If you need a bigger screen for your gaming needs, movies, or professional outputs, you should get an extra monitor. A monitor offers impeccable visuals and plenty of real estate, and it is just what you need to boost your productivity.
When buying a monitor, there are certain factors you should consider, including compatibility, space, head-swivel action, portability, and size. When it comes to size, you will likely have to weigh between 24 vs. 27-inch monitors.
The 27-inch and 24-inch monitors are today’s best-selling monitors. On paper, you may assume that the 27-inch monitor is better, but it would be best to examine the pros and cons of both before making a decision.
24 Vs 27 Inch Monitor: Which is Better?
Generally, the 27-inch monitor is better as it’s bigger, more immersive, and offers enhanced clarity for images, texts, and videos. However, the ideal monitor depends on your requirements and needs. The 27-inch monitor is suitable for high-resolution desktop/editing work and gaming since it can support 1440p and 4k resolution. On the other hand, the 24-inch monitor is perfect for FPS games like Apex Legends and Fortnite because of the screen’s field of view.
24-Inch Monitor
This monitor is usually 21.3 inches by 12.8 inches, has an aspect ratio of 16:9, a brightness of 250 nits, and a 0.2/6mm pixel pitch. Most of them have 1920 x 1080p (full HD) screen resolution, although some have 4K and 1440P resolution.
It’s suitable for individuals on a budget, those with limited space, or who want to minimize the amount of power the monitor uses. It also helps reduce head and eye movement during productivity or gaming.
27-Inch Monitor
It’s typically 24.2 inches by 14.4 inches with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 0.116mm pixel pitch. Its viewing angles are ultra-wide, thus offering consistent images and colors, while its resolution begins from 2560 x 1440p to 4k and 8k. It’s an excellent choice if you want optimum graphics, have sufficient space, and a sizeable budget.
24 Vs. 27-Inch Monitor Fully Compared!
Here’s how 24-inch and 27-inch monitors compare in various aspects.
1. Monitor Dimensions
A monitor’s overall size is determined by measuring the diagonal measurement rather than horizontal or vertical dimensions. Therefore, 24-inch and 27-inch monitors are not really that size; the numbers represent the LCD panel size built into these monitors. A 24-inch monitor is 60.96 cm diagonally, while 27-inch monitors are around 68.58 cm.
Verdict: the 27-inch monitor is bigger
2. Resolution
A monitor’s resolution usually varies based on size, although this isn’t always the case. 24-inch monitors are typically Full HD or 1080p (1920 x 1080) while a 27-inch monitor have resolutions of 2560 x 1440p going up to 4k or 8k.
24-inch monitors can support more than full HD resolution, but this isn’t recommended because the games, programs, and software used may not scale properly. Consequently, 1080p may not be ideal for 27-inch monitors because it will affect the image and text display, as well as pixel density.
Verdict: 27-Inch Monitor has a better display resolution
3. Field of View
The size disparity between 27-inch and 24-inch monitors may seem marginal, but the difference impacts the field of view. 24-inch monitors have a better field of view than 27-inch monitors; that’s why competitive gamers favor them. With a 24-inch monitor, you’ll easily see in-game elements such as enemies and maps.
The pixel density in smaller screens is also higher, providing impressive text clarity. 24-inch monitors are perfect for fast-paced FPS gaming but not adventure and RPG gaming.
Verdict: 24-Inch Monitor has a better field of view
4. Viewing Distance
Despite having similar aspect ratios, 24-inch and 27-inch monitors’ screen sizes affect the ease of reading what’s on the monitor. A 24-inch monitor offers a comfortable 45cm viewing distance with around 5cm on both sides of the primary productivity area for elements like menus and notifications.
You will feel discomfort viewing a 27-inch monitor at the same distance because it has a larger workspace. For this reason, sitting around 60 to 70 cm away from it provides a more comfortable and the best view.
Texts are often displayed smaller on 27-inch monitors than on 24-inch monitors because these screens have higher resolutions and are pretty big. But you can alter the display icons and text size.
Verdict: 24-Inch monitors have a shorter viewing distance
5. Input Lag and Refresh Rate
While these aspects are less vital for general monitor usage, they make a fundamental difference when gaming. Input lag is the monitor’s responsiveness upon receiving input from the computer’s graphics card. On the flip side, the refresh rate is the frequency at which a second the screen gets refreshed.
The input lag is determined by the circuit processing the signal received from the computer and the panel quality within a monitor. Excessively long lag makes any action you make on your keyboard or mouse appear delayed on the on-screen.
Input lag below 25ms is termed good, while 15ms and under is excellent. Regarding refresh rates, higher is always better since it makes on-screen action look smoother. Anything more than 60 Hz is good for gaming, but 120 Hz is excellent.
Larger monitors provide higher-quality panels translating to less input lag. However, check the monitor specifications to confirm.
Verdict: 27-Inch Monitor has less input lag
6. Dual Monitor Setup
Consider setting up two 27-inch monitors and three or two 24-inch monitors for multitasking. While you can set up a 24-inch and a 27-inch monitor with one serving as the second monitor, this setup can cause head and neck strain and consume more power.
7. Installation
It’s easier to install a 24-inch monitor because it’s small. On the other hand, a 27-inch monitor is bigger, requires more depth, and covers a broader space. You’ll likely need a monitor arm if your desk isn’t deep enough for the display to stay in the air. Alternatively, create a keyboard slider or remodel the desk.
Verdict: the 24-inch monitor is easy to install
8. Price
24-inch monitors are cheaper than 27-inch monitors due to size and also because smaller monitors have a lower panel quality.
Verdict: 24-Inch Monitor is more affordable
Final Remarks
27-inch and 24-inch monitors are the most sought-after monitor sizes, with each size standing out in different aspects and better suited for specific things. Nonetheless, the 27-inch monitor covers a more comprehensive use range. Regardless, choose the one that will serve you best.