Having a multiple monitor setup is one of the best ways to increase your screen real estate for work and play. But two horizontal monitors take up a lot of space, and that’s where vertical monitors come in. Adding the best vertical monitor for your setup can make your gaming, reading, coding, and editing more efficient and enjoyable.

Technically, almost any monitor can be a “vertical monitor” if you’re willing to replace the default stand. But that isn’t always a practical solution, so we’ve opted to only list monitors that come with pivoting stands by default. That way, you’re guaranteed a vertical monitor right out of the box. Let’s get to it.

The Best Vertical Monitors

Beyond the pivoting stand requirement, we also decided to only list IPS monitors for their excellent color uniformity and viewing angles. Good viewing angles are essential, particularly with a vertical monitor setup. So, we’ve decided not to go for any TN or VA choices here.

1. ASUS VG27AQ-G

The ASUS VG27AQ-G can do a little bit of everything and a lot of gaming. This monitor has a high refresh rate and G-Sync for smooth motion without any annoying screen tearing for panoramic, portrait mode gaming. The 1 ms response time also ensures minimal ghosting. The features of this premium gaming monitor don’t end at entertainment, though.

The VG27AQ-G also has some great productivity features. The 99% sRGB coverage makes it a good option for photo editing and graphic design. In addition, ASUS’ Eye Care blue light filtering can reduce eye fatigue during long hours of coding, reading, or writing.

Playing to the strengths of the VG27AQ-G means using it primarily for vertical, panoramic gaming. Sure, you can use this monitor for general office work, but it’s a bit harder to justify the cost if you’re only using it for productivity. If you want one of the best vertical monitors available right now, though, this is your number one choice.

2. ViewSonic XG2705-2K

The ASUS VG27AQ-G is an excellent monitor overall, but you may not need its G-Sync Compatible feature if you’re using an AMD GPU. If you’re sticking to FreeSync and want a compelling alternative, look into the Viewsonic XG2705-2K.

The X2705-2K has a high refresh rate, fast response time, and a bezel-less design to make it suitable for panoramic gaming. The maximum refresh rate is slightly lower than the ASUS at 144 Hz (vs. the ASUS’ 165 Hz), but that’s not really a problem.

For one, you’ll be hard-pressed to notice the 21 Hz difference. Secondly, 144 FPS at 1440p is already tricky enough in modern titles, so you’ll likely not even benefit from the extra Hz on the ASUS.

Productivity-wise, the ViewSonic XG2705-2K is a wide gamut display covering 93% of the NTSC standard. This gives the monitor a lot more “pop” in the color department, but it means it’s not ideal for working on still images and videos designed for the sRGB standard.

It won’t be an issue for many users, but it’s something to keep in mind if you want to use this for more than just gaming and consuming content. Gamut issues aside, though, this is the best vertical gaming monitor on the list if you want to stick to Team Red.

3. LG 27UN850-W

We think the best vertical monitor for work and productivity is the LG 27UN850-W. The 4K resolution and IPS panel make this an excellent monitor for professional tasks and multitasking. The 27UN850-W’s trump card is LG’s OnScreen software, designed to help you fully utilize the 27UN850-W’s 4K resolution.

OnScreen is a multi-purpose tool for managing your display. Firstly, it lets you connect up to four different devices to the monitor and divide your screen between all four inputs. The software also gives you several screen splitting options for arranging multiple windows, as well as a picture-in-picture mode.

Overall, the LG 27UN850-W’s combo of high pixel density and input (and window) handling make it a productivity powerhouse. It’s worth looking into if you need multiple programs open or have multiple devices you want to connect to a display for work.

4. Acer CB272 bmiprx

If you’re after a budget-friendly 27-inch monitor and aren’t too worried about gaming prowess, the Acer CB272 is worth investigating. It’s a no-frills monitor for sure, but it gets the basics right.

It has a “Zero Frame” design with minimal bezels, which will help you fit it snugly next to your primary monitor with minimal obstruction. There’s also Acer’s blue-light reduction mode, VisionCare, if you prefer a monitor-side control over software options.

You will have a slightly blurrier experience due to the 27-inch screen size, and the 75 Hz refresh rate can’t compete with high-end monitors. But a 1 ms response time and AMD FreeSync should still make it worthwhile for gaming and productivity.

