Do you dream of epic gaming adventures but your wallet screams “no way”? We get it! Building a killer gaming setup often feels like it costs a fortune, and the monitor is a huge part of that. But what if we told you that you don’t need to spend a mountain of cash to get a monitor that makes your games look awesome?
Choosing a “cheap” gaming monitor can be a real headache. You want a screen that’s fast and clear, but you also don’t want to break the bank. It’s tough to know which features really matter and which ones are just marketing talk. Will it be blurry? Will it be too slow for fast games? These are the questions that keep gamers up at night!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide! We’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about finding a fantastic gaming monitor that won’t empty your piggy bank. We’ll help you understand what makes a good gaming monitor and show you how to spot the best deals. Get ready to level up your gaming experience without emptying your pockets!
Our Top 5 Cheap Gaming Monitor Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cheap Gaming Monitor Detailed Reviews
1. ArcticPro 22 inch 100Hz Monitor
Rating: 8.8/10
The ArcticPro 22-inch monitor brings a sharp and smooth viewing experience to your desk. It boasts a Full HD resolution for clear pictures and a 100Hz refresh rate for fluid motion, making it great for games and everyday use. Its slim, frameless design looks modern, and it offers flexible viewing with adjustable tilt and wide viewing angles.
What We Like:
- The Full HD 1920x1080p resolution shows sharp details and bright colors for an enjoyable view.
- A 100Hz refresh rate and fast response time deliver smooth visuals, especially during fast-paced games.
- The 178° wide viewing angles mean the picture looks good from almost any spot.
- Its anti-blue light feature helps reduce eye strain during long computer sessions.
- The ultra-slim, 3-sided frameless design looks sleek and modern on any desk.
- VESA mount compatibility lets you hang it on a wall for better positioning.
What Could Be Improved:
- Only one HDMI port is included, which might be limiting if you connect many devices.
- The monitor does not have built-in speakers.
This ArcticPro monitor offers a solid set of features for its price, providing a clear and smooth visual experience for work and play. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable upgrade to their current setup.
2. AOC 22B35HM23 22″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz LED Monitor
Rating: 9.0/10
The AOC 22B35HM23 22″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz LED Monitor is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a versatile and enjoyable viewing experience. This monitor brings crisp visuals and smooth motion to your desk, making it great for everything from schoolwork and watching videos to enjoying your favorite games.
What We Like:
- The 22-inch Full HD display (1920×1080) shows clear and sharp pictures.
- A fast 120Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time make games and videos look super smooth.
- Adaptive Sync helps prevent choppy images, giving you a seamless view.
- Colors look vibrant and true to life with 100.1% sRGB and 81% NTSC color coverage.
- HDR Ready makes the contrast pop, bringing more life to your content.
- You can tilt the screen to find the best viewing angle for your comfort.
- It’s VESA mount compatible, so you can hang it on a wall if you want.
- Flicker-Free technology and Low Blue Light help reduce eye strain during long sessions.
- This monitor is eco-friendly, using only 13W in eco mode.
- The OSD menu, eSaver, and i-Menu software make it easy to adjust settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 22-inch screen size might feel a bit small for some users who prefer larger displays.
- While it has HDMI, it only includes one HDMI port, which might limit connectivity for some setups.
- The tilt adjustment is the only physical adjustment available; a height adjustment would be a welcome addition.
This AOC monitor offers a great balance of performance and features for its price. It’s a solid pick for upgrading your daily digital life.
3. Philips 221V8LB 22 inch Class Thin Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor
Rating: 9.3/10
The Philips 221V8LB 22 inch monitor offers a sharp Full HD picture and smooth motion for all your entertainment and tasks. Its thin design looks great on any desk, and it comes with handy features like LowBlue Mode to protect your eyes and Adaptive Sync for seamless gaming.
What We Like:
- Crisp Full HD (1920×1080) visuals make everything look clear.
- A fast 100Hz refresh rate makes movies and games super smooth.
- Adaptive-Sync technology stops choppy images and keeps things fluid.
- The VA panel gives you bright whites and deep blacks for real-life colors.
- Wide viewing angles mean colors look the same no matter where you sit.
- LowBlue Mode helps reduce eye strain during long viewing sessions.
- It includes HDMI and VGA ports for easy connections.
- A 4-year advance replacement warranty offers great peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has HDMI, it only has one port, which might be limiting for some users.
