Buying guide for Best LG monitors
Modern computers are complex, high-performance machines capable of incredible feats. Whether it’s rendering animations, executing calculations, mining data, or creating entire virtual environments, computers are able to accomplish a staggering number of tasks at the same time. In the end, though, it all comes down to your monitor. Your monitor is the primary way your computer conveys information to you, and if your screen is subpar, your experience will be lackluster. If you’re in the market for a new monitor, you can’t go wrong with an LG.
LG is a company that has your needs covered, whether you’re looking for your first monitor or seeking a high-end upgrade. LG offers monitors specifically for gamers, with extremely high refresh rates, low response times, and crystal-clear high-resolution displays. The brand also offers a variety of general-purpose models with features like curved screens, G-Sync, FreeSync, and HDR.
We’ve compiled this buying guide to break down exactly what those terms mean, as well as highlight a few of our favorites from LG’s catalog.
Key considerations
Size
If you’re reading this guide, odds are you’re staring at your computer screen for long periods of time. That makes the size and aspect ratio of your monitor all the more important because they dictate how much you’ll be moving your head, the strain on your eyes, and the layout of your workspace.
Monitor size is simple. It’s the diagonal measurement of the screen. LG currently offers monitors measuring 21.5 inches all the way up to 38 inches, but the majority of consumers use models that are around 24 inches.
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio is the screen’s width relative to the screen’s height. The ratio dictates whether or not the monitor is more square or more rectangular. Although you can find stretched monitors with aspect ratios of 21:9 and 32:9, the most common ratio is 16:9. This is because it allows for the most popular screen resolutions.
Resolution
Screen resolution determines how many pixels the monitor has in total, displayed in length by width. For instance, a screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution (also known as 1080p or FHD), measures 1,920 pixels wide by 1,080 pixels high. These monitors project noticeably sharper images than those with lower resolution. The reason for this is pixel density: the higher the pixel density, the better the picture quality.
On the whole, 1080p monitors are more popular than any other resolution, but there’s a wide gamut of options. We’ve listed the options below, followed by their respective aspect ratios.
- 480p/SD (640 x 480 or 4:3)
- 720p/HD (1280 x 720 or 16:9)
- 1080p/FHD (1920 x 1080 or 16:9)
- 1440p/2K/QHD (2560 x 1440 or 16:9)
- UltraWide QHD (3440 x 1440 or 21:9)
- 2160p/4K/UHD (3840 x 2160 or 16:9)
- 5K (5120 x 2889 or 16:9)
- 8K (7680 x 4320 or 16:9)
Refresh rate
You can have the highest-resolution screen available, but it still won’t look smooth without a healthy refresh rate. In a nutshell, refresh rate is how often your screen updates with new information every second, and it’s measured in hertz (Hz). The lowest refresh rate you’ll find on a new monitor today is 60 hertz, and that’s more than sufficient for watching movies, browsing the web, and accomplishing work tasks. There are 75-hertz, 144-hertz, and 240-hertz units available, though, with each one offering increasingly seamless transitions compared to the lower-hertz model before it.
While higher refresh rates are always better, you only need to budget for more than 60 hertz if you’re building a high-end gaming setup. If you plan on buying a monitor for that purpose, measure your average frames per second (FPS) in-game, and buy a model with similar capabilities to avoid spending too much.
Response time
The response time of your monitor goes hand in hand with its refresh rate to determine how “fast” it feels. While the refresh rate tells you how many times the monitor updates per second, the response time tells you how long it takes for the screen to change the color of its pixels. This may not sound like a lot but shifting the colors of pixels makes things “move” on your screen, whether it's building a homestead in Minecraft or blasting down the freeway in Grand Theft Auto 5.
Again, much like refresh rate, response time is a primary concern for gamers. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms), and we recommend a response time below 5 milliseconds. If the response time is too high, you could notice motion blur or fuzziness while gaming.
Did You Know?
Dual-monitor computer setups are all the rage among graphic designers, business owners, and artists because they facilitate easy multitasking. Gamers and streamers often put their game on one monitor and streaming software, Discord, and web browsers on the other.
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Features
Curved screens
Computer monitors may never be as immersive as virtual reality systems, but curved displays offer a unique compromise. As the name suggests, curved monitors have extended widths and bend in toward the viewer on the sides. The main goal is to maximize immersion for the user, as more of their field of view is taken up by the screen.
Curved monitors have also been shown to reduce eyestrain, however. Our eyes see the world in three dimensions, but a flat screen can only display things in two dimensions. This causes your eyes to naturally focus on the center of the screen, which means the edges are lost in your periphery. Curved screens allow your eyes to focus more naturally.
There’s a key figure to keep in mind when buying a curved monitor, and it relates to how dramatic the curvature is and what the recommended viewing distance is. For instance, a 1500R monitor features a curve radius of 1,500 millimeters, and it’s recommended that you view the screen at a maximum of 1.5 meters.
V-Sync, G-Sync, and FreeSync
Sometimes, there’s a slight disconnect between your computer’s graphics processing unit (GPU or graphics card) and your monitor, specifically, how many frames per second each of them puts out. If the numbers are not matched up, your screen can display information from multiple frames in a single image, resulting in ugly screen tearing.
To combat this, manufacturers have devised myriad features, including V-Sync, G-Sync, FreeSync, and others. These features are similar but have distinct differences.
