The Best Budget Gaming Monitors for All Gamer Types

Just like many other tech products, the prices of the best gaming monitors have soared, especially those featuring OLED panels, large screens, and high refresh rates at sharp resolutions. However, there's still a fantastic selection of affordable monitors that maintain excellent image quality and features without breaking the bank. Take the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, for instance, which boasts an impressive mini-LED, quantum dot screen for under $400. It's my top pick due to its ability to compete with monitors costing hundreds more, serving as a testament to the quality achievable 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 AmazonBest 1080p### Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

0See it at AmazonBest 1440p### LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

0See it at AmazonSee it at TargetBest 4K### KTC H27P22S

0See it at AmazonBest ultrawide### DellS3422DWG

0See it at AmazonSee it at DellThe best budget gaming monitors may not include all the latest technologies and features, but they still deliver an outstanding display for enjoying your gaming PC. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can be pushed to their limits, as high refresh rate and 4K monitors are now more affordable. While compromises exist, such as the absence of height-adjustable stands at the lower end and the inclusion of value-added features like KVM switches at the higher end, by focusing on performance and your personal "must haves," you can find exceptional value at any price point.

Not all budget gaming monitors are created equal, and if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. A $100 monitor might appear to be a great deal initially, but it's likely to have a short lifespan or cause eye strain during gaming, ultimately doing more harm than good. Our selections may cost slightly more than $100, but their sturdy construction, superior panels, and gaming features ensure a better experience. However, as with any gaming accessory, more luxurious options 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

1Offering incredible picture quality at an unbeatable price, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i is a standout in the affordable gaming monitor market. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27”Aspect Ratio16:9 Resolution2,560 x 1,440Panel typeIPSBrightness1,000 cd/m2 Refresh rate180Hz Response time1msInputs2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm AudioPROSHigh brightness and deep contrastGreat color accuracyOutstanding picture quality and HDRRobust 1,152 local dimming zonesCONSBloom on dark grey backgroundsNo USB hubThe Xiaomi G Pro 27i is the most surprising gaming monitor I've reviewed so far in 2024. Priced at around $330 at the time of writing, it sets a new standard for what you can expect from affordable gaming monitors. While it's not the cheapest option for a 27" 1440p display, it offers significantly more than its competitors, delivering a stunning picture and an exceptional gaming experience.

Unlike most budget gaming monitors, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i utilizes mini-LED technology to backlight its display and features full array local dimming (FALD). This allows the monitor to intelligently dim dark areas of the screen, enhancing contrast.

While there are other FALD mini-LED displays in this price range, none match the performance of the G Pro 27i, thanks to its remarkable 1,152 local dimming zones, a feature typically found in monitors costing over $700. This significantly reduces blooming (glowing around bright objects), resulting in a superior viewing experience. Its HDR performance is phenomenal, far surpassing other monitors on this list. In fact, its picture quality rivals that of OLEDs, which are typically much more expensive, but without the risk of burn-in or issues with text clarity.

Xiaomi has chosen an exceptional panel for this display, capable of reaching up to 180Hz for ultra-smooth gameplay and minimal motion blur. In its DCI-P3, sRGB, and Adobe RGB color modes, it delivers accurate colors ideal for content creation. It's also compatible with variable refresh rate systems, including AMD FreeSync and Nvidia's G-Sync, which worked seamlessly in my testing.

Although this monitor is not perfect, the trade-offs to keep the price low are justified. There's no USB hub or USB Type-C connectivity, and it only supports HDMI 2.0, but this is still suitable for Xbox and PlayStation consoles due to its 1440p resolution. Additionally, it lacks some gaming features.

Nevertheless, for a monitor of this caliber at such a price, these compromises are entirely worthwhile. Simply put, if you want picture quality similar to an OLED without the usual drawbacks and high cost, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i is the gaming monitor to buy right now.

2. Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

Best Budget 1080p Gaming Monitor

Best 1080p### Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

2For around $150, this monitor delivers excellent gaming performance with minimal drawbacks. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27”Aspect Ratio16:9Resolution1,920 x 1,080Panel typeVA, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync CompatibleBrightness350 cd/m2Refresh rate165Hz Response time1msInputs2x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x Audio JackPROSGreat colors and impressive contrastELMB support for improved motion clarityVESA support for third-party standsCONSSlightly lower pixel densityNo height adjustmentThe Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A offers incredible value and can be easily driven by a wide range of hardware. You don't need the latest graphics card to maximize this display's potential, and its VA panel provides deeper blacks and a wider dynamic range across various game types. With a 1ms gray-to-gray response time and game-enhancing features, it's perfect for competitive shooters and esports, offering great value for money.

In this price range, I often recommend VA panels. While IPS panels are renowned for their color performance, VA panels like this one are nearly as good while providing a significantly better gaming experience due to their superior black levels. This model also boasts decent brightness at 350 nits, ensuring vibrant colors and comfortable gaming in well-lit environments.

It also includes game-enhancing features to give you an edge in competitive play. You can add an on-screen reticle for games without one, enable Shadow Boost to see into dark areas and spot enemies easily, and activate Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) mode to reduce motion blur for a smoother, clearer gaming experience.

