The best Dell monitors in 2023

Product shots of the various best Dell monitors on a green background
(Image credit: Future/Dell)

The best Dell monitors offer beautiful picture quality in a slim and sleek package. So, whether you're looking for an affordable model to populate your office with or want a stunning high-spec monitor for gaming or video editing, this brand is a safe bet. 

If you're hoping to upgrade to 4K, Dell has some of the most appealing offerings for high-resolution panels. 4K monitors like the Dell S3221QS, which is made better by its curvature, give consumers more affordable options without compromising on picture quality. Meanwhile, gamers can also find affordable options in the typically pricey Alienware line, with the likes of the Alienware AW2521H often getting price cuts. 

Whichever Dell monitor you're looking for, we're positive that you'll find something to suit you and one of the best Dell monitors in our list below. If you're on the hunt for a new laptop too, check out our picks of the best Dell laptops, and if you're after the best Dell all-rounder, check out our guide to the best Dell XPS 13 (9310) deals

The best Dell monitors 

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Product shot of Dell P2720D, one of the best Dell monitors

(Image credit: Dell)

01. Dell P2720D

The best Dell monitor overall

Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: QHD, 2560 x 1440 | Display Type: LED-backlit LCD monitor

Excellent overall
USB-3 port
Good colour accuracy for office work 

The Dell P2720D monitor is the perfect all-rounder in function and design, and our top pick of the best Dell monitors. It offers a near-perfect combination of looks, resolution, features, size for a cracking price, making it number one in our Dell monitors best buys.

Its 27-inch screen is the standard size for office monitors these days, and it's a perfectly good size for watching your favourite media on – especially with its 1440p (QHD) (positioning itself between 4K and the lower 1080p). The monitor is easy to adjust up and down, swivelling left and right on its base, turning the screen clockwise and anticlockwise. Its design also has thin bezels, giving it a sleek look.

Along with HDMI 1.4, its USB-C connection means you can easily connect with your laptop, and charge it at the same time. For most of us who's looking for a fantastic all-rounder, the Dell P2720D is without a doubt, our top pick when it comes to the best Dell monitors.

Product shot of the Dell S2721DS, one of the best Dell monitors

(Image credit: Dell)

02. Dell S2721DS

The best budget monitor from Dell

Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: QHD (2560x1440) | Display Type: LED-backlit LCD monitor / TFT active matrix

Very affordable
Very good looking display
Disappointing speakers
Missing USB-C connectivity

The Dell S2721DS is proof that you don't need to spend a lot on a display if you daily computing needs do not hinge on special or expert-level features. These days, it's even cheaper than its ever been, making it our new best budget Dell monitor. But, don't let its inexpensive price tag fool you: it's more capable than most of the budget monitors out there.

Wrapped in a stylish gray-on-white package, it boasts a 1440p IPS panel with a 75Hz refresh rate and a decent 350 cd/m² brightness, already making it superior to your aging 1080p display. The 99% sRGB color coverage means you can do some basic photo editing on it while the AMD FreeSync allows you to immerse in smooth gaming and the built-in 3W speakers means you can do that as well as stream the latest blockbusters while you're sending out a few emails. 

Best Dell monitors: Dell UltraSharp U4021QWCB endorsed

(Image credit: Dell)

03. Dell UltraSharp Curved U4021QW

Premium ultrawide Dell monitor for the ultimate multitasking

Screen size: 40-inch | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: WUHD 5120 x 2160 (DisplayPort: 60 Hz, HDMI: 30 Hz) | Display type: LED-backlit LCD monitor

Huge screen
Incredible connectivity
IPS panel
Screen surround doesn't feel premium
Expensive

If you're setting up a permanent home office, you might want to spend a bit more on your monitor to really get it right. The Dell U4021QW is one of Dell's more expensive offerings, but if multi-tasking on a giant screen is an important part of your job, it is well worth it. 

Designed for content creators and those working with data, the gorgeous, curved 40-inch display (the first of its kind) is perfect for side-by-side tasks. It has a resolution that'll knock your socks off at 5,120 x  2,160 pixels (though the brightness doesn't quite match up at only 300 nits). 

If connectivity is your jam, the number of ports here should sway you. Included on the ample list of ports (situated on the back) are a DisplayPort 1.4 connection, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a Thunderbolt 3 connector, plus four types of USB ports, an audio jack and an RJ45 port. Talk about productivity.

Product shot of the Dell UltraSharp U2720QE, one of the best Dell monitors

(Image credit: Dell)

04. Dell UltraSharp U2723QE

The best 4K Dell monitor

Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: UHD (3840x2160) | Display Type: LED-backlit LCD monitor / TFT active matrix

Very accurate colors
Lots of useful features like KVM
Expensive for its size
AdobeRGB coverage is underwhelming

4K monitors still aren't as cheap as they should be, despite the fact that 4K is now becoming the new standard resolution for displays. But, that doesn't mean that there aren't any affordable options out there. The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is a great and affordable 4K display with a robust suite of useful features. 

