The Best Budget Gaming Monitors for All Gamer Types

The prices of high-end gaming monitors have skyrocketed, especially those boasting OLED panels, large screens, high refresh rates, and sharp resolutions. However, a surprising number of affordable options deliver excellent image quality and features without breaking the bank. This guide highlights the best budget gaming monitors for 2024, categorized by resolution and features.

TL;DR – Best Budget Gaming Monitors:

Top Pick: Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor (See it on Amazon!)

Best 1080p: Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A (See it on Amazon!)

Best 1440p: LG UltraGear 27GN800-B (See it on Amazon! See it on Target!)

Best 4K: KTC H27P22S (See it on Amazon!)

Best Ultrawide: Dell S3422DWG (See it on Amazon! See it on Dell!)

Budget monitors may compromise on certain technologies (like height-adjustable stands) or extra features (like KVM switches), but they still offer impressive performance. However, be wary of extremely cheap monitors; a sub-$100 monitor might be short-lived and potentially harmful to your eyes. Our selections prioritize build quality, panel quality, and essential gaming features.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Matthew S. Smith

For current deals, check the best gaming monitor deals.

1. Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor – Best Overall Budget Gaming Monitor

Exceptional picture quality at a remarkable price. (See it on Amazon!)

Specifications:

• Screen Size: 27”
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440
• Panel Type: IPS
• Brightness: 1000 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, deep contrast, accurate colors, excellent picture quality and HDR, robust local dimming. Cons: Bloom on dark grey backgrounds, no USB hub.

The Xiaomi G Pro 27i is a standout, offering mini-LED backlighting with full-array local dimming (FALD) and 1152 local dimming zones—a feature usually found in much more expensive monitors. This results in superior contrast and HDR performance. Its IPS panel delivers accurate colors and a smooth 180Hz refresh rate, compatible with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. The lack of a USB hub and HDMI 2.0 limitation are minor drawbacks considering its overall value.

2. Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A – Best Budget 1080p Gaming Monitor

Excellent gaming performance at a low price point. (See it on Amazon!)

Specifications:

• Screen Size: 27”
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• 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 contrast, ELMB support, VESA mount. Cons: No height adjustment, lower pixel density than higher-resolution options at this size.

The Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A provides a strong value proposition with its VA panel, delivering deep blacks and wide dynamic range. Features like ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) enhance the gaming experience. The lack of height adjustment is a minor drawback, but VESA mount compatibility allows for aftermarket stand upgrades.

3. LG UltraGear 27GN800-B – Best 1440p Budget Gaming Monitor

High refresh rate 1440p gaming with adaptive sync and color accuracy. (See it on Amazon! See it on Target!)

Specifications:

• Screen Size: 27”
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440
• Panel Type: IPS, FreeSync and G-Sync
• Response Time: 1ms
• Inputs: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort

Pros: Solid HDR gaming, great color accuracy, Low Framerate Compensation. Cons: Non-adjustable stand.

The LG UltraGear 27GN800-B offers a significant resolution upgrade to 1440p with a 144Hz refresh rate and support for both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. Its color accuracy and Low Framerate Compensation make it a compelling choice. The fixed stand is its main limitation.

4. KTC H27P22S – Best 4K Budget Gaming Monitor

Fast and fantastic 4K picture at a reasonable price. (See it on Amazon!)

Specifications:

• Screen Size: 27”
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• 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, HDMI 2.1 for consoles, fast refresh rate. Cons: No USB connectivity, not factory calibrated.

The KTC H27P22S demonstrates the advancements in budget 4K gaming monitors. It offers a 160Hz refresh rate, support for AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, and dual HDMI 2.1 ports. While not factory calibrated and lacking a USB hub, its performance and price make it a strong contender.

5. Dell S3422DWG – Best Ultrawide Budget Gaming Monitor

Immersive curved ultrawide with a 1440p/144Hz refresh rate. (See it on Amazon! See it on Dell!)

Specifications:

• Screen Size: 34”
• Aspect Ratio: 21:9
• Resolution: 3440 x 1440
• Panel Type: VA, FreeSync
• Brightness: 400 cd/m²
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz
• Response Time: 1ms
• Inputs: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort

Pros: Great contrast, immersive curved display, height-adjustable stand, USB hub. Cons: Minor ghosting.

The Dell S3422DWG provides an immersive ultrawide experience at a budget-friendly price. Its VA panel offers strong contrast, and the 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync support ensure smooth gameplay. The height-adjustable stand and USB hub are added advantages.

How Much to Spend & Key Considerations:

The $200-$300 range represents a good sweet spot for budget gaming monitors. Higher resolutions (1440p, 4K) generally require higher budgets, as do higher refresh rates (240Hz+). Consider these factors:

• Resolution: 1080p is budget-friendly but less sharp than 1440p or 4K.
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz is a good balance; 240Hz is better for competitive gaming.
• Panel Type: IPS offers better color and motion clarity; VA provides superior contrast.
• Screen Size: 27" is a good all-around size; consider your desk space.
• Adaptive Sync: G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility is recommended.

FAQs:

• Best Panel Type: Depends on priorities: IPS for color/motion, VA for contrast (mini-LED IPS is superior if within budget).
• When are Monitors Cheapest?: Prime Day, Black Friday, Back to School sales.
• Monitor Size: Consider resolution, pixel density, and desk space. 24" for 1080p, 27-32" for 1440p, 27"+ for 4K.

This revised response aims for better clarity and organization, while maintaining the original intent and image placement.