Top 5 Smart Monitors: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Imagine a screen that does more than just show you pictures. What if it could also manage your schedule, play your favorite music, or even help you video call your family? That’s the exciting world of smart monitors, and they’re changing how we interact with our technology.

But navigating this new landscape can feel a bit overwhelming. With so many features and brands, it’s easy to get lost trying to figure out which smart monitor is the best fit for you. You might be wondering if it’s worth the extra cost or if it will really make your daily life easier. We understand those challenges!

In this post, we’ll break down what makes a smart monitor truly smart. You’ll learn about the cool features to look for and discover how these versatile displays can boost your productivity and entertainment. Get ready to discover a smarter way to work and play!

Top Smart Monitors Recommendations

No. 1

Samsung 27-Inch M5 (M50F) Series FHD Smart Monitor with Streaming TV, Speakers, HDR10, Gaming Hub, Multiple Ports, Workout Tracker, Vision Accessibility Tools, Black, LS27FM502ENXZA

Discover all your favorite streaming apps lined up in one place. Browse and watch content directly from your monitor with ease.
Tune into various free channels, including Samsung TV Plus channels, to watch news, sports, movies, kids’ shows and more — all on your Smart Monitor. With new content added continuously, there’s always more to explore.
Access the ultimate gaming realm. In the Samsung Gaming Hub, you can play the biggest games from top streaming partners, with no PC or console needed. Discover new games or replay old favorites all in one place
Immerse yourself in the scene with true-to-life audio. Adaptive Sound uses audio scenic intelligence to analyze scenes in real-time and optimize the sound based on content type.
Effortlessly stream your content on the big screen. Easily connect and enjoy content from your mobile — videos, photos and documents — on your Smart Monitor.

No. 2

LG 34SR60QC-W 34-inch QHD (3440x1440) Curved Smart Monitor with Streaming, UltraWide Screen, webOS, HDR10, 100Hz, Built-in Speaker, AirPlay2, Screen Share, Bluetooth, ThinQ App, White

Handpicked by Amazon: They did the research so that you don't have to.
Work Smart, Play Smart on a 21:9 Smart Screen - LG Smart Monitor is designed for multitasking while you work, play and watch. Connect the 34” 21:9 curved display to a laptop, desktop or gaming console to immerse yourself in your work or games. Or, with the Smart Monitor's built-in LG webOS, you can watch favorite shows from your favorite streaming apps.
webOS23 Built-in - Thanks to webOS23, find your favorites fast with built-in access to Netflix, Prime Video, the Apple TV app, Disney plus , HBO Max and instant access to over 300 plus free LG Channels with everything from comedy to movies to sports.
34" UltraWide 21:9 Panoramic Cinema - This Smart Monitor's 34" ultrawide QHD (3440x1440) with a 21:9 aspect ratio offers a 34% wider view than a 16:9 display. And the monitor's sweeping 1800R cruve envelops you as if you were at the movies.
99% sRGB color gamut - Immerse yourself in a world of brilliant color from HDR10 that helps enhance picture quality and up to 99% sRGB color gamut expression to make games visually pop.

No. 3

SAMSUNG 27-Inch M5 (M50D) Series FHD Smart Monitor with Streaming TV, Speakers, HDR10, Gaming Hub, Multiple Ports, Workout Tracker, Vision Accessibility Tools, LS27DM500ENXGO, 2024

ACCESS TO OTT CONTENT: Stream OTT content directly from monitor or tune into Samsung TV Plus¹ to get live TV channels & on-demand content at no cost; Need to make the most out of a small space or want a 2nd TV? The Smart Monitor is the best choice
WHERE GAMING COMES TOGETHER: Samsung Gaming Hub is the ultimate home for gaming; Instantly play the biggest games from top streaming partners, with no PC or console needed; Discover new games or replay old favorites all in one place²
EASIER ACCESS TO YOUR WORK TOOLS: Access & control your PC remotely or work directly on the monitor; Embedded productivity apps like Microsoft 365 let you bypass the PC for a simpler, streamlined working environment³
1 MOUSE & KEYBOARD ACROSS DEVICES: Maximize multitasking by controlling multiple devices with one mouse and keyboard; Seamlessly drag & drop content across the Smart Monitor, a Galaxy Tab & Galaxy mobile device, streamlining your workflow⁴
MULTIPLE CONNECTIONS FOR YOUR DEVICES: Connect easily and create your customized setup using HDMI and USB-A ports without any adapters; Plug in to charge, transfer or create your ideal multiscreen station

