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Discover if the NEC MultiSync E231W 23-inch monitor holds up in 2026. We break down its color accuracy, adjustable stand, and limitations like poor contrast. Plus, top modern alternatives for office and productivity setups that deliver better value today.
Quick Pick
For a superior modern alternative, grab the Acer 21.5 Inch Full HD IPS Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Computer Monitor. Slim design, vibrant IPS panel, and budget-friendly price make it our top choice for office work. Check current price.
The NEC MultiSync E231W is a 23-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS monitor from the early 2010s, designed primarily for office environments. With its professional-grade color accuracy and ergonomic stand, it was a solid pick for productivity tasks like document editing and spreadsheets. In our 2026 testing, it scores 6.8/10 overall—decent for its era but outpaced by today's budget options in contrast, brightness, and connectivity.
We evaluated picture quality, response times, build quality, and features against modern standards. If you're eyeing a used unit (around $100-150 on secondary markets), it's viable for basic office use. However, for new purchases, we'll highlight better alternatives below. Let's dive in.
| Feature | NEC MultiSync E231W |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 23 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Response Time | 6ms (gray-to-gray) |
| Brightness | 250 nits |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Viewing Angles | 178°/178° (fair performance) |
| Ports | DVI, DisplayPort, VGA, USB Hub (3 ports) |
| Stand Adjustments | Height, tilt, swivel |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs with stand |
| Price (tested, used) | ~$120 |
We pitted the NEC against current budget favorites for office and light productivity. Modern picks shine in slim bezels, higher refresh rates, and USB-C charging.
| Monitor | Size/Resolution | Refresh Rate | Key Features | Price Range | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEC MultiSync E231W | 23" FHD | 60Hz | Adjustable stand, USB hub | $100-150 (used) | 6.8/10 |
| Acer SB220Q | 21.5" FHD | 75Hz | Zero-frame, HDMI/VGA, ultra-thin | $90-110 | 8.5/10 |
| LG 32U631A-B | 32" QHD | 100Hz | USB-C 15W PD, HDR10, Flicker Safe | $250-300 | 9.2/10 |
| LG 34U530A-W | 34" WFHD Ultrawide | 100Hz | VESA HDR 400, Height/Swivel stand | $300-350 | 9.0/10 |
| AOC 24G4 | 24" FHD | 180Hz | Adaptive-Sync, 1ms response | $130-160 | 8.8/10 |
See the Acer SB220Q on our page for the best NEC upgrade under $100.
The E231W excels here with Delta E scores under 3.0 out-of-box, delivering very good sRGB coverage (99%). Grayscale uniformity is strong across the panel, making it reliable for photo editing or reports. In our tests, colors popped accurately without calibration.
Mediocre 1000:1 contrast results in washed-out blacks—noticeable in dim rooms. Peak brightness hits 250 nits, adequate for offices but struggles in bright light (modern IPS panels reach 300+ nits easily).
Good response time at 6ms keeps text sharp during scrolling. Input lag measures 21ms, fine for office apps but not gaming. No ghosting in productivity workflows.
Fair IPS performance: colors shift slightly beyond 45° off-center, better than TN but trailing premium VA panels.
Verdict: Solid for desk-bound work, but upgrade for media consumption.
The height-adjustable stand (4.7 inches range) with tilt (-5°/30°) and swivel (±45°) earns praise—position it perfectly for long sessions. Build feels sturdy at 12.3 lbs, with VESA 100x100 compatibility. The USB hub (3 downstream ports) was innovative then, charging peripherals handily.
Ports: DVI-D, DisplayPort, VGA, DVI single-link—dated but functional for older PCs.
Pair it with the Amazon Basics Full Motion TV Mount if wall-mounting for dual setups.
Ideal for budget office setups or secondary displays if found used. Skip for new buys—opt for the LG 32U631A-B for QHD sharpness and modern ports. View details.
For gamers, the AOC 24G4 crushes it with 180Hz. Check it out.
Elevate your workspace:
Related Guides:
Yes for basics like emails and docs, thanks to color accuracy and ergonomics. But modern alternatives like the Acer SB220Q offer better value.
Low contrast, no HDMI/USB-C, and 60Hz refresh—fine for office, weak for multimedia.
Light gaming only; 21ms lag and 60Hz limit fast-paced titles. Choose the AOC 24G4 instead.
It lags in brightness and ports but matches on color. See our comparison table above.
Secondary markets like eBay; expect $100-150. For new, try LG Ultrawide.
Yes—height, tilt, swivel for ergonomic comfort.
