What are the features that make for the best 22-inch monitor? First and foremost, you can expect these best computer monitors to offer a ton of performance in a compact package. When desk real estate is limited, a 22-inch monitor is an excellent choice for you.
However, if desk space isn’t a problem for you, you’re better off going bigger, especially with some of the greatest 27-inch monitors.
At a minimum, you should also expect your monitor to offer at least full HD resolution, at 1920×1080 pixels. However, ultra HD 4K resolution is starting to become more common and more affordable. For video editors and gamers alike, a 4K monitor is an absolute must.
The other features you should come to expect from your 22-inch monitor really depend on the reason you’re buying a new monitor. For example, if you’re buying the best 22-inch gaming monitor, then you’ll want to look for things like low input lag, fast refresh rate, maximized color accuracy, and a lot of customizability.
Keep reading to learn more about the best 22-inch monitors available today so you can make the correct decision for your desk space, working habits, and hobbies.
Top 22 Inch Monitors
#1 Sceptre E225W-19203R 22 Inch Monitor
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Sceptre monitor has brilliant picture quality that’s ideal for gaming, movie playback and work. It has a variety of connectivity options and plugs seamlessly into both older and newer devices.
- Stunning visuals
- 75Hz refresh rate enhances gaming
- Various connectivity options
- The colors need calibrating for accuracy
- Reaching ports is hard when mounted
The Sceptre E225W-19203R 22-inch monitor is a compact display that easily fits on small desks. Featuring a superb Full HD resolution, this monitor delivers bright, detailed imagery.This monitor has two HDMI ports and a VGA port, so it easily connects to modern and legacy computers and consoles. However the orientation of the ports on this monitor makes it difficult to mount it on the wall without using extension cables.
This Sceptre E225W-19203R 22-inch monitor has a blue light filter for enhancing eye comfort, which is slightly more convenient that purchasing the best blue light screen protector separately. Users will appreciate the built-in speakers on this model, which facilitate hassle-free conference calls and music playback. It also has a 5 ms response time that makes it a good choice for casual gaming. The monitor has a bright screen, with a peak brightness of 250 nits. Thanks to a VESA interface, this monitor can be mounted on the wall with ease. If you’re gonna use this monitor with another, check out our guide on how to use two monitors for Windows 10.
#2 ViewSonic VX2276-SMHD 22 Inch Monitor
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This monitor has wide viewing angles, so it’s suitable for conference rooms and brainstorming with colleagues. It has stunning visuals, and is suitable for movies, work, and games.
- Sleek frameless design
- Variety of input ports
- Powerful built-in speakers
- Doesn’t have a VESA mounting interface
Featuring a unique metallic grey finish, the ViewSonic VX2276-SMHD 22-inch monitor will stand out on any desk. It delivers gorgeous colors that will appeal to movie buffs. This monitor has an IPS-style panel that offers good colors even when viewed from the sides. Its thin profile and a stylish stand add visual appeal to any workstation. With a Full HD resolution, this monitor provides high-quality, detailed text and videos. However, this monitor doesn’t have a VESA wall-mounting interface.
This ViewSonic VX2276-SMHD 22-inch monitor has an incredible selection of ports. It has HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort inputs, simplifying connecting to various devices. Two built-in 3-watt speakers facilitate hassle-free conference calls. The monitor features flicker-free backlighting tech and low blue light technology to help reduce eye strain. You can further mitigate blue light eye strain by getting a pair of the best blue light blocking glasses. A VESA interface enables mounting this monitor on the wall. This display has a frameless screen, which facilitates immersive media watching.
#3 Samsung F22T452FQN 22 Inch Monitor
Award: BEST FOR CONTENT CREATION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Samsung monitor boasts AMD FreeSync tech and a crisp Full HD screen that’s suitable for gaming, work, and movies. The monitor swivels to portrait mode, so users can accurately preview in content creation projects
- Awesome picture quality
- Very flexible stand
- FreeSync tech enhances gaming
- Monitor doesn’t autosense inputs
The Samsung F22T452FQN 22-inch monitor has a simplistic design that appears at home on office desks and in home theaters. This device has a Full-HD resolution, delivering crisp imagery. It also has a wide selection of inputs that include HDMI, USB, and DisplayPort. A VESA 100mm x 1000mm interface allows fixing this display on the wall. Featuring AMD FreeSync tech, the display eliminates screen tearing when connected to a compatible computer or console. However, this monitor doesn’t auto-sense when new input devices are added.
