Top 5 Monitors Under 100: Your Budget Buying Guide

Imagine needing a new computer screen, but your wallet only has a few dollars left. Sounds tough, right? Finding a good monitor for under $100 can feel like searching for a hidden treasure. There are so many choices, and it’s hard to know which one is actually worth your money.

Many people need a second screen for schoolwork, gaming, or just to make tasks easier. But when the price tag is low, you worry about getting a blurry picture or a screen that breaks quickly. It’s a common problem for students, families, and anyone on a budget. You want something that works well without costing a lot.

This blog post is here to help! We will explore the best monitors you can find for less than $100. You’ll learn what to look for and discover some top picks that offer great value. Get ready to find a monitor that fits your needs and your budget.

Our Top 5 Under 100 Monitor Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Under 100 Monitor Detailed Reviews

1. 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: 8.7/10

Meet the Philips 221V8LB, a thin 22-inch monitor that brings your digital world to life with stunning clarity and smooth motion. Its Full HD resolution (1920×1080) makes everything look sharp and detailed, from your favorite movies to your competitive games. This monitor is designed to be your go-to for entertainment and everyday tasks.

What We Like:

  • The 100Hz refresh rate makes games and videos super smooth. You won’t see choppy movements.
  • Adaptive-Sync technology keeps action flowing perfectly. No more screen tearing or stuttering.
  • The VA panel offers amazing contrast. Whites are bright, and blacks are deep, making pictures look real.
  • Enjoy true-to-life colors with 16.7 million shades to see.
  • Wide viewing angles (178/178 degrees) mean colors stay consistent no matter where you sit.
  • LowBlue Mode helps protect your eyes during long screen times.
  • The monitor is VESA mountable, so you can easily attach it to a wall or stand.
  • It comes with a great 4-year advance replacement warranty for peace of mind.

What Could Be Improved:

  • It only has one HDMI port, which might not be enough for some users who need to connect multiple devices at once.
  • The built-in speakers are not included, so you’ll need separate speakers or headphones for sound.

The Philips 221V8LB monitor offers a fantastic visual experience for its price. Its smooth performance and vibrant colors make it a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their display.

2. 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: 8.9/10

The Philips 241V8LB is a new 24-inch monitor that offers a lot of great features for both work and fun. It has a Full HD screen, which means your pictures and videos will look super clear. This monitor is also designed to be easy on your eyes, making it good for long work sessions. Plus, it comes with a fantastic 4-year warranty, so you can feel confident in your purchase.

What We Like:

  • The screen is very clear and sharp with its Full HD resolution.
  • Colors look amazing thanks to the VA panel, showing bright whites and deep blacks.
  • You can see the screen clearly from almost any angle without colors changing.
  • The nearly borderless design makes the screen feel bigger and looks really modern.
  • It’s easy to set up multiple monitors side-by-side for better multitasking.
  • EasyRead mode makes reading documents feel like reading from paper, which is less tiring for your eyes.
  • The 100Hz refresh rate makes motion look smooth, especially in games and videos.
  • It has a good warranty for peace of mind.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While it has HDMI and VGA, it lacks newer ports like DisplayPort.
  • The built-in speakers are usually basic and might not offer the best sound quality.
  • The stand might not offer much adjustment for height or tilt, which could be a downside for some users.

The Philips 241V8LB is a solid choice for anyone needing a clear and versatile monitor. Its eye-care features and seamless design make it stand out.

3. 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: 9.2/10

Get ready for a super clear and smooth viewing experience with the ArcticPro 22-inch 100Hz monitor. This computer monitor packs a punch with its Full HD resolution, showing you vibrant colors and sharp details. Whether you’re working on projects or diving into your favorite games, this monitor makes everything look amazing. Plus, its sleek, frameless design and slim profile will look great on any desk.

