HP VH240a Monitor Review: Best Budget IPS Option

If you are looking for an economical 24-inch monitor with an IPS panel and an utterly ergonomic stand, the HP VH240a is a good option for you to consider. Even if it lacks vital capabilities available on other models in the same price range, it is still an excellent choice for business, general use, and casual gaming. You can figure out how it can be helpful to you by just scrolling through this review guide.

HP VH240a Monitor: An Overview 

Best Budget IPS Monitor
9.5/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • Size: 24-Inch
  • Resolution: 1920×1080
  • Panel Type: IPS
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Response Time: 5ms

What Recent Buyers Report:
I’m using two of these on a dual arm mount. I use the computer for normal business applications (word, excel etc) and also some basic photo and video editing. The speakers work ok for your typical youtube vids but are probably lacking if you need big bold sound. Otherwise the screens look great and work fine. I don’t think you’ll find a better deal out there on screens this size. I bought a third one to use over the workbench in my shop.

The HP VH240a is a favorable low-cost monitor for everyday use and office tasks. The HP VH240a monitor shows off excellent sRGB color coverage and a stand with a full range of adjustability capabilities. However, it lacks DisplayPort but has built-in speakers and excellent image quality.

The HP VH240a Monitor develops high-definition images, and its RGB color coverage is excellent. Speakers are merely adequate With fast-moving visuals. However, there are better options for gaming and content elaboration. The tilt and height adjustments allow the VH240a to be customized for any workstation.

Pros

  • Economical
  • Excellent viewing angles
  • High contrast ratio 
  • The stand has a comprehensive set of ergonomic features.
  • 2-watt built-in speakers

Cons

  • Blurring occurs with rapid moving objects 
  • Warranty coverage is limited.
  • Color gamut specifications are mediocre.

HP VH240a Monitor Detailed Review

HP vh240a Review
DisplayBenchmark

Image Quality

The HP VH240a monitor has 178-degree viewing angles, which means that the color and contrast will not alter when viewed from a tilted angle. The display supports 8-bit color depth via dithering for 16.7 million colors and covers 72% NTSC (100% sRGB).

However, because it is not factory-calibrated, you will need to make some adjustments to obtain the best image quality out of this monitor. If you require a display for color-critical work, you may find the best picture and video editing displays below.

Other panel-related specifications include a peak brightness of 250 nits, a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1, and a response time of 5ms, which is typical for a display in this price range. Compared to VA panels, you receive a lower contrast ratio, but you also get a faster response time, better viewing angles, and more realistic colors.

In comparison to TN panels, you receive far improved color quality and viewing angles, an equal contrast ratio, and a somewhat slower response time. Overall, the image quality and performance are well balanced for the price. Because of the high pixel density of 92 pixels per inch, the Full HD resolution (1920×1080) on a 23.8′′ screen provides lots of screen space and crisp details. 

Display Performance

HP vh240a Display Performance
Source: Amazon

The HP VH240a, just like the HP ZR2740w 27-inch monitor, provides smooth-flowing visuals, and its quick response time eliminates any chance of choppiness. The accurate colors, complemented by a reasonable contrast ratio, left an impression on me that was very favorable. 

The flat panel illuminates reflections beautifully, an important consideration when playing video games or watching movies. The relatively thin and bezel-less frame makes it possible to use multiple screens, which functions well.

Ergonomic Adjustable 

HP vh240a Ergonomics
Source: Amazon

The VH240a is slightly larger and heavier than most 24-inch monitors, measuring 19.7 by 21.2 by 8.6 inches and weighing 10.3 pounds. This weight exists due to its stand. While most budget monitor stands only allow for tilt adjustment, HP’s stand is more substantial and versatile, offering a variety of ergonomic comfort features.

The stand on the VH240a allows for height adjustment, a tilt range of up to 5 degrees toward the user and up to 30 degrees away, and pivoting between landscape and portrait modes. There are four holes in the back that are 100mm apart and fit a VESA bracket if you want to wall-mount the display or attach it to a movable arm. The ergonomics of the HP 24mh are also excellent.

