When looking for a monitor, this first thing you search for is the screen size. All other decisions come after that since the screen size is one way or another, connected to the other specs that the monitor will boast. For gaming purposes, the bigger the screen, the better. While that is true for many people, not everyone is always in the market for a big monitor. 21.5-inch monitors offer a bit of a middle ground. Their compact size helps them fit in on a table of just about any size without taking up too much space.
Monitors of this size usually come equipped with a 1080p resolution and carry a reasonable price tag. This alone serves as a sweet spot for many since not everyone can afford to spend big bucks on a monitor. Whatever the case may be, it is given that 21.5-inch monitor size is preferred by many people. However, finding a good 21.5-inch monitor is not that easy, especially gaming 21.5-inch monitors since companies are mostly focused on bigger sized monitors. So, which one is the best 21.5-inch monitor for gaming purposes and what does it have to offer? I have compiled a list of 5 best monitors that you should definitely look into.
The best choice Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Size: 21.5-inch | Ports: HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA | Refresh Rate: 75 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Panel: TN Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API1. AOC G2260VWQ6
Check PriceThe first entry in our list for the best 21.5-inch gaming monitor is the AOC G2260VWQ6. The name sure is a mouthful but it is an excellent choice for this category. A monitor that comes with a 1ms response time, FreeSync and doesn’t burn a big hole in your wallet? I can’t see who can say no to that. For a 21.5-inch gaming monitor, the AOC G2260VWQ6 is the best one you can go for.
This AOC monitor has a pretty simplistic design for a gaming monitor. Which is fine as things go because it is quite difficult to find those aesthetic and very high-end looking monitors in this price range. Plus, you’ll find that designs like this are quite easy to work with. This monitor does not have speakers but, you rarely ever need to use speakers from your monitor so that shouldn’t be a problem. The bezels are not as thin as they could be but it’s enough for you to realize that there isn’t a lot of space wasted on this AOC monitor. For connectivity, you have HDMI, DisplayPort and a VGA port however, only the DisplayPort supports 75Hz.
The AOC G2260VWQ6 has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080p and a refresh rate of up to 60Hz. However, as stated earlier that only the DisplayPort lets you use the 75Hz refresh rate. For gaming purposes, this monitor really has all you could essentially need. Support for AMD FreeSync will let you experience smooth gameplay without any tears. But the best part of this monitor is its incredibly fast response time. This AOC monitor has a response time of 1ms which will ensure that you don’t notice any image ghosting. In the calibration settings, you can manage the AntiBlueLight settings to reduce the effects of blue light on your eyes. This makes this monitor friendly to your eyes as well over long and continuous usage.
The AOC G2260VWQ6 is a great choice for a 21.5-inch monitor. Monitors of this size may not be ideal for all, however they are the go-to choice for those who’re shopping on a budget. And for that, this AOC monitor is a great choice, it has all the essentials that you need from a gaming monitor such as a 75Hz refresh rate and a rapid response time of 1ms. The only downside is that there are no speakers present. However, as stated earlier, you can easily look over that fact and use this monitor for what it is.
2. HP Pavilion 22CWA
Quality and Economy
- One of the cheapest
- Space saving
- Can be used for dual-monitor setups
- Great colors and viewing angles
- Lack of dedicated gaming features
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Size: 21.5-inch | Ports: HDMI, VGA | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Panel: IPS
Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API
Next in line for our recommended monitor for those looking for a 21.5-inch sized monitor is the HP Pavilion 22CWA monitor. Relatively slim bezels on its three sides, a very sleek design, and an IPS LED panel for vibrant colors and great viewing angles, the HP Pavilion comes equipped with all the basic features. While this monitor is great for just about all intents and uses, there is an absence of particular gaming features that a gaming monitor might come equipped with. It is definitely worth the money though.
