Imagine this: you’ve finally saved up for that awesome new computer, but then you look at the price tag of a decent monitor and your jaw drops. Suddenly, your dream setup feels out of reach. Or maybe your old monitor is looking a bit fuzzy, and you need an upgrade, but your wallet is screaming “no!” We’ve all been there, right? Finding a good computer monitor that doesn’t cost a fortune can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
The world of PC monitors is huge, and it’s easy to get lost. You want something that looks good, works well, and doesn’t break the bank. But figuring out what “good” means when you’re on a budget is tricky. What if you pick one that’s too small, or the colors look weird? Or maybe it’s just not sharp enough for your games or schoolwork? These are the frustrating things that can make buying a monitor a headache.
But don’t worry! This post is here to help you conquer the confusion. We’ll break down what to look for when you’re hunting for a cheap PC monitor. You’ll learn how to spot the best deals and understand the important features without getting overwhelmed. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a monitor that’s perfect for you and your budget. Let’s dive in and find you a fantastic screen without emptying your pockets!
Our Top 5 Cheap Pc Monitor Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cheap Pc Monitor Detailed Reviews
1. Philips 221V8LB 22 inch Class Thin Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for a fantastic viewing experience with the Philips 221V8LB 22 inch Class Thin Full HD monitor. This monitor delivers sharp pictures and smooth motion, making it a great choice for watching movies, playing games, and getting your work done. Plus, it comes with a solid 4-year warranty for peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Crisp Full HD (1920×1080) pictures bring your content to life.
- The 100Hz refresh rate makes everything look super smooth, especially games and videos.
- Adaptive-Sync stops any annoying screen tearing, so you see clear, fluid action.
- The VA panel offers amazing contrast with bright whites and dark blacks for true-to-life colors.
- A wide 178/178 degree viewing angle means colors stay consistent no matter where you sit.
- LowBlue Mode helps protect your eyes during long screen sessions.
- It’s VESA mountable, so you can easily attach it to a wall or stand.
- Comes with a 4-year advance replacement warranty for great support.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only has one HDMI port, which might not be enough for everyone.
- The thin bezels are nice, but the overall design is pretty basic.
The Philips 221V8LB is a solid monitor that offers great value with its sharp display and smooth performance. It’s a smart pick for anyone looking for a reliable everyday screen.
2. YOTETION 19 inch (1440 x 900) Monitor
Rating: 9.0/10
The YOTETION 19-inch monitor is a great choice for anyone needing a clear and comfortable display for their computer. Its 1440 x 900 resolution is perfect for everyday tasks at home or in the office. This slim monitor connects easily to laptops, computers, and desktops, making it a versatile addition to your workspace.
What We Like:
- The 1440 x 900 resolution offers a clear picture for work and entertainment.
- Its eye protection features, like low blue light and flicker-free technology, help reduce eye strain during long work sessions.
- A 5-millisecond response time ensures smooth transitions for all on-screen activities, making everything look seamless.
- The thin and modern design fits well in various settings, from offices to retail spaces.
- It’s easy to set up with no drivers needed for most uses.
- The monitor 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 or support audio transmission, so you’ll need separate speakers for sound.
- A VGA cable is not included, even though the monitor has a VGA port.
This YOTETION monitor provides a good balance of features and value. It’s a solid option for boosting your computer’s display, especially if you prioritize eye comfort and a clean setup.
3. ArcticPro 22 inch 100Hz Monitor
Rating: 9.4/10
The ArcticPro 22-inch monitor is a great choice for anyone looking for a clear and smooth viewing experience. It has a sharp Full HD resolution, which means your pictures and videos will look super crisp. Plus, its 100Hz refresh rate makes everything on the screen move without any choppiness, which is awesome for games. It’s also designed to be easy on your eyes with its low blue light feature.
What We Like:
- The Full HD resolution makes everything look very clear and colorful.
- The 100Hz refresh rate offers smooth motion, perfect for gaming and watching fast-paced videos.
- The 178° wide viewing angles mean you can see the screen clearly from almost anywhere.
- The anti-blue light technology helps protect your eyes during long computer sessions.
- It’s VESA mountable, so you can easily hang it on a wall.
- The 3-sided frameless design looks sleek and modern.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only has one HDMI port and one VGA port, which might not be enough for some users.
- This monitor does not have built-in speakers, so you’ll need separate ones.
This ArcticPro monitor offers a fantastic visual experience for both work and fun. It brings sharp images and smooth action to your desk.
4. Yxk Portable Monitor 15.6 Inch 1080P USB-C HDMI Ultra-Slim Travel Monitor with Kickstand
Rating: 8.9/10
The Yxk Portable Monitor is a fantastic addition to your tech setup, whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a gamer. This 15.6-inch monitor brings a big screen experience to wherever you go, making multitasking and entertainment easier than ever.
What We Like:
- It has a super clear 1080P screen that looks great.
- The screen is easy on your eyes, thanks to its low blue light feature.
- You can connect it easily with just one cable using its two Type-C ports or the Mini HDMI port.
- It’s very light and thin, making it perfect for travel.
- It works with many devices like laptops, phones, and gaming consoles like PS, Xbox, and Switch.
- You can set it up in different ways to help you work better or enjoy games and movies.
- The built-in speakers add to your viewing and gaming fun.
What Could Be Improved:
- Your device needs to support Thunderbolt 3.0/4.0 or USB 3.1 Type C DP ALT-MODE to use the Type-C connection.
This portable monitor offers a lot of value for its price, making it a smart choice for anyone needing an extra screen on the go.
5. Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for a sharper, smoother visual experience with the Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor. This monitor is designed to make your games look amazing and your work easier. It brings a new level of clarity and speed to your setup, all without breaking the bank.
