Best mini-LED Monitors [2023]

Mini-LED monitors have become much more commercial. The need to have a middle point between LED and OLED has made Mini-LED an exciting option.

LED Monitors are far from desirable for users that want to play games or watch content with high contrast, color accuracy, and viewing angles.

OLED monitors are the choice for those users as they come with an infinite contrast ratio and impressive viewing angles. However, they are costly and lack brightness.

Mini-LED monitors have much more LEDs than regular LED monitors. This enhancement leads to brighter images with improved blacks and almost perfect viewing angles.

Full-Array Local Dimming (FALD) is a technology that divides the mini-LED screen backlight into numerous zones. Each zone can adjust brightness individually, resulting in a deeper black that makes the images look realistic. Mini-LED monitors have an impressive amount of these local dimming zones.

More local dimming zones result in the reduction of the undesired “halo” effect you’ll see around bright objects when you view them on an LED screen.

When you compare contrast and perfect blacks, mini-LED displays are the next best thing to OLED screens. But mini-LED offers you a similar viewing experience at a significantly less price than OLED. And with better HDR performance, high brightness levels, and tremendous color accuracy, they are the best choice for brightly lit workstations.

Comparison of the Best Mini-LED Monitors

Image	Product	Details	Check Price
	SAMSUNG Odyssey Neo G9	Size: 49”. Curvature: 1000R Resolution: 5120x1440 Panel: VA Refresh Rate: 240Hz Response Time: 1.0ms (GTG) Peak Brightness: 2000nits Local Dimming Zones: 2048 VRR Technology: G-Sync and Free Sync Premium Pro HDR: Quantum HDR2000 Ports: 2xHDMI 2.1 1x Display Port 1.4 2xUSB-A 3.0 1xUSB-B 3.0 1x3.5mm Audio jack Release Date: July 29, 2021	Buy on Amazon
	SAMSUNG Odyssey Neo G8	Size: 32” Curvature: 1000R Resolution: 3840x2160 Panel: VA Refresh Rate: 240Hz Response Time: 1.0ms (GTG) Peak Brightness: 1000nits Local Dimming Zones: 1196 VRR Technology: Free Sync Premium Pro HDR: Quantum HDR2000 Ports: 2xHDMI 2.1 1x Display Port 1.4 2xUSB-A 3.0 1xUSB-B 3.0 1x3.5mm Audio jack Release Date: June 06, 2022	Buy on Amazon
	ASUS PA32UCR	Size: 32” Curvature: No Resolution: 3840x2160 Panel: IPS Refresh Rate: 60Hz Response Time: 5.0ms (GTG) Peak Brightness: 1000nits Local Dimming Zones: 576 VRR Technology: None HDR: VESA Display HDR1000 Ports: 3xHDMI 2.0 1x Display Port 1.2 1xUSB-C (80W Power Delivery) 3xUSB-A 3.2 1xUSB-B 3.2 1x3.5mm Audio jack Release Date: February 25, 2022	Buy on Amazon
	SAMSUNG Odyssey Ark	Size: 55” Curvature: 1000R Resolution: 3840x2160 Panel: VA Refresh Rate: 165Hz Response Time: 1.0ms (GTG) Peak Brightness: 1000nits Local Dimming Zones: 1056 VRR Technology: Free Sync Premium Pro HDR: HDR10+ Gaming Ports: 4xHDMI 2.1 2xUSB-A 2.0 1xUSB-B 2.0 1x3.5mm Audio jack Release Date: August 18, 2022	Buy on Amazon
	Acer Predator X32 FP	Size: 32” Curvature: No Resolution: 3840x2160 Panel: IPS Refresh Rate: 160Hz Response Time: 0.7ms (GTG) Peak Brightness: 1000nits Local Dimming Zones: 576 VRR Technology: Free Sync Premium Pro HDR: VESA Display HDR1000 Ports: 4xHDMI 2.1 1x Display Port 1xUSB-C 3.1 (90W Power Delivery) 4xUSB-A 3.0 1xUSB-B 3.0 1x3.5mm Audio jack Release Date: January 07, 2023	Buy on Amazon
	AOC Porsche Design Agon PRO PD32M	Size: 32” Curvature: No Resolution: 3840x2160 Panel: IPS Refresh Rate: 144Hz Response Time: 1ms (GTG) Peak Brightness: 1600nits Local Dimming Zones: 1152 VRR Technology: G-Sync Ultimate HDR: VESA Display HDR1400 Ports: 2xHDMI 2.1 1x Display Port 1.4 1xUSB-C 3.2 (90W Power Delivery) 4xUSB-A 3.2 1xUSB-B 3.2 1x3.5mm Audio jack Release Date: November 12, 2022	Buy on Amazon
	ViewSonic Elite XG321UG	Size: 32” Curvature: No Resolution: 3840x2160 Panel: IPS Refresh Rate: 144Hz Response Time: 3ms (GTG) Peak Brightness: 1400nits Local Dimming Zones: 1152 VRR Technology: G-Sync Ultimate HDR: VESA Display HDR1400 Ports: 3xHDMI 2.0 1x Display Port 3xUSB-A 3.2 1xUSB-B 3.2 1x3.5mm Audio jack Release Date: May 12, 2021	Buy on Amazon
	ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX	Size: 32” Curvature: No Resolution: 3840x2160 Panel: IPS Refresh Rate: 144Hz Response Time: 4ms (GTG) Peak Brightness: 1400nits Local Dimming Zones: 1152 VRR Technology: G-Sync Ultimate HDR: VESA Display HDR1400 Ports: 3xHDMI 2.0 1x Display Port 1.4 2xUSB-A 3.2 1xUSB-B 3.2 1x3.5mm Audio jack Release Date: May 19, 2021	Buy on Amazon