The HP Pavilion 22CWA has a very sleek design which, with its sort of slim bezels looks even better. The base of this monitor will draw eyes as it is of quite an uncommon nature. The base is designed to go with the space-saving element that the HP monitors offers. Flat and built-in kind of stand hooks makes this sort of different. The monitor offers a very slim thickness of the screen itself. As for ergonomics you only get the ability to tilt, you cannot rotate or swivel this monitor around, but the base stand of the monitor is sort of built to be rotated as a unit. As for the connectivity ports, you have VGA and HDMI inputs. The VGA ports are outdated ports but it is what it is.
The HP Pavilion 22CWA has no specific gaming features to offer such as AMD FreeSync etc. However, its attractive price tag and overall great quality of picture is very appealing. It has a resolution of 1920 x 1080p which is pretty much what you can get from a 21.5-inch sized monitor. And with the IPS panel, the viewing angles will be great and colors vibrant and accurate as ever. Additionally, this monitor has a response time of 7ms which, for a gaming monitor is not too good but will do the job for you since a monitor this size is probably not for the long term. It also has a very high dynamic contrast ratio as well for a better experience is a more range of circumstances.
The HP Pavilion 22CWA may not be a dedicated gaming monitor, however, it remains a great choice for those looking for one in the 21.5-inch category. Being in the more affordable list of monitors, you can find great use for the HP Pavillion 22CWA, be it gaming or watching movies. Unfortunately, it does not have a higher refresh rate like the AOC G2260VWQ6 or any dedicated gaming features. However, you should easily be able to look past them because of how great this looks and how friendly its price is.
An attractive option Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Size: 21.5-inch | Ports: HDMI, VGA | Refresh Rate: 75Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Panel: IPS Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API3. AOC 22v2h
For the third spot, we have another monitor by AOC- the 22v2h. This monitor is an absurdly thin one with very slim bezels which make for a great-looking monitor. Honestly, the design is something we really liked when it comes to the AOC 22v2h monitor. And since the panel is really thin, AOC has put the ports on the rear of the stand instead. This makes for efficient and clean cable management, further adding on to the minimalistic design of this monitor. However, this thin design brings its own flaws as well which brought this monitor down to the third spot.
When it comes to the design and build department, the AOC 22v2h stands apart due to its amazing design. It takes a lot less space thanks to its thin and ultra-slim design and bezels. In fact, this monitor is quite ideal for when you need to use a multi-monitor setup with your computer. However, with this thin design, you also have to deal with the fact that the stand wobbles quite a bit. Not only that, it only lets you tilt the monitor by a few degrees. The ergonomics are restricted to just tilting and nothing else. These little things may seem minor, however, for the long term they are a disappointing feat. As for connections, the AOC 22v2h has only an HDMI, VGA and a 3.5mm audio port.
The AOC 22v2h has a resolution of 1920 x 1080p at 75Hz. The 75Hz, in today’s standards, is not that high but at least it’s more than 60Hz. With an input delay of 9ms and a response time of 5ms, AOC 22v2h works well to minimize any delays that you might witness while gaming. And there’s also the fact that TN panels are better suited for gaming purposes than IPS. While IPS panels do provide better viewing angles, TN has faster color reproduction which helps remove any ghosting effects that you might see on your images. However, since this one has an IPS panel, you can use it for stuff other than gaming as well which is good news.
The AOC 22v2h is one of the cheaper models in our list of the best 21.5-inch gaming monitors that you can buy. Since this category is already targeted for mostly budget picks, you don’t necessarily get the high end features that expensive monitors have. But still, the AOC 22v2h is a pleasant enough pick for you to consider looking into. It may not be a very great option for a long term pick that you see yourself using for a couple of years, but its low price is enough to turn some heads over for sure.
All-rounder choice Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Size: 21.5-inch | Ports: HDMI, VGA | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Panel: IPS Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API4. HP 22er
HP monitors are almost always great looking and with a design that can work with just about any type of setup you have in mind. HP’s panels may not always be among the very best, however, their otherwise great feature set and design make up for that quite a lot of times. For gaming monitors, Asus’s ROG is among the very best however, HP offers quite a decent monitor with a friendly price tag. And that one is the HP 22er, the one we’ll be talking about now.
