The price of top-tier gaming monitors has skyrocketed, especially those boasting OLED panels, expansive screens, high refresh rates, and sharp resolutions. However, a fantastic selection of affordable monitors remains, offering surprisingly little compromise on image quality and features. Take the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, for example—its incredible mini-LED, quantum dot screen is available for well under $400. It's my top pick because it rivals far more expensive monitors, showcasing the exceptional quality achievable on a budget, provided you know where to look.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Budget Gaming Monitors:
Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor
See it at Amazon
Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
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LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
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KTC H27P22S
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Dell S3422DWG
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Budget gaming monitors may lack certain advanced technologies and features, but they still deliver excellent displays for enjoying your gaming PC's capabilities. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can be pushed to their limits on affordable high-refresh-rate and 4K monitors. While trade-offs exist—like height-adjustable stands or KVM switches—prioritizing performance and essential features allows you to find exceptional value at every price point.
Not all budget monitors are equal. A suspiciously cheap monitor might seem like a bargain, but it could quickly fail or strain your eyes. Our selections might cost a bit more, but their robust builds, superior panels, and gaming features ensure a better long-term experience. Of course, higher-end options are available for those with larger budgets.
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
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 one of the most impressive budget gaming monitors I've reviewed. Its approximately $330 price point (at the time of writing) sets a new standard for affordable gaming monitors. While not the absolute cheapest 27" 1440p display, it surpasses the competition with its fantastic picture and gaming experience.
Unlike most budget monitors, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i utilizes mini-LED backlighting with full-array local dimming (FALD), intelligently dimming dark screen areas for enhanced contrast. Its 1,152 local dimming zones—a feature usually found in monitors costing $700 or more—significantly reduce blooming, resulting in a superior viewing experience. Its HDR performance is exceptional, far exceeding other monitors on this list and approaching the quality of much more expensive OLEDs, without the risk of burn-in or text clarity issues.
The panel itself is outstanding, achieving up to 180Hz for smooth gameplay and low motion blur. It offers accurate colors in DCI-P3, sRGB, and Adobe RGB modes, suitable for content creation. It's compatible with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync (though not officially stated by the manufacturer).
To maintain its low price, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i omits a USB hub and USB Type-C connectivity. It also only supports HDMI 2.0, but this is sufficient for its 1440p resolution when used with consoles. Gaming features are also limited.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the monitor's exceptional quality at its price makes these trade-offs worthwhile. If you desire OLED-like picture quality without the drawbacks and high cost, this is the monitor to buy.
2. Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
Best Budget 1080p Gaming Monitor
For around $150, this monitor delivers excellent gaming performance with minimal 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 offers incredible value, easily driven by a wide range of hardware. Its VA panel provides deep blacks and a wider dynamic range. With a 1ms response time and game-enhancing features, it delivers exceptional value.
At this price point, a VA panel is preferable. While IPS panels are known for color, VA panels often match or nearly match IPS color quality while offering superior gaming performance due to improved blacks. This model's 350-nit brightness ensures vibrant colors even in well-lit rooms.
Game-enhancing features include an on-screen reticle, Shadow Boost, and Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) mode.
Drawbacks include a non-height-adjustable stand (though VESA mountable) and a less sharp image than a 24" 1080p display due to the larger screen size.
Despite these minor drawbacks, this monitor significantly enhances the gaming experience without breaking the bank.
3. LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
Best 1440p Budget Gaming Monitor
Achieve speeds up to 144Hz in 1440p with this monitor, featuring adaptive sync technology and excellent color accuracy. See it at AmazonSee 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 is a superb upgrade for budget-conscious gamers. For under $300, it offers a significant resolution boost to 2560x1440, resulting in sharper visuals. Its 27" screen provides an immersive experience while maintaining reasonable system requirements.
This monitor excels with its 144Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and Low Framerate Compensation for smoother gameplay even at lower frame rates.
