Gaming monitor prices have skyrocketed, especially for OLED, large-screen, high-refresh-rate models. But fear not! Excellent affordable options exist without sacrificing image quality or features. The Xiaomi G Pro 27i, with its impressive mini-LED, quantum dot screen, for under $400, is a prime example. It rivals far pricier monitors, showcasing the quality available on a budget—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
Budget gaming monitors may compromise on some features, but still deliver excellent displays for your gaming PC. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can shine on high-refresh-rate and 4K monitors available at reasonable prices. While trade-offs exist (adjustable stands, KVM switches), focusing on performance and personal needs reveals great value at every price point. However, be wary of overly cheap monitors; a $100 monitor might be short-lived and eye-straining.
Our picks offer superior builds, excellent panels, and gaming features for a better experience. Nicer monitors are available for higher budgets, of course.
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
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 surprisingly impressive. Its mini-LED backlight with full-array local dimming (FALD) and 1,152 local dimming zones (usually found in $700+ monitors) minimizes blooming, resulting in fantastic HDR. Its picture quality rivals OLEDs 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 price and performance.
2. Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
Best Budget 1080p Gaming Monitor
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 excellent value. Its VA panel provides 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. While the stand lacks height adjustment, VESA mounting allows for customization. Its 27" size might show some pixelation due to 1080p resolution, but the overall gaming experience outweighs this minor drawback.
3. LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
Best 1440p Budget Gaming Monitor
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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 provides a resolution upgrade to 1440p, resulting in sharper visuals and excellent color accuracy. Its 144Hz refresh rate and compatibility with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync ensure smooth, tear-free HDR gaming. Low Framerate Compensation further enhances smoothness. The non-adjustable stand is its main drawback, but VESA mounting offers flexibility.
4. KTC H27P22D
Best 4K Budget Gaming Monitor
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 significant advancements in budget 4K gaming monitors. Its 160Hz refresh rate, support for AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, and dual HDMI 2.1 ports make it excellent for console gaming. While its brightness isn't ideal for true HDR, it delivers a vivid SDR experience. Color accuracy requires calibration, and it lacks a USB hub, but its overall value is exceptional.
5. Dell S3422DWG
Best Ultrawide Budget Gaming Monitor
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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
The Dell S3422DWG stands out as the best budget ultrawide. Its curved VA panel delivers a vibrant, sharp image with a 3440x1440 resolution. The 21:9 aspect ratio enhances immersion. It features a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support for smooth gameplay. Minor motion blur is present, but overall motion clarity is strong. Its height-adjustable stand and USB hub capabilities further add to its value.
How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Monitor?
The $200-$300 range is a good sweet spot for budget gaming monitors. Cheaper options often compromise quality. A good monitor should last 3-5 years, and 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. Higher resolution often means lower refresh rate. 1080p remains standard for budget displays, offering high frame rates without demanding hardware. 1440p is a better value if your budget allows. 4K is possible, but expect to pay closer to $400 or make sacrifices in brightness or screen size. System requirements are higher for 4K.
Refresh rates typically range from 60Hz to 240Hz, with 144Hz being a good all-around choice. 240Hz is ideal for competitive gaming. Note that maximum refresh rates might not be supported by all inputs; DisplayPort is best for high refresh rates.
Panel types (IPS, VA) are crucial. IPS offers better motion clarity, vibrance, and responsiveness. VA provides superior contrast and dark scene performance. Consider your priorities.
Screen size is less limiting than before. 27" is a good size, but smaller (24") monitors are cheaper and preferred by competitive gamers. Larger monitors (32"+) offer greater immersion but might lose detail without higher resolution. A 27" 16:9 monitor is a safe bet.
Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync support is recommended based on your graphics card. Many budget monitors support both.
HDR is often marketed, but its effectiveness is limited on budget monitors due to lower brightness (400 nits).
Budget Gaming Monitor FAQs
What is the best type of panel?
Budget monitors typically use IPS or VA panels. The Xiaomi G Pro 27i (with its mini-LED backlight) surpasses both. Otherwise, choose based on your priorities: IPS for response time and color accuracy, VA for contrast.
When are gaming monitors most affordable?
Shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, Back to School sales, and new model releases offer the best deals.
What size gaming monitor should I get for gaming?
Consider your space, resolution, and pixel density. 24" for 1080p, 27-32" for 1440p, and 27"+ for 4K are good starting points. Avoid 1080p monitors larger than 27" to prevent pixelation.
