Monitor Buying Guide: Key Features to Consider Before You Buy

Beyond pixels, what matters? Find out in our monitor buying guide, starting with key features. 

Think of your monitor as the storyteller of your digital world. Is it telling the story right?  

A monitor is not just a screen, it's where your moments come to life. Regardless of what you’ll be using it for, a high-quality monitor is essential for getting the most out of your PC. Choosing the right one? That's about specs and a few more things! 

Since we spend countless hours looking at our screens, it's important to think and choose wisely before we make that decision for ourselves and our setup. With the different types of monitors available, varying in size, resolution, panel type, connectivity, and unique features, finding the right one can feel overwhelming and knowing what to look for can make the decision much easier. And that’s where we come in!

Our monitor buying guide is here to simplify the process for you. We’ll walk you through everything—from screen size and resolution to panel types and key features—so you can confidently choose the perfect monitor to suit your needs. 

Ready to find your ideal display? Let’s get started! 

First things first: What's your monitor's mission? 

Before diving into the specs and features in this monitor buying guide, it’s first critical to determine exactly why/what you need a new monitor for; is it everyday use, professional use, or entertainment? By defining your purpose, you’ll be a step closer in unlocking the ultimate display. 

For any purpose you have in mind, we've compiled these recommendations.

Looking for specific recommendations? Read this blog on exciting and the best monitors to buy in 2025 for gaming, streaming, content creation, and more! 

Monitor Buying Guide: What Key Features Should You Prioritise 

Okay, so you want a monitor that makes everything better, right? Work, games, movies – everything. Well, with this monitor buying guide/monitor purchase guide, you’ll be able to find one easily. We’re going to break down the stuff that actually matters, like how big the screen size should be, how sharp the picture needs to be, what the ideal monitor response time is, and more.  

Whether you're choosing a PC monitor for casual use, looking for the best monitor to buy for professional work, or want a powerful monitor for gaming, understanding these features will help you find the perfect fit. 

Screen Size 

Screen size is a big deal when it comes to choosing a monitor. Regardless of if you are just browsing online or diving into some serious gaming, everyone agrees: size matters! You’ll also see this in every monitor buying guide, whether it's for everyday use or a gaming monitor buying guide. 

 

Breakdown Of Common Sizes and Their Typical Use 

Other Important Things to Know About Screen Size 
 

• Screen size is measured diagonally from corner to corner. 
• Whether you're looking for high refresh rate monitors, curved monitors, or ultra wide monitors, you'll commonly find screen sizes ranging from 15 to over 49 inches, with 24 and 27 inches being popular sizes for general use. 
• Larger screens offer more versatility, including wider viewing angles, better designs with enhanced features, and more connection port options. 
• Larger screens, such as 55-57" curved monitors, 49” OLED monitors, and USB C monitors like the Acer Predator X49X and AOC AGON AG493UCX2 tend to be more expensive than their smaller counterparts due to advanced features and increased screen real estate. 

The table below highlights the most popular types of monitor resolutions and what they are best for.

Other Important Things to Know About Resolution 

• Full HD (1920 X 1080) is the most popular for its balance of clarity and performance.  
• Higher resolutions (1440p, 4K, and beyond) require a powerful graphics card, specifically for gaming and professional use. 
• Monitor resolution is often described in shorthand (e.g., 1080p, 1440p, 4K). 
• Larger screens benefit significantly from higher resolutions to maintain image sharpness and prevent pixelation. 

Aspect Ratio 

Next up for discussion in our monitor buying guide is monitor aspect ratio. 

The monitor aspect ratio is the width-to-height ratio of the screen. Sounds complicated? Right. But it’s actually pretty simple. It's just how wide your screen is compared to how tall it is. Like, how much of a rectangle you're looking at. Choosing the right one ensures comfortable viewing of all content. 

Find out more about the different types of aspect ratios and their uses in the table below: 

Other Important Things to Know About Aspect Ratio

• Older monitors use the 4:3 format which is unsuitable for widescreen formats. 
• Most modern monitors have a 16:9 (widescreen) or a 21:9 (ultrawide) ratio for immersive viewing. 
• Some older software and games may not support ultrawide resolutions, causing stretching or black bars. 

