A budget gaming monitor is a challenging purchase to make in 2024 thanks to higher retail prices, a plethora of new gaming monitor options, and multiple advances that see MiniLED and OLED technologies dominating thegaming monitor market. As a result, the budget gaming monitor market deals with higher prices for newer models, even as constant innovation in products like high refresh rate monitors allows for better value to trickle down to users. However, there are some obvious compromises.
Sceptre 27-inch IPS 2K Gaming Monitor
INNOCN 27-Inch QHD 2K 2560 x 1440p Gaming Monitor
This has resulted in many new manufacturers emerging from the woodwork with budget gaming monitor entries that are competent and price-conscious as consumers look for better bargains to ensure they get a more current model that meets their needs. The team at Game Rant has made a list of some of the best budget gaming monitors currently available based on a mix of hands-on experience and user reviews to help gamers and enthusiasts pick the best possible budget gaming displays below.
Updated on May 24th, 2024 by Michael Akuchie: Since the last publication of this article, the 27-inch INNOCN monitor has been added as Game Rant’s top pick for PS5 gaming thanks to its high refresh rate and top-tier features.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Budget Gaming Monitors in 2024
AOC C27G2Z Gaming Monitor
The AOC C27G2Z goes beyond just a high refresh rate on a 27" screen. The 240Hz refresh rate with 0.5ms response time allows gamers to participate in fast-paced games that require high fluidity and real-time frame changes. This monitor does it all along with providing a curved display for a more immersive experience.
Competitive gaming has never been so cheap, thanks to our pick for the overall best budget gaming monitor, the AOC C27G2Z, which offers plenty of great features for serious gamers. On a 1080p VA panel, you will get up to 240Hz of refresh rate and a very small response time of 0.5ms, which eliminates any ghosting and blurriness. Thanks to these features, gameplay is fluid, but to enhance the smoothness even further, it comes with AMD FreeSync support for tear-free gaming.
This is one of the cheapest 240Hz monitors available on the market that also boasts a 1500 curvature and thin bezels to allow better immersion into video games. Also, the color saturation is pretty impressive with 120% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3, which will ensure accurate and a wide range of consistent colors across the screen. The only concern you might have is the big screen size compared to its resolution. However, this is not a deal-breaker, particularly when the monitor is excellent in all areas despite being cheaper than most of its competitors.
Sceptre Curved Ultrawide Monitor C345B-QUT168
Sceptre’s C345B curved ultrawide display brings UWQHD resolution on a budget. Offering a great color saturation with a 178/178 degree viewing angle on a VA panel is truly impressive for a 34" display. Moreover, the 165Hz refresh rate with 1ms of response time is meant for smooth and quick response gaming.
Providing a large display size of 34 inches, our pick for the best ultrawide budget monitor is the Sceptre C345B, a one-of-a-kind ultrawide monitor that boasts a decent UWQHD resolution at a high refresh rate. With the HDMI ports, you will be able to hit 100Hz, but with the usage of DP ports, 165Hz will be enabled for a fluid gaming experience. Moreover, the 1ms response time will ensure little to no ghosting and less motion blur. All of that, combined with AMD FreeSync Premium and its LFC feature, will synchronize the framerates with the refresh rate of the monitor and will allow a stutter-free experience.
Surprisingly, the color saturation is also decent with 99% sRGB but its max brightness of 400 Nits is what impresses the most. While most budget gaming monitors fail to bring brightness higher than 300 Nits, this one ensures users get brighter and crisp visuals with a wide range of consistent colors. Offering a curve in design and a larger field of view which results in much more immersive gameplay, it is worthy of being one of the best budget gaming monitors worth checking out today.
Acer Nitro XV320QU Gaming Monitor
Acer Nitro XV320QU is a gaming monitor that supports WQHD resolution at 2560 x 1440 pixels. It has a large 31.5-inch display panel with In-Plane Switching technology. The maximum refresh rate supported by the monitor is 165 Hz, which is available via the DisplayPort connection.
