Compiling a list of the best monitors is a difficult task, and much more difficult to look for best and cheap computer monitor for sale. Since the exact purpose for which the monitor is to be used the most is not available as a parameter, the area of focus needs to be monitors that are performers on their overall specs provided and can serve a wide array of purposes.
While the deciding factor often boils down to price vs. performance, there are a number of specs that people need to look at to find an ideal monitor. While most people don’t really focus on the computer monitor as being high on a list of priority, however, monitors differ from each other very similar to other hardware elements and it is one of the most important parts of the computer that people stare at all day. Many people has asked me, “What monitor is the cheapest best computer monitor deals for 2019 or what is the cheapest best gaming monitor under 200 for 2019”?
Best Trusted Computer Monitor Buying Guide Reviews
a. Size and Resolution
The first step to buying a computer is to know the size of the monitor you want to go for. Whether it is a big 27” monitor or an 18.5” smaller one, this is defined by the size of your desk and the size of the space you have to work with. Upon deciding a size, the next thing to think of is the resolution offered by the monitor, which is the number of pixels that the device displays and correspondingly, the sharpness of the image provided.
1080p monitors are one of the most common in the market at the moment and work amazing with computer monitors of up to 23”. However, at bigger screen sizes, this is not an adequate resolution due to the lower pixel density. It is a better idea to go for a higher resolution at 2560x1440pixels. This ensures both sharper pictures and more area on the screen for different icons or web pages.
While most monitors offer a 16:9 aspect ratios which are the most common, there are a number of other aspect ratios in the market. For example, if you are opting for a 1920×1200 pixel density, this offers the same sharpness as a monitor at 1080p, however it offers you more pixels on the vertical side to make for a taller screen which can be great for writing or web browsing purposes.
b. Panel Type
The next thing to think of is the panel type offered by the monitor. You can find a wide array of panels on the market with each being perfect for different things. Some of the most common types of panels available on the market are listed below as well as their uses.
Twisted nematic (TN) Panels are some of the most common and cheap types of LCD panels available to users at the current day and age. Unless specified otherwise, this is the type of panel it has. They have a faster rate of response and are better for gamers who want to game in 3D. These offer amazing in terms of refresh rates. They are ideal for gamers and offer amazing 3D gaming. However, they do not provide true depth of colors and are the least accurate in terms of colors and they do get distorted when viewed at wrong angles.
The second type is the MVA or PVA models which aim to combine the advantages of TN and IPS panels and offers better viewing angles, better contrasts and blacks as compared to TN and IPS panels and have better response times, though the time between two dark colors is still pretty high and can lead to ghosting effect. Color reproduction is better than TN but still lower than an IPS panel.
In-Plane Switching (IPS) Panels are slightly more expensive options and have better accuracy for colors with much better angles of viewing than the angles offered by VA or TN. These are perfect for photographers and graphic designers. They are definitely better to look at than TN models, however, they are not good at producing higher refresh rates and have slower response times than the traditional TN panels. These are problematic only if you are a competitive gamer or are gaming in 3D which requires a 120Hz refresh rate.
PLS (Plane to Line Switching) are often very much like the IPS panels with the same advantages and disadvantages with some of the best minor excess advantages. PLS panels are said to have improved viewing angles as well as am increase in viewing angles and better brightness with improved image qualities. They are also more expensive.
c. Refresh Rate
If you are looking for a monitor for gaming purposes, you need to find a model that offers higher refresh rates. Most monitors have a 60-Hz refresh rate which implies a 60frame per second viewing. Even if the game is loaded with 100 FPS, you will get the frames that the refresh rate of the monitor offers.
Opting for a 120Hz monitor can offer a gaming experience that is much smoother and can offer 3D gaming experiences at 60Hz per eye. One of the things to keep in mind is that higher refresh rates are generally only offered by TN panels, so you have to decide whether you would want a higher refresh rate or a better-looking display, and this is based on the main purpose for which the monitor is going to be used.