Once again, we have another very thin-looking monitor that also has slim bezels. Thin design and even slimmer bezels are always something that add an aesthetic touch to your setup. The HP 22er has a silver-colored design on its stand and the bottom bezel. You can find the OSD controls to be below the bottom bezel on the right corner. The stand only lets you tilt the HP 22er a few degrees and nothing else. Having good ergonomics is an essential part of any monitor because you want to be able to adjust the monitor according to your line of sight. And moving towards the connectivity ports, the HP 22er has an HDMI and a VGA port.
The 1920 x 1080p resolution and the 60Hz refresh rate are pretty much what you get from a 21.5-inch monitor. And that is what HP offers with the 22er. However, a gaming monitor also needs to have good response time and less input delay. HP 22er monitor has a response time of 15ms, which isn’t exactly too bad. But it is high for a gaming monitor. Additionally, the HP 22er monitor does not have any dedicated gaming features that might give it an edge. But the fact remains that its high resolution, IPS panel and, relatively cheaper price tag for this category are certainly attractive.
The HP 22er monitor is not a gaming monitor per say, but it is a really good choice regardless. You may find the absence of a higher refresh rate and other features such as FreeSync to be a problem. However, budget builders don’t usually go for these things as not always can you capitalize on them with a budget build. HP 22er monitor may not be a very great gaming monitor but, its great color reproduction and sleek design are certainly a bonus.
Lightweight rounded use Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Size: 21.5-inch | Ports: HDMI, VGA, DVI | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Panel: VA Last Update on 2022-11-08 using Amazon Product Advertising API5. BenQ GW2270
Coming down to the 5th spot for our list of 21.5-inch gaming monitors, we have BenQ’s GW2270. BenQ has made their name known among the monitor community because they’ve been in this business for a long time. By now, you’re probably wondering if monitors of this size are actually good for gaming. For gaming purposes, monitor sizes of 24 or 27-inches are best suited because they provide ample real estate for you to work with. In addition to that, their costs are generally midway between being too expensive and too cheap. But, 21.5-inch sized monitors can be a good option as well, especially for those who are not about to spend the money more expensive models require. And, you can enjoy the 1080p resolution on these monitors quite a lot.
The BenQ GW2270 monitor is a monitor that doesn’t boast a very expensive cost. In BenQ’s efforts to cut cost, the setbacks that this monitor has had to go through can be visible. For starters, you can see that the design is very simple with thick bezels. And another thing is that the panel is quite flexible and thin. That means that even slight presses can leave marks on the screen and, in extreme cases, cause permanent damage. You will have to exercise caution when using the BenQ GW2270 as it may not be able to withstand a lot of damage. In addition to this, the stand also does not feature any adjustability except tilts.
This too is a 1080p resolution monitor so that’s alright. The BenQ GW2270 comes with Low Blue Light Technology and Brightness Intelligence Technology. These two can really help in keeping the strain on your eyes to a minimum. As this is not a very expensive and high-end monitor, these two features can be perfect for the intended audience. The input lag of 13ms and refresh rate of 60Hz are both within acceptable limits for gaming purposes. VA panel, which is what this monitor has, is better suited for contrast and image depth. Which is why it is suited for purposes other than gaming as well. Its connectivity ports are HDMI, VGA and DVI and you can switch between them seamlessly from the OSD menu.
The BenQ GW2270 is a cheap monitor with not a lot of features that can persuade gamers. But, this surely is a well-rounded choice for when simply gaming is not on your mind. The ePaper mode, Low Blue Light Technology and Brightness Intelligence Technology are a testament to that. The overall feature set of the BenQ GW2270 is not purely for gamers. Instead, it is a good choice for when you are looking for a monitor that can be suited for other uses as well.
