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Whether you are trading stocks, forex, or futures, as traders we are all aware of the need to get one of the best trading monitors available. There are a multitude of monitors on the market. However, as a trader, we need to look out for top-notch specifications in particular.
Shifting through the hundreds of different types of monitors, each with a varying set of characteristics is no easy task. We have done all that work for you and come up with the best trading monitors per various aspects.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Day Trading Monitor
First of all, some of us spend the whole day looking at a screen. So, we need monitors that have crisp and bright images. That means we need screens with high definition, at least 1080p. We also need a high refresh rate. Both things are important as they won’t tire your eyes so much, and you’ll be able to work longer without having to rest your eyes.
When I started my search for the best trading monitors, I looked at what gamers were looking at. Why gamers? Because, like us, they spend countless hours in front of a screen. So, they know about eye strain. And understanding what causes it helps you appreciate why you need high-specification screens.
According to most experts, you need a minimum refresh rate of 75 Hz to help keep your eyes healthy and preferably 120Hz. You can get higher rates such as 144Hz, or 240Hz, but it probably won’t change much unless you are playing highly graphic-intensive video games.
The next thing we need to look at is screen size and whether we prefer one or multiple screens. In the old days, screens were smaller and I had no choice but to go for two screens. But nowadays, with 34-inch screens or larger, I’m using one and loving it.
On one large screen, I can split the space up into various pieces with all the apps I need in one place. It creates a seamless experience as I don’t have to see the cursor disappear and reappear from one screen to the next.
Overall, I believe it’s an improved experience. So, I’ve decided to go for screens that are 34 inches plus. However, for those die-hard old-school traders, I have also looked at multiple screen layouts. Let’s take a look at what I found.
1. Best Trading Monitors: Best For Premium Experience – Samsung LC49RG90SSNXZA 49-Inch CRG9 (Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ $1,142.16)
This monitor tops the chart for the best trading monitor in the premium experience category. The screen is a super wide curved 49 inches. The specifications on this model are among the highest, and it’s built by a reputable brand. The 120Hz refresh ratio guarantees flicker-free viewing and helps protect your eyes from fatigue for longer.
The screen also has one of the highest levels of brightness. So, you won’t need to pull the blinds down on a bright and sunny day. The deep curvature allows you to roam from one side of the screen with ease and comfort.
The QLED screen and 5120 x 1440 resolution guarantee the crispiest images and color contrast for your charting needs. Allowing you to overlay various technical tools and still see what your charts are indicating with ease.
Pros:
- Super-wide screen
- Deep curvature
- Top-notch resolution
- QLED screen
- High Brightness
- High refresh rate
Cons:
- Kind of expensive
- Only available in black
Specification Summary
- Screen Size: 49 inches display
- Screen Ratio: 32:9
- Curvature: 1800R
- Display Type: QLED
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hertz
- Resolution: 5120 x 1440
- Nits: up to 1000 – typically 600
- Response Time: 4ms
- Input Connections: 1 HDMI, 2 DP, 4 USB
- Dual Input: Yes, PIP PBP
- Antiflicker: Yes
2. Best Trading Monitors: Best For Multiple Screens – HP P244 23.8-Inch FHD IPS LED 2-Pack Bundle (Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ $699)
For those traders that prefer multiple screen setups, this is an effective, good value, and efficient choice. The pack comes with two screens, add one more pack if you need a 4-screen setup. These types of screens don’t have the latest technologies in terms of refresh rates or nits.
However, for trading requirements, they suffice for the needs of most traders. It also has a relatively lower power consumption of 17 Watts on average and 21 Watts on maximum. If you don’t like the current ratio of widescreen monitors, then installing 2 rows of 2 monitors is one way to square things up.
Pros:
- Sleek modern design
- Reputable manufacturer
- Good value for money
- Still has a VGA port
Cons:
- Low refresh rate
- Low Nits
Specification Summary
- Screen Size: 23.8 inches display
- Screen Ratio: 16:9
- Curvature: Flat screen
- Display Type: LED
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hertz
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Nits: 250
- Response Time: 5ms
- Input Connections: 1 HDMI, 1 DP, 1 VGA
3. Best Trading Monitors: Best For Longevity – LG 43UN700-B 42.5-Inch 16:9 (3840×2160) 4K UHD (Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ $804.95)
This monitor gets tops in class for the best trading monitor for longevity. The monitor was first released in August 2021. So, it has many years of useful and up-to-date life. The screen has a 4K resolution with an IPS display.
IPS displays are at the forefront of computer monitor screens. They allow for rich accurate colors, wide angles of vision, and improved image quality. The monitor also has considerably high brightness, at 400 Nits on average.