If you are using supported Nvidia graphics card and display systems, G-sync helps reduce the issue of screen tearing while playing video games by boosting the screen’s refresh rates and syncing it with the game’s FPS. 3D support and other features like Lightboost which reduces motion blurring and can improve gaming experience, but these features will definitely boost the price significantly though, and is definitely a matter of personal preference and what you need from a monitor.
d. Anti-Glare Coating
If you have any issues with computer glare or are going to work on your monitor for long periods of time, this can be a handy spec for you. A number of models on the market come with an anti-glare coating which can help to prevent glares caused by the lights that are behind you. If you are going to place the model in a room that is very well-lit or sit directly in front of the windows, however they can also cause the pictures to look fuzzy or dull. While glossy screens can look amazing and provide better picture quality, they are very prone to glares. A good compromise between glares and sharp pictures can be found with the help of semi-glossy screens.
e. Stand and Swivel types
Different monitors have different stands. While some are pretty solid in their build and make, others can be quite flimsy. Some stands can swivel sideways while some offer a vertical tilt only while others can even turn the monitor a whole 90 degrees to offer portrait mode. Ensure that you get a monitor that offers a hardy and well-built stand that is more likely to last for longer than a flimsy one. This can help cut down expenses on tweaking the monitor at a later time.
f. Connector Types
If you want to make your assembly hassle free, it is necessary to ensure that the monitor you opt for has the type of port or connector that you need. For example, if you are plugging in a video card which has a DVI output, it is simpler to get a monitor that offers a DVI port, unless you want to splurge on the extra adapter for the purpose.
Ensure that the cards don’t place any restrictions on the different types of port that you may need in the future. Certain cards can offer restrictions on the types of connectors that can be used with them. For example, some monitors can only power dual monitors through a DisplayPort. Doing your due research can help in ensuring that you have all the ports you may need.
g. Other features
These are the fundamental specs people must look for while they are buying a monitor, however, there are other features that may be necessary for individuals for their optimal functionality. For example, people may require a monitor that is fitted with in-built speakers or additional USB ports. It is a good idea to do some research and look at the different pros and cons of the products (included in this list) while opting for it based on the average customer reviews to ensure you don’t face issues of lags, ghosting effects or other display issues.
If you are a professional and need the machine for more heavy-duty functionality, you may want to check out some other more advanced specs in the market, such as the pixel pitch, contrast ratios and other features that may be necessary for your line of work. Remember that a lot of the additional specs that a monitor comes with are the reasons for the hiked-up prices that are often encountered in higher end monitors.
Detail Analysis of Each Computer Monitor for 2018 and 2019
1. Acer XR382CQK
Key Specifications:
- Screen Size- 37.5-inch
- Resolution- 3840×1600 pixels
- Aspect Ratio- 21:9 (UltraWide)
- Contrast Ratio- 1000:1 (Static)
- Colors- 1.07 billion
- Brightness- 300 cd/m2
- Panel Type- IPS
- Response Time- 5ms
- Refresh Rate- 60Hz
- Ports- DisplayPort 1.2, DisplayPort 1.2-Out, mini-DisplayPort, USB-C, HDMI 2.0, HDMI (MHL 2.1), 4x USB 3.0, Headphones Jack
- Speakers- 2x7W
This is one of the coolest monitors offering an immersive and engaging experience for gamers. The screen is incredible with the giant 37.5-inch dimensions which are curved at the ideal 2300R which enables a comfortable viewing experience with full peripheral vision coverage. With a host of connectivity features including the AMD FreeSync technology, the model boasts of an ergonomic design with an impressive quality of construction. The Acer XR382CQK offers all the benefits of a curved gaming TV which offers an immersive gaming experience without the blurring and responsiveness issues.
The image quality is seriously amazing with the LG AH-IPS panel which supports an impressive 10-bit color with a total 100% sRGB color space coverage. The colors are uniform and consistent with amazing details even in greyscale modes. With the wide viewing angles for 172° and 178° for horizontal and vertical viewing, there is no weird color mixing or shift in contrasts. The monitor does not bleed any backlight or produce any IPS glow.
The performance is amazing with the AMD FreeSync congruous graphics card which ensures the syncing of the game’s refresh rate with the display refresh rate to eliminate any type of stuttering or screen tearing. The 5ms response time reduces most types of trailing and ghosting, making the Asus XR382CQK a great monitor for casual gaming, watching videos or most moderately demanding applications.
