When you are looking for a computer; the monitor is not always on the list of what to check. With the number of people that buy laptops where it is just built-in; this is understandable to a point. However, for desktops that are built; what monitor you are getting deserves some consideration.
After all, it is what you will be staring at during the time which you use your computer. And that’s why a good monitor is a must to protect your eyes and to get the best viewing comfort.
What to Look for When Buying a Monitor?
Obviously, when you think about a monitor, size and where you are putting it would be the first consideration. But just as important is the resolution of a monitor; otherwise known as how many pixels it displays. For example, 1080p monitors are what is most common. At 23″ 1080p would still look fairly sharp; at 27″ (the size we are looking for today) it would not because it is a bigger screen so it needs more pixels. For 27″ you want a higher resolution such as 2560×1440 but still a 1080p monitor is considered okay.
Another good thing to look for is called IPS. IPS stands for in plane switching. It offers users wider viewing angles and bolder colors. It does this because it allows more light to pass through the panel. This can result in a glow along the edges and corners of the screen; this is entirely normal, it does not mean something is wrong with the screen; contrary to what it may look like to someone who has never owned an IPS monitor.
Now let’s check out our list of the best 27 inch monitors under 300 dollars price tag.
1. ASUS MX279H 27″ AH-IPS HDMI VGA Monitor (Our Choice)
First thing to notice about this monitor is it does have a three year warranty with two way free shipping if something goes wrong with it. It features IPS technology. Another thing worth noting is that it is both PC and Mac compatible. There are a couple of concerns with this monitor though, such as you need to download the correct driver from the ASUS website.
That isn’t a big deal for everybody but I am being thorough for those of us who are technically illiterate. Also, the power adapter cannot get lost. It does not work with any other cord. So, this isn’t a first choice for people who move around a lot or lose things but still it is one of the best 27 inch monitors under $300.
It won Good design award for it’s ultra thin built as well as the thin bezel. It also featured dual HDMI port, D-Sub and DVI-D ports. Overall we consider it to be the best 27 inch monitor under $300 dollar price that you can buy.
2. HP Pavilion 27xw 27-in IPS LED Backlit Monitor (Best Value)
This monitor features amazing angles because of its IPS and diagonal screen. This enables an awesome viewing angle from anywhere. Its white and silver colors enhance the thinness of this monitor. The stand design provides easy access to both the VGA and dual HDMI ports (note: the VGA cable is NOT included). It also features the same 1920×1080 resolution.
There is easy button controls on this monitor. It comes with anti-glare and can be tilted from -2 to +25 degrees. It does come with a limited one year warranty from HP. The menu is surprisingly easy to navigate; that needs to be noted since many monitors fall short there. It is also Mac compatible if that is a concern for you.
Finally, at the time of this writing, it is cheaper than the previous ASUS model listed above. This one seems to be the most “bang for your buck” as they say.
3. Dell SE2716H 27″ Curved Screen LED-Lit Monitor
The first thing to notice about this monitor is regardless of any of these are on sale or retail (all of them so far are listed on sale at Amazon as of when I wrote this…); this one is quite a bit more expensive than the other two. A lot of people are looking for what works for the cheapest; but not necessarily everyone. So let’s take a look and find out why it is a little more expensive.
It is not compatible to be wall mounted. There are dual built in speakers. Most importantly, and why it has a bigger price tag: it has a curved screen. There is also a capability of deeper reds and deeper blacks than with the cheaper monitors. Between that and the curved screen, one should have a reduced amount of eyestrain if they are someone who is at the computer all day versus someone who just uses it an hour or two after work.
4. Samsung S27E390H LED-Lit 27 Inch Monitor
Here is the last monitor we are looking at today. It is more expensive than the first two, but not the Dell with the curved screen. It offers the same resolution as all the others and for those few that it matters to its color is black with light blue. It is obvious why this one demands a bit more price wise than the first two. It has an eye saving mode as well.
It comes with a VGA and HDMI cable but lacks a USB. There are complaints of the white having a yellowish tint to it one this one. For that reason I would be reluctant to recommend it unless you need the eye saver mode.
Which One Should You Get?
Okay so there were the four monitors that were looked at. The one that I can rule out right away is the ASUS listed first. There was no feature in particular that stood out about it (other than the three year warranty but that only comes into play if it becomes defective anyway). The other three it depends on exactly what you are looking for.
I am operating under the assumption that price is a big factor for a lot of who would be reading this. If getting the most for your money is your biggest concern: the HP wins hands down. Now if you need the eye saver mode and don’t want to spend the extra money for the Dell; you can try the Samsung, but be aware of the whites look yellow issue.
Finally, if you are going to be at your computer for hours on end on a frequent basis and are willing to spend a bit more on the monitor, my recommendation is the Dell. The curved screen and the deeper reds and blacks than you would get with a cheap monitor provide an enhanced viewing experience.
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