Key Points
- The main difference between 27-inch and 32-inch monitors is the actual size, with the 32-inch monitor being larger and better for applications that require a great amount of detail.
- 27-inch monitors are best for office work, writing, and casual gaming, while 32-inch monitors are best for graphic designing, video editing, sim racing, and competitive gaming.
- 27-inch monitors have a recommended resolution of 2560 x 1440p (QHD), while 32-inch monitors have a recommended resolution of 3840 x 2160p (4K).
- 27-inch monitors are better suited for multiple setups, while 32-inch monitors are better suited for single-screen multitasking.
- The price range for 27-inch monitors is around $130 to $340, while the price range for 32-inch monitors is around $200 to $490.
In a digital era where screens dominate our daily lives, choosing the right monitor size to suit your requirements can be a daunting task.
Whether you’re a professional seeking to create an immersive workspace or a gaming enthusiast looking for the ultimate visual experience, options often come down to screens with a size between 27 and 32 inches. But which of these two sizes is best for your needs?
This in-depth comparison between 27-inch and 32-inch monitors might help you find the right option for you.
Let’s get into it!
27-Inch vs. 32-Inch Monitor: Side-by-Side Comparison
| 27-inch Monitors | 32-inch Monitors | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for… | Office work, writing, casual gaming | Graphic designing, video editing, sim racing, competitive gaming |
| Display Size | 24.2” x 14.4” | 28.1” x 16.9” |
| Recommended Resolution | 2560 x 1440p (QHD) | 3840 x 2160p (4K) |
| Recommended Viewing Distance | 1.4 to 2.6 ft. | 1.7 to 3.2 ft. |
| Refresh Rate | 75Hz | 165Hz |
| Best Suited for Single-Screen Multitasking? | No | Yes |
| Best Suited for Multiple Setups? | Yes | No |
| Price Range | Around $130 to $340 | Around $200 to $490 |
- QHD WLED LCD
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- Black, silver
- 2560 x 1440 pixels
- 75Hz refresh rate
- 350-nit brightness levels
- 5 ms fast response time
- VESA mount compatible
- 165Hz refresh rate
- USB-C
- 2560 x 1440p
- HDMI 2.0
- DisplayPort 1.4
- 1.07 billion colors
- 1 ms response time
- No bezel
- Black
27-Inch vs. 32-Inch Monitor: What’s the Difference?
The size of your computer monitor can significantly impact your user experience. When choosing the screen dimension, you should consider factors such as your available space, screen resolution, distance from the screen, and the type of apps or programs that you have to run.
Let’s see which monitor size is best for you based on these factors.
Size
The main difference between 27-inch and 32-inch monitors is the actual size. A 27-inch monitor comes with a screen that measures 24.2 inches in width and 14.4 inches in height. The external dimension of the monitor, including the bezel, is typically a few inches larger in both width and height, so that’s something to keep in mind if your space is confined.
The screen dimensions of a 32-inch monitor are 28.1 inches in width and 16.9 inches in height. A display this large is ideal for competitive gaming and other applications that require you to see a great amount of detail, such as video editing or graphic designing. Just remember that the bezel adds a few inches to the screen size.
Recommended Resolution
Not only are 32-inch monitors physically larger than 27-inch ones, but a crucial difference is the recommended resolution. Most 27-inch displays work best at a QHD (2K) resolution, which translates to 2,560 pixels horizontally and 1,440 pixels vertically. This resolution is ideal for most professional tasks, such as writing, bookkeeping, programming, and other applications that require you to look at texts or numbers for hours on end.
This resolution is also ideal for casual gaming, as you won’t have to keep your eyes darting around the screen. However, if the application requires you to be able to see a great amount of detail, a 32-inch monitor might be a better choice for you.
These monitors have 3,840 pixels horizontally and 2,160 pixels vertically, which corresponds to a 4K resolution. Returning a higher-quality and more detailed image, these monitors are ideal for professional graphic designing, video editing, image processing, and competitive gaming — especially when you want to see more of the battlefield at a glance.
Aspect Ratio
Despite the difference in size and resolution, a similarity between the 27-inch and the 32-inch monitors is the aspect ratio. Aspect ratio refers to the ratio between the width and height of the display, and for both the 27-inch and the 32-inch monitors, this ratio is 16:9.
