The Best Budget Gaming Monitors for All Gamer Types

Gaming monitor prices have skyrocketed, especially for OLED, large-screen, high-refresh-rate models. But don't despair! Excellent affordable options exist without sacrificing image quality or features. The Xiaomi G Pro 27i, with its incredible mini-LED, quantum dot screen for under $400, is a prime example. It rivals far more expensive monitors, showcasing the quality available on a budget – if you know where to look.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Budget Gaming Monitors:

Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor

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Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

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LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

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KTC H27P22S

Dell S3422DWG

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Budget gaming monitors may lack some premium features, but they deliver excellent displays for enjoying your gaming PC's capabilities. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can shine on high-refresh-rate and 4K monitors at affordable prices. While trade-offs exist (adjustable stands, KVM switches), prioritizing performance and essential features yields great value at every price point.

Not all budget monitors are equal. A very cheap monitor might fail quickly or strain your eyes. Our picks, while costing more than $100, offer superior build quality, panels, and gaming features for 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

The Xiaomi G Pro 27i is a surprising standout. Its mini-LED backlight with full-array local dimming (FALD) and 1,152 local dimming zones (usually found in far more expensive monitors) significantly reduces blooming, resulting in a fantastic HDR experience. Its picture quality rivals OLEDs at a fraction of the cost, without the burn-in risk. It boasts a 180Hz refresh rate, accurate colors, and compatibility with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. While lacking a USB hub and only supporting HDMI 2.0, these trade-offs are worthwhile given its exceptional picture quality and price.

2. Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

Best Budget 1080p Gaming Monitor

For around $150, this monitor offers great gaming performance with few drawbacks. See it at Amazon

The Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A provides exceptional value. Its VA panel delivers deep blacks and wide dynamic range, while its 1ms response time and game-enhancing features (on-screen reticle, Shadow Boost, ELMB) make it ideal for competitive gaming. The non-adjustable stand and lower pixel density due to its 1080p resolution are minor drawbacks, easily offset by its overall performance and affordability.

3. LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

Best 1440p Budget Gaming Monitor

Get speeds up to 144Hz in 1440p on this monitor that doesn’t forget adaptive sync technology and excellent color accuracy. See it at AmazonSee it at Target

The LG UltraGear 27GN800-B offers a significant resolution upgrade to 1440p for under $300. Its sharp visuals, accurate colors, 144Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync/Nvidia G-Sync compatibility make it a strong contender. The lack of a height-adjustable stand is a minor drawback, easily mitigated with a VESA mount.

4. KTC H27P22D

Best 4K Budget Gaming Monitor

This gaming monitor offers a fast and fantastic picture on a limited budget. See it at Amazon

The KTC H27P22D demonstrates the advancements in budget 4K gaming monitors. Its 160Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium/Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and dual HDMI 2.1 ports make it excellent for console gaming. While not factory calibrated and lacking a USB hub, its crisp 4K resolution and performance at its price point are impressive.

5. Dell S3422DWG

Best Ultrawide Budget Gaming Monitor

Immerse yourself in the action with a cheap, ultrawide curved monitor delivering a 1440p/144Hz refresh rate. See it at AmazonSee it at Dell

The Dell S3422DWG stands out as the best budget ultrawide. Its curved VA panel provides vibrant visuals, while its 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync support ensure smooth gameplay. Its height-adjustable stand and USB hub are added bonuses.

How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Monitor?

The $200-$300 range is a good sweet spot for budget gaming monitors. Cheaper options may compromise quality. A monitor should last 3-5 years; a $100 monitor likely won't.

To find the right monitor, 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. 1080p is standard for budget displays; 1440p is a better value if budget allows. 4K is possible but usually costs more and requires higher-end hardware. Refresh rates generally range from 60Hz to 240Hz, with 144Hz being a good balance. Higher refresh rates (240Hz+) are ideal for competitive gaming. Note that maximum refresh rate may vary by input (DisplayPort is best for high refresh rates). IPS panels offer better motion clarity and color accuracy; VA panels have superior contrast. 27" is a common size, with smaller (24") monitors being better for competitive gaming and larger (32"+) monitors offering more immersion. Consider G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility based on your graphics card. HDR is often marketed but may be unimpressive on budget monitors due to lower brightness.

Budget Gaming Monitor FAQs

What is the best type of panel?

Budget monitors typically use IPS or VA panels. The Xiaomi G Pro 27i (mini-LED) surpasses both. Otherwise, the choice depends on priorities: IPS for response time and color accuracy; VA for contrast.

When are gaming monitors most affordable?

Prime Day, Black Friday, Back to School sales, and new model releases often bring deals.

What size gaming monitor should I get for gaming?

Consider available space, resolution, and pixel density. 24" for 1080p, 27-32" for 1440p, and 27"+ for 4K are good starting points. Avoid large 1080p monitors due to the screen door effect.