UK buying shortlist
Best Monitors in the UK (2026)
Choose this guide when you want a practical all-purpose monitor shortlist with clear budget, all-rounder, premium, and alternative lanes.
Quick answer · Top 4
Compare all four before checking a retailer
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Pick 1 - Best budget
BenQ GW2790 27-inch Eye-Care Monitor
Best for:Everyday HDMI or DisplayPort use at Full HD
Trade-off:1080p at 27-inch can look less sharp than QHD/4K alternatives.
Check on AmazonPick 2 - Best overall
Dell S2722QC 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor
Best for:4K desk work with USB-C video and charging
Trade-off:The published maximum refresh rate is 60Hz, not a high-refresh gaming mode.
Search Amazon for this modelPick 3 - Best premium
LG 27GP850-B 27-inch QHD Gaming Monitor
Best for:QHD gaming through a compatible DisplayPort output
Trade-off:HDMI is limited to 144Hz at QHD; there is no USB-C laptop charging.
Search Amazon for this modelPick 4 - Best specialist or alternative
Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EU 27-inch QHD Monitor
Best for:QHD gaming with a curved-screen preference
Trade-off:Curved panel preference is subjective for office-first workflows.
Check on AmazonThe shortlist
Four options, with the trade-offs visible
Use the fit, limitations and checkout checks before opening a retailer page. Confirm the current price, stock, delivery and returns with the retailer.
Pick 1
Best budget
BenQ GW2790 27-inch Eye-Care Monitor
Verdict
Best lower-cost route for buyers who want a larger everyday screen without forcing premium spend.
Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.
Highlights
- Two HDMI inputs and one DisplayPort provide wired video connection choices.
- A 27-inch Full HD panel suits buyers who do not need the pixel density of QHD or 4K.
Drawbacks
- 1080p at 27-inch can look less sharp than QHD/4K alternatives.
Buyer fit
Best for
- Everyday HDMI or DisplayPort use at Full HD
- Separate-power setups that do not need USB-C charging
Not for you if
- Buyers sensitive to text sharpness at larger screen sizes
Check before buying
- Confirm the exact GW2790 regional model, stand adjustment limits, input set, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
Pick 2
Overall winner
Best overall
Dell S2722QC 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor
Verdict
Strongest all-round balance for mixed work and media use with practical USB-C desk convenience.
Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.
Highlights
- A 3840×2160 panel provides more desktop pixels than Full HD or QHD.
- A compatible USB-C laptop can send video to the monitor and receive up to 65W charging through one suitable cable.
Drawbacks
- The published maximum refresh rate is 60Hz, not a high-refresh gaming mode.
Buyer fit
Best for
- 4K desk work with USB-C video and charging
- Setups needing height, swivel, tilt and pivot adjustment
Not for you if
- Buyers prioritising high-refresh esports performance over sharpness
Check before buying
- Confirm the exact S2722QC model code, USB-C DP Alt Mode/PD needs, included cable, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
Pick 3
Best premium
LG 27GP850-B 27-inch QHD Gaming Monitor
Verdict
Premium lane for buyers who need stronger panel speed for mixed gaming and productivity workloads.
Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.
Highlights
- DisplayPort supports 165Hz, or up to 180Hz overclocked, at QHD resolution.
- QHD panel density is a practical step-up from 1080p at this size.
Drawbacks
- HDMI is limited to 144Hz at QHD; there is no USB-C laptop charging.
Buyer fit
Best for
- QHD gaming through a compatible DisplayPort output
- Desks needing height, tilt and pivot adjustment
Not for you if
- Laptops needing one-cable USB-C video and charging
Check before buying
- Confirm the exact 27GP850-B regional model, stand bundle, input set, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
Pick 4
Best specialist or alternative
Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EU 27-inch QHD Monitor
Verdict
Alternative curved-panel path for buyers who prefer immersion and mid-tier spend control.
Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.
Highlights
- The 27-inch QHD panel offers a curved-screen alternative to a flat display.
- HDMI and DisplayPort inputs support separate desktop or laptop video connections.
Drawbacks
- Curved panel preference is subjective for office-first workflows.
Buyer fit
Best for
- QHD gaming with a curved-screen preference
- HDMI or DisplayPort setups that do not need USB-C charging
Not for you if
- Users who prefer flat panels for design or spreadsheet alignment
Check before buying
- Confirm the exact LS27CG552EU/UK suffix, curve, stand adjustment limits, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
Top 4 comparison
Compare the useful differences, trade-offs and final checks side by side.
