Buying guide for Best Dell monitors
Although there are many quality computer monitor manufacturers on the market today, including Asus, Samsung, and Acer, Dell monitors stand apart from the competition for their style, reliability, and array of useful features. Dell monitors are available in a huge variety of types, from budget-friendly monitors for web browsing and video streaming to specialized models for PC gaming and creative professionals.
While the assortment of useful features and display types means there is a Dell monitor for everyone’s needs, it can be difficult to select the best model for you unless you know what to look for. For example, it would be disappointing for a dedicated PC gamer to learn that they should have purchased an ultrawide monitor that supports HDR and AMD FreeSync after buying a lesser model.
Although newer innovations are constantly introduced to the ever-evolving monitor industry, there are a few key things to consider when comparing and contrasting Dell monitors. Read on for more details.
Key considerations
Personal usage
Most people tend to use their PC for a variety of personal uses such as work, gaming, or entertainment. While there are plenty of general-use monitors available, there are also plenty of Dell monitors designed to deliver a premium viewing experience for all three of these categories. We recommend taking a moment to consider the most common ways you use your PC. This knowledge will help you to decide on the best monitor for you.
Work: Do you need a great computer monitor for your professional work? Dell’s Ultrasharp series of monitors are geared toward users who are involved with graphic design, photo editing, and video production. The monitors are slim and stylishly designed with faithful color recreation, a wide color gamut, and vivid yet accurate colors. What’s more, their razor-thin bezels allow multitaskers to connect multiple monitors in a side-by-side fashion with the least amount of space between them.
Dell’s business-oriented monitors are optimized for typists and online collaborators, as they were designed for streamlined efficiency as well as ergonomic comfort. These professional models commonly incorporate features that reduce eye strain and minimize power consumption. Further, they have a larger array of ports for maximum compatibility with your other devices.
Gaming: PC gaming enthusiasts should consider Dell’s Alienware series of premium gaming monitors. Alienware’s best gaming monitors tend to be larger monitors, sporting superior frame rates and higher resolutions for a more immersive and an overall smoother gaming experience. However, these monitors also tend to be pricier than the average Dell monitor.
Other aspects that gamers should consider include ultrawide models with a wide 21:9 aspect ratio. This sizable ratio allows you to see much more of your game’s world at once. Gamers should also look for performance-enhancing technologies such as NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync to reduce input lag and screen tearing.
Entertainment: With so many video streaming apps out there, many of which have high-end features that will make your favorite movies and shows look better than ever, it is well-worth it for binge watchers to seek out a suitable screen. Some aspects you should consider when seeking out a monitor for watching videos include HDR, or “high dynamic range,” a technology that makes colors much more vibrant and highlights noticeably deeper dark and brighter white tones. We also advise potential buyers to consider a bigger screen size. A larger display with a wide viewing angle enables anyone to comfortably see the screen from anywhere in the room.
Size
A monitor’s size is measured diagonally in inches from corner to corner, and Dell offers monitors as small as 17 inches and as large as a mammoth 86-inch screen model. That said, the average display size from Dell is between 24 and 32 inches.
Naturally, the best monitor size for you will depend on a number of factors, including your desk space, your preferred price range, and how you intend to use the monitor. But generally speaking, larger monitors feature a higher resolution and incorporate additional features than smaller (yet more affordable) models.
Resolution
A monitor’s resolution is determined by the number of light-emitting pixels that comprise its screen. Displays featuring more pixels are brighter, feature a wider color gamut, and depict a higher contrast between bright and dark tones. Dell monitors are available in the following resolutions: Full HD/1080p, Quad HD/1440p, WQHD+/1600p, and 4K Ultra HD/4K.
If you plan on viewing a lot of movies or PC games on your new Dell monitor, a higher resolution is the best option, but you should be prepared to spend a little more for a larger display with a superior resolution. On the other hand, a Full HD 1080p monitor may not be as pretty, but it is more than good enough for simple web browsing and online school courses, especially for thrifty buyers.
Ports
When it comes to ports, more is always better, especially when you need to hook up a new gadget to your PC. Some of the key ports the best monitors should have include a DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA, and multiple USB-C and USB 3.0 ports. It is always better to have an extra port on your monitor as opposed to having to buy an adapter later.
Dell’s best gaming monitors include premium gaming technologies such as AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC. These technologies can minimize screen tearing and promote an overall smoother experience for you to enjoy.
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Features
Curved display
The appeal of owning a curved display comes from the sense of immersion viewers feel as they look into a screen that wraps around their peripheral vision. Dell produces a variety of curved monitors, and these models are especially appealing for gamers who are looking for a more engaging experience. They also appeal to some workplace professionals who need a well-designed monitor that naturally minimizes eye strain.
