In this article we’ll review the top rated 22, 24, and 27 inch monitors for 2011 and give you a list of the best performance and budget LED monitors in each category.LED or light emitting diode technology was created to be a more energy efficient version of previous LCD monitors.  Not only do LED monitors consume up to 50% less energy than LCD monitors, they also cause less eye strain.  For those who work all day in front of a computer or game late into the night its a crucial upgrade.  You get more performance and the environmental advocates get a product that doesn’t use mercury.Response Time

If you plan on gaming with your monitor, then we recommend you get a monitor that has a response rate of 3ms or less.  Those who simply plan to use their monitor at work or do some casual gaming should be fine with a response time of 5ms or less.

LED Monitors Reviews 2011 – 2012

Productivity 501 mentions that the most effective monitor for office work is a 24 inch monitor.  Any bigger and you can’t see the full screen and any smaller and the screen isn’t large enough for effective multi-tasking.

Best 24 Inch LED Monitor

Performance Pick: ASUS ML248H LED Monitor

Ultra-slim, the Asus ML248H LED monitor boats Ergo Fit II technology and Full 1080P high definition.  The ring stand allows you to fully easily adjust it and the LED touch sensor buttons are a nice bonus.  If you’re looking for a great picture, the ML248H comes with a 10,000,000:1 Smart contrast ratio and blazing 2ms response time.

Budget Pick: Viewsonic VX2450WM-LED Widescreen LED Monitor

For under $200 you can now go green with the VX2460WM LED monitor from Viewsonic.  Over time you can save you up to 50% on your energy bill.  Despite it’s “green” theme it has a Mega Contrast ratio of 20,000,000:1 MEGA Contrast Ratio and is viewable in full high-definition 1920x1080p.  Other features include integrated speakers, 5ms response time and a 3 year warranty.

27 Inch LED Monitors

Performance Pick: ASUS VE278Q 27-Inch LED Monitor

If you are familiar with ASUS’ reputation for quality you may decide to look no further than the VE278Q 27 inch LED monitor.  It has a fast response time of 2ms, plenty of connectivity options (D-Sub, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort), a ASCR Contrast ratio of ASCR 10,000,000:1, a stellar respone time (85hz), and it comes with a 3 year limited parts and labor warranty.  It’s also a matte screen for those who don’t like the glare that can sometimes come from peripheral lights.

Budget Pick: ViewSonic’s VX2739WM 27-Inch 1920×1080 Full HD Monitor

Ok, we know it’s not an LED monitor, but the Viewsonic VX2739WM is hard to ignore.  Not only is it the first 1ms response rate monitor, it’s also one of the most affordable 27 inch monitors in the market for 2011.  Despite its price (around $300) the VX2739WM was made specifically for gaming and performance seekers.  In addition, we like that it comes with HDMI, DVI and VGA video inputs and 4-port USB hub for all of your different connectivity options.

Best 22 Inch LED Monitor 2011 – 2012

Performance Pick: Viewsonic VX2253MH-LED 22-Inch

The VX2253 is an inexpensive monitor that comes with a 30,000,000:1 MEGA Dynamic Contrast Ratio in Full HD resolution, and 2 HDMI and VGA inputs for diverse connectivity options. It also has an ultra-thin design that avoids the bulky look you get from thicker LCDs.

Budget Pick: ViewSonic VX2250WM-LED

Best Monitor for 3D gaming:

ASUS VG236H with nVidia 3D Vision Kit

Other Great Resources:

Check out this article on the Best LED Monitors for 2012 – it also explains the difference between LED vs. LCD monitors.