The monitor has come up with a wide array of features such as different types of picture preset options for different types of applications categorized according to the nature of the application. The monitor offers the Dark Boost feature which can improve the visibility for darker videos, movies or games. The OSD enables the customization for the 12 LEDs with ambient lighting along the bottom of cabinets with four effects and five colors. The joystick enables OSD menu navigation and offers a blue light feature to boost comfortable viewing experience for hours.
The design is pretty smooth and slick with the V shaped stand, 130mm height adjustments, 40° tilt, 60° swivel and the holes for 100 x 100 VESA mount and features a 3H anti-glare treatment to prevent sunlight reflection. Keep in mind the size of the monitor which I 35.3” wide and 18” all to ensure that it fits into your space. Overall, the Acer XR382CQK is an amazing model with a seriously impressive set of specs. Though more on the expensive side, the model is definitely a good investment and can serve all of your heavy-duty performance needs.
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2. Dell UltraSharp U3415W
Key Specifications:
- Screen Size- 34-inch
- Resolution- 3440 x 1440 pixels
- Aspect Ratio- 21:9
- Contrast Ratio- 1000:1 (typical) with Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 2 Million:1 (Max)
- Colors- 1.074 billion
- Brightness- 300 cd/m2
- Panel Type- IPS
- Response Time- 8ms
- Refresh Rate- 60Hz
- Ports- HDMI/MHL/DisplayPort/Mini DisplayPort
- Speakers- 2x9W
The 34” curved Dell UltraSharp U3415W has an amazing 3440×1440 (WQHD) offering an amazing 21:9 aspect ratio to enable comfortable viewing with a true depth of color. The sensible design fits in seamlessly at home or office with the two-tone black and grey color and a small logo on the bottom of the display without any weird stickers to bulk up the screen. It is not too bulky but does require some depth for desks to avoid sore eyes. The monitor is amazingly easy to set up with a pre-assembled stand which is sturdy and well-balanced. The stand offers swivel and tilt movements and a 115mm height adjustment.
The amazing pixel density of Dell UltraSharp U3415W offers ease of reading for texts and menus, which is an advantage over 4k monitors which require magnifying. The menus enable the user to adjust brightness, color, energy usage, switch inputs and audio levels with the help of touch sensitive capacitive buttons. The picture in picture mode can enable two visual inputs to be displayed simultaneously. The speakers are loud and clear to enable comfortable streaming for music, videos and gaming.
Watching movies and playing games on the monitor is a dream and though the 8ms does tend to lag, it is good enough for casual gaming with games that are more moderately paced. Similarly, the refresh rate of 60Hz is generally okay for most games. The picture quality of the Dell’s AH IPS panel is amazing and produces incredible image quality and amazing colors. The display reaches near 300cd/m2 and the display provides a very rich, inky black.
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3. AOC E1659FWUX USB Monitor
Key Specifications:
- Screen Size- 15.6-inch
- Resolution- 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Aspect Ratio- 16:9
- Contrast Ratio- 500:1
- Colors- 262 K colors
- Brightness- 300 cd/m2
- Panel Type- TN
- Response Time- 11ms
- Refresh Rate- 60Hz
- Ports- USB 3.0, 2x USB
The AOC E1659FWUX USB Monitor is sleek and gorgeous and comes in a glossy black exterior. The screen has an inch-thick bezel as well as grips on the horizontal and vertical bottom sides which do pick up finger prints. The back has the logo with a stainless-steel kickstand which folds in without protruding out with a USB 3.0 port in the groove. The monitor does not have any buttons and turns on while plugged into the computer. The settings are manageable through the easy to use software. The monitor weighs 2.4 pounds.
The AOC e1659fwux is pretty easy to install and the drivers are pretty easy to install. The Auto Pivot feature has to be installed via a separate driver with no lag after installation. The pictures are bright and vivid, though the screen has a blue tinge overall. The pixel density is not extremely clear for tiny texts but the viewing angles are amazing at over 45 degrees. The display is quite bright and comfortable for daily use.