If you’re after a 27-inch monitor on a budget, then the Acer CB272 is the best vertical monitor for you. That said, we’d recommend checking out our 24-inch picks if budget is your primary limiting factor.

5. LG 24GN650-B

The LG 24GN650-B is a great vertical monitor if you’re shopping for something in the 24-inch category. Its strong suit is definitely gaming, but there are a few non-gaming features to enjoy as well.

But let’s start with gaming first. The 144 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time are both must-haves for gaming in 2021. AMD FreeSync Premium support ensures smooth gaming no matter what your framerate.

This monitor’s thin bezel and fully adjustable stand are excellent features for a panoramic gaming setup. Smaller bezels will give you a more seamless look, and the adjustable stands make it easier to arrange multiple displays.

Aside from gaming, the 99% sRGB coverage and HDR 10 are welcome additions. This monitor’s brightness and color depth make it ideal for consuming all kinds of media. There are better choices for photo-specific work, but the LG Ultragear is the best 24-inch monitor overall as an overall package.

6. ASUS ProArt Display PA248QV

The ASUS ProARt Display PA248QV is an excellent purpose-built photo editing portrait monitor that lets you create and edit with impeccable color accuracy. The PA248QV covers 100% of the sRGB and Rec. 709 color spaces and ships pre-calibrated from the factory. It’s also CalMAN Verified, making this a perfect monitor for serious photo editors and artists alike.

Beyond the color accuracy, the PA248QV’s main selling point is its 1920 x 1200 display. This 16:10 aspect ratio makes it an excellent vertical monitor, as you get a bit of extra width that can come in handy in portrait mode.

Beyond that, the PA248QV has convenient features like four USB 3.0 ports, useful if you need to quickly connect and disconnect thumb drives or external HDDs for work.

Overall, the ASUS PA248QV is an excellent vertical monitor for content creation. The perfect gamut coverage, pre-calibrated colors, and 16:10 aspect ratio all add up to make it almost essential for photo and video professionals.

7. Samsung FT45

Samsung’s FT45 monitor isn’t an exciting product, but it has the right combination of ergonomics, price, and features to make it a solid option for everyday use.

We like the FT45’s included three-port USB hub (with two USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0 port). That’s quite a rare feature on monitors at this price and very convenient if you regularly need to connect USB drives or external HDDs throughout a workday.

The blue light-reducing eye saver mode and flicker-free display also help reduce eye strain during extended reading, writing, and coding hours.

As you can imagine, the Samsung FT45 isn’t much of a gaming monitor, especially with its 5 ms response time. Still, the 75 Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support mean that it’ll at least be passable for slower-paced games.

Overall, the Samsung FT45 is a dependable vertical computer monitor that’ll do the job for productivity and daily use without breaking the bank.

8. HP 24mh

The HP 24mh monitor is the cheapest entry in the list, but it gets the basics right: the IPS panel eliminates any viewing angle issues, and the pivoting stand means you can run this monitor vertically right out of the box.

The HP is a relatively cheap vertical monitor, but that doesn’t mean it’s totally lacking in features. 75 Hz is a nice upgrade over 60 Hz, even if you’re just using it for office work. In addition, the slim bezels and included speakers are great space-saving features.

The HP 24mh isn’t a flashy monitor or one that’ll impress you deeply. But not every monitor has to do that. If you need the best budget vertical monitor for Twitch chat or other basic tasks, the HP 24mh will be perfect for you.

Closing Thoughts

Choosing the best vertical monitor involves finding one that packs the right features within your budget. Look for high refresh rates and adaptive sync options if you’re after vertical monitors that’ll work in a gaming setup. The ASUS VG27AQ-G is the perfect vertical monitor for that. But if you just need something for work or reading, one of our more budget options like the HP 24mh will do the job perfectly.

While you’re on the hunt for a vertical display, why not take some time to familiarize yourself with some common monitor terminology and features? If terms like “IPS” and “refresh rate” are new to you, it’s worth researching them further before making a purchase. Our guides on IPS vs. TN displays and the benefits of 144 Hz refresh rates are a good place to start.