Westinghouse WH32UX9019: $272
Save $14 with this coupon at checkout
It is my firm belief that if you want the best value for a new computer monitor, you should be looking at a 27-inch QHD monitor or a 32-inch UHD monitor. Monitors with these general specifications tend to offer the most bang for their buck when it comes to screen size, resolution, and price tag. Almost any of these models will display a clear, satisfying image for their size without breaking the bank.
My current monitor is a 27-inch QHD (Quad HD, or 2,560 x 1,440 pixels) monitor that I bought for $250. I almost had a 32″ UHD (very high definition or 3840 x 2160 pixels) monitor that would have provided more space and more pixels for just a little less money. Between these two different sizes, you can easily find a monitor that fits your desk space, business needs, and most importantly, your budget. Creators, hobbyists, and professional gamers in the world who worry about color gamut and refresh rates may find they need a higher-end monitor than you’ll find on our list, but these monitors are large enough for most needs, and with enough pixel density to produce a sharp, high-quality picture.
Make sure you check out CNET Monitors Buying Guide And How do we test screens For more information, and stay tuned for my current best deals between 27″ QHD and 32″ UHD monitors. I’ll keep updating this story as prices fluctuate and I discover better deals, so check back often.
Best deals for 27 inch monitors
These 27-inch models feature QHD resolution and give you more screen real estate than a 24-inch Full HD (Full HD, or 1,920 x 1,080 pixels) screen, and better resolution, too. And they give you all that for not a lot of money. You may also come across 27-inch 4K monitors in your search. These monitors offer a certain quality that’s worth considering, but in my experience QHD or 2K resolution is more than enough when stretched across a 27-inch panel.
This is the model that I ended up buying on Amazon after shopping. I got it for a reasonable $250, which is a little cheaper now. It’s an IPS panel with a QHD resolution, 350 nits of brightness and thin screen bezels. I like the simple stand, although I wish it provided height support. However, most monitors at this price don’t offer height adjustment, so I could live without it. It doesn’t have internal speakers, but overall it’s awful and not something I ever use when I have a Bluetooth speaker in my home office. It has a DisplayPort and two HDMI ports, giving you the flexibility to connect to a variety of PCs and laptops. I have no complaints about its image, which I find bright and crisp enough.
The 32-inch version of this monitor is on sale for just $10 if you want to go even bigger.
I’m not familiar with the Koorui name but this monitor is getting positive reviews on Amazon and is only $180. This is rare for a 27-inch QHD monitor. Most budget monitors are rated for a dim 250 nits brightness, but this Koorui model is rated for a dim 300 nits. It is classified as a gaming monitor because it has a 144Hz refresh rate that is faster than the usual 60Hz refresh rate, and it also features AMD FreeSync technology.
The Pixio 27-inch monitor is a great value even at its full price of $260, and now at Amazon you can get it for $20 less by activating Instant coupon on the product page. It has a QHD resolution with AMD FreeSync and a fast 144Hz refresh rate if you want to use it for gaming as well as work. It’s rated at 350 nits of ample brightness, so it should be much brighter than the Koorui model above.
The highlight of this ViewSonic model is the USB 3.2 Type-C port, which means you can connect MacBook and other laptops with a USB-C port (but not HDMI) to the monitor without a special adapter or conversion cable. It also offers HDMI and DisplayPort connections along with AMD FreeSync and is rated for 300 nits brightness. It’s currently $50 off at Amazon.
This HP 27-inch monitor features a QHD resolution, a fast 165Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync technology for smooth gameplay while gaming. Plus, it has low blue light to protect your eyes, without sacrificing color accuracy. The stand offers height, tilt and swivel adjustments.
Best deals for 32 inch monitors
The next step up in size, resolution, and price from the 27-inch QHD monitor is the 32-inch UHD monitor. Ultra HD is also referred to as 4K.
This Westinghouse model has a low max brightness of 220 lumens, making it better suited to a basement den or low-light room than a sunny office. If you’re looking for a basic monitor and don’t need the brightest panel, this is one of the most affordable 32-inch 4K monitors out there. It features AMD FreeSync technology, two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort port, and a headphone jack. It’s only $272 yet Instant coupon Take off 5% at checkout.
This is one of the most affordable 32-inch 4K monitors with its current $40 discount. It has HDMI and DisplayPort connections, a 300-nit brightness rating, and built-in speakers. It also supports HDR10 and AMD FreeSync and comes packed into a small if basic package with slim bezels.
This LG is similar to the two monitors above—a 32-inch 4K monitor with FreeSync and built-in speakers—but it’s the brightest of the three with a rating of 350 nits. It’s $30 off at LG now.
At 32 inches, the curved monitor starts to become an option and not just for gamers. The curved screen allows you to sit closer without having to raise your head as much to see the entire screen. This Dell curved monitor features a gentle 1800R curvature along with AMD FreeSync and built-in speakers. It also features an abundance of adjustability with tilt, swivel and height adjustments. It has plenty of connectivity with two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort connection, two USB-A ports, one USB-B port and a headphone jack. It is currently $50 off at Amazon.