The AOC also offers a cool and Smart UI which enables users to set their preferences and regulate the different settings of resolution, contrast, mirroring and brightness options and appears as an icon in the taskbar and is relatively easy to find. The auto-pivot mode allows users to view the monitor in both landscape and Portrait modes with the flexi stand making transitions quite smooth and the auto pivot functionality ensuring that you don’t have to manually change the settings every time. Overall, this is a pretty good choice if you are looking for a second, bigger screen for your PC on the go needs.
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4. Asus ROG Swift PG258Q
Key Specifications:
- Screen size – 24.5 inches
- Resolution – 1920 X 1080
- Aspect Ratio – 16:9
- Contrast Ratio – 1000:1
- Brightness- 400 cd/m^2
- Panel Type- IPS
- Response time- 1 ms
- Refresh Rate – 240 Hz
- Ports – DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4 and 2 x USB 3.0 ports
This is a radiant gaming monitor optimized to the hilt for gaming performance. In addition to being full HD, it has a 240 Hz refresh rate coupled with 1 ms response time, making it a total game ready experience. It also has inbuilt NVidia GSYNC technology, which complements the refresh rate to deliver blazing gaming speeds. The 1 ms response time makes this monitor the fastest in its class, beating out the competitors by miles.
The Asus ROG Swift PG258Q comes with light projection effects, which includes two Republic of Gamers covers, and 3 blank covers which the user can customize with a marker to create their own personalized light projection effects. The GamePlus hotkey that has been provided, offers in game enhancements like timers on screen and frame rate counter. It also comes with a crosshair overlay, which lets the user pick and choose the preferred kind of crosshair to suit their gaming needs. The monitor has an ASUS exclusive GameVisual tech that offers multiple types of display modes to suit as per display content.
It also comes with a 5-way navigation joystick along with 4 display setting hotkeys in the right rear end of the monitor, which lets a user easily access the monitor and the game settings together. If anyone needs 3D gaming, this monitor comes with native support of NVidia 3D Vision. If one links this monitor with an NVidia GeForce GPU, it is ready to roll with 3D gaming and 3D Movie experience, with just 3D glasses from the user’s end. The connectivity is also seamless since it supports HDMI and comes with 2 USB 3.0 ports for all the user’s needs. For immersive multi display for gaming, one needs to just plug it with multi monitor for a frameless immersive experience.
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5. BenQ PD3200U
Key Specifications:
- Screen size – 32 inches
- Resolution – 3840 x 2160
- Aspect Ratio – 16:9
- Contrast Ratio – 1000:1
- Brightness- 350 cd/m^2
- Panel Type- IPS
- Response time- 4 ms
- Refresh Rate – 60 Hz
- Ports – DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4 and 4 x USB 3.0 ports
The BenQ PD3200U is an exceptional monitor in terms of clarity and quality. The ultra-level 2k QHD display offers stunning level of 10-bit color precision which gives the user the privilege of viewing greater details and crystal clear pictures. Not only that, the 100 percent sRGB coupled with Rec. 709 work together to maintain the view quality even at a wide angle of view. This also contributes to its richness, depth and color consistency across all display types and views.
A unique feature that this monitor offers is the Keyboard Video Mouse(KVM) Switch. This allows a user to connect two displays simultaneously and regulate the content from two dissimilar pc systems integrated in one screen using only one mouse and keyboard. This feature enhances and boosts space saving and increases user work efficiency. The different view modes offered are the Darkroom mode, CAD/CAM Mode and Animation Mode. The Darkroom mode is used to adjust the brightness and contrast of images while a user wants to work in a darker post processing environment. The amazing CAD/CAM mode can be used to display finer details of any kind of illustrative work. The animators will need the Animation mode to highlight dark areas and enlighten them for better visual processing.
Moreover, from a designer’s point of view, BenQ PD3200U is perfect as it offers a dual screen mode, which essentially splits the screen to show two designs in two separate screens having 2 modes, and it eliminates the need for two different physical hardware. If one needs a quick switch between the multiple display modes like CAD/CAM or Animation mode, the monitor provides a quick switch option known as Hotkey Puck. It can also be customized to map other modes and even the on-screen display settings like brightness or contrast. When it comes to ease of ergonomics, this monitor is unbeatable. It has an extensive range of height, tilt, swivel and pivot arrangements and an inbuilt auto pivot as well, which pivots contents of the screen as per viewing orientation. No wonder this monitor has received Tom’s Hardware 2017 Editor’s Choice Award.
