Conclusion
So which LCD 20 inch is the best, the subject of the last 11 pages? Does the addition of 5 monitors to the 8 previously tested change our ranking?
Some of the new screens would have deserved to end up on the podium. However, amongst our three new favourites, there was always one downside.
We like the design of the Asus, the very intelligent zero dead pixel warranty but the glossy panel disturbs us. If this effect isn’t a problem for you, it is a good monitor that would have ended up in our favourite monitors if it would have had a mat panel.
Also, the Dell could be highly recommended. It is fast, has very good ergonomics, exemplary finishing touches, and very accurate color quality from the start. So, what’s the problem? There is the inconsistency in the choice of panels. It is disturbing to know that Dell changes components and liquid crystal technology without informing the customer. Yes, we tested a very good monitor here, but there is no guarantee that you will buy the same one in the future.
Finally, the LG provides rather good results except for color quality. What we found on the model tested was so off, we wondered if it was defective. Look at the model in stores to see if this is a problem.
Here is our winning quartet in alphabetical order complemented with the outsider, the Samsung 215TW.
Belinea 10 20 35W : as long as there are still "cheap" ones left, it has to be the 10 20 30W. This monitor really has an excellent quality / price ratio. Its only disadvantage is the manufacturer’s lack of effort on standard color adjustments and a dead pixels warranty. They can and will have to provide better results in these two areas, because the competition is fierce and the 10 20 35W is no longer the only good screen on the market.
Nec 20WGX²: Its initial color quality is very good and most importantly it’s the only really fast monitor in 20 inches. No other competitor is able to compete in games. Unfortunately, it has downsides as big as its advantages. We don´t like the glossy treatment on the panel and the twinkling effect in videos.
Samsung SyncMaster 215TW : Samsung sells a 21” monitor for the price of a 20”with additional video inputs, vertically adjustable foot, pivot mode, good reaction time and good standard color quality. The only thing that Samsung missed is the introduction of a “zero dead pixel” policy. They tried that a little more than one year ago, but unfortunately they have finally withdrawn it.
We draw your attention to the fact that compared to MVA panels, PVAs have higher twinkling effects in videos. For games, however, the two technologies are equivalent.
ViewSonic VX2025wm: ViewSonic chose the MVA 8 ms at the last minute, but they benefited from an improved version of its standard color quality. Reduce the brightness a little and it’s beautiful. Also, this monitor has a zero white and black dead pixel warranty. It’s better than the Belinea for all points except price.
ViewSonic VP2030b :If you are looking for a multi-use monitor, on which you can play all sorts of games, watch a movie from time to time, and most of all don´t want dead pixels, this is the one you want. Its price may make you a little hesitant. Even if ViewSonic affirms that the adoption of the zero dead pixel warranty and the 14% DVI tax in Europe has no consequence, seeing this monitor at more than 700€ hurts!
If we want a classification that doesn’t take into account our budget, here’s the list:
ViewSonic VP2030b > ViewSonic VX2025wm > Nec 20WGX² > Belinea 10 20 30W / 10 20 35W.
This is ViewSonic´s big comeback…
If you are just looking for a big monitor without being too demanding for quality as long as the price is low, the BenQ will probably be your best choice. There are no hidden defects.
A little more to read
Our 20 inch monitor survey ends here. Nevertheless, before buying your monitor, take a look at our article about
dead pixels it might be useful.
Finally, if you are a gamer only looking for a monitor only to kill trolls, goblins and other bandits, we strongly recommend taking a look at the
19 inches survey. Some have comparable reaction times to the NEC 20WGX², without the glossy effect and at lower prices. Your graphic card won´t pose any problems either. The resolution of 5/4 19" monitors, 1280 x 1024, represents an economy of 35% of pixels to support compared to the wide 1680 x 1050 pixels. You can activate more effects and the image frame rate will be higher…
