Best Dell Monitors in 2026: 12 Picks Compared on Specs
The Dell 27 4K S2725QC leads our guide: it pairs a 27-inch IPS panel with a 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, covering both detailed work and smooth motion. The 99% sRGB coverage (per the listing) makes it a strong fit for photo editing, while the high refresh rate keeps gaming fluid. We compared 12 Dell monitors based on their listed specifications, and the live prices appear next to each pick.
12 picks from 20 monitors that match this guide with a price we can quote today. All prices are live and show when they were read.
Our picks in brief
Find your match
- For esports: The 240Hz refresh rate and IPS panel make this a clean match for competitive shooters where every frame counts. See pick 1
- For 4K productivity: 4K resolution on a 27-inch IPS screen gives sharp text and plenty of room for palettes and timelines. See pick 5
- For ultrawide multitasking: A 34-inch QHD ultrawide with 120Hz keeps multiple windows side by side without losing motion smoothness. See pick 4
- For Thunderbolt docking: Thunderbolt hub support simplifies a single-cable connection to a laptop with downstream ports. See pick 11
12 picks, up close
1 Best for esports
Dell 27 240Hz Gaming Monitor
- Size
- 27 in
- Resolution
- FHD 1080p
- Refresh
- 240 Hz
- Panel
- IPS
$149.99 (as of 10/24/2026 12:19 PDT - Details)
With a 240Hz refresh rate, this is the fastest Dell in the lineup, which matters for competitive first-person shooters. Its 27-inch IPS panel keeps colors consistent and motion fluid, and the FHD resolution puts less strain on mid-range GPUs.
Pros
- 240Hz refresh rate, the highest here
- 27-inch IPS panel
- FHD 1080p resolution balances performance and clarity
Cons
- FHD resolution limits detail compared with QHD or 4K models
- No USB-C port mentioned
Good fit if
- Competitive gamers who want maximum frame rates
- Users with GPUs that can sustain 240fps at 1080p
Skip if
- You need a higher resolution for design or video work
- You prefer 4K for movies and content
Verdict: The fastest Dell in this roundup, built for high-refresh esports play.
2 Best 144Hz IPS for desktop
Dell 27 Monitor
- Size
- 27 in
- Resolution
- FHD 1080p
- Refresh
- 144 Hz
- Panel
- IPS
$108.99 (as of 10/24/2026 12:19 PDT - Details)
This 27-inch FHD IPS monitor offers a 144Hz refresh rate, a step down from the 240Hz model but still smooth for many games. It's a more mainstream choice that also handles office tasks well.
Pros
- 144Hz refresh rate for fluid motion
- 27-inch IPS panel
- FHD 1080p resolution
Cons
- Refresh rate is lower than the 240Hz SE2726HG
- No speakers or USB-C
Good fit if
- Casual gamers who want a smooth display
- Office workers who want a large FHD screen
Skip if
- You're a competitive esports player who needs 240Hz
- You need a 4K display
Verdict: A solid 144Hz FHD monitor that balances gaming and everyday use.
3 Best 24-inch gaming monitor
Dell 24 Monitor
- Size
- 23.8 in
- Resolution
- FHD 1080p
- Refresh
- 144 Hz
- Panel
- IPS
$89.99 (as of 10/24/2026 12:19 PDT - Details)
The only 24-inch Dell in this pool, it brings a 144Hz refresh rate and IPS panel to a compact size. Good for small desks or dual-monitor setups where a smaller footprint is an advantage.
Pros
- 23.8-inch IPS panel
- 144Hz refresh rate
- FHD 1080p resolution
Cons
- Smaller screen may limit multitasking
- No USB-C or speakers
Good fit if
- Gamers with limited desk space
- Users who want a cheap, high-refresh secondary monitor
Skip if
- You need a 27-inch or larger screen
- You want 4K resolution
Verdict: A compact 144Hz FHD monitor that fits where space is tight.
4 Best ultrawide for productivity
Dell 34 Monitor S3425DW
- Size
- 34 in
- Resolution
- QHD 1440p
- Refresh
- 120 Hz
- Panel
- VA
$399.99 (as of 10/24/2026 12:19 PDT - Details)
This 34-inch VA panel offers QHD resolution (3440x1440) and a 120Hz refresh rate, making it a versatile choice for multitasking and light gaming. The VA panel provides high contrast, which helps with dark scenes.