Best Mini-LED Monitors – Our Pick

1. SAMSUNG Odyssey Neo G9 – Our Choice

For an immersive viewing experience, the SAMSUNG Odyssey Neo G9 is far ahead of its competitors.

This ultrawide curved monitor wraps your field of vision from every corner with crisp colors. The image quality at all angles has the perfect depth without color distortions.

It delivers unmatched contrast at high brightness levels to get a blur-free HDR performance. The performance is so high that you can effortlessly see every detail without straining your eyes.

It has the highest refresh rates and a 1ms grey to grey response time that’s ideal for gaming. You can play AAA games without worrying that your high-end PC will not perform with the smoothness you expect.

This monitor is the same as having two 27-inch QHD monitors side by side, but with perfect ergonomics. It removes the unnecessary bezel that partitions a two-monitor configuration. It is ideal for multitaskers such as coders, investors, or professionals who must divide their screens into several virtual monitors.

The perfect configuration for this monitor is connecting two devices simultaneously. And with Auto Source Switch+, you can flip between your console and your laptop within the blink of an eye. You only need to connect each device to the DisplayPort and the HDMI input.

2. SAMSUNG Odyssey Neo G8 – Quantum HDR2000

This monitor is for you if you are serious about HDR gaming and don’t have much desk real estate. Starting with its pronounced curvature, it helps you to immerse yourself in any gaming scenario.

Thanks to the screen’s matte finish, you will see the corners of the screen with a high detail level. It also helps to avoid eye fatigue from reflective screens, ensuring you focus on the displayed image.

For its size, it has an incredible amount of dimming zones. Combined with 12-bit black levels, it almost entirely prevents the “halo” effect.

The Quantum HDR 2000 combines all these features to display high-fidelity images even at peak brightness levels. You can now notice the slightest detail without effort.

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 is primarily a gaming monitor that is the perfect monitor for multiplayer gaming. Fast-paced games will feel smooth, leaving no room for screen lag or image tearing. You won’t notice any lag when live gaming, putting you in front of your contenders.

3. ASUS PA32UCR – Excellent Color Accuracy

The ASUS PA32UCR empowers content creators to make their productions attractive by providing them with a crisp display and an ideal creative environment.

Its IPS panel is practical for creative professionals who constantly share their screens to ask for a second opinion. The viewing angles ensure that images don’t appear distorted when you view them from extremely wide angles.

It comes with the ProArt Preset software that provides excellent color palettes that provide exceptional color accuracy and wide color gamuts from 100% Adobe RGB to 87% Rec.2020. You can also change the HDR format. All this only by pushing some buttons on the right-side bezel.

