The 6 Best Vertical Monitors for Productivity: Ranked and Reviewed

Are you looking to supercharge your productivity and take your workstation to the next level? A high-quality vertical monitor may be just the upgrade you need. As someone who spends hours each day staring at a computer screen, finding ways to optimize your display setup can pay major dividends in comfort, efficiency, and output quality.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive into the benefits of vertical monitors for productivity, break down the key factors to consider when shopping, and highlight our top picks for the best vertical monitors on the market today. Whether you‘re a programmer, writer, designer, or anyone else who could benefit from more functional screen real estate, read on to learn how a vertical monitor can revolutionize the way you work.

The Productivity Perks of Vertical Monitors

So what exactly makes vertical monitors so great for productivity? Let‘s break down some of the top benefits:

1. More vertical screen space. The extra height of a vertical display is ideal for viewing long documents, spreadsheets, code files, and websites while minimizing scrolling. You can see more content at a glance.

2. Reduced head and neck strain. Constantly moving your head up and down to scan a horizontal screen can cause neck pain over time. A vertical monitor allows for a more natural viewing angle and less head movement.

3. Efficient multitasking. Having a vertical monitor as a secondary display makes it easy to reference documents, websites, or communication apps while focusing on core tasks on your primary horizontal screen.

4. Space-saving footprint. If you‘re tight on desk space, a vertical monitor has a much smaller footprint than a comparable horizontal display. This is especially useful for multi-monitor setups.

5. Improved focus. With less horizontal space for distraction, a vertical monitor can help you zero in on your current task with fewer opportunities for your eyes-and your attention-to wander.

"Vertical monitors have been an absolute game-changer for my productivity as a software developer. I can view so much more of my code at once, and spend way less time scrolling up and down to reference different parts of a file. It‘s a more natural way to read through long functions and documentation. I honestly don‘t think I could go back to coding on a standard horizontal display after experiencing the benefits of a vertical screen." – Sarah R., Senior Web Developer

What to Look for in a Vertical Monitor

Now that you‘re sold on the perks of a vertical monitor, let‘s discuss some of the key factors to consider when choosing the best one for your needs:

1. Screen size. Look for a monitor that‘s large enough to provide ample viewing space in vertical orientation-we recommend at least 24" for a primary display and 21" or more for a secondary one. Popular sizes are 24", 27", and 32".

2. Resolution. The higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed the image. For a vertical monitor, we suggest aiming for at least a 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) resolution, with 2560 x 1440 (QHD) or 3840 x 2160 (4K) offering even better clarity.

3. Panel type. IPS (in-plane switching) panels offer the best color accuracy and viewing angles, which is especially important for a vertical display. VA and TN panels are also options if you prioritize contrast or response time.

4. Stand adjustability. The best vertical monitors have stands with a wide range of ergonomic adjustments, including height, tilt, swivel, and pivot (to switch between landscape and portrait orientation). Some also offer wall mounting capability.

5. Connectivity. Make sure the monitor has the proper input options to connect with your computer, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C. A built-in USB hub is a handy bonus for connecting peripherals.

6. Price. Vertical monitors range in price from around $150 to over $1,000 depending on size, resolution, and features. Set a budget based on your needs, but plan to invest a bit more if the monitor will be your primary display.

Our Top Picks

Without further ado, here are our recommendations for the best vertical monitors for productivity:

1. Best overall: Dell UltraSharp U2723QE. This 27" 4K IPS monitor has a fully adjustable stand, USB-C connectivity with 90W power delivery, and excellent color accuracy. It‘s pricey but offers professional-grade performance.

2. Best for dual-display setups: LG 28MQ780-B Ergo DualUp. An innovative 28" monitor with a unique 16:18 aspect ratio-perfect for stacking two vertical windows. The double-height stand clamps to your desk to save space.

3. Best ultrawide: Samsung S65UA. This massive 34" monitor has a 21:9 aspect ratio that‘s awesome for viewing super-wide documents or timelines. The 100Hz refresh rate is also great for gaming.

