One trend that is becoming increasingly popular is a display with a thin profile and maximum screen size with little or no plastic frame around the screen.
This frame, also called a bezel, is the area of the display that surrounds the screen. It is typically made from plastic or metal to match the other non-screen components of the monitor. Bezel-less monitors are growing in popularity due to the proportionate growth of multi-screen displays.
In our endless quest for bigger, better, and more, we have taken multitasking to new levels in both work and play. The bezel-less monitor offers the best dual-monitor set display option because the user’s eye can move from one display to the other seamlessly. With no interruption from a blocky bezel, it almost appears that the two displays are very large screens.
Best 32-Inch Bezel-Less Monitors
If you have the room and are looking to build the largest dual-screen display with maximum screen space and true 4K resolution, then a 32-inch screen size is needed. Only one 32-inch display made the cut and is recommended.
Best 32-Inch Bezel-Less Monitor
Specifications
- 4K Resolution
- 60Hz Refresh Rate
- 5ms Response Time
- VGA, USB and HDMI Connections
- IPS Display Panel
- Fully Adjustable Ergonomics
The Dell U-Series is a premium line of monitors designed for creators and professionals. Each display is individually calibrated, VESA-mount compatible, and loaded with multiple ports for hassle-free connectivity.
This Dell display comes with four times more detail than Full HD with Ultra HD 4K resolution at 3840 x 2160. The visual experience will be stunning. The UltraSharp is calibrated at 99% sRGB out of the box for an accurate color experience. You will want to pair this display with a newer processor and graphics card to experience the beauty of 4K resolution.
What We Love
- Ultra HD 4K Resolution with HDR content playback support means that you will see content exactly how the creator intended, with impressive clarity, detail, and color.
- The color is perfectly calibrated. UltraSharp monitors are factory calibrated at 99% sRGB.
- USB-C connectivity means that you can clear the clutter from your desktop with a single cable for all purposes.
- Comes complete with Dell Display Manager, which includes preset templates to arrange multiple applications across the desktop for ultimate productivity.
What To Consider
- The Ultra HD resolution and 99% sRGB color accuracy are compromised by significant backlight bleeding that is very noticeable on dark images.
- Dell Display Manager is only compatible with Windows, so Mac users are left in the dark on its best features.
- The overall quality and craftsmanship leave a lot to be desired, especially for the price point.
Best 27-Inch Bezel-Less Monitors
The middle of the road in terms of size is the 27-inch; it is large enough to produce an ultra HD image and small enough that you likely won’t lose a lot of space if you are upgrading from a smaller monitor.
Specifications
- 4K Resolution
- 6ms Response Time
- 60Hz Refresh Rate
- IPS Panel
- VESA Mounting
- Fully Adjustable Ergonomics
- 99% Factory sRBG
If you love the features of Dell U-series monitors, but just don’t have the room for the big display, then this one for you. Enjoy the same 4K UHD display with factory-calibrated colors and full-range connectivity in a smaller 27-inch display.
Dell UltraSharp monitors are the perfect blend of productivity performance and visual performance so that professional creatives like graphic designers and photographers don’t have to choose between the two.
What We Love
- A fully adjustable stand allows users to enjoy an ergonomic workspace, includes height, tilt, pivot, and rotation, which is especially important for dual display setups.
- USB-C connectivity is almost required if you are docking a laptop as part of a dual display, and this monitor has it.
- Dell Display Manager presets, with picture-in-picture compatibility boost productivity for working professionals.
What To Consider
- The buttons on this monitor are hard to press. On the upside, you won’t be accidentally changing any settings. But on the downside, you will have to use both hands to steady the monitor and press the button when you need to use them.
- If you do a lot of photo editing where brightness matters, this display has room to improve. Whites look a bit yellowed, even at the brightest settings.
- We have no complaints about the resolution; this monitor looks great powered on. But powered off is a different story. The materials and craftsmanship are less impressive than on other models.
