Best Monitors For Live Streaming

When producing your live streams, it is important to have a good monitor. Slow refresh rates, outdated panels, small screens, and average screen resolution can lead to fatigue and eyestrain. What's the solution? Go for one of the best monitors for live streaming to level up your broadcast quality.

By adding a better monitor to your setup, it can help elevate your live stream production now and for years to come.

But what should you look for in a live streaming monitor?

Here's a quick guide you must check out before buying one of the best monitors for live streaming.

Buying A Live Streaming Monitor: Things To Consider

Refresh Rate

Expressed in hertz (Hz), a monitor's refresh rate is the frequency at which it updates the on-screen image. In other words, the refresh rate tells how many times it can show a new image in a second. The industry standard, 60Hz, has been prevalent for many years, but nowadays, higher refresh rates are more common. You can easily find a monitor with a refresh rate of 120Hz to 144Hz, or go for 240Hz if you're looking for a high-end option.

So, is refresh rate and frame rate the same?

No. A monitor's refresh rate shows how fast a monitor can refresh its display in a second. On the other hand, the frame rate indicates the number of frames produced by the graphics card and the processor in a second.

Response Time

Another vital tech spec you must check before buying a live streaming monitor is the response time. It's the time the monitor takes to shift from one color to another. Measured in milliseconds (ms), it usually tells how long a pixel takes to go from black to white to black, or from black to white, or from one shade of gray to another (gray to gray).

For live streamers, every single millisecond makes a difference. After all, no viewer likes stream latency. If you can, avoid it by choosing a monitor with a low response rate.

Resolution

Monitors with high resolution are everywhere. But what is it, and does it really matter for live streamers? A monitor's resolution is the aspect ratio that compares its length to the height. In other words, it's the maximum number of pixels it can display horizontally and vertically. For example, a monitor with 1080p (Full HD) or 1920 x 1080p will have a width of 1,920 pixels and a height of 1,080 pixels.

The more pixels in a square inch of a monitor, the smoother the image will be. So, a higher resolution means more pixels can be displayed on the screen, resulting in better and clearer pictures. That's why live video gamers who use an ultra-wide monitor can create better and more immersive gameplay.

Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio is the proportion of the monitor's width to height. So, a 1:1 screen is nothing but a square-shaped display. While widescreen (16:9) monitors are the most common today, many live streaming professionals opt for ultrawide aspect ratios of 21:9, or even 32:9 for the additional screen real estate.

Screen Size

This one depends on multiple factors: supporting hardware, the resolution you want, how much space you have, and whether you're aiming for dual-monitors for your live streaming setup, etc.

If you require something smaller in size, a 24" Full HD display can do the trick. Of course, the higher you go with the size, the more resolution your monitor should have to provide clearer, better image quality.

While bigger monitors give a natural edge, by bringing in more content on one screen, on the flip side, you'd need enough screen real estate, especially if you're planning to buy a massive ultrawide monitor. Moreover, it could be tricky to use. And, not to forget how taxing a big screen could be on your GPU!

So, weigh your options wisely and pick the screen size that best suits your requirements.

Features

Owning a gorgeous monitor isn't enough if it doesn't have the requisite features you need for seamless live streams. Pay attention to the design and check for better ergonomics for that comfortable on-screen appearance. A monitor with an ergonomic stand can be a boon for your live streams by letting you adjust the height, angle, and viewing distance.

Another feature that you may also want is a matte screen. This can especially useful if you wear glasses and want to prevent eyeglass glare from ruining your live streams. While glossy screens may seem to be a good pick aesthetic-wise, they can be too reflective if you wear glasses. So, invest in a monitor with a matte screen if you want to avoid glare.

For more tips on preventing glare on glasses while live streaming, check this out: How To Prevent Glare On Glasses When Live Streaming

Another key consideration here is the multiple USB ports. You may need these ports to plug in drives, mics, and even speakers. So, the more, the better.