Lauded for its accurate colors, this affordable 4K monitor offers great colour coverage of 100% Rec 709, 100% sRGB, and 98% DCI-P3 gamut, a contrast ratio of 2000:1, a 400 cd/m² brightness level, USB-C connectivity, a USB hub, and KVM support. So, this isn't only ideal for budget-conscious productivity pundits and multitasking maestros; it's a great option for creative professionals as well. It even comes with VESA DisplayHDR 400 so you can squeeze it a bit of gaming or a movie between heavy workflows to unwind.

Product shot of Dell S3221QS, one of the best Dell monitors

(Image credit: Dell)

05. Dell S3221QS

The best curved Dell monitor

Screen size: 31.5-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Display Type: W-LED, back-lit

Elegant design
Great looking screen
Unique multitasking features like PiP
No USB-C
Slow response rate
Not true HDR

The Dell S3221QS offers a gorgeous curved 4K display at a very reasonable price. It boasts a unique, simple but elegant design that sets it apart from both gamer-centric screens as well as your run-of-the-mill black office monitor. 

The stunning 4K VA panel makes everything look superb, from movies to video games, and it has a host of welcome features such as decent speakers and an interesting picture-in-picture functionality that allows you to display two different computers in the same display. It's a neat trick and makes up for the lack of USB-C connectivity. This is one of best Dell monitor deals if you're looking for quality and style at a good price.

Product shot of Dell Ultrasharp U3223QZ, one of the best Dell monitors

(Image credit: Dell)

06. Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ

Premium Dell monitor with a webcam

Screen size: 31.5-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: UHD (3840x2160) | Display Type: LED-backlit LCD monitor / TFT active matrix

Accurate color modes
Excellent image quality
Windows Hello-enabled webcam
Expensive
Speakers are lacklustre

The Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ isn't going to be the cheapest proposition for an office display, which is why it's lower on our list, but it's certainly among the most feature-rich ones out there. We're testing this model at the moment and think that if you're looking for a kitted-out monitor with practically everything you need, this is worth the investment.

Front and centre, both literally and figuratively, is the built-in Windows Hello-enabled 4K webcam that boasts its own security features, decent mount articulation, customizability, and some video presets. That will certainly come in handy if you're working remotely and have video meetings all day – especially combined with the built-in dual echo cancelling mics and two 14 W speakers.

Other mention-worthy features are the PBP/PIP view modes for multitasking, USB-C up to 90W power delivery to charge up your laptop, and the USB hub for connecting other peripherals. Need to do light video or photo editing every now and then? The 100% Rec 709, 100% sRGB, and 98% DCI-P3 colour coverage and 2000:1 contrast ratio make that possible.

best Dell monitors: Dell Alienware AW2521H

(Image credit: Dell)

07. Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor AW2521H

The best affordable Dell monitor for gaming

Screen size: 24-inch to 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16.09 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Display Type: IPS panel

Fastest refresh rate going (360 Hz)
Nvidia Reflex performance analyzer
Low input lag
Average SDR contrast
No FreeSync

If you believe the best gaming monitor is about speed, the Dell Alienware AW2521H  is the monitor for you. It offers what is currently the fastest refresh rate available on any screen at 360 Hz, and the lowest available input lag for an astoundingly smooth response. This monitor also boasts a NVIDIA 'Reflex' feature, which measures input lag and helps to reduce it.

Like most Alienware monitors, the build quality is excellent and the stand offers a range of ergonomic adjustments. It also has good reflection handling and great peak brightness. It covers the whole sRGB colour space and has outstanding colour accuracy out of the box. However, despite a better contrast ratio than many IPS panels, blacks still look a little greyish, so it isn't ideal for gaming in the dark. All in all, though, this is a superb gaming monitor from Dell.

Product shot of Alienware AW3423DW, one of the best Dell monitors

(Image credit: Alienware)

08. Alienware AW3423DW

Premium Dell gaming monitor with an OLED panel

Screen size: 34.18-inch | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: UWQHD (3440x1440) | Display Type: Quantum Dot OLED

Impressive HDR performance
Games look great on this
Solidly built
Doesn't come with HDMI 2.1
OSD Menu difficult to navigate

OLED monitors are the new big thing in the display market – even though they've been around in the mobile and TV markets, so they are a bit of a shiny novelty at the moment. Still, this Dell monitors list isn't complete without one of Dell's OLED offerings. 

