A suitable monitor is a must thing for your PC setup. That’s why you have to choose the monitor wisely and carefully. Choosing the right sized monitor is a very complicated task to do and when you have stuck between 21.5” and 23” monitors, then it becomes so confusing.
Though the size difference between these two monitors isn’t that much; they have some noticeable differences. One of the differences is, in a 21’5” monitor you can get more density than a 23-inch monitor. Higher density means a better-detailed picture.
In this article, we have shared the differences between these two monitors. It will help you to make your decision easier and choose the right monitor for you. So, without any further ado, let’s begin!

Side by Side Comparison Between 21’5 inch and 23 inch Monitor
As we are not talking about any specific monitors that’s why we won’t be able to provide the actual value of the differentiated parameters. So, let’s find out the differences between 21’5” and 23” monitors.
Aspect | 21.5 Inch Monitor | 23 Inch Monitor | |
Width | 18.74 inches | 20.05 inches | |
Height | 10.54 inches | 11.28 inches | |
Area | 197.52 inches² | 226.04 inches² | |
Display Size for different aspect ratio | 4:3 | 17.57 inches | 18.79 inches |
16:9 | 21.50 inches | 23.00 inches | |
2.35:1 | 20.36 inches | 21.79 inches | |
Pixel Density | Higher | Lower | |
NITs value | Lower | Higher | |
Static Contrast Ratio | Lower | Higher | |
Horizontal Viewing Angle | Lower | Higher | |
Vertical Viewing Angle | Lower | Higher | |
Power Consumption | Lower | Higher | |
Weight | Lighter | Heavy | |
Price | Less Expensive | Expensive |
Here are the differences that you will get between a 21.5-inch monitor and a 23-inch monitor.
According to the aforementioned chart, you can clearly get to see that, the difference in display size between these two monitors isn’t that huge but, in some instances, they are noticeable.

Obviously, the display size of a 23” monitor is bigger than a 21.5” monitor. In every aspect ratio, the 23” monitor has a 7% larger display. But it has less pixel density. On the other hand, a 21.5” monitor has more pixel density. Pixel density helps to get a shaper and more detailed picture output.
So, in picture sharpness, 21.5” is better than a 23” monitor.
Let’s take Dell E2216HV 21.5″ and Dell S2317HWi 23″ monitors for example. Dell E2216HV has a 7.37% higher pixel density with lower power consumption (31W lower than Dell S2317HWi) and lighter weight.
On the other hand, the Dell S2317HWi monitor has a larger display size with wider horizontal (88 degrees wider) and vertical (113 degrees wider) viewing angles. It has more nits number (50 nits brighter) and a higher static contrast ratio (1.67 times higher). The nits number helps to provide a brighter display and the contrast ratio helps to get better color combinations.
Which One is Better to Buy Between 21.5” and 23” Monitor?
According to us, you should go for a 23” monitor. Because it will provide with you a wider viewing angle and a bright and colorful viewing experience. If you are concerned about the PPI then you shouldn’t be worried that much because the differences are very negligible.
If you are willing to buy a monitor for gaming then obviously it should be a 23” one. If you are worrying about the pricing then you can check and will find out that, 23” monitors aren’t that expensive, you will need to spend $10 to $20 more. Spending a few bucks will help you to get a better monitor.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs)
What is a perfect monitor size?
If you are willing to use a monitor from 3 feet distance then a 24” monitor will be an ideal choice for you. But if you are using it closer then a smaller monitor will be the best one. Basically, the need for a monitor size varies from person to person and there is no general thumb rule for this.
Is a smaller monitor better?
Not actually, a bigger monitor can provide you with a better viewing angle. You can work with relaxation, can play games easily, and work properly. But if you have a compact space and less distance between you and the monitor then small monitors are better.
What is the response time of a 21.5” monitor?
It depends on the manufacturers and can vary the number from different monitor models. You can get a 4ms response time monitor and also can get a 21.5” monitor with an 8ms response time.
Conclusion
Lastly, the difference between a 21.5” monitor and a 23” monitor isn’t that much noticeable. It’s always better to use a big-sized monitor and when you are getting the monitor at nearly the same price of 21.5”, it’s better to buy the 23” monitor.
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