When it comes to upgrading or buying a new monitor, the number of options can be overwhelming.

Each type of monitor has its unique features, pros, and cons, making them suitable for different tasks.

Let’s explore six of the most popular types of monitors and what makes each one special.

Quick Answer:

Monitors can be categorized based on display technology into types like CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), LED (Light Emitting Diode), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes), and QLED (Quantum-dot Light Emitting Diode). They can also be classified by purpose, such as gaming, professional, or general use.

1. LCD Monitors

LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. It’s the oldest type of monitor on this list, but don’t discount it just yet.

Pros: LCD monitors are usually the most budget-friendly choice. They also consume less power than older CRT monitors, making them an eco-friendly option.

Cons: LCD monitors often have less accurate colour representation and narrower viewing angles. This means colours might look different when you look at the screen from the side.

Best for: General computer use, such as web browsing or office work.

Price Range: $50-$200

2. LED Monitors

LED, or Light Emitting Diodes monitors, are an upgrade to LCDs.

They use tiny light-emitting diodes to illuminate the screen, improving image quality.

Pros: LED monitors consume less power and offer brighter images with better contrast than LCDs.

Cons: While they provide improved performance, LED monitors are more expensive than their LCD counterparts.

Best for: Multimedia applications, casual gaming, and general computer use.

Price Range: $100-$500

3. OLED Monitors

OLED, or Organic Light Emitting Diodes, is a newer technology that provides superior image quality.

Each pixel produces its light, resulting in fantastic contrast ratios.

Pros: OLED monitors deliver superior colour accuracy, contrast ratios, and faster refresh rates.

Cons: The main downside of OLED is its high cost. Additionally, they are prone to ‘burn-in’—a permanent mark left on the screen when an image is displayed for a long period.

Best for: Professional graphic design, video editing, and high-end gaming.

Price Range: $500-$2000

4. Curved Monitors

Curved monitors are designed to take advantage of our natural field of view. They have a curved panel instead of a flat one.

Pros: They provide an immersive viewing experience and are less straining on the eyes during long viewing periods.

Cons: They can be more expensive and take up more space than flat monitors. Additionally, they may distort images if viewed from an angle.

Best for: Gaming and immersive multimedia experiences.

Price Range: $200-$1000

5. Flat Monitors

Flat monitors are the standard and most common type. They come in all the technologies mentioned above (LCD, LED, OLED).

Pros: Flat monitors are versatile, less expensive, and suitable for multi-monitor setups due to their slim profiles.

Cons: They offer less immersion compared to curved monitors and can have limited viewing angles.

Best for: Office work, content creation, general use, and multi-monitor setups.

Price Range: $50-$2000 (depending on the technology)

6. Ultrawide Monitors

Ultrawide monitors are wider than standard monitors, offering more screen real estate for multitasking.

Pros: Increased screen space allows for multitasking, an immersive gaming experience, and better productivity.

Cons: They are often expensive, require a powerful computer to run at full potential, and may not fit in smaller workspaces.

Best for: Multitasking, professional content creation, and gaming.

Price Range: $200-$2000

FAQs

Ques 1: Which type of monitor is best for gaming?

Ans: It depends on your budget and the type of gaming. High-end gamers often prefer OLED or high-refresh-rate LED monitors.

While ultrawide or curved monitors can offer an immersive gaming experience.

Ques 2: Are curved monitors better than flat ones?

Ans: It’s a matter of personal preference. Curved monitors can provide a more immersive viewing experience, which is great for gaming and movies.

A flat-monitor might be more suitable for tasks like photo editing due to less image distortion.

Ques 3: Do I need an ultrawide monitor?

Ans: If you multitask or are a gamer or creative professional seeking an immersive experience, an ultrawide monitor could be a good choice. Just make sure your desk has enough space!

This guide has helped you better understand the different types of monitors available today.

Remember, the best monitor for you depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Happy shopping!