Do you find yourself in a dilemma when choosing a monitor size? Whether you’re into programming, gaming, or office work, the size of your monitor can have a significant impact on your productivity and overall experience. With 24, 27, and 32-inch monitors being the most popular choices, it’s essential to pick the one that suits your needs the best.
But fear not! In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between these three monitor sizes, and help you make an informed decision. From physical size to screen real estate, pixel density, speed, software, resolution, comfort, benefits, shortcomings, and cost, we’ll cover all the essential aspects.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand which monitor size is the perfect fit for you. So, buckle up, and let’s dive into the world of monitors!
Key Takeaways
- The physical size of a monitor affects the distance required to sit and the strain on eyes and neck.
- The display of the monitor depends on the resolution and settings, which can be adjusted according to individual preferences.
- Higher resolution and refresh rate enhance the quality of the display and speed of the monitor.
- Different sizes of monitors have their pros and cons, which depend on the intended use and budget.
- The choice of monitor size should consider the purpose, available space, and personal preferences.
- The size of the monitor and its resolution are important factors to consider when choosing a monitor for different purposes.
- A 24-inch monitor is a good option for programming and everyday office work, while a 27-inch monitor is better for office work that requires long hours of screen time.
- A 32-inch monitor is best suited for complicated design work or IT tasks, such as coding.
- A 24-inch monitor is ideal for gaming if you prefer a smaller screen, but for competitive gaming, a 24-inch monitor is preferred.
- A 27-inch monitor can be a good option for gaming if you prefer a slightly larger screen, but be aware that the resolution may not be optimal for a screen that size.
- A 32-inch monitor can enhance your gaming experience with its larger screen size and high resolution, but it may be too large for some users.
- The cost of a monitor varies based on the size and features, with 24-inch monitors being the most budget-friendly and 32-inch monitors being the most expensive.
Differences between 24, 27, and 32″ monitors
Physical size
When we say that the size of the monitor is 24, 27, or 32-inch, it is measured diagonally.
A 24-inch monitor comes in the category of smaller computer monitors, which means that you will have to sit quite close to the monitor.
27 inches is slightly bigger, which means less neck and eye strain from 3 feet, as the wider screen allows the picture to be much clear.
Lastly, the 32-inch monitor can be considered too big but might be appropriate for gaming, programming, or multi-media viewing – like a movie marathon.
Although, eye strain can be a serious issue if the placement of the monitor is not appropriate.
Note: The monitor size (dimensions) varies in different models.
Display
The display for the 24-inch monitors, such as the icons, tabs, text, menu, etc, will be different than that of the 27 and 32-inch monitors – depending on the resolution.
It also depends on the display settings you have chosen for your monitor according to your comfort. For example, you can choose to keep the text scaling larger than the screen size to make it easier to browse through web pages and avoid eye strain.
The display for the 27-inch monitor would be smaller than the 24-inch monitor as the screen’s width is more, but the height is usually less.
But you can still change the settings of display icons to your requirements and usage. For example, you may need the text scaling to be larger to work comfortably, even from a distance for programming and office work.
In the 32-inch monitor, the original settings of display size and text scaling are far too small. You will have to change the settings to see the web pages much more clearly without needing to squint. More screen real estate does not always mean a clearer picture!
Resolution
Screens with high resolution and pixel density ensure sharp and clear images. The higher the resolution, the better the picture quality. However, the higher resolution makes the icons appear smaller.
A 24-inch monitor with a resolution of 1920*1080 pixels is the ideal choice. This resolution can make the work comfortable.
The screen’s physical size will permit you to view 2 A4 pages side by side at once.
If you are going for the 27-inch monitor, make sure the resolution is at least 2560*1440 pixels. The pleasant combination of the screen size and the resolution is a correct fit for office work and even programming to some extent.
If you are going for larger monitors, go for one with a higher resolution. For example, for a 32-inch monitor size, the resolution should be 3840*2160 pixels (UHD 4K).
This resolution is effective, especially during programming and gaming. This monitor size allows the user to view all the contents simultaneously.
Related: What’s 4K in megapixels?
Speed
Speed may not be an issue in the 27-inch, and 32-inch monitors are they would have higher quality panels and a higher refresh rate.
Refresh rate refers to how many times your display can show a new image per second. If the refresh rate is high, the monitor will provide the game instructions and other essential data fast.
Software
You can install different kinds of software depending on the size and capacity of your monitor. The only catch is that the sizes should be able to adapt to that particular version of the software. If the software does not adapt, you might have difficulty with the monitor.
Usually, these three sizes have not had any software complaints, but some types of games may overload your graphics card if you run them on a 32″ monitor with a very high resolution.
Note: Based on the above information, you can choose to have one monitor that is a 32-inch monitor for all purposes, or you could use dual monitor setups with a smaller monitor and a larger monitor or 2 small monitors.
Although, having two 24-inch or 27-inch monitors would require more space and more time to set up.
Pros
24-inch monitor
- This monitor is slimmer, brighter, and uses less power. A bright screen is always helpful in editing photographs or a video.
- It will take up less space on your desk.
- Economically effective.