Technologies such as an Eye Saver mode and flicker-free backlighting provide comfort. This Samsung F22T452FQN 22-inch monitor has an IPS panel that provides amazingly wide viewing angles. With ultra-thin bezels on the top and sides, this display has a sleek appearance and offers an immersive experience. The stand on this model is ergonomic, allowing for tilting, pivoting, and swiveling 90 degrees to portrait mode. It also features Eco Saving Plus tech for reducing energy consumption.
#4 Philips 226E9QDSB 22 Inch Monitor
Award: BEST FOR GAMING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 22-inch monitor features anti-stuttering tech and a fast refresh rate, so it’s very effective for gaming. Flicker-free tech and a LowBlue mode reduce eye strain, making this display ideal for people who work long hours.
- Astounding selection of ports
- AMD FreeSync tech for gaming
- Narrow bezels provide an immersive experience
- Lacks speakers
The Philips 226E9QDSB 22-inch monitor packs modern features in a stylish form factor. This LED-backlit monitor supports resolutions of up to 1920x1080p, providing detailed, vibrant pictures. It has an IPS panel that provides wide viewing angles, enabling users to watch the screen comfortably from the sides. AMD FreeSync works with the connected graphics card or console to deliver smooth gaming content. However, this 22-inch monitor doesn’t have built-in speakers, so users have to attach an external sound output device. This is unlike the best external monitors, which have built-in stereo speakers, so no need for an extra sound output device.
The Philips 226E9QDSB 22-inch monitor is equipped with a VESA attachment for hassle-free mounting on a wall or cabinet. The sleek bezel-less design offers aesthetic appeal and is ideal for dual-monitor side-by-side workstations. Philips LowBlue tech protects users’ eyes from harmful light rays. This display also has anti-flicker backlight for reducing eye strain. It has VGA, HDMI and DVI-D ports, and connects easily to most computers and gaming consoles.
#5 Planar PLN2200 22 Inch Monitor
Award: BEST FOR MOVIE WATCHING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Full-HD monitor delivers very vivid images and has wide viewing angles, so it’s great for movies. It also has a 100mm x 100mm VESA interface, so mounting on the wall is easy.
- Very rich colors
- Wide viewing angles
- Frameless design
- No built-in speakers
The Planar PLN2200 22-inch monitor features a frameless design that provides immersive visuals. It has an IPS panel that supports comfortable viewing from tight angles. The monitor has both HDMI and VGA ports, simplifying switching between inputs. A VESA 100mm mounting interface enables users to easily fix the monitor on the wall. We love the rich vivid colors of this display that stand out in movies and graphical content. However, this model lacks built-in speakers, so users have to rely on headsets or computer speakers.
This Planar PLN22000 22-inch monitor has a sturdy circular base and high-quality stand that provide good stability. It has anti-flicker backlighting, so it won’t cause eye fatigue. Blue light reduction modes allow users to work comfortably at night without being affected by sleep-depriving UV rays. The monitor is LED-backlit for efficiency. It’s compatible with a wide variety of Planar stands for easy customization and its ultra-thin bezels seamlessly blend in with other monitors when used in side-by-side setups.
#6 Acer V226WL-bd 22 Inch Monitor
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: BEST BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This monitor produces vibrant imagery and the screen is bright, so it’s suitable for general office and home theater use. The monitor has a high-quality build and sturdy stand.
- Great picture quality
- Bright screen
- Stable stand
- Large bezels
- Relatively low 1680 x 1050 resolution
- Doesn’t have modern HDMI or DisplayPort inputs
The Acer V226WL-bd 22-inch monitor stands out with its distinctive Acer V Series design. This LED-backlit monitor produces vibrant imagery and has rich, natural colors. An infinite contrast ratio ensures excellent movie playback in dark rooms. It has VGA and DVI ports for connecting to computers and consoles. Its stand allows for a range of movements. However, this monitor lacks modern ports such as HDMI and DisplayPort, so connecting to modern computers is challenging.
This Acer V226WL-bd 22-inch monitor has a VESA mounting interface for hassle-free mounting on the wall. It has a sturdy stand with a square base that provides stability on the desk. The monitor comes with inbuilt energy-saving tech to reduce energy bills. With a resolution of 1680 x 1050, this display delivers great videos and clear text. We love that the screen is very bright, making it a good choice for people who work in brightly lit offices.
