Just like many other products, the prices of the best gaming monitors have significantly increased, particularly for those with OLED panels, large screens, and high refresh rates at sharp resolutions. However, there's still a wide range of affordable monitors that offer impressive image quality and features. A prime example is the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, which boasts an incredible mini-LED, quantum dot screen for under $400. This is my top choice due to its ability to compete with monitors costing hundreds more, showcasing the kind of quality you can find on a budget if you know where to look.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Budget Gaming Monitors:
Our Top Pick### Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor
1See it at Amazon
Best 1080p### Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
0See it at Amazon
Best 1440p### LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
0See it at AmazonSee it at Target
Best 4K### KTC H27P22S
0See it at Amazon
Best ultrawide### DellS3422DWG
0See it at AmazonSee it at DellThe best budget gaming monitors may not have all the latest technologies and features, but they still provide an excellent display for enjoying your gaming PC. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can be pushed to their limits, as high refresh and 4K monitors are now more affordable. While there are trade-offs, such as height-adjustable stands on the lower end and value-adds like KVM switches on the higher end, by focusing on performance and your personal "must-haves," you can find exceptional value at any price point.
Not all budget gaming monitors are equal, and if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. A $100 monitor might seem like a bargain, but it could have a short lifespan and strain your eyes, ultimately doing more harm than good. Our recommended monitors may cost more than $100, but they offer solid construction, excellent panels, and gaming features for a better overall experience. However, if you're willing to spend more, there are even nicer gaming monitors available.
Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham, Matthew S. Smith
Looking for deals? Check out the best gaming monitor deals right now.
1. Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor
Best Overall Budget Gaming Monitor
Our Top Pick### Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor
1Experience incredible picture quality at an unbeatable price. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27”Aspect Ratio16:9 Resolution2,560 x 1,440Panel typeIPSBrightness1,000 cd/m2 Refresh rate180Hz Response time1msInputs2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm AudioPROSHigh brightness and deep contrastGreat color accuracyOutstanding picture quality and HDRRobust 1,152 local dimming zonesCONSBloom on dark grey backgroundsNo USB hubThe Xiaomi G Pro 27i is the most surprising gaming monitor I've reviewed in 2024. Priced around $330 at the time of writing, it sets a new standard for what to expect from affordable gaming monitors. Though not the cheapest, its 27" 1440p display offers more than the competition, delivering a fantastic picture and gaming experience.
Unlike most budget gaming monitors, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i uses mini-LED technology with full array local dimming (FALD). This allows the display to intelligently dim dark areas of the screen, improving contrast.
While there are other FALD mini-LED displays at similar prices, none come close to the G Pro 27i. Its incredible 1,152 local dimming zones, typically found on monitors costing over $700, significantly reduce blooming and enhance the viewing experience. Its HDR performance is exceptional, far surpassing any other monitor on this list. In fact, its picture quality rivals that of OLEDs, which are often double, triple, or quadruple its price, without the risk of burn-in or issues with text clarity.
Xiaomi has chosen a superior panel for this display, capable of reaching up to 180Hz for ultra-smooth gameplay and minimal motion blur. In its DCI-P3, sRGB, and Adobe RGB color modes, it provides accurate colors for content creation. It's also compatible with variable refresh rate systems like AMD FreeSync and Nvidia's G-Sync, which worked flawlessly in my testing.
Despite its excellence, the monitor isn't perfect. To keep costs down, Xiaomi omitted a USB hub and USB Type-C connectivity. It also only supports HDMI 2.0, but this is sufficient for 1440p gaming with Xbox and PlayStation consoles. There's a lack of advanced gaming features, but for a monitor of this caliber at this price, these trade-offs are worthwhile. Simply put, if you want OLED-like picture quality without the usual drawbacks and high price, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i is the monitor to buy right now.
Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
Best Budget 1080p Gaming Monitor
Best 1080p### Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
2For around $150, this monitor offers impressive gaming performance with minimal drawbacks. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27”Aspect Ratio16:9Resolution1,920 x 1,080Panel typeVA, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync CompatibleBrightness350 cd/m2Refresh rate165Hz Response time1msInputs2x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x Audio JackPROSGreat colors and impressive contrastELMB support for improved motion clarityVESA support for third-party standsCONSSlightly lower pixel densityNo height adjustmentThe Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A is an excellent value, easily compatible with a wide range of hardware. You don't need the latest graphics card to maximize this display's potential, and its VA panel delivers deeper blacks and a wider dynamic range across all game types. With a 1ms gray-to-gray response time and game-enhancing features, it provides a competitive edge in shooters and esports, offering great value.
