With more of our work and entertainment activities happening on screens, having sufficient display real estate is becoming increasingly important. But how big of a monitor do you really need?
Larger monitors provide a more immersive and productive experience – you can see more open windows at once, view content and details clearly, and avoid excessive scrolling or zooming. Plus, activities like gaming and movie watching feel more engaging on a big screen.
However, large monitors aren‘t necessary for everyone. You can get by just fine with a more moderately sized display if you mostly use your computer for simpler tasks like email and web browsing.
In this article, we‘ll explore some of the largest computer monitors available today ranging from 32 to 49 inches. We‘ll discuss the benefits of bigger displays and help you decide if you should make the investment in more screen space.
Why Bigger Can Be Better
Let‘s start by examining why you may want to consider a larger monitor:
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See more at once: With a large monitor, you can comfortably have multiple windows and apps open side-by-side. This makes multitasking much easier.
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View fine details: Higher resolution monitors pack in more pixels for sharper images and text. But you need sufficient screen size to appreciate the added resolution.
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Be immersed: Large screens fill more of your field of view for a more engrossing experience with games, movies, and other media.
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Reduce eye strain: Bigger monitors allow you to see content clearly without squinting or excessive zooming/scrolling. This can help reduce eye fatigue.
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Enhance productivity: Studies show workers are more engaged and productive with larger displays. Big screens support better task focus and organization.
Monitor Size Statistics
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Global monitor shipments in 2022 are estimated to be 124.84 million units, down -12.6% year-over-year (Statista)
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27-inch monitors account for the highest share of monitor shipments worldwide at 27% (Statista)
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The market for ultrawide (21:9 aspect ratio) monitors is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% from 2022-2030 (Grand View Research)
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4K resolution monitors are the fastest growing segment, expected to reach $36.07 billion by 2028 (Grand View Research)
So while 27-inch monitors remain the most popular, demand for ever larger displays continues to expand. Next we‘ll look at some great options across different size classes.
The 6 Best Large Monitors
Here are my top recommendations if you‘re considering a monitor upgrade to something much bigger than average:
1. Samsung CJ890 – 49 Inches
Key Specs:
- Screen size: 49 inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 1080
- Aspect ratio: 32:9
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Response time: 4ms
- Curved display
The Samsung CJ890 is an ultra-wide curved monitor spanning a massive 49 inches. The 32:9 aspect ratio gives you the workspace of two 27-inch QHD displays side-by-side without any bezel breaking up the image.
With a 144Hz refresh rate and rapid 4ms response time, the CJ890 delivers silky smooth visuals. It‘s an excellent choice for both productivity and gaming. The 1800R curvature wraps around your field of vision for greater immersion.
According to PCMag, this monitor provides "stellar gaming performance" and "would be an excellent option for creative pros with heavy multitasking needs."
2. ViewSonic VX4381-4K – 43 Inches
Key Specs:
- Screen size: 43 inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Response time: 5ms
- IPS panel
- HDR10 support
The ViewSonic VX4381-4K packs a 4K Ultra HD resolution into a expansive 43-inch screen size. With minimal bezels, it provides ample screen real estate for your open windows and applications.
This monitor uses a 4K IPS panel supporting HDR technology for excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles. While the 60Hz refresh rate doesn‘t make this suitable for competitive gaming, it‘s great for productivity, streaming movies, and casual games.
According to reviewers, the VX4381-4K produces "superb picture quality" and is a great choice for "productivity-minded users craving more desktop real estate."
3. Dell UltraSharp U4919DW – 49 Inches
Key Specs:
- Screen size: 49 inches
- Resolution: 5120 x 1440
- Aspect ratio: 32:9
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Response time: 8ms
- IPS panel
- Curved display
Like the Samsung CJ890, the Dell UltraSharp U4919DW offers a 49-inch diagonally curved display. But this monitor steps up to an even higher 5120 x 1440 resolution.
The 32:9 "super ultrawide" aspect ratio allows you to comfortably view and interact with up to three full-size windows side-by-side. So it‘s essentially like having three 27-inch QHD monitors without the bezel breaks.
