Top 5 Cheap Monitors: Budget-Friendly Picks Review

Ever feel like your computer screen is holding you back? Maybe it’s too small, fuzzy, or just plain old. You want a better view, but the prices for brand-new monitors can make your eyes water! It’s tough to find a good monitor that doesn’t cost a fortune. You want something that looks good and works well for gaming, homework, or just browsing the web, but the thought of spending a lot of money is a real bummer.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this struggle! Finding a computer monitor that’s both affordable and awesome is totally possible. In this post, we’re going to dive into the world of budget-friendly monitors. We’ll uncover the secrets to spotting great deals and avoiding common mistakes. Get ready to learn what to look for so you can get a monitor that makes your computer experience way better, without emptying your wallet.

Our Top 5 Computer Monitors Cheap Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Computer Monitors Cheap Detailed Reviews

1. YOTETION 19 inch (1440 x 900) Monitor

YOTETION 19 inch (1440 x 900) Monitor, 75Hz Refresh Rate, HDMI x1 Small Thin Monitor for laptops, Computers and desktops,LED Display, VGA/HDMI Connection.VESA:75 * 75MM

Rating: 9.2/10

The YOTETION 19-inch monitor is a great choice for anyone needing a clear and comfortable screen. Its 1440 x 900 resolution makes everything look sharp, whether you’re working on your computer or using it with a laptop. The 75Hz refresh rate helps make on-screen actions smooth. Plus, it’s designed to be slim and easy to fit on any desk.

What We Like:

  • The 1440 x 900 resolution offers a clear and detailed picture, perfect for everyday tasks.
  • It’s designed with eye protection in mind, using low blue light and flicker-free technology to reduce strain during long work sessions.
  • A 5-millisecond response time means on-screen movements are quick and seamless, making it good for watching videos or playing casual games.
  • The monitor is slim and has a simple, flat design that looks good in any setting, from offices to retail spaces.
  • It comes with a one-year free replacement guarantee for quality issues, offering peace of mind.

What Could Be Improved:

  • This monitor does not have built-in speakers, so you’ll need separate ones for sound.
  • The VGA cable is not included, even though it has a VGA port, so you’ll need to buy one if you plan to use that connection.

This YOTETION monitor is a solid option for a clear and comfortable viewing experience. With its focus on eye care and a sleek design, it’s a practical addition to your workspace.

2. Philips 221V8LB 22 inch Class Thin Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor

Philips 221V8LB 22 inch Class Thin Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor, 100Hz Refresh Rate, VESA, HDMI x1, VGA x1, LowBlue Mode, Adaptive Sync, 4 Year Advance Replacement Warranty

Rating: 9.3/10

The Philips 221V8LB monitor is a great choice for anyone looking for a clear and smooth viewing experience. This 22-inch monitor shows pictures in Full HD, making movies and games look amazing. It’s thin and looks good on any desk. Plus, it has a fast refresh rate that makes everything you watch or play look super smooth.

What We Like:

  • The screen shows pictures with super clear detail in Full HD (1920 x 1080).
  • A 100Hz refresh rate makes games and videos look really smooth.
  • Adaptive-Sync technology stops annoying screen stuttering.
  • The VA panel makes colors bright and blacks deep, so pictures look real.
  • You can see the screen clearly from almost any angle without colors changing.
  • It comes with a 4-year advance replacement warranty, which is a long time!
  • LowBlue Mode helps protect your eyes from too much blue light.

What Could Be Improved:

  • It only has one HDMI port.
  • The built-in speakers are not included.

This Philips monitor offers a fantastic visual experience for its size and price. It’s a solid option for entertainment and everyday tasks.

3. AOC 22B35HM23 22″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz LED Monitor

AOC 22B35HM23 22" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz LED Monitor, Adaptive Sync, VGA & HDMI, Flicker-Free, Low Blue Light, HDR Ready, VESA, Tilt Adjust, Eco-Friendly

Rating: 9.4/10

Get ready for a better viewing experience with the AOC 22B35HM23 22″ Full HD LED Monitor. This monitor brings sharp pictures and smooth action to your desk, making it great for everything from schoolwork to playing games. It’s designed to be easy on your eyes and the planet too.