In this price range, I favor VA panels. Although IPS panels are known for their color performance, VA panels like this one are often just as good while providing a better gaming experience due to their superior blacks. This model is also bright at 350 nits, ensuring vibrant colors and clear visibility in well-lit environments.
It includes game-enhancing features to give you an advantage in competitive matches. You can add an on-screen reticle, enable Shadow Boost to see into dark areas, and activate Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) mode to reduce motion blur for a smoother gaming experience.
However, there are two notable drawbacks. First, the stand isn't height adjustable, a common feature missing in this price range. It supports VESA mounting (100x100mm), so you can use an aftermarket stand or monitor arm if needed, though this adds extra cost. Second, the 27" screen, while immersive, results in slightly lower pixel density at 1080p, which may not be as sharp as a smaller 24" display at the same resolution.
Despite these minor cons, what the Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A offers far outweighs its shortcomings, making it a recommended upgrade for gamers seeking to enhance their experience without breaking the bank.
LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
Best 1440p Budget Gaming Monitor
Best 1440p### LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
0Achieve speeds up to 144Hz in 1440p on this monitor, which includes adaptive sync technology and excellent color accuracy. See it at AmazonSee it at TargetProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27”Aspect Ratio16:9 Resolution2,560 x 1,440Panel typeIPS FreeSync and G-SyncResponse time1msInputs2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPortPROSSolid HDR gamingGreat color accuracyCONSStand isn’t height adjustableThe LG UltraGear 27GN800-B is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers. For under $300, you get a 2560x1440 resolution that significantly increases sharpness over a 1080p monitor. Its great color accuracy and decent factory calibration make visuals pop on its 27" screen, offering an immersive gaming experience that balances crisp details with reasonable system requirements.
This monitor excels in other areas as well. It features a 144Hz refresh rate and is compatible with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth, tear-free HDR gaming. I highly value its Low Framerate Compensation feature, which inserts frames to sync with the refresh rate, making games run smoothly even if your system can't reach the maximum 144Hz.
The main drawback is the non-height adjustable stand. Depending on your desk setup, you might need to adjust its height, but it supports a standard 100x100mm VESA mount, allowing you to swap the stand for a more adjustable one if needed. Despite this, its feature set and affordable price make it a top pick.
KTC H27P22D
Best 4K Budget Gaming Monitor
Best 4K### KTC H27P22S
1Experience a fast and fantastic 4K picture on a limited budget. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen Size27” Aspect Ratio16:9Resolution3,840 x 2,160Panel typeIPS FreeSync Premium, G-Sync CompatibleBrightness400 cd/m2Refresh rate160HzResponse time1msInputs2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x 3.5mm AudioPROSSharp 4K screenGreat for consoles thanks to HDMI 2.1 connectivityFast refresh rateExcellent value overallCONSNo USB connectivityNot factory calibratedThe KTC H27P22D demonstrates how far budget gaming monitors have come. At $400, often discounted to $340, it provides a high refresh rate, 4K gaming experience without breaking the bank. It's hard to find faults with this well-rounded package at such a reasonable price. If your hardware can handle it, this monitor is definitely worth considering.
In addition to its crisp 4K resolution, the H27P22D boasts an impressive 160Hz refresh rate. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium and is compatible with Nvidia G-Sync for a smooth gaming experience, even if you can't quite reach that high refresh rate. It's also a stellar choice for console gaming due to its dual HDMI 2.1 ports. Note that you'll need a separate audio solution, but given the quality of most monitor speakers, this isn't a significant drawback.
While the marketing might overpromise, the real-world performance is impressive for the price. Its 400 nits of peak brightness isn't enough for true HDR, but it's sufficient for a vivid SDR gaming experience. Its color coverage is great, though it's not factory calibrated, which may be an issue for creative work but is fine for gaming. It also lacks a USB hub, with the sole USB Type-A port reserved for software upgrades.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the KTC H27P22D is an excellent option for budget-conscious gamers looking to upgrade to Ultra HD.
Dell S3422DWG
5 Images
5. Dell S3422DWG
Best Ultrawide Budget Gaming Monitor
Best ultrawide### DellS3422DWG
0Immerse yourself in the action with this affordable, ultrawide curved monitor delivering a 1440p/144Hz refresh rate. See it at AmazonSee it at DellProduct SpecificationsScreen Size34”Aspect Ratio21:9Resolution3,440 x 1,440 Panel typeVA FreeSync Brightness400 cd/m2 Refresh rate144HzResponse time1msInputs2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPortPROSGreat contrastImmersive wide, curved displayCONSMinor ghostingIf you're looking for an immersive gaming experience, the Dell S3422DWG is the best budget ultrawide option. Its contrast-rich VA panel and 3440x1440 resolution deliver a vibrant, sharp image suitable for any game genre. The 21:9 aspect ratio and slight screen curvature enhance focus on in-game action, reducing distractions.
