A contrast ratio of 1000:1 or higher (note that higher is better) is typical of the IPS panels we recommend, which makes the dark areas of a screen easier to see when you’re watching a movie or playing a game.

Contrast ratio: We measured each monitor’s contrast ratio, the difference between the brightest white and the darkest black that the screen can display.

All the monitors we recommend across Wirecutter support VESA mounts, if you want to hang them on your wall or use a separate monitor arm.

More expensive models include stands that can also swivel, raise and lower the monitor’s height, and pivot 90 degrees into portrait mode.

Stands and VESA mount support: For cheaper monitors, a stand that can tilt the monitor up and down without wobbling too much is the best you can hope for.

Taller 1920×1200 monitors usually cost between $200 and $300.

Price: Good 24-inch 1080p monitors generally cost $150 to $250.

Other ports like a USB hub are a nice plus, especially for laptop users.

Ports: We require 24-inch monitors to have a USB-C port with at least 65 W of charging power, as well as an HDMI or DisplayPort.

TN panels are cheaper, but not by much, and IPS panels offer better viewing angles and color reproduction.

Display technology: Look for monitors that use IPS (in-plane switching) display panels, not TN (twisted nematic) panels.

If you’re willing to spend more, taller monitors with a 1920×1200-pixel resolution can provide more usable screen space without an increase in footprint. At this size, 1080p resolution (1920×1080 pixels) will look reasonably sharp, and text and images should be large enough for most people to see without straining their eyes.

Size and resolution: We focus on 24-inch monitors because they’re bigger than any laptop display, but they’re cheaper than a 27-inch monitor and take up less space.

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