Computer monitors are more important than ever in 2021. Whether it’s for working from home or for powering next-generation gaming, manufacturers have brought a huge number of new monitors to CES 2021.
While announcements pretty much done, these are my picks for the best new monitors announced at CES, or take a look at some of the best new laptops and gaming laptops at CES.
LG UltraFine OLED Pro
OLED monitors are still a rarity, so I was delighted to see LG bring the display technology to a gorgeous 32-inch 4K monitor like this one, the 32EP950.
It’s aimed squarely at creative professionals, who will love the perfect blacks that only OLED can produce. LG’s video highlights the individual dimming on each of the pixels, calling it “OLED Pixel Dimming HDR” technology.
There’s a lot we still don’t know about this one — namely the price. You can bet it won’t be cheap, but you can always expect that when you’re dealing with cutting-edge technology.
Read more about the LG UltraFine OLED Pro monitor
Acer Nitro XV282K KV
On the surface, this new Acer Nitro gaming monitor is nothing special. But take a look along the back ports and you’ll find something no other monitor has. It’s one of the very first monitors to launch with support for HDMI 2.1. That means it’s as much for the next-generation consoles as it is for PC gaming.
HDMI 2.1 features variable refresh rate, allowing games to play up to 4K at 120Hz. The port has become an important inclusion in the latest television releases because it supports the latest level of performance afforded by the new generation of consoles.
Of course, a number of other HDMI 2.1 gaming monitors have also been announced, but so far, Acer’s is the cheapest, coming in at $899. It just might be the perfect addition to your hybrid PC gaming and console setup.
Read more about the Acer Nitro XV282K KV
Asus ROG Strix XG43UQ
Acer’s Nitro gaming monitor might be the cheapest HDMI 2.1 monitor, but Asus has the most impressive one. The ROG Strix XG43UQ is a monstrous 43-inch 4K monitor that’s half gaming monitor, half television. If you have a large enough desk — or perhaps a proper television stand — this ROG Strix monitor can serve as both your console and PC gaming equally well.
The ROG Strix XG43UQ also takes its visuals beyond what the Acer Nitro offers, sporting a higher 144Hz refresh rate, which should max out almost any gaming PC you can currently buy. We don’t yet have a final price on this monitor, but it will be available in the first quarter of 2021 in North America.
Read more about the Asus ROG Strix XG43UQ
Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Monitors
Leading Dell’s large update of monitors is the UltraSharp 40 Curved Monitor, also known as the U4021QW. Dell calls it the “world’s first 40-inch, curved, ultrawide WUHD monitor,” and yes, that’s a lot of qualifiers. But compared to the even-larger Samsung Odyssey G9, you’re getting more pixels and a higher pixel density.
With this UltraSharp, Dell is shooting for the professional creative audience. Its resolution is 5,120 x 2,160, and Dell even boasted of its 100% Adobe and sRGB color space. Of course, the 2,500 radius curve is its primary appeal, so long as you can handle the $2,100 price.
Read more about Dell’s new monitors
HP E27u G4 USB-C monitor
Having a USB-C monitor is noe more important than ever. With everyone working from home, the one-cord docking solution makes for a much cleaner and more convenient workspace. HP’s newest entry in its line of USB-C monitors looks like a promising one.
It has a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440, which is a perfect match for the 27-inch screen size. It’s a simple IPS monitor with a sharp design, thin bezels, and four-way ergonomic adjustment.
HP will also sell a 1080p 24-inch version of this monitor, named the E24u G4, which may end up being a popular choice for remote workers.