This is a great choice for office use, creative workflows, and financial analysis. Reviewers praise the "highly accurate color reproduction" and extensive connectivity options. The Picture-by-Picture mode is perfect for comparing multiple inputs.
4. HP Z43 – 42.5 Inches
Key Specs:
- Screen size: 42.5 inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Response time: 8ms
- IPS panel
- Anti-glare coating
If you want expansive screen real estate without the curve, the HP Z43 is an excellent choice. This 42.5-inch 4K monitor provides stunning visuals thanks to IPS panel technology and an anti-glare coating.
The Z43 shines for productivity and multitasking. You can easily snap four windows, each 1080p, side-by-side. And the picture-by-picture mode allows displaying up to four PC sources simultaneously.
Reviewers love this monitor for office use, saying "fonts and images appear crisp and clear" and the "sheer size makes it very easy to have many windows open at once." The integrated USB-C docking also helps keep your desk clean.
5. Samsung Odyssey G50A – 32 Inches
Key Specs:
- Screen size: 32 inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- IPS panel
- G-Sync/FreeSync support
For gamers wanting both higher resolution and extremely fluid motion clarity, the Samsung Odyssey G50A hits a sweet spot. Its QHD resolution and HDR support reveal fine visual details, while the 165Hz refresh and 1ms response deliver incredibly smooth gameplay.
This 32-inch monitor uses a flat IPS panel for vivid colors and wide viewing angles. Integrated G-Sync and FreeSync support allow it to dynamically match the frame rate of your GPU for tear-free performance.
If you have a powerful gaming rig, reviewers describe this as "an absolute delight" with "super-fluid frame rates" and "vibrant, accurate visuals."
6. Dell U4320Q – 43 Inches
Key Specs:
- Screen size: 43 inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Response time: 8ms
- IPS panel
- USB-C hub
The Dell U4320Q brings 4K resolution to an extra-large 43-inch monitor. Like the similar HP Z43, it‘s designed for office use and multitasking power users.
This monitor uses an IPS panel for lifelike colors and solid off-angle viewing. The minimal bezel design lets you focus on your content. Dell‘s Easy Arrange feature lets you quickly organize and arrange your application windows.
For connectivity, a single USB-C cable can provide 4K video, data transfer, and 90W power delivery. There are also plenty of video inputs as well as a built-in USB 3.0 hub.
According to Digital Trends, the U4320Q is a "productivity powerhouse" with a "capable feature set" at this screen size.
Key Factors When Choosing a Large Monitor
If you‘ve decided to upgrade to a bigger monitor, there are a few key considerations:
Screen Size – How much space do you have for a monitor? Screen sizes range from 27-inch all the way up to 49-inch super ultrawides. Make sure to get a size appropriate for your available desk space.
Aspect Ratio – For multitasking, ultrawide monitors with 21:9 or 32:9 aspect ratios allow you to view more windows side-by-side. 16:9 monitors are better for full-screen use like gaming.
Resolution – Higher is generally better, but you need sufficient screen size to appreciate 4K. For general use, QHD (2560 x 1440) or UHD (3840 x 2160) are good choices.
Refresh Rate – For gaming and video, you want at least 120-144Hz. For productivity and media, 60Hz is fine.
Response Time – Look for 5ms or less response time if you want to avoid ghosting/blurring in fast motion scenes.
Features – Considerations like HDR, adaptive sync (G-Sync/FreeSync), and connectivity options (USB-C, PbP/PiP) add functionality.
Deciding If You Need an Ultra-Large Monitor
While big monitors can transform your computing experience, they also come with downsides:
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Large monitors are heavier and take up more desk space. Make sure you have room!
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Higher resolution panels cost more and require a sufficiently powerful computer and graphics card to drive them.
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Content and applications that aren‘t designed well may not scale properly on ultrawide resolutions.
You can always connect an external monitor to a laptop if you want more screen space while working from home or the office. So assess how willing you are to commit to a massive monitor as your daily driver before purchasing.
But for activities like intense multitasking, big-screen gaming, and immersive movie watching, few things can beat the experience of having a giant monitor on your desk. The large monitors we‘ve covered provide awesome ways to expand your screen space. Hopefully this guide has helped you decide if now‘s the time to really go big with your next computer display.
