Best 26-inch LCD Monitors

A Selection of the Best 26-inch LCDs for a Variety of Tasks and Prices

Acer's X263Wbi like most 26-inch class screens actually uses a 25.5-inch panel. The screen provides a 1920x1200 display resolution with a 5ms response time that is suited for fast motion video and gaming without motion blur. The screen's color is a bit lower than other offerings because it uses a 6-bit rather than 8-bit panel. Many people can't really notice the difference. Connectors include an HDMI and VGA. Included with the monitor is an HDMI to DVI cable to allow it to work with most new graphics cards. The stand only supports tilt adjustment but can be replaced with a 100mm VESA mount. Prices range from $330 to around $400.

The ASUS VK266H provides the best overall experience for just about any activity on a computer in the 26-inch class. The 25.5-inch panel provides a 1920x1200 resolution with a very fast 2ms response time making it well suited for fast motion video or gaming without blur. The display also adds a unique feature in a 2 megapixel web camera that can be rotated just above the screen. Connectors are also quite plentiful with HDMI, DVI-D, VGA and component. There are two 3W speakers built into the display but a digital audio output is also provided. The stand only supports tilt adjustment but it is compatible with the 100mm VESA mount. Prices start around $370.

The ASUS VW266H display is nearly identical to the VK266H. It uses the same 25.5-inch LCD panel with the 1920x1200 resolution and 2ms response times. It has the same HDMI, DVI-D, VGA and component connects. The two 3W speakers are also the same. The stand also supports just the tilt adjustment with compatibility with the 100mm VESA mount. So, what is the difference? The VW266H display does not come with the 2.0 megapixel webcam. This makes the display a bit less expensive at $350.

With the display technology so similar between HDTVs and LCD computer monitors, it is surprising that more companies are producing multifunction displays. Samsung has created their Touch of Color series to function as both computer displays as well as HDTV's thanks to the built-in digital TV tuner. The Samsung T260HD uses a full 1080p compatible 25.5-inch panel with a 1920x1200 resolution and 5ms response time to provide smooth video without motion blur. Inputs include two HDMI, DVI-D, VGA and component. Unlike other models in the series, the T260HD does not have any built-in speakers instead providing a digital audio output. The stand allows for swivel and tilt adjustment. Prices range from $460 to $500.

Many people who use graphics tend to design around the AdobeRGB color gamut. For this reason, it is important to get a screen that is very similar to displaying this color range. The NEC MultiSync LCD2690WUXi2-BK provides a 97.8% AdobeRGB color gamut that makes this excellent for graphics work. the screen also features a 1920x1200 resolution and a relatively quick 8ms response time. This isn't quite as fast for video and gaming but that isn't the point of the display. Connectors include a DVI-D and VGA. The stand allows for a full range of height, tilt, swivel and pictor adjustments and can be used with 100mm VESA wall mounts. Prices are around $1280.