Top 8+ Best Monitors for Programming & Coding in 2021

Whether you’re looking for an upgrade from your old monitor, looking into a multi-monitor setup, or preparing yourself for the world of coding, you’ll definitely want the best monitor for programming out there.

And because the requirements for this special task are quite specific, I’ve done the research and tailored a list of the cream of the crop, read on to explore their pros, cons, and what makes a good monitor for programming.

Top 5 Best Monitors for Programming

Image	Products	Features	Price
	BenQ PD2700Q	Best Overall	Check Price
	Dell UltraSharp U2715H	Runner Up	Check Price
	Philips 276E8VJSB	Most Affordable	Check Price
	ASUS VN279QL	Best For Mixed Use	Check Price
	LG 29WK600-W	Best UltraWide Monitor	Check Price

8 Best Monitors for Programming in 2021

1. BenQ PD2700Q – Best Overall Monitor

The 2K display on the BenQ PD2700Q monitor is excellent for all programmers: back-end, front-end, and full-stack. The best thing about this monitor is its set of best eye-care technologies that keep you alert for extended periods with no eye strain.

The monitor comes with flicker-free technology as well as low blue light, which work together to minimize eye fatigue and enable you to code for hours on end to maximize your productivity.

With a WQHD 2560 x 1440-pixel resolution on a 27-inch monitor screen, it’s the best size for a programming setup as it gives you 108 pixels per inch resolution. With a response time of 4 ms and a refresh rate of 60 Hz, it’s a pretty responsive and smooth display just like these best computer monitor for eyes.

Since it’s an IPS panel, you’ll get superb viewing angle of 178° that enable you to enjoy the vivid colors and contrast no matter where you’re looking from. Not to mention, its 350-nit peak brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio make the images and text look sharp while the 100% sRGB coverage enhances color reproduction.

What’s more, the monitor comes with a unique CAD/CAM mode that automatically adjusts the screen’s brightness, colors, and contrast to give you the best display settings while the Darkroom mode adjusts the brightness to suit working in dark or dimly lit rooms. So, if you’re a dark mode developer (why wouldn’t you be?), the PD2700Q monitor would be an excellent choice for you.

As for ergonomics, the PD2700Q monitor comes with an adjustable stand that you can tilt -5° to 20°, swivel 45° in both directions, and pivot 90°. Finally, in terms of connectivity, this monitor comes with an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, USB 2.0 ports, and a headphone jack.

Final Verdict

The BenQ PD2700Q is an incredible choice if you’re looking for an adjustable stand with a solid range of connectivity options, and that provides an ideal and best combination of display size and quality as one of the best monitors for programming.

2. Dell UltraSharp U2715H– Runner Up

With a combination of an extra-wide Dell 27-inch display and a 2560 x 1400 resolution, the Dell UltraSharp U2715H monitor is yet another monitor that hits the sweet spot between size and best image quality.

The Dell Ultrasharp U2715H’s quality panel comes with a non-reflective coating that spares you the need to make sure the monitor isn’t facing a source of light. It’s also quite bright with 350 nits of brightness and a 1000:1 contrast ratio. However, it’s a little slow with a 6 ms response time and a 60 Hz refresh rate.

Thanks to the Dell’s best borderless design aspect ratio, you can arrange two or three together to form a seamless multi-monitor setup, especially that the Dell monitor isn’t that expensive at all. This could really enhance your productivity when it comes to coding, so it’s a possibility any coder would love.

There are four function buttons located on the right side of the bottom edge that you can use to adjust picture settings. Besides, the Dell screen includes multiple presets including Standard, Movie, Game, Paper, sRGB, Color Temperature, Movie, Multimedia, and Custom, and you can control the brightness, sharpness, contrast, and two gamma settings, which is quite a high degree of control. However, it doesn’t have the crucial low blue light setting found on the BenQ we reviewed above.

Moreover, the arrangement would be a breeze because the Dell monitor comes with full range adjustments. From the 4.4-inch height adjustment and -45° to 45° swivel range to the -20° to 5° tilt range and 90° pivot, you’ll be able to position it according to your preference and convenience. Not to mention, this Dell monitor is VESA mountable.