What We Like:
- The integrated speakers give you great sound without extra wires. This keeps your desk neat and tidy.
- Blue-Light Shift technology helps protect your eyes. It cuts down on harmful blue light, making long screen times more comfortable.
- The minimal bezel design looks super sleek. It also makes it easy to connect two monitors for a wider view.
- The 144Hz refresh rate makes fast action look incredibly smooth. This is a big deal for gaming.
- It has HDMI and DisplayPort, so you can connect it to most computers and consoles easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 22-inch screen size might feel a bit small for some gamers or for multitasking.
- While the built-in speakers are convenient, they might not offer the same sound quality as a dedicated speaker system.
- The monitor’s stand might not offer a lot of adjustability for height or tilt.
This Sceptre monitor offers a fantastic balance of features and value. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their display without spending a lot.
Score a Great Deal: Your Guide to Cheap PC Monitors
Finding a good PC monitor doesn’t always mean spending a lot of money. You can still get a screen that looks great and works well for your needs without emptying your wallet. This guide will help you find the best cheap PC monitor for you.
What to Look For: Key Features in a Budget Monitor
When you’re shopping for a budget monitor, focus on these important features:
- Screen Size: Most cheap monitors are between 20 and 24 inches. This is a good size for everyday tasks like browsing the web, writing papers, or playing casual games. Bigger screens often cost more.
- Resolution: Look for a monitor with at least 1920 x 1080 pixels. This is called Full HD (FHD) or 1080p. It means the picture will be sharp and clear. Avoid monitors with lower resolutions if you can.
- Refresh Rate: This tells you how many times the screen updates each second. For general use, 60Hz is fine. If you play games or watch fast-action videos, a 75Hz or higher refresh rate makes motion look smoother.
- Panel Type: There are a few main types.
- TN (Twisted Nematic): These are often the cheapest and fastest, good for gaming. But colors might not look as vibrant, and viewing angles can be narrow.
- IPS (In-Plane Switching): These offer better colors and wider viewing angles. They are a great choice for most people, even on a budget.
- VA (Vertical Alignment): These have good contrast, meaning blacks look darker. Colors are usually good, but response times can be slower than TN.
- Connectivity: Make sure the monitor has the ports you need. The most common are HDMI and DisplayPort. Older computers might use VGA or DVI.
Important Materials and How They Affect Your Monitor
The materials used in a monitor can affect its look and how long it lasts.
- Plastic: Most monitor bodies are made of plastic. Cheaper monitors might use less sturdy plastic. Look for a solid feel when you hold it.
- Screen Coating: Some screens have a matte finish. This helps reduce glare from lights. Glossy screens can have more vibrant colors but might show more reflections.
Factors That Make a Monitor Better or Worse
Several things can make a monitor’s quality go up or down.
- Build Quality: A well-built monitor feels sturdy. The stand should hold the screen steady. A wobbly monitor can be annoying.
- Color Accuracy: This is how true the colors look on the screen. For everyday use, good color accuracy is nice but not always a top priority for budget monitors. IPS panels usually do better here.
- Brightness: A brighter screen is easier to see in a well-lit room. Look for a brightness level of around 250-300 nits.
- Contrast Ratio: This is the difference between the darkest black and the brightest white. A higher contrast ratio makes pictures look more detailed.
User Experience and What You Can Do With It
A cheap PC monitor can be great for many things.
- Everyday Computing: Browsing the internet, checking email, and using office programs like Word and Excel work perfectly on these monitors.
- Schoolwork: Students can use them for research, writing essays, and attending online classes.
- Casual Gaming: For games that aren’t super fast-paced, a 60Hz or 75Hz monitor is fine. You might not see every tiny detail, but you can still have fun.
- Watching Videos: Watching YouTube or streaming movies is enjoyable on a Full HD screen.
Even on a budget, you can find a monitor that meets your needs and provides a good experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap PC Monitors
Q: What is the smallest screen size I should consider?
A: For most people, a screen size of at least 20 inches is recommended for comfortable viewing. Smaller screens can feel cramped.
Q: Is 1080p resolution good enough for a cheap monitor?
A: Yes, 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) is the standard and provides a sharp, clear picture for most tasks and is readily available on budget monitors.
Q: Do I need a high refresh rate for everyday computer use?
A: No, a refresh rate of 60Hz is perfectly fine for everyday tasks like browsing, email, and office work. Higher refresh rates are mainly for smoother gaming.
Q: What is the difference between TN and IPS panels on budget monitors?
A: TN panels are usually faster and cheaper but have less vibrant colors and narrow viewing angles. IPS panels offer better colors and wider viewing angles, making them a good all-around choice.
Q: How much should I expect to pay for a good cheap PC monitor?
A: You can often find good quality cheap PC monitors for under $150, sometimes even under $100, especially during sales.
Q: What does “response time” mean on a monitor?
A: Response time is how quickly a pixel can change color. A lower response time (like 1ms or 5ms) helps reduce motion blur in fast-paced games or videos.
Q: Can I connect a cheap monitor to my laptop?
A: Yes, most cheap monitors have HDMI ports, which are standard on most modern laptops for easy connection.
Q: Are cheap monitors good for playing video games?
A: They can be good for casual or less demanding games. For competitive or fast-paced games, you might want to look for a higher refresh rate and lower response time, which can sometimes be found on budget gaming monitors.
Q: What does “viewing angle” mean?
A: Viewing angle is how far you can look at the screen from the side or above before the colors or brightness change noticeably. Wider viewing angles are better for sharing your screen or if you move around a lot.
Q: Should I worry about the build quality of a cheap monitor?
A: It’s a good idea to check reviews for comments on build quality. A monitor that feels flimsy or has a wobbly stand can be frustrating to use.
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.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.