Specifications
- 4K Resolution
- 6ms Response Time
- 60Hz Refresh Rate
- IPS Panel
- VESA Mounting
- Fully Adjustable Ergonomics
If you are looking for 4K at an affordable price with a modern, bezel-less design, this Philips display is a must-see. It is a 27-inch frameless, curved LED monitor with impressive 4K UHD resolution. It is part of Philips E-line, which is an enhanced mainstream design with better picture quality.
This monitor is packed full of features with built-in speakers and easy cable management. It is built for heavy use with features to reduce eye strain like low-blue light mode and flicker-free technology. And, for an added peace of mind, Philips offers a longer-than-industry-standard warranty of four years.
What We Love
- Philips has done a good job on the monitor's design, offering concealed cables that help keep your desktop tidy without needing to bundle excess wire lengths.
- Equipped with SmartContrast, a Philips proprietary technology automatically adjusts colors and backlighting to optimize images as you view them.
- IPS panel technology provides crisp images and vivid colors.
What To Consider
- There is no USB-C connection. If you plan to use it with a laptop, you will probably miss the docking feature that USB-C offers.
- There is limited adjustability with the stand, offering tilt only. Luckily it is VESA-mount compatible so you can bypass the stand altogether if you want to.
- Menu controls are a joystick on the bottom of the monitor that is more tedious to handle than on-screen control menus.
- Although it is bezel-less, there are more attractive monitors on the market. The design aesthetic is very plain-Jane.
Best 24-Inch Bezel-Less Monitors
If the idea of running dual-monitors in your workspace seems impossible, the 24-inch displays offer a nice picture quality in a smaller package that might just fit the bill.
Best 1440p Bezel-Less Monitor
Specifications
- 2K (1440p) Resolution
- 6ms Response Time
- 60Hz Refresh Rate
- IPS Panel
- VESA Mounting
- Fully Adjustable Ergonomics
For a great-looking monitor in the 2K arena, ViewSonic has a solid contender. It has a bezel-less design and good enough resolution to be used side-by-side with a MacBook. You will get a nice picture with QHD resolution at 2560 x 1440, which is perfect for any task.
A slim bezel design and IPS panels make sure that you get an unobstructed picture from every angle. With several options to connect, you can use the ViewSonic with PCs, Macs, and POS systems.
ViewSonic displays are equipped with optimized presets perfect for a variety of tasks so that you can easily switch between movies, web browsing, reading, and other tasks. And, there’s less chance that your eyes will fatigue with this beauty. It is also equipped with flicker-free technology and blue light filters for long hours in front of the screen.
What We Love
- It is designed for super easy, out-of-the-box set up. The quick-release stand is equipped with a convenient carrying handle, so all you have to do is take it out of the box and set it on your desk.
- The frameless design is viewable from many angles with high quality.
- Excellent ergonomic choice, especially for those who prefer to work while standing up. The monitor features up to 40 degrees of tilt.
What To Consider
- The USB-C cable that comes with the monitor may not be sufficient for all setups, Macbooks in particular. If you experience connectivity problems, try upgrading your USB-C cable.
- Many of the productivity features like Split View and display manager features are only available on Windows-based desktops.
Specifications
- 1080p Resolution
- IPS Display Panel
- HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort Connections
- VESA Mounting
- 99% sRBG
With the thinnest bezel available on a 24-inch monitor, this LG model might be your bezel-less dream come true. But before you commit, take a look at the trade-offs. Of course, the price is very affordable, which minimizes the risk of buyers’ remorse if it turns out that it doesn’t measure up.
This is a full-HD model maxing out at 1080p resolution. If you are accustomed to a 2K or 4K picture, this display might feel like a downgrade. Despite not quite making the cut on brilliant graphics, it is still a full HD monitor and will have a good picture with accurate colors.
What We Love
- sRGB at 99% for accurate colors, perfect for professional creatives like photographers and designers.
- Modern ArcLine stand accentuates a smooth curve design for appealing aesthetics.
- Ultimate split-screen control with LG’s latest multitasking technology and 14 preset configurations.