The new Alienware AW3423DW, released in 2022, is not just an ultrawide curved display for gaming. It also boasts those deep black and rich colours that OLED technology is known for, and it's an absolute beast in the gaming world.

We're talking 1M:1 contrast ratio and 1000 cd/m2 peak brightness here, as well as VESA DisplayHDR TrueBlack 400 that gives it great HDR performance. That's not to mention its impressive 149% sRGB (CIE 1931) and 99.3% DCI-P3 colour gamut. For an even deeper gaming immersion, it supports Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate and comes with that nice 1800R curvature on a 34-inch panel.

The Dell P3222QE on a desk, showing the Creative Bloq website open in an internet browser

(Image credit: Future)

09. Dell P3222QE

The best Dell monitor for MacBook Pro

Screen size: 31.5-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: UHD (3840x2160) | Display Type: LED-backlit LCD monitor / TFT active matrix

Excellent colour accuracy
Sleek design
USB-C with Power Delivery
Poor Adobe RGB & P3 coverage
Backlight uniformity not great
Not HDR-capable

Having tested and reviewed the Dell P3222QE, we can honestly say that it is one of those productivity displays on that market that have more to them than meets the eye. It's not just the USB-C with Power Delivery and its sleek design that are nice perks here. And, they do make it a terrific Dell display for MacBook Pro users. 

The full sRGB coverage and the Delta-E 1.48 colour accuracy we got in our Dell P3222QE review also make it ideal for users who do photo editing as well. Of course, that large 31.5-inch screen in 4K resolution also means you're getting plenty of real estate, whether you're editing or doing heavy multitasking, giving you a pixel density of 140PPI.

It's no gaming demon, unfortunately, not with its 8m response time. But, if you're looking for an affordable 4K solution for the office, this one's one of the best Dell monitors to consider.

Dell UltraSharp 30 U3023E

(Image credit: Future)

10. Dell UltraSharp U3023E

A 16:10 alternative with decent connectivity

Screen size: 30-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:10 | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,600 | Display Type: LED-backlit LCD monitor / TFT active matrix

Outstanding connectivity
16:10 ratio 
Great features
No HDR support
Mediocre pixel density

If you're bored of the same ol' 16:9 ratio, then you may want to try the Dell UltraSharp U3023E, which has a slightly taller 16:10 ratio. We liked that extra vertical space when we tried out this monitor, and found it really useful for productivity. Elsewhere, the general quality of the IPS panel is good, and colour accuracy and coverage were good enough for content creators, though not super-advanced ones. There are tons of ports. Though for this cost, some may prefer to go 4K.


How do I choose a monitor?

We know finding the right monitor isn't an easy task, but considering you landed on this page then you're already off to a great start with your research. Some things to think about before deciding on a Dell monitor include the screen size, resolution, contrast settings, aspect ratio, brightness levels and colour rendition, as well as overall key features that are tailored to benefit your own ways of working and lifestyle. 

For example, if you need a monitor for photo editing then you might benefit from a high-resolution OLED screen that has exceptional RGB colour rendering to ensure that what you're seeing on the screen as purple won't look green or orange once published to the internet. 

If you're looking for a gaming monitor then this is a whole other story, as you might desire a curved monitor for all-around immersive-ness, plus you'll need to look out for things such as the refresh rate, control over lagging, and a high-resolution display to let the graphics speak for themselves. We definitely recommend the Alienware models if you can afford one as they are exceptional for gaming. 

What's a good price for a Dell monitor?

Prices on the best Dell monitors can range from as low as £300/$300 to thousands depending on the size, quality, and features that you desire. If it's just an extra monitor for looking at spreadsheets then any of the lower-priced models in this list will suit you just fine. 

However, if you need a super high-res display that can keep up with online gaming or offer accurate colour processing to assist you with video editing and content creation, then unfortunately the prices will shoot up as the specs increase with advanced features. If you see Dell monitors listed for any higher than $3,000/£2,500 then you're probably spending a little too much, but only you can make that judgement and align your purchase with your budget. 

Beren Neale
Deals Editor

Beren has worked on creative tech magazines and websites at Future Publishing for 13 years. He started this journey as Staff Writer on the digital art magazine ImagineFX, and in 2012 found himself bridging the magazine/website divide as Commissioning Editor on the newly launched Creative Bloq. Since then he took the editor role on ImagineFX, was Launch Editor of the fine art magazine Paint & Draw, moved to Canon Pro Europe website as Deputy Editor, and then edited the graphic design magazine Computer Arts. In 2020 he moved back to Creative Bloq, the biggest global art and design website, and as Deals Editor has applied his expertise in creative tech to help digital creatives get the best deals on the kit that they need and love. Outside of work, Beren likes nothing better than to climb himself a bit of rock.  

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