Computer Monitors

Find the Best Computer Monitors in the UK: A Shopper’s Guide to Sizes, Specs and Top Retailers

Introduction: Why your monitor choice matters

Picking the right computer monitor is like choosing the frame for a painting — it changes how you experience everything that’s displayed. Whether you’re gaming, editing photos, crunching spreadsheets, or simply streaming movies, the screen you use affects comfort, performance, and value for money. In the UK market you’ll find everything from compact portable displays to massive 43-inch 4K panels, and knowing where to look and what to compare can save you a lot of frustration (and cash).

Types of monitors you’ll see online and in stores

Monitors come in many flavors, and the key is matching the type to how you actually use your computer. Below I’ll break down the common types so you can quickly decide which road to follow.

1080p / Full HD monitors

Full HD monitors, usually 24-inch or 27-inch sizes, are the workhorse for most users. They’re affordable, perform well for office tasks, and run smoothly on mid-range graphics cards for gaming. If you’re on a budget or have limited desk space, a 24-inch 1080p display can be a sweet spot.

4K / UHD monitors

When you want ultra-sharp text, crisp images, or to view high-resolution video footage, 4K (UHD) monitors shine. Sizes typically start at 27-inch but really look their best at 32-inch or larger, such as the 43-inch UHD panels now available from some retailers. They demand more from your computer, but for creators and media lovers they’re worth the investment.

Portable monitors

Portable displays, like the popular 15.6-inch units, are great for people on the move or for adding a second screen without buying a full desktop monitor. They connect over USB-C or HDMI and are handy for presentations, travel, or boosting productivity when working from a café.

Ultrawide and curved monitors

Ultrawide screens give you extra horizontal space, useful for editing timelines or running multiple apps side-by-side. Curved monitors pull you in like a shallow bowl and can make a 34-inch ultrawide feel immersive without needing multiple displays.

Choosing the right screen size for your desk

Size matters, but not always in the way you think. A 32-inch monitor might be fantastic for a living-room setup, but cramped on a compact desk. As a rule of thumb: for standard desks, 24-inch to 27-inch screens are comfortable, while 32-inch and 43-inch panels suit larger desks or when you use the screen from a bit farther back. Think about how many feet you sit from the screen — closer viewing distances generally pair better with smaller screens to avoid excessive head movement.

Key specs that actually make a difference

There’s a mountain of numbers on every product page. Here are the specs that truly influence your daily experience.

Refresh rate and response time

Refresh rate, measured in hertz, determines how many times per second the screen refreshes. For general use 60 Hz is fine, but gamers typically look for 120 Hz, 144 Hz, or higher for smoother motion. Response time, rated in milliseconds, affects ghosting — lower numbers are better for fast action.

Panel types: IPS, VA, and TN

IPS panels offer great color and wide viewing angles, making them ideal for creative work. VA panels deliver deep blacks and strong contrast, good for watching movies. TN panels are usually cheaper and have very fast response times, favored by competitive gamers — but they can suffer on color and viewing angles.

Connectivity and ergonomic features

Check for the ports you need: HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C are the usual suspects. Also look for height adjustment, tilt, swivel and VESA mount compatibility if you plan to use monitor arms. Built-in speakers or USB hubs are handy extras but shouldn’t replace good external speakers when audio matters.

Where to buy monitors in the UK: stores to trust

The UK market has a mix of general retailers, specialist tech shops, and niche stores. Below are some trusted sellers and what they’re best at so you can target your search.

Expert Electrical

Expert Electrical stocks a selection of monitors across sizes, including some larger panels from brands like Dahua. If you’re intrigued by big, TV-style monitors for multi-tasking, Expert Electrical lists options such as Dahua’s 32-inch Full HD monitor and 43-inch Full HD models, as well as a 43-inch UHD LED choice for those chasing crisp 4K visuals. These larger-format displays bridge the gap between monitors and small TVs, ideal if you want a single screen for work and media without switching rooms.

Menkind

Menkind is known for novelty tech and gadgets, and their portable 15.6-inch HD monitors are a great example. These compact screens make perfect secondary displays for travel or for people who want plug-and-play simplicity without hauling a full monitor. If you prize portability, Menkind’s offerings are worth a look.

