What Size Monitor Do Pros Use?

In the world of professional gaming, every little detail matters. From the speed of their internet connection to the type of keyboard they use, esports athletes strive for every advantage they can get. 

One key aspect that is often overlooked is the size of the monitor they use. While the casual gamer might be content with a standard 24-inch monitor, professional gamers demand much more. 

But what size monitor do pros use, and why does it matter? Here we’ll explore the world of esports monitors and dive into the factors that determine what size monitor is best for competitive gaming.

What Qualities Make A Monitor Suitable For Professional Use?

What Qualities Make A Monitor Suitable For Professional Use?

To ensure that monitors meet the demands of professionals who use them, they must adhere to specific standards. Let’s take a closer look at these standards.

1. Resolution in High Definition

Professionals who take pictures, design graphics, or edit videos need monitors that show their work very clearly. They want high-resolution monitors with many pixels to make their images look sharper and more detailed. 

A monitor with a higher resolution can show more details of the image, making it easier to see if the colors are correct or if the image looks good. These professionals rely on having accurate color representation and image detail so they can make sure their work looks the way they want it to.

To put it simply, a high-resolution monitor is like having a magnifying glass that makes it easier to see the small details in an image. Professionals need to be able to see every piece of their work. Without a high-resolution monitor, their work might not look as good as they want it to.

2. Color Accuracy

Many professionals such as graphic designers, photographers, and video editors require accurate and consistent color representation. To achieve this, monitors need to be capable of producing a wide range of colors. 

Typically, this is achieved by using IPS or OLED panels. Accurate color representation is a crucial aspect of their work as it ensures that the final product looks as intended. Therefore, having a monitor with high color accuracy is essential for these professionals to achieve their desired outcomes.

3. High Refresh Rate

A high refresh rate is crucial for them in the gaming and video production industries. A monitor with a high refresh rate allows for smoother motion and reduces motion blur. This is especially important for gamers and video editors who need to see fast-paced action without any delay or lag.

4. Low Input Lag

Input lag is the delay between when a user inputs a command and when it is displayed on the monitor. Low input lag is essential for gamers, as it can make the difference between winning or losing a game. 

Professionals such as graphic designers and video editors depend on precise and accurate movements.

5. Ergonomics

Monitors that are productive for professionals need to be ergonomic, meaning that they should be adjustable to provide maximum comfort and prevent eye strain during prolonged use. This includes the ability to adjust the height, tilt, and swivel of the monitor to suit the user’s needs.

What Size Monitor Do Pros Use?

What Size Monitor Do Pros Use?

For professional work, users choose larger monitors ranging from 24 to 32 inches. These monitors provide more workspace and make it easier to view multiple applications simultaneously. They also provide better color accuracy and image quality than smaller monitors.  

Some professionals, such as graphic designers and photo editors, may opt for even larger monitors, such as ultra-wide 49-inch displays. These larger monitors make it easier to view high-resolution images in full screen without having to scroll around the image.

Manufacturers offer gaming monitors in a variety of sizes to suit different budgets and settings, ranging from ultra-wide 22 inches to above 50 inches. The diagonal measurement method used for televisions is also used to measure monitor size. 

Most gamers find a screen size between 24 and 32 inches suitable. This range of size is perfect for most gaming setups as it strikes a balance between immersive experience and ease of use. Monitors with sizes within this range usually provide an excellent balance between picture quality, screen size, and price.

Depending on a user’s distance from the screen, the ideal screen size for gaming may vary. When the user sits very close to the screen, a smaller size may be more comfortable. Conversely, if the user sits far away, a larger screen may be more suitable.

Regarding the 32-inch monitor, it can provide an immersive gaming experience if the resolution of the screen is 4K or higher. 

A higher resolution will ensure that the image remains sharp and clear, even at larger screen sizes. Additionally, a larger screen can be beneficial for certain types of games that require a lot of screen real estate, such as racing or flight simulators.

