UK Shortlists home UK Shortlists
Open primary navigation

Back to Monitors & Displays

UK buying shortlist

Best 24-Inch Monitors for Small Desks in the UK (2026)

A rebuilt compact-monitor shortlist for a real small desk: choose by screen footprint, stand or VESA fit, ports and ergonomic adjustment before comparing offers.

Quick answer · Top 4

Compare all four before checking a retailer

Affiliate links may earn commission. Check current price, stock, delivery, returns and fit on the retailer page before buying.

Pick 2 - Best overall

BenQ GW2490E 23.8-inch Full HD Monitor

Best for:A small desk where a compact 23.8-inch screen and higher-refresh general use are the key factors.

Trade-off:Confirm the exact stand, ports and cable bundle rather than assuming every seller package is identical.

Check winner on Amazon
Reviewed 07/08/2026 Criteria-based comparison How we chose Review details

The shortlist

Four options, with the trade-offs visible

Use the fit, limitations and checkout checks before opening a retailer page. Confirm the current price, stock, delivery and returns with the retailer.

Pick 1

Best budget

Acer EK241Y G 23.8-inch Monitor UM.QE1EE.G07

Verdict

A compact 23.8-inch Full HD IPS starting point with 100 x 100 VESA support. Treat Budget as a buyer role and check today's exact model, ports, desk depth and seller terms before checkout.

Check on Amazon

Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.

Highlights

  • The smaller 23.8-inch display and published VESA dimensions make it a practical budget option for shallow desks.

Drawbacks

  • Its 1080p resolution and port set should be checked against your exact computer and intended work.

Buyer fit

Best for

  • Buyers who need a compact, VESA-capable monitor for an ordinary small desk.

Not for you if

  • Colour-critical, high-resolution or USB-C single-cable workflows.

Check before buying

  • Measure desk depth and stand footprint, then confirm ports, cable bundle, VESA compatibility and returns.

Pick 2

Overall winner

Best overall

BenQ GW2490E 23.8-inch Full HD Monitor

Verdict

The best general comparison for a small desk where 23.8 inches and a maker-published 100Hz specification meet the actual job. It is not a promise of a better image for every computer or workflow.

Check lead pick on Amazon

Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.

Highlights

  • A compact 23.8-inch option with maker-published 100Hz and connection context.

Drawbacks

  • Confirm the exact stand, ports and cable bundle rather than assuming every seller package is identical.

Buyer fit

Best for

  • A small desk where a compact 23.8-inch screen and higher-refresh general use are the key factors.

Not for you if

  • Buyers who need a higher-resolution panel or assured USB-C docking behaviour.

Check before buying

  • Check desk depth, stand footprint, ports, cable bundle, VESA fit and seller return terms.

Pick 3

Best premium

Samsung S40GD 24-inch Full HD Monitor LS24D400GAUXXU

Verdict

A premium ergonomics-led route for buyers who will use the Samsung's published height-adjustable stand rather than simply paying for a feature list. Confirm desk clearance, ports and actual adjustment range before deciding.

Check on Amazon

Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.

Highlights

  • An exact UK model with published height adjustment and 100Hz specification for buyers who value desk ergonomics.

Drawbacks

  • Check whether its ports and stand movement solve your own desk setup before treating ergonomics as a universal fit.

Buyer fit

Best for

  • Small-desk buyers who need an adjustable stand rather than merely a small screen.

Not for you if

  • Buyers who need 4K, USB-C docking or external colour-calibration workflow.

Check before buying

  • Measure desk clearance and check port needs, height/pivot range, cable bundle, VESA fit and return terms.

Pick 4

Best specialist or alternative

HP V24i G5 23.8-inch Full HD Monitor 6D8H0AA

Verdict

A specialist conventional-display alternative when a compact, familiar Full HD format matters more than higher-resolution or docking features. Verify the exact 6D8H0AA bundle and stand before purchase.

Check on Amazon

Affiliate retailer link. Check current price, stock, delivery and returns before buying.

Highlights

  • A compact 23.8-inch alternative for a buyer whose main constraint is keeping a monitor physically manageable.

Drawbacks

  • Verify exact ports, stand adjustment and included cables on the live 6D8H0AA listing.

Buyer fit

Best for

  • Buyers who need a conventional compact monitor as an alternative to the feature-led picks.

Not for you if

  • Buyers who need a claimed higher-refresh, USB-C or colour-critical workflow.

Check before buying

  • Confirm desk depth, stand footprint, display input, cable bundle, VESA route and return terms.

Top 4 comparison

Compare the useful differences, trade-offs and final checks side by side.

Before you compare

Check these first

  1. 1Measure desk depth, stand footprint and eye-to-screen distance before choosing a display.
  2. 2Confirm the exact model code, HDMI/DisplayPort/USB-C needs, cable bundle, VESA compatibility and adjustment range.
  3. 3Check whether a monitor arm or laptop stand would solve the space problem better than a different panel.

Your four roles

1Best budgetAcer EK241Y G 23.8-inch Monitor UM.QE1EE.G07Buyers who need a compact, VESA-capable monitor for an ordinary small desk.

Trade-off:Its 1080p resolution and port set should be checked against your exact computer and intended work.

Not ideal for:Colour-critical, high-resolution or USB-C single-cable workflows.

Check:Measure desk depth and stand footprint, then confirm ports, cable bundle, VESA compatibility and returns.

