Some of the best monitors for programming in 2024-2026

Add DisplaySpecifications as a preferred source on GoogleBenQ's latest launch from its RD‑series of monitors provoked us to make an attempt at summing up in one place some of the best monitors for programming / coding.

Let's start off by outlining some of the most important factors when it comes to selecting a monitor for coding.

The most important factor, according to readers and experience, is text clarity. This variable depends on pixel density (ultimately on resolution and diagonal size), display type/technology, along with sub-pixel architecture, and software features that tinker with text clarity. The current sweet spot in that context is a monitor with a 27" 4K IPS monitor. Of course, as with many other things, there are users who prefer 27" QHD units and others who'd go for 32" 4K models. IPS displays are the industry standard for coding. They offer the best viewing angles and consistent colors, preventing text distortion.

Another factor of consideration is the aspect ratio and vertical space. The majority of developers prefer extra vertical space and aspect ratios of 16:10 or 3:2 are becoming popular again. Ultra-wide displays also have their set of fans as they enable them to have a code editor, a browser for documentation, and a terminal open side-by-side on one continuous screen.

A third factor is a suite of eye care and comfort features that include at least a hardware-level low blue light solution, an advanced flicker-free technology, and a matte (anti-glare) coating.

Additional factors include the presence of vertical rotation (pivot), USB Type-C connectivity, KVM switch (in some cases). These are all conveniences if you're using two or more monitors in various case scenarios.

BenQ's RD series meets all the above considerations. The BenQ RD monitors cover both size ranges with 4K resolutions, IPS panels, and, moreover, with a 3:2 aspect ratio - everything that positions it as the epitome of developer-focused monitor lineup. It is designed to reduce visual fatigue, enhance code readability, and streamline multi-window workflows. With features like Coding Mode, DualView Plus, low‑blue‑light hardware filtering, and Display Pilot automation, the RD line aims to give software engineers a more comfortable and efficient working environment - especially during long debugging sessions or multi‑app development cycles.

BenQ's trio of 28.2‑inch, 3:2 monitors, including the latest BenQ RD280UG and the 2024 BenQ RD280UA and BenQ RD280U, share a common mission. However, the RD280UG stands out immediately with its higher 2000:1 contrast ratio and 48–120 Hz refresh range - the most important update in the RD lineup. This makes it the only model in the lineup suited for developers who also need smoother motion. The new model also adds slightly stronger 3W speakers and some changes in the connectivity options. BenQ also has two 31.5" RD models - the BenQ RD320UA and BenQ RD320U.

Where all five models converge is in BenQ's software ecosystem. Coding Mode enhances text contrast without oversaturation, DualView Plus allows simultaneous color‑accurate and low‑blue‑light views, and Display Pilot 2 automates window layouts and application‑specific presets. Each monitor also includes hardware‑level low‑blue‑light filtering, flicker‑free backlighting, and TÜV Rheinland certifications for eye comfort.

Other models that are widely considerd being some of the best monitors for coding are:

• Dell U3225QE - 31.5" 4K IPS Black, 120Hz, 3000:1, 600 nits, Thunderbolt 4, Daisy Chain, KVM, full ergonomy
• Dell U2725QE - 27" 4K IPS Black, 120Hz, 3000:1, 600 nits, Thunderbolt 4, Daisy Chain, KVM full ergonomy

BenQ RD280UG specifications and features

The BenQ RD280UG is a 28.2‑inch 3:2 IPS monitor with a 3840 x 2560 resolution, 163 ppi, and a 350‑nit brightness with 400‑nit peak and DisplayHDR 400 support, delivering 100% sRGB and 95% DCI‑P3 coverage. It features a notably high 2000:1 contrast ratio, a 48–120 Hz refresh rate, 5 ms response time, and an anti‑glare nano‑matte coating, making it the most advanced panel in BenQ's developer‑focused lineup. Connectivity includes USB‑C with 90W power delivery, two additional USB‑C downstream ports, USB‑B, two USB‑A, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and 3.5 mm audio out, plus 2×3W speakers. The stand supports 150 mm height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and bi-directional pivot. The monitor has a pair of 3W speakers as well.

BenQ RD280UA and RD280U specifications and features

The BenQ RD280UA and the BenQ RD280U are 28.2‑inch 3:2 IPS monitors with a 3840 x 2560 resolution, 163 ppi, and 350‑nit brightness with HDR10 / DisplayHDR 400 support, delivering 100% sRGB and 95% DCI‑P3 coverage. Each features a 1200:1 contrast ratio, 60 Hz refresh rate, 5 ms response time, and an anti‑glare nano‑matte coating. Connectivity includes USB‑C (90W PD), an additional USB‑C downstream port, USB‑B upstream, three USB‑A ports, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5 mm audio out, alongside 2x2W speakers. Both arrive with BenQ's full Eye‑Care suite, Display Pilot 2, KVM, Low Blue Light Plus, and other developer‑focused modes. The RD280U has a fully ergonomic stand that offers 110 mm height adjustment, tilt, and 15° swivel, and clockwise pivot, while the RD280UA arrives with an ergonomic arm that provides up to 130 mm of height adjustment, clockwise pivot, -5 to 30 degrees of tilt, and +/-275 degrees of swivel.

BenQ RD320UA and RD320U specifications and features

The BenQ RD320UA and BenQ RD320U are 31.5‑inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS monitors offering a 2000:1 contrast ratio, 400‑nit brightness, 60 Hz refresh rate, and 10‑bit (8‑bit + FRC) color with 99% sRGB and 98% DCI‑P3 coverage for wide‑gamut accuracy. They feature an anti‑glare nano‑matte coating and a 5 ms response time, supported by BenQ's developer‑focused tools such as Coding Mode, DualView Plus, Display Pilot 2, Low Blue Light Plus, Flicker‑Free, and KVM. Connectivity includes three USB‑C ports (one with 90W PD), three USB‑A, USB‑B, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and 3.5 mm audio out, alongside 2x3W speakers. The difference in the two models is that the RD320UA arrives with an ergonomic arm, while the RD320U has a fully ergonomic stand.

Dell U3225QE and U2725QE specifications and features

The Dell U3225QE and the Dell U2725QE are built around a 31.5-inch and a 27-inch 4K IPS Black display, respectively. Each features Edge‑LED local dimming, a 3000:1 contrast ratio, 450‑nit typical brightness with 600‑nit peak, 100% sRGB and 99% DCI‑P3 color space coverage with 10-bit color support. a 48–120 Hz refresh rate, 5 ms response time, anti‑glare 3H coating, and wide 178° viewing angles. Connectivity is extensive, each including Thunderbolt 4 (140W upstream + 15W downstream), HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 (in/out with DSC), USB‑C, five USB‑A ports, and 2.5 GbE LAN, along with KVM, Picture‑in‑Picture, Auto Brightness, ComfortView Plus, and Multi‑Monitor Sync. The stand offers 150 mm height adjustment, tilt, +/-30° swivel, and a bi-directional pivot.