How we calculate the score
The spec sheet becomes a score from 0 to 10, with public weights.
What counts toward the score
The score is the average of 5 components, each from 0 to 10. If the specs don’t list one of them, it drops out of the calculation and the weights of the others are redone; with too few components, the monitor gets no score.
- Image35%
Pixel density (resolution divided by screen size), panel type (OLED, IPS, VA, TN) and stated HDR
- Smoothness25%
Refresh rate in Hz, compared with monitors of the same type, and the response time stated by the manufacturer
- Connections15%
HDMI and DisplayPort ports, USB-C (with or without laptop charging) and built-in speaker
- Ergonomics10%
Height adjustment, pivot (rotates to portrait mode) and VESA mount holes for a stand
- Recency15%
Model release year, when the spec sheet lists it
What the score doesn’t consider
- Calibration and real colourThe spec sheet lists the panel and, sometimes, sRGB coverage; it doesn’t say how the colour comes out of the factory. Only a colourimeter measures that, and the score can’t see it.
- Uniformity and measured brightnessLight blotches, edge bleed and the real brightness in nits are not on the store’s spec sheet.
- Input lag and ghostingThe response time is the one stated by the manufacturer (GtG or MPRT, which can’t be compared with each other); input lag and motion trails only show up in testing.
- Durability and supportHow long the panel and the stand hold up, and whether there is a repair shop near you, doesn’t appear in any catalog data.
Two monitors with similar specs can show colour and brightness differently. That’s why the score is for comparing monitors of the same type and finding where paying more stops paying off, not for choosing on its own.
Next step
See the score of each monitor next to the price
The chart plots all the new monitors by price and score.
How to read the score
It measures what the specs promise. A complete spec sheet that is strong in every component gets close to 10; a basic spec sheet lands around 3 or 4. The same calculation applies to every brand.
Score from 0 to 10 calculated by the Radar from the monitor’s spec sheet (image, smoothness, connections, ergonomics and recency). It doesn’t measure real colour calibration, screen uniformity, measured brightness or durability. The score compares monitors of the same type: a 240 Hz gaming monitor and a 75 Hz office monitor aren’t on the same scale. Size doesn’t count toward the score.
What does each axis of the chart show?
The chart always puts price on the horizontal axis. On the vertical axis you pick the question:
- Best overall: the 0 to 10 score on this page.
- Cheap for the specs: how far the price is below the median of monitors of the same type with a similar score (a difference of up to 0.5 points, at least 5 monitors). Only trusted sellers count, with prices that didn’t jump 20% or more between checks, and cases where a price-by-score curve also points to a price below what’s expected. The score comes from the specs, so brand and finish don’t count.
- Today’s finds: how far today’s price is below the median of recent days from the same seller. It only appears when there are at least 7 data points in the history, and a one-day drop only counts with a trusted seller or when confirmed in the next collection.
The chart line connects the monitors that no other beats on both price and the chosen axis. On the price difference axes there is no line: the biggest differences get named.
Where does the data come from?
The attributes come from the source catalog (Store catalog). The price is the lowest among trusted sellers (Amazon.com, a direct store, the manufacturer’s official store or a seller rated 4.0 with 100 or more sales), with the date of the check. The source of the score appears on screen next to each monitor.
How to read these numbers
The score runs from 0 to 10 and comes from the monitor’s spec sheet: image, smoothness, connections, ergonomics and recency. The calculation is the same for every model and is on this page. It tells you what the monitor offers on paper, not the real colour calibration.
Still have a question?
Write to contact@radarofproducts.com.