Our top pick for programmers, the Dell Ultrasharp 27 U2722DE, has these kinds of desirable features. It’s a durable, reliable monitor with great image quality, a highly adjustable stand, thin bezels, and numerous connection options. If you’re a coder with more specific needs, we’ve tested and researched the best monitors for programming from manufacturers like LG, ViewSonic, and HP. While its bezels aren’t the slimmest available, they work well with multi-monitor setups. Dell advertises the U2722DE as a USB-C hub monitor. It has a USB-C port that can drive multiple additional ports, including four USB-A ports and Ethernet. The USB-C port provides 90 watts of power, so it can charge a connected laptop. Dell also includes a DisplayPort out that can be used to daisy-chain a video connection to multiple monitors. There’s reason to trust this monitor will hold up. Dell includes a three-year warranty with an advanced exchange service, which means Dell will ship you a new monitor before receiving the return if an exchange is needed. Size: 27 inches︱Panel type: IPS︱Resolution: 2560 x 1440︱Refresh rate: 60Hz︱Aspect Ratio: 16:9︱Video inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C However, what makes this monitor stand out is its functionality. The monitor’s thin bezels and inputs, including HDMI and VGA, are convenient for setting up multiple monitors. The HP VH240a includes a sturdy ergonomic stand with adjustable height, tilt, and swivel, and it even pivots 90 degrees. This customization is unusual for a budget monitor and perfect for arranging a multi-monitor setup exactly how you desire. While programmers have dozens of budget 24-inch monitors to choose from, save yourself time and pick up the HP VH240a for a reliable, functional choice. Size: 23.8 inches | Panel Type: LED | Resolution: 1920x1080 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI, VGA There’s more good news for programmers. The Viewsonic VG2756-4K has thin bezels that are perfect for aligning multiple monitors. You barely notice that gap between each display. The monitor is also USB-C compatible and can charge a connected laptop. The included USB-A hubs and Ethernet ports let you use the monitor as a USB-C hub. What about image quality? It’s solid but not exceptional. The monitor’s 4K resolution looks tack sharp, and the monitor supports wide color gamuts, but it’s not any better than the more affordable Dell S2721QS. The VG2756-4K places versatility over top-notch image quality. Size: 27 inches︱Panel type: IPS︱Resolution: 3480 x 2160︱Refresh rate: 60Hz︱Aspect Ratio: 16:9︱Video inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C This monitor has another unique trait: It’s flat. That’s normal for widescreen monitors but less common among ultrawides. A flat screen is preferable for programming, design, and other productivity because a curved screen can slightly warp your perspective of the content you’re viewing. Programmers may have issues with this monitor’s bezels. They’re not massive but large enough to prove annoying when using the 34WK95U-W with other displays. The monitor also has a large stand that takes up a lot of room on your desk. The LG 34WK95U-W comes with a Thunderbolt 3/USB-C port, which handles video input and provides up to 85 watts of power delivery, so you can charge a laptop while it’s connected to the monitor. The monitor also has several USB-A ports and an Ethernet port, which can function as a USB hub for an attached laptop. Size: 34 inches︱Panel type: IPS︱Resolution: 5120x2160︱Refresh rate: 60Hz︱Aspect Ratio: 21:9︱Video inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C The monitor looks great all around, with its thin bezel on three sides framing a clear and vibrant picture, helped by ViewSonic’s SuperClear technology for improving viewing angles. Its flicker-free and blue light filtering features may help cut back on eye strain for long coding sessions. The 27-inch screen and 16:9 aspect ratio work well in portrait orientation, too, and the VG2765 can pivot to take advantage of the vertical space. Its ergonomics are excellent in general, allowing for wide-ranging swivel, tilt, and height adjustments. You shouldn’t have a problem finding a comfortable position on your desk, but if you prefer, it also includes holes for VESA-compatible wall mounting. Size: 27 inches | Panel Type: LCD | Resolution: 2560x1440 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI, Mini DP, DP Programmers and designers alike will appreciate this monitor’s sturdy build quality, ergonomic stand, and thin bezels. This large monitor can serve as your primary display but plays well with others. The stand even pivots the monitor 90 degrees into portrait orientation, a feature that’s common on small monitors but unusual for a 32-inch. There are gobs of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 3, two USB-C ports, HDMI, and DisplayPort. The monitor also supports power delivery over Thunderbolt 3/USB-C, so it can charge your laptop while you use it as an external display. BenQ includes a puck control that lets you change monitor settings without leaning forward and using the monitor’s on-screen menu. The only downside? It’s expensive. However, if you want the ultimate programming display, the BenQ PD3220U is an obvious choice. Size: 32 inches︱Panel type: IPS︱Resolution: 3840x2160︱Refresh rate: 60Hz︱Aspect Ratio: 16:9︱Video inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C
Slim Bezel
Programmers love to use multiple monitors but hate big, chunky bezels that keep those monitors separated. Modern thin-bezel monitors can reduce this problem by shrinking the gap between displays to just a few millimeters. You don’t even have to pay a premium for this feature, as even our budget pick delivers razor-thin bezels.
Extra Ports
Modern monitors have way more connectivity than those sold a decade ago. Many function as USB-C hubs, which means you can access additional ports on them via a single USB-C connection. Most USB-C hub monitors can also charge a connected laptop, offering a one-cable video, connectivity, and power solution.
About Our Trusted Experts
Matthew S. Smith is a veteran consumer technology journalist and hardware geek. He has covered the industry since 2007. Matthew’s work can be found in numerous publications including PC World, Wired, IEEE Spectrum, IGN, Business Insider, and Reviewed. Todd Braylor Pleasants is a writer specializing in tech. Todd tested our budget pick, the HP VH240a, and has also worked with a range of professional audio, video, and print technologies.