- The 22-inch size is good for many, but some might prefer a larger screen for immersive experiences.
For its price and features, the Philips 221V8LB is a solid choice for anyone seeking a clear and smooth viewing experience.
4. SANSUI 24 Inch Curved 160Hz Gaming Monitor
Rating: 9.3/10
Dive into your games with the SANSUI 24 Inch Curved 160Hz Gaming Monitor. This 1500R curved monitor pulls you right into the action with its Full HD 1080P display. It’s built for gamers who want smooth, fast gameplay thanks to its 160Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT response time. Plus, it comes with FreeSync and HDR for even better visuals. You’ll enjoy vibrant colors and deep blacks, making every game look amazing.
What We Like:
- Super smooth gaming with a 160Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.
- The 1500R curve makes games feel more immersive and wraps around you.
- Vibrant colors with 110% sRGB and a high 3000:1 contrast ratio make images pop.
- HDR support adds more detail to bright and dark areas of the screen.
- Useful gaming features like Black level Adjustment and Crosshair help you play better.
- It has HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.4 ports, so you can connect your devices easily.
- VESA support lets you mount it on your wall or a different stand.
- Comes with a 30-day money-back and free replacement warranty, plus lifetime tech support.
What Could Be Improved:
- This monitor does not have built-in speakers, so you’ll need separate ones.
- The tilt adjustment is a bit limited, only going from -5° to 15°.
This SANSUI gaming monitor offers an exciting and immersive gaming experience for its price. It’s a solid choice for gamers looking for speed and great visuals without breaking the bank.
5. Sceptre Curved 24-inch Gaming Monitor 1080p R1500 98% sRGB HDMI x2 VGA Build-in Speakers
Rating: 9.3/10
Dive into your games and movies with the Sceptre Curved 24-inch Gaming Monitor. Its 1800R curve pulls you right into the action, making everything feel bigger and more exciting. With a sharp 1080p picture and vibrant colors, your favorite content will look amazing. Plus, it has built-in speakers and all the connections you need, making setup a breeze.
What We Like:
- The 1800R curve creates a super immersive viewing experience.
- It has a 75Hz refresh rate, which is great for smooth gaming.
- The 98% sRGB color coverage means colors look really true to life.
- It comes with HDMI and VGA ports for easy connecting.
- Built-in speakers save you from buying extra ones.
- You can easily mount it on your wall using the VESA mount.
What Could Be Improved:
- The brightness is 250 cd/m2, which might not be enough for very bright rooms.
- It only has a 75Hz refresh rate, while some gamers prefer even higher.
This Sceptre monitor offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially for casual gamers and movie buffs. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your setup without breaking the bank.
Your Guide to Finding a Great Cheap Gaming Monitor
Gaming is awesome! Sometimes, though, the best gaming gear costs a lot of money. A good gaming monitor can be expensive. But you don’t always need to spend a fortune to get a monitor that makes your games look great and play smoothly. This guide will help you find a cheap gaming monitor that still packs a punch.
Why Choose a Cheap Gaming Monitor?
A cheap gaming monitor is perfect for gamers on a budget. It lets you enjoy your favorite games without breaking the bank. You can still get good performance and a fun gaming experience.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a cheap gaming monitor, focus on these important features:
1. Refresh Rate
This is how many times the screen updates per second. For gaming, a higher refresh rate is better. Look for at least 75Hz. 144Hz is even better for super smooth gameplay. It makes fast-moving games look clearer and less blurry.
2. Response Time
This measures how quickly a pixel can change color. A lower response time is good. Aim for 5ms or less. This helps reduce motion blur, which is important for quick actions in games.
3. Resolution
This is the number of pixels on the screen. For most cheap gaming monitors, 1080p (Full HD) is a great choice. It offers a good balance of picture quality and performance. Higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K look sharper but need a more powerful computer.
4. Panel Type
There are a few main types: TN, IPS, and VA.
- TN (Twisted Nematic) panels: These are usually the cheapest and have the fastest response times. They are good for competitive gaming. However, their colors might not be as vibrant, and viewing angles can be limited.
- IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels: These offer better color accuracy and wider viewing angles than TN panels. They are great for games where visuals are important. Response times are usually a bit slower than TN, but modern IPS panels are quite good.
- VA (Vertical Alignment) panels: These offer the best contrast ratios, meaning deeper blacks. This can make dark scenes in games look more immersive. They can sometimes have slower response times than TN or IPS, which might cause ghosting (a slight trail behind moving objects).
