The Best Small Monitors For Small Projects And Small Spaces

When it comes to monitors, bigger is better… unless it isn’t. If your specific needs call for something smaller—like secondary screens, a small, space-constrained workstation, or even a custom in-car installation—your options are limited. Here are the best among them.

While monitor manufacturers don’t seem particularly interested in selling monitors smaller than about 24 inches anymore, there are a few quality options for those who don’t need big screens. We’ve made selections in the range of 20, 15, and 10 inches that should cover most applications, as well as a small TV (with the included antenna tuner and speakers) and a portable USB-powered option.

The Best 20” Monitor: Viewsonic VA2055SM ($85)

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Monitors in this size range tend to skew low-market, chopping off features in the name of price. And while Viewsonic’s VA2055SM is definitely among the cheapest in its lineup, it also has a few extras you don’t expect at this price point.

The LCD screen covers a full HD 1920×1080 resolution, and it includes a VESA mount for use with aftermarket stands or multi-monitor setups. It also manages to pack in some low-power speakers into the case, saving a little money and space if you’re short on either. Note that the monitor uses either DVI or VGA for video, so you might need an adapter if you’re only able to use HDMI or DisplayPort.

The Best 15” Monitor: Eyoyo 15.6-inch IPS ($146)

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This little screen is designed to fit into almost any spot you want it to. With HDMI, VGA, standard RCA, and direct security camera BNC inputs, it can connect immediately to almost any desktop or laptop machine (minus Apple’s USB-C-only designs).

With a surprisingly dense 1080p IPS panel and a VESA mount to boot, it’s amazingly versatile, and it comes with a handy remote control as well. Speakers are mounted to the rear, so they won’t be great options for listening to music, but they’re fine for basic interaction.