Do you spend most of your time in front of the computer? If so, how you set up your computer, such as the table height, monitor size, and more, directly affects your health.
Unfortunately, not many people know this impact and often neglect the way they arrange their work or gaming station.
If you want to be mindful of your computer setup, one of the first things you need to do is choose the right monitor size for your needs. But how do you find the right one?
Find out in this 24, 27 and 32-inch monitor comparison article!
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24 Inch Monitor (Overview & Benefits Explained)
This is the most common monitor size available in the market now.
Unlike the other two sizes, it’s not too expensive, and it’s perfect for all types of uses, such as editing, typing, and even gaming.
A 24-inch monitor works well with a 1080p or Full HD resolution. So, if you’re getting this size, it's best to get it at 1080p.
While you can get a 1440p resolution, you won’t get the most out of it with this monitor size.
There is also 4K resolution 24-inch monitors available, but it isn’t ideal for this size.
You’re just going to waste your money if you buy any resolution higher than 1080p because it won’t give you the display you need.
So, if you’re on a budget but don’t care much about the clarity of your content, this is an ideal choice.
27 Inch Monitor (Overview & Benefits Explained)
If you think that 24-inch monitors are too small, a 27-inch monitor may be your best option. This monitor is also the best size if you want a 1440p resolution.
When comparing 24 to 27-inch monitors, the latter size can provide a better display since it has higher pixels per inch (PPI) density.
Not only that, but it can also support 4K resolution, allowing you to enjoy an immersive experience with your computer.
This is also a safer choice since it has a larger screen real estate than a 24-inch monitor but is not too big that it resembles a TV like a 32-inch monitor.
Some 27-inch monitors have a 1080p resolution, but the display can be pixelated and maybe too annoying if you work with graphics, photos, or videos.
If you choose to purchase this monitor, make sure to get it at 1440p resolution or higher.
32 Inch Monitor (Overview & Benefits Explained)
Many people think that 32-inch monitors are too big since many TVs come in the same size. But some gamers and editors may argue that it is actually a good purchase.
The 32-inch monitors are similar to 27-inch, in that they also come in 1440p and 4K resolution, which is perfect for those looking for high-quality displays.
It also has a large enough screen estate that can be useful for users who need to open a lot of tabs.
If you are a gamer who plays single-player games, this is a good choice as it can give you an immersive experience.
But, if you’re just using your computer for simple tasks such as typing or surfing the net, a 32-inch monitor is probably too big in this scenario.
24 V. 27 Vs 32 Inch Monitor: Which Is The Best?
For Gaming
24, 27, and 32-inch monitors are popular monitor sizes when it comes to gaming. If you have been gaming for a while, you know that these sizes are always the top choices.
But which one of them is really the best option? Well, that depends on what kinds of games you play. Can your CPU and GPU handle a 4K display?
Or are you okay with a 1440p resolution? Do you play multiplayer games, or do you like single-player ones?
For casual gamers, a 24-inch monitor is enough to cover all your gaming needs.
However, some pro players would argue that a 27-inch is the best size, given that many of these monitors can handle a 4K display.
But if you are after a more immersive gaming experience, you can never go wrong with a 32-inch 4k curved monitor.
But to be safe, we recommend a 27-inch monitor since it’s not as bulky and oversized as a 32-inch monitor and can handle better resolution than a 24-inch monitor.
For Office Work
Most office tasks don’t require impeccable display since it usually involves texts and, sometimes, photos and videos.
And if you work with text a lot, a bigger screen can be more challenging since it can sometimes distort the UI of an app and make the texts blurry.
At the same time, it will also require you to move your neck and eyes more often because of how much space the screen occupies.
This eliminates 32-inch monitors from the options since we all know that this size is on the larger size, which can be problematic.
A 27-inch monitor may still work well for office tasks, but some still find it bigger than they need.
But if you’re also using your computer for gaming in addition to work, it can be beneficial to get a 27-inch monitor.
However, we recommend you get a 24-inch monitor for work instead of the other sizes because it won’t strain your eyes and neck, unlike the other options.
For Programming
With all the codes you’ll be working on, it’s natural to be inclined to get a bigger screen.
However, bigger screens tend to distort texts and app interfaces, especially if the app isn’t scalable enough.
