Buying guide for best HP monitors
Is it time to upgrade your monitor? To get the best visual experience while you’re working, learning, or playing games on your computer, invest in an HP monitor.
HP has been at the forefront of electronic innovation, especially in the last two decades. HP now earns recognition for their monitors, which deliver a second-to-none viewing experience and come in a wide variety of models with specs to suit each user’s needs. From impressive image quality to low-glare displays to energy-efficient models, HP monitors have a lot to offer.
What makes HP monitors even more attractive to consumers is the fact that they’re available at every price point. And no matter what you spend on an HP monitor, you’ll get tremendous value for your money. If you’re wondering which HP monitor would be best for your computer, keep reading. In this guide, we cover essential features to compare and offer shopping tips to make your decision a simple one.
Key considerations
Assessing your needs
Before embarking on your search for an HP monitor, it’s a good idea to assess your monitor needs. If you require a large screen for your workspace, stick to a larger HP monitor. Or, if your budget allows it, consider investing in two or three HP monitors that can be configured together. If you’re a gamer, prioritize resolution quality as well as refresh rate.
Screen size
Screen size refers to the diagonal measurement of the monitor’s screen from corner to corner, not its frame. Dimensions of monitors, on the other hand, refer to the length, width, and depth of a monitor.
HP monitors are available in screen sizes ranging from 22 to 42.5 inches. Choosing a size boils down to two considerations: the amount of space available on your desk and how large your working screen space needs to be. The average user, including students and some professionals, uses a screen up to 27 inches. Other professionals, as well as gamers and creatives, invest in screens that are 31 inches and larger. There are some HP specialty monitors, mostly geared toward gamers, that are as large as 65 inches.
Monitor stand
HP monitors are sold with monitor stands. In many models, the stand is bolted to the back of the monitor, which can be removed easily with a screwdriver or Allen key. Some HP monitors have stationary stands, whereas others offer a range of motion with tilt or adjustable height.
Save the original purchase information for your HP monitor. If possible, keep hard copies. Scanning them into your computer is another option.
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Features
Resolution
One of the first features to compare among HP monitors is screen resolution. This refers to the clarity of images on the screen. The higher the resolution, the sharper the images will be.
Two terms that you’ll find in the resolution specs are FHD (Full High Definition) and 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition). Here’s how they compare.
- FHD has a resolution of 1080p, or 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. These screens rely on progressive scanning to keep up with the rapid motion found in movies, television, and video games. HP monitors that are FHD are a step-up from HD (High Definition) screens.
- A 4K UHD screen has a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. These screens have significantly better resolution than FHD. In fact, 4K UHD has nearly four times as many pixels as FHD. They also offer more accurate motion rendering.
Refresh rate
Refresh rate refers to how many times per second the screen displays a new image (frames per second), which is expressed in hertz, or Hz. For the most part, the higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion. Most HP monitors are available with refresh rates of 60 to 144 Hz.
Control panel
All HP monitors have basic control settings that manage screen brightness, image settings, and color settings.
Select HP monitors also have advanced settings, including programmable profiles for different users. This feature comes in handy when a computer is used by more than one person or when its primary user partakes in tasks with varying screen setting requirements, such as web surfing and gaming.
Anti-glare
Users who experience eye strain related to prolonged screen time should consider one of HP’s anti-glare monitors. The screens are treated with anti-glare coating that minimizes reflections that are harsh on the eyes. While these HP monitors often cost more than others, many consumers agree they are well worth the investment given the relief they provide.
Included accessories
Generally speaking, HP monitors are packaged with an AC power cord. Depending on the monitor, the box will also contain at least one type of cable such as VGA, HDMI, USB, or DisplayPort cables. Some HP monitors come with discs that either provide user tutorials or include software that allows the monitor to be managed via desktop.
Warranty
All HP monitors come with warranties. However, it should be noted that warranties among monitors vary. Limited one-year warranties and three-year standard warranties are the most common. It’s a good idea to register your monitor at the HP website, as it may expedite the processing of warranty claims. HP also sells extended warranties, though they must be purchased at the same time as the monitor.
DID YOU KNOW?
Keep magnets and magnetic jewelry away from monitors, as they can damage screens and result in permanent dark spots.
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Accessories
Screen cleaner: Tech Armor Pro Cleaning Kit
Keep the screen of your HP monitor spotless with this cleaning kit. It comes with an ammonia-free, alcohol-free formula and microfiber clothes.
Monitor stand: Mind Reader Mesh Monitor Stand
Elevate your HP monitor with a stand like this one from Mind Reader. It doubles as a convenient organizer to store paper and other office supplies.
HP monitor prices
HP monitors are available for every budget. Price depends largely on the monitor’s specs.
Entry-level: Entry-level HP monitors cost between $159 and $250. These include mostly FHD monitors that measure 27 inches or less.
Mid-range: These HP monitors run between $250 and $500. Some better-quality FHD monitors are available in this bracket. However, you’ll find mostly 4K UHD models here.
Expensive: Premium HP monitors cost between $550 and $1,000. Not only do these 4K UHD models have a decent assortment of advanced specs, there are quite a few monitors that measure 31 inches and above.
Top-tier: The most expensive HP monitors, priced between $1,000 and $3,799, include state-of-the-art gaming monitors as well as many curved monitors. They’re not as popular given their steep price tags, but they offer the best and latest technology HP has to offer.
If you experience difficulty getting a picture on your HP monitor once it has been hooked up to the computer, the monitor might not be the issue. Before throwing in the towel, try a different HDMI cable or power cable to see if the problem stems from a simple connectivity issue.
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Tips
- Even if an HP monitor isn’t technically considered a gaming monitor, it can still be used for gaming. While it might not have ideal specs or image quality, the monitor will still offer a decent viewing experience.
- If you’re placing a monitor inside a cubicle or on a piece of office furniture, look up the dimensions to confirm it will fit in the space.
- To get the most bang for your buck, consider buying an HP monitor with either a computer, printer, or other device to snag a deal.
FAQ
Q. I see that HP offers some curved monitors. Should I get one instead of a flat-screen monitor?
A. These newer arrivals to the market are touted to deliver a better viewing experience. Not only do they present images in a more natural manner, it’s believed that the curvature helps reduce eye strain. Since curved monitors are still considered new technology, they remain expensive options.
Q. What does it mean if my HP monitor has Blue Light Mode?
A. This premium feature in HP monitors signifies that there is an option to shift an image’s colors to a warmer spectrum. According to many users, the feature offers considerable relief from eye strain, and it may eliminate the need to invest in blue light-blocking glasses.
Q. Is it worth investing in an extended warranty for an HP monitor?
A. To some users, it’s not a bad investment if they’ve spent a lot of money on a premium HP monitor. Others feel it’s not worth the price, which can be $40 or more. They may have reservations about the quality of coverage or customer service.
