Top 5 PC Monitors Under $150: Budget Gaming Guide

Ever feel like your computer screen just isn’t cutting it anymore? Maybe games look a little fuzzy, or text seems hard to read. You want a better view, but your wallet says “hold on!” Finding a good PC monitor for under $150 can feel like a treasure hunt with a very small map. There are so many choices, and it’s tough to know which one will actually make your computer experience better without costing too much.

It’s frustrating when you’re trying to save money but still want something that looks good and works well. You might worry about getting a monitor that’s too small, has a blurry picture, or just doesn’t last long. But don’t worry! We understand these challenges, and we’re here to help you navigate the world of affordable PC monitors.

By reading on, you’ll discover the best ways to pick a monitor that fits your budget and your needs. We’ll show you what to look for so you can stop guessing and start seeing your computer in a whole new light. Get ready to find a monitor that’s perfect for you, without breaking the bank!

Our Top 5 Pc Monitor Under 150 Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Pc Monitor Under 150 Detailed Reviews

1. MNN Portable Monitor 15.6inch FHD 1080P USB C HDMI Gaming Ultra-Slim IPS Display w/Smart Cover & Speakers

Rating: 9.1/10

The MNN Portable Monitor 15.6inch FHD 1080P is a fantastic addition for anyone needing extra screen space. It’s super thin and light, making it easy to take anywhere. With its sharp Full HD display, it makes games and work look amazing.

What We Like:

  • Stunning Visuals: The 15.6-inch screen has a crisp 1920×1080 resolution. The IPS matte display shows bright, true colors from any angle. It’s also easy on your eyes with reduced blue light and no flickering, perfect for long work or gaming sessions.
  • Simple Setup: You get two USB-C ports for easy plug-and-play. Just one cable connects your laptop, phone, or gaming console for both power and display. Make sure your device supports Thunderbolt 3.0 or USB 3.1 Type C DP ALT-MODE.
  • Travel-Friendly Design: This monitor is incredibly thin and light. It fits easily into any bag, making it ideal for travelers, students, or anyone on the go.
  • Versatile Use: Switch between different display modes like copy, extend, or portrait to boost your work efficiency. HDR mode makes colors pop and images look more real for a better viewing and gaming experience.
  • Protective Smart Cover: The included smart cover protects your monitor from scratches. It also doubles as a stand, letting you use the monitor in landscape or portrait view.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Cable Specificity: It’s important to use the USB-C cable that comes with the monitor for the best results. Using other cables might cause issues.

This MNN portable monitor offers a great balance of performance and portability. It’s a smart choice for upgrading your workspace or entertainment setup.

2. Gawfolk 24.5 Inch PC 200Hz Gaming Monitor

Gawfolk 24.5 Inch PC 200Hz Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p screen, Built-in speakers,1ms without Bezel, freesync, 99% sRGB, 178 ° Angle View, HDMI、DisplayPort, Compatible with wall mounting 75*75MM - Black

Rating: 9.0/10

Level up your gaming experience with the Gawfolk 24.5 Inch PC Gaming Monitor. This monitor brings a super smooth and sharp picture to your games. Its sleek, bezel-less design looks great on any desk. Plus, it has built-in speakers, so you can jump right into the action without extra gear.

What We Like:

  • The 200Hz refresh rate makes games look incredibly smooth.
  • The 1ms response time means no blurry images during fast action.
  • FreeSync technology stops screen tearing for a better gaming feel.
  • The 1080p Full HD resolution shows clear and detailed pictures.
  • 99% sRGB color accuracy makes game worlds look vibrant and real.
  • Built-in speakers are convenient and save space.
  • Low blue light and flicker-free technology protect your eyes during long gaming sessions.
  • Wide 178° viewing angles let you see the screen clearly from almost anywhere.
  • It’s compatible with wall mounting, giving you more desk space.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The HDMI port supports up to 120Hz, while the DisplayPort is needed for the full 200Hz.
  • The product description mentions 99% sRGB, but the features list states 98% sRGB; consistency would be helpful.

This Gawfolk monitor offers a fantastic blend of speed, clarity, and eye comfort for gamers. It’s a solid choice for anyone seeking a more immersive and responsive gaming setup.

