The Best Budget Gaming Monitors for All Gamer Types

The prices of high-end gaming monitors have skyrocketed, especially those boasting OLED panels, large screens, high refresh rates, and sharp resolutions. However, there are still many excellent and affordable options that don't compromise significantly on image quality or features. This guide highlights some of the best budget gaming monitors available in 2024.

TL;DR – Top Budget Gaming Monitors:

Top Pick: Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor

1See it at AmazonBest 1080p: Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

0See it at AmazonBest 1440p: LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

0See it at AmazonSee it at TargetBest 4K: KTC H27P22S

0See it at AmazonBest Ultrawide: Dell S3422DWG

0See it at AmazonSee it at Dell

Budget gaming monitors might lack some premium features, but they still deliver exceptional display performance for your gaming PC. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can excel with high refresh rate and 4K monitors at affordable prices. While compromises like adjustable stands or KVM switches might be absent, focusing on performance and essential features reveals incredible value at every price point.

Beware of overly cheap monitors; a $100 monitor might seem like a bargain, but it's likely to be short-lived and potentially harmful to your eyes. The monitors recommended here are slightly more expensive but offer superior build quality, excellent panels, and essential gaming features for a far better long-term experience.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Matthew S. Smith

For deals, check out current gaming monitor offers.

1. Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor

Best Overall Budget Gaming Monitor

Top Pick: Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor

1See it at Amazon

Specifications:

• Screen Size: 27”
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440
• Panel type: IPS
• Brightness: 1000 cd/m2
• Refresh rate: 180Hz
• Response time: 1ms
• Inputs: 2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm Audio

Pros: High brightness, deep contrast, accurate colors, excellent picture quality and HDR, robust local dimming zones.

Cons: Bloom on dark grey backgrounds, no USB hub.

The Xiaomi G Pro 27i is a standout performer. Its mini-LED backlight with full-array local dimming (FALD) and 1152 local dimming zones deliver exceptional contrast and HDR performance, rivaling much more expensive OLED monitors without the burn-in risk. Its 180Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay, and its color accuracy is excellent. While lacking a USB hub and only supporting HDMI 2.0, its overall quality makes these trade-offs worthwhile.

2. Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

Best Budget 1080p Gaming Monitor

Best 1080p: Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

2See it at Amazon

Specifications:

• Screen Size: 27”
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Panel type: VA, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible
• Brightness: 350 cd/m2
• Refresh rate: 165Hz
• Response time: 1ms
• Inputs: 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x Audio Jack

Pros: Great colors and contrast, ELMB support, VESA mount.

Cons: No height adjustment, lower pixel density than higher resolution options at this size.

The Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A offers impressive performance for its price. Its VA panel provides deep blacks and wide dynamic range, while its 165Hz refresh rate and game-enhancing features (on-screen reticle, Shadow Boost, ELMB) provide a competitive edge. The lack of height adjustment is a minor drawback, but VESA mounting allows for aftermarket stand upgrades.

3. LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

Best 1440p Budget Gaming Monitor

Best 1440p: LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

0See it at AmazonSee it at Target

Specifications:

• Screen Size: 27”
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440
• Panel type: IPS, FreeSync and G-Sync
• Response time: 1ms
• Inputs: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort

Pros: Solid HDR gaming, great color accuracy, Low Framerate Compensation.

Cons: Non-adjustable stand.

The LG UltraGear 27GN800-B provides a significant resolution upgrade to 1440p, resulting in sharper visuals. Its 144Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and Low Framerate Compensation ensure smooth gameplay. The lack of a height-adjustable stand is offset by VESA mount compatibility.

4. KTC H27P22S

Best 4K Budget Gaming Monitor

Best 4K: KTC H27P22S

1See it at Amazon

Specifications:

• Screen Size: 27”
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Panel type: IPS, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible
• Brightness: 400 cd/m2
• Refresh rate: 160Hz
• Response time: 1ms
• Inputs: 2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x 3.5mm Audio

Pros: Sharp 4K screen, HDMI 2.1 for consoles, fast refresh rate.

Cons: No USB connectivity, not factory calibrated.

The KTC H27P22S demonstrates the advancements in budget 4K gaming monitors. Its 160Hz refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync deliver a smooth gaming experience. While lacking factory calibration and a USB hub, its performance and price make it a compelling option.

5. Dell S3422DWG

Best Ultrawide Budget Gaming Monitor

Best ultrawide: Dell S3422DWG

0See it at AmazonSee it at Dell

Specifications:

• Screen Size: 34”
• Aspect Ratio: 21:9
• Resolution: 3440 x 1440
• Panel type: VA, FreeSync
• Brightness: 400 cd/m2
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Response time: 1ms
• Inputs: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort

Pros: Great contrast, immersive curved display, height-adjustable stand, USB hub.

Cons: Minor ghosting.

The Dell S3422DWG offers an immersive ultrawide experience at a budget-friendly price. Its 3440x1440 resolution and curved VA panel provide vibrant visuals, while its 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support ensure smooth gameplay. Its height-adjustable stand and USB hub functionality add further value.

How Much to Spend & Key Considerations:

The $200-$300 range is a good target for budget gaming monitors. Understanding resolution, refresh rate, panel type, and screen size helps in making informed compromises. 1080p remains standard for budget displays, while 1440p offers better value if budget allows. 4K is achievable but often requires higher spending or compromises in other areas. Refresh rates typically range from 60Hz to 240Hz, with 144Hz being a good balance. IPS panels excel in motion clarity and color accuracy, while VA panels offer superior contrast. Screen size should be chosen considering available desk space and resolution. G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility is recommended. While many budget monitors advertise HDR, the brightness levels are often insufficient for a truly impactful HDR experience.

FAQs:

• Best Panel Type: IPS for color and response time, VA for contrast (mini-LED IPS is superior if available).
• Best Time to Buy: During major sales events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday.
• Monitor Size: Consider desk space, resolution, and pixel density; 24" for 1080p, 27-32" for 1440p, and 27"+ for 4K.

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