top-rated mid-range gaming laptop that serves as a high-end workstation rig.
Dual monitor adjustable desk mount
A nice addition when using a multiple monitor setup is a desk mount. A monitor desk mount attaches to a desk. It then attaches to any monitor that has four screws arranged in a square on the back. Those attach to a VESA plate, which floats the monitor above your desk. As a result, you can remove the monitor stands, freeing up more desk space.
VIVO Dual LCD Monitor Desk Mount
The VIVO Dual LCD Monitor Desk Mount allows for two screens between 13 and 27 inches wide, weighing up to 22 pounds per screen. Each adjustable arm has +90° to -90° tilt, 360° swivel, and 360° rotation. Control the height of both screens along the center pole.
This product also has integrated cable management. That feature lets you organize power and AV cables using detachable cable clips that affix to the arms or center pole. To use, remove your monitor’s base and screw it into the VESA plate.
Few low-key addons can make such a huge impact. The VIVO Dual Mount Monitor stand has six top joints with 180-degree articulation. Loosen the joints to move fluidly, or tighten to fix them in place. In a multitasking environment, this gives unlimited options to arrange your workspace as you need.
Height-adjustable laptop stand
In a multi-monitor setup, you only need to use the laptop’s screen, not the keyboard or trackpad. Lining up the bottom of your screen with the bottom of your main monitor ensures a consistent eye-level view across screens. To achieve that effect, you need a height-adjustable laptop stand.
Actto laptop stand
For a few years, I’ve been using an Actto Silver Multiple Angle stand. There are a few things I like about this stand.
First, it has a solid plastic build that provides reassuring protection for your screen. Second, it’s easy to adjust the height to meet your needs. Third, it’s ultra-touch and nearly indestructible.
Actto Silver laptop stand on Amazon
Nulaxy laptop stand
A far more popular option on Amazon is the Nulaxy Laptop Stand. In sharp contrast to the chunky Actto stand, this version is slick and sophisticated. It has a flat base and a pair of adjustable arms that let you raise or lower the screen.
It’s a super-sturdy base with support for up to 44 pounds. However, it’s such a sleek design that it’s barely noticeable. All you will notice is the laptop floating in the air. That makes the laptop look vulnerable, which makes me feel nervous.
Other monitor alternatives
In a multi-monitor setup, a good VA panel screen will deliver the most spectacular contrast. As such, these are ideal as the main screen. For secondary screens off to the side, any cheap ideal panel will provide sharp images at an angle.
Here are two higher-tier options of each type. The first is a main screen 27″ 2K resolution VA panel alternative. The other is a Full HD (1920 x 1080) 24″ IPS panel monitor that can serve as a second screen. Both are VESA mount compatible. That means you can remove the base and attach to a monitor mount stand instead.
VIOTEK GFV27DAB 27″ VA panel monitor
A 27″ monitor with HD resolution delivers a pixel density of 82 PPI. On Windows 10, that low of a PPI will produce grainy, pixelated graphics. In comparison, a 27″ Quad HD (2K) monitor delivers 93 PPI — optimal for Windows 10.
The VIOTEK GFV27DAB is a pricey, full-featured VA panel gaming monitor. It has Quad HD resolution, a high-end 3000:1 contrast ration, and extra features that appeal to gamers. Those include high refresh rates, fast response times, and a variety of ports that support PC and console connections.
- Physical dimensions: 24.5″ x 18.2″ (with stand)
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440p QHD
- Panel type: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Contrast Ratio: 3000:1 (Static)
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Refresh rate & response times: 144Hz; 1ms
- Ports: HDMI 1.4; HDMI 2.0; DisplayPort; audio out
- Weight: 11.4 pounds
HP 24mh 24″ IPS panel monitor
The HP 24mh FHD Monitor is a great IPS option for a secondary screen. One of Amazon’s best-selling 24″ screens, it offers 75 Hz refresh rates, solid color accuracy, and a 178° wide viewing angle.
This model also comes with multiple ports. Those include HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort. The HP 24mh lacks anti-flicker technology, but that shouldn’t be an issue when used as a second screen.
Conclusion
This article outlines the best monitors and accessories to support a multi-screen workstation setup. The gist of our setup factors is two monitors powered by a good quality workstation. In this case, we used the Lenovo Legion 5, one of the most powerful budget gaming laptops on the market.
The two monitors use a dual monitor desk mount. That deploys a main VA panel screen, which provides the best contrast out of all panel types. It also adds a supplementary IPS panel side screen. Choosing models with anti-flicker technologies will add better eye-protection.