- Since the screen is only 24-inch, there will be less neck movement.
27-inch monitor
- Bigger monitors with higher resolution.
- It provides a wider viewing angle – delivering a new level of visual enjoyment.
- Let’s you switch to multiple pages.
- As the monitor is bigger, you can place it at a normal viewing distance.
32-inch monitor
- Greatest amount of screen space that can display more than three windows at once.
- 4K resolution – full HD.
- Apt for all programming, playing games, and office work, if you have the budget.
- It creates an immersive experience for the user, especially while watching movies.
- Editing videos and photos becomes much easier for a graphic designer when done on a bigger monitor.
Cons
24-inch monitor
- Since the screen is smaller than the other sizes, the resolution is lower.
- Chances of eye strain and neck strain increase.
- Less field view than the 27 and 32-inch monitors.
27-inch monitor
- Occupies a larger space.
- Not easy to transport or shift from one place to another.
32-inch monitor
- Much larger monitors and need more desk space. If you sit too close to the monitor, it could result in eye strain.
- Not budget-friendly.
- You could consider the purchase a loss if the monitor is not used to its full potential.
Use Cases For Each Monitor Size
24 vs 27 vs 32-inch monitor for programming
A 24-inch monitor offers the resolution 720p, 1080p and 1224p. While gaming, the 24-inch monitor is small to a medium-size desktop, allowing you to sit closer to the monitor to better view the screen.
The 27-inch monitor offers a higher resolution – ranging from 2180p to 4K. As the screen is bigger, you can sit farther from the monitor. Also, since the display is bigger than a 24-inch monitor, you can view the code much clearer without straining your eyes and neck.
The 32-inch monitor is a good choice for coding as the bigger screen does not strain your eye while writing your code, and you have enough room to display multiple windows side by side.
24 vs 27 vs 32-inch monitor for gaming
The size of the monitor and the resolution of the monitor both are important to look into when choosing a monitor. For some, 24-inch would be the ideal size for gaming needs, while some might find it too small. Although, for competitive gaming, most users prefer a 24-inch monitor, as it allows them to see all the action all at once without moving their eyes and necks.
You might be intrigued to buy a 27-inch monitor for gaming as it is slightly bigger and a bit more expensive than the 24-inch monitor. But, you have to remember that a 27-inch monitor is too big for the resolution of 1920*1080, which makes the picture pixelated and text smudgy and blurry.
A 32-inch monitor is considered to be too large for gaming. However, the 32-inch monitor offers high resolution and an excellent viewing experience. If you have the space for it and the budget, then the 32-inch monitor would surely enhance your gaming experience.
More: 4K UHD vs HDR
24 vs 27 vs 32-inch for office work
You have to keep in mind while choosing an office work monitor is that it should help optimize your work process and fit your desk. The majority of the workers determine the size range of 24-inch as it fits the space and their budget. A 24-inch monitor is the best choice for everyday office work, such as filing, making spreadsheets, writing documents, etc.
Some office work would be such that would require you to sit in front of the monitor for long hours. In that case, the 24-inch monitor becomes too small and could strain your eyes by sitting too close to the screen. For these purposes, I would recommend you purchase a 27-inch monitor. The larger screen can be placed at a distance and will still have clarity with high resolution.
Those involved in complicated design work or IT tasks – such as coding, prefer the size to be 32-inch. A 32-inch monitor offers a larger screen with high resolution and color clarity. They can also fit multiple web pages into their display, thus eliminating the need for two monitors – a feature many professionals appreciate and find helpful.
Cost
The 24-inch monitors are budget-friendly. The price ranges from $100 up to $300 – with the best resolution, display, and various models. These monitors are fast and ensure long-term usage. I have added a few links to the best 24-inch monitors below. Please have a look at their specifications and choose what suits you best.
The 27-inch monitor does not differ much from the 24-inch monitor in the price range. According to their models, most of the monitors start from $200 and increase in price. I have inserted a few links here to get an idea of the many features these monitors offer and if they fit your requirements.
A 32-inch monitor is costlier than the 24 and 27-inch monitors. The price range usually falls around $300 and above. These monitors are purchased chiefly by gamers who need a wider screen than 27-inch.
These monitors also attract graphic designers and professionals. Here are a few links to give you an overall idea of the different features they have to offer.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size and type of monitor can make a big difference in your productivity, comfort, and enjoyment of your computer. As we’ve explored, there are various factors to consider when deciding between a 24-inch, 27-inch, or 32-inch monitor, including desk space, budget, usage, and personal preferences.
While a 24-inch monitor may be the perfect fit for a small desk, a 27-inch or 32-inch monitor can provide a more immersive experience for gaming, streaming, or content creation. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a larger screen requires more desk space and a bigger budget.
At the end of the day, the choice comes down to what works best for you. Consider your individual needs and budget, and don’t be afraid to shop around and try out different options. Whether you’re a gamer, professional, or casual user, there’s a monitor out there that will meet your needs and enhance your computing experience.
So, what’s your pick? Are you team 24-inch, 27-inch, or 32-inch monitor? Let’s start a discussion and share your thoughts in the comments below.