Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for Dual Monitor Setups
Five monitors compared, from the Dell SE2426H to the BenQ GW2490, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Two matching monitors look best with thin bezels and the same panel type, so buy two of the same model. Every monitor here is a 24 to 27-inch IPS model with a slim bezel that cost $130 or less, so a pair stays affordable.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; where a maker leaves out response, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Dell SE2426H 24-inch
Ultra-thin bezels.
Best for: Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels.
Our take Check price for Dell SE2426H 24-inch (opens in a new tab)
FreeSync Adaptive Sync
MSI PRO MP243L E14
A freeSync.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync.
Our take Check price for MSI PRO MP243L E14 (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
BenQ GW2490C
An ultra-slim bezel.
Best for: Buyers who want ultra-slim bezel.
Worth a Look
BenQ GW2491
An ultra-slim bezel.
Best for: Buyers who want ultra-slim bezel.
Largest Screen Size
BenQ GW2490
The largest screen size here (24 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra-thin bezels. | Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels. | Check price for Dell SE2426H 24-inch (opens in a new tab) |
| A freeSync. | Buyers who want a freeSync. | Check price for MSI PRO MP243L E14 (opens in a new tab) |
| An ultra-slim bezel. | Buyers who want ultra-slim bezel. | Check price for BenQ GW2490C (opens in a new tab) |
| An ultra-slim bezel. | Buyers who want ultra-slim bezel. | Check price for BenQ GW2491 (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (24 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for BenQ GW2490 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Dell SE2426H 24-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SE2426H is Dell's 144Hz IPS monitor at the lowest price in this list.
Best for
- Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels.
Skip if
- Pass on it if screen size of 23.8 inches, behind the BenQ GW2490 (24 inches) rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It covers the basics without extras. It runs at 144Hz with a 1ms MPRT response and carries TÜV Rheinland's 3-star eye comfort certification. The 178-degree viewing angles keep colour consistent off-axis.
On refresh rate it ties with the MSI PRO MP243L E14 and the BenQ GW2490C at 144Hz. It matches the MSI PRO MP243L E14, the BenQ GW2490C and the BenQ GW2491 on screen size (23.8 inches). You get a tilt only stand here, which sets it apart from the BenQ GW2490 and its a tilt stand.
It also comes with ultra-thin bezels and two HDMI inputs. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- Adaptive sync: AMD FreeSync
- Stand: tilt only
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- AMD FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- Ultra-thin bezels
Cons
- Screen size of 23.8 inches, behind the BenQ GW2490 (24 inches)
FreeSync Adaptive Sync2 of 5
MSI PRO MP243L E14 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MP243L is a 23.8-inch 1080p IPS screen at 144Hz with FreeSync.
Best for
- Buyers who want a freeSync.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: screen size of 23.8 inches, behind the BenQ GW2490 (24 inches).
Why we like it
It is one of the lowest-priced monitors here. It lists flicker-free and low-blue-light certification, a tilt stand and a 100x100mm VESA mount. On refresh rate it ties with the Dell SE2426H and the BenQ GW2490C at 144Hz.
It matches the Dell SE2426H, the BenQ GW2490C and the BenQ GW2491 on screen size (23.8 inches). A tilt only (-5 to 20 degrees) stand is unique to it among these picks, while the BenQ GW2490 uses a tilt stand. You also get a 4-side slim bezel, VESA 100x100mm mounting for monitor arms and multi-monitor setups and HDMI 2.0 and VGA inputs. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR Ready
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
- Stand: tilt only (-5 to 20 degrees)
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- 4-side slim bezel
Cons
- Screen size of 23.8 inches, behind the BenQ GW2490 (24 inches)
Strong Alternative3 of 5
BenQ GW2490C on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The BenQ GW2490C is built around an ultra-slim bezel, with USB-C for video and data on one cable on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want ultra-slim bezel.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Dell SE2426H cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 23.8 inches screen size. It matches the Dell SE2426H and the MSI PRO MP243L E14 on refresh rate (144Hz). On screen size it ties with the Dell SE2426H, the MSI PRO MP243L E14 and the BenQ GW2491 at 23.8 inches.
It also offers TUV-certified flicker-free and low blue light and a Visual Optimizer picture mode. At 1080p, 144Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. Its price falls between the BenQ GW2491 and the BenQ GW2490, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: IPS
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- a USB-C input for laptops
- Ultra-slim bezel
Cons
- Costs more than the Dell SE2426H at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
BenQ GW2491 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the BenQ GW2491 brings to the table is an ultra-slim bezel, plus an ePaper colour mode for long reading sessions.
Best for
- Buyers who want ultra-slim bezel.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when a 100Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games is a problem.
Why we like it
It also offers a 100Hz refresh rate and offers a 23.8 inches screen size. On refresh rate it ties with the BenQ GW2490 at 100Hz. It matches the Dell SE2426H, the MSI PRO MP243L E14 and the BenQ GW2490C on screen size (23.8 inches).