What About Gamer-friendly 27-inch Monitors?

On the other hand, 27-inch monitors are typically recommended for a 1440p resolution, as the larger screen size allows for a better viewing experience with more visible details. Occasionally, 27-inch monitors can also come with a 1080p or 4k resolution.

It is therefore common for esports fans to prefer these large-screen monitors to the more sensible 24-inch monitors. Some gamers still prefer 32-inch monitors, despite their size.

They offer a better viewing experience and are usually found with resolutions anywhere between 1080p to 4k. Most modern monitors have an aspect ratio of 16×9, although 16×10 is rarely seen.

1. Adaptive sync technology

Adaptive sync technology, such as G-Sync or FreeSync, synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the graphics card’s output, which eliminates screen tearing and stuttering. Many 27-inch monitors come with this technology, making them ideal for gamers.

2. Low response time

The response time of a monitor refers to the time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another. For gamers, a low response time is crucial to prevent ghosting and motion blur. Most 27-inch gaming monitors have a response time of 1 ms or less.

3. Availability

27-inch monitors are widely available, and there are many different models to choose from, which means that gamers can find a monitor that fits their budget and requirements.

4. Comfortable viewing experience

Gamers can benefit from using 27-inch monitors since they offer a larger screen size, which reduces the need for moving their heads or eyes around too much. This results in a more comfortable viewing experience while playing games. 

Additionally, some 27-inch monitors have ergonomic features such as adjustable stands and blue light filters, which further enhance comfort during long gaming sessions. By using a 27-inch monitor, gamers can enjoy a more comfortable gaming experience without straining their eyes or neck.

Do 21:9-inch monitors cater to gamers?

There is a recent influx of 21×9 ratio monitors in the market, also known as ultrawide. However, console gamers are restricted to 16:9, so they won’t be able to take full advantage of ultrawide monitors. 

Ultrawide monitors are in a shakier position when it comes to game support because a full implementation of ultrawide in a multiplayer game can often be seen as an unfair advantage due to being able to see a wider variety of the game.

1. Curved Display

The majority of these high-ratio monitors feature a curved display, which further enhances the immersive experience by creating a more natural viewing angle. This is especially beneficial for gamers who want to reduce eye strain during extended gaming sessions.

2. Multitasking

The extra screen provided by these monitors can also be useful for multitasking. Games can be run on one side of the screen while web browsing, streaming video, and other tasks can run on the other.

3. Productivity

In addition to gaming, such types of monitors can also be useful for productivity tasks. The ultrawide aspect ratio provides more space for working on multiple windows or documents simultaneously, making it easier to be productive.

4. Design

In many cases, these monitors feature sleek designs and slim profiles, making them a stylish addition to any gaming setup. Some models also feature customizable lighting and other gaming-oriented features, such as built-in speakers or headphone jacks.

4. Ultrawide Aspect Ratio

These monitors’ 21×9 aspect ratio provides a wider field of view compared to standard monitors, giving gamers a more immersive experience. This feature is particularly useful for games that support a wider aspect ratio, such as racing games or first-person shooters.

The Recommendations

Gamers should choose a 24-inch monitor if they want the best experience for competitive gaming. 

This size is also good for beginners with low-powered computers. For the best gaming experience at a normal distance, 27-inch monitors with a 1440p/1080p resolution are recommended.

But for 32-inch monitors, eye strain can be a problem depending on the games you play. Also, you might have to sit farther away than with smaller monitors.

If you are a console gamer who wants to play at 4k, it’s better to get a TV. This is because very few monitors have 4k and an HDMI 2.1 port, which you need to get 120 fps at 4k.

Consoles are usually limited to 16×9, so you won’t be able to use an ultrawide monitor to its full potential. Ultrawide monitors can also be tricky because they might give an unfair advantage in multiplayer games.

In short, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Gamers should consider their budget, gaming needs, and viewing preferences to find the best size for them.