Choosing between Dell and HP monitors can be tough. Both companies produce high-performing displays perfect for gaming, graphic design, or simply streaming your favorite shows. You really can‘t go wrong with either brand.
But to find the ideal monitor tailored to your needs, you‘ll want to dig into the key differences. Let‘s compare these two computing giants across all the factors that matter most – from panel technology to specialized series and everything in between.
By the end, you‘ll have all the details you need to confidently pick the perfect Dell or HP monitor to match your budget and usage. Time to go in-depth and discover your ideal display!
Dell and HP Know How to Make Stunning Monitors
Before we dive into the nitty gritty comparisons, it‘s worth summarizing why both Dell and HP are revered for their monitors.
Dell has crafted some of the world‘s best displays for years. Their Ultrasharp and Alienware monitors offer color accuracy and smooth performance that rival pro displays costing thousands more. Dell holds 24% of the global PC monitor market share for a reason.
Meanwhile, HP makes monitors packed with useful features at just the right prices. I‘m a big fan of their adjustable stands, built-in speakers, and blue light filter on so many models. HP is close behind with 18% market share.
Simply put – both brands know how to make a tremendous monitor. Now let‘s see how they stack up head to head.
Display Technology Showdown
The type of display panel used has a big impact on color accuracy, viewing angles and refresh rate. Dell and HP use similar panel technology but with some notable differences.
IPS panels are known for their vivid, accurate colors and wide viewing angles. Both brands offer excellent quality IPS monitors. 72% of Dell‘s monitors use IPS compared to 66% for HP.
TN panels deliver ultra-fast 1ms response times ideal for gaming. 43% of Dell monitors use TN panels versus 36% for HP.
And VA panels offer high 3000:1+ contrast ratios and deep blacks. A larger portion of HP‘s monitors use VA technology compared to Dell.
When it comes to specialized panels for creators, Dell‘s PremierColor and HP‘s DreamColor displays are highly comparable – both achieve over 99% of the Adobe RGB color gamut for intense color accuracy.
Overall, Dell offers more monitors focused on color precision while HP provides great panel technology across a wide range of price points.
Crisp, Clean Designs with Some Key Differences
You‘ll be staring at your monitor for hours on end, so its visual design is pretty important. Both companies make attractive monitors, but with some unique styling cues.
Dell embraces minimalism with virtually borderless screens and space gray or white finishes. Models like the UltraSharp U3219Q offer a gorgeous industrial aesthetic. HP takes a slightly different approach, with more variety across its lineup – from ultra thin bezels to pronounced bottom borders with built-in speaker grills. The EliteDisplay E243p has a uniquely modern stained wood finish.
In terms of ergonomics, Dell again focuses on adjustability with height, tilt, swivel and pivot control on monitors like the UltraSharp 24 USB-C Hub Monitor. HP provides tilt adjustment even on lower-cost models, with height control reserved for premium displays like the DreamColor Z27x.
So if you want a monitor to disappear into your workspace, Dell is tough to beat. But HP provides visual flair across a range of prices.
Connectivity and Convenience Features
Of course, your monitor has to seamlessly connect with your computer and other devices. Both Dell and HP include the must-have ports like HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA. But connectivity varies when you dig deeper.
Dell inclues USB ports on over 50% of their monitors compared to just 37% for HP. And Dell offers more models with convenient built-in USB hubs to connect peripherals without reaching around back, such as the Dual Monitor USB-C Hub.
As for other key features, HP stands out for smaller touches. For example, 88% of HP monitors support AMD FreeSync compared to just 66% of Dell models. And HP was one of the first to introduce blue light reduction across their lineup to ease eye strain.
Ultimately, Dell takes the category for connectivity while HP wins on convenience features.
Blazing Fast Gaming Performance
Gamers shopping for a monitor want one spec above all else – a fast refresh rate. Dell and HP both deliverbut approach speed in different ways.
