Key takeaways
- 24 inches at 1080p is fine for general work. 27 inches is more comfortable with a higher resolution such as 1440p.
- An IPS panel is a safe choice for text, colour and viewing angles. A height-adjustable stand matters more than most spec-sheet extras.
- One USB-C cable that carries video and charges your laptop makes a tidy desk.
- Set the top of the screen at about eye level and take regular breaks. Comfort beats specs.
In this guide
A good monitor is one of the best upgrades you can make to a home office. Your laptop screen is small, and working hunched over it for hours is hard on your neck. Here is how to choose a monitor that fits your desk and your work.
Size and resolution go together
- 24 inches at Full HD (1920 x 1080): a good all-rounder for general work and smaller desks.
- 27 inches at QHD (2560 x 1440): a popular choice for office work. Text is sharp and you get plenty of space for two windows side by side.
- 27 to 32 inches at 4K: useful for photo and video editing or if you like scaling. It asks more of your computer.
- Ultrawide (34 inches and up): one wide screen instead of two monitors. Check your computer can drive the resolution, and that your desk is deep enough.
A bigger screen at the same low resolution looks softer, so do not raise the size without raising the resolution.
Panel type
- IPS: the safe default. Good colour, wide viewing angles, and clear text.
- VA: higher contrast, so blacks look deeper, but can have slower response or narrower angles.
- TN: fast and cheap, but colours shift when you look from the side. Rarely the right choice for an office monitor.
Refresh rate and response time
For office work, 60Hz is fine. A 75 to 100Hz panel makes scrolling and cursor movement feel smoother, and is a nice bonus if it does not add much cost. Very high refresh rates matter mainly for gaming.
Connections: make your desk tidy
- USB-C with power delivery lets one cable carry video and charge your laptop. It is the single biggest convenience feature if your laptop supports it.
- HDMI and DisplayPort cover most other setups. Check that the ports on the monitor match your computer.
- A USB hub built into the monitor can turn it into a docking station.
Ergonomics matter more than they look
A cheap monitor with a height-adjustable stand can beat an expensive one that cannot move. Look for:
- Height and tilt adjustment. You want the top of the screen at about eye level, an arm's length away.
- VESA mount holes (commonly 75 x 75 or 100 x 100mm) if you want a monitor arm that frees desk space.
- Pivot or swivel if you like a vertical screen for documents.
In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive publishes guidance on display screen equipment, which covers posture, breaks and setting up a workstation.
Features that sound better than they are
- "HDR" on budget monitors often does little. Do not pay extra for the label alone.
- Speakers built into monitors are usually basic. A headset is better for calls.
- Blue light modes are fine to use, but evidence for eye protection is mixed. Brightness and breaks matter more.
Check before you buy on Amazon UK
- Match the exact model number between the listing, the photos and the manufacturer's page.
- Check the ports you need are actually on the monitor.
- Look at the return policy in case you notice dead pixels or backlight bleed.
- Read the lower-star reviews for common faults.
Which setup suits you?
- Small desk, general work: a 24-inch Full HD monitor on an adjustable stand.
- Spreadsheets and multitasking: a 27-inch QHD monitor so you can keep two windows side by side.
- Creative work: a monitor with good colour coverage, a 27-inch or larger size and a higher resolution. Look at independent reviews for colour accuracy.
- Laptop-only home worker: a USB-C monitor with power delivery and a built-in hub, so one cable connects everything.
- Shared desks or small spaces: a monitor arm to free surface space and let you position the screen.
Setting up your desk comfortably
- Place the monitor about an arm's length away.
- Put the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level.
- Tilt the screen slightly back and avoid glare from windows.
- Keep your keyboard and mouse at elbow height.
- Take short breaks and look away from the screen regularly.
A short glossary
- Resolution: the number of pixels on screen, such as 1920 x 1080.
- IPS, VA, TN: types of panel with different strengths for colour, contrast and speed.
- Refresh rate: how many times per second the screen redraws, measured in Hz.
- VESA mount: a standard set of mounting holes for monitor arms and wall brackets.
- USB-C PD: a single-cable connection that carries video, data and power.
If you are also choosing a laptop, our guide to buying a laptop under £500 explains how to read a listing. Browse live listings in our Computers & Accessories department.
Frequently asked questions
Is 24 or 27 inches better for home working?
24 inches suits smaller desks and 1080p. 27 inches gives more room for side-by-side windows and looks sharper at 1440p. Make sure your desk depth allows a comfortable viewing distance.
Do I need a 4K monitor?
Not for most office work. 4K is nice for photo and video editing and at larger sizes, but a good 1440p monitor is a sweet spot for many people.
Are curved monitors worth it?
They can feel immersive on very wide screens. For ordinary office use, a flat monitor is perfectly good and often cheaper.
Do blue light filters help?
Evidence for blue light settings protecting eyes is mixed. Taking regular breaks, correct brightness and good posture are more reliably helpful.
How we write our guides: they explain what to look for, based on general knowledge and published guidance. We have not tested every product mentioned, and prices and availability change. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. See our Editorial Guidelines and Affiliate Disclosure.
