Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source, a 24-inch monitor for just $84. Budget monitors in 2026 look a whole lot better than they did a few years ago, and after going hands-on with this one, I found it to be a good value for students, kids, and budget-conscious users who use their computers for everyday tasks.
That said, there are certainly trade-offs with lower-end monitors, and they won’t come as a surprise: less flexibility, less connectivity, and, most importantly, a less vibrant image. With the right expectations, however, a lower-end display can be a smart buy instead of dropping hundreds on something that’s overkill.
The matte display is reflective if not placed well.
Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET
The matte surface is also prone to reflections when light comes from a single source, such as a bright window in front of the monitor. This, with the maximum 300 nits, means it’s not the brightest monitor on the market; the second big trade-off. For that reason, I’d recommend placing the monitor facing away from a window or light source.
On the back, the display has a single HDMI port, a DisplayPort 1.2a port, a headphone jack, and a Kensington lock slot. It also features built-in speakers, but they’re low-quality, and I’d only recommend using them if you have no other option.
The screen itself can rotate up to 20 degrees, but cannot be raised or lowered. On the back of the right side is the monitor’s navigation button, which brings up the onboard menu for visual settings and a range of presets.
Who’s it for?
I recently tested Apple’s new MacBook Neo, a $599 version of the MacBook with smart trade-offs, and was so impressed by it that I bought one for my mom. It’s perfect for what she uses it for: checking email, casual web browsing, and iPhone integrations like FaceTime and Messages. The one thing she doesn’t like, however, is that the screen is a tad too small.
My vision: pair it with MSI’s Pro MP243W. This 24-inch monitor could be a great companion for the Neo, doubling the Neo’s small 13-inch screen for less than $100 and creating a dual-screen home workstation in the process.
The 300 nits of brightness and FHD resolution screen doesn’t exactly look better than the Neo’s Liquid Retina display, but it is bigger, and offers a second display — something the Neo handles effortlessly. You’ll need a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter to do this. I recommend this Anker model for $16 is a solid 24-inch budget monitor that gets the job done for $84 — a price you can’t argue with. It doesn’t compete with high-end OLED displays, but that’s not the point. It’ll serve well for kids, teens, seniors, or as a secondary device in a guest room or secondary office. I just recommend placing it away from bright light sources, and keep in mind that you may need a monitor stand.