What We Like:

  • The 1920x1080p Full HD resolution shows incredibly clear pictures with bright colors and sharp details.
  • A 100Hz refresh rate and fast response time make games and fast-moving videos super smooth, with no annoying blur or ghosting.
  • The monitor’s Anti-Blue light technology helps protect your eyes during long viewing sessions, reducing eye strain.
  • You can see a great picture from almost anywhere with 178° wide viewing angles, and the tilt adjustment helps you find the perfect angle for comfort.
  • It’s easy to set up and mount on the wall using the VESA pattern, giving you flexibility in where you place it.
  • It supports both HDMI and VGA connections, making it easy to connect to different devices.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The monitor only has one HDMI port, which might be limiting if you need to connect multiple HDMI devices at once.
  • It does not have built-in speakers, so you’ll need separate speakers for sound.
  • While it has a good contrast ratio, some users might prefer even deeper blacks for certain content.

This ArcticPro monitor offers a fantastic combination of sharp visuals and smooth performance, making it a solid choice for both productivity and play. It’s a great way to upgrade your computer setup without breaking the bank.

4. Dell 24 Monitor – SE2425HM – 23.8-inch Full HD (1920×1080) 16:9 100Hz Display

Dell 24 Monitor - SE2425HM - 23.8-inch Full HD (1920x1080) 16:9 100Hz Display, IPS Panel, 16.70 Million Colors, Anti-Glare, 1 HDMI / 1 VGA Port, TÜV Rheinland 3-Star*, Comfortview Plus - Black

Rating: 9.3/10

The Dell 24 Monitor – SE2425HM is a 23.8-inch screen that makes your computer tasks look great. It shows pictures and words in high definition, with bright colors. The screen doesn’t make your eyes tired, even after a long time. It’s also designed to keep your desk looking neat.

What We Like:

  • The 100Hz refresh rate makes everything on the screen move very smoothly. Scrolling through websites and playing games feels better.
  • ComfortView Plus technology helps protect your eyes by reducing blue light. This means less eye strain.
  • The monitor has an IPS panel, which shows 16.70 million colors. This makes images look very realistic and vibrant.
  • It has a small base and a built-in power supply, which helps keep your desk tidy. There’s also a place to hold your cables.
  • You can easily tilt the screen to find the best angle for you. It can also be mounted on a wall or stand using a VESA mount.
  • The TÜV Rheinland 3-Star certification means it’s designed for comfortable viewing.

What Could Be Improved:

  • It only has one HDMI port and one VGA port. Some users might want more options for connecting devices.
  • The stand only allows for tilting. It doesn’t offer height adjustment or swivel.

This Dell monitor offers a good balance of features for everyday use and comfortable viewing. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and eye-friendly display.

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: 8.8/10

Get ready to upgrade your workspace or entertainment setup with the CRUA 24 Inch Curved Monitor. This monitor brings a smooth, colorful, and comfortable viewing experience right to your desk, whether you’re working hard, studying, or just relaxing with your favorite games or movies. Its sleek white design and nearly borderless screen make it a stylish addition to any room.

What We Like:

  • Smooth visuals with a 100Hz refresh rate that cuts down on blurry images.
  • Vibrant colors thanks to 120% sRGB coverage, making everything look more lifelike.
  • Easy on the eyes with a blue light filter and a gentle 2800R curve.
  • Looks great in any setup with narrow bezels on three sides, perfect for multi-monitor use.
  • Connects easily to your computer or gaming console with HDMI and VGA ports.
  • Adjustable tilt lets you find the most comfortable viewing angle.

What Could Be Improved:

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

This CRUA monitor offers a fantastic balance of features for its price. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a more immersive and comfortable visual experience.

Your Guide to an Awesome Under $100 Monitor

Finding a great monitor without breaking the bank is totally possible! If you’re looking for a screen that’s good for everyday tasks, schoolwork, or even some light gaming, this guide will help you pick the best one for under $100.

