Security cameras help keep our homes and businesses safe, but they’re only as good as the monitor you use to view them. A good security monitor shows clear images and makes it easy to spot problems.
The best monitors have high resolution, multiple inputs for several cameras, and responsive controls that let you quickly check different views.
When shopping for a security monitor, pay attention to screen size, resolution, and connection options. A larger screen with at least 1080p resolution will show more detail from your cameras.
Also consider if you need features like split-screen viewing, touch controls, or remote access through your phone. The monitor should match the number of cameras in your system.
We tested dozens of security monitors over several weeks and found the Dell UltraSharp 27″ to be our top pick. It offers exceptional clarity, ample screen space for multiple camera feeds, and reliable performance that security professionals trust. Its flexible mounting options and user-friendly controls make monitoring your property remarkably simple.
Best Monitors for Security Cameras
We’ve carefully tested and selected the top monitors for security camera systems that offer the clearest picture and most reliable performance. These monitors provide the large screen space and resolution needed to spot important details from your security footage. Our picks balance quality, features, and value to help you make the best choice for your home or business security setup.
Sceptre 24-inch Professional LED Monitor
The Sceptre E248W-19203R is the ideal security camera monitor with its vibrant display, multiple connectivity options, and budget-friendly price point.
Pros
- Crystal clear 1080p resolution with 99% sRGB color accuracy
- Multiple connection ports (2 HDMI, 1 VGA) with up to 75Hz refresh rate
- Eye-friendly Blue Light Shift technology for extended viewing
Cons
- Built-in speakers lack power for large rooms
- Stand offers limited adjustment options
- Not ideal for ultra-high resolution security feeds
We recently tested this 24-inch Sceptre monitor for a security camera setup, and it performed remarkably well. The 1080p resolution displays security footage with excellent clarity, making it easy to identify details in recorded or live video.
When switching between different camera feeds, the 3ms response time ensures smooth transitions without any ghosting or blurring.
The monitor’s 99% sRGB color gamut proved surprisingly helpful for security purposes. We could easily distinguish subtle color differences in nighttime footage, which is crucial when reviewing security incidents.
The Blue Light Shift feature was a welcome addition during our overnight monitoring sessions, significantly reducing eye strain.
Connection flexibility is another strong point. With two HDMI ports and one VGA input, we connected multiple recording devices simultaneously. This eliminated the need to constantly swap cables when viewing different security systems.
The built-in speakers aren’t powerful, but they’re adequate for hearing audio alerts from security cameras.
We appreciated the monitor’s slim profile and relatively lightweight design (5.77 pounds) when mounting it on our security desk. The 75Hz refresh rate, while marketed for gaming, actually helps security footage appear smoother than standard 60Hz monitors. For the price, this Sceptre monitor delivers exceptional value for security monitoring purposes.
Amcrest 22″ Surveillance Monitor
The Amcrest 22″ Surveillance Monitor is a solid investment for anyone needing reliable 24/7 security camera monitoring with excellent visibility and multiple connectivity options.
Pros
- Designed specifically for 24/7 surveillance use
- Crystal clear Full HD 1080p resolution
- Ultra-slim design with micro bezel
Cons
- Speakers could use improvement
- Basic stand with limited adjustment options
- Glossy screen may show reflections in bright rooms
We recently got our hands on this Amcrest monitor, and it’s quickly become our go-to recommendation for security camera setups. The 22-inch display offers excellent visibility with its 3000:1 contrast ratio and 16.7 million colors.
When viewing footage from our security cameras, we noticed details were sharp and clear, even in low-light recordings.
The ultra-slim design is a major upgrade from the bulky security monitors of the past. With its micro bezel, the screen feels larger than its actual size. We set up multiple monitors side by side, and the edgeless design created an almost seamless viewing experience. At just 4.63 pounds, it’s surprisingly lightweight for a security monitor.
Connectivity is hassle-free with both HDMI and VGA ports. We plugged in our NVR system and it worked instantly with no configuration needed. The built-in speakers save desk space, though the audio quality is just adequate for basic monitoring needs.
The 60Hz refresh rate provided smooth video playback without any noticeable lag when reviewing security footage. We could view the screen from almost any angle thanks to the 178°/178° viewing angle, which is perfect when monitoring from different positions in a security room.
For constant surveillance use, this monitor really shines. Unlike standard office monitors that aren’t built for 24/7 operation, this Amcrest display is specifically engineered for round-the-clock security monitoring.
Zoshing 17-inch Security Monitor
The Zoshing 17-inch Security Monitor offers excellent value for anyone needing reliable surveillance display with multiple connectivity options and built-in speakers.
Pros
- Wide 178° viewing angle provides excellent visibility from different positions
- Multiple input ports (HDMI, VGA, AV) for versatile connection options
- Built-in speakers eliminate need for extra audio equipment
Cons
- 4:3 aspect ratio feels somewhat outdated compared to widescreen options
- 17-inch size may be too small for monitoring multiple cameras
- Mounting hardware could be more robust
We recently tested this 17-inch security monitor and were impressed by its clear display. The HD resolution (1366 x 768) is perfect for surveillance purposes, showing enough detail to identify faces and movement.
The quick 5ms response time meant we didn’t notice any lag or blur when tracking motion across the screen.
Setting it up was straightforward. We connected it directly to our security cameras using the VGA input, bypassing our DVR completely. This direct connection option is a real time-saver for simple setups. The monitor also worked well when we hooked it up to our DVR system through HDMI for viewing multiple camera feeds.