No. 4

Samsung 27-Inch M5 (M50F) Series FHD Smart Monitor with Streaming TV, Speakers, HDR10, Gaming Hub, Multiple Ports, Workout Tracker, Vision Accessibility Tools, White, LS27FM503ENXZA

Discover all your favorite streaming apps lined up in one place. Browse and watch content directly from your monitor with ease.
Tune into various free channels, including Samsung TV Plus channels, to watch news, sports, movies, kids’ shows and more — all on your Smart Monitor. With new content added continuously, there’s always more to explore.
Access the ultimate gaming realm. In the Samsung Gaming Hub, you can play the biggest games from top streaming partners, with no PC or console needed. Discover new games or replay old favorites all in one place
Immerse yourself in the scene with true-to-life audio. Adaptive Sound uses audio scenic intelligence to analyze scenes in real-time and optimize the sound based on content type.
Effortlessly stream your content on the big screen. Easily connect and enjoy content from your mobile — videos, photos and documents — on your Smart Monitor.

No. 5

Samsung 32” Smart Monitor M8 (M80F) 4K UHD Display, Samsung Vision AI, Smart TV Apps, Gaming Hub, USB-C, HDMI and USB-A, White, LS32FM803UNXZA, 2025

INSTANT ACCESS TO YOUR FAVORITE STREAMING CONTENT: Stream content directly from your monitor, or tune into Samsung TV Plus to get live channels and on-demand content.¹
OPTIMALLY TAILORED VISUALS WITH AI: Experience optimal picture quality adjusted to your needs.² AI Picture Optimizer adapts the visuals to help you work on documents with comfort, get fully immersed in games with deep and rich blacks.
SIMPLE CONTROL FOR YOUR SMART HOME: See your smart home devices in a 3D Map View and manage them with ease.³ You can also check the energy usage and cost by device, and save money by putting them in energy-saving modes.
YOUR PRIVACY. SECURED ON SAMSUNG MONITORS: Keep your monitor data safe and confidential with Samsung Knox.⁴ Its robust, multi-layered security and tightly controlled access also enhance the security of your IoT connections made through your Smart Monitor.
ENJOY YOUR CONTENT IN VIVID DETAIL: Watch your content come to life with incredible clarity.⁵ 4K UHD resolution enhances even fine details in images and videos, making worlds feel more vibrant and realistic.

No. 6

Fast, Smooth Gameplay: The WQHD display with 180Hz refresh rate speeds up the frames per second to deliver ultra-smooth 2D motion scenes. With a rapid refresh rate of 180Hz, our monitors shorten the time it takes for frame rendering, lower input lag and provide gamers an excellent in-game experience.
Endless Entertainment: Immerse yourself in a boundless audio-visual experience that seamlessly integrates with popular platforms like Netflix and YouTube. Easily project content from your smartphone, laptop, or PC using the convenient screen mirroring function.
AMD FreeSync Technology: Say “goodbye” to stuttering and tearing. With AMD FreeSync, the monitor’s frames are synced with the graphics card’s frames, which eliminates screen tearing and provides the smoothest gaming experience.
Up to 180Hz Refresh Rate: The 180Hz refresh rate speeds up the frames per second to deliver an ultra-smooth 2D motion scene. With a rapid refresh rate of up to 180Hz, Acer Gaming Monitors shorten the time it takes for frame rendering, lower input lag and provide gamers an excellent in-game experience.
Wireless Projection: Stream movies, videos, games, and photos from your TV smartphone with wireless projection technology, such as Miracast.

No. 7

Samsung 32-Inch M5 (M50F) Series FHD Smart Monitor with Streaming TV, Speakers, HDR10, Gaming Hub, Multiple Ports, Workout Tracker, Vision Accessibility Tools, Black, LS32FM502ENXZA

Discover all your favorite streaming apps lined up in one place. Browse and watch content directly from your monitor with ease.
Tune into various free channels, including Samsung TV Plus channels, to watch news, sports, movies, kids’ shows and more — all on your Smart Monitor. With new content added continuously, there’s always more to explore.
Access the ultimate gaming realm. In the Samsung Gaming Hub, you can play the biggest games from top streaming partners, with no PC or console needed. Discover new games or replay old favorites all in one place
Immerse yourself in the scene with true-to-life audio. Adaptive Sound uses audio scenic intelligence to analyze scenes in real-time and optimize the sound based on content type.
Effortlessly stream your content on the big screen. Easily connect and enjoy content from your mobile — videos, photos and documents — on your Smart Monitor.