Pros
- 34-inch ultrawide QHD resolution
- 120Hz refresh rate
- VA panel for high contrast
Cons
- VA panel may have narrower viewing angles than IPS
- No USB-C or Thunderbolt
Good fit if
- Productivity users who want multiple windows side by side
- Gamers who enjoy immersive ultrawide field of view
Skip if
- You need a 4K resolution
- You require USB-C for a single-cable laptop setup
Verdict: A wide QHD display that enhances productivity without sacrificing smoothness.
5 Best overall
Dell 27 Monitor S2725QC
- Size
- 27 in
- Resolution
- 4K UHD
- Refresh
- 120 Hz
- Panel
- IPS
$329.99 (as of 10/24/2026 12:19 PDT - Details)
This 27-inch 4K IPS monitor with a 120Hz refresh rate offers the best balance of resolution and fluidity for both work and play. It covers 99% sRGB, making it suitable for photo and video editing, while the high refresh rate benefits general use.
Pros
- 4K UHD resolution on a 27-inch IPS panel
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 99% sRGB coverage (per the listing)
Cons
- Only 99% sRGB, not wider gamuts like DCI-P3
- No USB-C or Thunderbolt mentioned
Good fit if
- Professionals who need 4K detail with smooth scrolling
- Gamers who want higher resolution without giving up refresh rate
Skip if
- You need Adobe RGB or DCI-P3 coverage for professional print work
- You prefer a VA panel for higher contrast
Verdict: The most versatile Dell here: 4K sharpness and 120Hz motion in a 27-inch screen.
6 Best 4K VA for contrast
Dell 32 Monitor S3225QS
- Size
- 31.5 in
- Resolution
- 4K UHD
- Refresh
- 120 Hz
- Panel
- VA
$329.00 (as of 10/24/2026 12:19 PDT - Details)
At 32 inches, this 4K VA monitor delivers a large, detailed picture with the high contrast ratio typical of VA panels. The 120Hz refresh rate keeps motion smooth, and the size suits immersive work.
Pros
- 32-inch 4K UHD resolution
- 120Hz refresh rate
- VA panel for deep blacks
Cons
- VA panel may have some color shift at wide angles
- No USB-C port
Good fit if
- Users who want a large 4K screen for content creation or spreadsheets
- Movie enthusiasts who value contrast
Skip if
- You need IPS color accuracy for photo editing
- You prefer a 27-inch size for a smaller footprint
Verdict: A big 4K VA display that offers immersive detail and good contrast.
7 Best with built-in speakers
Dell 27 Plus Monitor
- Size
- 27 in
- Resolution
- FHD 1080p
- Refresh
- 144 Hz
$174.99 (as of 10/24/2026 12:19 PDT - Details)
This 27-inch FHD 144Hz monitor includes two 3W speakers, saving desk space and reducing cabling for simple setups. It's a practical pick for office or casual gaming use.
Pros
- Two 3W speakers included
- 27-inch FHD display with 144Hz
- HDMI connectivity
Cons
- Speakers are low-power and not meant for serious audio
- FHD resolution only
Good fit if
- Users who want a single-device setup with built-in audio
- Office workers who don't need high resolution
Skip if
- You need a QHD or 4K panel
- You plan to use external speakers with an audio jack
Verdict: A practical 27-inch FHD monitor with speakers for a clutter-free desk.
8 Best 24-inch with speakers
Dell 24 Plus Monitor
- Size
- 23.8 in
- Resolution
- FHD 1080p
- Refresh
- 144 Hz
$149.99 (as of 10/24/2026 12:19 PDT - Details)
Like its 27-inch sibling, this 23.8-inch FHD monitor includes two 3W speakers and a 144Hz refresh rate. It's a space-saving choice for small setups where audio is a bonus.
Pros
- 23.8-inch FHD IPS
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Built-in speakers
Cons
- Smaller screen than the 27-inch Plus
- FHD resolution only
Good fit if
- Users with limited desk space
- Those who want a monitor with speakers for video calls
Skip if
- You need a larger 4K display
- You prefer a 27-inch size
Verdict: A compact 24-inch monitor that adds speakers to the mix.