Beginner’s Guide to 22-Inch Monitors
What Are 22-Inch Monitors?
A 22-inch monitor is a display that connects directly to your computer so you can operate that same computer. You can even connect your laptop to a monitor and display everything from there.
There are a variety of different types of computer displays you can purchase today, all offering a wide range of features that are useful for different audiences. Gaming monitors will offer more responsiveness and customizability, while work monitors will offer more in terms of connectivity and utility.
22-Inch Monitors vs. Traditional Monitors
22-inch monitors and traditional monitors are essentially the same product. The only difference that comes into play is the size. As its name implies, a 22-inch monitor measures 22 inches diagonal from corner to corner.
These compact monitors are best used for people who don’t have a lot of room on their desks thanks to limited space. They also make for excellent portable monitors to take on the go thanks to their small size and lightweight build.
How 22-Inch Monitors Work
Computer monitors work differently depending on the type of display technology they use. Let’s take a look at the different types of computer display technology so you can understand how they each work:
- CRT Monitor: This stands for cathode ray tube. These computer displays are the traditional type, used commonly when computers first became available. They resemble the old box televisions, with bulky casing and curved glass. CRT monitors aren’t very common today, but if you’re looking for budget monitors, you can usually find one of these for free online.
- LCD Monitor: This stands for liquid crystal display. These computer displays are also commonly referred to as flatscreen displays. They use two layers of glass with liquid between them and cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) behind for lighting. LCD displays are compact, portable, and more energy-efficient than CRT monitors.
- LED Monitor: This stands for light-emitting diode. These computer displays use the same general configuration as LCD displays. The only difference is the way the lighting works. Instead of lamps, LED displays use individual diodes to light up your display.
Do You Really Need a 22-Inch Monitor?
You can’t use your computer unless you have a monitor hooked up to it (or unless it’s a laptop computer). In this sense, a 22-inch monitor is absolutely necessary. The nuance comes into play when you start to consider the size of your monitor.
22-inch monitors aren’t the biggest options available on the market, but they’re excellent choices for anyone that needs a portable and compact option. If you are in the market for a larger screen size then you can consider the best 40 inch computer monitors.
Is a 22-Inch Monitor Worth Buying?
- You Don’t Have a Lot of Desk Space: Since 22-inch monitors are among the smallest monitors available today, they are perfect for anyone that doesn’t have a lot of desk space to spare. If you’re working with minimal room, you can do really well with a 22-inch display.
- You Need to Travel with Your Setup: If you move a lot for work or you need to move your desk setup regularly for any reason, then a compact 22-inch monitor can be really good for you. These displays are lightweight enough to easily carry around with you as you move.
- You Don’t Want or Need Anything Fancy: The top 22-inch monitors are relatively simple in design and advanced functionality. As such, they’re best for people who don’t want or need anything more than just a simple computer display solution.
- You’re On a Budget: 22-inch monitors are some of the best cheap monitors you can buy today. If you don’t have a lot of budget, you can definitely save money with a 22-inch option.
Why a 22-Inch Monitor May Not Be For You
- You’re a Creative Professional: Creative professionals like video editors understand the value of having a large, advanced computer display. 22-inch monitors are usually too small for serious creative work or an immersive experience for gamers.
- You Have a Lot of Room on Your Desk: If you have enough room on your desk for a larger monitor, then you might as well take advantage of it. You have most likely used a 24-inch monitor in the past, so a 22-inch display may feel small to you. If you’ve got the space and the budget, you may want to spring for a larger display size.
How Long Will a 22-Inch Monitor Last?
When it comes to computer monitors, you’ll measure lifespan in hours of usage instead of calendar years or months. However, these usage hours can be translated into a general sense of years if you so wish.
According to TechiExpert, you can expect CRT monitors to last you around 20,000 to 30,000 hours. LCD monitors last anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 hours and LED monitors last anywhere from 80,000 to 120,000 hours.
There are a few things you can do to prolong your monitor’s lifespan. One of the best things you can do is to utilize power-saving features. If your monitor is constantly turned on, it will wear out much faster. Power-saving features will turn the monitor off automatically when not in use.
You can also do things like lower the display brightness and place it in a clean environment to prolong its life. Just like with other consumer electronics, the better you treat your 22-inch display, the longer it will last you.