Your Smart Monitor Buying Guide: Get Smarter About Your Screen

So, you’re thinking about a smart monitor? That’s a great idea! These aren’t just regular screens; they’re like mini-computers built right in. They connect to the internet, run apps, and do tons of cool stuff. Let’s break down what you need to know to pick the best one for you.

Key Features to Look For

When you’re shopping for a smart monitor, keep an eye out for these important features.

Built-in Apps: Most smart monitors come with popular streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube already installed. This means you can watch your favorite shows without needing another device.
Connectivity: Look for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi lets you connect to your home network for streaming and browsing. Bluetooth lets you connect wireless headphones or speakers.
Smart Hub Capabilities: Some smart monitors can act as a central hub for your other smart home devices, like lights or thermostats. You can control them right from your monitor.
Voice Control: Many smart monitors have voice assistants built-in, like Alexa or Google Assistant. You can ask them questions, play music, or control your smart home with just your voice.
Screen Size and Resolution: Just like regular monitors, you’ll want to consider the size of the screen and how clear the picture is. Bigger isn’t always better if you have a small desk.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used in a smart monitor can affect how it looks and how long it lasts.

Screen Panel: Most smart monitors use LED screens. These are bright and energy-efficient. Some might use QLED for even better colors.
Bezels: These are the borders around the screen. Thinner bezels look more modern and make the screen feel bigger.
Stand: A sturdy stand keeps your monitor stable. Some stands let you adjust the height or tilt the screen.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

A few things can make a smart monitor great or not so great.

Picture Quality: Look for good brightness and contrast. This means colors will look vibrant and blacks will be deep. High refresh rates make motion look smooth, which is good for games and fast-moving videos.
Sound Quality: Built-in speakers can vary a lot. Some are decent, but many people prefer to use external speakers or headphones for a better audio experience.
Software Updates: Manufacturers should provide regular software updates. These updates fix bugs and add new features, keeping your monitor running smoothly and securely. If a company doesn’t update its software often, the monitor might become outdated quickly.
Ease of Use: The operating system should be easy to navigate. You don’t want to struggle to find apps or settings.

User Experience and Use Cases

Smart monitors are super versatile. Here are some ways people use them.

Entertainment Hub: Stream movies and shows without needing a TV or computer. It’s perfect for a bedroom, kitchen, or dorm room.
Workstation Upgrade: Connect your laptop or desktop for a larger screen. You can also use it as a standalone computer for basic tasks like checking email or browsing the web.
Gaming: Some smart monitors have features that are great for gaming, like low input lag and high refresh rates.
Smart Home Control Center: Manage your connected devices, check security cameras, or get weather updates.
Digital Photo Frame: Display your favorite photos when you’re not actively using it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is a smart monitor?

A: A smart monitor is a screen that connects to the internet and can run apps, stream content, and sometimes control other smart devices, all without needing a separate computer or streaming stick.

Q: Do I need a separate streaming device with a smart monitor?

A: Usually, no. Most smart monitors come with popular streaming apps already built-in, so you can watch content directly.

Q: Can I connect my gaming console to a smart monitor?

A: Yes, most smart monitors have HDMI ports, allowing you to connect gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and other devices.

Q: Are smart monitors good for work?

A: Yes, they can be. They offer a larger screen for productivity and can often connect to laptops or desktops. Some also have built-in web browsers and productivity apps.

Q: How is the sound quality on smart monitors?

A: The sound quality varies. Some have decent built-in speakers, but for the best experience, many users connect external speakers or headphones.

Q: Do smart monitors get software updates?

A: Good ones do. Manufacturers should release updates to fix issues and add new features. Check reviews to see how often a brand updates its software.

Q: Can I use a smart monitor as a regular computer monitor?

A: Absolutely. You can connect your computer to it using an HDMI cable, just like a regular monitor.

Q: What is resolution?

A: Resolution tells you how many tiny dots (pixels) make up the picture. Higher resolution means a sharper, clearer image.

Q: What is a refresh rate?

A: Refresh rate is how many times the screen updates the image per second. A higher refresh rate (like 120Hz) makes fast-moving pictures look smoother.

Q: Are smart monitors worth the extra cost?

A: For many people, yes. They offer convenience, save space by combining functions, and provide a great entertainment and productivity experience.