How to Choose a Computer Monitor (2025): Everything You Need to Know

All monitors have HDMI and DisplayPort for connecting to a computer (or even VGA if it’s a really old device). Those are the basics. If you want the latest of these port standards in monitors, you’re looking at HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1.

More and more monitors nowadays include a built-in USB hub, which can sometimes include USB-A ports, an Ethernet jack, and more. Once connected via the top USB-C (or USB-B if your monitor is a bit older), you can connect accessories and peripherals directly to the monitor. This is especially useful if your laptop doesn’t have many ports, or if you move your laptop frequently and want to keep it as cable-free as possible. Many monitors also include USB-C Power Delivery, allowing you to connect and charge your laptop through a single cable.

Some workstation-level monitors take this a step further and also include a KVM (keyboard, video, and mouse) switch, which allows you to switch between multiple laptops or computers, all connected to the same monitor. Most people don’t need this, but if you’re running multiple computers for any reason, this is a must.

The placement of these ports is also important. Ideally, you won’t have to reach the back of your screen too much, because let’s be real, it’s a huge pain. The firing ports are the hardest to reach and see, but they give you a cleaner look. At the same time, connecting the rear ports is easier. Some new Dell monitors also include a pop-up, forward-facing port module for quick access to a USB-C or headphone jack. Some monitor stands include some built-in cable managers for routing wires, which is a useful feature.

Pricing

There’s a wide range of prices for displays, ranging from under $100 to $5,000 for the Apple Pro Display XDR. Most people will likely be shopping in the sub-$300 range, which is what makes options like the Dell 27 Plus 4K so impressive. It’s not a perfect screen by any means, but in my testing, it hit the sweet spot in terms of price and quality.

But I like the variety in screen space at the moment. You’ll have to pay extra for that, but as a product category, it’s matured to the point where you’ll always be able to find what you’re looking for, whether that’s a port-packed workstation, a super-fast gaming monitor, a monitor with smart features that doubles as a TV, or maybe even an extra-large monitor that replaces dual monitors.