Are you a coder looking to upgrade your workspace and stay ahead of the game? A vertical monitor is an ideal choice for coding, providing an improved visual experience while also taking up less desk space.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best vertical monitors for coding in 2023, so you can find one that suits your needs and budget. Our list includes models from well-known brands such as Dell, HP, ASUS and Acer – all designed with coders in mind. So read on to discover which vertical monitor is right for you!
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Why trust our review?
We have personally reviewed and tested the most popular and high-rated vertical monitors available on the market at the present moment. This review is being continuously updated as the new models come out and become available to users.
Our reviews are based on thorough research of specs, common problems, user ratings, and personal experience. As you read through the article, be confident that you are receiving the most thorough and accurate advice on the new tech available today.
1. Dell UltraSharp U2720Q
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent ergonomics | Lacks variable refresh rate technology |
| Good viewing angles | |
| HDR support |
Get ready to unlock a whole new level of productivity with the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q 27 inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) LED Backlit LCD IPS USB-C monitor! This stunning display offers captivating visuals without sacrificing an ounce of quality, featuring vibrant colors and crisp images across an expansive screen.
Not only does it look great, but this monitor is designed for convenience too. Thanks to built-in connections like DisplayPort, HDMI, USB ports, and Audio Line out, setting up your workspace is easier and faster than ever!
With thin profile design and a wide viewing angle enabled by advanced In-Plane Switching technology, the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q is perfect for creating a sleek multi-display setup with virtually seamless image transitions.
It also features tilt, swivel and pivot capability along with VESA mount compatibility; anti-glare; built in USB hub; LED backlights; security lock slot plus it’s Energy Star certified making the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q vertical monitor perfect for coding or any other activities you can think of!
2. BenQ PD2700Q Vertical Monitor
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Factory calibrated | Sound from speakers is low |
| Different host modes (Darkroom, CAD, etc.) | |
| LG IPS panel |
The BenQ PD2700Q vertical monitor offers an ideal solution for professionals looking for a powerful yet adjustable workspace.
This 27” QHD 1440p IPS display is factory calibrated with AQCOLOR technology to ensure accurate colors, and you can trust the results as it comes with its own color report straight from the manufacturer.
Thanks to seamless connectivity via HDMI port, you can easily access your content. Ergonomic design allows you to customize your environment however best suits your needs–adjust tilt, swivel, and pivot of the monitor, or adjust its height for optimal comfort.
Plus, don’t let all that extra desk space go wasted; enjoy sound output provided by built-in speakers! Make coding easy on yourself with the BenQ PD2700Q vertical monitor–a flexible and reliable source of quality visuals!
3. HP 24mh FHD Monitor
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High contrast ratio for an IPS monitor | Average brightness |
| Excellent sRGB color coverage | |
| Built-in speakers |
The HP 24mh FHD vertical monitor is the perfect choice for coders who are looking to maximize their workspace.
Its vertical orientation makes it easier to work with long lines of code while its ultra-slim design and micro edge display provide an expansive view that eliminates distractions.
With a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 75 Hz, you’ll experience stunning visuals and vivid colors in all your coding projects. Plus, thanks to the 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles, crisp images will be maintained even when viewed from multiple angles.
Enjoy easy connectivity with HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA ports; plus two built-in 2W speakers mean you won’t miss out on any important audio details either.
This monitor also features Low Blue Light technology which reduces strain on eyes by shifting color tones to warmer spectrums as well as customizable height adjustment so finding the best ergonomic setup is a breeze.
With tiltable screen options ranging from 5° forward or 23° backward this HP vertical monitor provides an ideal fit for all your coding needs.
4. ASUS VG27AQ Vertical Monitor
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent response time | Can’t display deep blacks in a dark room |
| Excellent ergonomics | Lacks a wide color gamut |
| Great low input lag |
The ASUS VG27AQ vertical monitor is the ideal choice for coding professionals.
It boasts a 27-inch WQHD (2560×1440) IPS display with an ultrafast 1ms (MPRT) response time, 165Hz refresh rate (supports 144Hz), and G-SYNC compatibility that provides a tear-free experience.
With ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB Sync) Technology, you’ll get sharp visuals with high frame rates without any ghosting or tearing.
This adjustable vertical monitor can also handle marathon work sessions thanks to its Eye Care technology that minimizes eye fatigue and ergonomic stand design with full height/tilt/swivel/pivot adjustments.
Even better, it’s compatible with industry standard HDR10 High Dynamic Range which allows for deep color saturation levels and unmatched brightness.
In addition, this monitor offers flexible connectivity options including DisplayPort 1.2 and Dual HDMI (V2.0). Invest in the ASUS VG27AQ vertical monitor today and never worry about lag again!
