Most monitors nowadays have a landscape orientation. This is because most of our everyday tasks and gaming needs are designed to be met by normal landscape monitors. But in case you’re looking for a monitor for more specific purposes like coding and programming, vertical videos, and reading, a vertical monitor, is what you need.
This product is more on the niched side of the hardware, and it can be quite perplexing to choose one, especially if you are used to conventional monitors. The price can be quite different as well. So to help you find the best vertical monitor for your needs, we have prepared this buying guide.
This article is curated to help you learn what you should be looking for in a vertical monitor, and we have compiled the best selection for you to choose from. So before buying your vertical monitor, make sure you read through the entire guide.
Quick Links
- Why Buy a Vertical Monitor?
- Things To Look For in a Vertical Monitor
- The Best Vertical Monitors
- Dell Ultrasharp u2720q 27 Inch 4K UHD (3840 X 2160) Led Backlit LCD Ips Usb-c Monitor (7gz651)
- Dell p2419h 24 Inch Led-backlit, Anti-glare, 3H Hard Coating Ips Monitor
- Benq pd2500q 25 Inch Qhd 1440P Ips Monitor
- Asus Proart Display pa248qv 24.1” Wuxga
- HP vh240a 23.8-Inch Full HD 1080P Ips Led Monitor
- Dell Ultrasharp u2414h 23.8” Inch Screen Led Monitor
- Lg 27un850-W Ultrafine UHD
- Dell Ultrasharp 1909W – LCD Display
- FAQs About Vertical Monitors
- What Are Vertical Monitors Commonly Used For?
- How Long Do Monitors Last?
- How Do I Maintain My Monitor?
- Can You Turn a Horizontal Monitor Into a Vertical One?
- Are Vertical Monitors More Expensive?
- How Do You Use a Monitor Sideways?
- What Is the Best Height for Your Monitor?
- Is It Really Better To Use Two Screens?
- Led or LCD?
- How Do I Choose My Monitor’s Resolution?
- Final Thoughts
Why Buy a Vertical Monitor?
First off, why should you spend money on a vertical monitor? What makes it better than your typical horizontal monitors?
A vertical monitor is not a commonly seen setup, but it offers a lot of pros, especially for professionals. The main advantage it has is more space. With its length, programmers can see around twice more code lines as your horizontal monitors.
The extra space gives comfort to your neck and eyes. Having a vertical screen allows you to have more natural eye movement, and it reduces the straining motions from your neck. So there would be way fewer haggard eyes and neck pain for those who are working for hours on end. In addition, those hours would give you happiness, efficiency, and enjoyment at work.
Things To Look For in a Vertical Monitor
Though there are a lot of similarities, choosing a vertical monitor can be different from picking a conventional landscape one. What are the things you should be considering when buying a vertical monitor? In this guide, we will be going over the key factors that make a monitor great and worth your money.
Purpose
First of all, you should determine the main reason you’re buying a vertical monitor. Where, when, and for what will you be using it? Gamers typically prioritize high refresh rates and low response time to maximize their gaming experience. However, vertical monitors are rarely used for playing games directly.
Most of the time, vertical monitors are used by professionals for easier reading. Programmers find them very efficient because they can show more lines of code. Gamers also use vertical monitors to be able to view their discord while streaming.
Resolution
The resolution of a monitor tells us how many pixels it has in a width x height format. Basically, the higher the resolution, the better the picture you’ll get. You would need a minimum of 1920 x 1080 or 1080p or FHD or HD to enjoy basic tasks for starters.
A 4K monitor would give you a way better display, but it can be pricier as well. So it’s up to you to determine whether you need those extra pixels and if it fits your budget. Also, you need to consider the capacity of your system.
First, your graphics card. The more pixels your monitor has, the higher the required processing power is for your graphics card. Your system should also be able to drive millions of pixels, or your overall experience would suffer rather than be enhanced by the high resolution. So check your system first.
Another thing to consider is the size of your monitor. A bigger monitor would need a higher resolution to provide a clear display. As of today, the highest resolution available is 7680 x 4320 or 8K. Imagine gaming or working in one of those!
