Best 23.8-Inch Monitors in 2026: 3 Picks Compared on Specs
For most desks, a 23.8-inch monitor is the sweet spot: it fits neatly, shows a full 1080p image, and leaves room for peripherals. The Dell SE2426H is our top pick in this three-monitor roundup because it combines a 144Hz refresh rate with an IPS panel, the only pick here that states both. We selected every monitor in the 23.8-inch pool and judged them on the specifications the seller states: resolution, refresh rate, panel type, speakers, and connections.
3 picks from 8 monitors that match this guide with a price we can quote today. All prices are live and show when they were read.
Our picks in brief
| # | Pick | Monitor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best overall | Dell 24 Monitor | $89.99 (as of 10/24/2026 12:19 PDT - Details) |
| 2 | Best with built-in speakers | Dell 24 Plus Monitor | $149.99 (as of 10/24/2026 12:19 PDT - Details) |
| 3 | Best for panel replacement | XIEYOUQIAN 23.8" LCD Screen ， LTM238HL02 ， FHD 1920×1080 | $276.33 (as of 10/24/2026 19:11 PDT - Details) |
Find your match
- For everyday work: Choose the Dell SE2426H when you want a stated IPS panel and 144Hz refresh rate on a 23.8-inch FHD screen. See pick 1
- For built-in audio: Choose the Dell S2425HSM when you want 144Hz motion and two 3W speakers without adding a separate speaker pair. See pick 2
- For panel replacement: Choose the XIEYOUQIAN LCD only if you are replacing a 23.8-inch panel and already have a monitor chassis and controller. See pick 3
3 picks, up close
1 Best overall
Dell 24 Monitor
- Size
- 23.8 in
- Resolution
- FHD 1080p
- Refresh
- 144 Hz
- Panel
- IPS
$89.99 (as of 10/24/2026 12:19 PDT - Details)
The Dell SE2426H is the most balanced monitor in this pool because it states a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and an IPS panel; no other listing states all three. The S2425HSM matches the 144Hz refresh rate but does not state its panel technology, and the bare XIEYOUQIAN panel states neither refresh rate nor panel. That combination makes the SE2426H the default 23.8-inch monitor for a desktop that has to do a little of everything.
Pros
- 144Hz refresh rate stated
- IPS panel stated
- FHD 1920x1080 resolution stated
- 1ms response time stated in the product name
Cons
- No built-in speakers stated
- No USB-C or Power Delivery mentioned
- No brightness or contrast figures stated
Good fit if
- Office and home users who want one screen for work and fast desktop use
- Buyers who value a stated IPS panel for viewing angles
Skip if
- You need speakers without buying a separate pair
- You want USB-C power delivery from the monitor
Verdict: The SE2426H combines a stated 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and IPS panel, making it the most complete 23.8-inch pick in this roundup.
2 Best with built-in speakers
Dell 24 Plus Monitor
- Size
- 23.8 in
- Resolution
- FHD 1080p
- Refresh
- 144 Hz
$149.99 (as of 10/24/2026 12:19 PDT - Details)
The Dell S2425HSM is the only monitor in this pool that states built-in audio, with two 3W speakers named in the listing. It matches the SE2426H on refresh rate, both state 144Hz, so it keeps the smooth motion benefit while adding speakers for a cable-free audio desk. The tradeoff is information: the listing names HDMI but does not state the panel technology.
Pros
- Two 3W speakers stated
- 144Hz refresh rate stated
- FHD 1920x1080 resolution stated
- HDMI connectivity named in the listing
Cons
- Panel type not stated by the seller
- No brightness or contrast figures stated
- Only FHD resolution, like the rest of this pool
Good fit if
- Desk setups that want audio without separate speakers
- Gamers who want 144Hz smoothness and can accept an unstated panel type
Skip if
- You need a confirmed IPS panel for color-critical work
- You need a long port list; only HDMI is named
Verdict: The S2425HSM is the pick to choose when built-in speakers matter, because it is the only model in the pool that states them.
3 Best for panel replacement
XIEYOUQIAN 23.8" LCD Screen ， LTM238HL02 ， FHD 1920×1080
- Size
- 23.8 in
- Resolution
- FHD 1080p
$276.33 (as of 10/24/2026 19:11 PDT - Details)
This listing is not a complete monitor: the seller describes it as a 23.8-inch LCD screen, which makes it a candidate for repair work rather than a ready-made desktop display. It shares the FHD 1920x1080 resolution of the Dell models, but no refresh rate, panel type, speakers, or connections are stated. Choose it only for a panel swap or service project, not as a first monitor.
Pros
- FHD 1920x1080 resolution stated
- 23.8-inch diagonal stated
- Listed as a bare LCD panel, which is what a replacement project needs
Cons
- No refresh rate stated by the seller
- No panel technology stated
- No stand, speakers, or connector list stated
Good fit if
- Technicians or hobbyists repairing a 23.8-inch display
- Buyers who already have a housing, power supply, and controller board
Skip if
- You want a complete monitor you can plug into a PC
- You need a stated refresh rate or panel type
Verdict: Only choose this XIEYOUQIAN listing if you are shopping for an LCD replacement panel rather than a full monitor.
