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Us programmers sit hours on end staring at pixels on our screen. The fact that we’re actively focusing on and writing strings of letters rather than sitting back and watching Netflix puts even more strain on our eyes. So, in this guide, we’ve focused on bringing you monitors that aim to reduce eye strain, while staying useful for other use cases, such as gaming and media consumption.
For the all round best monitor, we recommend the Dell U2414H. You’ll find the best mix of pixel density, hinge flexibility with a nice industrial design.
However, if you want to read on to find a monitor that focuses on your priorities, or something that suits your budget, read on.
How to get the best monitor for programming in 2019?
When looking for a monitor, it’s a good idea to prioritise 5 different factors
- Screen size. 20” is regarded as a small size, while large, curved screens reach 40”
- Screen Resolution. With larger screens, pixel density becomes more important.
- How much you’re willing to spend. High end monitors start at $850, while cheaper options that are still worth your time are as low as $140.
- Connectivity. Depending on what inputs you need, some monitors are more or less flexible with USB-C connections or VGA cables.
- Audio. If you’re short on desk space, a good built-in speaker system can replace dedicated speakers.
- Display type. Visit a computer store and decide for yourself, do you prefer matte or glossy displays? For longer periods we recommend matte displays for how little glare they produce. This might help you reduce fatigue after a long day’s work.
The Best Monitors For Programming 2019
Dell U2414H
Specifications:
| IPS display | 23.8”, or 60cm |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 at 60Hz refresh rate |
| Anti glare coating | Yes |
| Color space coverage | 96% sRGB |
- Good value for the resolution No USB-C connection
- Great design Not a gamer-friendly refresh rate
- Programming requires a monitor that just works, for long periods of time. The Dell U2414H is a great all-rounder, with thin bezels and a flexible hinge, which is great for those programmers that like vertically positioned screens. With over 700 reviews on amazon, it is a tried and tested monitor for work.
- It is currently on sale, saving you a substantial amount.
- That being said, while the Dell is great for work, we know that most programmers will use their monitors for other activities. With a refresh rate that isn’t quite up there for competitive games, this should definitely be something you should consider if you want to use your monitor to play games on.
EX3203R
Specifications:
| Display | 2560×1440, 32” Inch HDR 400 VESA Certified screen |
| Connectivity | Superspeed USB-C |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
- HDR certified
- Good connectivity
- Connectivity is good, with USB-C and many other ports that make this panel very flexible.
- Great refresh rate for gaming HDR is not as good as advertised
- Competitive price Resolution is not the highest
- The Benq EX3203R is a curved panel for those programmers who will want to play some games after work. The refresh rate is enough for 144Hz and the panel is even HDR capable, although its certification suggests its HDR is not as good as pricier competitors.
- And pricier they are, since Benq has positioned this screen aggressively in that $500-600 range.
- There are some sacrifices that have been made for this more accessible price. The resolution is just okay, and its mediocrity might be visible with such a large screen.
Asus ROG Swift PG279Q
If you’re playing high intensity esports titles after your day of programming, this display from ASUS is perfect. Although its design might seem a bit garish, it is well built. If you own a NVIDIA graphics card, you make use of NVIDIA’s G-sync also.
- Great 1440p resolution
- Eye fatigue minimizing technology
- 165 Hz refresh rate Stand design might not be for everyone
The Best Widescreen Monitors for Programmers 2019
LG 34WK95U
This ultrawide part of the market has become very popular with programmers, because it allows you to stack lots of tabs next to each other. It’s high price tag gets you a very well built machine that is perfect for media consumption after finishing up work, although you might not prefer it if you are serious about gaming.
Specifications:
| Display | 34” size, 5160×2160, 60 Hz refresh rate, 5 ms (GtG) Response Time |
| Connectivity | Thunderbolt USB C, DisplayPort 1.4, USB Type C Inputs |
Unmatched image quality Expensive
Great build quality
If money is no option, the LG 34WK95U might be for you. Its 5K screen looks incredible, which is important with that large size.
Plug and Play capability Refresh rate not for games
Budget Option: HP 24fh
The HP is a great budget option coming in at between $120 and $150. A popular option is to buy two of these and increase your screen space, which is much cheaper than buying one ultrawide. It will be great for working all day and consuming media, with good colors. It is limited to 60Hz and therefore 60fps in games, so do keep this in mind.
For work though, the HP 24fh is a great option with its anti glare screen which will be useful for programmers working all day or night. If you’re short on cash, this is miles better than a laptop screen.
Specifications:
| Display | IPS, 60.5cm size, 1920×1080, 60Hz |
| Connectivity | HDMI, VGA, USB 3.0 |
- Amazing value
- Highly rated
- Anti-glare screen
- Great build with thin bezels Not a very flexible hinge
