Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for a Home Office
Five monitors compared, from the KYY 15.6 to the MSI PRO MP243L E14, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A home office monitor needs a clear IPS panel and enough resolution for side-by-side windows, not gaming speed. Every pick is 1080p or 1440p IPS and cost $250 or less.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; where a maker leaves out refresh rate, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
KYY 15.6-inch PortableThe cheapest way into this group, below the 24B35H3.
Best for: Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money.
Check price for KYY 15.6-inch Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AOC 24B35H3100% sRGB colour coverage.
Best for: Buyers who want 100% sRGB colour coverage.
Check price for AOC 24B35H3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
LG 24U411A-BA Reader Mode for long reading sessions.
Best for: Buyers who want Reader Mode for long reading sessions.
Check price for LG 24U411A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Dell SE2426H 24-inchUltra-thin bezels.
Best for: Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels.
Check price for Dell SE2426H 24-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
FreeSync Adaptive Sync
MSI PRO MP243L E14A freeSync.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync.
Check price for MSI PRO MP243L E14 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the 24B35H3. | Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money. | Check price for KYY 15.6-inch Portable on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 100% sRGB colour coverage. | Buyers who want 100% sRGB colour coverage. | Check price for AOC 24B35H3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A Reader Mode for long reading sessions. | Buyers who want Reader Mode for long reading sessions. | Check price for LG 24U411A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Ultra-thin bezels. | Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels. | Check price for Dell SE2426H 24-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A freeSync. | Buyers who want a freeSync. | Check price for MSI PRO MP243L E14 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
KYY 15.6-inch Portable
KYY's 15.6-inch 1080p IPS portable is the lowest-priced here at the time of writing.
Best for
- Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money.
Skip if
- Its refresh rate is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It connects over USB-C. Its 15.6-inch IPS screen is 0.3 inches thin and weighs 1.7 lbs, and two USB-C ports plus mini-HDMI connect laptops and consoles. On screen size it trails the group at 15.6 inches, while the 24B35H3 comes in at 24 inches.
It also comes with a PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand and two built-in speakers. You also get this: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. It undercut the 24B35H3 and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its refresh rate; if that figure matters, the Dell SE2426H offers 144Hz.
Key specs
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 15.6 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- a USB-C input for laptops
- PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand
- Two built-in speakers
Cons
- No published refresh rate
- Screen size trails the 24B35H3 (24 inches)
Also Consider2 of 5
AOC 24B35H3
The 24B35H3 offers 100% sRGB on an IPS panel at 120Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want 100% sRGB colour coverage.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the KYY 15.6 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is a colour-accurate budget screen. Its 24-inch IPS panel runs at 120Hz with Adaptive Sync, which is smoother than a 60Hz office screen. Wide viewing angles keep colour consistent.
It covers 100% of sRGB with flicker-free backlighting and a low blue light mode. HDMI and VGA inputs plus a headphone jack cover older PCs. Its 84% NTSC coverage gives slightly richer colour than a typical budget office screen.
On refresh rate it ties with the 24U411A at 120Hz. It matches the 24U411A on screen size (24 inches). When we checked, only the KYY 15.6 cost less, and the 24U411A cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 120Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 24 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Color gamut
- 100% sRGB
Pros
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 100% sRGB colour coverage
- Screen size of 24 inches, ahead of the Dell SE2426H
Cons
- Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
LG 24U411A-B
The 24U411A offers 99% sRGB colour, HDR10 input and a 120Hz rate.
Best for
- Buyers who want Reader Mode for long reading sessions.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
It suits work and casual games alike. Its 24-inch IPS panel has slim bezels on three sides, which suits a multi-monitor row. Full HD at this size keeps text sharp enough for office work.
It matches the 24B35H3 on refresh rate (120Hz). On screen size it ties with the 24B35H3 at 24 inches. You also get a Reader Mode for long reading sessions.
Worth noting: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. Its price falls between the 24B35H3 and the Dell SE2426H, based on our last check. If refresh rate is your priority, the Dell SE2426H (144Hz) is the stronger choice.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 120Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 24 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- HDR10
- Color gamut
- 99% sRGB
Pros
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- Reader Mode for long reading sessions
- Screen size of 24 inches, ahead of the Dell SE2426H
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Refresh rate trails the Dell SE2426H (144Hz)
- Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Dell SE2426H 24-inch
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
- Price-first buyers should look at the KYY 15.6, which cost less when we checked.
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 at 144Hz. It matches the MSI PRO MP243L E14 on screen size (23.8 inches). You also get 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. When we checked, only the 24U411A and cheaper picks cost less, and the MSI PRO MP243L E14 cost more.