5. Alienware AW2518Hf Vertical Monitor
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Different programming functionalities | No motion contamination reduction |
| Flicker-free technology and FreeSync | Screen somewhat dull |
| 240 Hz refresh rate |
The Alienware AW2518Hf adjustable vertical monitor is the ideal choice for coders who want optimal performance and style.
Designed with enthusiasts in mind, this monitor features a futuristic aesthetic and sturdy construction. With a lightning-fast refresh rate of 240Hz and 1ms response time, it delivers ultra-smooth coding experience without any input lag.
It also supports AMD Free Sync technology that eliminates choppy visuals with fluid object-free performance at almost any framerate.
The gaming OSD has been designed to keep your user experience seamless as you play or code. This vertical monitor also allows you to adjust its height so that you can customize it according to your needs while coding comfortably.
Its other features include tilt, swivel and pivot options which makes it an all rounder perfect for both gamers and coders alike!
6. Samsung Business SR650 Vertical Monitor
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| AMD FreeSync with good refresh rates | Difficult attaching the base to screen |
| Numerous port options with a built-in USB hub | Could be brighter |
| Eye Saver mode to reduce eye fatigue |
The Samsung Business SR650 vertical monitor is an ideal choice for coders who need to stay comfortable and focused.
This 8-inch 1920×1080 IPS panel features a stunning 75Hz refresh rate that offers excellent visuals with a wide viewing angle. The sleek and slim bezelless design adds modern, aesthetic appeal to any desk setup, while the adjustable stand provides ergonomic comfort.
With HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, and built-in USB ports for all your peripherals, set up is easy – no more reaching underneath or behind your computer! Plus Eye Saver Mode and Flicker Free technology help reduce eye strain so you can work comfortably all day long.
With its versatility and convenience – plus great looks – this vertical monitor from Samsung Business gives you the best of style and productivity.
7. Dell U2414H Vertical Monitor
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good energy efficiency | Not very robust |
| MHL-compatible | |
| VESA-compatible |
The Dell U2414H vertical monitor is perfect for coding. With a diagonally viewable size of 60.47 cm / 23.8 inch and a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, it allows you to view your code in a vertical orientation with plenty of space.
The display features an ultra-sharp resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60Hz, plus the anti glare 3H hard coat will reduce distractions while you work on intricate coding projects.
What’s more, it has a contrast ratio of 1000:1 (typical) and 2 million to 1 (max) dynamic contrast ratio so that all colors are displayed in vivid detail.
Get ready to take your coding experience up a notch with the Dell U2414H vertical monitor!
8. LG UltraFine 27UN850-W
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent clarity | Image adjustments not possible in HDR mode |
| Good SDR contrast | No DCI-P3 color |
| FreeSync |
The LG UltraFine 27UN850-W vertical monitor is the ideal choice for anyone looking to upgrade their coding game.
This stunning display is designed to bring work and virtual worlds to life with its VESA DisplayHDR 400 high dynamic range compatibility, delivering up to 400 nits of brightness that will take textures, elements, character movements, natural light and shadows up a notch!
The 99% coverage of the sRGB spectrum makes this monitor great for photographers and graphic designers who require highly accurate color reproduction. With supported video cards such as AMD Radeon series plus AMD FreeSync technology managing refresh rate your coding experience won’t suffer from screen tearing or stuttering enabling you enjoy seamless action.
Plus, you can even transform standard content into HDR quality videos right on the screen by utilizing a picture quality algorithm that improves tone mapping and luminance for an HDR-like experience.
Finally, customize your visual settings using On-Screen Control* so that you get maximum performance out of this vertical monitor making it perfect for any coder!
9. Acer Nitro XF273
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent color accuracy | Lacks full color gamut |
| Excellent low input lag | |
| Excellent response time |
The Acer Nitro XF273 vertical monitor is another great choice for coders and other digital professionals.
It features a 27″ Full HD widescreen display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, AMD Radeon FreeSync technology, and 400 nits of brightness for stunning clarity. The Zero-Frame design not only looks sleek but also makes it suitable for an ergonomic vertical setup.
The adjustable tilt ranges from -5° to 25° allowing you to easily adjust the viewing angle as needed while two speakers provide 2 watts per speaker of sound quality. And speaking of ports, the Acer Nitro offers 1 Display Port 1.2 connection plus two HDMI 2.0 connections (both cables included).
Lastly, this monitor supports HDR which provides better color accuracy and deeper contrast ratios to bring your graphic projects alive!
All in all, the Acer Nitro XF273 vertical monitor is a great choice if you need an adjustable vertical display that’s optimized specifically for coding applications.
What Is a Vertical Monitor?