Response Time 

Imagine you're watching a fast-moving car chase on your screen. If the monitor response time is slow, your monitor will take longer to switch the colours of each pixel, making the content look blurry. In simpler terms, this is because the monitor is struggling to keep up with the rapid changes in the scene. By definition, response time is “the time it takes a monitor's pixel to change colours, measured in milliseconds (ms)”. 

Response Time and Their Ideal Use Case

Panel Type, Their Response Time, and Strengths 

Common Refresh Rates & Their Uses 

• 60Hz – Standard for everyday computing, office work, and general use. 
• 75Hz – Slightly smoother than 60Hz, great for casual gaming. 
• 120Hz – 144Hz – Recommended for gaming, as it improves motion clarity. 
• 240Hz+ – Best for competitive esports gaming where responsiveness is crucial. 

Panel Type

The secret behind your monitor's stunning visuals lies in the panel type. This term refers to the underlying technology that creates the image displayed on your screen. 

Most Common Panel Types and Their Uses 

The ranges can vary slightly between manufacturers and specific models. Additionally, OLED monitors are becoming more common, and their use is expanding. On the other hand, VA panels have improved over the years, and some newer VA panels have very good response times.

Popular Monitor Features

Curved Screen (Think: "Wrap-Around Vision")

What it is: Instead of a flat screen, the monitor curves slightly inward, like a gentle bend.

Why people love it: 

• It wraps around your field of view, making you feel more "inside" the action, specifically in games and movies. 
• A curved screen can reduce eye strain by providing a more natural viewing experience, as your eyes don't have to work as hard to focus on the edges of the screen. 
   

Touch Screen (Think: "Like a Giant Tablet") 

What it is: A screen that responds to your touch, just like your smartphone or tablet. 

Why people love it: 

• It allows for direct interaction with software and applications, making tasks like drawing, editing, and navigating more natural. 
• A touch screen can speed up workflows and simplify certain tasks, specifically in creative or interactive applications. 
• If you've ever used a tablet to draw or take notes, a touch screen monitor offers a similar experience on a larger scale. 
   

FreeSync (Think: “Smooth Gaming, No Tearing”) 

What it is: A technology that synchronises the refresh rate of your monitor with the frame rate of your graphics card. 

Why people love it: 

• It eliminates screen tearing (prevents those annoying horizontal lines that can appear on the screen during fast-paced games). 
• It also minimises stuttering, resulting in smoother and more fluid gameplay. 
   

HDR (High Dynamic Range) (Think: "More Vibrant Colours and Deeper Blacks") 

What it is: A technology that expands the range of colours and contrast that your monitor can display.

Why people love it:

• It results in more realistic and vibrant images, with deeper blacks, brighter whites, and a wider range of colours. 
• It allows you to see more detail in both the dark and bright areas of an image.

Console Compatibility (Think: "Does it Play Well with My PlayStation/Xbox?") 

What it is: This refers to whether a monitor can properly display the video output from your gaming console (PlayStation, Xbox, etc.). Whenever you choose a PC monitor for console gaming, it’s essential to check for compatibility with these features to ensure you get the most out of your console experience.

What to look for: 

• Resolution and Refresh Rate Support: Consoles output at specific resolutions (like 1080p, 1440p, or 4K) and refresh rates (like 60Hz or 120Hz). You need a monitor that can handle those. 
• HDMI Compatibility: Consoles primarily use HDMI, so a monitor with an HDMI input is essential. Ideally, it should be HDMI 2.1 for higher resolutions and refresh rates. 
• HDR Support: If your console and games support HDR, you'll want a monitor that does too for richer colours. 

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) (Think: "Matching the Game's Speed") 

What it is: A technology that dynamically adjusts the monitor's refresh rate to match the frame rate of your console or PC. 

How it works:

• It eliminates screen tearing and reduces stuttering, resulting in smoother and more consistent gameplay. 
• Modern consoles support VRR, so a compatible monitor can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

 

Height Adjustable Stand

What it is: When exploring monitors, you might have come across the term ‘height adjustable monitors’—but do you know what they are? Height adjustable monitors come with a stand that allows you to raise or lower your screen to the most comfortable viewing position.  

Why people love it:

• It helps reduce neck and back strain by aligning the screen with your eye level. 
• It makes it easier to customise your workspace, especially in multi-monitor or shared desk environments. 

