Gaming equipment a lot of the time doesn’t come cheap. If you are still finding your feet in the gaming space and are looking for an inexpensive monitor to sharpen your skills, then our list can help you out.
You don’t have to spend 400$+ to get a great monitor that can perform both competitively and graphically.
This is a list of 15 budget gaming monitors that punch well above their weight class and has some serious power behind it.
Our Top 3 Picks
1. BenQ GL2580H
About:Â 24.5”/27”/28”, Full HD, 1ms Response time, Advanced eye care, Zero-flicker tech.
BenQ is famous for its Zowie Esports line of competitive gaming monitors and mice, and although their Esports line doesn’t exactly have a budget option available, the GL2580H is as close as it gets.
The GL2580H might not be a part of the Zowie Esports line of products, but it has plenty of features that make it an ideal gaming screen.
Arguably the most critical factor for a gaming monitor is it’s response time, and luckily this screen comes with ultra-fast GTG response time of only one millisecond, which is the same standard that most competitive gaming screen use. On top of that, it also has advanced eye care, which allows you to filter out the harmful blue light and minimize eye irritation and harm. This is an absolute godsend if you often find yourself gaming for hours on end. Lastly, it also has ZeroFlicker technology, which does exactly what it sounds like; it eliminates all flicker from the screen at any brightness level.
In terms of design, this is by far one of the best on the list. It has an edge-to-edge slim border design with a simple, but stylish mount. It feels incredibly qualitative compared to most budget options and fits perfectly into any setup.
The monitor comes in 3 sizes, 24.5”, 27”, 28” which is always nice. However, for this review, we tested the 24.5-inch version, and it is also the one we would recommend to most gamers and the one that offers the highest value for your buck.
2. Acer KG251Q
About: 24.5”, 1920 x 1080, AMD FREE SYNC Technology, 2W speakers.
It’s not only the high-end Predator products from Acer that does well in the gaming space. This affordable monitor comes with impressive features that will undoubtedly help you out in a competitive setting.
The first thing to stand out when you look at the specifications is the lightning-fast response time, which goes as low as one millisecond. Response time is one of the single most crucial factors if you want a monitor that enhances performance and not just your experience. This, combined with the AMD Freesync technology, make the Acer KG251Q perform well above its pay grade. Both of these features make sure that this monitor gives you all the visual information you need to make the right calls in-game and generally smoothen out your gaming experience.
The screen uses two 2W speakers which do its job alright, but it is not it’s not ideal compared to real speakers. For people, without speakers or a proper headset, this might be a nice addition. Still, generally speaking, you will get much better sound from a decent audio setup or gaming headset than these speakers provide.
Quality and sturdiness are where the low price starts to show. Not to say that it will break from regular use or anything like that, but the display is mostly made of plastic, which does make it lightweight, but it doesn’t have a very qualitative feel to it. That said, a monitor is not supposed to be moved around a lot, so this likely won’t affect you.
Overall the Acer KG251Q offers a tremendous amount of value for your buck, and you will struggle to find a cheaper monitor with real Freesync and 1ms response time.
So if you are looking to get decent competitive performance from your monitor, then this is one of the most affordable options on the market.
3. Asus VG245H
About:Â 24″, 1920 x 1080, 1ms response time, 75Hz, Freesync, Asus eye care tech, flicker-free.
This beauty from Asus might be slightly more expensive than more options on this list, but it more than makes up for it in performance and features. With ultra-fast response time, 75Hz, and Freesync technology, this monitor punches well above its price range and can compete with more expensive options.
When you look at the specifications of this PC screen from Asus, you would be excused to believe its a high-end model. However, that is far from the case, and for under 200 bucks, it is quite impossible to find a more dominant display for gaming.
The Asus VG245H is packed full of all the most essential gaming specs such as Freesync, a one millisecond response time, and a 75Hz refresh rate. All of which makes it a reliable option for competitive and casual gaming alike.
However, it also comes with the additional quality of life features such as Asus Eye Care Technology and two separate game modes. The Eye Care tech minimizes the blue lighting from the screen and reduces eye strain and long term damage. In terms of game modes, it gives you the option between GameVisual and GamePlus, which affect the look and performance of the screen. GameVisual provides you with deeper color pallets and more immersive experience while GamePlus maximizes the screen’s performance for competitive play. So whether you love immersive singleplayer games or online competitive ones, this monitor has got you covered.
Although its performance and features are impressive, the design is my absolute favorite part of this screen. It has a slick, minimalistic look with slim edges and fits perfectly into any gamer setup, whether you have a desk full of LED lighted green Razer products or a more down to earth setup.
It’s tough to say anything negative about this affordable monster from Asus, and if you take gaming seriously but don’t want to go all out on a high-end monitor, then this is perfect for you.