The built-in speakers surprised us with decent sound quality. While not amazing, they’re perfectly adequate for hearing audio alerts or conversations picked up by security cameras. We found the front-panel controls intuitive, making adjustments easy without fumbling for side buttons.
Wall mounting was simple with the standard VESA mount (100x100mm). The monitor’s tilt and rotation features let us position it at the perfect angle for our security desk. For those preferring desktop use, the included stand feels sturdy enough for daily use.
One feature we particularly enjoyed was the USB media playback capability. This allowed us to play recorded footage directly from a thumb drive without connecting to a computer. It’s a small but useful addition that makes reviewing important footage more convenient.
Brightness levels worked well in our office environment, but at 200cd/m², you might want additional lighting in very bright rooms.
Miktver 10.1″ Security Monitor
This compact 10.1-inch monitor delivers sharp visuals and versatile connectivity options perfect for security camera monitoring at an affordable price.
Pros
- Multiple input options (HDMI, VGA, BNC, RCA)
- Lightweight and portable design
- Wide 178° viewing angle with good clarity
Cons
- No built-in volume controls
- Relatively low resolution (1024×600)
- Adjustment mechanism feels somewhat rigid
We recently tested the Miktver 10.1″ monitor for security camera setups, and it’s surprisingly capable for its size. The compact design makes it easy to place on a desk or mount on a wall without taking up too much space.
When we connected our security system, the picture quality was crisp enough to easily identify people and activities on screen.
The monitor’s multiple input options really stood out during our testing. We connected both our DVR system through BNC and a backup laptop via HDMI without any issues.
Switching between inputs is straightforward with the front-facing buttons, which we found much more convenient than rear or side controls on other models.
Setting up the Miktver was a breeze. The stand assembled in seconds, though we noticed it’s a bit stiff when adjusting the viewing angle.
For security monitoring purposes, the 1024×600 resolution works fine, though don’t expect the sharpness of higher-end displays. We appreciated the IPS panel that allowed clear viewing from various positions in our security room.
The lightweight design (under 3 pounds) makes this monitor perfect for mobile security setups or temporary installations. We took it to a client’s warehouse for a temporary monitoring station, and it was easy to transport and quick to set up.
Note: While this monitor excels for security applications, it lacks speakers for audio monitoring – an external audio solution is needed if sound is important for your setup.
Amcrest 24″ Surveillance Monitor
The Amcrest 24-inch surveillance monitor offers excellent clarity and reliability for 24/7 security monitoring at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Crystal clear 1080p resolution with wide viewing angles
- Ultra-slim design with micro bezels perfect for multi-monitor setups
- Built-in speakers eliminate need for additional audio equipment
Cons
- Limited tilt adjustment options
- 60Hz refresh rate may not satisfy gaming needs
- Brightness (250 cd/m²) could be better in very bright rooms
We’ve been testing this Amcrest monitor for several weeks in our security testing lab, and it’s proven to be a dependable workhorse. The full HD display makes a huge difference when reviewing security footage.
Small details like license plates and faces are crisp and recognizable, which is exactly what you need in a security monitor.
The slim design is a welcome change from bulky security monitors of the past. When we placed it on our desk, we appreciated how little space it took up.
The micro bezel design also means you can place multiple monitors side by side for an expanded view with minimal gaps between screens.
Multiple connection options made setup a breeze. We connected it to our NVR system via HDMI and were watching our camera feeds within minutes.
The built-in speakers are surprisingly decent for a monitor in this price range. They won’t replace a dedicated sound system, but they’re perfectly adequate for hearing audio from security cameras.
We left this monitor running continuously for two weeks during our testing, and it performed flawlessly without any overheating issues. This is crucial for security applications where 24/7 operation is necessary.
The 178-degree viewing angle ensures you can see the screen clearly from almost anywhere in the room.
Key Specs Worth Noting:
- 24″ FHD (1920×1080) display
- 3000:1 contrast ratio for clear image detail
- HDMI and VGA ports for flexible connectivity
For security monitoring specifically, we found this monitor outperforms general-purpose displays. The W-LED technology provides better visibility for dark scenes, which is often crucial when reviewing nighttime security footage.
The 8-bit color depth (16.7 million colors) ensures accurate representation of your camera feeds.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right monitor for your security cameras can be tricky. We’ve put together this guide to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Resolution
Resolution is one of the most important factors. Higher resolution means clearer images, which helps identify faces and license plates.
| Resolution | Image Quality | Best For |
| 720p | Basic | Small spaces |
| 1080p | Good | Most homes |
| 4K | Excellent | Large properties |
Screen Size
The right size depends on how many cameras you need to view at once. Larger screens let you see more cameras without switching views.
For 1-4 cameras, a 19-24 inch monitor works well. If you have 8+ cameras, consider 27 inches or larger.
Display Features
Look for monitors with good brightness (at least 250 nits) and contrast ratio (1000:1 or higher). These features help you see details in both bright and dark footage.
Tip: Anti-glare screens are essential if your monitoring station is in a bright room or near windows.
Connectivity
Make sure the monitor has the right ports for your security system. Common options include HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort.
Multiple input options give you flexibility to connect different devices. This is helpful if you upgrade your system later.
Response Time
For security footage, a response time of 5ms or less prevents motion blur when reviewing fast movements in recordings.