I remember the exact moment I knew my old monitor had to go. I was deep into a complex spreadsheet, scrolling quickly to cross-reference data, and the screen blurred into an indistinct, jittery mess. Later that day, I tried to unwind with a casual game, but the stuttering motion and washed-out colours made it more frustrating than fun. My eyes felt strained, my productivity was tanking, and even my leisure time was being compromised by a piece of technology I stared at for eight hours a day. This is a surprisingly common problem; we invest in fast computers and ergonomic chairs, but often neglect the very window through which we interact with our digital world. An outdated 60Hz monitor with poor colour accuracy isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a bottleneck that can lead to eye fatigue, headaches, and a constant, low-grade sense of frustration that chips away at your focus and enjoyment.
What to Consider Before Buying a Home Office & Casual Gaming Monitor
A monitor is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creating a more efficient, comfortable, and immersive digital experience. Whether for business or gaming, the right display can transform your desk into a hub of productivity or a gateway to new worlds. The primary benefit is a tangible boost in visual quality and fluidity. Moving from a standard 60Hz display to one with a higher refresh rate, like 100Hz, eliminates screen stutter and motion blur, making everything from mouse movement to video playback feel incredibly smooth. For work, this means less eye strain when reading and scrolling. For gaming, it means a clearer picture and a more responsive feel, giving you a competitive edge. An IPS panel, like the one in the LG 24MR400-B, ensures colours are vibrant and consistent, even when viewed from an angle, which is critical for everything from photo editing to enjoying a film.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily grind with an older, slower monitor and looking for a significant, yet affordable, upgrade. This includes students who need a versatile screen for both studying and entertainment, home office workers who spend hours staring at text and data, and casual gamers who want to experience modern games without the hefty price tag of a top-tier gaming display. However, it might not be suitable for those who are professional esports athletes requiring 240Hz+ refresh rates and near-instantaneous response times. Likewise, professional graphic designers or video editors who need near-perfect colour accuracy and wider colour gamuts (like Adobe RGB) may need to invest in a more specialised, and significantly more expensive, display. For them, a dedicated professional-grade monitor would be a more appropriate choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A 24-inch monitor is often considered the sweet spot for a 1080p resolution, providing sharp text and images without taking up excessive desk space. Consider the footprint of the stand and whether you plan to use a single or dual-monitor setup. Thin bezels, like those on the LG 24MR400-B 24″ 100Hz IPS Monitor, are a huge advantage for creating a seamless multi-display workspace.
- Performance: The key specifications are refresh rate, response time, and panel type. A 100Hz refresh rate offers a noticeable improvement in smoothness over the standard 60Hz. A 5ms response time is perfectly adequate for most users, including casual gamers, minimising ghosting. An IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel is superior for colour accuracy and wide viewing angles compared to older TN or budget VA panels.
- Materials & Durability: Most monitors in this price range are constructed from plastic. While this is standard, pay close attention to the design and stability of the stand. A wobbly stand can be a major source of annoyance, as some user feedback suggests. For long-term stability, check for VESA mount compatibility, which allows you to attach the monitor to a more robust third-party arm or stand.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that enhance the user experience, such as on-screen control software that lets you adjust settings with your mouse instead of fiddly buttons. Features like Reader Mode and Flicker Safe technology are not gimmicks; they are essential for reducing eye strain during long sessions. A matte, anti-glare screen finish is also crucial for preventing distracting reflections in well-lit rooms.
Keeping these factors in mind, the LG 24MR400-B 24″ 100Hz IPS Monitor stands out in several areas, especially performance for its price. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the LG 24MR400-B 24″ 100Hz IPS Monitor is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
First Impressions: Sleek, Simple, and Ready to Go
Unboxing the LG 24MR400-B 24″ 100Hz IPS Monitor was a straightforward affair, reflecting its no-fuss, budget-friendly nature. The packaging is practical, keeping the panel secure without excessive frills. Assembly was refreshingly simple and took less than five minutes, requiring no tools. The stand’s two pieces click together, and the arm then slots securely into the back of the monitor with a satisfying click. It’s a process anyone can handle with ease, a sentiment echoed by users who praise its simple setup.
Once on the desk, its design is clean and modern. The “Slim bezel design on three sides” is immediately apparent and genuinely impressive at this price point. It gives the monitor a contemporary look and makes it an excellent candidate for a multi-monitor array. The matte black plastic finish is unobtrusive and resists fingerprints well. There’s a slight discrepancy in the provided specifications, with some parts mentioning an “Anti-Glare” finish and others a “Glossy” one. Based on our hands-on testing, we can confirm the screen has a very effective matte, anti-glare coating that diffuses reflections well, making it comfortable to use even in a brightly lit room. The initial feeling is one of great value—it looks more expensive than it is, until you touch the stand.