Price

The price you pay for the best monitors for live streaming depends on all the factors discussed above. From a monitor's refresh rate to its resolution, screen size, and features – all collectively impact its price. You can get a good monitor for less than $100, but it might not come with a host of features to help with your broadcasts.

In contrast, high-end models may come with large display panels, 4K resolution, an ergonomic stand, and more. But be ready to pay as high as $5,000 for the high-performance, professional-grade monitors. It all comes down to the utility you want to achieve from your live streaming monitor.

14 Best Monitors For Live Streaming

Now, let's take a look at the 14 best monitors for live streaming presently available on the market.

1. LG 27GL850 27'' UltraGear™

With its crisp visuals and brilliant clarity, the LG 27GL850 UltraGear rightly deserves the first spot on the list. While its ultra-fast speed of 144Hz and 1ms response time means you can expect an outstanding performance as you go live, the Nano IPS display gives stunning immersion. It also boasts NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility to prevent screen tearing and stutter for a smoother, faster stream.

The 27GL850 supports HDR10 for that rich, bright display. Another plus is its Dynamic Action Sync to minimize input lag.

Although it comes with a 27-inch panel, it's an excellent pick for those looking for a reliable live streaming monitor for under $500.

2. Razer Raptor 27

Next up is the new Razer Raptor, with an incredible 165Hz refresh rate and cool looks. If you're particular about cable management, you'll love its sleek cable management stand, which helps keep your desk clutter-free as you live stream.

On top of its terrific design, it has incomparable visual clarity with QHD (2560 x 1440px) resolution. The immersion is hard to beat, and it's also NVIDIA® G-Sync Compatible and supports AMD FreeSync™ Premium refresh.

It also comes with height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, which is a boon for those seeking a monitor with the best ergonomics.

Overall, it's a great buy if you're looking for a host of features with a good resolution and a decent screen size.

3. Acer SB220Q bi 21.5 Inches Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Monitor###

If you're looking for a cheaper live streaming monitor, the Acer SB220Q is what you need. It offers splendid value with its stylish ultra-thin functionality and 1920 x 1080 resolution. It even has AMD Radeon FreeSync and a 4ms response time to ensure less stuttering and a smoother broadcast.

The Acer SB220Q is a match made in heaven for those with less room. It features a frameless design and is only 0.24-inches thin.

4. MSI Optix MPG341CQR

For those who have a lot of space at their disposal and would love to experience the awesomeness of an ultrawide live streaming monitor, take a look at the MSI Optix MPG341CQR. It has a curved display panel with a curvature rate of 1800R, a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and UWQHD high resolution.

Live streaming gamers can benefit from its FreeSync, RGB lighting, Night Vision, and GameSense technology. It also has a built-in camera, camera cradle, and mouse bungee to help secure your wires.

Choose this monitor for its frameless design or 178° wide view angle for an immersive view.

5. Samsung 27" CF398 Curved LED Monitor

Another fantastic 1800R curved monitor on the list, is the Samsung CF398. It may not impress many with its 60Hz refresh rate, but its 3000:1 contrast ratio ensures a superior viewing experience. Plus, it comes with AMD FreeSync and Game Mode technology for smoother images.

There's also an Eye Saver Mode for high viewing comfort, which is a must for avid live streamers. Measuring less than 0.5 inches thick, the CF398 can be the perfect fit for those looking for an ultra-slim and sleek profile.

6. BenQ ZOWIE XL2540K 240Hz 24.5 Inch Gaming Monitor For Esports

If you prefer a live streaming monitor that takes less space and still is power-packed with features, the ZOWIE XL2540K is your pick. With a 240Hz refresh rate, height adjustment, and free tilt, it's made for live streamers who don't want to compromise on quality and ergonomics.

It also comes with Black eQualizer for better visibility in dark scenes, Color Vibrance for enhanced color adjustment, and Game modes for easy switching of presets for different game titles. Another pro is its easy interface, but the picture clarity may not be too impressive as compared to its other rivals.

