Best 24-inch LCD Monitors

Samsung's 2494SW is a very solid basic 24-inch monitor for those on a budget. The 24-inch screen uses the 16:9 aspect ratio giving the screen a 1920x1080 resolution that is suitable for 1080p HD video. Brightness is good at 300cd/m^2 and response times are quick at 5ms providing suitable playback of video and games without motion blur. Video inputs are limited to just DVI and VGA but most PCs have one of these two. It includes both VGA and DVI video cables. While most budget screens have just tilt adjustments, the stand on this display also features swivel. While the list price is $270, prices start around $210.

Dell has made some outstanding monitors over the years and they continue this trend with the UltraSharp U2410. Previous 24-inch models used a VA based panel, but the new U2410 has moved over to the IPS that provides a higher level of color and improved viewing angles. The 1920x1200 panel provides a 96% AdobeRGB color gamut with a 400cd/m^2 brightness and 6ms response times suitable for video or gaming. It comes with a wide range of video connectors including DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D, VGA, component and composite video. There is even a 4-port USB 2.0 hub and a multiformat card reader built into the display. The sturdy stand allows for height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustments. Prices start around $550.

The ASUS VW246H provides a 24-inch display with a 1920x1200 resolution and an extremely quick 2ms response time. This gives the display the ability to handle the extremely fast motion of video or games without any motion blur. With its HDMI input, the screen could also double as a low cost LCD monitor for a high definition video source such as digital cable or Blu-ray player. Other connectors include a DVI-D and VGA. There are two 2W speakers for audio support but most people watching video or playing games will probably opt for external units for better sound. The stand only features tilt adjustment. Prices are around $220 to $300.

For those who want to use their monitor for other video purposes, the Samsung Touch of Color series provides the greatest level of flexibility. The T240HD is their 24-inch version that features a 1920x1200 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 has a wide range of connectors including HDMI, DVI-D, VGA and component. The monitor also doubles as an HDTV with its built-in digital TV tuner. It features some larger 3W stereos speakers but many will probably opt for larger external speakers. The screen does have a glossy coating that can increase glare and the stand only supports swivel and tilt. Prices start around $270.

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 T230H is a 23-inch display but currently there 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 features height, swivel and tilt adjustments. Prices are quite reasonable around $360.

Many graphics people want monitors with IPS based panels. They provide excellent color and viewing angles. HP's LP2475w is one of the least expensive 24-inch screen to feature an IPS screen. This gives it a 102% of NTSC color gamut. While this isn't as high as many of the wider color gamut screens, it is far more affordable at $550 rather than over a thousand. The screen has the traditional 1920x1200 resolution found in most 24-inch displays and a 6ms response time that is fast enough for video or gaming if one desires. The screen comes with an HDMI, 2 DVI-D, DisplayPort, component, composite and S-video connectors. It also features a USB hub with 6 ports. The stand offers height, tilt swivel and pivot adjustments.