This is one of our absolute favorite budget-friendly gaming monitors on the market right now. Asus knocked it out of the park with this one. Both in terms of design and performance.
4. Dell SE2419HX
About: 23.8”, 2ms response time, 1920×1080, 60Hz, Frameless design.
This budget monitors strengths lies in its quality feel. It’s aluminum and steel design makes it sturdy and durable all the while having a very simple, yet sleek look to it. On top of this, its stand is very robust and makes sure to give plenty of support to the screen itself. But quality is not the only thing that the Dell SE2417HG has going for it.
The display offers a 60Hz full-HD resolution and a response time of mere two milliseconds, which provide you with more than enough performance for any competitive setting. While it is not the most potent monitor on our list concerning performance, it has an above-average performance with excellent quality for your money.
If you want a sharp, good-looking monitor for your gaming set up, which also provides you with decent specifications for a competitive setting, then this budget wonder from Dell is definitely worth your consideration.
5. Acer 27″ Curved ED273
About:Â 27-inch curved display, 144Hz, Freesync, 4ms Response time, VA display.
This Acer VA display is one of the most expensive on our list, and I was not sure whether or not I wanted to include it here, but the amount of value-for-money it offers cleared my doubts. It’s a beautiful curved HD VA display with a stunning 144Hz refresh rate that results in incredibly clean imagery and a performance worthy of competitive games.
It is fully compatible with both Freesync and G Sync and packs a response time of 4ms. While the response time could be better, you rarely see VA displays go below 4ms as the deep contrasts on-screen hinders its refresh rate a bit.
VA panels are great for graphically demanding games, and this display is no exception. It will leave you stunned at the perfect contrasts and sharp graphical prowess as you load up your newest games. All the while still retaining a refresh rate and response time that will give you a competitive advantage over regular monitors. It’s an excellent option for people that enjoy fast-paced competitive games as well as immersive singleplayer experiences.
6. LG 25UM58-P 25-Inch
About: 21:9 Ultrawide, 25-inch, Game Mode, Black stabilizer, sRGB over 99%.
What if I told you that you didn’t have to break your budget to get a decently strong ultra-wide display for your setup? This is no longer a far-fetched dream, and with this 25″ LG 21:9 screen, you can have just that.
Now, size isn’t everything, and luckily this LG ultrawide monitor has a lot more to offer than just it’s size.
The display provides you with stunning imagery with its sRGB coloring and full HD resolution. The sRGB feature just means that it uses a specific color pallet that generally speaking gives a much more consistent and a bit brighter coloring than Adobe RGB. Which you prefer is subjective, but if you like a sharp, vivid, and very colorful image, then sRGB is a big win.
On top of its imagery, it also offers quite a lot of advanced features that add to the user experience. Such as an integrated “game mode” and screen split 2.0.
It has three game-specific game modes. Two modes for first-person shooters and a third mode aimed at real-time strategy games. While it’s not exactly game-breaking modes, they do offer some great presets that can help you in-game. The modes help stabilize the blacks and make it easier to see your opponents. It also activates something LG calls Dynamic Action Sync feature, which provides a more streamlined gaming experience with a faster response time. The RTS mode makes it easier to keep a birds-eye view of the game and notice the smaller details, which is also really great for MOBA and MMO gaming, in my opinion.
The Screen Split 2.0 takes advantage of the 21:9 display’s size and makes it function as two monitors in one. This is fantastic for people that tend to do a lot of multi-tasking and work with multiple windows, such as artists, video editors, and even writers.
The only real downside of the LG 25UM58-P is its materials, and even that is not an issue. It is made almost entirely from plastic, which might sound and feel a bit cheap compared to aluminum, but it would be impossible to create an ultrawide monitor with this kind of performance and the price with an aluminum frame. Simply put, they shaved away all the unnecessary costs to develop a real budget option for people that want an ultrawide display.
If you want an ultrawide monitor that also provide you with decent specifications without burning a hole in your wallet, then this is not just one of the best options, its the best.
7. Sceptre 27″ C278W-1920R
About: 27-inch, Curved, 75Hz, FHD, VGA Speakers.
Opting in for one of the lesser brands can be a smart move, and this 27″ monitor from Sceptre proves just that. This kind of value for your money is hard to find among the more prominent brands on the market.
First of all, this is a 27-inch curved monitor with a Full HD LED display, and if you think that sounds impressive for a budget monitor, that is because it is. These kinds of specifications are something you usually have to pay double the cost of the Sceptre C278W to get your hands on.
It is also not just on paper it looks great; it also has a modern and slick design with a beautiful curve. Even regarding materials, it does quite well and manages to feel wholly qualitative, especially considering its price tag.
