In today's market, the prices of the best gaming monitors have soared, particularly for those boasting OLED panels, large screens, and high refresh rates at crisp resolutions. Fortunately, there's still a wide range of affordable monitors available that don't compromise as much on image quality and features as you might expect. Take the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, for example, which offers an incredible mini-LED, quantum dot screen for well under $400. It's my top pick because it rivals monitors that cost significantly more, demonstrating the high quality that can be achieved even on a budget, if you know where to look.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Budget Gaming Monitors:
Our Top Pick### Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor
1See it at Amazon
Best 1080p### Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
0See it at Amazon
Best 1440p### LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
0See it at AmazonSee it at Target
Best 4K### KTC H27P22S
0See it at Amazon
Best ultrawide### DellS3422DWG
0See it at AmazonSee it at DellThe best budget gaming monitors may not include all the latest technology and features, but they still offer an excellent display to enjoy the full potential of your gaming PC. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can be pushed to their limits, as high refresh rate and 4K monitors can now be found at more affordable prices. While there are often trade-offs, such as the absence of height-adjustable stands on the lower end and value-added features like KVM switches on the higher end, by focusing on performance and your personal "must-haves," you can discover great value at any price point.
Not all budget gaming monitors are created equal, and if something seems too good to be true, it often is. A $100 monitor might seem like a bargain at first, but it's likely to fail quickly or strain your eyes during extended gaming sessions, ultimately causing more harm than good. Our recommendations may be slightly above the $100 mark, but their sturdy construction, superior panels, and gaming features provide a far better experience. However, as with any other gaming accessory, higher-end gaming monitors are available if you're willing to invest more.
Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham, Matthew S. Smith
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1. Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor
Best Overall Budget Gaming Monitor
Our Top Pick### Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor
1Experience incredible picture quality at an unbeatable price. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27”Aspect Ratio16:9Resolution2,560 x 1,440Panel typeIPSBrightness1,000 cd/m2Refresh rate180HzResponse time1msInputs2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm AudioPROSHigh brightness and deep contrastExcellent color accuracyOutstanding picture quality and HDRRobust 1,152 local dimming zonesCONSBloom on dark grey backgroundsNo USB hubThe Xiaomi G Pro 27i is a standout gaming monitor in 2024, offering exceptional value at around $330. While it's not the cheapest 27" 1440p display on the market, it outshines its competitors by delivering a superior picture and gaming experience.
The use of mini-LED technology with full array local dimming (FALD) allows the monitor to smartly adjust the brightness of dark areas, enhancing contrast. With an impressive 1,152 local dimming zones, typically found in monitors costing over $700, the G Pro 27i significantly reduces blooming and elevates the viewing experience. Its HDR performance is exceptional, surpassing other monitors on this list and rivaling OLED displays, which are often much more expensive, without the risk of burn-in or issues with text clarity.
The monitor's panel supports a refresh rate of up to 180Hz, ensuring ultra-smooth gameplay and minimal motion blur. It provides accurate colors in DCI-P3, sRGB, and Adobe RGB modes, making it suitable for content creation as well. Although it lacks a USB hub and USB Type-C connectivity to keep costs down, and only supports HDMI 2.0, it remains a fantastic choice for those seeking OLED-like picture quality at a fraction of the price.
Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
Best Budget 1080p Gaming Monitor
Best 1080p### Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
2Get great gaming performance at around $150 with minimal drawbacks. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27”Aspect Ratio16:9Resolution1,920 x 1,080Panel typeVA, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync CompatibleBrightness350 cd/m2Refresh rate165HzResponse time1msInputs2x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x Audio JackPROSExcellent color and contrastELMB support for clearer motionVESA mount compatibleCONSSlightly lower pixel densityNo height adjustmentThe Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A offers excellent value, performing well on a variety of hardware setups. Its VA panel provides deep blacks and a wide dynamic range, ideal for gaming. With a 1ms gray-to-gray response time and features designed to enhance gameplay, it's a great choice for competitive gaming and esports.
VA panels are often preferred in this price range for their improved blacks and gaming performance, despite IPS panels being renowned for color accuracy. At 350 nits, this monitor is bright enough for vibrant colors and gaming in well-lit environments.
It includes useful features like an on-screen reticle, Shadow Boost to highlight enemies in dark areas, and Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) mode to minimize motion blur. However, the stand is not height adjustable, which might be a drawback depending on your setup. It does support VESA mounting, allowing for the use of an aftermarket stand or monitor arm. The 27" screen size offers immersion, but the 1080p resolution means it's not as sharp as smaller displays at the same resolution.
Despite these minor limitations, the Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A provides significant improvements to your gaming experience without breaking the bank.
LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
Best 1440p Budget Gaming Monitor
Best 1440p### LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
0Enjoy 144Hz refresh rates at 1440p resolution with adaptive sync technology and excellent color accuracy. See it at AmazonSee it at TargetProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27”Aspect Ratio16:9Resolution2,560 x 1,440Panel typeIPS, FreeSync, G-SyncResponse time1msInputs2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPortPROSSolid HDR gamingGreat color accuracyCONSStand isn’t height adjustableThe LG UltraGear 27GN800-B is an excellent upgrade for budget-conscious gamers. For under $300, it offers a resolution boost to 2560x1440, providing significantly sharper visuals than 1080p monitors. Its great color accuracy and factory calibration ensure vivid and immersive gaming experiences on its 27" screen.
