Best LED and LCD Computer Monitors 2014
LED/LCD Computer Monitor Reviews
There's no longer a valid reason for not having a good LED monitor for work in 2014. With monitor prices plunging and panel quality increasing it's easy to find a monitor that is not only cheap, but will also make you more productive in late 2014.
Below, I'll go through a few budget LED monitor options as well as LED IPS monitor options for those who prefer to pay a bit more for color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
LED Vs. LCD
What's the Difference Between Them?
The difference between LED and LCD monitors is mainly in the backlighting technology. LED monitors are in fact LCD or "Liquid Crystal Display" monitors that use a more energy efficient "light emitting diode" technology to light the back of the monitor. With up to 40% less energy consumption, and with no use of mercury, LED monitors are environmentally friendly as well. An additional upside to LED monitors is that, in general, they cause less strain on your eyes. If you get blurry vision or headaches after viewing your screen for long hours, then this could be a huge plus.
While LED monitors are the newer technology, LCD monitors, which use fluorescent lamps to light the display, are generally less expensive and have many of the same specifications and qualities of LED monitors.
Top Rated 23-24 Inch LED LCD Monitors
Viewsonic VX2450WM-LED Monitor Review
One of the best-selling monitors of the year thus far is the Viewsonic VX2452MH 24-Inch Widescreen monitor. It's combination of price (Under $200) and specifications make it my choice for the top 24 Inch LED monitor of the year.
With a high contrast ratio of 50M:1 and a 2ms response time its perfect for watching videos or playing games. The glass-finish display really makes it pop and with VGA, DVI, and HDMI connectors it's pretty much compatible with any video card or motherboard you'll come across.
Overall, it's a good LED monitor at a reasonable price. That being said if you'd prefer to have a matte finish, I recommend the option below.
Top Rated 27 Inch LED Monitor
ASUS VE278Q Computer Monitor Review
My choice for the top 27 inch LED monitor for 2014 is the ASUS VE278Q which comes loaded with incredible features and specifications, for a very reasonable price. Out of the box it gives you excellent full high definition color with a 10,000,000:1 ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio and full high definition. I was also surprised at just how rich and accurate the color looked with a bit of calibration.
Blur-free Gaming and Movies
I've used this monitor while playing games like Battlefield 3 and watching my movie collection. With the 2ms response time there is no ghosting and blurring and overall there's no noticeable input lag.
Details and Specifications:
Additional specifications for the VE278Q include a 20 degree tilt, built in speakers, SPLENDID video technology, as well as D-Sub, DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort connectors for easy connectivity to all of your electronic devices. Another great feature for this screen is that it uses less than 45W while operating and has a green friendly power saving mode which uses less than 2W. Over time this will help you to recoup some of the costs associated with purchasing a LED monitor. The VE278Q also comes with a 3 year manufacturer's parts and labor warranty.
What One Owner of the VE278Q had to say:
"The monitor has everything I wanted in a top of the line monitor, and it delivers in every way exceptionally well."
2 Cheap 22" LED Monitors for 2014
Best Under $125
If you're looking for a monitor in this price range, then most likely you're on a budget. For that reason I highly recommend you find something that's on rebate for a particular month. For this month my favorite option is the Asus VS228H-P that has a $10 rebate that puts it under $125.
The VS228H-P is a slim option that has a great looking design and picture along with a full 1920 x 1080p resolution and HDMI connector.
It has a matte finish that is great for viewing in just about any light and really shines in terms of its performance for movies and games with a 5ms response time and 50M:1 Asus smart contrast ratio.
While this certainly isn't a color accurate option for photo editors and graphic designers, it's still accurate enough for users looking for a good at-home or work option. What's more is that purchasing an additional monitor at this price range won't break the bank.
Best Rated 27 Inch LCD Monitors for 2014
Viewsonic's VA2703 27-Inch HD LCD Monitor
If you want to save a little bit of money by going with a standard LCD monitor instead of an LED, then you can get last year's model with a similar picture for about 33% off. One model I've had experience with and particularly like is the Viewsonic VA2703.
This monitor boasts clear and stunning images with a 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, a full HD 1920 x 1080 picture, and a fast 3 ms response time to produce blur-free images for video games and movies. Another positive is that it's 100mm x 100mm so if you want you can even mount it on your wall.
Still Environmentally Friendly
Even though it's not an LED backlit monitor, the Viewsonic's VA2703 has an ECO mode for 50% power savings while running.
Summary:
Overall if you're wanting to save money with an LCD monitor, then this is the one I'd recommend you get. It has an unbelievable picture and costs just around $200. It also comes with a 3 year parts and labor warranty which reflects Viewsonic's dedication to this product.
What's the Best Brand / Manufacturer of Computer Monitors?
Vote for whatever brand you prefer below.
© 2011 TTGReviews