4. Best for creatives: BenQ PD2705Q. Precise factory calibration and 100% sRGB color space coverage make this 27" QHD IPS monitor ideal for photo/video editors and graphic designers. Hardware display calibration support keeps your colors true.

5. Best budget: HP 24mh. If you want to try out a vertical monitor on the cheap, this 24" IPS display offers great value. The FHD resolution, 75Hz refresh rate, and built-in speakers perform well for the price.

6. Best portable: ASUS ZenScreen MB16AHP. Need a vertical display you can take anywhere? This slim 15.6" FHD IPS monitor weighs under 2 lbs and is powered entirely by USB, so you can use it with your laptop on the go. The folding smart case protects the screen and props it up in either orientation.

7. Best touchscreen: ViewSonic TD1655. For a more hands-on vertical experience, try this portable 16" FHD IPS touchscreen. 10-point multitouch capacity opens up new possibilities for productivity and creative apps.

8. Best eye care: ASUS ProArt PA279CV. Working long hours? This 27" 4K IPS display has flicker-free backlighting and blue light filters to minimize eye strain, plus a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut for superb visuals.

How to Set Up Your Vertical Monitor for Success

After unboxing your shiny new vertical monitor (or rotating your current one), there are a few key steps to ensure an optimal viewing experience:

1. Position the screen at a comfortable viewing height and distance. The top of the monitor should be roughly at eye level, about an arm‘s length away.

2. Adjust the monitor‘s tilt, rotation, and swivel so it directly faces you. Avoid any viewing angle besides head-on.

3. Update your computer‘s display settings to match the vertical orientation. On Windows, right-click the desktop and select "Display Settings," then choose "Portrait" from the orientation options for the monitor. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Displays, select the monitor, then set the rotation to 90°.

4. Tweak your apps to take full advantage of the vertical space. Many websites, document editors, and IDEs have responsive designs that adapt well to narrow viewports. Test out different combinations of window snapping and full-screen modes to maximize your usable screen space.

5. Fine-tune the display settings like brightness, contrast, and color temperature to your liking. Some monitors have pre-configured viewing modes for different scenarios.

6. Take frequent breaks to rest your eyes and stretch your neck/shoulders. Even with the benefits of a vertical monitor, staring at any screen for too long can cause strain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a vertical monitor for gaming?
A: While not the most common orientation for gaming, some titles-especially retro-style arcade shooters, pinball games, and shmups-can work great on a vertical monitor. For most modern games, though, you‘ll likely want to switch back to landscape mode. Look for a monitor with a fast response time and refresh rate if gaming is a priority.

Q: How do I choose between a curved vs. flat vertical monitor?
A: In general, we recommend flat panels for vertical use, as the curve becomes much more noticeable when the monitor is taller than it is wide. However, an ultrawide curved monitor in landscape orientation can deliver an immersive viewing experience for games and movies. Some users also find a slight curve more ergonomic. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Q: Can I make my laptop screen vertical?
A: Unless you have a convertible laptop with a 360° hinge, it‘s not advisable to turn your laptop on its side, as this can put undue strain on the display and hinges. Stick to using external monitors in portrait orientation.

Q: How do I keep a vertical stacked dual-monitor setup from looking weird?
A: The key is to maintain a consistent aspect ratio between the two displays, which usually means using the same model of monitor on the top and bottom. Mixing a 16:9 monitor with a 16:10 or 4:3 monitor, for example, will look imbalanced. You can use monitor arms or stackable risers to fine-tune the alignment.

Elevate Your Productivity with a Vertical Monitor

We hope this guide has shown you the many benefits a vertical monitor can offer for your productivity setup. Whether you opt for an all-around winner like the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE, a unique double-stacked display like the LG 28MQ780-B Ergo DualUp, or an affordable starter option like the HP 24mh, adding a vertical monitor to your workstation is a surefire way to upgrade your daily workflow.

Take some time to evaluate your needs and budget, weigh the pros and cons of our recommended models (and others on the market), and make the investment in a display that will help you work smarter, not harder. Once you‘ve optimized your new setup, you‘ll wonder how you ever got anything done without a trusty vertical monitor by your side.