How to Choose a Computer Monitor (2025): Everything You Need to Know

All monitors have HDMI and DisplayPort for connecting to a PC (or even VGA if it’s very old). These are the basics. If you want to use the latest port standards in monitors, you’re looking for HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1.

These days, more and more monitors include a built-in USB hub, which can sometimes include USB-A ports, an Ethernet jack, etc. Once you’ve connected via USB-C upstream (or USB-B if the monitor is a bit older), you can plug accessories and peripherals directly into the monitor. This is especially useful if your laptop doesn’t have many ports or if you frequently move your laptop and want to keep it as cable-free as possible. Many monitors also include Power Delivery over USB-C, allowing you to connect and charge your laptop via a single cable.

Some workstation-level monitors go a step further and also include a KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch, which allows you to switch between multiple laptops or PCs, all plugged into the same monitor. Most people don’t need it, but if you use multiple PCs for any reason, it’s essential.

The location of these ports is also important. Ideally, you won’t have to reach behind your monitor too often, because let’s be real, it’s a huge pain. Downward-facing ports are the hardest to reach and see, but give you the cleanest appearance. Rear-facing ports, on the other hand, are easier to plug in. Some of Dell’s new monitors even include a front-facing flip port module for quick access to USB-C or a headphone jack. Some monitor stands include built-in cable management to route your cords, which is a useful feature.

Prices

There is a huge price range for monitors, from under $100 to $5,000 for the Apple Pro Display XDR. Most people will likely buy in the sub-$300 range, which makes options like the Dell 27 Plus 4K so impressive. It’s not a perfect monitor by any means, but in my own testing it hits the right balance in terms of price and quality.

But I love the diversity in the monitor space right now. You’ll have to pay a premium for it, but as a product category it’s matured to a point where you’ll always be able to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a port-filled workstation, a blazing-fast gaming monitor, a display with smart features that doubles as a TV, or maybe even an oversized ultrawide monitor that replaces two monitors.