There are two notable drawbacks to consider before purchasing. First, like many gaming monitors in this price range, the stand isn't height adjustable. However, it supports VESA mounting (100x100mm), allowing you to use an aftermarket stand or monitor arm if the default positioning doesn't suit you, though this may require additional spending. Second, while its 27" screen enhances immersion and fills more of your field of view, it slightly reduces overall sharpness at 1080p resolution. This monitor is as large as you can go before the screen door effect becomes noticeable, so while it looks good, it's not as sharp as a 24" display at this resolution.

Despite these minor drawbacks, what the Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A offers far outweighs what it lacks, making it a recommended upgrade for those seeking to enhance their gaming experience without overspending.

3. LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

Best 1440p Budget Gaming Monitor

Best 1440p### LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

0Experience speeds up to 144Hz in 1440p with this monitor that doesn't skimp on adaptive sync technology and excellent color accuracy. See it at AmazonSee it at TargetProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27”Aspect Ratio16:9 Resolution2,560 x 1,440Panel typeIPS FreeSync and G-SyncResponse time1msInputs2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPortPROSSolid HDR gamingGreat color accuracyCONSStand isn’t height adjustableThe LG UltraGear 27GN800-B is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers looking to upgrade. For under $300, you get a significant boost in resolution to 2560x1440, offering much sharper visuals than a 1080p monitor. The colors are vibrant and well-calibrated right out of the box, and its 27" screen provides an immersive gaming experience that balances crisp details with reasonable system requirements.

This 27" gaming monitor excels in other areas as well. It boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and is compatible with both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, ensuring smooth, tear-free HDR gaming. One feature I particularly value is Low Framerate Compensation, which helps maintain smooth gameplay even if your system can't consistently reach the 144Hz maximum by inserting frames and syncing with the refresh rate.

The primary drawback of this display is its non-height-adjustable stand. Depending on your desk setup, you might find it challenging to position it perfectly for your height. However, it supports a standard 100x100mm VESA mount, making it easy to swap the included stand for a more adjustable one if needed. Despite this, its feature set and affordable price make it a top pick for budget gamers.

4. KTC H27P22D

Best 4K Budget Gaming Monitor

Best 4K### KTC H27P22S

1This gaming monitor delivers a fast and fantastic picture on a limited 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 screenGreat for consoles thanks to HDMI 2.1 connectivityFast refresh rateExcellent value overallCONSNo USB connectivityNot factory calibratedThe KTC H27P22D exemplifies the advancements in the budget gaming monitor market. Priced at $400, and often available for as low as $340 during sales, it demonstrates that you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a high refresh rate, 4K gaming experience. I find it challenging to criticize this display significantly; it's a well-rounded package at an exceptionally reasonable price. If your hardware can handle it, it's definitely worth considering.

In addition to its crisp 4K resolution, the H27P22D offers an impressive 160Hz refresh rate. It fully supports AMD FreeSync Premium and is compatible with Nvidia G-Sync, ensuring a smooth gaming experience even if you can't reach the maximum refresh rate. It's also an excellent choice for console gaming, thanks to its dual HDMI 2.1 ports. Just remember to bring your own audio solution, as there are no built-in speakers, though this isn't a significant drawback given the quality of most monitor speakers.

While budget gaming monitors often overpromise in their marketing, the H27P22D's real-world performance remains impressive for the price. Its peak brightness of 400 nits isn't sufficient for true high dynamic range, but it's bright enough for a vivid SDR gaming experience. Its color coverage is excellent, though it's not factory-calibrated like more expensive 4K monitors. This is fine for gaming where color accuracy is less critical, but for creative work, you might need a colorimeter or a downloadable ICC profile. It also lacks a USB hub, with its sole USB Type-A port reserved for software upgrades, so you won't be able to connect peripherals directly.

Despite these minor shortcomings, the KTC H27P22D offers exceptional value, providing features that would have cost significantly more just a few years ago. It's a fantastic option for budget-conscious gamers looking to upgrade to Ultra HD.

Dell S3422DWG

5 Images5. Dell S3422DWG

Best Ultrawide Budget Gaming Monitor

Best ultrawide### DellS3422DWG

0Immerse yourself in the action with this affordable, ultrawide curved monitor delivering a 1440p/144Hz refresh rate. See it at AmazonSee it at DellProduct SpecificationsScreen Size34”Aspect Ratio21:9Resolution3,440 x 1,440 Panel typeVA FreeSync Brightness400 cd/m2 Refresh rate144HzResponse time1msInputs2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPortPROSGreat contrastImmersive wide, curved displayCONSMinor ghostingAn ultrawide curved monitor is ideal for an immersive gaming experience, and the Dell S3422DWG is the best budget ultrawide option. It features a contrast-rich VA panel with a 3440x1440 resolution, delivering a vibrant, sharp image suitable for any game genre. The 21:9 aspect ratio and slight curvature of the screen envelop your field of vision, allowing you to focus on the in-game action without external distractions.