It also offers TUV-certified flicker-free and low blue light and HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. Another plus: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. You also get this: 99% sRGB colour coverage. It gives ground on screen size, where the BenQ GW2490 comes in at 24 inches.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 100Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 23.8 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
Pros
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- Ultra-slim bezel
- EPaper colour mode for long reading sessions
Cons
- a 100Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games
- Screen size trails the BenQ GW2490 (24 inches)
Largest Screen Size5 of 5
BenQ GW2490 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The BenQ GW2490 stands out for a thin bezel with VESA mount support, and it adds two HDMI inputs and a DisplayPort.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: a 100Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games.
Why we like it
It also offers a 100Hz refresh rate and offers a 24 inches screen size. On refresh rate it ties with the BenQ GW2491 at 100Hz. On screen size it leads this guide at 24 inches, ahead of the Dell SE2426H (23.8 inches).
You get a tilt stand here, which sets it apart from the MSI PRO MP243L E14 and its a tilt only (-5 to 20 degrees) stand. You also get Low Blue Light Plus eye care and built-in speakers. At our last price check it topped the group, with the BenQ GW2490C the nearest cheaper option. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the Dell SE2426H covers it better at 144Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 100Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Stand: tilt
Pros
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- Thin bezel with VESA mount support
- Two HDMI inputs and a DisplayPort
Cons
- a 100Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games
- Refresh rate trails the Dell SE2426H (144Hz)
- Costs more than the Dell SE2426H at the time of writing
How We Chose These Monitors for Dual Monitor Setups
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and response and color gamut are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Dell SE2426H to the BenQ GW2490, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution and IPS panel.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The BenQ GW2490C, the BenQ GW2491 and the BenQ GW2490 give no response; the Dell SE2426H, the MSI PRO MP243L E14 and the BenQ GW2490C give no color gamut.
- Price range
- From the Dell SE2426H to the BenQ GW2490, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Monitor for Dual Monitor Setups
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Across these 5 picks refresh rate spans 100Hz (the BenQ GW2490) to 144Hz (the Dell SE2426H). If refresh rate is your first filter, the Dell SE2426H sets the ceiling at 144Hz.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 23.8 inches on the BenQ GW2491 to 24 inches on the BenQ GW2490, a 1% spread. Start with the BenQ GW2490 if screen size decides it.
Features beyond the spec table
The BenQ GW2490C: USB-C for video and data on one cable. The BenQ GW2491: an ePaper colour mode for long reading sessions. The BenQ GW2490: two HDMI inputs and a DisplayPort.
How much to spend
Price does little to separate these 5: the Dell SE2426H through the BenQ GW2490 all landed in the $50 to $100 tier, which leaves refresh rate to decide it.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who want a freeSync: the MSI PRO MP243L E14. Buyers who put screen size first: the BenQ GW2490.
How to Choose a Monitor for Dual Monitor Setups
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels | Dell SE2426H | Ultra-thin bezels |
| Buyers who want a freeSync | MSI PRO MP243L E14 | A freeSync |
| Buyers who want ultra-slim bezel | BenQ GW2490C | An ultra-slim bezel |
| Buyers who want ultra-slim bezel | BenQ GW2491 | An ultra-slim bezel |
| Buyers who put screen size first | BenQ GW2490 | The largest screen size here (24 inches) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Dell SE2426H leads on refresh rate at 144Hz, ahead of the MSI PRO MP243L E14 at 144Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell SE2426H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| MSI PRO MP243L E14 | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| BenQ GW2490C | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| BenQ GW2491 | 100Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| BenQ GW2490 | 100Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dell SE2426H compare with the BenQ GW2490 on screen size?
Between the top two, it is 24 inches on the BenQ GW2490 against 23.8 inches on the Dell SE2426H, a 1% difference.
Is the BenQ GW2490 worth paying more than the Dell SE2426H?
The spec sheets show screen size (24 inches against 23.8 inches) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the Dell SE2426H still leads on refresh rate (144Hz). Both sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked, so the gains in screen size cost little extra by tier.
What makes the MSI PRO MP243L E14 the FreeSync Adaptive Sync?
It carries the badge for a freeSync. It makes sense for anyone who wants a freeSync.
Do the Dell SE2426H and the MSI PRO MP243L E14 differ on adaptive sync?
The Dell SE2426H uses AMD FreeSync; the MSI PRO MP243L E14 uses FreeSync. The makers of the BenQ GW2490C, the BenQ GW2491 and the BenQ GW2490 don't state adaptive sync, so 2 of 5 picks are covered here.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Dell SE2426H and the MSI PRO MP243L E14 apart?
The Dell SE2426H: ultra-thin bezels. The MSI PRO MP243L E14: a 4-side slim bezel. The BenQ GW2490C: an ultra-slim bezel.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Dell SE2426H, chosen for ultra-thin bezels. Look at the MSI PRO MP243L E14 for a freeSync, the BenQ GW2490C for an ultra-slim bezel and the BenQ GW2491 for an ultra-slim bezel if those matter more to you.
Buy both monitors in one order if you can; panels from different batches can differ slightly in colour.