Height adjustable
Whether you are buying a Dell monitor for work or play, a height-adjustable stand is a must-have for anyone who anticipates that they will be staring at their desktop screen for hours on end. Not only are these monitors easily adjusted to match your eye level, but the best ergonomic models tilt, swivel, and rotate for the most comfortable viewing angle possible.
Webcam
Few Dell monitors feature an integrated webcam, but the convenience of a crystal-clear webcam built into your monitor makes these rarer models a top choice for anyone who frequently telecommutes or video chats with friends and family. If you do not have a Dell monitor with a built-in webcam, you may wish to purchase one separately.
Built-in speakers
Dell monitors featuring integrated speakers are relatively common and are available in a range of prices, from those that are basic and affordable to giant 4K models optimized for PC gaming. It is only natural that pricier monitors will include superior speakers with deeper bass, clearer sound, and premium audio technologies.
DID YOU KNOW?
Apple fans should not worry about their new display connecting with a Mac, as modern Dell monitors are optimized to simply work with a Mac right out of the box.
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Accessories
HDMI cable: You will need a reliable and durable HDMI cable to connect your new Dell monitor to your PC.
Ergonomic keyboard: If you are upgrading your home office, we recommend investing in an ergonomic keyboard.
Screen cleaning kit: Tech Armor Pro Cleaning Kit
Nobody wants to look at a murky, smudged display when working on their computer. The formula found in this kit is gentle on your display, and cloths and cleaning wipes are included.
Stand: When you use a monitor stand, you open up some of your desk space for other items, like your favorite cup of java for the workday.
Dell monitor prices
Inexpensive
A new monitor from a great company like Dell does not need to break the bank. If you desire an affordable Dell monitor for web browsing, word processing, and other basic tasks, you have a wide range of options in the $200 and under price bracket. Expect these models to feature a solid Full HD resolution, a swiveling ergonomic stand, and a decent array of ports.
Mid-range
A massive range of Dell monitors become available for buyers with a budget of between $201 and $600. These nicer monitors are a step above the basic ones, and they sport a wider array of features. This includes high-resolution displays, curved screens, and an array of size choices to fit anyone’s desktop.
Expensive
Dell’s biggest and most feature-packed monitors are found here. If you want your choice of the overall best monitors from Dell, expect to look in the price bracket of $600 and above. These are best reserved for dedicated PC game enthusiasts and creative professionals. For the money, you can expect to see gorgeous Dell UltraSharp designs, 4K displays, and massive screen sizes. These great features are common in this price range.
A monitor’s frame rate is measured by how many images it can display per second, so serious PC gamers should look for Dell monitors with a high frame rate in order to enjoy reliably smoother gameplay.
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Tips
- Don’t forget the privacy filter. Consider investing in a privacy filter to discourage nosy onlookers from watching what is happening on your monitor. Privacy filters are available in a huge range of styles and colors. This includes models that hang over the front of your monitor or stick directly to its display.
- Invest in comfort. If you work long hours at your computer — or even if you just spend an hour here or there browsing and emailing — comfort is key to preserving your physical well-being. For this reason, consider an ergonomic keyboard and mouse. Further, a mount that can swivel and rotate and is height-adjustable can save your neck and eyes. And don’t forget a comfortable chair that provides adequate back, neck, and arm support. This key to a superior workstation setup.
- Check your graphics card. While bringing home one of the best 4K monitors Dell makes sounds just wonderful, it would certainly be disappointing to find out that your computer does not support 4K content. Double-check that your computer’s graphics card is compatible with the monitor resolution and response time of the model you want before you buy.
FAQ
Q. How can I find a deal on a new Dell monitor?
A. Major retailers such as Amazon offer deep discounts on new electronics at many points throughout the year, including Prime Day, Black Friday, and the weeks leading up to Christmas. It is a smart idea to shop around even if you think you’ve found the best deal because you never know if a competing shop has an even greater sale.
Q. Should I mount my monitor?
A. Many users find mounting their monitor provides a better viewing experience while also saving precious desk space. Some mounts allow for a variety of movements so you can tilt, swing, and pivot your monitor in various directions. Since VESA mounting interfaces are the industry standard for mountable computer monitors, double-check that any Dell monitor you are considering is VESA compatible before you buy.
Q. How long does the warranty for a new Dell monitor last?
A. Most Dell monitors are covered by a three-year warranty. However, it is notable that their especially affordable S-series of consumer models are only backed by a one-year warranty.
Q. What is a good way to minimize or even prevent eye strain while looking at a computer monitor?
A. Consider investing in a pair of glasses that block blue light. You could keep the glasses at your computer desk and wear them when using your device. Some people also like to keep a pair on their nightstand for use when looking at their phone and tablet.
