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Those with desktop computers aren’t the only ones who need an external monitor these days because laptop users also tend to invest in a larger monitor. Such a monitor comes in handy whether you’re using it for gaming, music production, or programming. A larger monitor allows you to separate and see your open windows without having a screen that feels cramped up. Programmers tend to have a particular affinity for an external monitor since they stare at it for many hours during the day. Only pro-level gamers rival programmers and coding pros regarding the amount of time spent in front of a monitor, and these developer gurus understandably want to invest in something that’s not going to make them go blind in a matter of months. Another reason programmers seem to love monitors so much is that it helps them achieve more productivity, especially if they multi-task regularly. Any true coding wizard can attest to the fact that most development platforms require the use of several windows at once, and trying to fit them into that gorgeous-yet-limited MacBook Pro screen often just doesn’t cut it. So what should you look for in a monitor that lends itself to programming and coding? First, you will want to ensure that the resolution is high enough that you won’t be straining your eyes and that the tiny little text you’re staring at all day is sharp and concise. Second, you need to find a monitor that’s big enough for you not to have to keep craning your neck in order to see the corners of the screen. And finally, you’ll want a supremely reliable monitor since you won’t want to endure any type of crash halfway through a serious coding session at 4 am when most tech stores are closed. With these considerations in mind, we bring you the best monitors for programming in 2022.
The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q won’t disappoint all you programmers because it features a stunning 27-inch 4K UHD IPS display with HDR support. It features a 60Hz refresh rate, 1300 to 1 contrast ratio, and 5 ms response time. This monitor is suitable for those planning to have a multi-display setup because of its ultra-slim bezels. Users will enjoy vibrant and accurate colors on their screen because the monitor supports 99% sRGB, 99% Rec 709, 95% DCI-P3, and Delta E. The monitor’s color depth reaches about 1.07 billion colors. Finding the proper position and angle for your monitor can benefit you when you work for long hours daily, and you will love how this monitor comes with an ergonomic design. Its stand is height-adjustable, and you can tilt, pivot, and swivel the display. For those who want to save more space on their desks, you can mount the monitor using a VESA 100 mm x 100 mm mount. The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q isn’t lacking when it comes to its connectivity because you get one HDMI 2.0 port, one DisplayPort 1.4, one USB Type-C with 90W power delivery, two USB 3.0 downstream ports, one USB 3.0 with B.C 1.2 charging adaptability, one USB Type-C Downstream charging port, and one 3.5 mm audio jack. The freebies included with the monitor are a USB Type C to C cable, one DisplayPort cable, and one USB Type C to A cable. Customers will also get a 3-year advanced exchange service and premium panel guarantee.
Modern and ergonomic designLarge 4K UHD IPS displayVibrant and accurate colorsWide range of ports
Lacks an Ethernet portNo built-in speakers
LG is another leading brand in the external monitor department, and their LG UltraFine 32UL950 display is a fantastic offer from them for programmers. It features a 32-inch 4K UHD Nano IPS display and a modern and stylish aesthetic. You can expect your content to have realistic colors because of the monitor’s DCI-P3 98% color accuracy. The monitor will also promise superb detail because it’s VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified, and its 600-nit peak brightness ensures that you can view your tasks clearly whether you’re in a dark or bright room. Its refresh rate is only at 60Hz, but it isn’t a big deal when you’re a programmer. The LG UltraFine 32UL950 comes with two Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) ports, and you can use it to achieve a Daisy Chain with two 4K monitors. The monitor has an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, two USB Type-A ports, and a headphone jack. The ports in the rear part of the monitor are close to the middle, so it won’t be too easy to plug in cables. Users can conveniently tweak their monitor’s setting using the On-Screen Control feature. It even has an option to split your screen for better multitasking. The monitor has a futuristic stand that makes it look minimalist, and the best part is that you can adjust its height. You can also tilt and pivot the display.
Large 4K UHD displayTwo Thunderbolt 3 portsVESA DisplayHDR 600 certified and 600-nit peak brightnessDaisy Chain up to 4KErgonomic stand
On the pricier side60Hz refresh rate
Programmers often spend an extended period in front of their computer screens, and it could lead to experiencing eye fatigue. This is why investing in a monitor with eye-care technology like the BenQ PD3200U would be beneficial. Its ZeroFlicker, Brightness Intelligence, and Low Blue Light technology ensure that your eyes will be safe and comfortable even after a whole day of continuous work. If you are fond of working late at night, you will like its Darkroom Mode, which automatically calibrates its brightness and contrast for dark environments. The monitor has a 32-inch 4K UHD display with a refresh rate of 60Hz. It comes with AQCOLOR technology that delivers accurate and vibrant colors. The BenQ PD3200U has a DualView feature that allows users to view files side-by-side. You will get to find the best position for the monitor that will suit you best for long working hours because it has an ergonomic design. It has a height-adjustable stand, and you can swivel, pivot, and tilt the screen. A unique feature of this monitor is its built-in KVM switch, which is used to access content from two different systems on one monitor while only using one mouse and keyboard. The monitor has a DisplayPort 1.2, a mini DisplayPort, two HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, an SD card slot, and a 3.5 mm audio jack.
4K displaySuperb eye-care technologyReasonable priceDarkroom ModeErgonomic designAQCOLOR technologyBuilt-in KVM switch
Not the most stylish or modern designStand takes up a lot of desk space
When you’re the type who’s used to having several windows open simultaneously, you might want to invest in an ultrawide monitor. The Samsung CRG9 is a fantastic choice that promises top-notch performance, whether it be for work or play. The monitor features a massive 49-inch super ultrawide QHD display. It makes you feel like you have two 27-inch displays connected to each other. You can expect it to look spectacular at any time of day because of its 1,000-nit brightness rating, and its DCI-P3 95% color space ensures you get dynamic and vibrant colors. Users will feel immersed in their computer screen because of the monitor’s curvature. Its curved screen, along with its Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free technology, will help you have less eye fatigue after spending several hours in front of it. The monitor supports HDR content thanks to its AMD FreeSync 2 technology. Whenever you need to take a break from coding, you will love playing games on this monitor during your break time because its 120Hz refresh rate promises smooth and responsive gameplay. Just because this monitor is massive doesn’t mean that it will compromise its flexibility. You can adjust the height of its stand, and you can tilt or swivel the display. Since it’s a super ultrawide monitor, it can’t have a pivot function.
Curved super ultrawide perfect for multitaskingExcellent brightness, contrast, and colorsOustanding eye-care120Hz refresh rateHeight, tilt, and swivel adjustments
ExpensiveViewing angles could be betterNo pivot function due to its size
Not all monitors that are fit for programmers come with a hefty price tag because you can still find reliable options like the HP VH240a that are more budget-friendly. This 23.8-inch monitor costs around $200, and its specs are more than enough for your coding needs. The display has a 1080p Full HD resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and 5 ms response time. It features an IPS LED-backlit panel that produces more than 16 million colors and about 2 million pixels. Because of its anti-glare panel, you will still enjoy its screen even in bright environments. The monitor comes with slim bezels that are perfect for when you want to have a multi-monitor setup. You can expect to see your content clearly from any angle because of the monitor’s 178° ultra-wide viewing angle. You can tilt, pivot, and adjust the monitor’s height, but it lacks a swivel function. The monitor only has an HDMI and VGA port, so it won’t be the best option for those who need more variety when it comes to their ports. You can expect even more savings with the HP VH240a because it already has built-in speakers.
Budget-friendlyImpressive contrast ratio and sRGB color coverageAnti-glare panelBuilt-in speakersSlim bezels
Limited ports
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