Before you compare
Check these first
- 1Measure desk width/depth and confirm your viewing distance before choosing screen size.
- 2Check resolution, refresh rate, panel type, stand adjustability, VESA support, and warranty terms on the current listing.
- 3Confirm laptop, dock, console, or desktop output support before relying on USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, high-refresh, or multi-monitor behaviour.
Your four roles
1Best budgetBenQ GW2790 27-inch Eye-Care MonitorEveryday HDMI or DisplayPort use at Full HD
Trade-off:1080p at 27-inch can look less sharp than QHD/4K alternatives.
Not ideal for:Buyers sensitive to text sharpness at larger screen sizes
Check:Confirm the exact GW2790 regional model, stand adjustment limits, input set, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
2Best overallDell S2722QC 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor4K desk work with USB-C video and charging
Trade-off:The published maximum refresh rate is 60Hz, not a high-refresh gaming mode.
Not ideal for:Buyers prioritising high-refresh esports performance over sharpness
Check:Confirm the exact S2722QC model code, USB-C DP Alt Mode/PD needs, included cable, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
3Best premiumLG 27GP850-B 27-inch QHD Gaming MonitorQHD gaming through a compatible DisplayPort output
Trade-off:HDMI is limited to 144Hz at QHD; there is no USB-C laptop charging.
Not ideal for:Laptops needing one-cable USB-C video and charging
Check:Confirm the exact 27GP850-B regional model, stand bundle, input set, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
4Best specialist or alternativeSamsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EU 27-inch QHD MonitorQHD gaming with a curved-screen preference
Trade-off:Curved panel preference is subjective for office-first workflows.
Not ideal for:Users who prefer flat panels for design or spreadsheet alignment
Check:Confirm the exact LS27CG552EU/UK suffix, curve, stand adjustment limits, warranty route and seller returns before checkout.
| Pick | Pick role | Best for | Avoid if | Key trade-off | Check before buying | Warranty/support status | Review/evidence basis | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. BenQ GW2790 27-inch Eye-Care Monitor | Best budget | Everyday HDMI or DisplayPort use at Full HD | Buyers sensitive to text sharpness at larger screen sizes | 1080p at 27-inch can look less sharp than QHD/4K alternatives. | Confirm the exact GW2790 regional model, stand adjustment limits, input set, warranty route and seller returns before checkout. | Warranty details must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. • Support route must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. | Product identity and 27-inch FHD office-monitor positioning checked against BenQ GW2790 official product evidence: https://www.benq.eu/en-uk/monitor/home/gw2790.html | Check retailer price |
| 2. Dell S2722QC 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor | Best overall | 4K desk work with USB-C video and charging | Buyers prioritising high-refresh esports performance over sharpness | The published maximum refresh rate is 60Hz, not a high-refresh gaming mode. | Confirm the exact S2722QC model code, USB-C DP Alt Mode/PD needs, included cable, warranty route and seller returns before checkout. | Warranty details must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. • Support route must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. | Product identity, 27-inch 4K panel, USB-C input with power delivery and adjustable stand checked against Dell S2722QC official/spec or user-guide evidence: https://www.dell.com/en-hk/shop/dell-27-4k-uhd-usb-c-monitor-s2722qc/apd/210-bcdc/monitors-monitor-accessories and https://dl.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_electronics_accessories/esuprt_electronics_accessories_monitor/esuprt_monitor_s_series/dell-s2722qc-monitor_user%27s-guide2_en-us.pdf | Search Amazon for this model |
| 3. LG 27GP850-B 27-inch QHD Gaming Monitor | Best premium | QHD gaming through a compatible DisplayPort output | Laptops needing one-cable USB-C video and charging | HDMI is limited to 144Hz at QHD; there is no USB-C laptop charging. | Confirm the exact 27GP850-B regional model, stand bundle, input set, warranty route and seller returns before checkout. | Warranty details must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. • Support route must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. | Product identity, 27-inch QHD panel and height/pivot/tilt stand checked against LG 27GP850-B official product evidence: https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27gp850-b-gaming-monitor | Search Amazon for this model |
| 4. Samsung Odyssey G5 LS27CG552EU 27-inch QHD Monitor | Best specialist or alternative | QHD gaming with a curved-screen preference | Users who prefer flat panels for design or spreadsheet alignment | Curved panel preference is subjective for office-first workflows. | Confirm the exact LS27CG552EU/UK suffix, curve, stand adjustment limits, warranty route and seller returns before checkout. | Warranty details must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. • Support route must be verified against the current UK seller or manufacturer page before checkout. | Product identity, 27-inch QHD resolution and 1000R curved-screen fit checked against Samsung UK Odyssey G5 G55C evidence: https://www.samsung.com/uk/monitors/gaming/odyssey-g5-g55c-27-inch-165hz-curved-qhd-ls27cg552euxxu/ | Check retailer price |
Choose this if / Avoid this if
Rule out poor-fit options before comparing finer details.