9 Best QHD USB-C monitor
Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor
- Size
- 27 in
- Resolution
- QHD 1440p
- Refresh
- 144 Hz
$249.99 (as of 10/24/2026 12:19 PDT - Details)
This 27-inch QHD (1440p) monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate is the only Dell in the pool with a USB-C connection. It also has built-in speakers, making it a strong all-rounder for gaming and productivity.
Pros
- QHD 1440p resolution
- 144Hz refresh rate
- USB-C connectivity (per the name)
Cons
- Specs do not state USB-C power delivery wattage
- Speakers are limited to 3W each
Good fit if
- Users who want a modern USB-C connection for laptops
- Gamers who want 1440p at 144Hz
Skip if
- You need 4K resolution
- You require Thunderbolt for daisy-chaining
Verdict: A 1440p 144Hz monitor with USB-C makes it a versatile choice for modern setups.
10 Best Thunderbolt hub ultrawide
Dell UltraSharp 34 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Resolution
- 3440x1440
- Refresh
- 120 Hz
- Panel
- IPS
$984.99 (as of 10/24/2026 12:21 PDT - Details)
This 34-inch curved monitor from the UltraSharp line carries Thunderbolt, which allows high-speed data and video over a single cable. Its IPS panel and wide curve suit productivity and creative work.
Pros
- 34-inch curved display
- Thunderbolt hub connectivity
- IPS panel
Cons
- Panel type is IPS, but refresh rate is not stated
- Highest-priced pick in this guide
Good fit if
- Professional users who need a single-cable dock
- Those who prefer a curved screen for immersive work
Skip if
- You need a high refresh rate for gaming
- You're on a tight budget
Verdict: An UltraSharp ultrawide with Thunderbolt, built for seamless connectivity.
11 Best Thunderbolt hub for sharp text
Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Resolution
- QHD 1440p
- Refresh
- 120 Hz
- Panel
- IPS
$639.99 (as of 10/24/2026 12:21 PDT - Details)
This 27-inch QHD monitor from the UltraSharp line includes Thunderbolt, making it a hub for peripherals and a display. Its 120Hz refresh rate adds fluidity to daily tasks.
Pros
- 27-inch QHD resolution
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Thunderbolt hub for single-cable laptop connection
Cons
- QHD not 4K on a 27-inch display
- Thunderbolt port may not charge high-power laptops at full speed (wattage not stated)
Good fit if
- Users with Thunderbolt-equipped laptops who want one-cable docking
- Professionals who value text clarity and organization
Skip if
- You need 4K resolution
- You use a non-Thunderbolt laptop
Verdict: An UltraSharp QHD monitor that serves as a hub for a wired workspace.
12 Best for high-resolution ultrawide
This 34-inch UltraSharp offers 5K resolution, the highest pixel count in this roundup, giving extraordinary detail for photo or video editing. The IPS panel (per the UltraSharp name) typically ensures wide viewing angles.
Pros
- 34-inch 5K resolution
- IPS panel (from the UltraSharp line)
- Large screen for detailed work
Cons
- Refresh rate is not stated
- 5K content may be demanding on GPU
Good fit if
- Creative professionals who edit 5K or 8K footage
- Users who want maximum desktop real estate
Skip if
- You need a high refresh rate for gaming
- You prefer a smaller 27-inch monitor
Verdict: An UltraSharp 5K ultrawide that prioritizes pixel density over speed.