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6. Dell SE2416H
Key Specifications:
- Screen size – 23.8 inches
- Resolution – 1920×1080
- Aspect Ratio – 16:9
- Contrast Ratio – 1000:1, 8000000:1(dynamic)
- Brightness- 250 cd/m^2
- Panel Type- IPS
- Response Rate-6ms
- Refresh Rate – 60 Hz
- Ports – VGA and HDMI ports
Introduction
The Dell S2416H offers a stylish and elegant design with the inclusion of thin and glossy bezels, easy use buttons and sturdy bases. The machine looks quite good with the 23.8” viewing area which is pretty wide. The monitor comes with a few easy to use buttons to help control the different types of controls for adjusting the brightness and color settings.
The monitor features rich and vibrant colors though the brightness is seriously limited. The absence of an anti-glare protector and the glossy screen, coupled with the glossy screen can lead to some issues with backlighting and glare, which can hamper the viewing experience in bright daylight. The piano finish of Dell SE2416H does look classy though and if you can prevent the glare issue by optimizing the placement, the colors are pretty great with a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees with minimal dimming and color fading.
The absence of USB ports may be a problematic issue for some people though the monitor does come with a VGA and HDMI ports. The absolute knocker for the model is the price though, which is seriously a steal compared to the features you do get. Perfect for most daily and casual use experience, the Dell SE2416H is perfect for someone looking for a decent monitor at cheap and affordable prices, and can provide a contented viewing experience with rich colors.
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7. BenQ PD2710QC 27-Inch 2K IPS Monitor with USB-C Docking Station
Key Specifications:
- Screen size – 27 inches
- Resolution – 2560×1440
- Aspect Ratio – 16:9
- Contrast Ratio – 1000:1
- Brightness- 350 cd/m^2
- Panel Type- IPS/W-LED, edge array
- Response time- 4 ms
- Refresh Rate – 60 Hz
- Ports – 2 x DisplayPort 1.2 in; 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 out; 1 x HDMI 1.4, 3.5mm headphone output, v3.0 – 1 x up, 4 x down; 1 x USB-C
Though priced quite steep, the model has amazing performance for the price offered. The inclusion of the USB-C port, there is an option for connecting a single cable from the laptop to the base and then makes other connections due to the plethora of ports available on the machine. The base has an allocated power supply to ensure that the functions doesn’t interrupt the display panel, making for an amazing, well thought out build on the machine.
Overall a versatile model, the BenQ PD2710QC 27-Inch 2K IPS Monitor with USB-C Docking Station is a PC that offers amazing colors that are rich and accurate colors. The low blue light selections are optimized for web surfing, reading and office with an additional M-book for mac book support. The colors are very accurate with uniform and well saturated with even grey pictures being crisp and well defined with amazing highlight and shadow details. The viewing angles are wide with no dimming or color shift and the 5ms response offers good capacity to handle fast motion. There is minimal blurring and screen tearing due to the 60Hz response rate which is not fitted with any technology for ensuring the compatibility of fast paced games. It is good enough for casual gaming though.
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8. HP 2UD96AA#ABA 32-inch
Key Specifications:
- Screen size – 31.5 inches FHD
- Resolution – 1920×1080
- Aspect Ratio – 16:9
- Contrast Ratio – 1000:1, 6M:1 dynamic contrast ratio
- Brightness- 250 cd/m^2
- Panel Type- IPS/FHD
- Response time- 5 ms
- Refresh Rate – 60 Hz
- Ports – VGA, HDMI
The HP 32” monitor, is in short, stunning. The beautiful sleek design can fit into most interiors with the help of the slim design. Though it is quite big for a monitor, it does impress with the amazing slim width, which does not require a lot of depth for your desk. The size can be a problem if you don’t find the perfect desk to fit your monitor on due to the 31.5” width.