For large ultrawides like this, I prefer the "1440p" resolution over the ultrawide equivalent of 1080p. Though it requires more graphics power, the higher pixel density results in a better image.
The monitor offers a solid 144Hz refresh rate and supports AMD FreeSync for smooth gameplay. While it can exhibit minor ghosting behind dark objects, overall motion clarity is strong.
Despite its competitive price, the S3422DWG is well-designed, featuring a height-adjustable stand, two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and USB hub functionality.
How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Monitor?
For a budget gaming monitor, the sweet spot is around $200-$300. While cheaper options exist, they often compromise on quality. A gaming monitor should last 3-5 years, and a $100 monitor is unlikely to meet that standard.
To find a monitor within this price range, understand what to look for and prioritize your needs to make the right compromises.
ResolutionRefresh RatePanel TypesScreen SizeGamers on a tight budget don't need to sacrifice as much as before, but some compromises remain necessary. You can opt for a higher resolution or a higher refresh rate, but you won't find both in a budget monitor.
1080p remains the standard resolution for budget displays. It lacks the clarity of 4K TVs, but it's easier on hardware for high frame rates. 1440p is a nice upgrade and a better value if you can stretch your budget. A 27" 1440p monitor has a higher pixel density than a 48" 4K TV, but it may not support a 240Hz refresh rate.
4K is available on a budget, but expect to pay around $400 or make sacrifices in brightness or screen size. Also, consider the higher system requirements for running 4K at high frame rates.
The refresh rate of budget gaming monitors typically ranges from 60 to 240Hz, with most at 144Hz or 165Hz. A 144Hz refresh rate is versatile for most games, while 240Hz is ideal for competitive players. 360Hz is becoming more accessible for budget monitors.
Note that a monitor's maximum refresh rate may not be supported by all inputs. For example, many 165Hz monitors support only 144Hz over HDMI, so DisplayPort is best for high refresh rates.
A monitor's display panel technology is crucial but often overlooked. Our recommended monitors use either IPS or VA panels. IPS panels are great for motion clarity, vibrance, and responsiveness, making them suitable for competitive gaming. VA panels offer better contrast and dark scene performance, ideal for immersive, high-end graphics.
Panel Types
TN (twisted nematic)IPS (in-plane switching)VA (vertical alignment)OLED (organic light-emitting diode)Screen size is less of a limitation than before. Our guide focuses on 27" options and a 34" ultrawide. Smaller 24" monitors are less expensive and preferred by competitive gamers for focus. Larger 32"+ monitors are more immersive but may lose detail without higher resolutions. Be cautious not to buy a monitor too large for your desk; a 27" monitor with a 16:9 aspect ratio is a safe choice.
It's wise to buy a monitor with Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync support, depending on your graphics card. Many budget monitors support both, and our picks list the standards they support.
Finally, a note about HDR. While marketed on many affordable monitors, true HDR requires more than 400 nits of screen brightness, which most budget monitors lack.
Budget Gaming Monitor FAQs
What is the best type of panel?
Budget gaming monitors typically feature VA or IPS panels. One of our picks, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, uses an IPS panel with a mini-LED backlight, surpassing other panel types due to its technology. If your budget and needs allow, choose that. Otherwise, the choice between VA and IPS depends on response time, colors, and contrast.
For response time and color accuracy, IPS panels are preferable, though the former is less of a concern now with 1ms panels available for both types. IPS monitors offer more vivid and accurate colors.
For contrast, unless using a mini-LED backlight like our top pick, VA panels have an advantage. Their full-array local dimming results in richer dark colors and blacks, offering better dynamic range.
While there's no "best" panel, the choice depends on what you value most in a gaming monitor.
When are gaming monitors most affordable?
The best times to buy gaming monitors at a discount are during shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. Gaming monitor deals also appear during Back to School sales, and major retailers often reduce prices on older models to clear inventory for new releases.
What size gaming monitor should I get for gaming?
Choosing a gaming monitor size is largely a personal preference, but consider these guidelines. First, assess your available space to ensure the monitor fits. Next, consider the resolution and pixel density. A 24" monitor is suitable for 1080p gaming. For 1440p, a 27-32" screen offers detail and immersion. For 4K, a minimum of 27" is recommended. Avoid 1080p monitors larger than 27" to prevent the screen door effect.
