CNET's top-rated 24-inch LCD computer monitors

The Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP: some see input lag, others see pretty pink flowers. Go figure.

(Credit: Dell)

I own a 24-inch Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP LCD computer monitor. Over the last year or so, I've yet to have a performance issue. I do a heavy amount of gaming on it including World of Warcraft and first-person shooters, and I've never once had a problem with input lag. Input lag is a delay measured by the difference between the time a signal is input into a display and the time it is shown by the display.

Input lag is one of the major criticisms of this monitor from its users. Just to be clear, I'm not claiming that input lag on this monitor doesn't exist, I'm only saying that I've not seen evidence of it on either our evaluation unit of my own. Dell has purportedly addressed the issue in the A02 revision of the 2408WFP.

That being said, I still feel the Dell Ultrasharp 2408WFP is the best 24-incher money can buy and quite easily earned the top spot on CNET's top-rated 24-inch LCD computer monitors (that we've reviewed). From its S-PVA panel with great viewing angles, its deep blacks, and multitude of connection options, there is none better for overall value. It's the most expensive on the list, but it's one of the few monitors in the $400 range ($440 at the time of this post) that's well worth its price.

The rest of the list consists of the 16:9 Dell G2410, which got high marks for its low power consumption and excellent performance, including great movie playback. The HP 2408h is another very good monitor, with its lack of a DVI port--or a DVI-to-HDMI cable--as its only major stumbling block.

The Dell S2409W is a 24-incher that sacrifices features for price, but makes up for it in performance and ease of use. Lastly, the Acer G24 is simply the best gaming monitor I've seen. While it doesn't include many features or extras, what it does (gaming), it does extremely well.

Agree or disagree with the list? I've love to hear why. Voice your opinion in the comments section. Also, be sure to look out for new monitor reviews here.

[ClevelandGabe]

Nah-uh, my friend. The absolute best 24" monitor out there is sitting on my desk, a BenQ FP241VW. Despite the unusual stand, which can either turn you on or off, the performance of the monitor itself is simply outstanding. Buying it at $400 (at least it was when I bought it a few months ago) is not just a bargain, it's an outright steal. Yes, I know this particular model has been discontinued, but entercomputers.com is still selling them brand-new, until they run out of stock.

Now, the above monitor is great in terms of bang for your buck. If you were to look for the highest end 24" monitor on the market, you'd have to go to lesser-known manufacturers such as Eizo or LaCie who sell their wares well above a thousand dollars but cater more to a niche business market.

[dfinniga1]

I'm sorry ClevelandGabe, but that is the most butt-ugly monitor I have ever laid eyes on! As far as price range goes I definitely have to agree with Mr. Franklin - I have a Dell Ultrasharp 2408WFP and I love it! Perfect for gaming, movies, and just about anything else. If price weren't an issue, I would have to go with the 30" Apple cinema display to match my MacPro : )

[Akiba]

Lol, wow! Nothing can redeem the ugliness of that BenQ monitor.

[efranklin]

Wow. Interesting looking monitor. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Too bad it's no longer available though. Leave it to BenQ to come crazy, unorthodox designs.

[espeed623]

Oh dear, that is UGLY. Even my 19" Hanns-G looks better than that.

@dfinniga1: I'd definitely love to pick up a Cinema display. 30" HD ftw.

[ClevelandGabe]

Hey, what can I tell ya? This monitor isn't for everyone. What IS great about it, though, is that it sports an A-MVA panel, which is pretty rare these days. As a result, it displays 8-bit color and terrific viewing angles (the most common and cheap panels, which is TN, has only 6-bit). What does this mean? Well, with a monitor calibrator (such as the Pantone Huey, which I own, or a Gretag Macbeth i1), the color is way more accurate than trying to tweak the settings through the OSD or software with the naked eye. In addition, the FP241VW has unheard of input lag, which is virtually nonexistent. Finally, it also has a built-in feature which allows you switch between modes in certain conditions for the best viewing (gaming, movie, etc.). It utilizes something called Black Frame Insertion (BFI) which can actually emulate the black bar that flickers through a CRT monitor, which results the optical illusion of smoother movements.