How they compare
| # | Monitor | Size | Resolution | Refresh | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dell 24 Monitor | 23.8 in | FHD 1080p | 144 Hz | IPS |
| 2 | Dell 24 Plus Monitor | 23.8 in | FHD 1080p | 144 Hz | not stated |
| 3 | XIEYOUQIAN 23.8" LCD Screen ， LTM238HL02 ， FHD 1920×1080 | 23.8 in | FHD 1080p | not stated | not stated |
Our selection method
We started with the catalogue of 23.8-inch monitors and found three listings after folding near-duplicates. We kept all three because the pool is small. To shortlist, we looked for stated panel type, refresh rate, speakers, and connector information; we preferred models from established makers and did not disqualify any listing because every entry was needed to cover the size class. The Dell SE2426H and Dell S2425HSM are complete desktop monitors; the XIEYOUQIAN listing is the exception, sold as a bare LCD replacement panel rather than a full monitor. Prices on the page are live and read from the store listing at publication time, so they can change. No unit was tested by this site. The judgments here are based on the seller's stated specifications and the maker's published information.
What matters when choosing
Why 23.8 inches is a common desktop size
A 23.8-inch diagonal is a practical fit for a single desktop screen: it is large enough for two documents side by side and small enough for most desks. The typical resolution in this class is FHD 1920 x 1080, and 1080p is generally ideal for monitors from 21 to 24 inches, so you get sharp text without heavy scaling. ENERGY STAR also notes that 24 inches is a good baseline for affordability and quality, and 23.8 inches is the same size class for most listings.
Resolution: what FHD gives you at 23.8 inches
All three picks in this pool are FHD 1920 x 1080, and no listing states a resolution above that. FHD is the most common resolution for 21- to 24-inch monitors, which makes it a safe match for office software, web browsing, and 1080p video. At this diagonal the pixel density is sufficient for normal viewing distances, so you do not need to scale text as aggressively as you would on a larger 4K panel of the same resolution.
Panel type and viewing angles
Panel technology affects viewing angles, contrast, and off-axis color, but it is not always stated by sellers. In this pool, only the Dell SE2426H names its panel as IPS. If a listing omits the panel type, that is a gap in the information: check the maker's product page for the model number before buying. IPS is widely used in this size class and is generally a safe choice for shared screens, but you should confirm the panel yourself when the listing is silent.
Refresh rate and variable refresh rate
Refresh rate is how many times a display updates the image per second, measured in hertz. A 60Hz display updates 60 times per second; the two Dell picks here state 144Hz, which makes fast motion look smoother. For gaming, variable refresh rate (VRR) lets the display match the frame rate of the source, reducing or eliminating lag, judder, and frame tearing. None of the three listings states VRR support, so if tearing is a concern, verify VRR compatibility on the maker's page before purchase.
Connections, audio, and USB power delivery
A monitor is only as useful as its inputs. The Dell S2425HSM names HDMI connectivity, while the SE2426H listing does not detail ports, and the XIEYOUQIAN is a bare panel without a stated connector list. If you want a one-cable laptop setup, look for USB-C with USB Power Delivery: USB PD can charge a laptop over the same cable that carries display data. Built-in speakers are another convenience; in this pool, only the S2425HSM states them, at 2 x 3W.
Energy efficiency and certification
Monitors run for hours at a time, so efficiency matters. ENERGY STAR certified monitors are on average 7% more energy efficient than standard options, according to the program. Certification also covers limits for On, Sleep, and Off Modes. None of the three listings here states ENERGY STAR certification, so check the maker's documentation if energy use is a priority.
Questions
Is a 23.8-inch monitor the same as a 24-inch monitor?
Not exactly. The 23.8-inch figure is the diagonal measurement of the viewable screen area, a fraction of an inch smaller than older 24-inch models. In practice, 23.8-inch FHD monitors use the same 16:9 layout and fit the same desk footprint as most 24-inch displays, so the two sizes are usually interchangeable for planning purposes.
What does FHD 1920 x 1080 mean?
FHD means the display is 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels tall. On a 23.8-inch screen, that works out to about 92 pixels per inch, which is comfortable for office work and web browsing without scaling. All three picks in this roundup are FHD, and no pick goes above that resolution.
How much does refresh rate matter?
Refresh rate controls how often the screen redraws the image. A 60Hz monitor updates 60 times per second, while a 144Hz monitor updates 144 times per second. The higher rate makes moving objects and scrolling feel smoother, which is useful for games and everyday desktop use. The two Dell picks in this guide state 144Hz; the XIEYOUQIAN panel does not state a refresh rate.
Should I buy a bare LCD panel instead of a monitor?
Only for a repair or replacement project. A bare panel such as the XIEYOUQIAN listing needs a housing, a controller board, a power supply, and usually a stand before it can act like a monitor. The two Dell listings are complete desktop monitors with live inputs and, in the S2425HSM case, built-in speakers. For a standard desk setup, choose a complete monitor.
What should I check when the panel type is missing?
The Dell SE2426H is the only pick here that states IPS. When a listing omits panel technology, search the model number on the maker's product page or in official documentation. Panel type affects viewing angles and contrast, and a bare listing may be hiding an older or lower-cost panel. If you cannot verify it, treat it as an unknown and decide whether that matters for your work.
Change log
- : First published.