Avoid if
- Your main priority is colour-critical creative proofing, competitive gaming, or specialist USB-C docking rather than all-purpose desk fit.
- Your desk depth cannot comfortably support a larger screen at your normal seating distance.
- You need guaranteed compatibility with a specific laptop/dock setup without checking ports, resolution support, and refresh-rate limits.
Dealbreakers
- Required ports, stand adjustment, VESA mounting, or screen size do not fit your real desk setup.
- The current retailer listing does not clearly confirm resolution, refresh rate, panel type, warranty, or returns support.
Check before buying
- Measure desk width/depth and confirm your viewing distance before choosing screen size.
- Check resolution, refresh rate, panel type, stand adjustability, VESA support, and warranty terms on the current listing.
- Confirm laptop, dock, console, or desktop output support before relying on USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, high-refresh, or multi-monitor behaviour.
Choose another shortlist if
- You need a budget-only, 27-inch, USB-C, gaming, or home-office-specific route before comparing general picks.
- You already know the exact screen size or workflow constraint that matters more than all-purpose balance.
Detailed buyer guidance
Use this route as the default monitor comparison path before branching to budget-, size-, office-, USB-C-, or gaming-specific routes.
Why the winner won (evidence basis)
The All-Rounder wins because it offers the strongest mainstream balance of clarity, connectivity, and spend discipline for mixed UK desk setups. The call is based on documented product records, shortlist scoring notes, and source-linked merchant/context checks rather than unverified performance claims.
Choose the alternative if
Choose the Budget route if spend control matters more than connectivity and panel extras. Choose the Premium route if faster panel behaviour matters for mixed gaming/productivity workloads. Choose a specialist route if your setup depends on a fixed size, USB-C dock workflow, colour-critical work, or competitive gaming.
What would change the winner
The winner may change if UK price bands move materially, a rival gains stronger warranty/support evidence, or source-backed panel/connectivity information shows a better all-purpose balance.
Known limitations in this route
- Evidence depth is stronger on published specs, policy terms, and structured source notes than on direct first-party-use or laboratory verification.
- Availability and deal prices can change faster than editorial review cycles; check live listings before purchase.
- Fit-sensitive outcomes such as perceived brightness, text comfort, desk ergonomics, and cable workflow remain setup-dependent.
What UK Shortlists does not claim
We do not claim lab-measured colour accuracy, guaranteed compatibility with every laptop/dock, universal comfort, live price/stock certainty, or first-party-use or laboratory verification for every monitor pick.
Known limitations
this guide is evidence-led and does not claim first-party-use or laboratory verification for every shortlisted monitor.
How we chose
The checks behind the four picks
We scored monitor candidates for all-purpose desk fit, resolution clarity, value by tier, and UK availability before assigning Top 4 roles.
- Step 1: Compared using published product information, stated buying criteria and current retailer checks.
- Step 2: Resolution and panel trade-offs framed by practical use, not hype
- Step 3: Value by tier with explicit caveat handling
- Step 4: UK retailer continuity checks for shortlist stability
Disclosure
Last reviewed: 05/05/2026
UK Shortlists may earn a commission when you use some retailer links. This does not increase the price you pay.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Retailers cannot pay to change which products we recommend or their order.
Prices, stock, delivery and returns can change. Confirm the final details with the retailer before buying.
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Who checked this shortlist?
- Written / compiled by:
- UK Shortlists Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- UK Shortlists Editorial Team
- Last reviewed:
- 05/05/2026
- Review basis:
- Criteria-based comparison
We compare published product information, retailer details and the buying criteria shown above. UK Shortlists does not currently publish claims based on first-party product use, laboratory testing or long-term testing.
FAQs & alternatives
Is bigger screen size always better?
Not always. Size should still match your desk depth and resolution needs.
Should I choose premium by default?
No. Premium only makes sense when your usage genuinely benefits from faster panel behaviour.
Can I use this shortlist for gaming-only buying?
It can help, but gaming-specific routes may fit better if responsiveness is your top constraint.
Also consider
- If spend cap is strict, compare Best Budget Monitors in the UK (2026).
- If your size requirement is fixed, compare Best 27-inch Monitors in the UK (2026).
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