Does refresh rate matter?

Refresh rate refers to the number of frames a monitor is capable of displaying per second, rated in hertz. Generally, higher refresh rates are only critical for motion, like that in first-person shooters or action movies. For a dedicated programming and coding display, a lower refresh rate is fine, especially considering the modern standard is around 60Hz.

Does panel type matter?

If you plan to spend a lot of time parked in front of a display, panel type is important. Relying on outdated technology like TN (twisted nematic) with its poor color accuracy and abysmal viewing angles could be uncomfortable on the eyes, and should only be considered when budget restraints make it a necessity. Your target should be at least a VA panel or, ideally, an IPS panel (or perhaps one of its variants) with improved color depth and pixel density.

What resolution do I need?

As in most displays, size is a major consideration when choosing a resolution (typically the larger a display, the higher resolution you need to maintain the sharpness of an image). A higher resolution is generally recommended if you'll be working with a lot of text/data or if you want to game at high resolution, though for smaller screens FHD (1080p) is usually sufficient. If you're looking at buying a larger display, 1440p or 4K is probably a more reasonable target.

Best Products > Computer Components

The 7 Best 24-Inch LCD Monitors of 2021

Here are the best computer monitors on the market

David Beren

Updated on June 4, 2021

Fact checked by

Rich Scherr

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Sometimes, less is more. Our roundup of the best 24-inch monitors are perfect for when desk real-estate is at a premium. While there are always larger monitors available, sometimes you just need a solid FHD display like the Dell UltraSharp U2415 that won't take up a ton of space.

Many of the same rules that dictate how you shop for a monitor still apply here. Depending on your desk setup, you may want to consider a monitor with VESA mounting options or alternatively a stand that has some extensive adjustment options. Most of the top picks on our list are restricted to 60Hz which is just fine for a typical work environment, but if you plan to do any gaming, you'll want a panel with a higher refresh rate and potentially even adaptive sync options like the ASUS VG245H at Amazon.

Our guide can offer you a crash course in monitor specifications if you're having trouble figuring out which one would be best for you. But if you're just looking for a summary of the best 24-inch LCD monitors, you've come to the right place.

The Rundown

Best Overall:

Dell UltraSharp U2415 at Amazon

The Dell U2415 is an excellently designed, no-nonsense FHD panel perfectly suited for office use.

Best Budget:

Acer R240HY IPS at Amazon

Has a nearly zero frame design while still allowing 178-degree viewing angles.

Most Popular:

HP VH240a at Amazon

With a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a 16:9 aspect ratio, your viewing experience will be sharp and precise.

Best 4K:

LG 24UD58-B at Walmart

Great color, grayscale contrast, and easy-to-navigate menus.

Best for Gaming:

ASUS VG245H at Amazon

The rapid response of this ASUS panel makes it invaluable for gamers looking for refresh rates beyond the typical 60Hz

Best Curved:

Samsung CF390 at Amazon

AMD’s FreeSync technology provides smoother images even during fast-moving or action scenes.

Best Touchscreen:

Planar PCT 2485 Helium at Amazon

The 24-inch display features a 1920 x 1080 resolution with a 10-point simultaneous multitouch capability.

in this article

Our Picks
About Our Trusted Experts
What to Look for in a 24-Inch LCD Monitor

View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video

What We Like

VESA Compatible
2 Display port inputs
Excellent adjustment options

What We Don't Like

Screen is a bit dim
No auto-detect for new inputs

The Dell U2415 is an excellently designed, no-nonsense FHD panel perfectly suited for office use. The integrated VESA mount offers wall-mounting or multi-monitor display options. The monitor also features a height-adjustable stand up to 115mm as well as tilt, pivot, and swivel adjustment with built-in cable management solutions.

This panel features a broad 178-degree viewing angle, as well as a flicker-free, LED-backlit display that offers a 1000:1 contrast ratio and anti-glare technology. While it does lack integrated speakers, the U2415 has what is easily one of the most extensive collections of ports we've ever seen. Featuring HDMI, DP, and Mini DP for display output, as well as 6 USB-A ports for charging, peripheral connections, and charging.

All of these factors come together in a sharp, slim bezel display that's easy on the eyes.