The Acer Nitro XV320QU is an excellent premium budget gaming monitor that offers users a 32-inch IPS display with a 2K resolution and a 165 Hz (170Hz overclocked) refresh rate. It has dual DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 and offers a unique “Agile-Splendor IPS” take. This allows it to push its response time from an already low 1ms GTG to 0.5ms using its presets. The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync Premium technology for smoother gameplay at all frame rates.
With built-in audio on offer, in addition to great SRGB compliance and FreeSync support out of the box, it is an ideal display for most users. You might, however, not like having a 2K resolution on a display that is diagonally 32 inches, which does lose a noticeable amount of sharpness when working at a closer distance. Also, the absence of HDR support can be a little disappointing for those looking for a wider range of colors and brightness. It’s expected to have some limitations like these when users are looking for some premium specifications on a budget, but overall, this will make a fantastic addition to users' setup looking to enjoy an immersive gaming experience.
KOORUI 24.5 Inch FHD 170Hz VA Gaming Monitor
The KOORUI 24.5-inch FHD 170Hz VA Gaming Monitor offers a budget gaming monitor that clubs thin bezels, a high refresh rate, and a VA panel in a package that offers excellent value for money without compromising on its core strengths. It’s backed by a comprehensive 3-year warranty, making it easy to see why it is one of the most popular choices on Amazon currently.
The KOORUI 24.5-inch gaming monitor, our recommendation if you want a cheap entry-level model, is among the best budget gaming monitors because it has all the essentials that can cater to the needs of gamers. It supports AMD FreeSync and G-sync out of the box, in addition to an impressive 170Hz on DisplayPort for PC gamers. While it doesn’t feature HDR support, it does offer an excellent price point and a very comprehensive three-year warranty to build its value narrative for gamers on a budget.
As a middle-of-the-road VA panel, it does somewhat feel limited versus better IPS offerings, but it does do a fair job in terms of color reproduction, offering up to 99% sRGB compliance. With support for a VESA mount, dual HDMI ports and support for G-Sync for VRR in addition to FreeSync, the KOORUI 24.5-inch FHD 170Hz VA Gaming Monitor brings unparalleled value for its price. If users are willing to spend a little more, a newer, upgraded IPS-based model is alsoavailable on Amazonthat offers better viewing angles and display quality.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A
The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q1A is a 28-inch monitor. It features 4K resolution with 3840x2160 pixels. The display type is IPS and delivers the DCI-P3 color standard. The monitor also supports HDR10 for high dynamic range content. This allows for improved color and brightness levels for a more vivid experience. FreeSync technology is also included to reduce screen tearing.
The ASUS TUF VG289Q1A is a4K budget gaming monitorthat offers an excellent price tag with a slightly high response time of 5ms (GTG) and up to a 60 Hz refresh rate. Admittedly, it isn’t the first choice for high-end PC owners or current-gen consoles, but it does support both AMD’s FreeSync and Adaptive-Sync compatibility from the get-go. This makes it an excellent alternative for gamers looking for a sharp 28-inch display without requiring a high refresh rate.
As a 4K display that is only 28 inches, it offers a very high pixel density for a gaming monitor. This is something that most RPG and simulation gamers would appreciate, especially for a 4K monitor that does color reproduction quite well for under $300. Unfortunately, this model is not height adjustable as an entry-level unit. However,ASUS offers another variantthat comes with a height-adjustable stand, although it’s more expensive.
ASUS ROG Swift 27" OLED DSC Gaming Monitor
The ASUS ROG Swift is an amazing 27-inch gaming monitor with an attractive OLED display, a superfast 240Hz refresh rate, and many more features. Designed to increase the appeal of a gamer’s setup, the monitor features a Cyberpunk-inspired aesthetic, giving it a modern and premium look. Buyers get vast connectivity options, including two HDMI 2.0 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4. Joining the gaming specs are the 0.03 ms response time and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, which further enrich the Swift’s capabilities.