Display Size and Aspect Ratio
The physical size and the display ratio of a monitor is an important factor because it affects the overall useability of your screen.
A 32″ inch monitor is already big for regular use. A 16:9 aspect ratio is ideal for regular monitors, but we would recommend a 16:10 aspect ratio for portrait ones. This, of course, depends on your needs and personal preference.
Refresh Rate
This number signifies how fast your monitor updates data every second. It is measured using hertz or Hz, where a bigger number means a better, smoother, and less stuttery display. Gamers opt to go with higher refresh rates like 120hz. But if you only want a monitor for basic tasks like reading, typing, or Spotify, 60hz would do.
Response Time
This refers to how fast a monitor can change individual pixels from white to black or other colors. It is expressed in ms where lower is faster. A slower response time would mean motion-blur and lag when gaming or watching fast videos. This is another important factor, especially if you’re a gamer.
Panel Technology
There are three-panel technologies that you can choose from. Twisted Nematic (TN), In-Plane Switching (IPS), and Vertical Alignment (VA). Each one of these has its own specialty and use.
TN monitors are the fastest and cheapest due to their low quality when viewed from a side angle. IPS monitors offer faster response times than VA panels, and they can show colors better as well. Meanwhile, VA panels specialize in contrast, and it shows the best image quality.
Connectivity
This is something that you should be considering no matter what type of monitor you are buying. Connectivity refers to the number of ports that are available in your monitor. Your monitor should at least have a VGA and HDMI port.
Most monitors come with these two ports, so you should be taking notice of other additional ports like one that lets you charge your phone, etc. More ports allow for more flexibility, so it’s nice to take this into consideration.
Another great connection to have is Type-C. This is commonly found on the more premium and expensive monitors. So if a monitor has it, you know that it complies with modern standards and quality.
Ergonomic Features
This factor is essential, especially for those of you who will be sitting in front of your screens for extended periods. Hours and hours of bad posture would lead to health problems and even injuries in the future. So a monitor with good ergonomic features is a must.
Things you should be looking for are VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) mounting support. This is a feature that allows you to mount your monitor on stands or wall mounts in different ways.
Besides basic tilting options, other monitors offer you the flexibility to change their swivel, pivot, and height. It gives you the versatility to position your monitor, allowing a comfortable working environment.
The Best Vertical Monitors
Now that you know the main factors to consider when buying a vertical monitor, it’s time to go shopping for the one that’s perfect for you. And no, you don’t have to spend countless hours scrolling through Amazon just to find a good one when we’re here providing you the best of the best choices. So without further adieu, here are the best vertical monitors.
Dell Ultrasharp u2720q 27 Inch 4K UHD (3840 X 2160) Led Backlit LCD Ips Usb-c Monitor (7gz651)
The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q is a 27-inch IPS monitor which offers a 4K UHD display (3480 x 2160). If you’re looking for a high-resolution monitor, this one got you covered. Its In-plane switching technology (IPS) gives you a wider viewing angle than other monitors. The ultra high resolution combined with IPS allows you to get high-quality and accurate images, perfect for immersive gaming and content consumption.
The design is very sleek with its thin profile that allows you to have a seamless multi-display setup. This gives you more desk space and allows you to have a multi-monitor setup that is neat-looking.
It comes with a number of convenient ports that give you great connectivity. It has a DisplayPort, HDMI, USB ports, and Audio Line out. When it comes to connectivity, this monitor is quite extended.
It comes with fantastic ergonomic features that will give you comfort when working. This is a versatile monitor which supports Tilt, Swivel, Pivot, Vesa Mount. Meaning you can use it as a horizontal or vertical monitor. This gives you more comfort and flexibility while working. The free desk space is definitely convenient to have, especially in modern table designs where every inch should count.
There are other useful additional features that come with it like USB mounting, Security Lock Slot, Energy Star Certified, 99% sRGB color gamut.
