Just like many products today, the prices of the best gaming monitors have significantly increased, especially for models with OLED panels, large screens, and high refresh rates at sharp resolutions. Fortunately, there remains a robust selection of affordable monitors that maintain impressive image quality and features. Take, for example, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, which boasts an incredible mini-LED and quantum dot screen for well under $400. It's my top pick because it offers performance that rivals monitors costing hundreds more, demonstrating the high-quality options available on a budget, provided 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 Amazon
Best 1080p### Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
0See it at Amazon
Best 1440p### LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
0See it at AmazonSee it at Target
Best 4K### KTC H27P22S
0See it at Amazon
Best ultrawide### DellS3422DWG
0See it at AmazonSee it at DellThe best budget gaming monitors may lack some advanced technologies and features, but they still provide an excellent display to enjoy the full capabilities of your gaming PC. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can be pushed to their limits, as high refresh and 4K monitors are now available at relatively affordable prices. While compromises are often necessary, such as height-adjustable stands on the low end and value-added features like KVM switches on the high end, by prioritizing performance and your personal "must-haves," you can find truly great value at every price point.
However, not all budget gaming monitors are created equal. If a deal seems too good to be true, it often is. A $100 monitor might seem like a great deal initially, but it's likely to fail quickly or strain your eyes during gameplay, ultimately causing more harm than good. Our selections may cost a bit more than $100, but their solid construction, excellent panels, and gaming features ensure a better experience. As with any other gaming accessory, higher-end gaming monitors are available if you're willing to spend 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
1Experience incredible picture quality at an unbeatable price. 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 impressive gaming monitor I've reviewed in 2024. Priced around $330 at the time of writing, it sets a new standard for what you can expect from affordable gaming monitors. While it may not be the cheapest option for a 27" 1440p display, it offers superior performance and a fantastic gaming experience compared to its competitors.
Unlike most budget gaming monitors, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i employs mini-LED technology with full array local dimming (FALD), allowing the display to intelligently dim darker areas for enhanced contrast.
While other FALD mini-LED displays exist at similar price points, none match the G Pro 27i's performance. This is largely due to its 1,152 local dimming zones, a feature typically found in monitors costing upwards of $700. This significantly reduces blooming and enhances the viewing experience. Its HDR performance is exceptional, surpassing other monitors on this list and closely mimicking the quality of OLEDs, which typically cost much more, without the risk of burn-in or issues with text clarity.
Xiaomi has chosen an outstanding 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 suitable for content creation. It's also compatible with variable refresh rate systems like AMD FreeSync and, though not officially supported, Nvidia's G-Sync worked flawlessly in my tests.
Despite its excellence, the monitor isn't perfect. To keep costs down, Xiaomi omitted a USB hub and USB Type-C connectivity. It also only supports HDMI 2.0, which is sufficient for its 1440p resolution and compatible with Xbox and PlayStation consoles. Additionally, it lacks some advanced gaming features.
However, these trade-offs are well worth it for a monitor of this caliber at this price. Simply put, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i is the best choice right now if you want OLED-like picture quality without the typical drawbacks and high cost.
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 is a fantastic value, capable of running smoothly on a wide range of hardware. You don't need the latest graphics card to maximize this display's potential, and thanks to its VA panel, you can enjoy deeper blacks and a wider dynamic range in all types of games. With a 1ms gray-to-gray response time and game-enhancing features, it offers exceptional performance for its price.
In this price range, I prefer VA panels over IPS. Although IPS panels are renowned for their color accuracy, VA panels like this one are nearly as good while providing a significantly better gaming experience due to their superior blacks. This model is also adequately bright at 350 nits, ensuring vibrant colors and good visibility in well-lit rooms.
It includes game-enhancing features designed to give you an edge in competitive matches. You can enable an on-screen reticle for games without one, use Shadow Boost to reveal enemies in dark areas, and activate Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) mode for smoother, clearer gameplay.
There are two main drawbacks to consider. First, like many monitors in this price range, the stand is not height adjustable. It supports VESA mounting (100x100mm), so you can attach a third-party stand or monitor arm if the positioning isn't ideal, though this may require additional spending. Second, while its 27" screen enhances immersion, its 1080p resolution can result in slightly lower pixel density, which may affect sharpness compared to a 24" display at the same resolution.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A offers significant improvements to your gaming experience without breaking the bank.
LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
Best 1440p Budget Gaming Monitor
Best 1440p### LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
0Achieve speeds up to 144Hz at 1440p with this monitor that also supports 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, it offers a significant increase in resolution to 2560x1440, resulting in sharper visuals than a 1080p monitor. Combined with great color accuracy and decent factory calibration, its 27" screen provides an immersive gaming experience while balancing 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 AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth, tear-free HDR gaming. One valuable feature is Low Framerate Compensation, which inserts frames and syncs with the refresh rate, ensuring smoother gameplay even if your system can't reach 144Hz.
The primary drawback is its non-height-adjustable stand. Depending on your desk setup, you may need to adjust its position. However, it supports a standard 100x100mm VESA mount, allowing you to swap the included stand for a more adjustable one if necessary. Overall, its feature set and affordable price make it a top choice.
