Let’s face it: finding a great monitor without breaking the bank can feel like searching for a unicorn. We understand that you want a display that offers crisp visuals and a comfortable viewing experience without putting a strain on your finances. So, we’ve done the legwork and uncovered a selection of budget-friendly monitors that offer impressive performance without sacrificing your savings.
Budget Monitor Buying Guide: Key Factors to Consider
Before we find out the top picks, let’s quickly cover some essential factors to keep in mind when hunting for a budget monitor:
- Panel Type: TN panels are the most affordable but often compromise color accuracy and viewing angles. IPS panels offer better color reproduction and wider viewing angles but come at a slightly higher price point. VA panels hit a balance between the two with decent color accuracy and viewing angles at a moderate cost, making them a popular choice for all-around budget monitors. Gamers should generally opt for VA panels for faster response times, while those prioritizing color accuracy might prefer IPS panels.
- Resolution: 1080p (Full HD) resolution is the standard for budget monitors, which is a good balance between image quality and affordability. However, if you’re looking for sharper visuals, consider 1440p (QHD) options, which are becoming increasingly affordable.
- Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), results in smoother motion and is ideal for gaming or watching action-packed content. A 60Hz refresh rate is sufficient for most users, but gamers might prefer 144Hz or even higher.
- Response Time: A lower response time, measured in milliseconds (ms), reduces motion blur and ghosting. Look for monitors with a response time of 5ms or lower for optimal performance.
Acer SB220Q bi 21.5″ Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Monitor
Photo credit: amazon.com
This 21.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS budget monitor is a great all-rounder for everyday tasks at a good price. The IPS panel offers decent viewing angles, and the 75Hz refresh rate is a step up from the standard 60Hz, making scrolling smoother. It has HDMI and VGA connectors. The monitor has a thin bezel design, making it look sleek and modern on your desk. While not the best, it has built-in speakers that can be handy for basic audio needs or video conferencing calls. However, if you plan on gaming competitively, you might want to look for a higher refresh rate monitor. Some reviewers also mentioned slightly limited viewing angles compared to higher-end IPS displays.
AOC 24G15N 24″ Gaming Monitor
Photo credit: aoc.com
This 24-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) budget monitor is a solid option for gamers on a budget. It boasts a super-fast 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time that minimizes ghosting, a blurring effect that can happen during rapid movements on the screen. This monitor uses a VA panel technology, known for offering a good compromise between viewing angles and color accuracy compared to TN panels, which are generally less expensive but have limitations in these areas. It has built-in speakers, but like most monitor speakers, they are likely just good enough for basic audio needs.
The AOC 24G15N has a 3-sided frameless design for a more immersive viewing experience. It offers two options for connecting to your PC: HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. It also has built-in AMD FreeSync compatibility to reduce screen tearing for compatible AMD graphics cards. However, keep in mind that all that gaming goodness comes in a 24-inch package, which might feel a bit small for some users who prefer a more immersive experience.
Gigabyte G27FC A 27″ Curved Gaming Monitor
Photo credit: gigabyte.com
For gamers seeking an immersive experience without breaking the bank, the Gigabyte G27FC A is worth considering. Its curved 27-inch Full HD (1920×1080 pixels) display wraps around your field of vision, drawing you into the action. With a lightning-fast 165Hz refresh rate, it displays more frames per second for incredibly smooth gameplay. The VA panel offers deep blacks and good contrast, perfect for dark game environments. It even supports AMD FreeSync Premium for a tear-free experience.
ViewSonic VA2456-mhd 24″ Monitor
Photo credit: viewsonic.com
The ViewSonic VA2456-mhd is a 24-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) budget monitor with an IPS panel and a 100Hz refresh rate. It has flicker-free technology and a blue light filter, which helps reduce eye strain during extended viewing sessions. The monitor offers HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA inputs, making it compatible with laptops, PCs, and Macs, including older computers. It also has built-in speakers. However, VA panels can sometimes have ghosting issues in fast-paced content, so keep that in mind.
Sceptre E248W-19203R 24″ Ultra Thin Monitor
Photo credit: amazon.com
This 24-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) budget monitor features a VA panel with LED backlighting and a 75Hz refresh rate, placing it in the middle ground between the Acer SB220Q bi and the AOC 24G15N in terms of refresh rate and price.
It offers decent picture quality with good contrast and color accuracy, suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and watching videos. The monitor boasts a slim bezel design, giving it a modern look on your desk. Its built-in speakers offer basic audio output, convenient for those in space-constrained setups. However, its adjustability is limited, with the stand only allowing for tilting. It has two HDMI ports and one VGA port for connectivity. Sceptre might be a less familiar brand compared to some other manufacturers, but it generally offers good value for its price.
Samsung T35F 27″ Monitor
Photo credit: samsung.com
If you’re looking for a budget monitor that’s easy on the eyes and wallet, the Samsung T35F is a fantastic choice. Its 27-inch Full HD (1920×1080 pixels) screen provides plenty of space for work or play, while the IPS panel technology delivers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, making it great for sharing your screen with others. The 75Hz refresh rate keeps visuals smooth, especially for everyday tasks like browsing or working on documents. It even comes with AMD FreeSync to prevent screen tearing in games.
LG 24ML600M-B 24″ FreeSync Monitor
Photo credit: lg.com
This LG budget monitor is a solid contender for those who prioritize eye comfort and smooth visuals. Its 24-inch IPS panel ensures accurate colors, making it a good choice for photo editing or graphic design. The AMD FreeSync technology ensures your games run smoothly, while the Reader Mode reduces blue light for comfortable reading or writing sessions. Its compact size and 75Hz refresh rate make it a practical choice for both work and play.
Overall, these are all solid choices for budget monitors, but the best option for you depends on what you’ll be using it for most. If you’re a gamer, the AOC 24G15N is a great pick for its speed. If you’re a creative professional, the Philips might be worth the extra cost for the stunning resolution. But any of the other three options would likely do the trick for everyday tasks!
We also have a handy guide on portable monitors. Check it out!
FAQs
Are budget monitors good for gaming?
Yes, several budget monitors offer features suitable for casual gaming, such as higher refresh rates and low response times. Look for models with at least a 75Hz refresh rate and a response time of 5ms or lower.
Is a 4K monitor worth it on a budget?
While 4K monitors offer incredible clarity and detail, they might require more powerful computer hardware to run games and applications smoothly. For most budget-conscious users, a 1080p or 1440p monitor provides a good balance between image quality and affordability.
What is the best panel type for a budget monitor?
IPS panels generally offer the best color accuracy and viewing angles among budget-friendly options. However, VA panels can be a good compromise, providing decent performance at a slightly lower cost.
What size monitor should I choose?
The ideal monitor size depends on your desk space and viewing preferences. However, 24-inch monitors are popular, offering a good balance between screen size and affordability.
Do I need a monitor with built-in speakers?
Built-in speakers can be convenient for basic audio needs, but they often lack the audio quality and volume of dedicated speakers. If audio quality is important to you, consider investing in external speakers.