It also comes with a factory pre-calibration guaranteeing smooth color transitions to a natural look and exceptional color fidelity. Color accuracy is a must for creative workers. They must ensure the colors they work with are easily perceivable by the human eye.

And the ASUS PA32UCR have you covered.

4. SAMSUNG Odyssey Ark – Immersive Gaming

The monitor is perfect for those who want a monitor with a TV vibe for gaming and watching movies. It is big and robust, needing a proper deep desk, or it will overwhelm you by its sheer size. Apart from that, you gain an excellent gaming theater.

This vast, almost square monitor is so immersive that wherever you look, you will see screen real estate and nothing more. Combined with the two central woofers and four speakers at every corner, you acquire a wholesome surround sound experience.

One of its coolest characteristics is the cockpit mode, where the screen goes completely vertical. This screen orientation is helpful for multitaskers. It is like having three 27-inch monitors that you can use for research, trading, video editing, and coding simultaneously.

Although it has a large multitasking screen in a horizontal orientation, it is uncomfortable to work with as you must tilt your head at awkward angles.

5. Acer Predator X32 FP – Console Gaming

If you want a 32-inch gaming monitor with a complete port hub, the Acer Predator X32 FP is the number one option.

It has four HDMI 2.1 ports for connecting multiple consoles and your PC. This monitor targets streamers who need to avoid countless cables in their setup. You can now leave all your HDMI devices connected without needing to connect and disconnect them constantly.

It also shines for its smooth gaming experience with its 160Hz and 0.7ms response rate. Your gameplay would look beautiful without frame jumping during fast-paced games.

Its weakness is in the local dimming zone density. Although a value of 576 is enough for outstanding contrast, it presents a noticeable “halo” effect compared to the other monitors on the list.

6. AOC Porsche Design Agon PRO PD32M – Bright Screen

This monitor is for you if you want a quality build monitor with an impressive 4K experience.

The AOC Porsche Design Agon PRO PD32M shines for its brightness and excellent color gamut. You will end up watching a movie or playing a video game with vivid and vibrant colors.

However, it plays as a disadvantage too. It can be too bright if not playing or watching content for short periods. Then you need to adjust brightness and HDR to get a beautiful experience.

On the other side, it is a premium product with high-end features attractive to the most demanding gamer. Fast-paced games like racing or simulators don’t show lag or any noticeable ghosting at full specs.

Connecting all your consoles is easy, thanks to the dual HDMI 2.1 port hub. This way, you can ensure 4K@144Hz gameplay in your Xbox series X or PS5. And while playing, you can connect your laptop or phone to the 80W USB-C port and fast charge it.

7. ViewSonic Elite XG321UG – Hyper-Responsive Gaming

The ViewSonic Elite XG321UG is for the highly competitive players of fast-paced games.

Delays are no longer an option for gamers in eSports and multiplayer. Packed with the NVIDIA Reflex technology, a click will immediately translate into action. This monitor ensures latency-free gameplay to show your skills to the max of your capabilities.

To complement this fantastic feature, you can play at a max 144Hz with a 3ms response time. Meaning you can play the most demanding games without image distortions like ghosting and image tearing.

You can connect up to three HDMI devices, so it covers all your consoles with simple cabling. The only downside is that it lacks a proper KVM switch.

8. ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX – 4K@144Hz

If you want the less pricey option but still need a superb gaming mini-LED monitor, the ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX is your bet. You can try hard to find a better deal for the money and not find a better bargain for a premium gaming product like this.

ASUS claims it is the first mini-LED gaming monitor ever made. That’s why this display looks less sharp than the others on the list. It presents a noticeable “halo” effect that becomes annoying after long hours of use.

It reproduces deep darks, but the haloing around bright spots slightly reduces the image quality.

However, all other features contend with the other 32-inch display on the list. Thanks to its high refresh rate and response time, you won’t feel any frames jumping or ghosting.

And although it is a niche gaming device, its ergonomics and size make it a perfect monitor for a home office. You will feel comfortable using it for long hours without experiencing severe eye strain or neck pain.