V-Sync: Short for “vertical sync,” this essentially forces the GPU’s frame rate to match the monitor’s refresh rate, which keeps the screen clear of unsightly artifacts.
G-Sync and FreeSync: These effectively do the opposite, dynamically matching the display refresh rate to the GPU.
While these features can certainly go a long way toward eliminating stuttering and tearing, gamers often turn them off to reduce input lag and drops in frames per second.
Ports
Put simply, the more the better! Additional input ports give you more freedom to arrange your monitor(s) as you please while also permitting multi-monitor setups and fun peripherals. High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cables are the industry standard because they can transmit audio and video at the same time. DisplayPorts are video only but still very common, as are USB, USB-C, and VGA ports.
A computer monitor usually comes with its own stand, which sits flat on your work surface. Some people prefer a wall mount for a cleaner look and increased desk space. No matter which mount you choose, position the top of your monitor at eye level to reduce neck strain.
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LG monitor prices
LG offers some of the highest-quality, most feature-packed monitors on the market, but there are plenty of high-value options in their catalog as well.
Inexpensive: You’ll be surprised by what you can get for just $100 to $250. LG’s entry-level price point still offers 1080p, 75-hertz monitors measuring up to 32 inches, with features like FreeSync, thin bezels, and black stabilizers aplenty.
Mid-range: Jump up to $300 to $500 and you’ll be rewarded with extra-crisp 4K monitors in both 16:9 and extended 21:9 aspect ratios. You’ll also benefit from more gaming-specific models with low response times and higher refresh rates.
Expensive: At $600 to $1,000, you’re into the serious kit, with LG’s UltraWide, UltraGear, and UltraFine submodels. These typically feature extended widths, 4K or above resolution, curved screens, and next-level refresh rates and response times. Though rare, LG does offer a handful of monitors that cost more than $1,500.
Did You Know?
LG offers three specialty subcategories of monitors. UltraFine monitors offer stunning clarity and fine details, with a focus on accurate colors for media editing and viewing. UltraGear monitors boast high-performance gaming features. UltraWide monitors are obviously the largest, enabling next-level multitasking on one screen.
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Tips
- Go higher. For gaming, avoid bottlenecks by choosing a monitor with a higher refresh rate than your average frames per second. If you run a game at 140 frames per second, but your monitor can only display 60, you’re not really getting your money’s worth.
- Turn off in-game motion blur. Your games will look much cleaner and crisper without it, allowing you to take advantage of your monitor’s true capabilities.
- Position your monitor in a spot that facilitates healthy posture. This is especially important if you’re at your computer for long periods of time. In general, keep the top of your monitor at eye level to help reduce neck and back strain.
- Consider shopping for an earlier generation model. Electronics tend to dip significantly in price when a new generation comes out, and computer monitors are no different. The older models still have modern features but for a better value.
FAQ
Q. What’s the best monitor type for gaming?
A. Gamers demand a lot from their computers, and they need high-performance monitors to go with their high-end PCs. Otherwise, they won’t reap the benefits of a smooth and responsive system.
Put simply, gaming monitors need to be fast compared to standard models, but there are several factors that determine how fast a monitor is. The first is refresh rate, which dictates how quickly your screen can update with new information every second. Refresh rates are measured in hertz. The top of the consumer range is 240 hertz, which means a 240-hertz monitor can display 240 frames per second.
The second is response time. Response time measures how long it takes a monitor to shift the color of its pixels after it receives an input command. On a large scale, this translates to player movement, game effects, environment changes, and more. These figures are displayed in milliseconds.
In a nutshell, higher refresh rates and lower response times are things to look out for. For gaming, we recommend monitors with at least a 75-hertz refresh rate and a response time below 5 milliseconds.
Q. What’s the best way to clean my monitor?
A. Much like television screens, computer monitors tend to attract dust and dirt. Some of this can be attributed to static electricity, some of it to the large, flat surface areas, but what you really need to know is how to keep your screen tidy. If not, you’ll have a cloudy and subpar viewing experience.
The first thing you want to do when cleaning your monitor is turn it off and disconnect the power cord. Not only is it easier to see imperfections on a powered-down screen, but shutting down the power removes any risk of damage if you use a liquid cleaner. Next, if there’s considerable buildup, use compressed air to blow off the excess. Then use a small amount of nonabrasive monitor cleaner on a soft microfiber cloth to gently remove the rest. Do not spray the liquid directly on the screen. Remember to use very light pressure to prevent scratching.
Q. How do I set up dual monitors?
A. If multitasking is a significant part of your work or leisure routine, a dual-monitor setup can drastically improve your experience. Almost any modern PC or laptop has the ability to run two monitors so long as you have enough free ports (VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort) to accommodate both.
For Windows, arrange your monitors, plug in their power cords, and connect them to your PC via your preferred cable. Next, right-click your desktop and click Display Settings or Screen Resolution, whichever option your version offers. Doing so will pull up a dialog box where you can change the monitor resolution and tailor how the screens work together. Select one as your primary monitor because this will keep your taskbar and Start button in the same place.
On a Mac, set up your monitors and open the Apple menu. Click through System Preferences to Displays, then click the Detect Displays button. From there you can decide whether you want the monitors to act separately, as one connected screen, or utilize video monitoring.
