Choosing the right monitor(s) to use is crucial when creating the ideal trading setup. We have compiled a list of the best monitors for trading, taking into account numerous factors such as the price, image quality and comfort.
Before we show you the best monitors for trading in 2023, let’s first quickly address some important topics related to monitors for trading.
How many monitors should you use for trading?
Multiple monitor setups for trading typically range between 3 to 8 monitors. However, it’s certainly possible to trade effectively with only one monitor, provided that it is relatively large and that your trading style doesn’t require you to track large amounts of information simultaneously.
If you would like to have a multiple monitor setup, we recommend that you start with a lower number of monitors and add additional monitors only if you find it necessary.
For example, if you start with a three-monitor setup, you can use one screen for the chart you’re focusing on and executing trades on, another screen for additional information such as indicators and volume, and another screen for following a newsfeed or using your web browser. This kind of setup should suffice for most traders.
What size monitor is best for trading?
If you’re going for a multiple monitor setup, you can also consider buying a smaller number of large monitors instead of a larger number of smaller monitors. For example, you could use two 30+ inch monitors instead of four smaller monitors. According to Dell, this could even provide a boost to your productivity:
“A Dell-commissioned Forrester study concluded there was a 12% productivity gain when traders switched from four 19-inch FHD monitors to two 34-inch WQHD (larger screen size, higher resolution) curved monitors, resulting in nearly 100 hours of annual incremental productivity per trader.”
A good middle ground is to use multiple 27 inch monitors. For example, a set up with three 27 inch monitors will suffice for the vast majority of traders and even just two 27 inch monitors could do the job just fine.
Before we take a look at our roundup of the best monitors for trading, here’s a few quick tips to take into account when choosing which monitor for trading to buy:
Prioritize monitor size, as more screen real estate will allow you to track more information simultaneously. Trading interfaces tend to cram in a lot of information.
Monitors with a higher resolution are more comfortable to use for longer periods thanks to their crisper image quality.
The monitor should have good viewing angles, eespecially if you work with a multiple monitor setup where some monitors won’t be positioned directly in front of you.
A higher refresh rate is good, but not crucial. Even though a higher refresh rate certainly doesn’t hurt, you should prioritize image quality.
The best monitors for trading in 2023
Now, let’s get right in our list of the best monitors for stock trading. We included monitors across different price ranges and use cases to provide options for every type of trader.
1. Dell UltraSharp U2722D 27" - A solid all-round monitor for trading
This monitor has a QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution and Dell’s ComfortView Plus technology, which makes it quite comfortable to use for extended periods of time thanks to its reduced blue light emissions. In addition, the monitor’s anti glare screen makes it suitable for use in all light conditions. Thanks to these factors, this is one of the best monitors for day trading.
At the moment, the Dell UltraSharp U2722D 27” monitor is selling for about $325, which also makes it a good choice for multiple monitor setups as buying multiples won’t break the bank. Another feature that makes the U2722D suitable for multiple monitor setup is its thin bezel, which results in a more seamless visual transition when you have multiple monitors side by side.
In our opinion, the Dell UltraSharp U2722D 27” is a great all-around option for anyone who’s looking for a no-frills monitor but still wants a good quality device.
Before we continue, we should highlight an aspect of this monitor that’s relevant for those who like to do some gaming after they’re done with their trading session. While the U2722D is perfectly suitable for casual gaming or single-player titles, the 60Hz refresh rate screen will likely feel a bit too sluggish for those who enjoy fast-paced competitive games like Counter-Strike or Valorant.
Screen size: 27”
Display resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 (QHD)
Panel: IPS
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Price: $325
Buy the Dell UltraSharp U2722D 27”
2. LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B - A solid choice if you’re looking for a high refresh rate
If you’ve grown accustomed to using high refresh rate monitors of 120Hz and above, it can be difficult to go back to 60Hz monitors, which is the industry standard refresh rate for monitors designed for non-gaming use cases.
The LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B is a reasonably-priced monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and good picture quality. However, the monitor’s low contrast ratio makes it a less optimal choice for use in dark rooms. Priced at roughly $300, the LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B is a good choice if you’re building a multiple monitor setup.