This is the most widespread aspect ratio used for various types of content. It is also the aspect ratio that works best with most resolutions, from sub-HD to 8K. Moreover, because ultra-wide monitors offer massive benefits for gaming due to their broader field of view, most competitive games limit the aspect ratio to 16:9. For this reason, a 32-inch monitor is the best option for big-screen competitive gaming.
Viewing Distance and Viewing Angle
The viewing distance refers to the distance between the screen and the operator’s eyes, while the viewing angle refers to the degree between an imaginary horizontal line at the level of the operator’s eyes and the center of the monitor.
Each monitor size comes with a recommended viewing distance and viewing angle, which you should respect to avoid postural discomfort and eyestrain.
For both 27-inch and 32-inch monitors, the viewing angle should be about 15 degrees or slightly lower below the horizontal line. Most monitors come with height-adjustable support that allows you to achieve the right angle.
As far as the viewing distance is concerned, you should sit at a distance of about 1.4 to 2.6 feet from a 27-inch monitor. In the case of 32-inch monitors, the viewing distance goes up to 1.7 to 3.2 feet. For this reason, 27-inch monitors are the best choice for small offices or studies where you can’t sit too far away from the screen.
However, a 32-inch monitor is a better choice for large spaces, such as conference halls or classrooms, where there is a greater distance between the monitor and viewers.
©Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com
Setup
Both 27-inch and 32-inch monitors can be used for similar purposes, but the former is usually a better choice for multiple monitor setups. Meanwhile, a 32-inch monitor is a better choice for single-screen multitasking.
The main advantage of using two or more 27-inch monitors in a multiple-monitor setup is the possibility of working on high-resolution images (above 4K) when splitting the image between the screens.
A multiple setup might also be desirable when you want to use different monitors for different tasks. For instance, you might want to keep a game open on a monitor and a chat or YouTube tutorial on the other screen.
In offices, a multiple-monitor setup allows you to keep a group chat or video call open on one monitor while working on the other.
However, if you like to multitask on a single screen, a 32-inch monitor gives you more space for screen splitting. A 32-inch monitor is also a better option for graphic designing, video editing, and other applications that require you to see a great amount of detail without having to switch from one monitor to another.
Applications
You can use both 27-inch and 32-inch monitors for the same applications, but the smaller size is typically a better choice for casual home use and office tasks. At this size, you can sit close enough to the monitor and enjoy excellent image quality.
These monitors have a higher pixel density than their 32-inch counterparts, providing clear texts that are easy to read. Text scaling is often more difficult on 32-inch monitors, but they provide higher image quality and more accurate color reproduction than 27-inch screens. This feature makes them a better choice for graphic designing and image or video processing.
Most 32-inch monitors also have a higher refresh rate and are a better choice for competitive gaming.
Price
The difference in price between 27-inch and 32-inch monitors is not drastic, but you can expect to spend around $100 more for the larger size. Factors influencing the price include the monitor type (standard or smart), the brand, and the installation options (freestanding or with an option to mount them on a wall).
27-Inch vs. 32-Inch Monitor: 5 Must-Know Facts
- Both 27-inch and 32-inch monitors are suitable for professionals and gamers alike.
- A 27-inch monitor is best suited for developers, writers, editors, office workers, and casual home use.
- A 32-inch monitor is best suited for competitive gaming, graphic designing, or image and video processing applications.
- Despite the difference in size, both monitor types have an aspect ratio of 16:9.
- Generally, a 32-inch monitor offers higher color accuracy and better image quality, but a 27-inch monitor is more suitable for multiple-monitor setups.
- QHD WLED LCD
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- Black, silver
- 2560 x 1440 pixels
- 75Hz refresh rate
- 350-nit brightness levels
- 5 ms fast response time
- VESA mount compatible
- 165Hz refresh rate
- USB-C
- 2560 x 1440p
- HDMI 2.0
- DisplayPort 1.4
- 1.07 billion colors
- 1 ms response time
- No bezel
- Black
27-Inch vs. 32-Inch Monitor: Which One Should You Choose?
To pick the right monitor size, think about the application. For professional purposes and casual home use, a 27-inch monitor is almost always the better choice — unless you’re a designer or work in the field of videography, in which case a 32-inch monitor might be the best choice for you.
A 27-inch monitor is also the best choice if you like to split your tasks between various screens. In small offices or rooms, a 27-inch monitor allows you to maintain a healthy posture due to the shorter viewing distance.
However, a 32-inch monitor is a better choice for competitive gaming, image and video processing, and graphic designing. This option is also best for big-screen video calling, same-screen multitasking, and presentations.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com.
