What are the Dell monitor series?
Dell's impressive portfolio of monitors includes the following series:
- 1. U (UltraSharp) Series
- 2. P Series
- 3. E Series
- 4. C Series
- 5. S Series
- 6. AW (Alienware) Series
Note that as 2025 progresses, Dell is revamping its naming framework to simplify product selection for clients. We may eventually see some of the existing series renamed or grouped under larger naming schemes.
Which Dell monitor series is best?
The truth is: there's no overall "best" monitor series. What one person prefers out of a monitor may different vastly from another. The monitor series that is best for you, however, will depend on your needs and budget.
UltraSharp: Best for color & performance intensive work
For those who need the sharpest, most responsive displays for work, the UltraSharp series is a no-brainer. These monitors are considered to be the top-of-the-line in the professional and power-user space, and boast impressive technical specs, such as 4K resolution, 400 nit brightness, and 5ms response time.
With quality, of course, comes a price: expect to spend anywhere from $600 - $1,300 on these monitors. If you're into graphic design, video editing, or just love an immersive experience, the UltraSharp line is the clear choice for you. Check out the UltraSharp U4323QE 43" Monitor on Firewalls4Less.
P Series: The flagship "Pro Series" for business
If you've been in just about any commercial office, hospital, or even your local school, you've probably seen a Dell P Series monitor! These monitors are the workhorse of professional world, from small-business to enterprise alike. The P Series carries a wide range of monitors, from standard resolution 19" options to 4K 27" options.
Just as the P Series offers a wide range of options based on your needs, you'll find a wide range of pricing as well: some as low as $175, with higher-end options near $700. Check out the P2727QE 27" Class 4K Monitor on Firewalls4Less for a great balance between budget and performance.
E Series: The "Essential Series" for the casual user
For those looking for an affordable monitor with all the essentials, the E Series is right for you. While they may not carry the top specs of a performance monitor like the UltraSharp series, the E Series line still packs all the resolution, brightness, and clarity a SOHO user needs.
These monitors are budget-friendly, and you'll find them selling anywhere from $100-$300. Check out the Dell E2020H 20" Class LCD Monitor on Firewalls4Less.
C Series: For collaboration and conferencing
While perhaps not as prevalent as some of the other monitor series, the C series is designed with collaboration in mind and features a built-in webcam, making them a great option for business users. Check out the Dell C2423HA 24" Class LCD Monitor on Firewalls4Less.
S Series: For the home-based power-user
Bridging the gaps between the UltraSharp, Alienware, and P Series is the S Series. These monitors generally combine some of the more desired features of the higher-end series in a package that's more affordable to the casual consumer. Some of the models in this series feature 4K resolution, built-in speakers, and adjustable stands.
As mentioned, the S Series is still quite budget-friendly despite boasting some higher-end features. You'll find them selling anywhere from $120-$420 dollars. Check out the Dell S3222DGM 32" Curved Gaming Monitor on Firewalls4Less.
AW Series: Alienware for the dedicated gamer
Dell AW monitors, or more simply "Alienware" monitors are specifically built with gaming in mind. These are usually larger (25"-34") monitors with 4K resolution and AMD FreeSync™ or NVIDIA® G-SYNC™ Technology. They also boast blazing-fast response times (as low as 0.5ms on some models) and In-Plane Switching for an excellent graphics experience with even the most demanding games.
Much like the UltraSharp series, these monitors fall on the higher-end of the price range: expect to spend anywhere from $350 - $1,300 on one of these beasts. Firewalls4Less doesn't currently stock any Alienware monitors, but check back frequently as we're always looking to expand our catalog!
Naming Convention
Dell monitor model numbers can sometimes be a bit cryptic. For those curious, the naming convention generally follows this pattern:
[Series code][Diagonal (Inches, rounded)][Year of Release][Ratio or Resolution Code][Feature Code(s)]For example, the U4323QE model number can be broken down as [UltraSharp][43" Diagonal][2023][4K resolution][Ethernet connection].
There's too many resolution and feature codes to list them all, but knowing this naming pattern should help you easily narrow down which monitor fits your needs! Special thanks to the Purdue Engineering department for their information on the naming conventions.