While the 27GL83A-B is marketed as a gaming monitor, it has a relatively understated design and the front of the monitor doesn’t really sport any of the flashy aesthetics that are typically present in “gaming” computer peripherals. In our view, this is a plus if you’re primarily looking to use the monitor for trading. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the monitor will perform very well in video games if you want to wind down after an intense trading session.
Screen size: 27”
Display resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 (QHD)
Panel: IPS
Refresh rate: 144Hz
Price: $300
Buy the LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B
3. Dell S3422DWG 34” Monitor - Reasonably-priced ultrawide monitor
The Dell S3422DWG is a good choice if you want a good quality ultrawide monitor but don’t want to break the bank. Keep in mind that this is a curved monitor, which might take some getting used to if you’ve only used flat monitors so far.
As an added bonus, the Dell S3422DWG has a 144Hz refresh rate, which also makes it suitable for gaming. However, it has a pretty understated design and doesn’t really look like a “gaming” monitor at first glance.
As a 34 inch monitor, the Dell S3422DWG provides plenty of screen real estate, so you might be able to get away with using just one of these if your trading style requires you to track a relatively small amount of information simultaneously. If you get two of these, however, they should provide more than enough space for any kind of trading style.
Screen size: 34”
Display resolution: 3,440 x 1,440 (WQHD)
Panel: VA
Refresh rate: 144Hz
Price: $490
Buy the Dell S3422DWG 34” Monitor
4. Samsung 49” Odyssey OLED G95SC - A fantastic monitor if money’s not an issue
If you’re someone with a big budget and don’t want the hassle associated with a multiple monitor setup, you can simply buy one massive monitor and call it a day.
The 49 inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G95SC is an absolute beast with amazing image quality thanks to its QD-OLED panel, a resolution of 5,120 x 1,440 pixels and a 240Hz refresh rate. Quite frankly, this monitor will be overkill for most people, but if money is not an issue, this one is about as good as it gets.
Screen size: 49”
Display resolution: 5,120 x 1,440
Panel: QD-OLED
Refresh rate: 240Hz
Price: $1,345
Buy the Samsung 49” Odyssey OLED G9
5. Lenovo L15 Portable Monitor - Additional screen real estate for your laptop
If you’re often trading on the go, The Lenovo L15 portable monitor could provide a nice boost to your productivity, giving you an additional 15.6 inch screen with Full HD resolution. This additional screen real estate can come in very handy when trading, as it allows you to simultaneously follow a newsfeed or additional technical indicators alongside the price chart you’re currently focused on.
The Lenovo L15’s stand can be folded for improved portability and the monitor comes in at just under 2 pounds, so it won’t weigh you down too much. The monitor ships with a protective sleeve, further adding to its portability. The monitor has two USB Type-C ports with power passthrough, which means that you can charge your other devices while using it.
Combined with a relatively affordable price tag of $230, this portable monitor offers a compelling proposition for traders that travel frequently or spend a lot of time outside their home.
Screen size: 15.6”
Display resolution: 1,920 x 1080 (FHD)
Panel: IPS
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Price: $230
Buy the Lenovo L15 Portable Monitor
The bottom line
If you’re wondering which monitor is best for trading, our list hopefully provided you with some good options to consider. We mostly focused on reasonably-priced models, as well as an option for those who are looking to spend more.
While it’s important to choose a monitor with technologies that reduce eye strain, staring into a monitor for prolonged periods of time is not good for your eyes regardless of how high-tech it is. Remember to take breaks regularly to give your eyes a rest and avoid damaging your eyesight.
If you’re also looking to buy a computer in addition to your monitor for trading, make sure to also check out our list of the best computers for trading.
FAQs
Why do traders use vertical monitors?
A vertical monitor, as opposed to a horizontal one (commonly referred to as a landscape monitor), has the advantage of showcasing an increased number of data rows. Traders who use tools that structure market data in rows may prefer to orient one of their monitors vertically to access more information without needing to scroll.
Which monitor is best for trading, curved or flat?
The choice between a curved or flat monitor doesn’t have much impact on its performance for trading. For what it’s worth, most very large monitors tend to be curved.