_{Size: 24-inches | Panel Type: OLED | Resolution: 1920x1200 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:10| Video Inputs: HDMI, Mini DP, DP}

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What We Like

Affordable
Excellent energy efficiency
Solid color gamut

What We Don't Like

Lack of adjustment options
No DisplayPort input

Acer R240HY Monitor Review

Acer’s R240HY IPS 24-inch widescreen monitor is a fantastic choice for buyers who want to see every detail and vivid color at nearly any viewing angle. The 24-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen has a nearly zero frame design while still allowing 178-degree viewing angles, so you can place it virtually anywhere. The easily adjustable stand tilts from -5 to 15 degrees for finding the ideal sightline.

Acer’s flicker-less technology makes all day work that much easier, and the blue light filter could provide more comfort for your eyes. The IPS panel adds exceptional plane-switching technology that allows maximum color performance at any of the viewing angles. Additionally, the Acer is designed to be environmentally friendly, emphasizing recyclability, waste reduction and energy efficiency.

_{Size: 24-inches | Panel Type: LCD | Resolution: 1920x1080 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 | Video Inputs: HDMI, VGA, DVI}

"The R240HY bidx gives you the specs of a middle-tier LCD panel for a bottom-tier price." — Todd Braylor Pleasants, Product Tester

4.2

View On Amazon View On EBay

What We Like

Built-in speakers
Tons of adjustment options

What We Don't Like

Limited port availability
One-year warranty

HP VH240a Review

At first glance, the HP VH240a might be mistaken for a more high-end model. Ideal for an office environment but able to accommodate at-home media consumption or gaming sessions, the budget LCD monitor is an affordable option that still delivers high-quality performance and efficient ergonomics. With a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a 16:9 aspect ratio, your viewing experience will be sharp and precise. The bezel-free device can also accommodate multi-monitor set-ups for the avid multi-tasker. The 60Hz In-Plane Switching (IPS) screen can be tilted 30 degrees and pivoted, and its height can be adjusted to match the design of your workspace. Whether playing games or watching movies, the 5ms response time will eliminate blur and the dual integrated speakers, running at 2 watts per channel, will deliver solid audio. While it does include one HDMI and one VGA port, the slim, and understated monitor is lacking USB ports.

_{Size: 24-inches | Panel Type: LED | Resolution: 1920x1080 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI, VGA}

"The tilt and height adjustments give the VH240a a pretty good amount of customization for any workstation." — Todd Braylor Pleasants, Product Tester

View On Walmart View On B&H Photo Video View On EBay

What We Like

Good value
4K IPS panel
Tons of gaming modes and picture settings

What We Don't Like

Limited ergonomics
No HDR support

LG 24UD58-B 4K Monitor Review

Take a step into 4K technology with the LG 24UD58-B 24-Inch 4K UHD IPS Monitor. With great color, grayscale contrast and easy-to-navigate menus, the monitor is an easy pick. It comes with an LG ArcLine stand for increased stability and offers detailed, accurate picture quality with 3840 x 2160-pixel resolution. Whether you're using it for work or play, one of the monitor's handiest features is its split-screen mode. This allows you to divvy up the display in order to complete different tasks by automatically resizing the windows on the screen. A picture-in-picture mode is also available to spice up the workday, allowing you to work or pay bills while watching a video in a separate floating window. For gamers, a dedicated game mode optimizes conditions according to what type of game you are playing (choose from three modes—two FPS and an RTS pre-set mode).

_{Size: 24-inches | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 3840x2160 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI, DP}

"The LG 24UD58-B is a 24-inch 4K monitor that offers amazing ultra-high-definition visuals and extra gaming-centric features for under $350." — Todd Braylor Pleasants, Product Tester

ASUS - 24" LED FHD FreeSync Monitor - Black

View On Amazon View On EBay

What We Like

Ultra-responsive display
AMD Freesync support
Excellent ergonomics

What We Don't Like

Could be brighter
Needs adjustments to realize full potential

Gamers everywhere will appreciate the ASUS VG245H 24-inch Full HD gaming monitor and its 1ms response time. Utilizing HDMI-output for a nearly lag-free gaming experience on simultaneous displays, the rapid response of this ASUS panel makes it invaluable for gamers looking for refresh rates beyond the typical 60Hz provided by most of the monitors on our list.

Before you even jump into gaming, however, the ergonomically friendly stand offers full height and tilt adjustments and has a frame that's specifically designed to reduce glare and reflection. VESA mount-ready, the ASUS can hang from a wall and its built-in speakers to provide a plug-and-play gaming experience. This monitor also features AMD FreeSync technology to cut down on screen tearing.

