The best Cheap Monitors let you see great pictures without breaking your budget. They also have great screens with accurate colors, good brightness, the ability to mount on VESA, and more. But it’s not easy to find cheap monitors, whether you want one for gaming or for working from home. There are so many things to think about, like brightness, color quality, resolution, size, refresh rates, and more.
You can get good monitors for cheap these days, and you can connect almost any device to an external display, so having one or two cheap monitors is always useful. Multi-display setups are especially helpful for people who need a good place to work from home, but most people will benefit from the extra screen space. Below we mentioned the Best Cheap Monitors.
Understanding the Importance of a Budget-Friendly Monitor
Due to its many important benefits, a monitor that is easy on the wallet is an important thing for many people and businesses to think about. Let’s look at some of the reasons why a monitor that is easy on the wallet is important:
Cost-effectiveness: As the name suggests, a budget-friendly monitor lets you buy a screen without breaking the bank. Most of the time, these monitors are less expensive than high-end options, which means that more people can buy them. This is especially helpful for people on a tight budget or who need to buy more than one monitor for a team or office.
Tasks you do every day and how productive you are: For most everyday tasks, like web browsing, word processing, and email, a monitor that is easy on the wallet can give you a good viewing experience. If you don’t need advanced features or top-of-the-line specs, a less expensive monitor can meet your needs and help you stay productive without spending money you don’t need to.
Entry-level gaming and entertainment: Serious gamers may want the best gaming monitors, but casual gamers and entertainment fans can still get good performance from cheaper monitors. Most of the time, their refresh rates and response times are good enough to meet the needs of most mainstream users.
Best Cheap Monitors Comparison Table
The table below compares the best and most affordable monitors on the market. This is great for people who want to get the most for their money. These monitors have a lot of great features, like high-definition screens, fast refresh rates, and multiple ways to connect to other devices. This makes sure that they work well for all kinds of tasks. The table compares important things like screen size, resolution, response time, and input ports, making it easy for users to compare options and choose the best one for them. These best cheap monitors strike the perfect balance between price and performance, making them a great choice for buyers on a budget. They can be used for casual gaming, work, or entertainment.
| Monitor Model | Size (Inches) | Resolution | Refresh Rate (Hz) | Panel Type | Response Time (ms) | Adaptive Sync |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte M27Q | 27 | 2560×1440 | 170 | IPS | 0.5 | FreeSync Premium |
| Dell S2721QS | 27 | 3840×2160 | 60 | IPS | 4 | FreeSync |
| LG 32GN650-B/32GN63T-B | 32 | 2560×1440 | 165 | IPS | 1 | FreeSync Premium |
| ViewSonic XG2431 | 24 | 1920×1080 | 144 | IPS | 1 | FreeSync |
| ASUS VS228H-P monitor | 21.5 | 1920×1080 | 60 | TN | 5 | None |
| Acer R240HY bidx monitor | 23.8 | 1920×1080 | 60 | IPS | 4 | None |
| ViewSonic VP2458 Professional 24-inch | 24 | 1920×1080 | 75 | IPS | 4 | None |
| Dell SE2416H 24″ Screen LED-Lit | 24 | 1920×1080 | 60 | TN | 6 | None |
| AOC C24G1 24″ Curved Frameless Gaming | 23.6 | 1920×1080 | 144 | VA | 1 | FreeSync |
Gigabyte M27Q
Best Cheap Monitor
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | Gigabyte M27Q |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen Size | 27 inches |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 (QHD) |
| Refresh Rate | 170Hz |
| Response Time | 0.5ms (MPRT) |
| HDR | HDR400 |
| Color Gamut | 92% DCI-P3, 140% sRGB |
| Ports | 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x USB 3.0 |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync Premium |
| Stand Adjustments | Height, Tilt, Swivel, Pivot |
| Built-in Speakers | 2x 2W |
The Gigabyte M27Q is the best monitor we’ve tried for less than $300. It’s a good monitor that can be used for different things, like if you want to play games and work at the same time. It has a 27-inch screen with a 1440p resolution, which makes text pretty clear. However, some programs don’t work well with it because it uses a BGR subpixel layout instead of the RGB layout that other monitors use.
Even so, you can still see a lot of detail while playing games, and the 170Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate (VRR) help reduce screen tearing. It also does a great job with moving images because its response time is fast across its whole range of refresh rates. Overall, this is one of the best cheap monitors you can buy right now.
Pros
- Fast response time reduces motion blur
- HDR support for improved color and contrast
- Wide color gamut for vibrant visuals
Cons
- May be a bit pricey for budget-conscious buyers
- HDR performance might not be as impressive as higher-end monitors
Dell S2721QS
Best cheap Monitor For Work
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | Dell S2721QS |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen Size | 27 inches |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Response Time | 4ms (gray-to-gray) |
| HDR | HDR400 |
| Color Gamut | 99% sRGB |
| Ports | 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x Audio line-out |
| Adaptive Sync | AMD FreeSync |
Consider a high-resolution display like the Dell S2721QS if you only need something for work and don’t play games. It’s different from the Gigabyte M27Q because it has a much lower refresh rate and doesn’t have as many extra gaming features. Its main benefit is its 4k resolution, which lets it show very clear text.
