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The Best Budget Monitors for 〜 Having an extra, bigger screen can seriously level up your study sessions. Whether you’re working on essays, attending online lectures, or multitasking between research tabs, a monitor can make a world of difference.
A good external display gives you more screen real estate, reduces eye strain, and helps boost productivity—all without breaking the bank.
Before we dive into the top picks, let’s break down what you should consider when choosing a student-friendly monitor for studying at home.
How to Choose the Best Monitor for Studying
1. What’s the Best Size for a Student Monitor?
We recommend 24-inch monitors as the ideal size for studying at home. They’re a great step up from a standard laptop screen without feeling overwhelmingly large. Plus, they fit comfortably on most student desks without taking up too much space.
2. Resolution & Image Quality: Does It Matter?
Absolutely! A good student monitor should have Full HD resolution (1080p) to ensure clear text, sharp images, and a comfortable viewing experience. If you’re staring at a screen for hours, you’ll also want eye-care features like blue light filters and flicker-free technology to reduce strain.
3. Price: How Much Should You Spend?
As a student, you don’t need a super high-end monitor. Monitors can get expensive with all the latest tech, but you can get an excellent study monitor within the £90to £130 range. We’ve handpicked affordable options that deliver great value without breaking the bank.
Best Budget Monitors for Studying at Home in the UK
Each of these monitors includes a direct link to Amazon UK, so you can check the latest prices, reviews, and features before making a decision.
1. Dell SE2422HX 24 Inch Full HD Monitor
A reliable, budget-friendly choice with Full HD resolution, anti-glare coating, and fast response time. Perfect for students who need a crisp display for long study sessions.
👉 Check this DELL monitor 🖥️ on Amazon UK.
2. Philips 241V8LA – 24 Inch FHD Monitor
With flicker-free technology and LowBlue Mode, this monitor is designed to reduce eye strain, making it a great option for long hours of studying.
👉 Check this PHILIPS monitor 🖥️ on Amazon UK.
3. Samsung F24T450FQR – T45F Series 24 Inch Full HD Monitor
A sleek and modern monitor with IPS panel technology for wider viewing angles, making it great for group study sessions.
👉 Check this SAMSUNG monitor 🖥️ on Amazon UK.
4. HP v24i Full HD Monitor
A reliable and affordable monitor with Full HD resolution, HDMI and VGA connectivity, and an anti-glare screen, making it a practical choice for students.
👉 Check this HP monitor 🖥️ on Amazon UK.
5. Acer EK241Y H 23.8-inch Monitor
A fantastic IPS panel monitor with great colour accuracy and a frameless design, ideal for students who need a vibrant and eye-friendly display.
👉 Check this ACER monitor 🖥️ on Amazon UK.
6. BenQ GW2480 24 Inch Eye-Care Monitor
This monitor features adaptive brightness, flicker-free technology, and a built-in blue light filter, making it an excellent option for reducing eye strain during long study sessions.
👉 Check this BENQ monitor 🖥️ on Amazon UK.
7. AOC 24B2XH 24 Inch Monitor
A super affordable budget monitor with an IPS panel, slim bezels, and great viewing angles for multitasking and coursework.
👉 Check this AOC monitor 🖥️ on Amazon UK.
IPS vs. VA Monitor: Which is Best for Studying?
When choosing a monitor, you might come across terms like IPS (In-Plane Switching) and VA (Vertical Alignment) panels. Here’s how they compare:
- IPS Panels: Offer better color accuracy and wider viewing angles—great for multitasking, design work, and watching videos.
- VA Panels: Provide higher contrast and deeper blacks, making them better for watching movies but slightly less ideal for text clarity.
For students, IPS panels are usually the best choice because they reduce colour distortion and improve text visibility from different angles.
Why Do Students Need a Second Monitor?
A second screen can completely change how you study. Here’s why students love having a dedicated monitor:
- More Screen Space: Easily compare notes, research, and work on assignments side by side.
- Better Ergonomics: No more hunching over a small laptop screen – a bigger display is easier on your neck and eyes.
- Multitasking Made Easy: Attend lectures on one screen while taking notes on another.
- Great for Entertainment: After a long study session, relax with movies, gaming, or Netflix marathons on a larger display.
Best Monitor Accessories for a Student Setup
To create the ultimate study space, consider adding an ergonomic chair to your desk. We have a dedicated post on the Best Budget Desk Chair for Students that you might find useful!
Student essentials, everything you need for university!
We have ad-hoc essential lists for various facets of university life:
Student essentials, a day on campus;
Study from home essentials, the simple the better;
Student accommodation essentials, most useful & forgotten;
Kitchen essentials for university, self-catered halls and student flats;
Coolest gadgets for university students, innovative and useful; (perfect for gifts!)
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[…] to choose one. Those were used to make our list, just like we did when we went through the best monitors for […]