3. KOORUI 22 Inch Computer Monitor Full HD 1080P 100Hz PC Gaming Screen VA Panel Ultra-Slim Display 3000:1 Contrast Ratio with Adpitive Sync (HDMI/VGA/VESA Compatible 100x100mm/Audio Out)

KOORUI 22 Inch Computer Monitor Full HD 1080P 100Hz PC Gaming Screen VA Panel Ultra-Slim Display 3000:1 Contrast Ratio with Adpitive Sync (HDMI/VGA/VESA Compatible 100x100mm/Audio Out), Tilt, Black

Rating: 9.3/10

Get ready for a smoother, more vibrant visual experience with the KOORUI 22 Inch Computer Monitor. This monitor brings Full HD 1080P resolution to your desk, making games and movies look crisp and clear. Its 100Hz refresh rate and Adaptive Sync technology mean you’ll see fast-paced action without annoying screen tearing or lag. The ultra-slim design looks sleek, and the VA panel delivers incredibly deep blacks and a high 3000:1 contrast ratio, bringing out the details in every scene.

What We Like:

  • Super smooth gaming with 100Hz refresh rate and Adaptive Sync for tear-free visuals.
  • Stunning contrast and deep blacks thanks to the VA panel and 3000:1 ratio.
  • Vibrant colors with 99% sRGB color gamut.
  • Sleek, ultra-slim design that saves space.
  • Adjustable tilt for comfortable viewing.
  • VESA mount compatible for easy wall or arm mounting.
  • Reliable 3-year warranty for peace of mind.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Only supports HDMI and VGA input, not DisplayPort.
  • HDMI cable is included, but no DisplayPort cable.
  • Requires a separate USB-C to HDMI adapter for some modern devices like MacBooks.
  • The screen size is measured diagonally, which is standard but good to be aware of.

This KOORUI monitor offers a fantastic blend of gaming performance and visual quality for its price. It’s a solid choice for gamers and anyone looking for a sharper, more responsive display.

4. Gawfolk 24.5 Inch Gaming Curved Monitor Built-in Speakers

Gawfolk 24.5 Inch Gaming Curved Monitor Built-in Speakers, 3000R 120Hz PC Screen Full HD 1080P, HDMI 2.0, VGA, Wall Mount Compatible 75 * 75mm

Rating: 9.3/10

Get ready to level up your gaming and work experience with the Gawfolk 24.5 Inch Gaming Curved Monitor. This monitor brings your games and projects to life with its stunning visuals and smooth performance. It’s designed to make everything you do on your computer more engaging and comfortable.

What We Like:

  • The 3000R curved screen wraps around you, making games and movies super immersive.
  • You get amazing picture quality with Full HD 1080P resolution, vibrant colors, and deep blacks.
  • A fast 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time mean no lag, so your games look super smooth.
  • It has built-in speakers, so you don’t need extra ones, saving space on your desk.
  • The monitor has eye care technology to reduce strain during long sessions.
  • You can easily connect it to your PC or laptop with HDMI and VGA ports.
  • It’s wall-mount compatible, giving you more flexibility in how you set up your space.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The wall mount is not included, so you’ll need to buy it separately.
  • While VGA supports up to 60Hz, HDMI is needed to get the full 120Hz refresh rate.

This Gawfolk monitor offers a fantastic blend of performance and visual appeal for gamers and everyday users alike. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking a more engaging and comfortable computing experience.

5. CRUA 24 Inch Curved Monitor

CRUA 24 Inch Curved Monitor, FHD(1920×1080P) 100HZ 120% sRGB Computer Monitors, Narrow Bezels on Three Sides, Blue Light Filter PC Monitor for Home, Office and Dormitory(HDMI, VGA)-White

Rating: 8.9/10

Meet the CRUA 24 Inch Curved Monitor, a sleek white monitor designed to make your computer experience better. This monitor brings vibrant colors and smooth visuals to your desk, whether you’re working, studying, or playing games. Its curved screen wraps around your view, making everything feel more immersive.

What We Like:

  • The 24-inch curved screen offers a wider view.
  • A 100Hz refresh rate makes moving images look super smooth, which is great for games and fast action.
  • Colors pop with 120% sRGB coverage, showing you lots of rich and detailed pictures.
  • The FHD resolution (1920x1080P) makes everything look clear and sharp.
  • The blue light filter helps protect your eyes during long screen times, reducing strain.
  • Narrow bezels on three sides give you a nearly borderless look, perfect for multi-monitor setups.
  • It connects easily with HDMI and VGA ports for your computer or game console.
  • The monitor can tilt forward and backward to find your comfy viewing angle.

What Could Be Improved:

  • This monitor does not have built-in speakers, so you’ll need separate ones.

This CRUA monitor offers a fantastic visual experience for many uses. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a more engaging and comfortable way to use their computer.

Your Guide to Finding the Best PC Monitor Under $150

Finding a great PC monitor doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. You can get a good monitor for under $150 that will make your computer tasks and gaming much more enjoyable. This guide will help you pick the right one.

What to Look For: Key Features

When you shop for a monitor, keep these important features in mind.

