Are you looking for a sleek, modern computer monitor that provides an immersive viewing experience? If so, a thin bezel monitor may be just what you need. With their ultra-slim borders and maximized screen space, thin bezel monitors have soared in popularity in recent years.
As a computer expert and technology enthusiast, I‘ve tested dozens of thin bezel monitors to find the very best options on the market. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my top thin bezel monitor recommendations for 2024, including the best overall pick, the best for gaming, the best for office productivity, and more. I‘ll also provide helpful tips for choosing the right thin bezel monitor for your needs and setting it up for an optimal viewing experience.
Whether you‘re a gamer, professional, or general user seeking a high-performance display with cutting-edge style, read on to discover the perfect thin bezel monitor for you.
What are Thin Bezel Monitors?
First, let‘s clarify what "thin bezel" means. A monitor‘s bezel refers to the border that surrounds the screen. On standard monitors, the bezel is typically 1/2 inch to 1 inch wide. In contrast, thin bezel monitors have much slimmer borders—usually 1/4 inch wide or less. Some ultra-thin models even have borders just 1/8 inch wide for an almost frameless appearance.
Thin bezels offer both aesthetic and functional benefits. Aesthetically, the minimalist look creates a sleek, modern appearance that complements any workspace. Functionally, slimmer bezels mean the display takes up less physical space while providing the same size screen. With less plastic border framing the display, you get a more seamless, edge-to-edge viewing experience that draws you into the on-screen content.
Thin bezels are also ideal if you want a multi-monitor setup, as they minimize the gap between adjoining screens. The result is a cleaner, almost uninterrupted field of view across your displays. With standard thick-bezel monitors, you‘d have almost an inch of plastic between each screen, creating a very noticeable interruption.
What to Look for in a Thin Bezel Monitor
While a slim profile is the defining feature of thin bezel monitors, several other factors impact their performance and your overall experience. As you shop for a thin bezel monitor, keep the following key features in mind:
Screen size and resolution: Thin bezel monitors come in a range of sizes from compact 22-inch models to expansive 32-inch displays and even ultra-wide 49-inch behemoths. In general, 24 to 27 inches is a versatile size that offers a spacious screen without overwhelming your desktop.
Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the display. The more pixels, the sharper and more detailed the image. For a 24 to 27-inch thin bezel monitor, look for Quad HD (QHD) resolution (2560×1440 pixels) or 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160 pixels) for crisp, vivid visuals. For gaming, QHD delivers an excellent balance of detail and performance. For general productivity, 4K provides unbeatable clarity for text and images.
Refresh rate: A monitor‘s refresh rate indicates how many times per second the display refreshes the image. Higher refresh rates mean smoother motion and less blur, which is especially crucial for fast-paced gaming. For general use and casual gaming, a 60Hz refresh rate is fine. For competitive gaming, look for a thin bezel monitor with at least a 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate.
Panel type: The vast majority of thin bezel monitors today use LCD panels, but you‘ll find different varieties like TN (twisted nematic), IPS (in-plane switching), and VA (vertical alignment). In general, IPS offers the best all-around performance with wide viewing angles, good color accuracy, and quick response times. VA excels in contrast and provides solid viewing angles. TN is an older technology but still offers the fastest response times for competitive gaming.
Connectivity: Make sure the thin bezel monitor you choose has the appropriate input options to connect to your PC and other devices. HDMI and DisplayPort are the most common interfaces. Many models also include USB ports for connecting peripherals. For a clean, clutter-free setup, look for a monitor with cable management features like a built-in cable routing system.
Ergonomics: If you spend hours a day at your computer, an adjustable stand can make a huge difference in your viewing comfort. The best thin bezel monitors offer a full range of ergonomic adjustments including tilt, swivel, pivot, and height so you can find your ideal viewing position. At a minimum, look for a model with tilt adjustment so you can angle the screen to reduce glare and neck strain.
The Best Thin Bezel Monitors for 2024
Now that you know what to look for, let‘s dive into my top thin bezel monitor picks for 2024:
Best Overall Thin Bezel Monitor: Dell S2722QC
The Dell S2722QC is my pick for the best all-around thin bezel monitor for most people. This stylish 27-inch 4K display delivers phenomenal image quality, a suite of productivity-enhancing features, and a nearly frameless InfinityEdge design.
