By Robin Owens 11 days ago, Monitors
The best 21-inch monitors for a variety of different tasks and prices.
When searching for an efficient 21 inch monitor, you may be inclined to pay attention to its speed first and foremost. Undoubtedly, it is a critical aspect, but there is something else you have to take into account.
Among the other essential parameters are a vast array of handy capabilities, the size of the monitor and a justified price.
A 21" monitor boasts a bigger amount of screen area if you tile two windows next to each other. Because of the provided size, 21-inch models don’t occupy much space regardless of whether you are going to place it on a desk or a stand in the office or at home.
The compact size of 21" monitors is their definite advantage that makes the life of many users easier.
The best 21 inch monitors are supposed to please gamers and regular users with the pixel density of 1080, producing sufficient sharpness and vivid pictures. It is particularly relevant if you are after spectacular visuals in the games or movies.
Screen size: 22-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 54 - 85.5 KHz, 48 - 76Hz | Response time: 5 ms | Viewing angle: 178° (H) / 178° (V) | Contrast ratio: ASCR 80,000,000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ Top-grade design
⊕ Super slim 7mm profile
⊕ The integrated eye care technology
⊕ Fast 5 ms response time
⊖ Asus service centers aren’t accessible
⊖ Slightly overpriced for the provided feature-set
Asus continues to establish its place on the monitor market and release successful products that attract attention with their excellent price-quality ratio. ASUS VZ229H is a bright representative of the 21 inch monitor category.
The model’s specifications are rather impressive. The build quality is on point as well, in particular, if we consider the asked price.
Similar to BenQ QW2470H, the monitor offers integrated eye care technology, which is a meaningful point for many users. Other prominent capabilities of VZ229H are certified flicker-free technology and low blue lights.
Screen size: 22-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 75Hz | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178° (H) / 178° (V) | Contrast ratio: DCR 20,000,000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ Super slim design
⊕ Vivid colors and wide viewing angles
⊕ Low input delay
⊕ Speedy response time
⊕ AMD FreeSync up to 75Hz
⊖ Absence of DisplayPort input
⊖ Incompatible with VESA mount
⊖ Limited FreeSync range
⊖ Tilt-only stand
AOC 22V2H may be called the best 21" monitor due to the presence of full HD panel and the resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Besides, its bezel-free design will surely catch the eye when standing in the regular room or in the office. The one-of-a-kind IPS panel with “concealed edges” is implemented to offer wider viewing angles, and it doesn’t cause the color loss.
This 21" IPS monitor provides VGA and HDMI 1.4 connectivity options. Since AMD FreeSync technology is supported, users won’t come across any stutter or tear.
Screen size: 21.5-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178° (H) / 178° (V)
| Contrast ratio: 100,000,000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ Clear and sharp picture
⊕ Elegant super slim design
⊕ Crisp and vivid colors
⊕ Comes in two sizes
⊖ Users are dissatisfied with the viewing angle
⊖ Absence of VESA input
In case you are after a 21 inch 1080p monitor without frames, Acer R221Q is your go-to model. Users admire its sharp picture but are often dissatisfied with the viewing angle.
The model is a Full HD IPS Widescreen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. The response time is decent – 4 ms.
Similar to all the models from the Acer R series, R221Q goes easy on the viewers’ eyes because of the integrated blue light filter, flicker-free, and Acer Comfy View technology (eliminates display glare).
Screen size: 21.5-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178° (H) / 178° (V) | Contrast ratio: 10,000,000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ TN panel
⊖ Not all users are fully satisfied with the colors
⊖ Absence of speakers
HP 2QU11AA is a good 21 inch monitor that is notable for 16:9 LCD Display, a 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution producing a clearer picture, as well as the presence of a Twisted Nematic panel.
Other noteworthy characteristics are a response time of 5ms, a 250 cd/m² brightness rating, and a 600:1 static contrast ratio.
If you connect the monitor to the system through HDMI or VGA, you will be able to tilt it to achieve convenient viewing. Alternatively, it is possible to set up a VESA mount, stand, or arm.
Screen size: 22-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 220 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178° (H) / 178° (V) | Contrast ratio: 1M:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ Reliability is guaranteed by the brand
⊕ Absence of dead-pixel tolerance
⊕ Amazing feature-set in a compact model
⊕ Sharp picture
⊖ Disappointing brightness
Viotek GFV22CB is the best 21 inch monitor for gaming purposes with a refresh rate of 144 Hz. Even if it seems like you don’t have enough space for the monitor on the desk, this compact model is sure to fit in.
The contrast is delightful as well, and it will definitely please the majority of gamers. Since the white and black shades are rather rich, gamers will be able to spot the action as soon as possible.
