Gaming monitor prices have soared, especially for OLEDs, large screens, and high refresh rates. But don't despair! Excellent affordable options exist that don't compromise on image quality or features. The Xiaomi G Pro 27i, with its impressive mini-LED, quantum dot screen for under $400, is a prime example. It rivals far more expensive monitors, showcasing the quality achievable on a budget – if you know where to look.
TL;DR – Best Budget Gaming Monitors:
Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor
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Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A (Best 1080p)
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LG UltraGear 27GN800-B (Best 1440p)
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KTC H27P22S (Best 4K)
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Dell S3422DWG (Best Ultrawide)
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Budget gaming monitors may lack some high-end features, but they still deliver excellent displays for your gaming PC. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can shine on high refresh rate and 4K monitors at affordable prices. While trade-offs exist (like adjustable stands or KVM switches), prioritizing performance and essential features reveals great value at every price point.
Not all budget monitors are equal. A cheap monitor might seem appealing, but it could quickly fail or strain your eyes. Our picks, while costing more than $100, offer better builds, panels, and features for a superior experience. Of course, higher-end options are available for those with larger budgets.
Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham, Matthew S. Smith
Looking for deals? Check out the best gaming monitor deals right now.
1. Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor
Best Overall Budget Gaming Monitor
Incredible picture quality at an awesome price. See it at Amazon
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27” |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Resolution | 2,560 x 1,440 |
| Panel type | IPS |
| Brightness | 1,000 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 and deep contrast | |
| Great color accuracy | |
| Outstanding picture quality and HDR | |
| Robust 1,152 local dimming zones | |
| CONS | |
| Bloom on dark grey backgrounds | |
| No USB hub |
The Xiaomi G Pro 27i is surprisingly impressive. Its mini-LED backlighting with full-array local dimming (FALD) and 1,152 local dimming zones (usually found in $700+ monitors) minimizes blooming and delivers fantastic HDR. The picture quality rivals OLEDs at a fraction of the cost, without burn-in risks. Its 180Hz refresh rate, accurate colors, and compatibility with FreeSync and G-Sync make it a standout.
Drawbacks include the lack of a USB hub and USB-C, and only HDMI 2.0 support. However, these trade-offs are worthwhile given its exceptional picture quality and price.
2. Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
Best Budget 1080p Gaming Monitor
For around $150, this monitor offers great gaming performance with few drawbacks. See it at Amazon
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27” |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 |
| 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 impressive contrast | |
| ELMB support for improved motion clarity | |
| VESA support for third-party stands | |
| CONS | |
| Slightly lower pixel density | |
| No height adjustment |
The Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A is a great value. Its VA panel delivers deep blacks and wide dynamic range. The 1ms response time and features like ELMB, Shadow Boost, and an on-screen reticle enhance gameplay. Drawbacks include a non-adjustable stand (though VESA mountable) and lower pixel density due to its 1080p resolution at 27".
3. LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
Best 1440p Budget Gaming Monitor
Get speeds up to 144Hz in 1440p on this monitor that doesn’t forget adaptive sync technology and excellent color accuracy. See it at Amazon See it at Target
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27” |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Resolution | 2,560 x 1,440 |
| Panel type | IPS FreeSync and G-Sync |
| Response time | 1ms |
| Inputs | 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort |
| PROS | |
| Solid HDR gaming | |
| Great color accuracy | |
| CONS | |
| Stand isn’t height adjustable |
The LG UltraGear 27GN800-B offers a significant resolution upgrade to 1440p for under $300. Its sharp visuals, accurate colors, 144Hz refresh rate, and FreeSync/G-Sync compatibility deliver smooth HDR gaming. Low Framerate Compensation helps maintain smoothness even at lower frame rates. The non-adjustable stand is its main drawback, but VESA mounting provides a solution.
4. KTC H27P22D
Best 4K Budget Gaming Monitor
This gaming monitor offers a fast and fantastic picture on a limited budget. See it at Amazon
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27” |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Resolution | 3,840 x 2,160 |
| 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 | |
| Great for consoles thanks to HDMI 2.1 connectivity | |
| Fast refresh rate | |
| Excellent value overall | |
| CONS | |
| No USB connectivity | |
| Not factory calibrated |
The KTC H27P22D demonstrates the advancements in budget 4K gaming monitors. Its 160Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium/G-Sync compatibility, and dual HDMI 2.1 ports make it excellent for console gaming. While its HDR isn't top-tier due to brightness limitations and it lacks factory calibration and a USB hub, its overall value is exceptional.
5. Dell S3422DWG
Best Ultrawide Budget Gaming Monitor
Immerse yourself in the action with a cheap, ultrawide curved monitor delivering a 1440p/144Hz refresh rate. See it at Amazon See it at Dell
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 34” |
| Aspect Ratio | 21:9 |
| Resolution | 3,440 x 1,440 |
| Panel type | VA FreeSync |
| Brightness | 400 cd/m2 |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz |
| Response time | 1ms |
| Inputs | 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort |
| PROS | |
| Great contrast | |
| Immersive wide, curved display | |
| CONS | |
| Minor ghosting |
The Dell S3422DWG offers an immersive ultrawide experience at a budget price. Its curved VA panel provides vibrant visuals, and the 3440x1440 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate with FreeSync support ensure smooth gameplay. While minor ghosting may be present, its features, including a height-adjustable stand and USB hub functionality, make it a strong contender.
How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Monitor?
The $200-$300 range is a good sweet spot for budget gaming monitors. Cheaper options may compromise quality. A monitor should last 3-5 years; a $100 monitor might not.
To find the right monitor, consider:
- Resolution
- Refresh Rate
- Panel Type
- Screen Size
Budget gamers need to compromise. Higher resolution often means a lower refresh rate and vice versa.
1080p is standard for budget displays, offering high frame rates without demanding hardware. 1440p is a better value if your budget allows, offering higher pixel density on a 27" screen than a 48" 4K TV. 4K is available on a budget but usually requires compromises in brightness or screen size and more demanding hardware.
Refresh rates typically range from 60Hz to 240Hz, with 144Hz being a good all-around choice and 240Hz ideal for competitive gaming. Note that maximum refresh rates might not be supported by all inputs; DisplayPort is generally best for high refresh rates.
Panel type is crucial. IPS panels excel in motion clarity, vibrancy, and responsiveness, while VA panels offer superior contrast and dark scene performance. Consider your priorities.
Screen size is less limiting than before. 27" is a good balance, with smaller (24") monitors preferred by competitive gamers and larger ones (32"+) offering more immersion (but potentially less detail at lower resolutions). Avoid 1080p monitors larger than 27" due to the screen-door effect.
G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility is recommended, depending on your graphics card. Many budget monitors support both.
While many budget monitors advertise HDR, the 400-nit brightness limit often results in unimpressive HDR performance.
Budget Gaming Monitor FAQs
What is the best type of panel?
Budget monitors use IPS or VA panels. The Xiaomi G Pro 27i (mini-LED) surpasses both. Otherwise, choose based on your priorities: IPS for response time and color accuracy, VA for contrast. 1ms response times are now common for both.
When are gaming monitors most affordable?
Prime Day, Black Friday, Back to School sales, and retailer clearances are good times to find deals.
What size gaming monitor should I get for gaming?
Consider your space, resolution, and pixel density. 24" for 1080p, 27-32" for 1440p, and 27"+ for 4K are good starting points. Avoid 1080p monitors larger than 27".
