In today's market, the cost of the best gaming monitors has surged, particularly for those boasting OLED panels, expansive screens, and high refresh rates at crisp resolutions. However, there's still a robust selection of affordable monitors that maintain impressive image quality and features. Take, for instance, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, which features an incredible mini-LED, quantum dot screen for less than $400. It's my top pick because it rivals monitors costing significantly more, proving that quality on a budget is attainable 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 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 might not include every cutting-edge feature, but they deliver an outstanding display to fully leverage your gaming PC. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can be pushed to their limits, as high refresh and 4K monitors can be found at relatively affordable prices. While trade-offs exist, such as the absence of height-adjustable stands on the lower end and extras like KVM switches on the higher end, by prioritizing performance and your essential requirements, you can discover excellent value at any price point.
Not all budget gaming monitors are equal, and if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. A $100 monitor might seem like a bargain upfront, but it may not last long and could strain your eyes, ultimately causing more harm than good. Our selections might be slightly pricier than $100, but their durable construction, superior panels, and gaming features ensure a better experience. However, as with any gaming accessory, higher-end 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, this monitor sets a new standard for budget-friendly options. 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 has emerged as the most impressive gaming monitor I've reviewed in 2024. Priced around $330, it represents the pinnacle of what you can expect from affordable gaming monitors. Though it may not be the cheapest option for a 27" 1440p display, it offers far more than its competitors, providing a phenomenal picture and gaming experience.
Unlike typical budget gaming monitors, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i employs mini-LED technology with full array local dimming (FALD), which enhances contrast by intelligently dimming darker areas of the screen.
While other mini-LED FALD displays exist at similar price points, none match the G Pro 27i's performance. Its remarkable 1,152 local dimming zones, typically found only in monitors costing over $700, significantly reduce blooming and enhance the viewing experience. The HDR performance is exceptional, far surpassing other monitors on this list. In fact, its picture quality rivals that of OLED displays, which often cost two to four times more, yet it avoids the risks of burn-in and maintains text clarity.
Xiaomi has chosen an excellent panel for this monitor, 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 ensures accurate colors for content creation. It also supports variable refresh rate technologies like AMD FreeSync, and although not officially listed, Nvidia's G-Sync worked seamlessly during my testing.
While this monitor is outstanding, it's not without flaws. To maintain its low price, Xiaomi omitted a USB hub and USB Type-C connectivity. It also uses HDMI 2.0, which is adequate for its 1440p resolution and compatible with Xbox and PlayStation consoles. Additionally, it lacks some gaming features.
However, these compromises are worthwhile for a monitor of this quality at such a price. In summary, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i is the ideal choice if you seek OLED-like picture quality without the usual drawbacks and high cost.
Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
Best Budget 1080p Gaming Monitor
Best 1080p### Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
2Priced 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 exceptional value, compatible with a wide range of hardware. You don't need the latest graphics card to maximize its performance, and thanks to its VA panel, you can enjoy deeper blacks and a broader dynamic range across various games. With a 1ms gray-to-gray response time and game-enhancing features, it provides significant value for competitive shooters and esports.
In this price range, I recommend VA panels for their superior gaming experience, offering deep blacks and improved contrast over IPS panels. At 350 nits, this model is bright enough for colors to pop, making it suitable for well-lit environments.
It includes several game-enhancing features to give you an edge in competitive matches. You can add an on-screen reticle, enable Shadow Boost to see into dark areas and spot enemies, and activate Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) mode for smoother, clearer gameplay.
There are two notable drawbacks to consider. First, the stand is not height adjustable, though it supports VESA mounting (100x100mm) for aftermarket stands or monitor arms. Second, the 27" screen at 1080p resolution might not be as sharp as smaller displays, potentially leading to a screen door effect.
Despite these limitations, the Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A offers significant enhancements 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 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 seeking a resolution upgrade. Priced under $300, it offers a 2560x1440 resolution, significantly sharper than 1080p monitors. The 27" screen, combined with great color accuracy and decent factory calibration, ensures an immersive and detailed gaming experience.
This monitor excels in other areas as well. With a 144Hz refresh rate and compatibility with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, it delivers smooth, tear-free HDR gaming. Its Low Framerate Compensation feature is particularly valuable, inserting frames to maintain a smooth gameplay experience even when your system can't reach the maximum refresh rate.
The primary drawback is the non-height adjustable stand, which may not suit all desk setups. However, it supports a standard 100x100mm VESA mount, allowing for easy customization with a more adjustable stand. Despite this limitation, its feature set and affordable price make it a standout choice.
KTC H27P22D
Best 4K Budget Gaming Monitor
Best 4K### KTC H27P22S
1Experience a fast and fantastic 4K picture on a 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, it proves that a high refresh rate, 4K gaming experience is accessible without breaking the bank. For gamers with the hardware to support it, this monitor is a compelling option.