The Dell UltraSharp U2715H monitor comes with a pair of DisplayPort inputs (full-size and mini), two HDMI ports, five USB 3.0 ports, and an audio line out port.

Final Verdict

Another IPS panel, the Dell UltraSharp U2715H is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a Dell multi-monitor setup as it comes with ultra-thin bezels, and it isn’t an expensive buy similar to these DAW monitors. It comes with accurate colors and wide viewing angles, as well as a high degree of control over visual settings.

3. Philips 276E8VJSB – Most Affordable

The Philips 276E8VJSB is another excellent choice for programmers who spend a lot of time in front of their screens. With a 3840 x 2160-pixel resolution, every little detail on this best monitor for programming is crisp and clear, especially with the 163 PPI resolution. However, you might need to scale it up a little when viewing some texts on images.

This best IPS monitor comes with 10 bits of color depth and covers 109% sRGB color gamut, which is pretty good for its price range and results in more saturated colors that bring the images on the screen to life.

Its colors are vibrant and accurate, and with the 178° viewing angles, they’re also consistent no matter where you look at the monitor form. Like the previous two models, it comes with a 350-nit peak brightness and a 1000:1 contrast ratio that add to the lifelike qualities of the image.

Moreover, the Philips 276E8VJSB monitor features very thin bezels with a slim design that enables programmers to install a multi-monitor setup. Not only that, but it also features MultiView, which enables you to work on a project from multiple devices at the same time. So, if you’re big on multitasking, it’ll suit you quite well.

Most importantly, this monitor comes with eye-care technologies, including flicker-free and LowBlue mode, to minimize screen flickering and the emissions of blue lights that cause eye fatigue. Additionally you can also implement these best monitor settings for eyes. Also, there’s a low-haze (25%) 3H anti-glare coating on the screen that works on eliminating reflections.

A drawback, however, to this best monitor for programming is that it’s not very ergonomic. It comes with only tilt adjustments of -5° to 20°, but nothing else. The Philips 276E8VJSB monitor also doesn’t come with a VESA mount or built-in speakers.

For connectivity, it has two HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.2 input, and a headphone jack. Also, it supports HDCP 2.2, which means you can stream movies in native 4K UHD resolution during your well-deserved breaks from coding.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a cheap 4K monitor, you’ll find none better than the Philips 276E8VJSB. Yes, it isn’t VESA compatible, but it does offer incredible color reproduction and accuracy along with reliable eye-care technologies.

4. ASUS VN279QL – Best IPS Monitor

Anyone that has explored the world of monitors a little would be aware of how ASUS pays attention to all details, and especially to eye-care technologies. That’s why you can rest assured that you can use the VN279QL for extended periods without worrying about eye strain as it comes with flicker-free technology as well as trace-free technology that prevents ghosting of objects when you change quickly between windows or tabs.

This best monitor for programming comes with a 27-inch display and a Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels resolution aspect ratio) on an AMVA+ panel instead of an IPS resolution panel. Its thin bezels are quite sleek, yet the unit is well-built and comes with a sturdy circular base that’s fully ergonomic.

It gives you tilt adjustments of -5° to 22°, 160° swiveling, 0° to 90° pivoting, and height adjustment from 0 to 110 mm. Not to mention, it’s VESA mountable and can even be set up vertically to view your code in portrait mode.

This means that you can adjust the monitor to fit however you’re sitting to enjoy its 5 ms response time, 60 Hz refresh rate, and the 16.7 Million colors it can produce in real 8-bit resolution quality. Also, despite not being an IPS panel, it features 178° viewing angles that add to the convenience of how ergonomic it is.

Moreover, the VN279QL comes with an OSD (on-screen display) menu that allows you to choose between several picture modes, including Standard, Game, Night View, sRGB, Theater, and Scenery.

Not only that, but you can also adjust some settings like color temperature, saturation, contrast quality, aspect ratio, brightness, and skiing tone adjustments. In other words, you can fine-tune this monitor to suit whatever settings you prefer for coding and programming.

