Whether as a work device or a game machine: Even the best PC is of no use without the right monitor. Stiftung Warentest has tested 17 models and reveals why a good picture alone is not enough.
A bright picture, good colors and a sharp display – these are the things you would expect first from a monitor. And which all tested models also offer, as the current test by Stiftung Warentest shows. Nevertheless, there are a lot of other aspects to consider. Here you can find out which devices Warentest recommends.
The product testers emphasize that there is unfortunately no such thing as the perfect monitor for every application. For office use, on the other hand, it is often more important that the height can be adjusted in order to protect the neck. A portrait mode function (“Pivot”), in which the monitor can be folded into a vertical position in front of the horizontal position, is also useful when working on long tables. If you want to use the screen for gaming, for example, you not only need a good picture and a high refresh rate. The image must also be built up quickly and with little delay. Too bad: Warentest does not give specific values in the table for the refresh rate or the delay. The informative value for gamers is limited as a result.
In any case, no device fulfills all of these requirements. There are also big differences when it comes to additional equipment such as the number of connections. It’s a shame: The modern USB-C port is still the exception for the transmission of the image signal. If you want to connect a tablet or a newer Apple computer, you usually need an adapter. A positive finding: with the exception of two models, all tested devices offer a blue light filter that filters out the blue light frequencies that keep awake and thus supports a healthier day-night rhythm.
Which monitor is right for me?
This question is difficult to answer given the numerous factors. If you are looking for a smaller monitor for everyday use, go for it little wrong. With a price starting at around 170 euros, it is one of the cheapest models tested, but still achieves “good” (1.9) together with the 27 incher, which is also recommended the best rating in the test. The Samsung model offers an excellent picture, good color representation and excellent viewing angle stability for still images. He also has no problems with reflections. Blue light filter and pivot function are available, and it is very economical in terms of power consumption. The two biggest drawbacks: With a moderately fast display, it is only suitable for fast games to a limited extent, and it does not have a built-in loudspeaker.
The second test winner, the BenQ PD2705Q, is better equipped. The 27er offers both blue light filtering and pivot, but there is also a speaker and the rare USB-C port. When it comes to the picture, it can score with a better picture build-up time and is therefore also better suited for games. Unfortunately, it is a little less stable from viewing angles than the other test winner, and it also reflects a little more. The power consumption is also higher, but still good. However, the price is significantly higher at around 400 euros.
There are cheaper alternatives to both models. Of the (24 inches) and the (27 inches) share second place with a rating of “good” (2.0). The differences to the test winners are small in accordance with the minimal deficit in the overall grade. Both models are suitable for games, offer blue light filters, pivot and built-in boxes. Like the BenQ, the Dell supports connection via USB-C. But you can save money with both: the Acer is available for as little as 150 euros, with the Dell you save even more compared to the BenQ. It is available from 275 euros.
Expensive gaming giant
According to the product test, anyone who needs a particularly large monitor or needs the least amount of image build-up time will come on not over. The 32-inch device builds up the picture faster than any other device in the test. The picture is otherwise correct, apart from minor weaknesses in the viewing angle and slight reflections. The equipment is okay, blue filter and pivot function are on board, the speaker is missing despite the large housing. It is the only device in the test to offer two Thunderbolt ports that both support USB-C and offer other advantages such as passing the signal on. The biggest drawback is the rather high power consumption. And the price: the monitor costs at least 560 euros.
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