What We Like:

  • Crisp Full HD (1920×1080) visuals on a 21.5-inch screen are perfect for work and fun.
  • A fast 120Hz refresh rate and Adaptive Sync make games and videos super smooth.
  • The 4ms response time means no blurry images during fast action.
  • Vibrant colors with 100.1% sRGB and 81% NTSC bring your content to life.
  • HDR Ready feature adds more contrast for a richer picture.
  • Tilt adjustment lets you find the perfect viewing angle.
  • It’s eco-friendly, using only 13W in eco mode, which saves energy.
  • Flicker-Free and Low Blue Light technologies protect your eyes from strain.
  • Easy-to-use OSD menu and software make setting adjustments simple.
  • VESA mount compatibility offers flexible placement options.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The screen size is 22 inches, which might be a bit small for some users who prefer larger displays.
  • While HDR Ready, it doesn’t have full HDR certification, so the HDR effect might not be as strong as on higher-end monitors.

This AOC monitor offers a great balance of performance and eye comfort for everyday use. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich display.

4. ArcticPro 22 inch 100Hz Monitor

ArcticPro 22 inch 100Hz Monitor, Full HD (1920 x 1080p) Computer Monitor, 105% sRGB, 3000:1 Contrast, 3-Sided Frameless, Ultra Slim, VESA, LowBlue Mode, Tilt Adjust, HDMI *1, VGA*1

Rating: 9.1/10

The ArcticPro 22-inch monitor brings sharp visuals and smooth action to your desk. Its Full HD resolution makes everything look clear and bright. This monitor is great for playing games and watching videos. It also has a special feature to protect your eyes.

What We Like:

  • The Full HD resolution (1920x1080p) shows really clear pictures. Colors look more alive and details are sharp.
  • A 100Hz refresh rate makes games and videos move very smoothly. Fast action looks great without blur.
  • The monitor’s Anti-Blue Light feature helps protect your eyes during long use. It reduces eye strain.
  • You can see the screen clearly from almost anywhere with 178° wide viewing angles.
  • The 3-sided frameless design looks very modern and lets you see more of the screen.
  • It’s VESA mountable, so you can hang it on a wall for the best spot.
  • It has both HDMI and VGA ports for connecting different devices.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While it has a great refresh rate, some gamers might want even higher for competitive play.
  • The tilt adjustment is good, but some users might prefer a stand that can also adjust height.

This ArcticPro monitor offers a fantastic viewing experience for both work and play. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a clear and smooth display.

5. Philips New 24 inch Frameless Full HD (1920 x 1080) 100Hz Monitor

Philips New 24 inch Frameless Full HD (1920 x 1080) 100Hz Monitor, VESA, HDMI x1, VGA Port x1, Eye Care, 4 Year Advance Replacement Warranty, 241V8LB, Black

Rating: 9.4/10

The Philips 241V8LB is a new 24-inch monitor that brings a big, clear picture to your desk. It’s got a frameless design on three sides, making the screen feel even larger. This monitor is great for watching movies, playing games, or getting work done. Its sharp Full HD resolution makes everything look clear and detailed. Plus, the special VA panel makes colors pop with bright whites and deep blacks.

What We Like:

  • The 23.8-inch screen shows super clear Full HD pictures (1920×1080).
  • The VA panel creates amazing contrast, with bright whites and dark blacks for true-to-life colors.
  • You can see the screen clearly from almost any angle (178/178 degrees) without colors changing.
  • The nearly borderless design on three sides makes the screen look bigger and is perfect for using more than one monitor together.
  • EasyRead mode makes reading long documents feel like reading from paper, which is easy on your eyes.
  • It comes with a 4-year advance replacement warranty for peace of mind.

What Could Be Improved:

  • It only has one HDMI port, so you might need an adapter if you have many devices to connect.
  • While it has a 100Hz refresh rate, some gamers might prefer higher refresh rates for very fast-paced games.

The Philips 241V8LB offers a fantastic viewing experience with its sharp display and wide viewing angles. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a clear and versatile monitor for daily use.

Your Wallet-Friendly Guide to Awesome Computer Monitors

Finding a great computer monitor doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can get a fantastic screen for your computer without breaking the bank. This guide will help you pick the perfect budget monitor. We’ll look at what makes a monitor good, what to avoid, and who each type is best for.