A vertical monitor is simply a digital monitor swiveled (rotated) at a 90° angle to be positioned in portrait mode. Not all monitors have the ability to be rotated, so, in this review, we have only included the models that have the necessary stand adjustability features for vertical alignment.
A vertical monitor can be incredibly helpful for coders, web designers and other professionals who may require to view a lot of lines of code for work or programming projects. As vertical monitors are taller than standard horizontal screens, more vertical space is available for viewing text and other items.
Additionally, vertical monitors can also be helpful for vertical tasks such as photo editing or working with large spreadsheets.
As vertical monitors are designed to be used in portrait orientation, they can also be great tools for those who need to display information or content to a larger audience.
Advantages of a Vertical Monitor for Coding
Vertical monitors come with many advantages that make them attractive for software developers and other professionals. Let’s review some of them below.
1. Seeing more lines of code
Having your monitor in portrait orientation lets you view more code at once on a single screen without sacrificing horizontal line viewability. This is because each line of code is usually quite short and will easily fit in vertically-oriented screen.
Vertical orientation of the monitor will let you see 80-100 lines of code at once. This is important for programmers as it lets provides farther lookback and more connectedness to previous lines of code. You don’t need to scroll up and down to review and connect your code and lets you see more blocks of code at once.
This is important particularly while writing algorithms and debugging code, as being able to look at multiple lines of code simultaneously can help you scan for errors easier.
2. Better mobile responsiveness emulation
For those who are involved in web development, vertical monitors offer a better way to emulate the responsiveness of mobile devices while developing and testing websites and applications. Since vertical monitors are taller than the standard horizontal ones, they can offer a more accurate look at how the website or application would appear in a vertical (mobile) display.
As such, vertical monitors can be a great resource for testing mobile versions of websites and applications and making sure they are responsive and optimized for vertical orientation.
3. Easier to read books and edit documents
Vertical monitors are great for those who need to read digital books or edit long documents as they can provide a larger vertical workspace. This is especially helpful for vertical documents such as spreadsheets, timelines or vertical book formats.
This is useful when working on documentation, books, or files where vertical space is more useful than horizontal display.
Additionally, vertical monitors are great for those who need to work with vertical graphics, such as those used in graphical projects or vertical presentations.
4. Better internet browsing experience
As a programmer, you will often find yourself searching for methods and programming language documentation on the web. Today’s websites usually have a vertical orientation and are scrollable far down the page.
This makes these pages vertically elongated and easy to view in portrait mode. Thus, with vertical monitors, you can get a better browsing experience as they can display more vertical content without sacrificing readability.
5. Less horizontal eye movement
Horizontal eye movement has been shown to be straining to the eye muscles. This is why vertical monitors are great for those who spend long hours in front of the screen, as they can reduce the amount of horizontal eye movements needed to code or read content.
By switching to vertical monitors, you can provide your eyes with a less demanding vertical workspace and reduce the risk of developing eye strain or fatigue.
6. Takes up less space
As vertical monitors are taller and more vertical than regular horizontal ones, they take up much less space on your desktop. This can be beneficial for those who have limited desk space or multiple monitors. Plus, vertical monitors can easily be mounted on walls to save even more space.
Overall, vertical monitors are great for programming as they provide more vertical workspace, better mobile responsiveness emulation, easier to read books and edit documents, better internet browsing experience, less horizontal eye movement, and take up less space. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your programming setup, vertical monitors are definitely worth considering.
Disadvantages of a Vertical Monitor
Flipping your monitor to a vertical position also comes with some disadvantages. The vertical orientation can cause some applications to be difficult to use, as vertical monitors usually have a narrower width than standard horizontal ones. There are several more considerations to make.
1. Not as good for IDE programming
Programming IDEs are often designed specifically for horizontal monitors. As such, vertical monitors can make it more difficult to display all the information that the programmer needs due to their vertical orientation and may result in awkward IDE window positioning.
This can make vertical monitors less ideal for programming with IDEs, as they may not provide enough horizontal space to fit all the essential components of the IDE.
2. Not optimal for watching media
Most media such as movies and TV shows are optimized for a horizontal orientation. As such, vertical monitors may not be suitable for watching movies or other media as they can result in letterboxing or vertical stretching of the video.
So, vertical monitors may not be suitable for those who also use their monitor to watch media or study up on some coding video lectures and courses.
3. Not suitable for PC games
Like movies and TV shows, most PC games are also optimized for a horizontal orientation. As vertical monitors have a vertical orientation, they may not be suitable for gaming as games may become letterboxed or distorted due to the vertical display.
Therefore, vertical monitors may not be ideal for those who use their computer to play games.
