What are the best external monitors for my Surface Pro?
The Surface Pro really has all the tools necessary to be your number one device, including a beautiful 12.3-inch PixelSense display, but that doesn't mean you won't be setting up a workspace at home or the office. In that case, you're probably looking for an external monitor — something that lets you get more done thanks to its size and its resolution. To help with your setup, here are the best external monitors for your Surface Pro.
Note: You may need an adapter for some of these monitors. The Surface Pro uses a Mini Displayport for external displays.
AOC Q2577PWQ
The Surface Pro doesn't come cheap, so if you're looking at picking up a monitor shortly after picking up the laptop, a budget option will no doubt be tempting. In this case, with the AOC Q2577PWQ (about $300), you're still getting a fantastic product.
We chose this as our top pick for an affordable monitor, focusing on the IPS panel, QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution, and 5ms response time. Seeing this 25-inch display in real life will hardly make you think budget. Ports include VGA, DVI, DisplayPort, and HDMI, so you have a few options here when it comes to connecting.
Dell P2715Q
Want to bask in the glory of 4K? Dell's P2715Q (about $550) is a great monitor that doesn't cost a fortune. This 27-inch display is all about color, offering 99-percent sRGB right out of the box. The Wirecutter liked it so much they named it their top overall choice for a 4K monitor, stating:
The Dell P2715Q has everything you need in a 4K monitor. As a 27-inch IPS monitor with a 3840x2160 resolution, it offers lots of desktop space and fantastic image quality for 4K movies, YouTube videos, and gaming.
Ports include HDMI, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, and four USB 3.0 to ensure you can connect the monitor as well as a bunch of other accessories.
BenQ SW2700PT
If you're a professional photographer or designer, you're no doubt happy with the power and performance that the Surface Pro brings. If you'd like to move onto a larger display for easier editing, the BenQ SW2700PT (about $600) is your best bet.
Chosen as our top choice for best professional monitor, we love the 100-percent sRGB and 99-percent AdobeRGB color right out of the box. This monitor's 27-inch IPS display has a matte finish and a wide viewing angle, and the QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution is crisp and clear. For connectivity, we have the usual DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort.
BenQ XR3501
For some people, any monitor less than 30 inches is a waste of time. Sound like you? If so, take a look at the BenQ XR3501 (about $575). This 35-inch, ultra-wide monitor has a 21:9 aspect ratio but is curved so you can still easily see everything. Tom's Hardware chose this as their top pick for a 35-inch gaming monitor, stating:
If you're already a fan of the curve, you'll love this screen. And if you don't need the frame rate matching, it serves up a fantastic image.
The Surface Pro is no gaming juggernaut, but thanks to the 1080p resolution, you'll be able to still put up some decent graphics if you do decide on some light recreation. If not, the monitor will serve you well for whatever you ask it to display. Ports include two HDMI, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort.
Dell UltraSharp U2715H
A lot of people love 27-inch monitors because they seem to be both a perfect size for work and a perfect fit for a desk. As far as monitors this size, Dell's UltraSharp U2715H (about $470) is a stunner. It has a 1440p resolution that's suitable for gaming or for work, and the IPS panel delivers wide viewing angles and great color.
We like this UltraSharp display so much, we chose it as our top pick for a 1440p monitor. For ports, you have plenty, including two HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort, and five USB 3.0 for all your other peripherals.
ACER G257HL
If you don't care about all the bells and whistles many of these other monitors have, you can save yourself a lot of money by going with something basic. Enter ACER's G257HL (about $140). We chose this as our top pick for a monitor less than $150, and for good reason. You're still getting 25 inches of 1080p display with a 4ms response time, and there are both HDMI and DVI inputs.
This is about as good as it gets for this price, and keep in mind you could get two of these monitors for the same price as other budget options. That would look good on your desk, wouldn't it?
More resources
Be sure to have a look at our roundup of the best Surface Pro accessories and the best USB 3.0 hubs, and to help get an external monitor and your other peripherals working together, be sure to have a look at the best docking stations available now.