When you’re outfitting an office, monitors might seem like one of those places to save money. After all, a screen is a screen—right? Not quite. If your employees are staring at these monitors for 40+ hours every week, year after year, choosing the right kind of monitor becomes far more important than it looks at first glance.
A cheaper monitor may get the job done today, but if it causes fatigue, slows down productivity, or has to be replaced in just a year or two, it ends up costing more in the long run. This is why it’s smart to make these decisions with a seasoned tech advisor who knows the pitfalls and can help balance budget with real value.
Screen Size and Clarity Matter
For everyday office work like documents, email, and spreadsheets, a 27-inch screen is the sweet spot. It’s big enough to let people multitask without squinting or switching windows constantly, but not so big that it takes over the desk.
Paired with a crisp QHD resolution (that’s a step up from standard HD), this size ensures text is sharp and easy to read—reducing eye strain for someone who stares at a screen most of the day. Spending a little more here creates comfort that pays dividends over hundreds of work hours.
Trying to cut costs on resolution often backfires, because blurry or pixelated text wears people down quickly.
The Right Display Type
There are different “panel types” behind the glass of a monitor. You don’t need to know the technical guts of each, just remember this:
- In-Plane Switching or IPS monitors give the best all-around picture quality and viewing angles. They look good no matter where you’re sitting.
- Cheaper versions (like Twisted Nematic or TN panels) save money up front, but they tend to look dull or washed out and force people to sit directly in front of them to see clearly.
For office environments, IPS is your best choice—it helps everyone see clearly and comfortably, day in and day out.
Smooth and Comfortable Viewing
While refresh rates and response times are often talked about in gaming, they also affect office users in subtle ways. A monitor that refreshes at 75Hz instead of the bare-minimum 60Hz feels smoother when scrolling documents or spreadsheets.
Pair that with eye-care features like blue light filters and flicker-free technology, and you keep fatigue, headaches, and eye strain at bay. Again, these aren’t “flashy” features, but they make a huge difference with long, daily use.
Ergonomics: Protecting Your Team
A monitor without height adjustment or tilting might not bother someone for an hour or two—but remember your employees can spend over 2,000 hours a year at their desks. Without a proper adjustable stand, you risk neck strain, back pain, and a frustrated workforce.
Look for:
- Height adjustment (so the screen is at eye level).
- Tilt and swivel (so people can reduce glare and reposition easily).
If you can’t get those options built in, the monitor should at least support Video Electronics Standards Association or VESA mounting, which lets you attach it to an adjustable arm.
Connectivity Future-Proofs Your Purchase
Technology moves fast. Laptops today may be USB-C based, while current desktops still use HDMI or DisplayPort. Instead of replacing monitors when formats shift, choosing one with multiple ports—HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C— ensures the monitor will work with current and future devices.
This is one of those details that non-technical buyers miss, then regret when devices stop plugging in.
Sound: Built-In Speakers—Yes or No?
Some monitors include basic built-in speakers. For occasional calls and quick training videos, entry-level sound usually suffices. But if audio is important—regular conference calls, presentations, or clarity for group listening—ask your tech advisor about mid-range monitors with improved sound or plan on adding external speakers. Built-in audio isn’t essential for every office, but it’s worth discussing before making a decision.
What You Can Expect to Spend
Price is usually one of the first concerns for a business manager, and understandably so. But let’s break down how spending affects performance and longevity here:
- Entry-Level: May look tempting, but often lack proper ergonomics, features, or durability.
- Mid-Range Business: The smart choice. These offer adjustability, better comfort, and long-term durability.
- Premium: Best for creative professionals (graphic design, video, branding), but beyond what’s needed for general desks.
For a standard office with staff working 40+ hours a week, plan on the mid-range per monitor. It’s not buying the cheapest option, and it’s not overkill—it’s smart investment that balances cost with long-term performance.
Why You Shouldn’t Decide Alone
Office managers and business owners juggle many responsibilities, and it’s easy to see monitors as “low-priority” in the purchasing list. But monitors touch employee experience every single day. Choosing the wrong type based on price alone often leads to early replacements and worker dissatisfaction.
The best approach is to work with a trusted tech advisor during the purchasing process. They can explain the differences, help you avoid cutting corners in ways that hurt later, and ensure every dollar is well spent.
So instead of asking, “What’s the cheapest option we can get today?” the real question should be: “How do we make sure we’re buying monitors that will keep our team productive and comfortable for the next five years?”
If you need help purchasing monitors or other commercial-grade equipment, please reach out to us at Reese Tech. We’re always happy to help!