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Amazon Basics Monitor 24″
When it comes to finding the perfect monitor for everyday use, the Amazon Basics Monitor is a solid contender, offering simplicity, functionality, and affordability. Available in both 24-inch and 27-inch models, this monitor provides a frameless design on the top and sides, a tiltable stand, and an excellent price point. Having used this monitor for a few months in my office setup, I wanted to share an in-depth review covering its pros, cons, and key features. Whether you’re a professional looking to expand your workspace or someone seeking a second display for your laptop, this review will help you decide if the Amazon Basics Monitor is the right choice for you.
Unboxing and Setup
One of the standout aspects of the Amazon Basics Monitor is its incredibly simple setup process. Straight out of the box, everything snaps together seamlessly. There’s no need for screws or tools—the stand connects directly to the monitor in a matter of seconds. The package includes a standard HDMI cable for connecting the monitor to your laptop or desktop, as well as a power cable. For those who prioritize convenience, this monitor excels in delivering a hassle-free setup experience.
The monitor’s stand allows for tilt adjustments, letting you position the screen at your preferred angle. While it lacks advanced ergonomic features like height adjustment or swivel capabilities, the tiltable stand is sufficient for most basic setups. If you’re looking to add multiple monitors to your workspace, the frameless design on three sides makes it easy to stack displays side by side for a clean and cohesive look.
Design and Build Quality
The Amazon Basics Monitor is marketed as a “frameless” design, and while that claim holds true for the top and side bezels, the bottom bezel is significantly thicker. This bottom bar houses the control buttons for the monitor, which are functional but unremarkable. The overall build quality feels sturdy, though it’s clear this is a budget-friendly product designed for practicality rather than luxury.
The display itself is simple but effective, with a clean and modern aesthetic that fits well in most office or home setups. It’s not the flashiest monitor on the market, but it’s perfectly suited for environments where functionality takes precedence over form.
Display Performance
This monitor features a 1080p resolution with a 75Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for everyday tasks like browsing the web, editing documents, or working on spreadsheets. The HD display provides clear visuals, and the 75Hz refresh rate offers a slight improvement over the standard 60Hz found in many budget monitors. For basic use cases, this is more than adequate.
However, it’s important to note that this is not a high-end display meant for intensive gaming or professional graphic design. While it’s possible to game on this monitor, the lack of advanced features like 4K resolution or a high refresh rate (120Hz or above) limits its suitability for competitive gaming or demanding visual tasks. That said, casual gamers who play less demanding titles will find this monitor perfectly serviceable.
Speakers
The monitor comes with built-in speakers, but their performance leaves much to be desired. The audio quality is basic at best, making them suitable only for occasional use. If sound quality is a priority, it’s best to use external speakers or headphones. In my experience, the speakers on my laptop provided better audio output than the built-in speakers on this monitor.
Everyday Use Cases
Where this monitor truly shines is in its practicality for everyday use. I use it primarily as a secondary display alongside my laptop, which allows me to multitask efficiently. For example, I often keep my email or reference materials open on the monitor while working on documents or editing videos on my laptop screen. The frameless design makes it easy to align multiple monitors side by side, creating a seamless multi-display setup.
The Amazon Basics Monitor is also a great option for professionals who work with spreadsheets or write extensively. The 1080p resolution ensures text is sharp and easy to read, while the 27-inch model provides ample screen real estate for multitasking. If you’re a student or professional looking for an affordable way to enhance your productivity, this monitor is a fantastic choice.
Pricing and Value
One of the biggest selling points of this monitor is its price. At around $100 for the 24-inch model and slightly more for the 27-inch version, it’s hard to beat the value it offers. While you do get what you pay for—a basic, no-frills monitor—it delivers exceptional performance within its price range.
Compared to other monitors in the same price bracket, the Amazon Basics Monitor holds its own. It’s not trying to compete with high-end gaming or professional displays; instead, it focuses on providing a reliable and affordable solution for everyday use. If you’re on a budget and need a monitor that gets the job done, this is an excellent option.
Pros and Cons
Who Is This Monitor For?
The Amazon Basics Monitor is best suited for individuals who need an affordable and reliable display for basic tasks. It’s ideal for students, professionals, and anyone looking to add a secondary screen to their workspace. If you’re a gamer or a creative professional who needs a high-resolution or high-refresh-rate display, this monitor is unlikely to meet your needs.
However, if your primary use cases include browsing, working on documents, editing spreadsheets, or multitasking, this monitor offers great value. It’s also a good option for those who want to set up a budget-friendly multi-monitor workstation.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Amazon Basics Monitor delivers exactly what it promises: a no-nonsense, affordable display for everyday use. While it’s not without its limitations, it excels in providing a clean and functional design at a price that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking for a basic monitor to enhance your productivity or add a second screen to your setup, this is a solid choice.