Check retailer price
2Best overallBenQ GW2490E 23.8-inch Full HD MonitorA small desk where a compact 23.8-inch screen and higher-refresh general use are the key factors.

Trade-off:Confirm the exact stand, ports and cable bundle rather than assuming every seller package is identical.

Not ideal for:Buyers who need a higher-resolution panel or assured USB-C docking behaviour.

Check:Check desk depth, stand footprint, ports, cable bundle, VESA fit and seller return terms.

Check winner price
3Best premiumSamsung S40GD 24-inch Full HD Monitor LS24D400GAUXXUSmall-desk buyers who need an adjustable stand rather than merely a small screen.

Trade-off:Check whether its ports and stand movement solve your own desk setup before treating ergonomics as a universal fit.

Not ideal for:Buyers who need 4K, USB-C docking or external colour-calibration workflow.

Check:Measure desk clearance and check port needs, height/pivot range, cable bundle, VESA fit and return terms.

Check retailer price
4Best specialist or alternativeHP V24i G5 23.8-inch Full HD Monitor 6D8H0AABuyers who need a conventional compact monitor as an alternative to the feature-led picks.

Trade-off:Verify exact ports, stand adjustment and included cables on the live 6D8H0AA listing.

Not ideal for:Buyers who need a claimed higher-refresh, USB-C or colour-critical workflow.

Check:Confirm desk depth, stand footprint, display input, cable bundle, VESA route and return terms.

Check retailer price

Choose this if / Avoid this if

Rule out poor-fit options before comparing finer details.

Avoid if

  • Your real requirement is single-cable USB-C docking, 4K text space or a colour-critical workflow.
  • You need a measured gaming or professional-display result.

Dealbreakers

  • The exact model code, stand dimensions, VESA pattern or required ports cannot be confirmed.
  • The desk remains too shallow once the stand and cables are accounted for.

Check before buying

  • Measure desk depth, stand footprint and eye-to-screen distance before choosing a display.
  • Confirm the exact model code, HDMI/DisplayPort/USB-C needs, cable bundle, VESA compatibility and adjustment range.
  • Check whether a monitor arm or laptop stand would solve the space problem better than a different panel.

Choose another shortlist if

  • Choose a USB-C monitor route for docking or a 27-inch/4K route for workspace rather than physical compactness.
  • Choose a monitor-arm or desk-layout guide if placement is the main problem.

Detailed buyer guidance

Small desk means measuring more than diagonal size

The original version of this route recommended 27-inch monitors, which was the opposite of the buyer’s stated job. The repair starts with four exact 23.8/24-inch models, but size alone is still not enough.

Measure from the wall to the front edge of the desk. Then allow for the stand, cables and the space you need to sit comfortably. If a monitor arm is part of the plan, check the desk edge and the exact VESA pattern before assuming it will save space.

Choose by the constraint that actually matters

  • Pick Acer when a basic compact Full HD screen with a published VESA route is enough.
  • Pick BenQ as the general compact desk comparison with a published 100Hz specification.
  • Pick Samsung when stand adjustment is the decisive ergonomic constraint.
  • Pick HP when a conventional compact Full HD alternative better matches the setup than more specialised features.

Before checkout

Confirm the exact model code, all required ports, included cables, VESA mount, warranty and returns. If your laptop needs one cable for power, display and peripherals, stop here and use USB-C monitor options instead—the connection requirement changes the shortlist.

What would change the winner?

The lead pick remains the right starting point only while this shortlist matches your priorities. Reconsider it when a different use case or fit requirement matters more.

Known limitations

UK Shortlists has not measured colour accuracy, brightness, response behaviour or long-session comfort. This is a constraint-first equipment comparison.

How we chose

The checks behind the four picks

Rebuilt on 7 August 2026 because the former option used 27-inch models. The four picks are now exact 23.8/24-inch models with published source evidence and current Amazon UK destinations. We do not claim live prices, colour-critical accuracy or hands-on display testing.

  • Step 1: Exact 23.8/24-inch model identity and current UK destination
  • Step 2: Desk-depth, stand-footprint and VESA mounting practicality
  • Step 3: Published resolution, port and ergonomic facts
  • Step 4: Four differentiated buyer roles without live-price ranking

Disclosure

Last reviewed: 07/08/2026

UK Shortlists may earn a commission when you use some retailer links. This does not increase the price you pay.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Retailers cannot pay to change which products we recommend or their order.

Prices, stock, delivery and returns can change. Confirm the final details with the retailer before buying.

Read more about how UK Shortlists makes money, retailer checks, and how corrections are handled.

Who checked this shortlist?

Written / compiled by:
UK Shortlists Editorial Team
Last reviewed:
07/08/2026
Review basis:
Criteria-based comparison

We compare published product information, retailer details and the buying criteria shown above. UK Shortlists does not currently publish claims based on first-party product use, laboratory testing or long-term testing.

FAQs & alternatives

Is 24 inches always better for a small desk?

Not always. The stand depth and cable route can matter as much as diagonal size, so measure both before buying.

Does 100Hz make a monitor universally better for office work?

No. It is one published specification. Port fit, physical ergonomics, resolution and your computer can matter more.

Why is the Samsung the Premium role?

Its published adjustable stand makes it a premium ergonomics route for a buyer who will use that flexibility; it is not a live-price or display-quality claim.

Newsletter

Want the next useful buying check?

Get occasional UK Shortlists updates for decisions like this. Unsubscribe at any time.

Prefer the full details? Open newsletter page.

Related shortlists