With a 144Hz refresh rate and compatibility with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, this monitor delivers smooth, tear-free HDR gaming. It also features Low Framerate Compensation, which helps maintain smooth gameplay even if your system can't reach the maximum refresh rate.
The primary drawback is the non-height-adjustable stand, which may not suit all desk setups. However, it supports a standard VESA mount, allowing for easy replacement with a more adjustable stand. Overall, its feature set and affordable price make it a top choice for budget 1440p gaming.
KTC H27P22D
Best 4K Budget Gaming Monitor
Best 4K### KTC H27P22S
1Experience fast, high-quality 4K gaming on a budget. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27”Aspect Ratio16:9Resolution3,840 x 2,160Panel typeIPS, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync CompatibleBrightness400 cd/m2Refresh rate160HzResponse time1msInputs2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x 3.5mm AudioPROSSharp 4K displayGreat for consoles with HDMI 2.1Fast refresh rateExcellent overall valueCONSNo USB connectivityNot factory calibratedThe KTC H27P22D demonstrates the remarkable progress in the budget gaming monitor market. Priced at $400, and often available for less, it delivers a high refresh rate and 4K gaming experience without the hefty price tag. It's a well-rounded option for those with the hardware to support it.
The monitor boasts a crisp 4K resolution and a speedy 160Hz refresh rate, fully supporting AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. Its dual HDMI 2.1 ports make it a stellar choice for console gaming. While it doesn't include speakers, this isn't a significant drawback given the quality of most monitor speakers.
While marketing may overpromise, the real-world performance is impressive for the price. Its 400 nits of peak brightness is sufficient for vivid SDR gaming, and its color coverage is excellent, though not factory calibrated. Without a USB hub, you can't connect peripherals directly, but considering the features offered at this price, these are minor compromises. The KTC H27P22D is a fantastic option for budget-conscious gamers looking to upgrade to Ultra HD.
Dell S3422DWG
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5. Dell S3422DWG
Best Ultrawide Budget Gaming Monitor
Best ultrawide### DellS3422DWG
0Immerse yourself in gaming with this affordable, ultrawide curved monitor featuring 1440p at a 144Hz refresh rate. See it at AmazonSee it at DellProduct SpecificationsScreen Size34”Aspect Ratio21:9Resolution3,440 x 1,440Panel typeVA, FreeSyncBrightness400 cd/m2Refresh rate144HzResponse time1msInputs2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPortPROSGreat contrastImmersive wide, curved displayCONSMinor ghostingThe Dell S3422DWG is the top choice for an immersive gaming experience on a budget. Its VA panel with a 3440x1440 resolution offers vibrant, sharp images across various game genres. The 21:9 aspect ratio and slight screen curvature enhance immersion by enveloping your field of vision.
For ultrawide monitors, the "1440p" resolution is preferred over the ultrawide equivalent of 1080p, offering a higher pixel density for a better image, despite requiring more graphics power.
With a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support, gameplay is smooth and fluid. While there might be minor motion blur behind dark objects, overall motion clarity is strong. The monitor's height-adjustable stand, multiple HDMI and DisplayPort options, and USB hub functionality add to its appeal despite its budget-friendly price.
How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Monitor?
For a budget gaming monitor, aiming for a price range of $200-$300 is ideal. Monitors cheaper than this often compromise on quality. A gaming monitor should last 3-5 years, and a $100 monitor is unlikely to meet this durability standard.
To find the right monitor within this price range, you need to identify what's most important to you and make informed compromises. Key factors include:
- Resolution: 1080p is common in budget displays, offering good performance without needing high-end hardware. 1440p is a worthwhile upgrade, providing better value if your budget allows. 4K is possible on a budget, but expect to pay around $400 or make sacrifices in brightness or screen size.
- Refresh Rate: Budget gaming monitors typically offer 60 to 240Hz, with 144Hz or 165Hz being the sweet spot for most games. 240Hz is beneficial for competitive gaming.
- Panel Types: IPS panels are known for motion clarity and color vibrancy, while VA panels excel in contrast and dark scene performance. OLED panels are top-tier but more expensive.
- Screen Size: 27" is a versatile choice, suitable for 1440p gaming. Smaller 24" monitors are cheaper and preferred for competitive play, while larger monitors offer more immersion but require higher resolutions to maintain detail.
When choosing a monitor, consider Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync support based on your graphics card. Most budget monitors support both. While HDR is often marketed, true HDR performance requires higher brightness levels than most budget monitors can achieve.
Budget Gaming Monitor FAQs
What is the best type of panel?
Budget gaming monitors usually feature VA or IPS panels. My top pick uses an IPS panel with a mini-LED backlight, offering superior performance. The choice between VA and IPS depends on your priorities: IPS for response time and color accuracy, VA for contrast and dark scene performance.
When are gaming monitors most affordable?
The best times to buy gaming monitors at lower prices are during major sales events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. Back to School sales and clearance of older models can also offer great deals.
What size gaming monitor should I get for gaming?
Choosing the right size depends on your space and resolution preferences. For 1080p, a 24" monitor is ideal. For 1440p, 27-32" provides a good balance of detail and screen size. For 4K, a minimum of 27" is recommended. Avoid 1080p monitors larger than 27" to prevent the screen door effect.
