Size – Bigger Is Better
A bigger screen helps you do more without juggling windows. This is where laptops fall short – the most common screen size is only 14″ or 15″! If you’re toggling between spreadsheets, web browsers, emails, and Zoom calls, you’ll appreciate extra horizontal space.
- 27” to 34” is the sweet spot for most desks
- Ultrawide (21:9) = multitasking heaven
- Standard (16:9) = basic but fine for tight spaces
Want to replace two monitors with one clean setup? Look at a 34″ ultrawide – no bezels in the middle, no cable mess. This is what we actually use at Fix My Laptop!
Curved vs Flat – Does It Matter?
If you’re going 34” or larger, consider a curved screen – it wraps your work around you a bit and reduces eye strain. Even a gentle curve will help for comfort. Smaller than that? Flat is totally fine.
The larger your screen gets, the harder it is for your eyes to focus on the edges of a flat panel. On a 34” or larger flat monitor, your eyes are constantly shifting focus across an unnaturally wide field of view. That’s not how our eyes are designed to work – we naturally see in a curved field.
Resolution and Refresh Rate
Higher resolution = sharper text and less eye fatigue. Typical screens under $200 usually have 1080p resolution, meaning pixels will most likely be visible and images won’t appear as sharp. And if you are concerned that text will look too small, you can easily adjust scaling and zoom levels!
- 1080p is acceptable on smaller monitors (under 24”), but not ideal.
- 1440p or 4K is best for reading, writing, and working all day – cleaner fonts and sharper details.
Typical screens are still 60hz. Unless you are a gamer, you probably never cared about it, but refresh rates matters. The mouse will feel much smoother, and you won’t lose the track of text you are reading if it scrolls smooth as well. It’s a subtle but noticeable quality-of-life upgrade.
Ports & Compatibility – Avoid Cable Clutter
If you’re using a modern laptop, especially a MacBook, check your ports first. Most thin laptops only have USB-C nowadays. It results in the cleanest setup, with one cable for power, data, and video. HDMI and Display Port are still standard on most laptops and desktops. Some Display Port screens allow to daisy chain monitors, minimizing the number of cables, but we still recommend USB-C screens – just plug in your laptop and go! Many of those screens also have a USB hub, so you can easily plugin the mouse and keyboard too.
Our Recommendations
Good screens aren’t cheap, but when you stare at one all day long, it makes sense to pay more. There are screens that cost up to $2000 but they are overkill for most people. Below are the most reasonable options for under $600.
- Philips 24in FHD USB-C. This is as cheap as it gets for a decent screen at less than $300. The downsides – it’s only 1080p and 75hz refresh rate.
- 27″ USB-C Dell S2725QC. It’s the best bang for your buck – only $449. 4k resolution, 120hz refresh rate, USB-C hub and charging.
- 34″ USB-C Dell S3425DW. This is the same screen we are using at Fix My Laptop office. Actually, it’s a slightly lower resolution (3440×1440) but you can easily have two windows open side by side and that’s my preference.
As for cleanest setup, pair it with a modern laptop that supports USB-C charging and data. Plug in a wireless USB receiver for your keyboard and mouse into the screen. When you are on the go – you have your laptop. When you are home – you have a big screen, proper size keyboard and mouse. Bonus – the laptop screen can still be used, giving you even more flexibility to have another window open.