Dell p2419h 24 Inch Led-backlit, Anti-glare, 3H Hard Coating Ips Monitor
If you want a basic FHD monitor with great specs and features, the Dell P2419H is an awesome option. It comes in 1920 x 1080 resolution, which is completely sufficient if you’ll mainly use it for reading, coding, or live streaming.
It has a refresh rate of 60hz and 8ms response time, which is already more than capable of supporting your basic tasks and entertainment. Its IPS technology allows you to see vibrant colors from different viewing angles.
When it comes to productivity, this is one of your best choices. It has a three-sided ultrathin bezel design that gives you an uninterrupted view of your screen from multiple monitors.
Another bonus is the small base of the monitor, which gives you the convenience of extra desk space. Multitasking has never been easier than a monitor like this, which comes with the Easy Arrange feature on Dell Display Manager software.
This monitor is a great choice for extended work because it is TUV certified with a flicker-free screen and comfort view features. This gives you eye comfort and allows you to work for a longer period more comfortably.
Benq pd2500q 25 Inch Qhd 1440P Ips Monitor
This time it’s a 2K QHD monitor (2560×1440), a high-resolution option that comes with BenQ’s signature quality. The high resolution allows you to gain more clarity and depth in your images and give you finer details than a regular HD monitor. If you want a high-resolution monitor but can’t afford a 4K one, this is your best choice.
The structure of this monitor is optimized for multi-monitor setups. It has a small footprint giving you a wider table to work with, and the edge-to-edge ultra-slim bezel design can be fully utilized with the DisplayPort Daisy-chaining that allows you to have a dual-monitor setup.
The PD2500Q covers 100% sRGB and Rec. 709.color spaces, or in simpler terms, has 100% color precision and is certified by Technicolor in terms of accuracy in displaying different hues.
So if you want a high-resolution, space-saving, quality monitor that doesn’t break the bank, BenQ’s PD2500Q will be one of your best choices.
Asus Proart Display pa248qv 24.1” Wuxga
Here we have one of Asus’s finest vertical monitors. This 24.1” monitor offers superb image quality, extended connectivity, and protection features at a friendly price. Get your own professional artist monitor right now. Its features make the ASUS ProArt Display PA248QV perfect for designers and photo editors on a budget.
It has a 1920 x 1200 IPS display with a frameless design. It covers 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 color gamut, giving you quality images with life-like colors. Another great aspect is its brightness. You can push this 300 cd/m² (max) for better viewing even in bright environments.
When it comes to connectivity, this one doesn’t disappoint. It comes with a DisplayPort, HDMI, D-sub, Audio in, Earphone jack, and four USB 3.0 ports. This gives you the versatility to use multiple monitors, get free speakers, and charge your phone.
This monitor comes with Asus Eye Care Technology for safety and comfort, which protects your eyes from blue light, allowing you to work for longer periods without fear of damaging your eyes.
The ASUS ProArt Display PA248QV is an excellent all-around choice that comes at a lower price than other monitors of the same kind and quality.
HP vh240a 23.8-Inch Full HD 1080P Ips Led Monitor
We all know that HP wouldn’t go down the drain when it comes to computer equipment and tools. The HP VH240a is a superb choice for those who want a solid monitor for their productivity needs.
It’s a 23.8-inch monitor with a 1920 x 1080p IPS panel. With a 60hz refresh rate and 5 ms response time plus overdrive, this monitor gives you a smooth and fluid picture that’s free of motion blur and delay.
The sleek, thin bezel-less frame is a design that gives you a wider screen that’s virtually frameless. This makes it perfect for a multi-monitor setup with 3-sided narrow bezels. It also comes with a built-in speaker to provide you with great sound for your content needs.
It packs awesome ergonomic features with adjustable height and tilt, and customizable orientation. You can use it as a vertical and typical horizontal monitor at the same time. It also supports VESA, and you can mount this monitor on walls or brackets using a 100m VESA mounting pattern.
Overall, the HP VH240a is a great all-rounder with versatility and features that allow it to play with any situation and need.