There’s also a Vivid Pixel option that gives you control over the sharpness of bulk pixels, which is an incredible addition for programmers as it can enhance the experience we get dealing with differently-sized text all day long.

As for connectivity, the VN279QL comes with HDMI/MHL, D-sb, and DisplayPort along with a 3.5 mm headphones jack.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for the best monitor for programming that you can use for programming but don’t want to break the bank, the ASUS VN279QL monitor would be an ideal choice for you. It’s pretty ergonomic, despite lacking height adjustments, and its performance is pretty satisfying.

5. LG 29WK600-W – Best Curved Monitor

Ultra wide monitors are quite popular among programmers and developers as they’re ideal for multitasking purposes, and the LG 29WK600-W can provide you with that at an affordable price.

This IPS panel covers 99% sRGB gamut, which means that it produces consistent, vibrant, and accurate colors that remain true no matter your viewpoint, thanks to the wide 178° viewing angles.

Moreover, the best monitor for programming boasts a 2560 x 1080 resolution on its 29-inch aspect ratio display, which means that you get an ample 96 PPI count. Mix that with the 1000:1 contrast ratio and 300-nit peak brightness, and you’ll get an incredible visual experience.

It’s also worth mentioning that the monitor supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), though it’s only emulated as the native gamut, brightness, and contrast aren’t enough to improve pictures for HDR content.

The LG 29WK600-W monitor is equipped with AMD FreeSync that makes its VRR (variable refresh rate) range wide enough to allow you to enjoy games, which means you can milk your best monitor for programming for all its worth. It definitely beats other options on the list with its 5 ms response time and 75 Hz refresh rate.

Also, it comes with OSD controls and settings that allow you to split the screen space into partitions to facilitate multitasking, adjust the black stabilizer to improve visibility when coding in dark-themed IDEs, and dynamic action sync that works on reducing input lag to a minimum.

In terms of connectivity, the LG 29WK600-W comes with two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, two 5-watt MaxxAudio built-in speakers, and a headphone jack.

Final Verdict

If you’re the typical developer, you’d probably prefer an ultra-wide option for your monitor over regular ones to help you multitask. And for this purpose, I’d highly recommend the LG 29WK600-W.

6. Acer R240HY bidx – Premium Performance

If you’re looking for a super affordable monitor of high quality, look into the Acer R240HY. While it’s a narrow option compared to others on the list, this 24-inch size monitor is one of the best 1080p resolution monitors you can use when coding.

Its thin, bezel-less design leaves plenty of room for a multi-monitor setup, and since it’s an IPS panel, you’ll be getting incredible color accuracy and consistency. The 178° viewing angles definitely play a role in that, and this visual performance makes it a good candidate for designers and developers alike.

Admittedly, it doesn’t have the most solid performance specs with a 60 Hz refresh rate and 4 ms response time, but it’s still better than what you’d expect from a non-gaming monitor, though this one can handle a game or two.

To make your software coding experience easier, the Acer R240HY comes with plenty of presets that are optimized to fit different situations. They include Standard, ECO, Graphics, Movie Mode, and User. Not to mention, it’s equipped with flicker-free technology as well as a low blue light filter that eliminates eye strain and fatigue while using a software.

However, its OSD menu isn’t easy to navigate, even for those with more experience. Despite that, they’re still pretty good to control contrast, brightness, and, most importantly, gamma or colors.

In terms of connectivity, this best monitor for programming comes with an HDMI port, VGA, and DVI, as well as a headphone jack, so it’s quite integrated. However, the Acer R240HY is not VESA mountable and only comes with tilt adjustments up to 20°.

Final Verdict

If you’re on a really tight budget, but you still want the best monitor for programming, the Acer R240HY bidx is the one for you. While it may not be as advanced or integrate as many technologies as other options, it’s still a solid bang for your buck overall.