7. Alienware 34 Curved Gaming Monitor - AW3420DW

Need a live streaming monitor that's stylish and offers top-notch performance? The Alienware AW3420DW is a 34-inch knockout piece of kit that looks sleek and comes with IPS Nano Color (98% DCI-P3) technology. In addition, the 1900R WQHD resolution and 21:9 display ratio make it a tremendous ultrawide monitor with a superb field of vision.

The real hero is its 2ms gray-to-gray response time with Overdrive. And, there is a fantastic 120Hz refresh rate that ensures you don't lose viewers because of lag. If you're into gaming, the NVIDIA® G-SYNC™ technology could be an added advantage.

Even though it comes at a premium, the vibrant picture and strong performance make it worth the cost.

8. KYY 15.6'' FHD 1080P Portable Laptop Monitor###

With a 0.3-inch ultra-slim profile and 1.7lbs weight, the KYY Ultra-Slim Portable Monitor is the ideal portable monitor for live streamers on the go. It's also an amazing choice for those looking for an extended monitor but don't have enough room.

Featuring a full HD (1920x1080 pixels) 15.6-inch IPS display and brightness of 300cd/m², it delivers fab clarity and image quality. It also has two integrated stereo speakers that would do the job for live streaming beginners.

The KYY Ultra-Slim Portable Monitor comes with two USB-C ports and one mini-HDMI port. And it's compatible with most computers, laptops, smartphones, and even gaming devices like Xbox and PS4.

This monitor is great to travel with and includes a magnetic smart cover, is scratch-proof and provides complete protection for the screen. You can also choose a comfortable viewing angle, thanks to the two grooves in the base and the 178° ultrawide viewing angle.

9. Mobile Pixels Duex Pro Portable Monitor

Here's another amazing product for those who need an extended monitor. The Mobile Pixels Duex Pro Portable Monitor magnetizes to the back of a laptop, giving you a multiple monitor setup with ease. All you need to do is connect a single USB cable and slide out the screen!

The 12.5-inch FHD or 1080P IPS anti-glare monitor comes with adjustable brightness. It is compatible with USB Type-C, Type-A, Windows, Mac, and Chromebook laptops. There's also a kickstand for comfortable viewing.

This plug-and-play device is ultraportable, energy-saving, and has a compact design with a 0.48-inch ultrathin screen. It weighs just 1.6 pounds and is made of high-quality industrial materials.

Even though this isn't the beast you'd need for avid live streaming, if you're buying a monitor to add another screen to your live streaming setup or looking for a portable solutioncarry around and live stream easily, this is the one we'd recommend.

10. Dell 24 Monitor: SE2419HR

A thin bezel, a compact base, and easy tilt functionality make the Dell SE2419HR a brilliant pick. Go for it if you want to maximize screen estate and desk space without affecting the live stream production quality.

Just like the KYY monitor mentioned above, this one too features a wide 178°/178° viewing angle. But it also comes with features like Dell's Comfort View and AMD Radeon FreeSync™.

If you need a monitor with a flicker-free, anti-glare screen, and a decent refresh, this one is a good option to consider.

11. Sceptre E248W-19203R

The Sceptre E248W-19203R is another outstanding choice, thanks to its security lock and terrific performance.

Like most budget monitors, this one too comes with a 75Hz refresh rate, enabling reduced screen tearing. Offering built-in speakers, it helps you enjoy audio without investing in separate speakers. It also delivers optimum comfort and clarity and can tilt 15° backward and 5° forward.

If you're into comfort, then this is a good bet with its VESA wall mount. Choose it to find a proper viewing position while eliminating cable clutter and saving desk space. For the price, it's a steal.