The stand of Viotek GFV22CB is also worth noting. Certain stands may be unreliable and even flimsy, while this one creates a steady triangle to meet the users’ requirements.
Screen size: 22-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 20cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 61 to 122 Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 90° (H) / 65° (V) | Contrast ratio: ASCR 100,000,000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ A vast array of screen size and refresh rate options
⊕ Plays videos smoothly and with vibrant colors
⊕ Multi-purpose model
⊖ Control buttons are located inconveniently
Asus VP228HE may become the best 21 inch computer monitor under $100 practically for anyone. In fact, its feature-set is mostly catered to the needs of gamers.
Nevertheless, if you often find yourself just browsing through the web pages or performing typical PC tasks, you will still enjoy using this model.
In case you care strongly about your eyesight, you may be absolutely sure that Asus has taken care of it as well. Asus VP228HE will be an excellent investment, as many 21 inch monitor reviews state.
Screen size: 22-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 250cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 8ms | Viewing angle: 178° (H) / 178° (V) | Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ Remarkable picture
⊕ Bezeless top part
⊕ Reliable stand that may be freely adjusted
⊕ No need to calibrate much
⊖ May not appeal to all gamers
Dell 22 monitor P2219H is the best 21 in monitor in terms of wide viewing angles. The three-sided super-slim bezel design expands the dimensions of the picture and produces vivid colors.
The process of adjusting the model to your liking will be effortless. For increased productivity, it is possible to tile and arrange applications across several monitors.
Besides, the monitor offers a vast array of connectivity options and an extensive environmentally friendly feature-set.
Screen size: 21.5-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 250cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 7ms | Viewing angle: 178° (H) / 178° (V) | Contrast ratio: Up to 8,000,000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ Affordable cost
⊕ Decent color balance
⊕ Awesome viewing angles
⊕ Compact and appealing design
⊖ Tilt-only stand
⊖ Lacks USB port variety
⊖ Average build quality
⊖ Absence of integrated speakers
HP Pavilion 22cwa and its characteristics probably won’t produce a wow-effect on you. However, this 21 in monitor is in high demand mainly due to its surprisingly affordable cost.
With such a price tag, it is practically impossible to find a model featuring an IPS panel, especially released by a renowned HP brand.
In case you are on the lookout for a cheap 21 inch monitor to play games and deal with other tasks, opt for HP Pavilion 22cwa and you are unlikely to regret this decision. Its price-quality ratio is honestly astonishing.
Screen size: 21.5-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 250 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 75Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178° (H) / 178° (V) | Contrast ratio: 100000000:1 | Color support: sRGB
⊕ Cheap option
⊕ AMD FreeSync
⊕ IPS display
⊖ Too slim bezels
⊖ Incompatible with VESA mount
⊖ Absence of USB ports
⊖ Tilt-only design
While searching for top rated 21 inch monitors on Amazon, we came across Acer SB220Q. It boasts an IPS display, the refresh rate of 75 Hz along with 1080p resolution.
We have decided to include this model in our list because it is really sought-after among consumers and is a definite bestseller on the monitor market.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
ASUS VZ229H
OUR CHOICE |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
AOC 22V2H
GAMING |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Acer R221Q
BUDGET |
CHECK PRICE → |
Decide why exactly do you need a 21 inch monitor – to play games, perform work-specific tasks or for regular use.
For gaming, speedy refresh rate and low response time should be a priority.
For work-specific tasks, color precision is the most significant point, so give preferences to matte monitors.
As for regular use, the specifications just need to be decent enough, and it is better to go for a model with a high-contrast VA panel.
To determine the size of the monitor, you have to measure the screen in a physical way. Take a measuring tape and measure the size of the screen from the top left corner down to the bottom right corner. Remember not to include the bezel (the plastic edge) that surrounds the screen in your measures.
Under 20 inches – Monitors measuring 20-inches diagonal belong to the budget category of the market. The maximum resolution is 1080p.
21 to 24 inches – The most widespread monitor size. 1080p resolution is prevalent.
22-inch models aren’t that large, but they are ideal for gaming sessions and viewing multimedia content. In case you don’t have much money to invest in a monitor, go for a qualitative 21-inch 1080p (FHD/FULL HD) IPS model. Its size is sufficient, the display is sharp and offers decent color rendition.
An ultrawide monitor will come in handy for gamers who require an expanded field of view. Besides, with such models, users can cope with several tasks more efficiently and at once. Nevertheless, standard widescreen monitors are more cost-effective in terms of the offered feature-set and specifications.
Screen size doesn’t influence the performance, while the resolution does. You may even make a triple monitor setup.
A 60Hz display is capable of refreshing only 60 times per second. A 120Hz display doubles that speed, refreshing up to 120 frames per second. Consequently, a 240Hz display handles up to 240 frames per second. This neutralizes tearing in the majority of games.
