The Best Budget Gaming Monitors for All Gamer Types

The price of high-end gaming monitors, especially those with OLED panels, large screens, high refresh rates, and sharp resolutions, has skyrocketed. However, excellent affordable options exist that don't compromise significantly on image quality and features. This guide highlights the best budget gaming monitors available in 2024.

TL;DR – Best Budget Gaming Monitors:

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

1. See it at Amazon Best 1080p: Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

2. See it at Amazon Best 1440p: LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

3. See it at AmazonSee it at Target Best 4K: KTC H27P22S

4. See it at Amazon Best Ultrawide: Dell S3422DWG

5. See it at AmazonSee it at Dell

Budget monitors may lack certain premium features, but still deliver excellent gaming experiences, even with mid-range GPUs and CPUs. While compromises are inevitable (e.g., adjustable stands, KVM switches), focusing on performance and essential features yields exceptional value.

Beware of overly cheap monitors; a sub-$100 monitor might be short-lived and eye-straining. Our selections, while slightly pricier, offer superior build quality, panels, and gaming features. However, higher-end options are available for those with larger budgets.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Matthew S. Smith

For current deals, see the best gaming monitor deals.

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

1. Incredible picture quality at an amazing price. See 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, offering exceptional picture quality for its price point. Its mini-LED backlight with FALD and 1152 local dimming zones significantly reduce blooming, resulting in an HDR experience surpassing other monitors in this category. Its color accuracy and 180Hz refresh rate further enhance its appeal. The lack of a USB hub and HDMI 2.0 limitation are minor drawbacks considering its overall performance.

2. Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A – Best Budget 1080p

2. Great gaming performance at a low price. See 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 counterparts.

The Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A provides excellent value, delivering strong performance with a VA panel for deep blacks and wide dynamic range. Game-enhancing features like ELMB and Shadow Boost add to its appeal. The lack of height adjustment is a minor drawback, easily mitigated with a VESA mount.

3. LG UltraGear 27GN800-B – Best Budget 1440p

0. 144Hz 1440p with adaptive sync and color accuracy. See 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.

Cons: Non-adjustable stand.

The LG UltraGear 27GN800-B offers a significant resolution upgrade to 1440p, delivering sharper visuals and immersive gameplay. Its 144Hz refresh rate and compatibility with FreeSync and G-Sync ensure smooth performance. The lack of height adjustment is its main drawback.

4. KTC H27P22D – Best Budget 4K

1. Fast and fantastic 4K picture on a budget. See 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, great for consoles (HDMI 2.1), fast refresh rate.

Cons: No USB connectivity, not factory calibrated.

The KTC H27P22D demonstrates the advancements in budget 4K gaming monitors. Its 160Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 support make it ideal for consoles. While not factory calibrated, its color accuracy is still good for gaming. The lack of USB connectivity is a minor drawback.

5. Dell S3422DWG – Best Ultrawide Budget

0. Immersive ultrawide curved monitor with 1440p/144Hz. See 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.

Cons: Minor ghosting.

The Dell S3422DWG provides an immersive gaming experience with its ultrawide curved display and 1440p resolution. Its 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync support ensure smooth gameplay. Minor ghosting is present, but overall performance is strong.

How Much to Spend & Key Considerations:

The $200-$300 range offers excellent value. Compromises are necessary at lower price points. Consider these factors:

• Resolution: 1080p is budget-friendly but less sharp than 1440p or 4K. 1440p provides a better balance of detail and system requirements. 4K requires more powerful hardware.
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz is a good all-around choice; 240Hz is better for competitive gaming.
• Panel Type: IPS offers better motion clarity and color accuracy; VA provides superior contrast.
• Screen Size: 27" is a good balance; smaller screens are more compact, larger screens are more immersive but may require higher resolutions.
• Adaptive Sync: G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility is recommended.
• HDR: While marketed on budget monitors, true HDR requires higher brightness levels (above 400 nits).

FAQs:

• Best Panel Type: IPS for color accuracy and motion clarity; VA for contrast, unless a mini-LED IPS (like the top pick) is available.
• Best Time to Buy: Shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday.
• Monitor Size: Consider available space, resolution, and pixel density. 24" for 1080p, 27-32" for 1440p, 27" or larger for 4K.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best budget gaming monitors, enabling informed purchasing decisions based on individual needs and preferences.