The screen has a 16:9 ratio, just like a typical TV. This type of ratio will appeal to those who like to have multiple screens stacked on top of each other. Just that with this screen it’s all in one, and you can split the display into four like you would in a multiple-screen display.
Pros:
- Top-tier resolution
- IPS display
- Recent designed
Cons:
- Low refresh rate
Specification Summary
- Screen Size: 42.5 inches display
- Screen Ratio: 16:9
- Curvature: Flat screen
- Display Type: IPS
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hertz
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- Nits: 400
- Response Time: 8ms
- Input Connections: 4 HDMI, 1 DP, 1 USB Type-C, 1 Headphones
- Dual Input: Yes, PIP PBP
4. Best Trading Monitors: Best For Value – Sceptre Curved 35-Inch (3440×1440) QHD (Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ $389.98)
Before you wonder, like I did when I came across this brand. Sceptre is a California-based company that makes its monitors in China. Like just about everybody else. We gave this model the number one spot in value for best trading monitor for 2 main reasons:
- Price: With the highest specs possible, this monitor has a much cheaper sale price than its better-known competitors.
- Deep curvature: This feature helps you view your screen from left to right with ease, across all 35 inches.
The screen has a LED QHD display with 3440 x 1440 resolution. That’s double the pixel rate of FHD and close to 4K. The design is sleek in gunmetal black with a thin frame around the screen. On the back, the screen stand has three colored light red inserts, and the port entries are colored. Overall, for the price you pay, you get a beautiful top-tier monitor.
Pros:
- High refresh rate
- Quality resolution
- Curved screen
- Low price
Cons:
- Not the latest technology for display
- Slightly low Nits
Specification Summary
- Screen Size: 35 inches
- Screen Ratio: 21:9
- Curvature: 1800R
- Display Type: LED QHD
- Refresh Rate: 100 Hertz
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Nits: 320
- Response Time: 4ms
- Input Connections: 3 HDMI, 2 DP, 1 Headphones
- Dual Input: Yes, PIP BPB
- Antiflicker: Yes
5. Best Trading Monitors: Best Overall – VIOTEK SUW49C 49-Inch Super Ultrawide Curved Monitor (Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ $749.99)
The VIOTEK 49-inch curved monitor takes the top spot for overall best. We came to this conclusion based on the high specs of this device and the affordability compared to monitors with similar characteristics.
This monitor has an ultrawide curved display with High Dynamic Range (HDR) allowing you to view the screen from almost any angle. Resolution is of a high standard and the refresh rate is among the highest you can find at this price. It also has dual-input capability, so you can connect two computers on one screen.
The manufacturer offers a 3-year warranty, which is much longer than most brands, for extra peace of mind. They also have their customer service department located in the USA.
Pros
- Value for money
- Ultrawide curved screen
- High refresh rate
- Dual input
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Slightly low Nits
Specification Summary
- Screen Size: 49 inches
- Screen Ratio: 32:9
- Curvature: 1800R
- Display Type: LED QHD
- Refresh Rate: 100 Hertz
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Nits: 320
- Response Time: 4ms
- Input Connections:
- Dual Input: Yes, PIP PBP
- Antiflicker: Yes
Conclusion
Creating the best environment for your trading activity is fundamental to achieving the win rate you require to be a successful trader. We all understand the importance of an appropriate screen for a trader.
Traders need to have multiple windows open for a variety of charts and news feeds to keep on top of market volatility. So, we hope to have shed some light on how to choose the best screens available, while offering a filter through all the devices that are on sale.
Ultimately there are no screens specifically designed for trading purposes. However, traders spend several hours in a row in front of a screen with their eyes glued to it. The behavior is similar to that of hardcore gamers.
So, it’s easy to come to the conclusion that the monitors these people buy are the right ones for traders also. With this in mind, we looked at what specifications this group of people consider as a minimum requirement to decrease eye fatigue and for clarity of an image.
If you have two computers that run different aspects of your trading, such as one for automated trading software and one for charts and news you can still use one large screen when they have a dual input capacity.
Bottom Line
Consider this, have you ever wondered why institutional traders are so more likely to be successful? Well, the reason is quite simple, they have hundreds of professional supporters that work on research and market analysis.
Simply put, an institutional trader does not trade all by himself. They get help from a ton of people, whose job it is to offer insights, guidance, and analysis of the markets the trader is dealing in. So, the question is, why would you want to go it all alone?
And the answer is quite simple, you wouldn’t. We have selected some of the best companies that provide stock trading and investing tips. Some companies specialize in options, others in stocks. Some concentrate on day-trading while others on weekly stock picks. You can read our reviews about their services here.
Gino D'Alessio is a Broker/Dealer with over twenty years experience in various OTC markets such as Bonds, FX and Derivatives. Currently a Financial Markets and Investments Writer & Analyst