Lastly, we have to talk about performance, which is the only area where the Sceptre C278W is almost price range appropriate, but not entirely. The display is, of course, full HD but also has a max Hz of 75 with a response time down to 5 milliseconds. While the response time may not be quite powerful enough to satisfy the most cutting-edge competitive players, it is indeed sufficient for the regular, serious gamer. That being said, this screen is probably not aimed at the competitive gamer anyway, as it caters more to an immersive experience rather than pure performance.
If you want a curved and rather large monitor but don’t have too much money to spend, then this PC screen from Sceptre is an exceptional choice. It does well enough in competitive settings, but immersive games are where it truly shines. So this PC display is ideal if you are a fan of games like World of Warcraft or the Witcher 3 and are looking to improve on the immersion factor.
8. Acer XFA240
About: 24-inch, Full HD, 144Hz Refresh rate, 1ms response time, Height & tilt adjustment, G-Sync compatible, 2 x 2W Speakers.
What if I told you that you could get a gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time that is also G-Sync compatible for under 200$? Well, normally, you would be right to call me crazy, but this brand new beauty from Acer has all that, and more.
This gaming display comes with specifications that even a professional gamer would be happy to play on. With a response time and refresh rate that only a few years back was the standard at major Esport tournaments, this screen means business.
Apart from being one of the most capable and powerful monitors on this list, it is also one of the most beautiful, with a classic, slick design that can tilt in any direction you wish.
Granted, this is also one of the more expensive options and is probably more mid-tier than actual “budget,” but when it offers this much value for your buck, it simply had to go onto the list.
9. Samsung LS27E330HZX
About: 27-inch, 60Hz, 1ms response time, FHD, Game Mode.
This stunning, yet affordable 27-inch monitor from Samsung with a lot of good qualities such as an eye-saver mode and a dominant 1ms response time display is another great option for the budget-oriented gamer.
It’s quite impressive what you get for your buck with this Samsung screen. The 27-inch display has a beautiful stand and feels quite sturdy and reliable.
Regarding performance, it’s equally impressive, with it’s 1 millisecond response time and highly adjustable display colors. It has both an eye-saver mode as well as a game mode, both of which can enhance your gaming experience. The eye-saver mode is generally used to spare your eyes when playing in the dark and should be an absolute must-have feature if you enjoy playing at night without the lights on. The game mode provides you with more evident blacks and changes the coloring to make it easier to spot your opponents in Counter-strike or help to keep a clear overview of strategy games.
Despite these features, the screen itself is full-HD, which is a given nowadays but still a nice touch.
I would highly recommend this 27-inch PC display from Samsung as it is an excellent all-around package with decent quality and outstanding overall performance and some excellent features to boot.
10. BenQ GW2280
About: 22-inch, 1920 x 1080 resolution, Frameless design, Zero flicker technology, Brightness Intelligence Plus, two speakers.
While BenQ is mostly known for its XL gaming series, this GW monitor is still a good option for gamers that look for a lot of value for their buck.
The depth of the blacks and the vibrant colors are hallmarks of any tremendous Twisted Nematic screen.
This monitor offers terrific value for money as things like motion handling, and pixel response was top notch.
This monitor did also has some quirks in terms of the features it offers. The stand is quite stable and provides excellent support, unlike the Asus on our list.
There are a DVI, HDMI, and VGA port. However, there is no display port option. These are vital for hardcore gamers as they look to get the best performance from all peripherals. Other options like the Viewsonic come with display ports and are in a similar price bracket.
The speakers are not great, just like most budget gaming monitors. If this is a feature important to you, then you need to look in the higher end market.
The monitor sits at a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is very good for the casual gamer, but if you are into competitive gaming, you might want to throw a bit extra money at some of the pricier models.
11. Asus VS228H-P
About: 21.5-inch, 5ms response time, 60Hz, LED HD, Game mode.
This Asus is an option worth considering for any entry-level gamer on a budget, as it simply doesn’t come cheaper than this.
First up, we would like to note that if you are used to reading e-books or just reading extensively, on this screen, you should set it to a lower resolution. While this monitor offers a great 1080P experience for some games and movies, the text can be a bit hard to read.
We loved the fact that this monitor is straightforward to connect and setup. The multiple port options make it handy to connect your console and PC at the same time. The responsiveness is a bit slow for high performance and FPS games. However, if you are an entry-level gamer, then it can be a good place to start.
The stand was something which we didn’t quite like, as it is extremely sensitive. Just a slight tap on the desk can be picked up.
For basic gaming, a refresh rate higher than 60Hz could be a better option. Despite this monitors’ ability to produce great picture quality and smooth motion, a 24 inch would be ideal if you are looking for a piece for your primary gaming desktop.