This makes it great for work and makes it easy to do more than one thing at once. It doesn’t have a USB hub like the Gigabyte, but the Dell S2722QC, which has both USB-A and USB-C ports, is another option. It’s often on sale for a price that’s easy on the wallet, but the S2721QS is always cheap. Still, this is one of the best cheap monitors you can buy right now.
Pros
- High-resolution display for sharp visuals
- AMD FreeSync for smooth gaming
- VESA mount compatible for custom setups
- Flicker-Free technology reduces eye strain
Cons
- Limited refresh rate for fast-paced gaming
- Response time may not be ideal for competitive gaming
LG 32GN650-B/32GN63T-B
Best ultrawide
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | LG 32GN650-B/32GN63T-B |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Screen Size | 32 inches |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 (QHD) |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms (GtG) |
| HDR | HDR10 |
| Color Gamut | 95% DCI-P3, 99% sRGB |
Even though there aren’t many big-screen monitors that are affordable, 32-inch monitors like the LG 32GN650-B are good enough for everyday use and have more screen space. At some stores, you can also find it as the 32GN63T-B. Both models work the same, so you can get whichever is cheaper.
If you want a big screen at a low price, you’ll have to give up on resolution. This is the case here, as the LG has a lower 1440p resolution than the Dell S2721QS. This means that text doesn’t look as sharp, but since you have more screen space, you can still do more than one thing at once. Thus, this is one of the best cheap monitors you can buy right now.
Pros
- High refresh rate and fast response time for gaming advantage
- HDR support for improved contrast and colors
- Wide color gamut for vibrant visuals
Cons
- VA panel may have limited viewing angles compared to IPS panels
- No swivel or pivot adjustments on the stand
ViewSonic XG2431
The best cheap ViewSonic monitor
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | ViewSonic XG2431 |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen Size | 24 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms (MPRT) |
| HDR | HDR10 |
| Color Gamut | 99% sRGB |
If you want a smaller screen, you have more choices with a 24-inch screen than you do with a 32-inch screen. If that’s the case, the ViewSonic XG2431 24-inch monitor is a great choice. It has a lower resolution than the LG 32GN650-B/32GN63T-B, which is 1080p instead of 1440p. This makes it easier for your graphics card to reach its maximum refresh rate of 240Hz.
This makes it easier to play games, and the response time is fast across the whole range of refresh rates, so there isn’t much blur behind fast-moving objects. It also has a backlight strobing feature that can be changed to reduce persistence blur. Not all monitors have this feature, so it’s a nice addition to a cheap monitor. Overall, this is one of the best cheap monitors you can buy right now.
Pros
- AMD FreeSync Premium for tear-free gaming experience
- Versatile stand adjustments for ergonomic positioning
- Built-in speakers for basic audio needs
Cons
- Full HD resolution may feel limited for some users, especially for productivity tasks
- HDR performance may not be as impressive as higher-end monitors
ASUS VS228H-P monitor
The best cheap ASUS monitor
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 21.5 Inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Full HD |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 5ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 10000000:1 |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m² |
| Viewing Angle | 170° (H) / 160° (V) |
| Ports | VGA, DVI, HDMI |
The low price of the Asus VS228H-P monitor makes it one of the best cheap monitors, but its small 22-inch screen and basic TN panel make it not as good as other cheap monitors. One of the best cheap monitors you can buy right now is this one.
The show is good, but it doesn’t really stand out: It has an average brightness of 184 nits, accurate colors (Delta-E 0.10), and it covers 110% of the sRGB gamut, which is a good amount. The monitor is also flexible because it can be attached to a VESA mount and has a jack for connecting speakers or headphones when it is connected over HDMI. It has a warranty for three years, which is a lot.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price point
- Multiple connectivity options
- Quick response time for gaming
- VESA mount compatible
Cons
- Limited viewing angles due to TN panel
- No built-in speakers
- Basic design and adjustability options
Acer R240HY bidx monitor
A cheap monitor with a great stand
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 23.8 Inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Full HD |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 4ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m² |
| Viewing Angle | 178° (H) / 178° (V) |
| Ports | VGA, DVI, HDMI |
The Acer R240HY bidx monitor has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, which is pretty close to perfect, in our opinion. This gorgeous 23.8-inch monitor is one of the best of 2023 because its bezels are very thin and its design is sleek. It also has nice colors and a large viewing angle. Still, this is one of the best Cheap Monitors you can buy right now.
Users said that connecting the Acer R240HY bidx to a gaming console and using it as an external monitor was a great idea. The Acer monitor is great because it has 178-degree wide viewing angles, an impressive 72% color gamut coverage, and a low-blue light feature for people who stare at a monitor for long periods of time at work (Acer Vision Care). There are ports for VGA, HDMI, and DVI.