This can cause your eyes to work more than they should be and can be detrimental to your overall health.
However, some programmers require an excellent resolution for testing apps.
Some 24-inch monitors can provide a good display, but it may need a bit of research to find the best choice. With this in mind, it’s safer to get a 27-inch monitor instead.
This will also come in handy if you do other things like gaming or dabbling with design and photography.
Unfortunately, a 32-inch monitor isn’t an ideal choice.
However, some programmers would disagree, given that this monitor size can provide more working space for you and allow you to open different apps in one workspace.
But for us, 27-inch is still the better choice.
For Video and Photo Editing
If you are working with videos and photos, you need to have the best resolution for your computer.
This is because every minute detail of the content you’re working on is crucial to your overall output. If you can't see these details clearly, you will produce poor-quality work.
That’s why a bigger screen that can handle high resolution is a must for this type of work.
Some editors may say that 24-inch monitors are enough, especially if they can handle the resolution you need.
But we believe that quality should always be your priority, and 27-inch and 32-inch monitors are your best option for this.
These monitors can provide you with great details that you need and allow you to go through every element of the photo or video you’re working on.
A 27-inch monitor is perfect if you don’t want to splurge. But if you have the money, we suggest getting a 32-inch monitor instead. The bigger, the better is what they say, right?
For Graphic Design
Like photo and video editing, you need to have a good quality display for graphic design.
A 1080p resolution won’t suffice, especially if you need to go through every tiny detail of the elements you’re working with.
At the same time, you need to ensure that your monitor’s color outputs the right hue. If you don’t, it will mess up your work.
To be on the safer side, you need to choose either a 27-inch or 32-inch monitor.
Some designers think that a 27-inch isn’t enough space for all the tools they use, so they usually lean towards purchasing 32-inch monitors.
But we believe that a 27-inch monitor is enough, especially if you're tight on budget. But both sizes are good options for graphics design.
For Long Term Eye Health
One reason why you should be careful when choosing a monitor size is for your eye health.
But the size itself doesn’t have much effect on your eyes; it’s the viewing distance that can damage your eyes long-term.
Make sure that you position your monitor further away from your eyes to keep them from getting strained.
So, 24-inch, 27-inch, and 32-inch monitors can all have damaging effects on your eyes if you don’t properly practice safe distance from the screen.
However, they can all be good for your eye health if you view them from the right length.
At the same time, following the viewing distance will also allow you to experience the most out of your monitor’s resolution.
Price Comparisons
When it comes to pricing, the smaller monitors are more affordable than the bigger ones. In addition to their sizes, the resolution of the monitor can also contribute to its price tag.
For example, a 4K 27-inch monitor will be more expensive than a 1440p 32-inch monitor because of the resolution it can handle.
So, there’s really no winner when it comes to prices for these three monitors. But we suggest choosing a better resolution over a bigger size because that will give you a better experience.
Even if you have a huge monitor, but the resolution isn’t good, the size won’t really matter.
Frequently Asked Monitor Size Questions
Is a 24-inch monitor good for coding?
Yes, 24-inch monitors are enough for coding. With coding, you don’t require a high-quality display, so this monitor size is enough for programming.
What resolution should a 24-inch monitor be?
The best resolution for 24-inch monitors is 1080p or 1920 x 1080.
What size desk do I need for two 27-inch monitors?
If you want a dual-monitor setup using 27-inch monitors, you need a desk with at least 55 inches in width and 23 inches in depth. Anything smaller won’t fit the two monitors.
Conclusion
The best monitor size for you depends on how you plan to use your computer. So, before you purchase, list out all the things you want to get out of your computer’s display.
If you plan on getting a 4K display, you need to make sure that your CPU and GPU can handle this display, or else it will be a waste.
Lastly, don’t rush in when purchasing a new monitor; take your time to ensure you find the best one that suits your needs.
Andrew White is the founder of TechGearoid, a leading technology review & information website that is designed to help consumers make better decisions when it comes to their IT purchases. As a specialist tech writer (nerd) with over 10 years of experience, he enjoys writing about everything there is to do with modern technology & the newest market innovations. When he isn’t providing value for his readers, he’s usually drinking coffee or at the beach. Andrew lives in Sydney, Australia with his wife and family.