Perfect for players who desire the stunning visuals of an OLED display, the 27-inch Asus ROG Swift is a remarkable monitor that excels in many areas. Starting with its highlight feature, the monitor’s OLED display delivers the deepest blacks along with clear colors that stand out even when a dark scene is rendered. To ensure that reflections don’t hinder users’ viewing experience, the monitor’s anti-glare micro-texture coating feature decreases the amount of reflective light on the screen. Additionally, the OLED display ensures that players enjoy a competitive advantage in FPS titles. Boasting a 240 Hz refresh rate and a 0.3 ms response time, gamers can react faster than enemies in fast-paced scenes.
Nvidia G-Sync compatibility ensures that players hardly encounter screen tearing issues. The ROG Swift ships with a 2K display which may not be as good as a 4K display, but performs better than a 1080p screen. Unless gamers demand an upgrade to 4K and have the financial muscle to do so, the Swift’s 2K resolution is just fine. While screen burn-in is a factor to consider when shopping for an OLED monitor, the Asus monitor looks to put shoppers’ minds at ease. Equipped with a heatsink and improved airflow design, heat is pulled out from the OLED panel to reduce the chances of a burn-in. With all these capabilities, one would expect the monitor to come with HDMI 2.1 ports for the ultimate current-gen console experience, but buyers are stuck with two HDMI 2.0 ports.
The 27-inch Sceptre 2K gaming monitor offers an immersive gaming experience that enhances the player’s situational awareness. It comes with QHD resolution (2560 x 1440), delivering vivid colors and sharp clarity. The monitor supports a 165Hz refresh rate through DisplayPort and 144Hz through HDMI ports, ensuring smooth gameplay and quick frame transitions. The luminous back cover lights add a modern touch with colorful LED illumination. With 1ms Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT), it limits ghosting considerably versus the competition.
The 27-inch Sceptre gaming monitor is not only affordable but is built to handle competitive gamers’ needs with ease. One of Game Rant’s best budget gaming monitors, the Sceptre monitor sits in a sweet spot between 144 Hz monitors and 240 Hz monitors thanks to its incredible 165 Hz refresh rate. This enables players to enjoy improved motion handling and stand a greater chance of overcoming opponents in action scenes. To reduce the odds of gamers experiencing ghosting, the monitor ships with a 1ms Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT) that makes in-game details look clear even during fast-paced situations.
AMD FreeSync Premium complements the monitor’s 165 Hz, ensuring that players game for long periods without encountering screen tearing or stuttering. Offering 400 nits of brightness, the Sceptre monitor provides users with clear and radiant colors for the perfect gaming experience. For visual appeal, the back cover features colorful LED lights that spotlight the monitor’s modern design. Built with ergonomics in mind, players can raise, lower, tilt, and swivel the monitor according to their preferences. Regarding its downsides, some users have faulted the monitor’s speakers, saying that the sound quality is subpar. The on-screen menu also looks somewhat outdated, a flaw that many buyers have pointed out in reviews.
Brace for a memorable experience with the 27-inch INNOCN gaming monitor. It ships with a 180 Hz refresh rate and a 1 ms response time, which are excellent specs for competitive gamers looking to stay ten steps ahead of opponents. Players get to play for long periods without experiencing screen tearing thanks to the monitor’s compatibility with Nvidia G-Sync. It also aims to protect players' eyes by coming with anti-blue light technology which reduces the risk of eye strain.
Those who prefer to pair their PlayStation 5 with a monitor instead of a TV should check out the 27-inch INNOCN IPS gaming monitor. Selling at just $200, the INNOCN packs an incredible suite of features, including a 27-inch IPS display known for faster gaming response times and wider viewing angles. It ships with a 2K display which supersedes the capabilities of a 1080p monitor, upping the ante in terms of color gamut, which makes the picture quality seem more vivid than ever. Whether gaming or working for an extended time, there’s no need to worry about eye strain from staring at the screen. The monitor’s blue light reduction feature minimizes the risk of suffering from fatigue and strain.