_{Size: 24-inches | Panel Type: LCD | Resolution: 1920x1080 | Refresh Rate: 75Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI}

View On Amazon View On Best Buy View On Samsung

While curved monitors struggle to capture more market share, Samsung’s CF390 24-inch FHD monitor adds 1800R curvature for an immersive viewing experience. The overall style and design of the Samsung monitor has a glossy black body and metallic-looking silver finish. Viewing the vibrant and vivid colors of the Samsung is easily done courtesy of the 3000:1 contrast ratio, which delivers deeper blacks and whiter whites with Samsung’s Active Crystal color technology.

For lengthy viewing or work sessions, Samsung adds eye-saver mode, which it claims reduces blue light emissions and screen flickering at the touch of a button. These features are combined with an ultra-thin design that’s less than 0.5 inches thick. For gamers, the inclusion of AMD’s FreeSync technology provides smoother images even during fast-moving or action scenes. Add in eco-friendly features for reducing screen brightness and reducing energy and the curved Samsung display is a must own.

_{Size: 24-inches | Panel Type: VA | Resolution: 1920x1080 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI, DVI, VGA}

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On B&H Photo Video

The Planar PCT 2485 Helium is a precise touchscreen monitor with an edge-to-edge glass design for a sleek and slim appearance. The 24-inch display features a 1920 x 1080 resolution with a 10-point simultaneous multitouch capability, making it highly responsive. Though not optimized for gaming—it has a relatively slow response time of about 14 milliseconds—it is well-suited for business environments and is compatible with the newest Windows systems.

The built-in HD webcam and microphone make videoconferences simple, and a USB hub and other video inputs, including analog, HDMI, and DisplayPort, allow other peripherals to be connected to upgrade your workspace. To ease long work sessions, the monitor has blue light reduction presets to adjust the amount of emitted blue light depending on the activity, emphasizing comfort. The monitor can be purchased with a dual-hinge or a helium stand and is also available in 22-inch and 27-inch models.

_{Size: 24-inches | Panel Type: LCD | Resolution: 1920x1080 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 | Video Inputs: HDMI, VGA, DP}

Final Verdict

The Dell U2415 (view at Amazon) is our top pick for anyone looking for a solid 24-inch monitor. This expertly designed 60Hz FHD IPS display is ideal for most workaday scenarios, and besides offering extensive mounting options, also includes a wide array of ports for both displays and peripheral connectivity. However, if you're looking for something with a slightly higher refresh rate, ASUS VG245H (view at Amazon) is a slightly better option.

About Our Trusted Experts

David Beren is a tech writer with more than 10 years of experience in the industry. He has written and managed content for tech companies like T-Mobile, Sprint, and TracFone Wireless.

FAQ

Does refresh rate matter?

Refresh rate refers to the number of frames a monitor is capable of displaying per second, rated in hertz. Generally, higher refresh rates are only critical for motion, like that in first-person shooters or action movies. For a dedicated programming and coding display, a lower refresh rate is fine, especially considering the modern standard is around 60Hz.
Does panel type matter?

If you plan to spend a lot of time parked in front of a display, panel type is important. Relying on outdated technology like TN (twisted nematic) with its poor color accuracy and abysmal viewing angles could be uncomfortable on the eyes, and should only be considered when budget restraints make it a necessity. Your target should be at least a VA panel or, ideally, an IPS panel (or perhaps one of its variants) with improved color depth and pixel density.
What resolution do I need?

As in most displays, size is a major consideration when choosing a resolution (typically the larger a display, the higher resolution you need to maintain the sharpness of an image). A higher resolution is generally recommended if you'll be working with a lot of text/data or if you want to game at high resolution, though for smaller screens FHD (1080p) is usually sufficient. If you're looking at buying a larger display, 1440p or 4K is probably a more reasonable target.

What to Look for in a 24-Inch LCD Monitor

Resolution

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a monitor is its resolution. While most monitors these days are high-definition (HD), not all are the full 1080p—be sure to check that before you buy. Or you could consider a 4K monitor for the ultimate viewing experience.

Color reproduction

While most of us enjoy vivid colors, graphic artists, videographers, and photographers will want a monitor that displays colors accurately. Get a monitor that receive good reviews in this area if you plan on creating any visual content.

Touch

If your computer is running a copy of Windows—which incorporates more touchscreen compatibility into its operating system—you might want to consider a monitor that allows you to control your PC with your hands.

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