Dell Ultrasharp u2414h 23.8” Inch Screen Led Monitor
A 23.8″ monitor with Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and an IPS panel display. It comes with anti-glare and a hard coat 3H for your eyes’ protection. Its thin border can give you a near-continuous display if you’re planning to have a multi-monitor setup.
It gives you convenient connectivity with 2 HDMI ports, DisplayPort, and mini-DisplayPort allowing you to connect to projectors and such. There is also a mobile high-definition link (MHL) port available which allows you to bring your phone to the bigger screens. Three USB 3.0 ports can transfer data at high speeds, while one high-current USB 3.0 can charge your phone in a flash.
The Dell UltraSharp U2414H is packed with superb ergonomic features. It offers 90-degree clockwise and counterclockwise pivot capabilities and flexible adjustments for height, swivel, and tilt. This gives you tons of versatility and flexibility in positioning, placement, and viewing angles which is perfect for technophiles like you and me.
It’s also worth mentioning that this monitor’s LED panel contains no mercury, and they used 25% post-consumer recycled plastics for their chassis. So you have a monitor that’s super convenient and super environment-friendly.
Lg 27un850-W Ultrafine UHD
If you’re looking for a quality 4K monitor, this one from LG might be just for you. It is a 27-inch monitor with UltraFine UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Display. The 4K Ultrafine display with VESA DisplayHDR 400 can deliver extremely accurate colors with its sRGB 99% color gamut. So you can enjoy precise hues even when viewing off-angle.
The ergonomic features that come with it are designed to give you comfort and convenience. Its three sides have a virtually borderless display. This monitor offers height, swivel, tilt adjustments, and you can use the pivot feature to turn it from a conventional monitor into a vertical one. Plus, it has an adjustable stand making it a very flexible monitor.
Another unique and modern feature is the availability of a Type-C USB connection, which you will usually find on high-end monitors. LG 27UN850-W has OnScreen Control which gives you easy access to essential monitor settings.
If you haven’t had enough, here are other premium features that this awesome monitor packs. It has Radeon FreeSync, which reduces the stuttering and tearing, enabling fluidity and smoothness, Black Stabilizer makes dark scenes brighter and helps you gain more visibility. It also has Dynamic Action Sync that reduces input lag and Game Mode for an immersive gaming experience.
The LG 27UN850-W is a premium monitor with stunning features and is definitely worth the price. With its capabilities and awesome properties, it is easily one of the best buys you can get.
Dell Ultrasharp 1909W – LCD Display
For those looking for a budget-friendly vertical monitor, the Dell UltraSharp 1909W is a 19″ monitor that offers superb quality and great features without putting a hole in your pocket. It won’t overwhelm you with a huge desktop space or high specs. Instead, it’s more of a beautiful basic office monitor that’s perfect for those of you who are on a budget.
It comes in a 1440×900 native resolution with 1,000:1 contrast ratio and 300 nits of brightness. What’s impressive is its 5ms response time which is totally great for the price. When it comes to connectivity, this monitor is sufficient for basic tasks.
It has a VGA, DVI, and four USB 2.0 ports. However, there is no HDMI port available. This is completely acceptable, considering its price tag. It doesn’t have monster specs, but it can definitely get your basic productivity tasks done.
Overall this is one of the best budget vertical monitors you can get.
FAQs About Vertical Monitors
Now that you have seen the best options, it’s time to choose one. But before that, it would be nice to learn about vertical monitors and their properties, advantages and disadvantages, and random stuff about them. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about vertical monitors.
What Are Vertical Monitors Commonly Used For?
Basically, one of the biggest benefits of a vertical monitor is space. Because they have a portrait orientation, they don’t take up that much space, giving you a wider desk to work on. Vertical monitors allow developers to see more lines of code, you don’t have to move your eyes too much when reading so you can avoid strain.
How Long Do Monitors Last?
Computer monitors typically have a lifespan of 30,000 to 60,000 hours or 10 to 20 years. Meaning, if you use your computer for eight hours daily, this is how long it will last. But most people don’t spend that much time in front of their computer screens, so it can have more longevity. If no external damage is done, that is. So you really have to maintain and take care of your monitor if you want it to last long.