Best Mini-LED Monitors – Our Buying Guide

Here are some essential facts to keep in mind when buying a mini-LED monitor

Local Dimming Zones

You can never expect deep blacks on a regular LED monitor. Here is where a high density of local dimming zones enters into action.

Mini-LED screens offer a minimum of 576 local dimming zones, whereas high-performance devices offer as many as 2000 dimming zones.

A 32-inch monitor in creative environments like photography and designing would typically call for 576 to 1000 local dimming zones. It guarantees excellent color accuracy and gradient while editing in HDR.

But you’ll need more local dimming zones on a gaming monitor to achieve great HDR without perceiving lag. On a 32-inch display, target between 1000 and 1500 local dimming zones.

Peak Brightness

These local dimming zones also allow the monitor to offer higher brightness levels without affecting the blacks.

Mini-LED monitors achieve high brightness values without killing color accuracy, translating into bright screens with incredible detail.

Expect a minimum of 1000nits of peak brightness for these monitors.

Contrast Ratio

Thanks to FALD, you get a massive contrast between darks and whites in the mini-LED monitors. This feature helps to achieve contrast ratios superior to 100,000:1 against the 1,000:1 of regular LEDs.

However, they can’t compete with the 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio of OLED screens.

Even if manufacturers state that their mini-LED monitors are equal to OLED contrast, this isn’t true.

You can rest assured that your mini-LED monitor contrast will be enough to enhance color accuracy at brighter levels.

Color Accuracy and Gamut

A mini-LED monitor contrast ratio guarantees that the color will remain crisp at high brightness levels. This feature helps conserve color accuracy.

With better color accuracy, manufacturers can achieve a higher range of colors at full brightness without losing image quality.

Generally speaking, mini-LED monitors achieve 95% DCI-P3, a minimum requirement to go HDR.

HDR Performance

The four aspects above indicate that a mini-LED monitor can deliver HDR with levels never seen in regular LEDs.

HDR only benefits image quality when the contrast is good enough to be fully perceivable. As mentioned earlier, more local dimming zones result in images that can achieve higher brightness without losing color accuracy. Meaning you can differentiate colors better, having higher levels of contrast.

Regular HDR for mini-LED monitors goes from 1000nits to 2000nits in the case of the SAMSUNG Odyssey Neo G9. So, your best bet would be to buy a mini-LED monitor with Display HDR 1000 or more.

Price

The higher these features are, the higher the price.

It all boils down to what you need and your budget.

For a top-notch gaming experience, you need the highest HDR possible to watch every detail. The HDR value must be at least 1000nits of peak brightness and 1056 local dimming zones.

Also, consider a minimum of 144Hz refresh rate and an adaptive-sync technology like NVIDIA G-Sync Ultimate or AMD Free Sync Premium Pro. These features ensure that you get a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

In a professional environment like content creation or photography, HDR1000 is enough. Mini-LED monitors regularly come with 576 local dimming zones and 1000nits of peak brightness.

Best Mini-LED Monitors – Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Mini-LED?

As its name suggests, it’s a LED but smaller. A regular LED size is above 200µm. A mini-LED size is between 100 and 200µm. In a given screen, manufacturers can place more mini-LEDs than LEDs, significantly increasing the dimming zones. Dimming zones facilitate better control of the backlighting mechanism so that you get brighter screens and deeper black. Consequently, it enhances the contrast ratio and ensures that you get vibrant and realistic-looking images.

Does Mini-LED Have Burn-In?

All monitors can develop burn-in. However, burn-in in a LED monitor is rarer than in OLEDs. Nowadays, manufacturers tell you precisely what to do to avoid burn-in, so it’s not something that must concern you.

Is Mini-LED Good for Gaming?

These monitors are fantastic for an immersive gaming experience. They can achieve accurate colors and beautiful darks at different viewing angles. They offer high refresh rates and response times, necessary features for playing fast-paced games.

Why Are Mini-LED Monitors So Expensive?

The main reason is that Mini-LED monitors are slowly becoming popular, but they are far from being commercially viable monitors like LED. Besides, they solve most of the LED monitor issues, enhancing color accuracy at different viewing angles and almost entirely reducing the “halo” effect. You also end up paying the price for technology improvements, as producing a mini-LED is far more expensive than making a LED.