For a cheap gaming monitor, TN or IPS panels are often the best bets. You might find some good VA options too.
5. Screen Size
A 24-inch screen is a popular size for gaming. It’s big enough to be immersive but not so big that you have to move your head a lot. Larger screens (27 inches and up) can be more immersive but might cost more.
6. Connectivity
Make sure the monitor has the ports you need. HDMI is standard. DisplayPort is often preferred for higher refresh rates. Check that it matches your computer or gaming console.
Important Materials and Quality Factors
Most monitors use plastic for their casings. The quality of the plastic can vary. Higher-end monitors might have metal stands or bezels, but for a cheap option, plastic is fine. The screen itself is usually glass or a special plastic coating.
What Improves or Reduces Quality?
Good Quality:
- A high refresh rate (144Hz+) makes games look super smooth.
- Low response time (1ms-5ms) stops motion blur.
- Good color accuracy makes games look vibrant and realistic.
- Wide viewing angles mean the picture looks good even if you’re not looking straight at it.
Lower Quality:
- Low refresh rates (60Hz) can make games feel choppy.
- High response times (over 5ms) can cause noticeable motion blur and ghosting.
- Poor color reproduction makes games look dull.
- Narrow viewing angles mean the colors and brightness change if you move your head.
Sometimes, cheaper monitors might compromise on color accuracy or viewing angles to keep costs down. This is a common trade-off.
User Experience and Use Cases
A cheap gaming monitor is perfect for gamers who want to enjoy PC games, console games, or even just general computer use without spending a lot. It’s a great entry-level option for anyone starting out in PC gaming.
For Competitive Gamers: If you play fast-paced games like first-person shooters, you’ll want a monitor with a high refresh rate (144Hz) and low response time (1ms-5ms). TN panels are often favored here.
For Immersive Gamers: If you enjoy visually stunning games like RPGs or adventures, an IPS panel might be better for its color accuracy and viewing angles. A good resolution like 1080p will also enhance the experience.
For Budget-Conscious Gamers: If your main goal is to get a playable gaming experience at the lowest possible price, you’ll find many excellent 1080p monitors with 75Hz or 144Hz refresh rates that won’t cost much.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature for a cheap gaming monitor?
A: The most important features are usually the refresh rate and response time. A higher refresh rate (like 75Hz or 144Hz) and a lower response time (like 5ms or less) make games look smoother and clearer.
Q: Can I play fast-paced games on a cheap gaming monitor?
A: Yes, you can. Look for monitors with a refresh rate of at least 75Hz and a response time of 5ms or less. 144Hz is even better for really smooth gameplay.
Q: What does “1080p” mean for resolution?
A: 1080p means the screen has 1920 pixels across and 1080 pixels down. It’s a standard resolution that looks good on most gaming monitors and doesn’t need a super powerful computer to run games well.
Q: Are TN panels good for gaming?
A: Yes, TN panels are often good for gaming because they are fast and affordable. They have quick response times, which helps reduce motion blur in fast games. However, their colors might not be as bright as other panel types.
Q: What is “motion blur”?
A: Motion blur is when fast-moving objects in a game look blurry or smudged. A low response time and high refresh rate help to reduce motion blur, making games look sharper.
Q: Should I worry about the screen size?
A: Screen size is a personal preference. A 24-inch monitor is a good standard size for gaming. Larger screens can be more immersive, but they might also cost more.
Q: What is “ghosting”?
A: Ghosting happens when a faint “ghost” image of a moving object is left behind. This is usually caused by slow response times. Many VA panels can sometimes show ghosting, but it’s not common on good TN or IPS panels.
Q: Do I need a powerful computer to use a cheap gaming monitor?
A: For a 1080p resolution monitor, you don’t need the most powerful computer. Most modern gaming PCs and consoles can handle 1080p gaming. If you choose a monitor with a higher resolution (like 1440p), you’ll need a stronger computer.
Q: Where can I find cheap gaming monitors?
A: You can find cheap gaming monitors at major electronics retailers, online stores like Amazon or Newegg, and sometimes directly from monitor brands during sales events.
Q: Is it worth buying a used gaming monitor?
A: Buying used can save you money, but it also comes with risks. Check the monitor’s condition carefully, especially for dead pixels or screen damage. Make sure the seller offers some kind of return policy.
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.