Gaming Monitor Prices Soar, But Budget Options Remain: A 2024 Guide
The cost of high-end gaming monitors has skyrocketed, particularly those boasting OLED panels, large screen sizes, high refresh rates, and sharp resolutions. However, excellent affordable alternatives exist that surprisingly don't compromise significantly on image quality or features. This guide highlights the best budget gaming monitors for 2024, proving that exceptional value is still attainable on a limited budget.
TL;DR – Top Budget Gaming Monitors:
Top Pick: Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor
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Best 1080p: Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A -
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Best 1440p: LG UltraGear 27GN800-B -
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Best 4K: KTC H27P22S -
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Best Ultrawide: Dell S3422DWG
Budget monitors might lack premium features, but they still deliver impressive visuals for your gaming PC. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can perform exceptionally well with high refresh rate and 4K monitors at affordable prices. While compromises such as adjustable stands or KVM switches may be necessary, prioritizing performance and essential features yields significant value.
Caveats: Not all budget monitors are equal. Extremely cheap options often compromise longevity and eye strain. The monitors recommended here offer superior build quality, excellent panels, and essential gaming features for a better long-term experience.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Matthew S. Smith
For current deals, see the best gaming monitor deals.
- Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor: Best Overall
Exceptional picture quality at a remarkable price. See it at Amazon
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 27”
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Panel type: IPS
- Brightness: 1000 cd/m2
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Inputs: 2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm Audio
Pros: High brightness, deep contrast, accurate colors, excellent picture quality and HDR, robust local dimming zones.
Cons: Bloom on dark grey backgrounds, no USB hub.
The Xiaomi G Pro 27i is a standout, offering mini-LED technology with full-array local dimming (FALD) for superior contrast. Its 1152 local dimming zones minimize blooming, resulting in a picture quality rivaling much more expensive OLEDs, without the risk of burn-in. It boasts a 180Hz refresh rate, accurate colors, and compatibility with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. The lack of a USB hub and HDMI 2.0 limitation are minor drawbacks considering its overall value.
- Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A: Best Budget 1080p Monitor
Excellent gaming performance at a low price. See it at Amazon
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 27”
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Panel type: VA, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible
- Brightness: 350 cd/m2
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Inputs: 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x Audio Jack
Pros: Great colors and contrast, ELMB support, VESA support.
Cons: No height adjustment, lower pixel density.
The Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A provides a strong value proposition with its VA panel, deep blacks, and 165Hz refresh rate. Game-enhancing features like an on-screen reticle, Shadow Boost, and ELMB mode enhance gameplay. The lack of height adjustment and slightly lower pixel density are minor trade-offs.
- LG UltraGear 27GN800-B: Best Budget 1440p Monitor
High speed 1440p with adaptive sync and color accuracy. See it at Amazon See it at Target
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 27”
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Panel type: IPS, FreeSync and G-Sync
- Response time: 1ms
- Inputs: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort
Pros: Solid HDR gaming, great color accuracy.
Cons: Stand isn’t height adjustable.
The LG UltraGear 27GN800-B offers a significant resolution upgrade to 1440p, delivering sharper visuals with accurate colors. Its 144Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and Low Framerate Compensation ensure smooth gameplay. The non-adjustable stand is the main drawback.
- KTC H27P22S: Best Budget 4K Monitor
Fast and fantastic 4K picture on a budget. See it at Amazon
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 27”
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Panel type: IPS, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible
- Brightness: 400 cd/m2
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Inputs: 2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x 3.5mm Audio
Pros: Sharp 4K screen, great for consoles, fast refresh rate.
Cons: No USB connectivity, not factory calibrated.
The KTC H27P22S demonstrates the advancements in budget 4K gaming. Its 160Hz refresh rate, support for AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, and dual HDMI 2.1 ports make it ideal for console gaming. While not factory calibrated and lacking a USB hub, its value is exceptional.
- Dell S3422DWG: Best Budget Ultrawide Monitor
Immersive curved ultrawide with 1440p/144Hz. See it at Amazon See it at Dell
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 34”
- Aspect Ratio: 21:9
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Panel type: VA, FreeSync
- Brightness: 400 cd/m2
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Inputs: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort
Pros: Great contrast, immersive curved display.
Cons: Minor ghosting.
The Dell S3422DWG provides an immersive gaming experience with its curved ultrawide display and 1440p resolution. Its 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support ensure smooth gameplay. Minor ghosting is a minor drawback.
Spending Guide & FAQs:
The $200-$300 price range offers excellent value. Cheaper options often compromise quality. Consider resolution, refresh rate, panel type (IPS for color, VA for contrast), and screen size when choosing. G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility is recommended. While many budget monitors advertise HDR, the brightness is often insufficient for true HDR performance. Remember to measure your desk space before purchasing.
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