Dual Screen Setup

HP vh240a Dual Screen Setup
Source: Amazon

The panel measures nearly 24 inches diagonally, making it not only a sufficiently sized display but also the ideal size for a dual-screen setup. If you prefer, the panel can be rotated 90 degrees on its stand into portrait mode, allowing you to create a multi-monitor workstation. The screen appears flush with all edges of the matte plastic housing, giving the panel the impression that its HD graphics have plenty of visual space.

Professional Use Analysis 

The VH240a’s 72% sRGB color space coverage is adequate for an entry-level display, but not ideal for professional use. sRGB is a widely accepted industry standard in the vast majority of applications, and it is the most common default setting in internet browsers for all web-based imagery. Unless your eye is trained and you have experience working with sRGB and Adobe RGB, you are unlikely to notice any difference.

Some mid-tier and most high-end LCD monitors can display up to 100% of sRGB, which simply means they can reproduce a wider range of colors within the color space. This is especially important for designers because the VH240a is perfectly capable of streaming, coding, and editing video.

Fit for Any Workplace

Because of its height and tilt adjustments, the HP VH240a can be customized to fit the needs of any desk. This panel’s ability to look good from a variety of different viewing angles and positions would greatly benefit any workstation monitor. This makes referring to a friend’s workplace or sharing your work with someone who may be standing or sitting next to you. 

It also makes it very simple to share your work with someone who may be watching you. Even when viewed from relatively acute angles, the VH240a maintains a high level of visual clarity and accurate color reproduction, with very little color fading or shifting.

Simple Setting Up

We were able to unbox and put together the HP VH240a in a little under five minutes, which is a testament to how user-friendly and uncomplicated the setup process is. The monitor comes with a single sheet of paper with installation instructions that is taped to the edges of the screen. These instructions will guide you through the process of installing the monitor’s three components, which are the square base, the upright, and the panel.

A single screw with a flat head secures the upright to the square base. Because this screw features a foldable clasp, it can be easily installed and adjusted without the use of any additional tools (a quick tighten with a flathead screwdriver makes it that much more secure).

The monitor panel is now ready to be installed because the upright has been attached to it. The vertical mounting plate can be attached to the back of the panel by sliding into three notches and then snapping firmly into place in one fluid motion. The plastic clasp that is located on the panel housing can be used to detach the panel from the stand unit in an equally simple manner.

User-Friendly OSD

The HP VH240a IPS display’s OSD (On-Screen Display) menu is simple and easy to use, with only the most important settings available. The power button, as well as four additional hotkeys for menu navigation, are located on the right side of the back of the display. They can also be used as keyboard shortcuts for various OSD functions.

To begin, the first OSD button allows you to quickly switch between VGA and HDMI input sources, while the one next to it activates the Viewing Modes feature. These modes include three picture presets with reduced low-blue light emission, ideal for nighttime reading.

Finally, the third OSD button controls the audio level of the built-in 2x2W speakers. Other useful features include Auto-Sleep Mode, which sends the monitor into Standby mode after a period of inactivity to conserve power.

Connectivity Options

HP vh240a Connectivity Options
Source: Amazon

The HP VH240a 24′′ monitor comes with only one HDMI 1.4 port and one VGA port for connectivity. There is a 3.5mm audio line-out port for headphones, but no audio jack for the built-in speakers. There are no additional USB ports, which is to be expected at this price point. What isn’t expected are such appealing thin bezels that provide a cinematic viewing experience and make the display ideal for a multi-monitor setup.

Is it Worth the Price? 

The HP VH240a MSRP is around $149.99, which is a reasonable price if you like to go for a display with an ergonomic stand, built-in speakers, and excellent image quality.

Alternatives or Similar Monitors

Budget monitors are most affected by current component deficits, so don’t be surprised if they sell for more than $200. At that price, a 144Hz model, such as the LG 24GN650, should be enough for all purposes. The ASUS VA24DQ, on the other hand, has a tilt-only stand but supports AMD FreeSync up to 75Hz and has a DisplayPort input, allowing you to use FreeSync with compatible NVIDIA cards as well.

You can get the Acer CB242Y. The CB242Y, like the HP VH240a, has a fully ergonomic design and supports AMD FreeSync up to 75Hz. It does not, however, have a DisplayPort input, unlike the ASUS VA24DQ. If you want something less expensive, consider the Acer SB220Q, a 21.5′′ 1080p IPS monitor with FreeSync up to 75Hz.

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