Like I said, the stand is hit or miss with people, but the performance and quality of the monitor itself cannot be beat! Well, at least until OLED displays come out, whenever that is.

[randyoaks187]

Eric, any idea on why just a few days after you reviewed HP's 25 inch monitor (HP w2558hc) they stopped selling it? I had been waiting for the review for some time before buying, and was finally sold after reading your review, only to see it no longer offered. I have a HP LP3065 at work and like it, so I am thinking of that now (I prefer the 16:10 ratio for large monitors as well).

[efranklin]

Weird. I'll ask them and let you guys know.

[efranklin]

In the meantime @randyoaks187, have you checked here?
http://reviews.cnet.com/lcd-monitors/hp-w2558hc/4014-3174_7-33342045.html?tag=rtcol;shop

Seems it's available from a few retailers including Amazon.

[randyoaks187]

Hey Eric, thanks for the reply, it is true that it is offered on amazopn.com and other places, but Iget a discount on HP products through my work, and this monitor was going for around $350 through that, so I am bummed.

[MarkLatto]

I bought a LG 23in flatron a few months back. I have to say that it is a great 1080p monitor that works great with my PS3. Its got no visible lag for FPS and the similar games.

[sonicsmoke]

Hey Eric. I'd like to get your take on aspect ratios for monitors. I've been seeing more and more monitors coming out with a ratio of 16:9 similar to HDTVs, often with a native resolution of 1920x1080 or laptops with a resolution of 1366x768. Many monitors like the Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP, which has a native resolution of 1920x1200, as well as games and videocards support a 16:10 ratio only. Do you see a trend where game developers and videocard manufacturers will have to adopt one ratio over the other, or do you think they will provide the option of having both? On top of that, most widescreen movies don't even use up the full 16:9 screen as there have been so many aspect ratios used over the decades, so what you get are black horizontal bars. So I'm at a loss ... is it better to get a monitor that supports 16:10 and will work with my current videocard and games, or should I get one with a ratio of 16:9 if the industry is moving to this trend? Appreciate your opinion.

[efranklin]

I understand your apprehension; however, I own a 16:10 24-incher and a Geforce 9600GT. Both of which I expect will support me for the forseable future since more and more games are starting to support 16:9 ARs. Check out this very useful list.

http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/wiki/index.php/Essential_Games_List

My advice would be to get a monitor with the features that cater to your needs. I wouldn't worry too much about ARs, especially for games. It seems that most new games support 16:9 and since the userbase for 16:10 is already huge, they won't be ending support for it any time soon.

[canyouhearit]

i have a Westinghouse L2410NM, and its ok.
only reason i got it was because it was $200
main beef is that the HDMI port craps out on me, and customer service sucks

[klor5]

I have a Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP.I also have eye problems,where sun light and bright artificial causes me significant distress.
The Dell 2408 using "Desktop" profile and "Mac" gamma setting(when used with a Mac) would have to be the easiest on the eyes that I've come across,and I spent many hours looking at LCD monitors before I purchased the Dell 2408.
When you also consider its' HUGE range of inputs (Including :"DisplayPort") and its' excellent stand, it has it all.
I can't recommend the Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP highly enough.A real winner.
Klor5 Melbourne,Australia.

[srleeplus3377]

This doesnt make sense, lg and samsung monitors are way better than that...They also have style and are not fugly.

[The_Dishwasher]

I've got this monitor; I've had it for a year. Last week it started displaying a thin yellow line running the entire vertical length of the monitor. It goes away after several minutes, but I'm worried that it'll become permanent soon enough. Having dealt with Dell's nightmarish tech support in the past, I won't even bother trying to get it fixed if (or when) the line does become permanent. It seemed like a bargain, but you get what you pay for...