The HP M22f is one of the cheapest daily-use monitors that hails from a well-known computer technology brand. We think of it as the grocery monitor since it’s readily available on big chains as an affordable option for basic to mid-tier use. Let’s take a closer look to see if it’s worth it or if you should just pay a bit more to get a higher-spec model.
HP M22f Specifications
- Screen Size: 22 Inches
- Resolution: 1080p FHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz
- Response Time: 5ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: No
- Stand: Height -No
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: HDMI 1.4 x 1, D-sub x 1, 3.5mm Audio Jack
- Dimensions with Stand (WxHxD): 19.11” x 12.52” x 98”
- Weight: 5.92 lbs
Design and Features
The HP M22f sports a newer aesthetic that looks more elegant than the older HP 22f. This model has a silver finish, so it looks well-suited to sit next to premium laptops such as MacBooks and Surface Pros. The screen has a bezel-free design, but it still has inner borders like most modern monitors.
One of the things that make this model an excellent seller is its unique and smaller overall size. 22-inch monitors aren’t as common, but they are great for limited spaces like dorms and apartments. The device only needs 5.92 inches of depth from your desk, and it is very lightweight at under 6 pounds.
Its build quality is quite decent for a sub-$100 monitor that’s made mostly out of plastic. There were no cosmetic defects or signs of weakness like flexing on any of its parts. The included stand may have a smaller base and less heft than what we’re used to, but it can still keep the screen upright as needed.
One common downside of budget models is their use of OSD buttons instead of joysticks. The good news is that the layout is on the right side of the bottom bezel, so it’s easily within reach. However, it is quite difficult to use since multiple keypresses are needed to get to a specific setting.
The stand in the package can only offer tilt, just like what the HP 22f has. This isn’t terrible for the price you pay, but the product’s smaller stature could be helped with height adjustments. You can use VESA mounts, but buying that on the side will offset the savings you can get by choosing this model.
It also only offers basic connectivity, so it is not going to be the most flexible monitor out there. The layout only includes HDMI 1.4 and D-sub, along with a 3.5mm jack for headphones. That’s all you need for the panel’s limited specifications, but we wish it had USB-C for usability with modern devices.
You don’t get speakers with this model, but that’s always understandable for display products that are priced like it. You are better off without them anyway since built-ins usually do not have enough power or clarity to be usable for entertainment purposes.
Display and Performance
The HP M22f sports a 22-inch IPS panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 75Hz refresh rate, and a 5ms response time. The backlight has a 300 cd/m2 output, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1. This model doesn’t have entertainment-grade specifications like HDR certification, but that’s also understandable.
1080p monitors aren’t the cream of the crop now, but they are desirable for the purposes this monitor was designed for. It is easy to use them for reading and writing since letters and numbers do not become smaller than they have to be. It’s also easier to run them even if you use the most basic PCs, so they are great for budget builds or office computers.
The HP M22f covered 97% sRGB for decent vibrancy in daily tasks and some light entertainment usage. Its default accuracy had a deltaE average of 2.41, so it is not the most accurate home and office monitor out there. However, most users won’t notice the difference, so it’s going to be ready for use out of the box.
Calibrating it reduced the dE average to 1.19, making it more suitable for content creation or similar tasks. That’s not the best we’ve seen, but it’s certainly beyond what some budget models are capable of. The downside is that you will need a colorimeter to achieve the same results since not all panels are made equal.
The HP M22f’s backlight reached a 288 cd/m2 maximum, so it has some room for adjustment. Its contrast isn’t the best since it only managed to produce 988:1 at 40% brightness. It is not capable of deep blacks, but that’s a known limitation of the panel technology.
Panel uniformity for the test sample was affected by backlight leaks on the top edge of the display. They showed up as clouding in dark scenes but are almost invisible against lighter or full-color backgrounds. Note that this can vary with every monitor made due to tolerances, so there are better and worse units out there.
The HP M22f isn’t the most responsive monitor out there, even if it has some refresh rate headroom. Faster-paced games like Valorant will reveal their limitations in this regard, but they’re not as bad as they are on VA models. However, we can only rate this product as an option for casual gaming.
The HP M22f is compatible with AMD FreeSync, but G-Sync doesn’t work on it. It doesn’t have DisplayPort, which is necessary for dual compatibility among monitors. Its input lag sits at 9ms at 75Hz, so it is still decently responsive for gaming.
Thoughts on the HP M22f
The HP M22f is a decent pick for daily use for those who want to save money but want a high-quality product. It is not the most sophisticated model out there, but it will get the job done for most tasks, including casual gaming. It’s an improvement over its predecessor, but not by a large margin, in our opinion.
The biggest limitation of the HP M22f is its lack of essential features such as better connectivity options. Missing speakers or other extras is forgivable, but we’d like to see DisplayPort at least for better functionality. It is still a good buy, especially for office work, but spending a bit more will get you a more equipped option.
Pros:
- Low Price and Wide Availability
- Clear IPS
- Excellent Color and Contrast
- FreeSyn Compatible
Cons:
- Limited Features
- Low Contrast
- Needs DisplayPort
About the Author: 
Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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