How to Choose the Best 22-Inch Monitor
Before jumping straight to purchasing the first monitor you see, we always recommend taking some time to determine exactly what you want and need out of your new monitor. By making careful considerations before purchasing, you’ll be more likely to end up with a 22 inch or the best 23 inch monitor that will last you for years to come.
22-Inch Monitor Key Factors to Consider
Read through the following questions to determine what kind of features and functionalities you need for your 22-inch monitor. Keep your answers in mind as you start looking at the different options available on the market today and use them to narrow down your choices.
1. What are you using your monitor for?
Before moving onto specific features and functionalities, it’s essential that you decide what the main use case is going to be for your 22-inch monitor. The answer to this question can help you determine the exact features to look for during your research. Let’s take a look at different use-case scenarios:
- General Use: If you’re purchasing a 22-inch monitor for casual use at home like surfing the web, watching YouTube, or online shopping, then most monitors will suffice. You’ll essentially only need to worry about sticking to your budget and purchasing an option that looks good while in use.
- Professional Use: If you’re purchasing a 22-inch monitor for professional use, whether in a work setting or in your home office, then you’ll want to be more careful about the option you choose. Look for things like a wide color gamut and more versatile connectivity options.
- Gaming: If you’re purchasing a 22-inch monitor for gaming, you’ll want to look for options with low input lag, vibrant colors, and more customization options. This way, you can tailor your gameplay experience to fit whatever game you’re playing and your own personal style.
2. What type of computer monitor do you want?
As discussed earlier in this guide, there are a few different types of monitors to consider, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s review those here a little more in-depth so you can make an informed purchasing decision:
- CRT monitor: Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors aren’t very common today because they use mostly outdated technology. Plus, they’re larger and heavier than newer options. However, they are durable and last a long time, making them excellent cheap monitors.
- LCD monitor: Liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors are the most common types of monitors available today. They use two panels with liquid in between them and fluorescent lighting to create the display. An LCD monitor is an ideal all-around display for gaming and home office use.
- LED monitor: Light-emitting diode (LED) monitors use the same general technology as LCD monitors, but they use small individual lights instead of large fluorescent lights. In general, LED monitors offer superior picture quality and optimal color accuracy, making them excellent for gamers and creative professionals.
3. What kind of monitor panel is right for you?
If you decide to purchase an LCD or LED monitor, then you’ll also want to consider what type of panels it uses inside. There are three main types of panels to consider:
- TN Panel: If you’re looking for cheap monitors, you can’t go wrong with a Twisted Nematic (TN) panel monitor. TN panels are incredibly affordable, and they also offer a super-fast response time – as low as 1ms – making them excellent for gamers. Unfortunately, they offer the worst when it comes to color reproduction and viewing angles.
- VA Panel: Vertical alignment (VA) monitors are good mid-range options. They offer slower response times than TN monitors, but better color accuracy and wide viewing angles. In general, VA monitors make for excellent general use and home office monitors.
- IPS Panel: In-plane switching (IPS) monitors are quickly becoming the best choice for gaming or creative endeavors. An IPS monitor offers incredible color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and solid response times. Be aware that IPS panel monitors tend to be more expensive in general, though.
4. What screen resolution and aspect ratios fit your specific usage habits?
Screen resolution refers to the number of total pixels present. In today’s market, you should always consider a monitor with at least a 1920×1080 resolution. This is also called full HD, or FHD. Most computers, whether they be desktop or laptop computers, use graphics and video cards that output high-quality, crisp images.
While FHD monitors (1920×1080 resolution) are still good, we recommend purchasing a 4K monitor whenever possible in your budget. 4K monitors offer incredibly sharp image quality, high contrast ratio, and accurate color representation. 4K monitors are an absolute must if you are a gamer or creative professional.
You should also consider different aspect ratios. There are three main types of aspect ratios today: 4:3, 16:9, and 21:9. With the advent of high-definition displays, 4:3 is less common. You’ll more commonly find a 16:9 aspect ratio in 22-inch monitors.
5. What kind of connectivity do you need?
Finally, consider what variety of ports your 22-inch monitor has. At the very least, you should have an HDMI port so you can connect your monitor and computer via an HDMI cable. However, VGA inputs and DisplayPort are also very common connections that monitors use.
Purchase a display that can handle the cables or dock that you currently use. This way setup and installation will be as easy as possible.
You may also find additional ports like USB ports or places for an audio cable to plug directly into your monitor. These increase overall versatility.