Key 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
- Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
FreeSync Adaptive Sync5 of 5
MSI PRO MP243L E14
MSI's MP243L is a 23.8-inch 1080p IPS screen at 144Hz with FreeSync.
Best for
- Buyers who want a freeSync.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the KYY 15.6, which cost less when we checked.
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 at 144Hz.
It matches the Dell SE2426H on screen size (23.8 inches). 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.
Worth noting: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing.
Key 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
- Costs more than the KYY 15.6 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Monitors for a Home Office
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while refresh rate and response have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the KYY 15.6 to the MSI PRO MP243L E14, state resolution, screen size and panel and share 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution and IPS panel.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The KYY 15.6 gives no refresh rate; the KYY 15.6 and the 24B35H3 give no response.
- Price range
- From the KYY 15.6 to the MSI PRO MP243L E14, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Monitor for a Home Office
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 15.6 inches on the KYY 15.6 to 24 inches on the 24B35H3, a 54% spread. Start with the 24B35H3 if screen size decides it.
Refresh rate
The Dell SE2426H tops refresh rate at 144Hz and the 24U411A sits lowest at 120Hz; 2 picks share the top figure. The Dell SE2426H is the pick for refresh rate. The KYY 15.6 gives no refresh rate figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop Features beyond the spec table
The 24U411A: a Reader Mode for long reading sessions. The Dell SE2426H: TUV Rheinland 3-star eye comfort certification. The MSI PRO MP243L E14: VESA 100x100mm mounting for monitor arms and multi-monitor setups.
How much to spend
Price does little to separate these 5: the KYY 15.6 through the MSI PRO MP243L E14 all landed in the $50 to $100 tier, which leaves screen size to decide it.
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop Match the pick to your priority
Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money: the KYY 15.6. Buyers who want a freeSync: the MSI PRO MP243L E14.
How to Choose a Monitor for a Home Office
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money | KYY 15.6 | The cheapest way into this group, below the 24B35H3 |
| Buyers who want 100% sRGB colour coverage | 24B35H3 | 100% sRGB colour coverage |
| Buyers who want Reader Mode for long reading sessions | 24U411A | A Reader Mode for long reading sessions |
| Buyers who want ultra-thin bezels | Dell SE2426H | Ultra-thin bezels |
| Buyers who want a freeSync | MSI PRO MP243L E14 | A freeSync |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The 24B35H3 leads on screen size at 24 inches, ahead of the 24U411A at 24 inches. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the KYY 15.6 leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KYY 15.6 | Not listed | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 15.6 inches | IPS |
| 24B35H3 | 120Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
| 24U411A | 120Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24 inches | IPS |
| Dell SE2426H | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
| MSI PRO MP243L E14 | 144Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 23.8 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MSI PRO MP243L E14 worth paying more than the KYY 15.6?
The spec sheets show screen size (23.8 inches against 15.6 inches) in its favour. 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 KYY 15.6 the Lowest Price Here?
The label rests on the cheapest way into this group, below the 24B35H3. It is aimed at getting PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand for the least money.
Do the 24U411A and the MSI PRO MP243L E14 differ on HDR?
The 24U411A uses HDR10; the MSI PRO MP243L E14 uses HDR Ready. The makers of the KYY 15.6, the 24B35H3 and the Dell SE2426H don't state HDR, so 2 of 5 picks are covered here.
Beyond the specs, what sets the KYY 15.6 and the 24B35H3 apart?
The KYY 15.6: a PU leather smart cover that doubles as a stand. The 24B35H3: 100% sRGB colour coverage. The 24U411A: a Reader Mode for long reading sessions.
Who should choose the MSI PRO MP243L E14?
The MSI PRO MP243L E14 carries our FreeSync Adaptive Sync label for a freeSync. It ranks fifth of 5 here and sat in the $50 to $100 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who wants a freeSync.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the KYY 15.6, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the 24B35H3. Look at the 24B35H3 for 100% sRGB colour coverage, the 24U411A for a Reader Mode for long reading sessions and the Dell SE2426H for ultra-thin bezels if those matter more to you.
Set the monitor top at or just below eye level.
Related Guides
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- Related guideThe Best 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Monitors Under $80
- Similar guideThe Best VA Monitors
- ExplainerHow to choose a monitor for your PC
- Explainer24 vs 27 vs 32-Inch Monitor
- Also see: monitor arms and accessoriesThe Best Ergonomic Monitor Stand
- Similar guideThe Best IPS Monitors
- Topic hubAll monitors for work and everyday use guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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