7. BenQ PD3200U – Premium Performance

If you’ve got some money to spare, I’d recommend investing in the BenQ PD3200U. This premium and best monitor may help you bring out your programming’s A-game with its high specs and smooth design.

It boasts the best 3840 x 2160-pixel resolution on a 32-inch size screen space, making it the best 4K monitor display with a 137 PPI count, ideal for developers. Since it’s an IPS panel, it comes with wide viewing angles of 178° that keep the colors and contrast consistent. Also, with a brightness of 350 nits and AQColor technology, you’ll be able to enjoy working with this monitor in direct sunlight.

And the best part? The BenQ PD3200U comes with solid eye-care technologies; something every programmer loves to hear. It features low blue light and flicker-free technologies to enable you to work on your projects for extended periods without causing any strain on your eyes.

Like the BenQ model we started our best list with, this one also comes with a CAD/CAM mode that boosts visual experiences and the DualView display that makes multitasking a breeze. Not only that, but it also features Keyboard View Mouse (KVM), which enables you to work on different projects simultaneously with all the smoothness in the world.

In terms of ergonomics, the BenQ PD3200U is absolutely adjustable. It comes with a 5° to 20° tilt, 45° swiveling in both directions, and 90° pivoting in order to offer you a comfortable viewing experience no matter how you’re sitting wrt monitors.

Final Verdict

If you’re dedicated to your programming monitor, you’d love what the BenQ PD3200U has to offer. This 32-inch screen size monitor has a solid display with eye-care technologies that enable developers to finish their projects on time, and enjoy them as well!

8. LG 27UK850-W – Premium Performance

The LG 27UK850-W’s display is one that is hard to match with how many advantages it has.

This 27-inch screen size monitor boasts a 3840 x 2160-pixel resolution, which results in a 163 PPI count and good resolution, so you may rest assured that you’ll be getting high-quality best and crisp images. Like pretty much all the options on the list, it comes with a 350-nit peak brightness and 178° viewing angles and decent resolution.

Like the previous LG model we’ve mentioned, this one comes with best HDR 10 and AMD’s FreeSync. However, with a 16:9 ratio and good viewing angle, it’s not an ultra-wide option but fits the average standard of the best monitor for programming related work found across the market.

With 5 ms of response time and 60 Hz refresh rate, monitors technical specs aren’t exactly impressive, but they’re good enough for programming work, and perhaps some light gaming every now and then.

Moreover, if you plan on building a multi-monitor setup down the line, the LG27UK850-W monitor is a pretty viable choice. It sports a three-side virtually borderless display, so the edges are quite thin where the action happens.

In terms of ergonomics, it’s not that extensive as it only comes with -5° to 20° tilting, but nothing else. It does come with decent connectivity options, including USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, and an audio jack.

Final Verdict

The LG27UK850-W monitor is an excellent choice that’s easy to set up and use for all users. With connectivity, quality, and the potential for a multi-monitor setup, the only drawback to this choice is its tilt-only design and its relatively high price as compared to other best monitors for coding.

How to Pick a Monitor for Programming

Sitting for hours on end to finish writing your code and having multiple tabs open to search for the right syntax or the best library to use isn’t exactly a breeze. This is why I’d highly recommend getting the best monitors for coding that helps you tackle this task seamlessly. For this, I’ve created this help section to clarify the things that you should focus on in monitors.

Screen Size and Resolution

The tricky part about best monitors is that you have to keep an eye on a ratio between the pixels per inch screen size of a monitor to its resolution and size. This number would indicate the pixel density, which is what makes all the difference when it comes to how clear and crisp the images look on the screen.

Getting a monitor with a low pixel density that’s too low would give you pixelated images, while one that’s too high would force you to scale up images to read texts. This is especially a hassle if you do plenty of front-end development, which would require viewing a lot of images and text to imagine how they’d look to the user and how they would affect the UI/UX. 

I’d highly recommend a monitor that’s 27 inch size with a WQHD (2560 x 1440p) monitor resolution, which would result in about 109 PPI resolution. This allows you to keep an eye on all the tasks you’re running without compromising the picture quality of how the pixels appear on the screen.

