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Gaming monitor prices have skyrocketed, especially for OLED, large-screen, high refresh rate models. But don't despair! Excellent affordable options exist that don't compromise on image quality or features. Take the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, for example – a mini-LED, quantum dot marvel available for well under $400. It rivals far more expensive monitors, showcasing the incredible value available on a budget, if you know where to look.
TL;DR – Best Budget Gaming Monitors:
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Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor
See it at Amazon 
Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
See it at Amazon 
LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
See it at Amazon See it at Target 
KTC H27P22S
See it at Amazon 
Dell S3422DWG
See it at Amazon See it at Dell
Budget gaming monitors might lack some premium features, but they still deliver excellent displays for your gaming PC. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can shine on high refresh rate and 4K monitors at affordable prices. While compromises exist (like adjustable stands or KVM switches), focusing on performance and must-have features reveals incredible value at every price point.
Not all budget monitors are equal. A suspiciously cheap monitor might fail quickly or strain your eyes. Our picks cost more than $100, but their robust builds, excellent panels, and gaming features offer a superior 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 a standout. Its mini-LED backlight with full-array local dimming (FALD) and 1,152 local dimming zones (usually found in much more expensive monitors) significantly reduces blooming, resulting in a superior HDR experience closer to OLEDs without the burn-in risk. Its 180Hz refresh rate, accurate colors, and compatibility with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync make it a compelling option. While lacking a USB hub and only supporting HDMI 2.0, these trade-offs are worthwhile given its exceptional picture quality at its price point.
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
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 provides excellent value. Its VA panel delivers deep blacks and wide dynamic range, while its 1ms response time and features like ELMB and Shadow Boost enhance gameplay. The non-adjustable stand and lower pixel density due to the 1080p resolution are minor drawbacks, easily offset by its overall performance and price.
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 Amazon See 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 offers a significant resolution upgrade to 1440p, resulting in sharper visuals and great color accuracy. Its 144Hz refresh rate, compatibility with FreeSync and G-Sync, and Low Framerate Compensation ensure smooth gameplay. The lack of height adjustment is its main drawback, but VESA mount compatibility allows for easy upgrades.
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
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 4K gaming monitors. Its 160Hz refresh rate, support for FreeSync Premium and G-Sync, and dual HDMI 2.1 ports make it ideal for console gaming. While not factory calibrated and lacking a USB hub, its crisp 4K resolution and overall performance at its price point are exceptional.
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 Amazon See 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
The Dell S3422DWG stands out as the best budget ultrawide. Its curved VA panel provides vibrant, sharp visuals, and the 21:9 aspect ratio enhances immersion. The 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync support ensure smooth gameplay. While minor ghosting is present, its overall immersive experience and features make it a strong contender.
How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Monitor?
The $200-$300 range offers excellent value for budget gaming monitors. Cheaper options may compromise quality, while a $100 monitor might not last. Consider resolution, refresh rate, panel type, and screen size to make informed compromises.
Resolution: 1080p is standard for budget displays, offering good performance with less demanding hardware. 1440p provides a sharper image but requires more powerful hardware. 4K is available at a higher price point, requiring even more powerful hardware.
Refresh Rate: Typically 60-240Hz, with 144Hz being a good all-around choice and 240Hz better for competitive gaming.
Panel Types: IPS (motion clarity, vibrance, responsiveness) and VA (contrast, dark scene performance) are common in budget monitors. Consider which aspects are most important to you.
Screen Size: 27" is a good balance for most users, with smaller (24") and larger (32"+) options also available.
G-Sync/FreeSync: Support for either is beneficial for smooth gameplay.
HDR: While marketed on many budget monitors, HDR at 400 nits is often limited in dynamic range.
Budget Gaming Monitor FAQs
What is the best type of panel? IPS offers better motion clarity and color accuracy, while VA provides superior contrast. The choice depends on your priorities.
When are gaming monitors most affordable? During major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday.
What size gaming monitor should I get for gaming? Consider your available space, resolution, and pixel density. 27" is a good starting point for 1440p, while 24" is suitable for 1080p.
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