When it comes to gaming monitors, there are two main sizes that people tend to go for: 24-inch and 27-inch.
So, which one should you choose?
There is no definitive answer to this question.
Some gamers prefer 24-inch monitors because they offer a more immersive experience, while others find that 27-inch monitors provide a better overview of the game world.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
To help you with the decision-making process, I have compared the two monitor sizes side by side:
Contents
24 vs 27 monitor Side by Side Comparison
24-Inch vs 27-inch Monitor: Dimensions
A majority of 24” monitors have a diagonal size of approximately 23.8” (60.45cm) while typical 27” monitors have diagonal sizes of approximately 27” (68.58cm). That is a difference of about 8.13cm.
As expected, 24” and 27” monitors have different dimensions. A typical 24” monitor measures approx. 53cm wide and 30cm high while a 27” monitor is approx. 60cm in width and 33cm in height. The width difference between the two monitors is 7cm while the height difference is 3cm.
NB: Different monitors of equal diagonal measurements may have different horizontal and vertical measurements due to bezel size, aspect ratio, speakers, and controls.
27” vs 24” Monitor: Resolution
A higher resolution will give you a sharper image on larger screens. If you plan on using your monitor for activities such as watching movies, playing games, and working on documents, then go for the highest resolution possible (at least 1920×1080).
For optimal performance, a 24” monitor will have either Full-HD (1920×1080 pixels) or WUXGA (1920×1200 pixels) resolutions while a typical 27” monitor will have WQHD (2560×1440 pixels) or UHD-4K (3840×2160 pixels) resolutions.
24” vs 27” Computer Monitor: Refresh Rate
This is how often your monitor updates its image, measured in hertz (Hz). The higher the refresh rate, the smoother images will be – especially important when playing fast-action games or watching movies.
A 120Hz monitor will display images twice as fast compared to a 60Hz monitor. This makes gaming and watching videos noticeably smoother. Most gamers recommend at least 120 Hz for optimum performance.
The refresh rate does not change with screen size. You can have a 24” monitor and a 27” monitor with the same refresh rate or a 24” monitor with a refresh rate higher than that of a 27” monitor.
NB: When it comes to refresh rate, 60Hz is enough for most office work and watching movies. A 144Hz refresh rate won’t improve your movie experience since most Hollywood movies are shot at 24fps. A higher refresh rate (e.g., 75Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz, etc.) will only change your gaming experience.
24” vs 27” Screen: Response Time
A monitor’s response time is the amount of time it takes for a pixel to change from black to white and back again. The lower the response time, the smoother the image will be. Most monitors have a response time of 1ms. If you’re looking for a monitor that has a smooth image, be sure to check its response time before you buy it.
Like refresh rate, a monitor’s response time does not vary with its size. You don’t enjoy a lower response time by getting a larger monitor. You will find 24” monitors with response times lower than some 27” monitors.
24 vs 27 Inch Gaming Monitor: Pricing
Even though monitor prices will vary from brand to brand, 24-inch monitors are relatively cheaper than 27” monitors. Most 24” monitors have prices ranging from $150 to $200 while prices for 27-inch monitors are $200 and above.
Ease of installation
Due to its compact nature, a 24-inch monitor is easy to install or mount. For a 27” monitor you might need a hand when mounting it.
Space-saving
Due to its relatively small dimensions, a 24” monitor is a space-saving monitor. If you have limited desk space, then go for a 24” monitor. The 3+ inches difference between a 27” and a 24” monitor will make a huge difference when you are dealing with limited desk space.
24 vs 27-inch Monitor: Which is Best for Gaming?
Due to its small screen size, a 24” monitor lets you see the whole screen without much head swing. This makes it the preferred monitor for most games.
24-inch monitors are great for gamers who want a compact screen without sacrificing too much on image quality or viewing space. They’re also perfect if you have limited desk space. However, they may not be suitable if you want to use multiple applications or windows at once as they can be quite cramped.
With a 27” monitor you either must sit far from the screen or swing your head sideways to view the entire screen. This affects your reaction time when gaming.
27-inch monitors offer more screen real estate than their smaller counterparts, making them ideal for gamers who need plenty of space to work with multiple applications or windows simultaneously. They also provide better image quality overall, though this may come at the cost of portability, affordability, and in-game reaction time (it takes longer to scan the whole 27” screen).
When it comes to gaming, the 24-inch monitor is a winner.
Factors to Consider when choosing between a 24” and a 27” monitor
When deciding between a 24-inch and a 27-inch monitor, consider the following factors:
The intended use
If you want to use the monitor for gaming, go for a 24” monitor. If you want a monitor for watching movies, graphics design and other office tasks, a 27” monitor gives you ample screen real estate to work with.
Available desk space
If you don’t have a lot of room on your desk, then a smaller monitor (24”) is probably the best option for you.
Your budget
Monitors can vary significantly in price depending on their size and features. 24” monitors are relatively cheaper than 27” monitors.
Resolution
A 27-inch monitor typically has a higher resolution than a 24-inch model, so if image quality is important to you, go with the larger size. However, keep in mind that with more screen space comes more pixels and therefore potentially more eyestrain if not used correctly. Make sure your viewing distance is appropriate for the resolution of the screen size you choose!
FAQs
What Monitor Size is Used in Esports?
When it comes to esports, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of monitor size. Different gamers prefer different sizes for their displays, so what works well for one player may not be ideal for another.
For the most part, professional Esports players use monitors that are 24 inches in size. This gives them enough screen real estate to work with while still allowing them to view the entire screen without the need to swing their head.
Some players do use larger monitors – up to 34 inches – but this is less common as those screens don’t let you see the entire screen without swinging your head from side to side.
Parting Shot
If after considering all these factors 24” still seems like the best size for you, there are some great options available from top manufacturers like Dell and Asus. If 27” is more what suits your needs, Acer, and LG both make excellent models in this size range.
Whichever size monitor you choose, make sure to get one that has an IPS panel – this will give you better color accuracy and viewing angles than those monitors with TN panels.