In conclusion, vertical monitors are great for coding as they provide more vertical workspace and better browsing experience. However, there are some drawbacks to consider when using vertical monitors, such as not being suitable for IDE programming and watching media or playing PC games. Therefore, it is important to consider your needs before investing in vertical monitors.
What to Look for in a Vertical Monitor?
There are several factors to consider when buying vertical monitors, such as adjustability, resolution, size, refresh rate and response time.
Adjustability
Not all monitors can be flipped vertically. It is important to check if the monitor you plan to purchase can be adjusted vertically or not. This is usually indicated as capability to “swivel”, which means it can be rotated along its vertical axis.
Display size and resolution
It is important to make sure the vertical monitor you choose has a suitable display size and resolution for your needs. Typically, we recommend 24-32″ size for vertically adjustable monitors, as going any larger than that may be too cumbersome and heavy to adjust, let alone straining due to increasing viewing angle at the vertical edges.
In addition, vertical monitors should have at least Full HD resolution for sharp images and text, although 4K and QHD resolution vertical monitors are now available in the market as well.
Response time/frequency
It is important to check the vertical monitor’s response time and refresh rate. Response time basically determines how quickly the monitor can change from one color to the other and refresh rate is the number of times per second the image is refreshed on the screen.
This can be important for gamers who need a fast response time and high refresh rate for a smooth gaming experience. In general, we recommend 60 Hz for coders, and 144 Hz if you also plan to play games on your monitor.
Viewing angle
Another important factor to consider is the vertical monitor’s viewing angle. For vertical monitors, this will be the vertical viewing angle which should ideally be at least 178° for the best viewing experience.
Ports
Finally, monitors should have enough ports to connect your screen to your computer seamlessly. Ports such as HDMI, DisplayPort and USB should be checked before purchasing a vertical monitor.
FAQ
Can Any Monitor Be Turned Vertical?
Not all monitors can be turned vertical. Only some monitors have a vertical orientation feature, allowing users to flip the monitor into vertical position.
However, you could still turn almost any monitor vertically by mounting it to a wall using a special wall mounting bracket. This is a great way to convert almost any monitor into vertical orientation, but you should check that you monitor has mount inlets compatible with the VESA standard.
Speaking about flipping the actual contents of your screen vertically, this can easily be done on any computer. You can use vertical orientation hotkeys to flip the content on your screen vertical or do it through display settings, which is a great way to create vertical workspace.
Is a Curved Monitor Okay for Vertical Setup?
Curved monitors are a great way to add style and comfort to your workspace, but mounting them in portrait mode can be risky. Due to the pull of gravity, these displays will be weaker and more prone to distortion or breaking than flat screens.
Besides, the viewing experience won’t be as good either, as vertical curvature won’t provide a uniform viewing experience across the vertical edges. So if you want to enjoy vertical orientation for a long time, we recommend opting for flat monitors instead.
How Do I Configure a Vertical Monitor?
Configuring your screen vertically is quite easy, but depends on your operating system.
Windows: Right-click anywhere on an empty space on your desktop screen. Then, press “Display Settings”. From there, navigate to “Display Orientation” and choose portrait.
MacOS: You can rotate the Mac display to vertical orientation by pressing “Command + Option + 8”. If you would like to do it manually, go to “System Preferences” and select “Displays”. From there, you can click on the orientation option and choose vertical.
How Many Monitors Do Programmers Need?
The answer to this question varies depending on the individual. Some people may benefit from having multiple monitors and some may be just fine with one monitor. Generally speaking, two vertical monitors is a good setup for most programmers. Having two vertical monitors, or one vertical & one horizontal, will give you enough room to multitask and have multiple tabs open on one screen and the other for viewing code.
However, if you’re a programmer who needs to work with multiple applications at once and have a lot of data to analyze, then you may want to consider setting up three monitors. This setup will give you maximum viewing area and the extra vertical space can be used to view code side by side or work with multiple applications. If you choose to have three monitors, it’s usually best to place a vertical monitor in the middle.
Want a clever way to set up a second monitor? Consider buying or using an existing tablet as an external monitor.
Should I Buy a Vertical Monitor?
The answer to this question depends on your individual needs. If you’re looking for a way to optimize your workspace and make coding easier, then a vertical monitor is definitely worth considering.
Vertical monitors provide extra vertical space that can be used to view code side by side or work with multiple applications. They allow you to see more lines of code, which can increase productivity and work performance in the long run.
You should specifically consider getting a vertical monitor if you struggle with keeping the code you wrote above the current line in mind and connecting it to the rest of your program. This is a common problem that occurs with individuals who don’t have a perfect working memory. If this is you, you might greatly benefit from a vertical monitor that allows you to see a greater number of lines of code on a screen without scrolling up and down.
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.
