For spreadsheets, email, inventory and point of sale admin, a 24 inch Full HD or a 27 inch monitor with a higher resolution covers most needs. What makes the bigger difference day to day is the stand: a screen you can raise, lower and tilt is far easier to set up comfortably than one fixed at a single height.
Gaming features such as very high refresh rates and tight curves are not needed for office work. Spend instead on the right size, a resolution that keeps text sharp, the ports your computer actually has, and a stand or arm that lets you put the screen in the right place.
The monitor range mixes screens, stands and accessories from several Canadian retailers, so read the title and specifications carefully before you buy.
Screen size and resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels on the screen. The more pixels for a given size, the sharper text looks and the more fits on the screen at once.
| Size | Common resolution | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 22 to 24 in | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | Email, browser work, a small desk |
| 27 in | 2560 x 1440 (WQHD or QHD) | Spreadsheets, two windows side by side |
| 27 to 32 in | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | Photos, design, very detailed work |
| 34 in ultrawide | 3440 x 1440 | Wide spreadsheets, timelines, several windows |
A 27 inch screen at Full HD has the same number of pixels as a 24 inch one, spread over a larger area, so text looks softer. If you choose 27 inches, a WQHD resolution is usually the better match.
Panel types
Most product pages name the panel type. In short:
- IPS: consistent colour and good viewing angles, which helps when someone else looks at the screen from the side. A common choice for office work.
- VA: strong contrast and deep blacks, often used in curved screens. Colours can shift a little at an angle.
- TN: fast and usually inexpensive, but colours and brightness change noticeably at an angle.
A matte, anti-glare surface is easier to live with under office lights or near a shop window than a glossy one.
Ports and connections
Check which outputs your computer or laptop has before choosing the monitor:
- HDMI is on almost every monitor and most laptops.
- DisplayPort is common on desktop computers and business monitors.
- USB-C with video lets some laptops send picture, data and sometimes power over one cable. Check that both the laptop port and the monitor support it.
- Built-in speakers or a USB hub save desk space but are not essential.
If you join video calls, a separate webcam usually gives a better picture than a laptop camera, and it can sit on top of the monitor at eye level.
The stand, arms and VESA mounts
A stand that adjusts in height, tilt and swivel makes it far easier to set the screen up correctly. If the included stand only tilts, look for a monitor with a VESA mount, the standard pattern of four screw holes on the back. The most common sizes are 75 x 75 mm and 100 x 100 mm. A monitor arm or a desk stand with the same VESA pattern can then hold the screen at the height you need and free up desk space. Check the weight limit of the arm against the monitor’s weight.
Where to put the monitor
Western University’s ergonomics guidance, based on the CSA guideline, gives these starting points:
- Distance: start at about arm’s length, then adjust. The CSA range for long viewing is 40 to 74 cm (16 to 30 in).
- Height: the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level, so you look slightly down without bending your neck.
- Bifocal wearers: lower the screen and tilt it back so you do not tilt your head up.
- Glare: put the screen at a right angle to windows where you can.
Your keyboard and mouse should sit at about elbow height in front of the screen. The chair matters as much as the screen: the guide to choosing an office chair explains how to set the seat height first. Many people also find a mouse pad with a wrist rest comfortable.
Quick checklist
- 24 in Full HD or 27 in WQHD for general office work.
- IPS panel and matte screen for consistent colour and less glare.
- Ports that match your computer: HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C.
- Height-adjustable stand, or a VESA mount for an arm.
- Screen about arm’s length away, top at or just below eye level.
- Webcam at eye level for video calls.
Common questions
Is one large monitor better than two smaller ones?
It depends on how you work. Two screens suit people who keep one program open all day next to another. One large or ultrawide screen avoids the gap in the middle. Either way, put the screen you use most directly in front of you.
Do I need a 4K monitor for office work?
Usually not. A 27 inch WQHD screen keeps text sharp for spreadsheets and documents. 4K helps with photo and design work, but some programs then need scaling so text is not too small.
Can I use a TV as a computer monitor?
It can work for presentations or a display in the store, but for desk work a TV is often too large to sit at arm’s length, and the stand is rarely adjustable. A monitor is the better choice for daily work.
