Best 24-inch LCD Monitors

There are a large number of low cost 24-inch displays now. Many can be found for right around $200. The Acer V243HAJbd is one that can typically found for under this mark. It is a fairly no-frills display that gets the job done just fine. It features a 1920x1080 resolution for full HD picture support. Color and brightness are respectable and it has a fast 2ms response time. You won't find any speakers or a stand that adjusts beyond tilt but that is common to most low cost displays. Connectors include DVI and VGA. Priced between $170 and $200.

Dell has made some outstanding monitors over the years and they continue this trend with the UltraSharp U2412M. This version still uses an IPS based panel for very wide viewing angles but instead uses an LED backlight that helps reduce the power consumption. It should be noted that the color gamut is not as wide as or as bright as the older U2410 but most people not into graphics probably won't notice. Unlike most 24-inch displays, it sticks with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 1920x1200 resolution. It retains the excellent stand with height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustments. Connectors include DisplayPort, DVI and VGA. It also features a 4 port USB 2.0 hub. Priced between $350 and $400. A suitable alternative if you need an HDMI port would be the HP ZR2440w.

Most of the modern LCDs work just fine for PC gaming. Those looking to really get into gaming probably want to have the option of a monitor that is also capable of being used as a 3D display. The Acer GD235HZ features a 23.6-inch display panel capable of 120Hz refresh rates required for 3D stereoscopic. It features a 1920x1080 native resolution for high resolution and fast 2ms response times. Connectors include HDMI, DVI and VGA. It is a bit more expensive than standard 24-inch displays though it is priced below $400 but cheaper than many other 3D displays. It does not include the 3D glasses or connection kit required for actual 3D viewing.

For those who want to use their monitor for other video purposes, the Samsung T24A350 is their 24-inch model that features a 1920x1080 resolution for full 1080p high definition video support. The 5ms response time provides it with smooth frame rates whether it is used for video or gaming. It features an LED backlight the helps reduce power consumption and eye strain compared to older CCFL based displays. It has a wide range of connectors including two HDMI, VGA, component and composite inputs. The monitor also doubles as an HDTV with its built-in digital TV tuner. It features some larger 5W stereo speakers but many will probably opt for larger external speakers. Prices start around $350.

Windows 7 has brought multi-touch interface support to the operating system. A new crop of monitors with built-in touchscreens are now becoming available to use this feature. Technically, the Acer T231H is a 23-inch display but there still are no 24-inch touch displays yet. The screen uses the 16:9 aspect ratio with a 1920x1080 resolution. Response times are quick at 2ms which is very useful for the touch interface. It features a wide range of connectors including HDMI, DVI and VGA. A USB cable is also required to use the touch interface. Two 1.5W speakers are built into the display as well. The stand is restricted to just tilt adjustments. Prices are quite reasonable around $330.

Many graphics people want monitors with IPS based panels. They provide excellent color and viewing angles. HP's ZR24w is one of the least expensive 24-inch screen to feature an IPS screen. While it may not have one of the widest color gamuts on the market, it provides the majority of the AdobeRGB gamut used by designers and print. The screen has the traditional 1920x1200 resolution found in past 24-inch displays and a 7ms response time that is fast enough for video or gaming if one desires. Unlike many other displays, it does not use HDMI and instead uses DisplayPort, DVI and VGA. It also features a USB hub with 4 ports. The stand offers height, tilt swivel and pivot adjustments. Priced around $425. If it is difficult to find, Dell's UltraSharp U2410 is a suitable alternative but at a much higher price.