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8 Best HP PC Monitors for Everyday Use
Michelle Wilson
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April 27, 2020
Your monitor is your window to the world, the hub of your entertainment system, a tool for work, and a way to visualize your projects. The right display is paramount to the full enjoyment of your PC. But if you’re in the market for a new monitor, you might not be certain what features to focus on.
Frames per second, resolution, controls - there’s a lot to consider when you’re trying to find the best PC monitor. With that in mind, let’s dive into the most important aspects of a monitor and which HP displays best fit your home office requirements.
The best PC monitor features
Before you purchase a new monitor, take some time to learn about the features that can enhance your workflow or make your streaming session more enjoyable. The best computer monitor for home users depends on your particular needs. Listed below are some of the top specs you can expect to see listed in a display description that might give you an idea of whether or not the monitor is right for you.
Resolution
The resolution of a monitor simply refers to the number of pixels in the display. It’s also a common term used for a variety of devices that denote the sharpness and clarity of monitors, printed images, and other digital mediums. Today, the most common resolution you’ll see on the market is 1920 x 1080, which is also known as Full High Definition (FHD) or 1080p. In this case, resolution refers to how many pixels the monitor uses horizontally, 1920 pixels, and vertically, 1080 pixels. Common sizes are:
- 1366 x 768 High Definition (HD)
- 1920 x 1080 Full High Definition (FHD)
- 1920 x 1200 Wide Ultra Extended Graphics Array (WUXGA)
- 2560 x 1440 Quad High Definition (QHD)
- 3440 x 1440 Wide Quad High Definition (WQHD)
- 3840 x 2160 4K or Ultra High Definition (UHD)
As a rule, the higher the resolution, the better the picture. You’ll want to invest in a display with a higher resolution like 4K if you want superior quality for editing photos or watching videos.
Response time
Response time is how quickly a pixel can change from active to inactive and back to active. The lower the response time the better, since that equates to fewer unwanted visual artifacts like blurred or smudged lines in the picture.
Refresh rate
Don’t confuse response time with a display’s refresh rate although, at the outset, they seem similar. The refresh rate is the number of times a screen can show a new image every second, expressed in Hertz. Usually, displays have refresh rates of 60 Hz but the best computer monitors can be 120 Hz to144 Hz or even higher. Higher refresh rates are more geared toward serious PC gamers who want smooth, tear-free images on their display.
Contrast
Contrast or contrast ratio is the measure between the darkest blacks and the lightest whites. A high contrast ratio means an image is more vivid. In terms of what to expect when you’re reviewing a list of specs for a monitor, you’ll see a number like 1000:1 listed as the contrast ratio. The bigger the first number, the bigger the difference between the deepest shade of black and the brightest shade of white.
Brightness
If you’re working in a brightly lit home office or sitting in a dark room waiting for a movie to load, the brightness of your monitor makes a huge difference in your enjoyment of your experience. Higher brightness is great if you work next to big windows or in a very bright room, anything from 250 cd/m2 to 350 cd/m2 works for the majority of users. It’s also important to be able to change the brightness of your monitor so you can mitigate the risk of eye strain.
Connections
Before deciding on a particular display model, make sure to check the ports and connections available. For example, if you want to play videos or movies, you may want to consider looking for monitors with HDMI or DisplayPort connections. If you plan to connect external devices like digital cameras, you’ll probably also want a few USB ports, too.
Touch screen
For those interested in a more interactive experience with their monitor, a touch-enabled display may be a practical option. If you decide on a touch screen, make sure that it has easy-to-use shortcuts that will enhance, not detract, from your computing experience. These types of monitors are also great for those who enjoy digital art software and want to pair their touch screen with a stylus for more precise line-drawing.
A touch screen can also be a faster way to get your work done especially on dual monitor setups since you can more quickly and intuitively navigate on the screen.
The 8 best HP PC monitors
1. HP 24UH 24-inch monitor
If you’re looking for an economical choice for your monitor that still provides incredible levels of color veracity, the HP 24UH 24-inch monitor may fit your needs. You can use it as a primary or secondary monitor whether you work from home or you just need a display for entertainment purposes.
This 24-inch diagonal Full High Definition (FHD) display provides you with a streamlined answer to your home office requirements with its array of impressive specs. It’s also ready to expand your home office potential with a variety of connections including HDMI, VGA, and DVI-D.
In addition, this monitor meets stringent energy efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. Plus, components of the packaging are recyclable, the display glass used is arsenic free, and the LED backlighting is mercury-free.
Key specifications:
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1 static; 10000000:1 dynamic
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- Signal input connectors: 1 VGA, 1 DVI, 1 HDMI
- Tilt: -5 degrees to +25 degrees
2. HP 25er 25-inch display
HP’s thinnest LCD display doesn’t disappoint. The HP 25er display is designed from the ground up to provide the best view from almost any angle. High-strength, lightweight metal delivers a sleek look, but don’t worry, it still has the specs to make it much more than just a beautiful centerpiece to your workspace.
With a 1080p resolution and a high contrast ratio, this monitor is a great addition to your home office. Boasting Technicolor Color Certification, you can expect true-to-life colors perfect for your photo-editing sessions.
Key specifications:
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 static; 10000000:1 dynamic
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- Signal input connectors: 1 VGA, 2 HDMI
- Tilt: -5 degrees to +25 degrees
3. HP Pavilion 27q display
The HP Pavilion 27q display doesn’t skimp on the resolution at 2560 x 1440 at 60 Hz. This edge-to-edge design provides users with minimalistic bezels and wide viewing angles so any seat is the best seat in the house for taking in those 3.7 million pixels.