Screen Size
  • What it is: How big the screen is, measured from corner to corner.
  • Why it matters: Bigger screens give you more space to see things. For general use, 21-24 inches is usually good. If you play games or watch movies, you might want a slightly larger screen.
Resolution
  • What it is: How many tiny dots (pixels) make up the picture. More pixels mean a sharper image.
  • Why it matters: Most monitors under $150 have a resolution of 1920×1080 (Full HD). This is great for most uses and makes text and images look clear.
Refresh Rate
  • What it is: How many times the screen updates the picture each second. Measured in Hertz (Hz).
  • Why it matters: A higher refresh rate makes motion look smoother. For gaming, 75Hz or 144Hz is better. For everyday tasks, 60Hz is fine.
Response Time
  • What it is: How quickly a pixel can change color. Measured in milliseconds (ms).
  • Why it matters: A low response time (like 1ms or 5ms) helps reduce “ghosting,” which is when fast-moving images look blurry. This is important for gaming.
Panel Type
  • What it is: The technology used to create the display.
  • Why it matters:
    • TN (Twisted Nematic): These are usually the cheapest and have fast response times, good for gaming. However, colors might not look as good, and the viewing angles aren’t as wide.
    • IPS (In-Plane Switching): These offer better colors and wider viewing angles. They are great for photo editing and general use. Response times can be a bit slower than TN, but they are still good for most users.

Important Materials and Build Quality

Most monitors in this price range use plastic for their frames and stands. This is normal and keeps the cost down. Look for a monitor that feels sturdy and doesn’t wobble too much. The stand should be able to hold the monitor securely.

Factors That Affect Quality

Several things can make a monitor better or not as good.

  • Brightness: Measured in nits. Brighter monitors are easier to see in well-lit rooms.
  • Contrast Ratio: How well the monitor shows the difference between the darkest darks and the brightest whites. A higher contrast ratio makes the picture look more realistic.
  • Color Accuracy: How true the colors on the screen are to real life. IPS panels usually do a better job here.
  • Viewing Angles: How far you can look at the screen from the side before the colors or brightness change. IPS panels are best for this.
  • Ports: Make sure the monitor has the right ports for your computer (like HDMI or DisplayPort).

User Experience and Use Cases

A monitor under $150 can be great for many things.

  • Everyday Computing: For browsing the internet, writing documents, and checking emails, almost any monitor in this range will work well. A 22-24 inch Full HD screen is perfect.
  • Students: A good size and clear resolution help with homework and online classes.
  • Casual Gaming: You can enjoy many games with a 60Hz or 75Hz refresh rate and a 5ms response time. If you’re a serious gamer, you might need to spend a little more for a higher refresh rate.
  • Watching Videos: Full HD resolution makes movies and shows look sharp and clear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for PC Monitors Under $150

Q: What is the best screen size for a monitor under $150?

A: For most people, a screen size between 21 and 24 inches is ideal for a monitor under $150. This size offers a good balance of viewing space without being too large for a typical desk.

Q: What resolution should I look for?

A: You should aim for a resolution of 1920×1080, also known as Full HD. This resolution provides a sharp and clear picture for everyday tasks and most gaming.

Q: Is a 60Hz refresh rate good enough?

A: Yes, a 60Hz refresh rate is perfectly fine for everyday computer use like browsing the web, working on documents, and watching videos. For gaming, it’s acceptable for casual players, but serious gamers might prefer higher rates.

Q: What does “response time” mean for a monitor?

A: Response time tells you how quickly a pixel on the screen can change from one color to another. A lower response time, like 5ms or less, is better for reducing motion blur, especially in fast-paced games.

Q: Should I choose a TN or IPS panel?

A: For a monitor under $150, TN panels often offer faster response times for gaming at a lower cost. IPS panels provide better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, which are great for general use and watching videos.

Q: Do I need a monitor with built-in speakers?

A: Many monitors in this price range do not have built-in speakers, or the ones they have are not very good. It’s usually better to buy separate speakers for better sound quality.

Q: What kind of ports should I check for?

A: Make sure the monitor has at least one HDMI port, as this is the most common connection for modern computers and gaming consoles. Some might also have DisplayPort, which is also a good option.

Q: Can I use a monitor under $150 for light photo editing?

A: Yes, you can. An IPS panel monitor with good color accuracy will be better for photo editing than a TN panel. While not professional-grade, it can be sufficient for basic edits.

Q: How important is brightness (nits) for a budget monitor?

A: Brightness is important if you use your computer in a room with a lot of light. Look for monitors with at least 200-250 nits for decent visibility. Many under $150 will meet this.

Q: What is the warranty typically like for monitors in this price range?

A: Most monitors under $150 come with a standard 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. It’s always a good idea to check the warranty details before you buy.

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.

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