The 4K IPS panel provides crisp, true-to-life visuals from any viewing angle with HDR support for incredible dynamic range. Dell‘s ComfortView Plus low blue light technology reduces eye strain during long work sessions. Plus, the S2722QC has a USB-C port that can charge your laptop while transmitting video and data through a single cable.
With an adjustable stand, dual 3W speakers, and a tiny 5.3mm bezel, the S2722QC is a superb choice for your home office or content creation station. While not primarily built for gaming, it still offers a respectable 60Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync for smooth, tear-free visuals.
Best Thin Bezel Gaming Monitor: LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B
For a thin bezel monitor built for speed and responsiveness, the LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B is an exceptional choice. This sleek 27-inch QHD display has a lightning-fast 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, giving you the edge in competitive gaming.
The Nano IPS panel delivers rich color with 99% coverage of the sRGB spectrum. AMD Radeon FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility provide buttery-smooth visuals free of stuttering and tearing. The UltraGear‘s gamer-centric features include Dynamic Action Sync mode, Black Stabilizer for superior shadow detail, and customizable crosshair overlays.
With its sharp QHD resolution, rapid 144Hz refresh rate, and ultra-thin bezels, the LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B is a top-tier gaming display that looks as fast as it performs.
Best Thin Bezel Monitor for Office Productivity: HP EliteDisplay E243i
The HP EliteDisplay E243i is a thin bezel monitor designed to maximize productivity in professional environments. The 23.8-inch Full HD IPS panel provides ample screen space and vivid visuals from nearly any angle. The micro-edge bezels enable seamless side-by-side dual monitor setups.
Ergonomic features abound including full tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment up to 150mm. HP Eye Ease technology reduces blue light emissions to minimize digital eye strain during extended work sessions.
The EliteDisplay E243i has you covered with its expansive connectivity including HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, and a four-port USB 3.0 hub. A conveniently located USB-C port on the side supports video, data, and 15W power delivery in one cable. All this makes the HP EliteDisplay E243i an exceptional choice for a stylish, versatile thin bezel monitor for the office.
Best Portable Thin Bezel Monitor: ASUS ZenScreen MB16AHP
Need a thin bezel monitor you can take on the go? Feast your eyes on the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AHP. This slim 15.6-inch IPS display weighs just 1.7 pounds and is only 8mm thick, so it slips easily into your laptop bag. The ZenScreen connects to your laptop or Android phone via USB-C or micro-HDMI, making it a breeze to set up a dual-screen workstation anywhere.
The 1080p panel provides sharp visuals, while the matte anti-glare finish reduces distracting reflections in bright environments. ASUS Eye Care technology minimizes flicker and blue light to reduce eye strain. The ZenScreen even includes a smart cover that folds into a stand to prop up the display in either portrait or landscape orientation.
With its ultra-portable design, wide compatibility, and bonus features like the ASUS Pen hole for a makeshift portrait stand, the ZenScreen MB16AHP is my top recommendation for a thin bezel travel monitor.
Best Thin Bezel Monitor Under $200: ViewSonic VX2476-SMHD
You don‘t have to spend a fortune for a great thin bezel monitor. The ViewSonic VX2476-SMHD offers impressive specs and style for under $150. The 24-inch 1080p IPS panel produces crisp, vivid images with wide viewing angles. With its virtually borderless design, the display has a modern, floating screen effect.
For the price, the color performance is superb with 100% coverage of the sRGB color space. The VX2476-SMHD has a respectable 75Hz refresh rate along with AMD FreeSync technology to reduce choppy motion and screen tearing.
Dual HDMI ports and VGA provide flexible connectivity options. ViewSonic‘s built-in Flicker-Free and Blue Light Filter eye care technologies help prevent eyestrain and fatigue during those long workdays or gaming sessions. For a budget-friendly thin bezel monitor that punches well above its price tag, the ViewSonic VX2476-SMHD is hard to beat.
Best Premium 4K Thin Bezel Monitor: LG UltraFine 32UN880-B
If you seek the ultimate thin bezel monitor and budget is no object, behold the glory of the LG UltraFine 32UN880-B. This 32-inch 4K display is a creative professional‘s dream with its vast screen real estate, stunning color, and nearly invisible bezels.