The H27P22D combines a crisp 4K resolution with an impressive 160Hz refresh rate, fully supporting AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth gameplay. Its dual HDMI 2.1 ports make it an excellent choice for console gaming, though you'll need to provide your own audio solution.
While its marketing might overpromise, the real-world performance remains strong for the price. Its 400 nits peak brightness delivers a vibrant SDR gaming experience, though it falls short of true HDR. The color coverage is excellent, but it's not factory calibrated, so for creative work, additional calibration might be necessary. It also lacks a USB hub, limiting peripheral connectivity.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the KTC H27P22D offers exceptional value, providing features that would have cost significantly more just a few years ago. It's a boon 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 an affordable, ultrawide curved monitor featuring 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 ghostingThe Dell S3422DWG is the top pick for budget ultrawide gaming monitors. Its VA panel offers rich contrast and a 3440x1440 resolution for a vibrant, sharp image across various game genres. The 21:9 aspect ratio and slight curvature enhance immersion by enveloping your field of vision, allowing you to focus on the game without distractions.
For large ultrawides, I recommend the "1440p" resolution over the ultrawide equivalent of 1080p. Although it requires more graphics power, the higher pixel density results in a superior image.
The monitor boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and supports AMD FreeSync for smooth gameplay. While it may exhibit minor motion blur behind dark objects, overall motion clarity is strong.
Despite its affordable price, the S3422DWG offers an attractive design with a height-adjustable stand, multiple ports, and USB hub functionality.
How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Monitor?
For budget gaming monitors, aim for a sweet spot around $200-$300. While cheaper options exist, they often compromise on quality. A gaming monitor should last 3-5 years, and a $100 model is unlikely to meet that expectation.
To find a monitor within this price range, understand what features are essential to you and where you're willing to compromise.
ResolutionRefresh RatePanel TypesScreen SizeGamers on a tight budget can still find quality options, though compromises are necessary. You can opt for higher resolution or higher refresh rate, but rarely both in a budget monitor.
1080p remains the go-to resolution for budget displays, offering lower system requirements for high frame rates. 1440p is a valuable upgrade if you can stretch your budget, providing a higher pixel density than a 48" 4K TV on a 27" screen, though it may limit the refresh rate to 144Hz or lower.
4K is achievable on a budget, but expect to spend closer to $400 or accept compromises in brightness or screen size. Remember the higher system requirements for 4K gaming at high frame rates.
Budget gaming monitors typically offer refresh rates from 60 to 240Hz, with most around 144Hz or 165Hz. 144Hz is a versatile choice for most games, while 240Hz is ideal for competitive gaming. 360Hz is becoming more affordable but may not be supported by all inputs, with DisplayPort being the best option for high refresh rates.
A monitor's panel technology is crucial. Our recommendations use either IPS or VA panels. IPS panels excel in motion clarity, vibrancy, and responsiveness, ideal for competitive gaming. VA panels offer superior contrast and dark scene performance, enhancing immersion in games with high-end graphics.
Panel Types
TN (twisted nematic)IPS (in-plane switching)VA (vertical alignment)OLED (organic light-emitting diode)Screen size is less limiting than before. Our guide focuses on 27" monitors, with a 34" ultrawide option. Smaller 24" monitors are less expensive and preferred by competitive gamers for focused gameplay. Larger monitors (32" and up) offer more immersion but may lose detail without higher resolutions. Ensure your desk can accommodate the monitor size you choose. A 27" monitor with a 16:9 aspect ratio is a safe choice.
Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync support is recommended, depending on your graphics card. Many budget monitors support both, and our picks clearly state their compatibility.
HDR on budget monitors is often unimpressive, typically limited to 400 nits of brightness, which lacks the dynamic range for true HDR.
Budget Gaming Monitor FAQs
What is the best type of panel?
Budget gaming monitors typically feature VA or IPS panels. My top pick uses an IPS panel with mini-LED backlighting, surpassing other types due to its technology. If your budget allows, opt for this. Otherwise, choose between VA and IPS based on response time, color accuracy, and contrast.
IPS panels are preferred for response time and color accuracy, though 1ms panels are available for both types. IPS monitors offer vivid, accurate colors.
VA panels excel in contrast, providing richer blacks and better dynamic range, unless enhanced by mini-LED backlighting like my top pick.
The "best" panel depends on your priorities in a gaming monitor.
When are gaming monitors most affordable?
The best times to buy gaming monitors at reduced prices are during events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. Sales also occur during Back to School periods, and retailers often discount older models to make room for new releases.
What size gaming monitor should I get for gaming?
Choosing the right gaming monitor size depends on personal preference and space. Consider your available desk space first. For 1080p gaming, a 24" monitor is ideal. 1440p suits 27-32" monitors for detailed, immersive gameplay. 4K requires at least a 27" screen to leverage its higher pixel count. Avoid 1080p monitors larger than 27" to prevent the screen door effect.