The main drawback is the non-height-adjustable stand, though VESA mount compatibility allows for easy upgrades.
4. KTC H27P22D
Best 4K Budget Gaming Monitor
This gaming monitor delivers a fast and fantastic picture on a 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 gaming monitors. Its $400 price point (often lower on sale) proves that a high-refresh-rate 4K experience doesn't require a massive investment. It's a well-rounded package at an exceptionally reasonable price.
It offers a crisp 4K resolution and a 160Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. Its dual HDMI 2.1 ports make it ideal for console gaming.
Drawbacks include less-than-ideal HDR performance due to 400-nit brightness, lack of factory calibration, and absence of a USB hub.
Considering its features, the KTC H27P22D's shortcomings are easily overlooked, making it a great option for budget-conscious gamers seeking Ultra HD gaming.
5. Dell S3422DWG
Best Ultrawide Budget Gaming Monitor
Experience immersive gaming with this affordable ultrawide curved monitor, offering a 1440p/144Hz refresh rate. See it at AmazonSee 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 |
An ultrawide curved monitor provides an immersive gaming experience, and the Dell S3422DWG stands out as the best budget ultrawide. Its contrast-rich VA panel and 3440x1440 resolution deliver a vibrant, sharp image. The 21:9 aspect ratio and curvature enhance immersion.
For ultrawides, 1440p resolution is preferred over the equivalent of 1080p for better image quality, though it demands more graphical power.
The monitor features a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support for smooth gameplay. Minor motion blur behind dark objects is present, but overall motion clarity is strong.
Despite its price, it includes a height-adjustable stand, two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and functions as a USB hub.
How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Monitor?
For a budget gaming monitor, the $200-$300 range is a good target. Cheaper options may compromise quality. A monitor should last 3-5 years; a $100 monitor likely won't.
To find a suitable monitor within this price range, consider these factors:
- Resolution
- Refresh Rate
- Panel Types
- Screen Size
Budget gamers need to compromise. Choose higher resolution or higher refresh rate, but not both easily on a budget.
1080p is standard for budget displays. While lacking 4K clarity, it requires less powerful hardware for high frame rates. 1440p is a worthwhile upgrade, offering better value if your budget allows. 4K is available but typically costs closer to $400 and may compromise brightness or screen size, and requires more powerful hardware.
Refresh rates typically range from 60Hz to 240Hz, with 144Hz or 165Hz being common. 144Hz is versatile, while 240Hz is better for competitive gaming. 360Hz is also becoming more affordable.
Note that maximum refresh rates might not be supported by all inputs. DisplayPort is best for high refresh rates.
Panel technology is crucial. IPS and VA panels are common. IPS excels in motion clarity, vibrance, and responsiveness, ideal for competitive gaming. VA offers better contrast and dark scene performance, suitable for graphically intensive games.
Screen size is less limiting. 27" is common, along with 34" ultrawides. Smaller (24") monitors are cheaper and preferred by competitive gamers. Larger monitors (32" and up) are more immersive but may lose detail at lower resolutions. 27" with a 16:9 aspect ratio is a safe bet.
Consider Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync support based on your graphics card. Many budget monitors support both.
HDR is often marketed but is unimpressive on affordable monitors due to limited brightness (400 nits).
Budget Gaming Monitor FAQs
What is the best type of panel?
Budget monitors typically use VA or IPS panels. My top pick, an IPS monitor with mini-LED backlighting, surpasses both. Otherwise, the choice depends on response time, color, and contrast. IPS excels in response time and color accuracy; VA offers superior contrast.
When are gaming monitors most affordable?
Shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, Back to School sales, and new model releases often offer deals on gaming monitors.
What size gaming monitor should I get for gaming?
Consider available space, resolution, and pixel density. 24" is good for 1080p, 27-32" for 1440p, and 27" or larger for 4K. Avoid 1080p monitors larger than 27" due to the screen door effect.
