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The price of high-end gaming monitors has skyrocketed, especially those boasting OLED panels, large screens, high refresh rates, and sharp resolutions. However, a surprising number of affordable options deliver excellent image quality and features. This guide highlights the best budget gaming monitors for 2024, balancing performance with cost-effectiveness.
TL;DR – Top Budget Gaming Monitors:
Top Pick: Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor
Best 1080p: Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A
Best 1440p: LG UltraGear 27GN800-B
Best 4K: KTC H27P22S
Best Ultrawide: Dell S3422DWG
Budget monitors might compromise on features like height-adjustable stands or KVM switches, but prioritizing performance and essential needs reveals exceptional value. Beware of excessively cheap monitors; a sub-$100 model may offer short lifespan and eye strain. Our selections prioritize build quality, panel excellence, and gaming features.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Matthew S. Smith
Find current deals on gaming monitors here.
1. Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor – Best Overall
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 exceptional picture quality for its price point (around $330). Its mini-LED backlight with 1152 local dimming zones significantly reduces blooming, resulting in an HDR experience rivaling far more expensive OLEDs without the burn-in risk. It boasts a fast 180Hz refresh rate and accurate colors. While lacking a USB hub and only supporting HDMI 2.0, these trade-offs are justified by its overall performance.
2. Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A – Best Budget 1080p
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 mount.
Cons: No height adjustment, lower pixel density than higher resolution counterparts at this size.
The Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A provides excellent gaming performance at a low price (around $150). Its VA panel delivers deep blacks and wide dynamic range. Features like ELMB and Shadow Boost enhance gameplay. The non-adjustable stand is a drawback, but VESA compatibility allows for aftermarket stand upgrades.
3. LG UltraGear 27GN800-B – Best Budget 1440p
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, Low Framerate Compensation.
Cons: Non-adjustable stand.
The LG UltraGear 27GN800-B offers a significant resolution upgrade to 1440p for under $300. Its accurate colors and 144Hz refresh rate with FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility provide smooth HDR gaming. The lack of a height-adjustable stand is its main drawback, but VESA mounting offers flexibility.
4. KTC H27P22S – Best Budget 4K
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, HDMI 2.1 for consoles, fast refresh rate.
Cons: No USB connectivity, not factory calibrated.
The KTC H27P22D (around $400, often on sale cheaper) demonstrates the advancements in budget 4K gaming. Its 160Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility, and dual HDMI 2.1 ports make it excellent for consoles. While not factory calibrated and lacking a USB hub, its performance outweighs these shortcomings.
5. Dell S3422DWG – Best Ultrawide Budget
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 ultrawide experience. Its 3440x1440 resolution and curved VA panel deliver vibrant visuals. The 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync support ensure smooth gameplay. It also includes a height-adjustable stand and USB hub functionality.
Spending Considerations:
The $200-$300 range offers a good balance of quality and affordability. Understanding resolution, refresh rate, panel type, and screen size helps make informed compromises. 1080p remains budget-friendly, while 1440p offers better value if your budget allows. 4K requires a higher budget and more powerful hardware. Refresh rates generally range from 60Hz to 240Hz, with 144Hz being a good all-around choice. IPS panels excel in motion clarity and color, while VA panels offer superior contrast. Consider screen size relative to resolution and personal preference. G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility is recommended. While many budget monitors advertise HDR, the brightness is often insufficient for a true HDR experience.
FAQs:
- Best Panel Type: IPS for color and response time, VA for contrast (unless a mini-LED backlit IPS is within budget).
- Best Time to Buy: Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, Back to School sales.
- Monitor Size: 24" for 1080p, 27-32" for 1440p, 27" or larger for 4K. Avoid 1080p monitors larger than 27" due to pixel visibility.
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