Currys PC World

Currys offers a vast range of monitors from entry-level to premium gaming and professional screens. It’s a good first stop if you want to browse brands and compare basic specs in one place. Currys often lists popular sizes like 24-inch 1080p displays and 27-inch 1440p/4K options.

Ebuyer and Scan

Ebuyer is a solid choice for competitive pricing and a broad selection, while Scan focuses on PC gamers and creators, carrying specialised panels from manufacturers who cater to high refresh rates or colour-critical workflows. Both are good if you want more technical options and component-style shopping.

Overclockers UK

If you’re after bleeding-edge gaming monitors — ultrafast refresh rates, G-Sync/FreeSync and niche sizes — Overclockers UK is a specialist retailer to explore. They’ll carry the latest high-performance displays and accessories for serious gamers.

John Lewis and Very

For shoppers who prioritize customer service and extended warranties, department-style retailers like John Lewis and flexible-payment sites like Very offer mainstream monitors with the option of extra purchase protections or finance plans. These are popular choices for families and those who value peace of mind.

Best monitor picks by use case

Let’s make this practical: which monitor should you choose depending on your main use?

Best for gaming

Competitive gamers should aim for at least a 24-inch or 27-inch display with 144 Hz or higher and a 1 ms to 5 ms response time. Look for adaptive sync (FreeSync or G-Sync) to avoid tearing. Retailers like Overclockers UK, Scan and Ebuyer are the places to compare specs and snag fast panels. If you want immersive console gaming, a 32-inch 4K panel at 60 Hz might be more appealing.

Best for productivity and creative work

Creators and power users benefit from 27-inch or 32-inch IPS panels with 1440p or 4K resolution. These offer more workspace and colour fidelity for photo and video editing. Stores like Currys, Scan, and John Lewis list colour-calibrated or factory-calibrated options, and specialist resellers often stock pro-level displays that support Adobe RGB or wide DCI-P3 coverage.

Best budget picks

If you’re watching the wallet, a 24-inch 1080p monitor from Currys, Ebuyer, or John Lewis will cover day-to-day tasks and light gaming. You can expect decent colour and performance at a bargain price — just don’t expect the bells and whistles of premium models.

Best portable option

For people on the move, the 15.6-inch portable HD monitors sold by Menkind are an excellent pick. They’re light, slim and usually plug into laptops via a single USB-C cable. Ideal for working in cafés or as a second screen for presentations.

How to save money and get the right deal

Even the best displays can feel expensive, but there are smart ways to get a bargain without compromising quality.

First, compare prices across retailers — specialist shops sometimes have better stock on gaming or pro monitors, while large chains may discount mainstream models. Second, consider refurbished or open-box items from reputable vendors; these often come with limited warranties and can save a lot. Keep an eye on seasonal sales like Black Friday and Boxing Day, and check student discount programs if you’re eligible. Finally, don’t forget to factor in extras like extended warranties or calibration tools when calculating total cost.

Setting up your monitor for comfort and performance

Buying the right screen is step one — setting it up correctly is step two. Position the monitor so the top of the screen sits at or slightly below eye level, and sit about an arm’s length away for 24-inch screens, a bit further back for anything 32-inch and above. Adjust brightness to be comfortable in your room’s lighting, and use blue light filters or night modes to reduce eye strain in the evening.

Final checklist before you buy

Here’s a quick checklist to run through before committing: pick the right size for your desk, choose the panel type that suits your needs, ensure the refresh rate and resolution match your use, check the ports and mount compatibility, and compare warranties across retailers. If you’re balancing price and performance, set a primary use case — gaming, creative work, or general productivity — and prioritise the specs that support it.

Conclusion

Finding the best computer monitor in the UK is about matching the screen to how you work and play. From portable 15.6-inch HD displays for life on the go, to 43-inch UHD LED panels that double as media centres, retailers like Expert Electrical and Menkind cover specific needs while larger chains and specialist shops fill out the rest of the market. Do a little homework: compare specs, check reviews, and think about how your new monitor will sit on your desk and in your daily routine. With the right choice, your monitor won’t just display content — it will improve how you create, play, and relax.