If you need help deciding what monitor to get for a workstation, why not take a look at what other businesses are choosing? We take a look at the top ten most-purchased models from the first half of 2015. We also noticed a few trends on this list that should impact your purchasing decision.
Most importantly, we see in-plane switching (IPS) panels outnumbering twisted nematic (TN) displays five to four, with one vertical alignment (VA) panel in there as well. For an in-depth guide on the types of panels found in monitors, see our Computer Monitor Buying Guide.
Acer and Dell are represented, with five monitors each. Dell’s presence in the workplace shouldn’t be a surprise because they’ve been bundling their monitors with their desktop machines for years.
A 1440p (Quad HD) monitor makes it onto this list, which could signify that companies are ready to move onto larger resolutions for workstations. But there are no 120 Hz monitors to be found below. On to the list!
| Size | 27-inch |
| Resolution | 2560 × 1440 |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000:1 |
| Response Time | 6 ms |
| Built-in Speakers | Yes |
| Price | $399.99 |
Acer beating out Dell for the top spot came as a surprise as Dell has typically dominated the 27-inch 1440p market segment with its UltraSharp line. One large contributing factor for that could be that this Acer comes in priced much lower than its competitor, the Dell UltraSharp U2713H, which has similar specs and is priced at $717.99. This Acer is a good choice for power users and content creators.
| Size | 24-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000:1 |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Built-in Speakers | No |
| Price | $229.99 |
While the Acer listed above caters to power users and content creators, this Dell offering is most appropriate for standard business users. While it doesn’t stand out in terms of specs, its price makes it a good deal. This Dell monitor has virtually the same technical specs as the Acer S220HQLAbd, which appears later on this list at a similar price point..
| Size | 23-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000:1 |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Built-in Speakers | No |
| Price | $209.99 |
At 24-inches, the P2314H packs the advantages of an IPS panel with wider viewing angles and better image quality in a smaller and more workspace-friendly size. A good choice for coders, though perhaps a bit cramped for designers.
| Size | 24-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000:1 |
| Response Time | 8 ms |
| Built-in Speakers | No, but optional Soundbar available |
| Price | $309.99 |
The Dell UltraSharp has become the industry standard for designers and artists over the past several years. So what does the UltraSharp branding get you? For starters, it gets you very good mount adjustability (height, swivel, and pivot) and the Dell Dead Pixel Policy. While under warranty, you can exchange the monitor for another if you have any problems with dead pixels.
| Size | 27-inch |
| Resolution | 1980 × 1080 |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000:1 |
| Response Time | 8 ms |
| Built-in Speakers | Yes |
| Price | $249.99 |
While Acer’s model numbers don’t exactly roll off the tongue, they do perform very well. This is the only vertical alignment (VA) panel on this list and it features a 1080p resolution. What sets the G6 series apart is the very slim bezel, which makes it a good choice for users that want to use multi-monitor setups. When it comes to multi-monitors, having large bezels can detract from the visual experience.
| Size | 23.8-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000:1 |
| Response Time | 8 ms |
| Built-in Speakers | No, but optional Soundbar available |
| Price | $249.99 |
The U2414H is the successor to the U2412M and features an HDMI input not found on the M, a thinner bezel, and improved anti-glare coating (which isn’t mentioned in the technical spec sheet) and backlight hardware. As with the U2412M, expect the same UltraSharp mount adjustability and Dead Pixel Policy.
| Size | 24-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Contrast Ratio | 3,000:1 |
| Response Time | 6 ms |
| Built-in Speakers | No |
| Price | $299.99 |
This Acer screen has a high contrast ratio, thin form factor, and tilt adjustability that sets it apart from similar models on the market. Does the increased contrast ratio make up for the price? Perhaps for creative users that demand high image quality, but do not want to spring for an IPS panel..
| Size | 21.5-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000:1 |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Built-in Speakers | No |
| Price | $109.99 |
The Acer S series of monitors feature very slim frames and this one has many user reviews averaging out to a solid 4/5 egg rating. At $109.99, it is also the lowest priced offering on this list. The downside of such a low price point is that it is a TN panel, doesn’t have HDMI input, and fairly limited mount adjustability.
| Size | 24-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000:1 |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Built-in Speakers | Yes |
| Price | $169.99 |
This Acer S-series monitor also features a slim form factor, but adds an additional HDMI input and built-in speakers.
| Size | 23-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000:1 |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Built-in Speakers | No |
| Price | $169.99 |
This display features very thin bezels and a slim design, making it an excellent choice for multi-monitor setups. The IPS panel gives it very good side-to-side viewing angles and improved image quality. At 23-inches however, it is on the small side for multimedia creators.