The images are stunning with a real depth of color and minimal dimming even when viewed at different angles. The 178-degree wide viewing angles of HP 2UD96AA#ABA 32-inch offers an immersive video or picture viewing angle and can help provide vibrant images with the help of the 2 million pixels which offer a vibrant image quality and crystal clear images.
The response time of the monitor is pretty low at 5ms and people can easily game on these models with minimal blurring for fast moving objects and low screen tearing. The TV has a good backlighting that does not lead to ghosting images. The presence of the anti-glare coating helps to ensure that the viewing experience is comfortable.
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9. Acer XR341CK
Key Specifications:
- Screen size – 34 inches
- Resolution – 3440 x 1440
- Aspect Ratio – 21:9
- Contrast Ratio – 1000:1
- Brightness- 300 cd/m^2
- Panel Type- IPS LED Backlit
- Response time- 4 ms
- Refresh Rate – 75 Hz
- Ports – DisplayPort 1, HDMI 1 and 1 x USB 3.0 port
The Acer XR341CK monitor comes with a 3440X1440 resolution display in a 34-inch screen size. It is also slightly curved, which adds a nice aesthetic to the overall design. As a gaming monitor, it comes with a 75 Hz refresh rate and Adaptive sync technology which goes nicely with AMD GPU, a feature that AMD enthusiasts will love. The color support is a 10 bit, with 8 bit and FRC dithering and having a 4ms response rate from grey to grey. The 34-inch screen also houses an Advanced High Performance In-Plane switching. The screen is light matte and anti-glare which perfectly balances the glare and picture clarity. The bottom bezel includes hotkeys to control the on-screen display, having 9 LED switches to control the settings. It also includes an Ambient Light controller feature embedded. Look wise, this monitor is quite artistic, with a good-looking stand and reasonable thin look overall. The ergonomic factor is enhanced with the flexibility coming through wide angle tilts that are available both in the front and the back. In addition to all these features, the monitor uses DC current to calibrate the backlight brightness instead of pulse width modulation, and thus it is flicker free, which is a winning feature. The color consistency is amazing when tested with the display of Battlefield 4, with nice shade of contrasts and color pop coming up. The pixel response rate does a good job to keep up with the 75 Hz refresh rate as well.
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10. BenQ EX3501R
Key Specifications:
- Screen size – 35 inches
- Resolution – 2560 x 1080
- Aspect Ratio – 21:9
- Contrast Ratio – 2000:1
- Brightness- 300 cd/m^2
- Panel Type- IPS LED Backlit
- Response time- 4 ms
- Refresh Rate – 144 Hz
- Ports – 2 x DisplayPort 1.2, 2 x HDMI 1.4
The BenQ EX3501 is a great curved gaming monitor that comes with a host of excellent features. It’s different from the competition by not using the FreeSync or GSync tech, but instead the curve itself adjusts to provide a seamless and immersive experience to the user. Its 2000R curvature makes quite a wrap around the user viewing, taking care of all angles. Although it houses a lesser resolution compared to other monitors, it just means it has a wide range of support of a host of GPUs. The 8-bit VA screen runs excellent to deliver mind blowing contrast along with rendering 16.7 million colors. The aesthetic part of the display is also taken care of by the manufacturer, as this monitor comes with a chrome covered stand and the whole of the built is made out of smart plastic, and the build quality in itself is top notch. In game experience does not differ at all from other monitors that support sync techs, since this machine’s 144 Hz refresh rate takes care of it to deliver butter smooth gaming experience for game lovers. On top, there is an added anti-glare layer as well to care for the equalizing part of color depth. If a user integrates and uses this monitor with a Win 10 machine, it can be quite an experience since windows 10 supports a host of resolutions and aspect ratios, and this monitor comes with a pocketful of display modes for the ease of the viewer.
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Conclusion:
So, if you are planning on buying a computer monitor for your custom machine or are thinking of replacing your current one, the above listed models are some of the best options available to buyers and we try to find the cheapest best computer monitor deals for 2019.
Our choice is Acer XR382CQK due to the fact that this monitor is loaded with cool features like different game modes and lighting styles and it is top notch monitor. But what is your choice out of these great monitors and whay?