For max frames per second, Dell has monitors with 360Hz refresh rates, like the Alienware 25. They also have Nvidia‘s G-Sync technology for smoother gameplay on 85% of gaming monitors.
HP can keep pace with 240Hz models like the Omen 27i and the exclusive Overdrive feature to reduce ghosting and tearing. Almost all HP gaming monitors support FreeSync Premium for artifact-free graphics when paired with AMD GPUs.
For esports and competitive gaming up to 1080p resolution, Dell usually provides the fastest refresh potential. But HP remains very speedy while often being easier on your wallet.
Dell Takes Color Accuracy Crown While HP Offers Outstanding Value
When you‘re creating or editing photos and videos, color accuracy is vital. Dell simply edges out HP in this department.
Monitors like the UltraSharp 32 8K boast superior 100% coverage of Adobe RGB and BT.2020 color spaces. And features like Dell Premium Color and integrated color calibration ensure colors stay true.
But HP still provides pro-grade color accuracy at mid-range prices. The DreamColor Z31x for example boasts 99% Adobe RGB coverage and less than 2 Delta-E color variance out of the box. And the built-in pop-up color calibration tool on the Z27x and Z31x is wonderfully convenient.
So content creators who demand the best should check out the UltraSharp series. But brands on a budget will be thrilled with the reliable quality from HP.
Specialized Series Tailored to Your Passion
Both companies wisely develop monitors to match the needs of key audiences. Dell has the Alienware line for gamers and UltraSharp for pros. HP divides efforts between the Omen gaming series and Z workstation line.
For all out speed, Alienware‘s lightning quick 360Hz gaming monitors are hard to top. Omen models provide strong 240Hz+ performance at more moderate prices.
And UltraSharp monitors designed for creators feature Dell PremierColor technology for studio-grade color. HP Z displays compete well on color accuracy at compelling prices.
No matter your specialization, Dell and HP have display options directly suited for you. It comes down to your budget and just how specialized your needs are.
Two Monitor Brands Loved Globally
Stepping back, both Dell and HP have earned global recognition through their reliably outstanding yet affordable monitors. Since 2016, Dell has led worldwide PC monitor market share and shipped over 44 million units last year. But HP continues gaining share now at 18% of the market by providing strong value.
Both companies have wide distribution across retail chains like Best Buy, Micro Center and Amazon. And they frequently earn "best of" honors from top reviewers like Tom‘s Hardware, Rtings and PC Magazine.
Basically – you can‘t make a bad choice between Dell vs HP. It comes down to the subtle differences in technology, performance and price to find your personalized match.
The Bottom Line – Dell Leads on Performance While HP Takes Value
| Dell Monitors | HP Monitors |
|---|---|
| Leading color accuracy | Great color for the money |
| Broadest connectivity options | Helpful convenience features |
| Sheer speed for gaming | Smooth AMD FreeSync integration |
| More adjustability and less bezels | Affordable quality across the board |
| Dominates high-end pro market | Rising share through strong value |
So in summary, if you demand the absolute best performance for gaming or creative work, Dell has you covered. Their high-end monitors have the edge when it comes to color precision, connectivity and speed.
But if you want excellent quality at an affordable cost along with convenience features, HP is hard to beat. They make monitors with great ergonomics, solid color coverage and AMD FreeSync support more accessible to general users.
My advice? Think about your budget, what you‘ll use your monitor for, and how specialized your needs are. Use this guide to narrow it down to a few contenders. Then read some reviews to make your final Dell vs HP decision based on your priorities. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to provide monitor recommendations.
P.S. Here are some of my favorite monitors for multi-display setups:
Dual Monitor Combo
Dell S2721QS + Dell S2721DGF
Photo Editing Trio
HP DreamColor Z24x + HP Z24nf + HP Z24n
Ultimate Gaming
Alienware AW2521HF + Alienware AW2720HF
No matter if you go Dell or HP, enjoy your awesome new monitors! Your multi-display deskscape awaits.