Pros
- IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- Sleek and stylish design
- Multiple connectivity options
- Budget-friendly price point
Cons
- Limited to 60 Hz refresh rate
- No built-in speakers
- Stand lacks adjustability options
ViewSonic VP2458 Professional 24-inch monitor
Best cheap 24-inch monitor
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 24 Inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Full HD |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 5ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m² |
| Viewing Angle | 178° (H) / 178° (V) |
| Ports | VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.0 |
The ViewSonic VP2458 Professional, which has a screen size of 24 inches, is the best cheap monitor for people who want a monitor with bright and accurate colors. The Delta E score for this ViewSonic color is less than 2. The closer to zero the score is, the better it is. Delta-E tells you how accurate the colors will be on your monitor, so you can be sure that ViewSonic’s color accuracy will be good enough for you to enjoy watching.
The ViewSonic VP2458 Professional, which has a screen size of 24 inches, is also a great budget monitor for productivity users. The monitor has a blue-light filter that helps you work better and feel better all day. Response time is one thing you’ll have to give up with this cheap monitor. Overall, this is one of the Best Cheap Monitors that you can buy right now.
Pros
- Color-accurate IPS panel for professional use
- Thin bezel design for multi-monitor setups
- Fully adjustable stand
Cons
- Limited to 60 Hz refresh rate
- No built-in speakers
Dell SE2416H 24″ Screen LED-Lit Monitor
Best for creatives
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 23.8 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Response Time | 6ms |
| Adaptive Sync | None |
| Connectivity | HDMI, VGA |
| Brightness | 250 nits |
This Dell SE2416H monitor is just what you need to do your work every day. Customers love how stylish and classy it looks and how sturdy and well-made the base is. Sharp colors and a clear picture are good for a monitor that costs less than $200. It has a lot of VGA and HDMI ports so you can connect to other devices. Still, this is one of the best cheap monitors you can buy right now.
This monitor has a viewing angle of 178 degrees both up and down and 178 degrees both left and right. Its screen has a coating that stops glare and shows 84% of the colors in the color gamut. It doesn’t work with VESA mounts, which is a problem. But it’s not the end of the world because you can buy a VESA adapter like the Dell Monitor Arm/Mount VESA Adapter for $26.
Pros
- Thin bezel design for a sleek look
- Multiple connectivity options for flexibility
- Affordable price point
Cons
- 60Hz refresh rate may not be suitable for gaming
- 6ms response time may result in visible motion blur
- No adaptive sync technology such as FreeSync or G-Sync
AOC C24G1 24″ Curved Frameless Gaming Monitor
Best cheap gaming monitor overall
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 23.6 Inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Full HD |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 3000:1 |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m² |
| Viewing Angle | 178° (H) / 178° (V) |
| Ports | VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort |
The AOC C24G1 24-inch Curved Frameless Gaming Monitor is one of the best cheap monitors with a high refresh rate of 144Hz. It has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon for a good reason. Customers who bought this gorgeous monitor love how clear and sharp the images are. The picture quality is still good, but it doesn’t look as nice as a 4K monitor.
The AOC C24G1 24-inch Curved Frameless Gaming Monitor has a response time of 1ms, which is great for games that require fast reactions or good timing. This is a great selling point for gamers: in games where the difference between life and death can be measured in milliseconds, a fast response rate is crucial to have an edge over your opponents.
Pros
- High refresh rate and quick response time
- VA panel with good contrast and color accuracy
- Slim and frameless design
Cons
- Limited adjustability options for stand
- No built-in speakers
- Slightly higher price point than some competitors
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cheap Monitor
When looking for a cheap monitor, it’s important to remember that the price shouldn’t affect the quality of what you see. Here are some things to think about when choosing a monitor that won’t break the bank:
Size and Resolution of the Screen: Choose the right size and resolution for your needs. Larger screens and higher resolutions (like Full HD and 4K) make the experience more immersive and give you more room on the screen to do more than one thing at once. But they may also be more expensive. Find a good balance between your budget and how much you use it.
Panel Technology: TN, IPS, VA, and OLED are some of the different panel technologies. Most of the time, IPS panels have better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, while TN panels are cheaper but have narrower viewing angles and less accurate color. Think about how you’ll be using it (for example, gaming, creating content, or general use) and choose the best panel type.
Refresh Rate: For gamers, a higher refresh rate (like 60Hz, 120Hz, or 144Hz) gives smoother images and less motion blur. But higher refresh rates can make the price go up. If you don’t play video games, a refresh rate of 60Hz should be fine.
Response Time: Faster response times are better because they reduce motion blur and ghosting. Most users will be fine with a response time of 5ms or less.
Options for connecting: Make sure the monitor has the ports you need to connect your devices, like HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA.
FAQs
A cheap monitor is one that doesn’t cost too much and is easy on the wallet. Most of the time, these monitors have basic features and lower specs than more expensive monitors, but they still work well enough for most uses.
A computer’s monitor is an output device that shows information that can be seen. It is an important part of a computer because it lets you see and interact with the text, images, and videos on your computer.