The UltraFine lives up to its name with a remarkable 1.07 billion colors, VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification, and 95% coverage of the expansive DCI-P3 color gamut. The Nano IPS panel provides lifelike color from any viewing angle along with a speedy 5ms response time.
Creatives will appreciate the included detachable self-calibration sensor that keeps the display fine-tuned to perfection. The UltraFine 32UN880-B has extensive connectivity including USB-C with 60W power delivery, dual HDMI, and a DisplayPort for connecting multiple video sources.
The ultra-adjustable stand and included heavy-duty C-clamp desk mount offer unrivaled ergonomic flexibility – you can even swivel the display into portrait orientation. While undeniably expensive, the LG UltraFine 32UN880-B is the pinnacle of premium thin bezel 4K monitors.
Tips for Setting Up Your Thin Bezel Monitor
Once you‘ve chosen your ideal thin bezel monitor, proper setup ensures you get the best performance and most comfortable viewing experience. Here are a few tips:
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Position the monitor about an arm‘s length away with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. Tilt the screen to minimize glare from overhead lights or windows.
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If your monitor has a blue light filter, enable it, especially at night, to reduce eye strain and sleep disruption.
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For the best color accuracy, choose the appropriate preset (sRGB mode for general use, Adobe RGB or DCI-P3 for creative work) or calibrate the monitor with a colorimeter.
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Use a monitor arm or adjustable desk mount for maximum ergonomic comfort, especially if you‘ll be sitting for long periods.
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To minimize distractions, turn off your monitor‘s built-in speakers if you don‘t need them.
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Adjust your monitor‘s overdrive setting if you notice ghosting in fast motion. Be careful not to set it too aggressive or you may see inverse ghosting.
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In multi-monitor setups, use monitor arms or thin monitor stands to push the displays as close together as possible, minimizing the gap between screens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thin Bezel Monitors
Q: Are thin bezel monitors more expensive than standard monitors?
A: In general, thin bezel monitors do cost slightly more than monitors with standard bezels. You can expect to pay about a 10-20% premium for a comparable thin bezel model. However, prices continue to drop as thin bezels become increasingly mainstream.
Q: Do thin bezels affect a monitor‘s durability?
A: Somewhat. Because thin bezels provide less protection for the screen, thin bezel monitors are a bit more vulnerable to damage from impacts. However, the panel itself is no more fragile than a standard monitor‘s. Just be mindful when transporting a thin bezel monitor to avoid bumps or drops that could crack that pretty screen.
Q: Can I use a thin bezel monitor for console gaming?
A: Absolutely! Thin bezel monitors with HDMI inputs are ideal for hooking up a PS5, Xbox Series X, or Nintendo Switch for big screen gaming. For the PS5 and Xbox Series X, choose a monitor with HDMI 2.1 and a 120Hz or higher refresh rate to enjoy your games at their full potential.
Q: What‘s the thinnest possible monitor bezel?
A: Currently, the thinnest monitor bezels measure about 1mm thick (0.04 inches). However, some manufacturers use the term "zero bezel" or "frameless" to refer to ultra-thin bezels under 2mm or 3mm thick. In practise, no monitor is truly bezel-free, as the display panel has to end somewhere.
Q: How can I clean a thin bezel monitor without damaging it?
A: To safely clean a thin bezel monitor, first power it off and unplug it. Then gently wipe the screen with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust. For stubborn smudges, lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water and wipe in a circular motion. Avoid harsh cleaners or applying pressure to the screen. For the bezels, a dry microfiber cloth should be sufficient.
Final Thoughts
I hope this in-depth guide has helped clarify the benefits of thin bezel monitors and armed you with the knowledge to choose the best one for your needs. Thin bezel monitors offer a striking modern aesthetic, immersive visuals, and efficient use of desk space. With options for every budget and use case from general productivity to professional content creation to hardcore gaming, there‘s a perfect thin bezel monitor for everyone.
While specific models will come and go, the key features to prioritize in any thin bezel monitor are a sharp, high-resolution panel, the appropriate refresh rate for your use case, wide viewing angles, and ergonomic adjustments for your viewing comfort. With those factors in mind and my top 2024 recommendations as a starting point, you‘re well on your way to thin bezel bliss.
Do you own a thin bezel monitor? If so, I‘d love to hear about your experience with it. What do you like best? What would you change? Let me know in the comments!