 
You can explore height adjustable monitors at Box.co.uk! 

Along with these key features, consider your available desk space, viewing distance, budget, and graphics card capabilities when buying a new monitor. 

 

Want a next-level visual experience? Explore our OLED monitors and discover why OLED monitors are becoming the go-to choice for vibrant colour, perfect blacks, and unbeatable contrast. Curious about curved monitor benefits? You’ll love how the curved displays in our range wrap around your field of vision, offering greater immersion and reduced eye strain. The ‘curved monitor benefits’ also extend to comfort and overall engagement.  
 

On the other hand, if you're looking for flexibility on the go, portable monitors are the perfect solution for professionals, students, and gamers who need a second screen wherever they are. Lightweight and compact, these displays are terrific for working remotely, presenting on the move, and extending your laptop screen during travel. Many models connect via USB-C, offering plug-and-play convenience without compromising clarity or performance. Cafe working or gaming while travelling? A portable monitor ensures you stay connected, productive, and entertained. 

At Box.co.uk, we make it easy to shop by screen size, resolution, or feature. From high refresh rate monitors for esports precision to stunning 4K monitors for media and editing, our selection has something for everyone. Also, stay tuned for the latest portable monitors, bringing flexibility and performance wherever you go. Plus, don’t miss out on our latest monitor deals, offering high-performance displays and the best monitors to buy at unbeatable prices. Whether you’re upgrading or buying your first display, our top-quality range makes it easy to find a suitable monitor for your needs. Don’t miss out! Shop now!

Conclusion 

There’s so much to consider when it comes to monitors—screen size, refresh rate, aspect ratio, you name it. And without a proper monitor buying guide to help you, it’s easy to make the wrong choice. 
 
A monitor buying guide has all the information you need to select right monitor. However, before you start considering the key features before you buy a monitor, it's important to align your display with your personal needs, preferences, and how you use your computer daily for a better selection. By defining your purpose, you will narrow down your options quickly. Once done, focus on key features like screen size, resolution, monitor response time, refresh rate, panel type, and aspect ratio. The right specs for each will vary depending on your use (highlighted above in this monitor buying guide). If you want smooth gameplay, choose from the top high refresh rate monitors and go for IPS or OLED panels if you like true-to-life colour accuracy and immersive visuals. 

Additionally, when shopping for your next monitor, consider connectivity (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) and additional features (such as curved screen, touchscreen, and console compatibility), as they can significantly elevate your setup.  

All monitors (curved monitors, ultra wide monitors, height adjustable monitors, or otherwise) offer different benefits. If you're still unsure how to choose a monitor, take a closer look at the various types available and what they offer—something every good computer monitor buying guide will recommend. 

However, if you’re convinced about a specific monitor, you can shop for it at Box.co.uk. Whether you're eyeing a Full HD screen for everyday use, an Ultra 4K HD for top-tier quality, or something in between or more, there’s a perfect monitor waiting for you. 

Need help narrowing it down? Browse our top gaming monitors, exceptional business monitors, and high-quality ultrawide monitors. No matter your goal, with this monitor buying guide or monitor purchase guide in hand, you'll be better equipped to upgrade your view with clarity, confidence, and purpose. 

FAQs 

How to decide what monitor to buy? 
 
To decide what monitor to buy, choose based on your main use (gaming, work, general) and key features like size, resolution, and panel type. A good monitor buying guide can help simplify your decision. 

What are the five factors to consider when purchasing a monitor? 

The five main factors to consider when purchasing a monitor are screen size, resolution, panel type, refresh rate/response time, and connectivity options. 

How do I choose between monitors? 
 
To choose between monitors, compare based on performance specs, features, and use case (e.g., gaming, design, office). 

What is the criteria for selecting a monitor? 
 
The main criteria for selecting a monitor is purpose, display quality, panel technology, compatibility, and ergonomic features like adjustability. 

How can I improve my monitor quality? 
 
You can improve your monitor quality by using quality cables, calibrate display settings, update drivers, and ensure GPU compatibility. 

What are the common three or four monitor resolutions? 
 
The common three or four monitor resolutions are Full HD (1080p), Quad HD (1440p), 4K UHD, and occasionally 5K or 8K for professionals.