Overall, we think this device is excellent for the casual gamer and folks looking for an inexpensive backup option.
12. HP Pavilion 22CWA
About: 21.5-inch, 7ms response time, 60Hz, IPS LED, Full HD.
A cheap option from HP Pavillion. This monitor is the textbook definition of a budget display, and you will struggle to find more value for money anywhere else.
First up, the design of the HP was something that caught our eye. Its slick design made it one of the more aesthetically pleasing options on our list, despite being only 21.5 inches.
This monitor is almost the definition of what one expects from a budget option. The response rate is a lot slower than the Asus or Viewsonic, which makes it a big no for FPS gamers.
The colors are great, with the IPS panel offering super-wide viewing angles as well. The bezel was also quite narrow, which was a big positive for us.
Connectivity is limited, though, with only VGA and HDMI options available. This monitor doesn’t have any slots for headphones or an inbuilt speaker.
The LED backlighting, coupled with the ultra-slim design is easy on the eye. If you are into the habit of having frag nights, then this monitor might not serve you well. Instead, if you are used to having movie nights and the occasional LoL or Dota night, then this monitor is a great choice.
13. AOC 27V2HÂ
About:Â 27-inch, 5ms response time, 75Hz, Full HD, Frameless IPS Panel, Flicker-free, Freesync.
If you are looking for a large monitor and have a small budget, then this AOC monitor is one of your best bets. With its high-level refresh rate, Freesync, and frameless IPS panel, this is a near-perfect monitor. The only real downside is the 5ms response time, which can be a problem for competitive gamers.
The e2751She performs very well for gaming and intensive tasks. The 5ms response is quite good, as well. It is more than adequate for the everyday gamer, but if you want to compete at a higher level, you should probably look for something with at least a 2ms response time.
Luckily the monitor comes with AMD FreeSync, a low blue light mode, a refresh rate of 75Hz, and is entirely flicker-free. So although the response time is a bit of a let down the rest of the performance is excellent for the price range.
The frameless IPS panel does more than looking incredibly beautiful. It also makes sure that you can watch the screen clearly at almost any angle with no problems at all.
It’s pretty light, making it easy to move around the house.
The configuration was something we were tinkering with, and we found the custom settings tend to work well, especially if you are making use of graphics cards.
14. ViewSonic VX2452MH
About: 24-inch, 2ms response time, Full HD, 75Hz refresh rate, Dual speakers, Game mode.
The ViewSonic is incredibly economical and overperforms quite a lot compared to the most displays of its price range.
First up, the picture quality we thought was quite good. The colors and text were vivid and sharp. The blacks were ok but not deep enough. Nonetheless, quite good for a budget option.
We liked the fact that games were responsive even though it slightly lacked in the richness or immersive feel that higher-priced options offer.
The brightness was a comfortable 250 units, which were also easy on the eye, unlike others, which can hurt the colors.
The multiple input options, including display port, was a significant positive considering its price.
An aspect that we didn’t like was that all the customization buttons are at the back of the monitor, which means it is tough to perform any adjustments if necessary, in-game.
Despite coming with built-in speakers, the sound quality we found was pretty weak. The bezel is quite thick as well, which gives the monitor a chunky look.
Overall, we think this is an underwhelming option for a frequent gamer. However, it is a solid choice for the everyday user who likes to game occasionally.
15. Acer R240HY
About: 23.8-inch, 4ms response time, Full HD IPS, Flicker-free tech.
While not as flashy as some of the other Acer monitors on this list, the R240HY more than makes up for it in terms of value for your buck.
Is it the best PC screen? Obviously not. It has minor flaws, but to be honest, most people will not notice a single issue with this screen. It’s quite amazing what they managed to do with this screen at this price.
You won’t get any game mode button or any other special features. But that is to be expected at this price range, and it still manages to outperform a lot of more expensive monitors. The only real noticeable issue is backlight bleeding. This means that if you’re watching something very dark on your screen and you have no lights on in the room, there will be a small light coming from the corners onto the screen. For me, this is not a problem since I usually play in a lighted room and I don’t watch a lot of movies on my computer, which is where this problem often is present. Besides the minor issues I had with this screen, it’s truly amazing how it performs. It’s pretty much a 250$ screen for a mere 130$, and that’s hard to argue against.
If you’re looking for a great gaming monitor, and you are not a perfectionist, this is for you. If you are bothered by small issues such as backlight bleeding, this is not the ideal screen for you. But if you are looking for high value for money, this is a great pick. It goes without saying that if you’re looking for a serious hardcore gaming screen, this is not for you. But if you’re looking for that, you also have to be prepared to throwF more money on the table, since this is as good as it gets at this price.
