The Acer SH242Y Ebmihx 23.8” monitor is proof that you don’t need to spend a lot to get a monitor that’s clear, comfortable to use, and actually makes your setup feel cleaner the moment you add it to your desk.
Manufacturer: Acer
Model: SH242Y Ebmihx
Display Type: 23.8” IPS Monitor
Resolution: FHD 1920 x 1080
Refresh Rate: 100 Hz
Price when reviewed: $109 (Amazon)
Supplied by: Acer
Table of Contents
Overview
We’ve seen plenty of budget-friendly monitors, and many of them do the job without any real excitement. The Acer SH242Y Ebmihx feels a bit different in that space. It’s slim, it’s clean, and it doesn’t scream “cheap” the way some budget monitors do.
From the moment you set it up, it just feels like a nice, simple addition to your workspace. Whether you’re setting it up for a study corner, a home office, or you just need a second screen to go with your laptop, it fits in without fuss.
Design and Build
What’s in the box?
- Acer SH242Y Ebmihx 23.8” monitor
- Adjustable stand and base
- Power adapter
- HDMI cable
- Quick-start guide and warranty info
The first thing you notice is how thin the bezels are, making it feel like there’s more screen and less plastic taking up your view. The matte finish keeps reflections down, and the stand actually feels stable, which is not something you always get in this price range.
The stand allows you to adjust the height, tilt, and swivel, which is helpful if you’re working long hours and like to shift your seating position throughout the day. The monitor is also VESA compatible if you decide you want to get it off your desk and onto a monitor arm.
Full HD Resolution
The 1920 x 1080 resolution on a 23.8” panel keeps text clear and easy to read, which matters if you’re using it for writing, studying, or working with spreadsheets all day. It’s a comfortable size for most desks, and you can easily fit two windows side by side without feeling cramped.
For gaming, the Full HD resolution keeps things simple while ensuring your GPU doesn’t struggle, letting you push higher frame rates in games while still enjoying decent visuals. It’s not going to give you the sharpness of a 1440p or 4K monitor, but at this size, 1080p holds up well and feels natural for everyday use.
Display Performance
The Acer SH242Y comes with a 100 Hz refresh rate, which makes a difference over 60 Hz even if it doesn’t sound like a huge leap on paper. Scrolling feels smoother, and mouse movement feels more direct, which makes day-to-day use nicer.
For gaming, the 100 Hz refresh rate combined with AMD FreeSync support helps keep things looking smooth, reducing tearing and stuttering when your frame rates change during gameplay. It’s helpful for casual gaming, and for games that can push high frame rates, it feels like a clear step up from a 60 Hz monitor.
The 1ms VRB response time keeps the picture clear enough during quick movements, which is useful in fast-paced games where blur can be distracting.
Colour and Brightness
Colours on the SH242Y look balanced out of the box, and the IPS panel keeps colours consistent across the screen, which helps if you’re watching videos with friends or working on something where colour accuracy matters.
Brightness is rated at 250 nits, which is enough for most indoor environments, and the matte screen helps reduce glare if you’re near windows. You might need to adjust it if you’re in a very bright room, but in most cases, it holds up fine.
Everyday Use
For everyday tasks, this monitor fits in easily. The sharpness of Full HD on a 23.8” screen makes reading and writing comfortable, while the 100 Hz refresh rate keeps your workflow feeling a bit snappier.
If you’re a student, it’s a comfortable monitor for long study sessions, letting you keep documents and research material open side by side. For working from home, it’s a practical upgrade from a laptop screen, giving you more space and reducing eye strain over longer sessions.
For casual gaming, it holds up well, and the combination of FreeSync and a 100 Hz refresh rate makes games feel smoother without needing the highest-end graphics card to take advantage of it.
Ergonomics
The adjustable stand is one of the nicer touches at this price. You can tilt, swivel, and adjust the height, which helps you find a position that feels comfortable, especially if you’re using it for long periods.
The monitor also includes Acer’s EyeProtect features like a Blue Light Filter and Flicker-less technology, which help reduce eye strain during longer sessions, whether you’re working, gaming, or just watching videos.
Connectivity
Ports include an HDMI 1.4, a VGA input, and an audio-out jack. The HDMI cable is included, making setup easier. The VGA port is handy if you’re using an older laptop or PC that doesn’t have HDMI.
The ports are easy to reach, and the monitor’s light weight makes it easy to turn and adjust if you need to swap cables.
Pricing and Value
At $109, the SH242Y is priced in a range where many people shop for a second monitor or a straightforward replacement for an older display. It’s affordable while still giving you features that make it feel like a step up, such as the 100 Hz refresh rate, FreeSync support, and adjustable stand.
It’s the kind of monitor that makes sense for students, home offices, or anyone who wants to improve their setup without spending too much.
Who is it for?
This monitor is a good fit for people looking for a simple, effective display for everyday use, work, and light gaming. It’s practical for those who want a clean, sharp display for documents and browsing, but also want something that can handle occasional gaming without fuss.
If you’re working from home, it’s a nice upgrade from a laptop screen, making your daily tasks more comfortable. For students, it’s a monitor that will make studying and note-taking easier, while also being ready for gaming sessions when it’s time to take a break.
Summary
The Acer SH242Y Ebmihx 23.8” IPS Monitor is a simple, clean, and practical upgrade for those looking to improve their workspace without overspending.
The combination of Full HD resolution, 100 Hz refresh rate, IPS colour accuracy, and FreeSync support makes it versatile enough for work, study, and gaming while maintaining a compact size that fits easily on most desks.
If you’re looking for a monitor that will improve your daily workflow, make your desk feel cleaner, and also handle some light gaming without any trouble, the SH242Y is a solid choice that proves you don’t need to spend a lot to get a monitor that feels right.
The Acer SH242Y Ebmihx 23.8” IPS Monitor is available on Amazon.