Dual HDMI ports and AMD FreeSync™ means an entirely new world of gameplay and expansive options to turn your home office into a versatile entertainment system.
Key specifications:
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 at 60 Hz
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 static; 10000000:1 dynamic
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- Signal input connectors: 1 DisplayPort 1.2, 2 HDMI 1.4, 1 VGA
- Tilt: -5 degrees to +25 degrees
4. HP Pavilion 32 32-inch display
Go bold with the HP Pavilion 32-inch display which boasts big screen visuals that impress and dazzle. You can connect all of your external devices with dual HDMI and DisplayPort connections whether you want to create a multi-screen workspace, add a speaker, or connect another peripheral to expand your home PC experience.
At 32 inches of diagonal screen space, you’ll have plenty of visual real estate to watch your favorite movies or make the most of your work-from-home day.
Key specifications:
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 at 60 Hz
- Contrast Ratio: 3000:1 static; 10000000:1 dynamic
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- Signal input connectors: 2 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort
- Ports: 3 USB 2.0
- Tilt: -5 degrees to +21 degrees
5. HP OMEN 32 32-inch display
The HP OMEN 32 32-inch display has everything you need - plus a few extras. With the anti-glare screen, you can work confidently in any lighted environment. You also have many connection options to expand the functions of this monitor thanks to 2 HDMI and DisplayPort 1.2 connections. In addition, 3 USB 2.0 ports allow you to connect speakers and other peripherals to maximize your monitor’s potential.
You can be sure that you’re doing your part as a responsible consumer with a device that meets energy efficiency standards. This device has both an ENERGY STAR® 7.0 certification and EPEAT® Silver registration.
Experience the difference in your gameplay or streaming sessions with specs that deliver fluid, responsive performance.
Key specifications:
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 at 75 Hz
- Contrast ratio: 3000:1 static; 10000000:1 dynamic
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- Signal input connectors: 1 DisplayPort 1.2, 2 HDMI
- Ports: 3 USB 2.0
- Tilt: -5 degrees to +21 degrees
6. HP Pavilion 27 Quantum Dot 27-inch display
If you need to create or edit photos or video, the HP Pavilion 27 Quantum Dot display is ready to make your work better than ever. It’s HP’s thinnest-ever Quad High Definition (QHD) display. Movie theater level visuals? Done. A whole gamut of colors at your fingertips? Check. A beautifully sleek construction at home on any desk or media table? You got it.
This monitor is built with the modern minimalist in mind. More screen and less bezel means you get more screen real estate for what matters.
Key specifications:
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 at 60 Hz
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 static; 5000000:1 dynamic
- Brightness: 400 cd/m²
- Signal input connectors: 1 DisplayPort, 1 HDMI 2.0
- Ports: 1 USB Type-C, 2 USB 3.0
- Tilt: -5 degrees to +15 degrees
7. HP OMEN X 35 curved display
As you shop around for a new monitor, you might see a new type of screen you haven’t come across before: the curved display. What’s so great about a few extra curves? Well, curved monitors are designed to mimic a more true-to-life visual experience that takes your peripheral vision into the picture, so to speak.
It also helps limit the effects of distortion since light is being directed more naturally to your eye rather than to the sides of your head like with a flat monitor. The curved display also cuts down on glare.
If that sounds like your kind of monitor, we’ve got a recommendation that might just be the answer to your home office and entertainment desires.
Immerse yourself in your display so you can see your projects how they’re meant to be seen with the HP OMEN X 35 curved display. With adjustable height and ambient lighting to diffuse the brightness of your display during even the darkest late-night work sessions, you’ll be sure to accomplish more than ever before.
This screen boasts 34% more screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio and high contrast ratio for punchy, vivid visuals.
Key specifications:
- Resolution: 2440 x 1440 at 100 Hz
- Contrast Ratio: 2500:1 static
- Brightness: 250 cd/m2
- Signal input connectors: 1 DisplayPort, 1 HDMI
- Tilt: -5 degrees to +23 degrees
8. HP OMEN X Emperium 65-inch big format gaming display
If you’re ready to take your home entertainment experience to the next level, the HP OMEN X Emperium 65 delivers on all fronts. Embrace the unmatched, stunning visuals of 4K. 65 inches of screen real estate means you can completely lose yourself in a cinematic landscape and enjoy a theater-like experience.
Built-in NVIDIA® SHIELD® streaming technology grants you access to hundreds of apps like Netflix and Hulu. In addition, you can game from the cloud or cast from your PC. What really puts this monitor over the top is the HP OMEN X Emperium soundbar. High-grade speakers and three stereo amps at 120 watts deliver ample volume and crystal-clear sound. Two audio modes allow you to choose and customize your audio experience for either gaming or entertainment.
Key specifications:
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 at 144 Hz
- Contrast ratio: 4000:1 static
- Brightness: 750 cd/m²
- Signal input connectors: 1 DisplayPort 1.4, 3 HDMI 2.0
- Ports: 1 audio-out, 1 Ethernet, 2 USB 3.0, 1 SPDIF
- Tilt: -4 degrees to +22 degrees
Best PC monitors for home office
The best PC monitor for your home depends on what you’re planning on using it for and whether it’s your primary or secondary display. With this article as a guide, you can maximize your monitor and enhance your home office experience for work and play.
About the Author: Michelle Wilson is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Michelle is a content creation specialist writing for a variety of industries, including tech trends and media news.