Regarding its gaming features, the INNOCN monitor is an incredible performer. You get a 180 Hz refresh rate, which is great for motion handling and makes pictures look crisp even during fast-paced moments. To reduce the chances of experiencing screen tearing, you’ll be glad to know that this monitor comes with Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. Its wide range of connectivity options including HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 make it possible to hook up multiple peripherals and consoles. One noticeable flaw with this monitor is that it doesn’t support VRR. However, it compensates for that shortcoming by packing many rich features, thereby earning its place as the best budget gaming monitor to pair with the PS5.
How to Choose a Budget Gaming Monitor
A gaming monitor has some key hardware features that differentiate it from general-purpose monitors even as it looks to cater to a certain audience. Here is what shoppers should look for in a budget gaming monitor.
Refresh Rate: Most gaming monitors offer a high refresh rate, ranging from entry-level 144 Hz gaming monitors to high-end 360 Hz – even 480 Hz displays in some cases. A higher refresh rate helps by reducing motion blur and ghosting while making for a smoother gameplay experience.
Resolution: Gaming monitors generally at least offer an FHD resolution and tend to mostly offer a 2K or a 4K display for newer models. The best budget-friendly gaming monitors generally sit in the FHD or QHD resolution range with upgrades often resulting in a significantly higher price tag if the other features tide over to a high-resolution display. Most comparable4K gaming monitorsare twice as expensive or more than their 2K counterparts.
Response Time: Most new gaming monitors are conscious that input lag and display response times can shape gaming experiences, especially for competitive game titles. As a result, most gaming monitors aim for as low response times as possible, aiming for 1ms (GTG or MPRT) timings or lower to cater to their respective markets.
Nvidia G-Sync Compatibility/AMD FreeSync: G-Sync and FreeSync are two advanced gaming features that reduce screen tearing, thereby ensuring that your gameplay is fluid and more enjoyable. They appear in monitors and TVs, though they’re most common in monitors. If you’re looking for a monitor that’ll give you a smooth experience, then it is recommended that you get one that comes with one or both of these features.
FAQ
Q: Are cheap 144Hz gaming monitors worth it?
Cheap 144Hz monitors have utility for gamers but may use cheaper panels such as TN or VA as a compromise. They might also offer poor HDR performance to compensate for the cost-cutting required. At the same time, most cheap 144HZ gaming monitors do excel at gaming itself.
They are not the brightest of displays on offer, but they do considerably move the needle on low response times, high refresh rates and decent resolutions, making them a worthy pursuit for gamers on a budget.
Q: Is VRR Important For My Monitor?
VRR greatly removes or lowers stutter and screen tearing when displays are provided a lower amount of frames than their target refresh rate. VRR when turned on allows the display to accommodate to the FPS available to it, allowing for a smoother, more responsive imagine, making for a better gaming experience for most users.
Q: Is 24 or 27 inches good for gaming?
Both the 24 and 27-inch monitors have strengths and weaknesses and should suit the needs of buyers depending on their preferences.
The 24-inch display is excellent for players who want a compact screen that won’t have them turn their heads or eyes frequently. Meanwhile, a 27-inch display offers a higher resolution and more screen real estate. Ensure that you consider the above before making a decision.
Q: How much HZ is good for gaming?
This depends on whether you are a competitive or casual gamer. While 60 Hz is a fine benchmark for causal gaming, competitive gaming typically requires more. Anywhere from 144Hz upward is fine for FPS gaming.
Q: Is IPS or VA better for a gaming monitor?
If you often play in a well-lit room, then an IPS display is perfect plus it comes with faster response times and wider viewing angles. However, a VA display is preferable for rooms with poor lighting thanks to their greater picture quality.