How Do I Maintain My Monitor?
Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity of any piece of technology. For monitors, here are the steps you can take to make them last as long as possible.
- Using a surge protector. This is done to make sure your monitor is safe from damage due to electrical spikes. You need to be extra cautious with this since electrical damage is not included in warranties. So we recommend that you don’t plug your monitor directly on a wall current.
- Keep your monitor on. The process of starting from being off and cold, taking electricity in, and heating up, is one of the most vulnerable parts of using electrical equipment. So we suggest that you avoid always turning your monitor on and off. It’s better to leave it on.
- Ensure proper ventilation. The vents on the top and sides of the monitor are there to allow heat to go out. Covering them would produce heat buildup, and it can result in permanent damage to your monitor. So make sure that nothing is blocking the vents. One thing that may do that without you noticing is dust buildup. So make sure to always clean your monitors.
- Regularly check connections. A loose connection can result in corrosion on the connectors. So always check if there are any cables not connected properly, and if you find one, unplug and plug them incorrectly.
Can You Turn a Horizontal Monitor Into a Vertical One?
Yes. As long as your monitor complies with VESA standards. You can use wall or desk mount arms to conveniently turn your horizontal monitor into a vertical one. You also have to adjust your computer’s display settings accordingly.
Are Vertical Monitors More Expensive?
Almost all products that were made for a specific niche cost more than regular ones. For example, since vertical monitors serve a more specific purpose and have a smaller market, they can cost more than regular horizontal monitors.
How Do You Use a Monitor Sideways?
A handy shortcut to remember is Ctrl+Alt+Arrow. This allows you to rotate your screen using the arrow buttons. Ctrl+Alt+ Up would flip it upside down. Ctrl+Alt Right would rotate it 90 degrees to the right. Simple as that.
What Is the Best Height for Your Monitor?
For maximum comfort and less strain on your eyes and neck, you should adjust your monitor so that the top of the screen is at/or slightly below—eye level. The monitor should be about arm’s length away from your eyes. This positioning will keep glare at the minimum.
Is It Really Better To Use Two Screens?
Definitely a yes. Especially if you are after productivity, studies have shown that the time required to finish tasks is significantly lower with a dual monitor setup than people with traditional desktops or laptop computers.
For example, closing a window and opening another one is a fairly quick action, but imagine the thousands of times you repeat that process while working. A dual monitor setup saves you those precious seconds that would eventually build up to a lot of time, giving you more room to be productive with more important tasks.
Multitasking is way easier, you’re more comfortable at work, and you can copy and paste from different windows in a breeze. Dual-monitor setups are now becoming more affordable, and more people are enjoying its benefits.
Led or LCD?
These are the two types of backlights that monitors use. LCDs use fluorescent lamps, while LEDs use light-emitting diodes. Most of the time, LED monitors are better than LCDs because they produce better, clearer, and superior-quality pictures.
How Do I Choose My Monitor’s Resolution?
The higher the resolution, the sharper the images. Choosing how many pixels you want depends entirely on your needs, purpose, and budget. If you need a monitor to perform basic tasks such as reading and typing text, a HD 1080p monitor will suffice.
But if you are a photo editor or designer, you would want your resolution to be as high as possible. In this case, we suggest you get the highest resolution monitor that fits your budget. A 2K monitor would do well, but 4K is more recommended.
Final Thoughts
That was a lot of information about vertical monitors. By now you are more than ready to go shopping and choose your own. Every option that we have put in this list satisfies the factors that we have mentioned. We believe that whatever product you choose from this buying guide would definitely be worth the money.
So what are you waiting for? Time to maximize your space, productivity, and comfort. We have saved you the trouble of going through tons of different options and gave you the best only. All you have to do is select one that fits your budget and needs.
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[…] rest. It lets you adjust the tilt, swivel, and swing, and it can be VESA-mounted too. This curved monitor also lets you use it as a vertical monitor since it allows portrait […]