Monitors Buying Guide (2026): What to Check Before You Buy

What to look for

• At 27 inches, 4K gives crisp text for work; 1440p is the sweet spot for high-refresh gaming.
• USB-C with power delivery lets one cable charge and connect your laptop, so match the wattage to your charger.
• Gamers should look for 144Hz or higher; office work is fine at 60Hz.
• An adjustable stand with height and tilt saves your neck, or plan on a VESA arm.

How much to spend

Typical prices run from £259 to £1,449. Budget models cover the basics; spending more usually buys one-cable USB-C hub with 4K IPS Black panel. Only pay for features you will use.

Who should skip what

• Skip the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 27-inch if you play fast games; it tops out at 60Hz
• Skip the ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDM if you leave static spreadsheets and taskbars on screen all day; OLED burn-in risk and text fringing make an IPS better for work
• Skip the Dell S2722QC 27-inch 4K if you need a fully adjustable stand or Ethernet in the monitor
• Skip the Apple Studio Display if you use Windows, play games or watch your budget; it runs at 60Hz and the base stand only tilts

Buying tips

Monitors are discounted often around Prime Day, Black Friday and back-to-school season. Check the warranty’s dead-pixel policy before buying; Dell’s Premium Panel Exchange on UltraSharp models is one of the better ones. Keep the box for the return window, since shipping a 27-inch panel without it is risky.

Our picks

See all our best monitors in the uk for more options.