For large ultrawides like this, I always recommend the "1440p" resolution over the ultrawide equivalent of 1080p. While it does require more graphics power than a 16:9 1440p monitor, the higher pixel density results in a superior image.

The monitor offers a solid 144Hz refresh rate and supports AMD FreeSync, ensuring smooth gameplay. While it may experience minor ghosting behind dark objects, overall motion clarity is strong.

Despite its competitive price, the S3422DWG is an attractive monitor. It features a height-adjustable stand, two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and can even serve as a USB hub.

How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Monitor?

If you're in the market for a budget gaming monitor, aim for a sweet spot between $200 and $300. While cheaper options exist, they often come with quality issues. You'll need to make compromises regardless, but a gaming monitor should last 3-5 years, and a $100 monitor is unlikely to meet that expectation.

To find a gaming monitor within this price range, you'll need to understand what to look for and prioritize your needs to make the right compromises.

ResolutionRefresh RatePanel TypesScreen SizeGamers on a tight budget don't have to make as many sacrifices as before, but some compromise is still necessary. Generally, you can opt for a higher resolution or a higher refresh rate, but you won't find both in a budget gaming monitor.

1080p remains the standard resolution for budget displays. It may not match the clarity of modern 4K TVs, but it allows you to achieve high frame rates without needing high-end hardware. 1440p is a worthwhile upgrade and a better value if you can stretch your budget. A 27" 1440p monitor actually has a higher pixel density than a 48" 4K television, though this means a 240Hz refresh rate becomes unaffordable.

4K is available on a budget, but expect to pay around $400 or make significant sacrifices in brightness or screen size. Also, keep in mind the higher system requirements needed to run 4K at high frame rates. This is the compromise you must make for the lowest possible cost to play at 4K.

The refresh rate of budget gaming monitors typically ranges from 60 to 240Hz, with most falling between 144Hz and 165Hz. A 144Hz refresh rate is a versatile choice that can handle most games well, but 240Hz offers a noticeable advantage for competitive gamers. 360Hz is also becoming more accessible in budget gaming monitors.

Note that a monitor's maximum refresh rate may not be supported by all inputs. For example, many monitors that reach up to 165Hz will only support 144Hz over HDMI. DisplayPort is the best option for utilizing high refresh rates.

A monitor's display panel technology is an important and often overlooked factor. All the monitors we recommend use either an IPS or VA panel. IPS panels are favored for their motion clarity, vibrancy, and responsiveness, making them ideal for competitive gaming. VA panels offer a much better contrast ratio and superior dark scene performance, making them better for games with immersive, high-end graphics.

Panel Types

TN (twisted nematic)IPS (in-plane switching)VA (vertical alignment)OLED (organic light-emitting diode)Screen size is less of a limitation than it used to be. Our budget gaming monitor guide focuses on 27" options, alongside a 34" ultrawide. Smaller monitors (24") are less expensive and preferred by competitive gamers for their focused display. Larger monitors (32" and up) are more immersive but may lose detail without a higher resolution. Be cautious not to buy a monitor too large for your desk; if unsure, a 27" monitor with a 16:9 aspect ratio is a safe choice.

It's wise to buy a monitor with Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync support, depending on your graphics card. Many budget gaming monitors support both. My preferred picks all list the standards they support.

Finally, a note about HDR. While HDR is marketed on many affordable monitors, it remains unimpressive on most due to their limited brightness, typically reaching only 400 nits. This is considered "HDR compatible" but lacks the dynamic range needed for true HDR performance.

Budget Gaming Monitor FAQs

What is the best type of panel?

Budget gaming monitors typically feature either a VA or IPS panel. One of my picks is an IPS monitor with a mini-LED backlight, which outperforms other panel types due to its advanced technology. Choose this if your budget and needs allow. Otherwise, the choice between VA and IPS depends on three factors: response time, color accuracy, and contrast.

For response time and color accuracy, IPS panels are the best choice, though the former is less of a concern nowadays with 1ms panels available for both types. IPS monitors generally offer the most vivid and accurate colors.

For contrast, unless the monitor uses a mini-LED backlight like my top pick, VA panels have a significant advantage. They don't use edge-lighting like IPS panels, resulting in richer dark colors and blacks, and a better dynamic range.

While there's no definitive "best" panel, there are certainly better options depending on what you value most in a gaming monitor.

When are gaming monitors most affordable?

The best time to buy a gaming monitor at a reasonable price, or a budget gaming monitor at an even lower cost, is during shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. Gaming monitor deals also appear during Back to School sales, and major retailers often discount older models to make room for new releases.

What size gaming monitor should I get for gaming?

Choosing the right size gaming monitor is a matter of personal preference, but there are some general guidelines to consider. First, assess your available space to ensure the monitor fits comfortably. Next, consider the resolution and its impact on pixel density. A 24" monitor is ideal for 1080p gaming, offering a compact size. For 1440p, a 27-32" monitor provides ample detail and a larger screen experience. For 4K, I recommend at least a 27" monitor to fully utilize its higher pixel count. Be cautious with 1080p monitors larger than 27" as the pixels become visible, causing a screen door effect.