Honestly, a monitor smaller than 27 inch screen size would be limiting in terms of the multitasking you’d be able to do (and you’ll probably be doing plenty of that), while bigger than that would have your eyes darting all over the place to catch up with everything going on.

Panel

Panels come in three variants: IPS (in-plane switching), VA (vertical alignment), and TN (twisted nematic).

Most panel options we’ve picked out are best IPS panels monitors, and that is no coincidence. IPS panels are known to produce better and more vivid colors, have sharper resolution details, and superior monitor viewing angles. This is quite crucial for best programmers as we all know how long coding sessions could have us sitting upside down, and that’s where being able to clearly see the monitors screen panel space from any angle comes into play.

Connectivity

This might sound a little weird to you, but getting the best monitor with a good range of ports is pretty important because you might want to use it as an external screen space with multiple devices or use it for a multi-setup, which most programmers and developers usually opt for and love.

Eye-Care Technologies

As programmers, we spend no less than 6 hours per day fixated in front of our screens, and that’s why it’s super important to pay extra attention to screen eye-care technologies. These include best anti-flickering and blue light emission reduction, which work on minimizing eye strain and fatigue because of the screen.

Response Time

While the monitors resolution, response time and refresh rate of a monitor isn’t an essential part of programming or writing code work, it would still be better to get a monitor with good numbers to enhance best visual performance. A monitor response time of 4 ms would be great, but if you’re planning to use your monitor for other purposes (like gaming, which your PC would probably be capable of if you use it for programming related work), then you should opt for lower numbers.

Refresh Rate

As for the monitor refresh rate features, 60 Hz refresh rate screen would be ample with decent resolution, but if you opt for 75 Hz refresh rate screen, it will make your experience smoother. Of course, if you’re also going to use it for gaming purposes, you shouldn’t opt for anything less than 144 Hz screen refresh rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do a Lot of Programmers Prefer Curved Monitors?

A lot of programmers and developers love curved monitors for what they have to offer in terms of code visibility during work. So, yes, curved best monitors screen could really enhance your code-writing process, especially with multiple tabs or windows open to extract code from somewhere (looking at you, StackOverflow.com) and add it to your IDE.

What’s the Ideal Monitor Size for Programming work?

I’d say around 27 inch screen size monitors are ideal for programming work (as long as you combine it with a WQHD resolution monitors and decent aspect ratio monitor display) give or take. This combination allows you to view big parts of your code as well as seamlessly multitask but aren’t too big to be distracting or lower the PPI.

Why Choose IPS Panels Instead of TN or VA Ones?

IPS display panels of monitors offer superb color reproduction, decent aspect ratio, features cover wider color gamuts, and have better viewing angles. This means that you may sit however you like without worrying about the images looking faded or the contrast running your display experience with IPS.

Final Words

Now that you’ve checked our picks of the best monitors for programming work, I hope you’ve found it easier to finalize your buying decision. But if you’re still facing some trouble, let’s do a quick recap of the best monitors with good aspect ratio.

If you’re looking for a satisfactory experience overall, I’d recommend going for the BenQ PD2700Q monitor display. It combines the best screen size (27 inch) and resolution (2560 x 1440 pixels resolution) and comes with the needed display eye-care technologies along with a decent screen real estate.

The Dell UltraSharp U2715H screen display would be the best choice for a multi-monitor setup as it comes with very thin bezels monitors that seamlessly blend together and form a massive screen space on which you may multitask all you want and finish all your work.

If you’re on a tight budget, you could check out the best ASUS VN279QL display screen as one of the best monitors for programming. Despite being cheap, its performance is great, and it produces vibrant colors with good aspect ratio and screen real estate. You could skip it and opt for a cheap but best 4K monitor display screen, however, by choosing the Philips 276E8VJSB display. 

Finally, if you’re looking for the spacious layout of a multi-monitor setup but don’t want to cram your desk or can’t afford to buy more than one monitor, I’d recommend the ultra-wide LG 29WK600-W monitors. Also, check out our guide on overclocking your monitor