What We Like
- Super smooth 100Hz refresh rate provides a fluid user experience
- Vibrant and colourful IPS panel with excellent viewing angles
- Outstanding value for money, packing premium features into a budget price
- Useful eye-care technologies like Reader Mode and Flicker Safe
Drawbacks
- The included stand is disappointingly unstable and wobbly
- Limited connectivity with only a single HDMI port
A Deep Dive into the LG 24MR400-B’s Performance
A monitor’s true worth is revealed not on the spec sheet, but through hours of real-world use. We put the LG 24MR400-B 24″ 100Hz IPS Monitor through its paces across a spectrum of tasks, from mind-numbing spreadsheets and long-form writing to fast-paced gaming and media consumption. This is where the monitor both shines brightly and reveals its most significant compromise.
Everyday Productivity and Visual Comfort
For day-to-day work, this monitor is a revelation compared to older 60Hz models. The 1080p Full HD resolution on a 23.8-inch panel strikes a perfect balance, delivering a pixel density that makes text crisp and easy to read without any need for display scaling. Firing up a dense webpage or a large Excel sheet, the immediate difference is the smoothness of scrolling. There’s no judder or tearing, just a fluid motion that is genuinely easier on the eyes over a long workday. This is the 100Hz refresh rate making its presence felt, and it’s a quality-of-life improvement you won’t want to give up once you’ve experienced it.
The IPS panel technology is another star performer. Colours are rich and accurate right out of the box, covering 99% of the sRGB colour space. This means photos look natural, videos are vibrant, and website colours pop as intended. The 178-degree viewing angles are rock solid; we could see the screen clearly from almost any side angle with minimal colour shift, which is great for collaborating or just shifting your position at your desk. Where LG really adds value is with its software features. We tested the “Reader Mode” extensively during late-night writing sessions. With a simple click in the OnScreen Control software, the display shifts to a warmer, sepia-like tone, drastically reducing blue light emission. The effect is palpable, lessening the feeling of eye strain significantly. Combined with the “Flicker Safe” technology, which eliminates the invisible screen flicker that causes fatigue, this monitor is built for marathon work sessions. It’s an exceptionally comfortable viewing experience for the price.
A Leap Forward for Casual Gaming
While not marketed as a hardcore gaming monitor, the LG 24MR400-B is a surprisingly capable performer for casual and mainstream gaming. The jump from 60Hz to 100Hz is arguably more impactful for gaming than for productivity. In fast-paced titles like Valorant or Apex Legends, the added frames per second translated into a visibly smoother and more responsive experience. Tracking moving targets felt easier, and quick camera pans resulted in a much clearer image with less motion blur. This was confirmed by one user who praised the monitor’s “True 100hz” performance, and we wholeheartedly agree.
The inclusion of AMD FreeSync is a critical feature that elevates the gaming experience. When paired with a compatible AMD graphics card (and also generally compatible with modern Nvidia cards), FreeSync synchronises the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU’s frame output. In practice, this completely eliminated the distracting screen tearing we sometimes saw in demanding games when the frame rate fluctuated. The result is a smooth, tear-free image that maintains immersion. The 5ms GtG (Grey-to-Grey) response time is another solid specification. While elite gamers might chase 1ms panels, we found the 5ms response time to be more than sufficient. We noticed very little ghosting or smearing in our tests, and features like Dynamic Action Sync (which reduces input lag) and Black Stabilizer (which brightens dark scenes to reveal hidden enemies) are thoughtful additions that actually help in-game. For anyone gaming on a budget, this monitor delivers a feature set that punches well above its weight, providing a genuinely competitive and enjoyable experience. If you’re looking for an affordable entry into high-refresh-rate gaming, this monitor is an exceptionally strong contender.
Build Quality and Ergonomics: The Elephant in the Room
For all the praise we can lavish on its screen, we must address the LG 24MR400-B’s most significant weakness: its stand. From the moment it was set up on the desk, the stability was a concern. This was starkly confirmed by a user who noted, “The screen is very wobbly, even with minimal desk movement.” Our testing validated this completely. Energetic typing caused a noticeable wobble, and a gentle bump of the desk sent the screen shaking for several seconds. The stand is lightweight, and the connection point to the panel simply doesn’t provide enough rigidity. This is, without a doubt, the biggest cost-cutting measure LG has taken, and it’s a frustrating flaw on an otherwise excellent product.