Key Features to Look For

When you’re shopping for a monitor in this price range, focus on these important things:

  • Screen Size: Most monitors under $100 are around 20-24 inches. This is a good size for most desks.
  • Resolution: Look for “1080p” or “Full HD.” This means the picture will be clear and sharp.
  • Refresh Rate: This tells you how many times the screen updates per second. 60Hz is standard and fine for most things. If you play fast-paced games, aim for 75Hz if you can find it.
  • Response Time: This is how quickly a pixel can change color. Lower is better, especially for gaming. 5ms is usually good enough.
  • Connectivity: Check what ports it has. HDMI is the most common and best for connecting to computers and game consoles. VGA is older but still works.

Important Materials and Build Quality

Monitors under $100 are usually made of plastic. This is normal for this price.

  • Stand: The stand might not be adjustable up and down, but it should hold the screen steady.
  • Bezels: These are the frames around the screen. Thinner bezels look more modern and let you put multiple monitors side-by-side more easily.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Some things make a monitor better, and others might make it less ideal.

Things That Make it Better:
  • IPS Panel: If you can find a monitor with an IPS panel, go for it! IPS screens show better colors and have wider viewing angles. This means the picture looks good even if you’re not looking straight at it.
  • Good Brightness: A brighter screen makes it easier to see, especially in a sunny room.
  • Decent Contrast Ratio: This helps make dark colors darker and light colors lighter, making the picture pop.
Things That Might Reduce Quality:
  • TN Panel: Many budget monitors use TN panels. They are fast but don’t have great colors or viewing angles.
  • Limited Adjustments: A stand that only tilts might be a bit limiting for finding the perfect viewing position.
  • Flicker: Some cheaper monitors can have a slight flicker that can make your eyes tired after a while.

User Experience and Use Cases

A monitor under $100 is perfect for many everyday uses.

  • Schoolwork and Homework: You can easily read text and browse the internet.
  • Office Tasks: Writing documents, checking emails, and managing spreadsheets are all easy.
  • Web Browsing and Social Media: See websites and your favorite social feeds clearly.
  • Casual Gaming: For games that aren’t super fast, like turn-based strategy games or older titles, a 60Hz monitor will work fine.
  • Streaming Videos: Watch your favorite shows and movies with a clear picture.

If you need a monitor for professional photo editing or playing the latest fast-paced video games at high settings, you might need to spend a bit more. But for general computer use, an under $100 monitor can be a fantastic deal!


Your Top Questions Answered: Under $100 Monitor FAQs

Q: What is the best screen size for a monitor under $100?

A: Most monitors under $100 are between 20 and 24 inches. This is a good size for most desks and uses.

Q: What does “1080p” resolution mean?

A: 1080p, also called Full HD, means the screen has 1920 pixels across and 1080 pixels down. This gives you a clear and sharp picture.

Q: Is 60Hz refresh rate good enough?

A: Yes, 60Hz is standard and works well for most tasks like schoolwork, browsing, and watching videos. Fast games might look a little smoother with a higher refresh rate, but 60Hz is fine for casual play.

Q: What is an HDMI port and why do I need it?

A: HDMI is a type of cable that sends both video and audio. It’s the most common way to connect your computer or game console to a monitor and gives you the best quality.

Q: What’s the difference between an IPS panel and a TN panel?

A: IPS panels offer better colors and wider viewing angles, meaning the picture looks good from more directions. TN panels are faster but have less vibrant colors and narrower viewing angles.

Q: Can I use a monitor under $100 for gaming?

A: Yes, you can use it for casual gaming. For very fast-paced games, you might notice motion blur more than on a more expensive monitor.

Q: How important is the monitor stand?

A: The stand holds the monitor up. While budget stands might not tilt or move much, they should be stable enough to keep the screen from wobbling.

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

A: Response time measures how quickly a pixel can change color. A lower response time (like 5ms) means less motion blur, which is good for games and fast-moving video.

Q: Will a monitor under $100 be bright enough?

A: Most budget monitors have decent brightness for indoor use. If your room gets a lot of sunlight, look for monitors with higher brightness ratings.

Q: Where can I find good monitors under $100?

A: You can find great deals on websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and other online electronics retailers. Keep an eye out for sales!

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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