How they compare
| # | Monitor | Size | Resolution | Refresh | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dell 27 240Hz Gaming Monitor | 27 in | FHD 1080p | 240 Hz | IPS |
| 2 | Dell 27 Monitor | 27 in | FHD 1080p | 144 Hz | IPS |
| 3 | Dell 24 Monitor | 23.8 in | FHD 1080p | 144 Hz | IPS |
| 4 | Dell 34 Monitor S3425DW | 34 in | QHD 1440p | 120 Hz | VA |
| 5 | Dell 27 Monitor S2725QC | 27 in | 4K UHD | 120 Hz | IPS |
| 6 | Dell 32 Monitor S3225QS | 31.5 in | 4K UHD | 120 Hz | VA |
| 7 | Dell 27 Plus Monitor | 27 in | FHD 1080p | 144 Hz | not stated |
| 8 | Dell 24 Plus Monitor | 23.8 in | FHD 1080p | 144 Hz | not stated |
| 9 | Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor | 27 in | QHD 1440p | 144 Hz | not stated |
| 10 | Dell UltraSharp 34 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor | not stated | 3440x1440 | 120 Hz | IPS |
| 11 | Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor | not stated | QHD 1440p | 120 Hz | IPS |
| 12 | Dell UltraSharp 34 Monitor | 34 in | 5K | not stated | not stated |
Our selection method
Our pool holds 12 Dell monitors from the catalogue. We shortlisted by checking each product's listed specifications: resolution, refresh rate, panel type, size, and connectivity, then grouped them by use case. Prices shown are read live from the listing; we did not test any unit. The guide relies solely on specifications Dell publishes and the details in the catalogue. Where a spec is missing, we note it so you know what the seller did not disclose.
What matters when choosing
Decide on resolution and panel size
Start with what you do most. For office work and spreadsheets, 24 to 27 inches at FHD (1920x1080) is easy to drive and affordable. If you edit photos or video, step up to QHD (2560x1440) or 4K (3840x2160) to see more detail. Ultrawide 34-inch panels give you extra horizontal space without needing a second monitor. Bigger is not always better: a 27-inch 4K display gives sharp text, while a 32-inch 4K gives a larger view but may require more desk depth.
Match refresh rate to your use
A standard 60Hz monitor handles web and document work fine. Once you play fast games, a 120Hz or 144Hz panel feels noticeably smoother. The 240Hz model in this guide is aimed at esports where every millisecond counts. If you do creative work on the same screen you game on, look for a monitor that offers both a high refresh rate and a high resolution, like the 120Hz 4K models here.
Think about connectivity and ergonomics
Check what your computer outputs. If you use a modern laptop with USB-C, a monitor with USB-C can charge the laptop and carry video over one cable. Thunderbolt goes further, allowing daisy-chaining and faster data. Some Dell monitors here include speakers, which is handy for video calls but no substitute for dedicated audio. Look at stand adjustments: height, tilt, and pivot matter if you work long hours.
Consider the panel type
IPS panels offer wide viewing angles and accurate colors, good for editing and general use. VA panels have higher contrast, which improves dark scenes, but they can shift colors when viewed off axis. For gaming, a fast IPS panel is a safe bet. If you watch movies in dark rooms, a VA panel may feel more immersive. The monitor's listed panel type tells you which to expect.
Questions
What does 240Hz mean for gaming?
A 240Hz monitor can show up to 240 frames per second, which makes motion appear fluid and reduces input lag. To benefit from it, your graphics card must be able to push that many frames in the game you play. At FHD 1080p, mid-range GPUs can often reach those rates in competitive titles, making a 240Hz monitor a good choice for esports.
Is 4K worth it on a 27-inch monitor?
A 27-inch 4K display has a high pixel density, so text and images look sharp. You get more screen space than a 27-inch QHD. On the downside, 4K requires more from your graphics card for gaming, especially at high refresh rates. For productivity, 4K on 27 inches is a common sweet spot.
What is the difference between Thunderbolt and USB-C on a monitor?
Thunderbolt uses the USB-C connector but adds extra capabilities like higher data transfer speeds (up to 40Gbps per the USB4 spec), support for daisy-chaining devices, and often more power delivery. A standard USB-C monitor usually carries video and may charge a laptop, but it lacks the advanced daisy-chaining and speed of Thunderbolt.
Are Dell monitors compatible with FreeSync?
Several Dell monitors list FreeSync Premium support. FreeSync works with AMD GPUs to reduce screen tearing. Some Dell models also work with NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible mode, but you should check the official NVIDIA compatibility list (see sources) to be sure.
Do these monitors have built-in speakers?
Only the two 'Plus' models in this guide (S2725HSM and S2425HSM) list speakers, each with two 3W drivers. The rest rely on external speakers or headphones. If audio is important, consider a monitor with speakers or plan to connect your own.
Change log
- : First published.