Is it a dealbreaker? Not necessarily, but it requires a workaround. The saving grace is that the monitor is VESA compatible (75x75mm). This means you can easily detach the included stand and mount the panel on a sturdy third-party monitor arm or wall mount. A basic desk-clamp VESA arm can be found for a very reasonable price and will not only solve the wobble issue entirely but also provide far superior ergonomic adjustment. The stock stand only offers a limited range of tilt adjustment, with no options for height, swivel, or pivot. By investing in a VESA arm, you can position the screen at the perfect height and angle for your posture, transforming the monitor from a wobbly liability into a stable and ergonomic centerpiece for your setup. We strongly recommend factoring in the small additional cost of a VESA mount if you’re sensitive to screen movement.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings align closely with the experiences of other buyers. The general sentiment is that the LG 24MR400-B 24″ 100Hz IPS Monitor offers fantastic screen quality for its price, but this comes with a compromise in build quality. On the positive side, one user who waited several months to review confirmed it was “still working really well” and praised its simple setup and budget-friendly price, though they astutely noted it feels more like a “temporary monitor more than one that would be used for many years.” Another was succinct and happy, stating, “The style, the screen, is perfect. True 100hz. Colourful.”
The negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses on two key areas. The most common complaint, which we heavily corroborated, is the stand. One user put it bluntly: “the stability is a major issue. The screen is very wobbly… I expected better quality from LG.” The second concern is long-term reliability. A user who was initially “really impressed with the screen quality” began to see “bands running down the screen” after 10 months of use. While this appears to be an isolated hardware fault and is covered by the two-year warranty, it reinforces the idea that this is a budget item where quality control might not be as stringent as on premium models.
How Does the LG 24MR400-B Compare to the Alternatives?
The LG 24MR400-B 24″ 100Hz IPS Monitor is a fantastic budget desktop monitor, but the market offers diverse options tailored to different needs. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.
1. ARZOPA Z1FC 16.1″ 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor
The ARZOPA Z1FC is not a direct competitor but serves a completely different purpose. Its primary feature is portability. It’s designed for those who need a second screen for their laptop on the go, or for gamers who attend LAN parties. It boasts a higher 144Hz refresh rate, making it excellent for gaming, but on a much smaller 16.1-inch screen. If your priority is a mobile setup and you value refresh rate for gaming above all else, the ARZOPA is the clear choice. However, for a stationary home office or gaming desk, the LG’s larger 24-inch screen provides a more immersive and comfortable experience for daily use.
2. KOORUI 24 Inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor
The KOORUI monitor is LG’s most direct competitor in this lineup and is aimed squarely at gamers. For a slightly higher price, it offers a significant jump in refresh rate to 165Hz and a faster 1ms response time. This makes it a better option for competitive gamers who need every possible advantage. The trade-off is its use of a VA panel, which typically offers deeper blacks and higher contrast but can have slower pixel response in dark scenes and less consistent viewing angles compared to the LG’s IPS panel. If your primary use is gaming and you want the highest refresh rate for your money, the KOORUI is a very compelling alternative. If you need a more versatile all-rounder with better colours for work and media, the LG holds its ground.
3. ARZOPA 16.1″ Portable Monitor FHD IPS
Similar to its gaming-focused sibling, this ARZOPA model is all about portability. It shares the same 16.1-inch size and IPS panel technology as the LG but lacks the high refresh rate. This monitor is purely for productivity on the move. It’s the perfect companion for a digital nomad, a student working in the library, or anyone needing to create a dual-screen setup away from their main desk. It excels at being a lightweight, easy-to-connect external display for laptops via USB-C or HDMI. It is not a competitor for a primary desktop monitor; rather, it’s a specialised tool for mobile productivity, a task for which the stationary LG 24MR400-B is not designed.
Our Final Verdict: Is the LG 24MR400-B Worth It?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the LG 24MR400-B 24″ 100Hz IPS Monitor represents exceptional value. It delivers on its core promise: providing a smooth, vibrant, and comfortable viewing experience that far exceeds its budget price tag. The 100Hz IPS panel is the star of the show, making it a massive upgrade for anyone still using a standard 60Hz monitor for work, casual gaming, or general use. The inclusion of AMD FreeSync, Reader Mode, and Flicker Safe technology are not just bullet points; they are meaningful features that enhance the user experience day-to-day.
However, this value comes with a significant, wobbly caveat: the stand. Its instability is the monitor’s single greatest flaw and a compromise that buyers must be aware of. We recommend this monitor wholeheartedly to students, home office workers, and budget-conscious gamers, but with one strong condition: either you have a very stable desk and are not bothered by a bit of wobble, or you plan to invest in a separate VESA mount to unlock its full potential. If you can look past the stand, you are getting a display panel that performs like a much more expensive product.
If you’ve decided the LG 24MR400-B 24″ 100Hz IPS Monitor is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.