Gaming monitors now account for 20% of total PC shipments globally

The global PC monitor market grew by 5.9% in Q2 2024, marking its third consecutive quarter of growth.
For the first time, consumer monitor demand surpassed commercial units in Q2 2024
Inventory restocking and technological upgrades drove the market recovery

After two challenging years, the global PC monitor market is on the rise again, posting 5.9% growth in Q2 2024.

This marks the third consecutive quarter of year-over-year gains, signalling a recovery driven by several key factors.

Several dynamics contributed to this growth. Inventory restocking, especially among consumer goods, played a significant role as vendors anticipated rising panel costs. However, beyond stockpiling, we’re seeing an industry-wide transition to higher-performance tech. The shift from 60 Hz to 100 Hz refresh rate monitors is gaining traction, with price parity making advanced displays more accessible.

Gaming has also become a powerful driver, with gaming monitors now making up 20% of total shipments, the highest since tracking began in 2016. Declining prices and less demand for high-end gaming PCs have allowed more gamers to upgrade their monitors. This surge speaks to broader trends in both consumer spending and the desire for immersive tech experiences.

Interestingly, consumer demand has now overtaken commercial needs, marking a significant shift. In Q2 2024, consumer monitors outpaced commercial units for the first time. Innovations like ultra-wide and large displays are changing the workplace setup, reducing the need for multi-monitor configurations in offices.

The commercial market, however, is seeing slower growth. Factors like tighter office spaces, hot-desking, and cautious tech spending have subdued commercial demand. But as businesses transition to Windows 11 and office occupancy increases, IDC expects commercial monitor shipments to recover slightly in the coming years.

In terms of vendor performance, Dell topped the global list with a near 20% market share. China's TPV took second place with a double-digit market share. Samsung, HP and Lenovo made up the rest of the list.

Image Credit: IDC

Looking forward, the outlook remains positive. IDC projects over 2% growth annually through 2025, supported by stabilizing panel costs, new gaming models, and larger screens. Annual shipments are expected to stabilize between 132 to 135 million units by 2025.

The future of the PC monitor market is being shaped by consumer preferences and innovations that blur the line between personal and professional use.

Gaming monitors and larger displays aren’t just for entertainment anymore—they're becoming essential for modern workspaces too. Whether you're upgrading for work or play, one thing is clear: the monitor market is evolving, and the best is yet to come.