12. Samsung 32" Odyssey G7 Gaming Monitor

Want a monitor with a rapid 240hz refresh rate? The Odyssey G7 from Samsung is a strikingly gorgeous monitor that comes loaded with unique tech features. For example, its 1000R panel matches the curvature of the human eye to provide maximum immersion and minimal eye strain. And its grey to grey 1ms response time ensures you receive information at an unbelievable pace.

Embracing the Quantum Dot technology, Samsung QLED offers 125% more color space as compared to sRGB. And its NVIDIA® G-SYNC™ and FreeSync Premium Pro support mean you can produce seamless live broadcasts every time.

13. Dell 32 Curved 4K UHD Monitor - S3221QS

The Dell S3221QS is a magnificent pick for the 4K fans. With a three-sided ultrathin bezel design in 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution and a curved 1800R screen, it's the monitor you need for a great immersive experience.

At just $349.99, it comes with Vertical Alignment (VA) display and AMD FreeSync™ technology. Additionally, its built-in dual 5W speakers are professionally tuned by Waves MaxxAudio®.

It also features ComfortView to ensure eye comfort. You also get built-in dual HDMI ports to plug in devices effortlessly during streaming.

14. ASUS ROG Swift 360Hz PG259QN 24.5" HDR Gaming Monitor

Looking for a high-end live streaming monitor with an awesome refresh rate and equally impressive response rate? The ROG Swift 360 Hz PG259QN, with an FHD (1920 x 1080) display, a 360 Hz refresh rate, and 1 ms gray-to-gray (GTG) response time, is the one you need.

Packed with features like NVIDIA® G-SYNC® processor and NVIDIA Ultra Low Motion Blur technology, you can expect super smooth live streams with this product.

It is also powered by ASUS Aura Sync and can be synchronized with other Aura-enabled components and peripherals. To help you focus on your live broadcast better without distractions, the indicator light stays under the bezel. And the well-designed stand lets you move your keyboard and mouse freely by giving you enough space.

At this price, it's an excellent purchase for most live streamers.

Best Live Streaming Monitors: FAQs

Should I have a dual monitor setup for live streaming?

While it's not necessary to have a dual monitor setup for live streaming, it will help you manage your stream better. By giving you extra space to run all the applications you want, a dual monitor setup can help you multitask.

You can configure one monitor for your stream, and the other one can help you manage your live chat, display a presentation, and more. You can also opt for curved gaming monitors to create your dual monitor setup for a seamless display.

Can I have more than two monitors?

Most computers support a dual monitor setup. You'll want to check with the manufacturer to see if you can use more than one monitor. Having more than two monitors can give you extra space to work with. Watching more than two monitors simultaneously could be a bit challenging for some. Don't forget about the room that you may need on your desk either.

Do I need the same monitors for live streaming?

Not really. Having two or more monitors means you're trying to add to your primary screen's functionality. If you're okay with different monitors (and sizes) on your desk, extra strain on your GPU, and don't care about aesthetics too much, use what you have to get the job done.

Can I use a tablet as an extended monitor?

Yes, you absolutely can. There are several ways to connect your iPad, Android, and Windows tablet to your computer as an extended monitor. For example, you can use an app like Spacedesk for Windows or try a hardware solution such as the Luna Display to turn your PC, Mac or iPad into a wireless second display.

Should I go for an ultrawide rather than two monitors for live streaming?

It depends on what you're looking for.

If you're a casual live streamer, then an ultrawide could be your best bet.
For hardcore live streamers, investing in a dual monitor setup is a wise choice – given that multiple monitors may increase their productivity.
If ergonomics matter to you, then a single panel/UW would be ideal.
And, if you can afford the real estate to fit at least two 27" panels on the desk, more power to you – go ahead with the multiple monitor setup.

Conclusion

Whether you're new to the world of live streaming or want to upgrade your existing live streaming setup, choosing the right monitor is a must for seamless broadcasts. We hope this guide would come in handy while looking for the best monitors for live streaming.

If you want to learn about setting up a home video studio on a budget, read this.