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Conclusion
After looking over and comparing the benchmark results between the two Monoprice Ultra HD monitors it's clear that the difference in results alone will make the choice a difficult one. And with only a $50 price gap it's reasonable to say that most budgets will accommodate either display.
On one hand, the CrystalPro sports a solid build, good color accuracy, reasonable contrast and a super-clear picture thanks to its optically perfect front layer. Of course that screen coating means you'll have to seriously consider your room's lighting issues before pulling the trigger. Anything like a sunny window or bright desktop lamp can easily spoil what is otherwise an excellent image.
Saving $50 on the UHD Matte means you'll see roughly the same color performance, slightly less contrast and a greater use of plastic in the chassis' construction. The stand is a wobbly one and aside from tilt there are no position adjustments. But you do get one of the best anti-glare layers we've seen on any monitor. If you need to set up in a brightly-lit space and you need Ultra HD on the cheap, this new Monoprice will take care of you.
Video cards are offering more horsepower for less money with each new generation. Because of that, Ultra HD gaming is becoming a practical reality for more users. With that in mind, the choice between the two Monoprice screens is made a little easier. Not only do we prefer the slightly higher contrast of the CrystalPro, we don't see a problem with spending an extra $50 for lower input lag and a more solid stand. If LAN parties are on your agenda, that extra beef in the chassis means your new purchase will be better protected from the rigors of transport.
Both screens are an excellent value; the UHD Matte slightly more so. If $50 is a sticking point in your budget, we're confident you'll be satisfied with the newer product. At this price point we have no complaints about its performance. The only fault we can really point out is the weak stand. Corners have to be cut somewhere to get the cost down and it seems the chassis is where Monoprice chose to save a few bucks.
Since it's currently the least-expensive Ultra HD monitor available of any size and type, it's difficult not to recommend it to those seeking maximum value. There are no major performance issues and we think it will work well for a vast majority of users. For those reasons we're giving it our Tom's Hardware Editor Approved Award.
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Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware, covering Monitors.