1. Key Features to Look For: What Matters Most

When you’re shopping for a cheap monitor, focus on these important things:

  • Screen Size: Monitors come in different sizes. For general use, 21 to 24 inches is a good range. Bigger screens are nice, but they can cost more.
  • Resolution: This tells you how clear the picture is. For most people, 1920 x 1080 (Full HD or 1080p) is perfect. It makes text sharp and images look good. Higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K are clearer but cost more.
  • Refresh Rate: This is how many times the screen updates per second. A higher refresh rate (like 75Hz or 144Hz) makes motion look smoother. For everyday tasks like browsing and typing, 60Hz is usually fine. Gamers will want a higher rate.
  • Panel Type: This affects colors and how you see the screen from different angles.
    • TN (Twisted Nematic): These are usually the cheapest. They have fast response times, which is good for gaming. But colors aren’t as good, and the picture can look off from the side.
    • IPS (In-Plane Switching): These offer better colors and wider viewing angles. They are great for most users. They might be a little more expensive than TN panels.
    • VA (Vertical Alignment): These have great contrast, meaning blacks look very black. They are a good middle ground between TN and IPS.
  • Connectivity: Check the ports. Most monitors have HDMI. Some might have DisplayPort or older VGA ports. Make sure it has the ports you need for your computer.

2. Important Materials: What Your Monitor is Made Of

Most monitors use plastic for their cases. This is common and helps keep costs down. The screen itself is made of glass or a special plastic that shows the image. The stand is also usually plastic. Don’t worry too much about fancy materials for a budget monitor; focus on the screen’s performance.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

  • Things That Make it Better:
    • Good Resolution: A sharp picture makes everything easier to see.
    • IPS Panel: Colors look more true and you can see the screen well from the side.
    • Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother motion is easier on your eyes, especially for games or fast videos.
    • Good Brightness and Contrast: This makes the picture pop and easier to see in different lighting.
  • Things That Make it Worse:
    • Low Resolution: Text can look blurry.
    • TN Panel (for color-sensitive work): Colors may look washed out.
    • Slow Refresh Rate: Motion can look choppy or blurry.
    • Poor Viewing Angles: The picture changes color or gets dim if you’re not directly in front of it.
    • Flickering: Some cheaper monitors might flicker, which can cause eye strain.

4. User Experience and Use Cases: Who is it For?

  • Everyday Users (Browsing, Email, Office Work): You don’t need the most expensive features. A 22-24 inch monitor with 1080p resolution and a 60Hz or 75Hz refresh rate is perfect. An IPS panel will give you a nice viewing experience.
  • Students: Similar to everyday users, a budget monitor with good text clarity is key. A larger screen can be helpful for multitasking.
  • Casual Gamers: Look for a monitor with at least a 75Hz refresh rate. A TN panel can be good for speed, but an IPS or VA panel offers better visuals if your budget allows.
  • Content Creators (Basic Editing): Color accuracy is more important here. An IPS panel is highly recommended. While budget options may not have perfect color, look for reviews that mention decent color.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cheap Computer Monitors

Q: What is the best screen size for a cheap monitor?

A: For most people, a 21 to 24-inch screen is a great choice. It’s big enough for comfortable work and entertainment without being too expensive.

Q: Is 1080p resolution good enough for a budget monitor?

A: Yes, 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution is excellent for most budget monitors. It provides sharp text and clear images for everyday use.

Q: Do I need a high refresh rate on a cheap monitor?

A: For general computer tasks, a 60Hz or 75Hz refresh rate is usually fine. Gamers might want a higher refresh rate for smoother action.

Q: What’s the difference between TN, IPS, and VA panels?

A: TN panels are fast but have weaker colors. IPS panels have great colors and viewing angles. VA panels offer deep blacks and good contrast.

Q: Which panel type is best for a budget monitor?

A: An IPS panel often offers the best balance of color and viewing angles for general use. TN panels are cheapest for speed-focused tasks like gaming.

Q: How do I know if a monitor has good colors?

A: Look for reviews that talk about color accuracy. IPS panels generally have better colors than TN panels.

Q: What ports should my cheap monitor have?

A: Most budget monitors will have HDMI, which is good for connecting to modern computers. Check if it has other ports you might need.

Q: Can I use a cheap monitor for gaming?

A: Yes, but you might need to look for a higher refresh rate (75Hz or more) and a faster response time. TN panels are often good for this.

Q: What is “response time,” and why does it matter for gaming?

A: Response time is how quickly a pixel can change color. A faster response time (lower number) means less motion blur in games.

Q: Where can I find good deals on cheap monitors?

A: Look at major online retailers, electronics stores, and check for sales events. Reading reviews before buying is always a good idea.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

Leave a Comment