What To Consider
- The ports do not auto-switch inputs, which makes it a little more tedious to move between devices. If you don’t often switch between your computer and another device like a gaming console, this probably isn’t a deal-breaker.
- The text could be a lot crisper, could be a drawback if you need to do a lot of reading on display.
- The stand is not sturdy.
Best Budget Bezel-Less Monitor
Specifications
- 2K (1440p) Resolution
- IPS Display Panel
- HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort Connections
- VESA Mounting
- Fully Adjustable Ergonomics
Viotek offers a QHD display with an impressive 75 Hz refresh rate at an unbeatable price. This budget pick is a great all-around monitor that is equally capable of fast-action gaming. It is outfitted with AMD FreeSync technology for smooth gameplay.
Make this display your multitasking hub with multiple connections for game consoles, dual-monitors, docking stations, and more. As with all of our favorites on our list, it uses IPS panel technology for a heightened visual experience, widest viewing angles, and minimal distortion.
What We Love
- A QHD display at such a low price point is hard to find. This display seems to do the trick.
- 16.7 million colors with 92% sRGB, the colors are accurate, and the picture is clear.
- Gaming performance in a budget-friendly option seems like two things that don’t go together, yet here they are.
What To Consider
- The response time is the slowest of any model on our list, a tradeoff to the economical price.
- This is a fixed stand display; there are no options to adjust the position to improve ergonomics aside from using a VESA mount. Even then, it is only compatible with the 75x75 mount.
- The power cord is unusually short.
What to Look for When Buying a Monitor
If you are shopping for a new monitor, the wide range of specs and prices probably has your head swimming. You want to find something that is slim and modern, and that will look nice sitting on your desktop, even when it is not turned on.
But more important than how it looks is how it performs. Before you get lost in the details, consider your current computer setup. To get a full 4K resolution, you will need hardware and a graphics card from your computer that is compatible with 4K. Is time to upgrade your display, or will you need to invest in a brand new PC to get the visual that you want?
Resolution
The best resolution currently available for computer displays (outside of Apple’s 5K Retina technology) is 4K Ultra HD with resolutions with an industry-standard of 3840 x 2160 pixels. True 4K resolution is most commonly found on 32-inch monitors, but occasionally a 27-inch monitor will impress with 4K resolution.
2K or quad high definition (QHD) is 2560 x 1440 pixels and is commonly available in the 24-inch and 27-inch screen sizes. But don’t be fooled, there are still many peddlers of standard HD displays in the 24-inch market segment. If you rely on detailed graphics and are used to a QHD OR UHD display, standard HD is no longer going to cut it.
Standard HD is also the oldest technology still being sold on new models, simply for the sake of future-proofing your purchase, opt for a 2K or 4K display.
Connectivity
Hands down, USB-C is the preferred connection type for anyone that is using the display as a second screen for a laptop or mobile device. Unfortunately, many monitors are still missing this connection type. Or, they come with a sub-standard cable that will need to be upgraded to work well.
Aside from USB-C, DisplayPort and HDMI are both essential options for quick, convenient access and picture quality. A VGA connection is quickly becoming obsolete and is not even necessary on newer displays.
If you are still using an older PC with a VGA connection, consider buying an adapter to transition it to a DisplayPort connection instead of finding a monitor with a VGA connection.
The Takeaway on Bezel-Less Monitors
Ultimate viewing experiences are more than just a resolution number. The best displays are pairing IPS panel technology with ultra-thin bezels so that the largest possible screen can be viewed from wider angles. Our list features a number of great options for nearly every budget that is designed with a very thin bezel that does not interfere with the screen.
Bezel-less displays are a terrific option for dual-monitor setups, VESA arm mounts that hold monitors at varying angles off of the desktop, and for gaming applications. As a bonus, not having a bulky frame around the screen doesn’t leave any space for the manufacturer to place an obtrusive brand logo in the middle of an otherwise excellent-looking display.
More and more consumers are looking for bezel-less designs for a more modern look and feel. Some manufacturers are responding by designing displays that are essentially bezel-less on three or four sides.