KTC H27P22D
Best 4K Budget Gaming Monitor
Best 4K### KTC H27P22S
1Experience a fast and stunning picture on a limited budget with this gaming monitor. 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 demonstrates the impressive advancements in the budget gaming monitor market. Priced at $400, and often available for as low as $340, it proves you don't need to spend a fortune for a high refresh rate, 4K gaming experience. I find it difficult to criticize this display significantly; it's a well-rounded package at a remarkably 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 supports AMD FreeSync Premium and is compatible with Nvidia G-Sync, ensuring smooth gameplay even if you can't reach the maximum refresh rate. Its dual HDMI 2.1 ports make it an excellent choice for console gaming as well. Just remember to bring your own audio solution, as there are no built-in speakers.
While its marketing may overpromise, its real-world performance remains impressive for the price. Although its 400 nits of peak brightness isn't sufficient for true high dynamic range, it's bright enough for a vibrant SDR gaming experience. Its color coverage is great, though it lacks factory calibration, making it suitable for gaming but not necessarily for creative work without additional calibration. It also doesn't include a USB hub, so direct peripheral connectivity is not available.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the KTC H27P22D is a fantastic option for budget-conscious gamers looking to upgrade to Ultra HD.
Dell S3422DWG
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5. 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 ghostingIf you're seeking an immersive gaming experience, an ultrawide curved monitor is an excellent choice, 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 enhance your field of vision, allowing you to focus on the game rather than external distractions.
For large ultrawides like this, I prefer the "1440p" resolution over the ultrawide equivalent of 1080p. Although it requires more graphics power, the higher pixel density significantly improves the image quality.
The monitor offers a solid 144Hz refresh rate and supports AMD FreeSync, ensuring smooth gameplay. While it may exhibit minor ghosting behind dark objects, overall motion clarity remains strong.
Despite its competitive price, the S3422DWG is an attractive monitor with a height-adjustable stand, two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and the ability to serve as a USB hub.
How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Monitor?
When shopping for a budget gaming monitor, the sweet spot is typically between $200 and $300. While cheaper options exist, they often come with quality issues. A gaming monitor should last 3-5 years, and a $100 monitor is unlikely to achieve this durability.
To find a monitor within this price range, you need to understand what to look for and prioritize your needs to make informed compromises.
ResolutionRefresh RatePanel TypesScreen SizeGamers on a tight budget don't have to make as many sacrifices as before, but compromises are still necessary. Generally, you can choose a higher resolution or a higher refresh rate, but not both in a budget gaming monitor.
1080p remains the standard for budget displays. While it lacks the clarity of 4K TVs, it allows for high frame rates on less powerful hardware. 1440p is a nice upgrade and better value if you can stretch your budget. A 27" 1440p monitor offers higher pixel density than a 48" 4K TV, though a 240Hz refresh rate becomes less affordable.
4K is achievable on a budget, but expect to pay around $400 or make compromises in brightness or screen size. Keep in mind the higher system requirements for 4K gaming at high frame rates. This is the trade-off for the lowest possible price on 4K gaming.
The refresh rate of budget gaming monitors typically ranges from 60 to 240Hz, with most at 144Hz or 165Hz. A 144Hz refresh rate is versatile for most games, while 240Hz is ideal for competitive gaming. 360Hz is also becoming more accessible for budget monitors.
Note that not all inputs may support the monitor's maximum refresh rate. For example, many monitors that reach 165Hz might only support 144Hz over HDMI. DisplayPort is the best option for utilizing high refresh rates.
A monitor’s display panel technology is crucial. Our recommended monitors use either IPS or VA panels. IPS panels are favored for motion clarity, vibrancy, and responsiveness, making them great for competitive gaming. VA panels offer a better contrast ratio and superior dark scene performance, ideal for 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 restrictive than it used to be. Our guide focuses on 27" monitors, along with a 34" ultrawide. Smaller 24" monitors are less expensive and preferred by competitive gamers for focused gameplay. Larger monitors (32" and up) are more immersive but may lose detail without higher resolution. Be cautious not to choose a monitor too large for your desk; 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 video card. Many budget monitors support both. My preferred picks list the standards they support.
Finally, a note on HDR: while marketed on many budget monitors, most only reach up to 400 nits of brightness, which is considered "HDR compatible" but lacks the dynamic range for true HDR.
Budget Gaming Monitor FAQs
What is the best type of panel?
Budget gaming monitors typically feature either VA or IPS panels. My top pick uses an IPS panel with a mini-LED backlight, surpassing other types due to its technology. Choose this if your budget and needs allow. Otherwise, the choice between VA and IPS depends on response time, colors, and contrast.
For response time and color accuracy, IPS panels are the best choice, though 1ms panels are now available for both types. IPS monitors offer the most vivid and accurate colors.
For contrast, VA panels have a significant advantage unless using a mini-LED backlight like my top pick. VA panels provide richer dark colors and blacks, offering a better dynamic range.
While there's no single "best" panel, the right choice depends on what you value most in a gaming monitor.
When are gaming monitors most affordable?
The best times to buy gaming monitors at reasonable prices are during major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. Gaming monitor deals also appear during Back to School sales, and retailers often discount older models to make room for new releases.
What size gaming monitor should I get for gaming?
Choosing a gaming monitor size is a personal preference, but consider these guidelines: first, assess your available space to ensure the monitor fits. Next, consider resolution and pixel density. A 24" monitor is ideal for 1080p gaming. For 1440p, a 27-32" monitor provides detail and immersion. For 4K, a minimum of 27" is recommended. Be cautious with 1080p monitors larger than 27" to avoid the screen door effect.
