When looking for a “good cheap gaming monitor,” you’re essentially hunting for that sweet spot where performance meets affordability.

The truth is, a truly “good” monitor doesn’t have to break the bank, especially with the rapid advancements in display technology.

You can absolutely find monitors that offer a smooth gaming experience without emptying your wallet.

The key lies in understanding what specs matter most for gaming and how to prioritize them within a budget. Forget the notion that you need to spend a fortune.

Smart choices can get you a highly capable display for competitive and immersive gaming.

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For a deeper dive into specific recommendations and considerations, check out this guide: Good cheap gaming monitor.

Table of Contents

Understanding the “Cheap” in Cheap Gaming Monitors

When we talk about “cheap” in the context of gaming monitors, we’re not talking about sacrificing quality entirely. Instead, it’s about smart compromises and leveraging the market’s sweet spots. Think of it like a seasoned investor: you’re looking for undervalued assets that deliver disproportionate returns. The average price for a decent entry-level gaming monitor has steadily dropped, with many excellent options now available in the £150-£250 $200-$350 USD range. This wasn’t the case just a few years ago.

What Defines a Budget Gaming Monitor?

A budget gaming monitor, by today’s standards, typically offers a few core features without the premium bells and whistles. You’ll often find:

Resolution: Primarily 1080p Full HD. While 1440p monitors are becoming more accessible, 1080p remains the undisputed king of budget gaming, especially for achieving high frame rates without needing a top-tier GPU. According to Steam’s hardware survey, 1080p continues to be the most common resolution for PC gamers, making up over 60% of all users.
Response Time: Typically 1ms MPRT or 5ms GtG. While 1ms GtG is ideal, 5ms GtG is perfectly acceptable for most budget gamers and significantly cheaper to produce.
Panel Type: Often VA Vertical Alignment or TN Twisted Nematic. IPS panels are becoming more affordable, but VA offers excellent contrast, and TN offers the fastest response times at the lowest cost.
Adaptive Sync: Most budget monitors now include FreeSync AMD and often basic G-Sync Compatibility NVIDIA, crucial for eliminating screen tearing.

The Trade-offs You Might Encounter

To keep costs down, manufacturers make strategic trade-offs. You might not get:

Premium Ergonomics: Expect tilt-only stands, rather than height adjustment, swivel, or pivot.
Advanced HDR: While some budget monitors claim HDR support, it’s often a basic VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, which offers a slight bump but isn’t true HDR.
Ultra-Wide Color Gamut: Colors might not be as vibrant or accurate as professional-grade monitors, though still perfectly fine for gaming.
Integrated USB Hubs or Speakers: These features add cost and are often left out.

The goal isn’t to buy the cheapest monitor possible, but the best value for your money, focusing on the core gaming performance metrics.

Key Specifications to Prioritize

Navigating the world of monitor specs can feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphs, but for a budget gaming monitor, a few key metrics reign supreme.

Focusing on these ensures you get the most bang for your buck without paying for features you don’t need or can’t fully utilize.

Refresh Rate: The Higher, The Smoother

This is arguably the most critical spec for a gaming monitor, even on a budget.

Refresh rate measures how many times per second the display updates its image.

120Hz/144Hz: This is the sweet spot for budget gaming. The jump from 60Hz to 144Hz is immediately noticeable and transformative. It makes gameplay feel incredibly smooth, improves aiming precision, and reduces motion blur. Data shows that professional esports players consistently use monitors with refresh rates of 144Hz or higher. A 2023 survey indicated that over 85% of competitive gamers prefer 144Hz or higher displays.
165Hz/170Hz: These are common increments above 144Hz, often found in slightly newer budget models without a significant price hike. The difference from 144Hz isn’t as dramatic as from 60Hz, but it’s a nice bonus.

Actionable Tip: Don’t settle for anything less than 120Hz. If your budget stretches, aim for 144Hz or 165Hz.

Response Time: Minimizing Ghosting

Response time refers to how quickly a pixel can change from one color to another. Free password manager ios

A low response time is crucial to prevent “ghosting” or “smearing” – blurry trails behind fast-moving objects.

1ms GtG – Grey-to-Grey: This is the gold standard for competitive gaming, particularly found in TN and high-end IPS panels. GtG is a more accurate measurement than MPRT.
5ms GtG: Very common and perfectly acceptable for most budget IPS and VA panels. While not as crisp as 1ms, most casual and even many serious gamers won’t notice a significant difference unless they’re playing at an extremely competitive level.
1ms MPRT – Moving Picture Response Time: This is a measure of motion blur, often achieved using backlight strobing. While it can reduce perceived motion blur, it’s not the same as true pixel response time and can sometimes introduce flicker.

Actionable Tip: Aim for 1ms GtG if possible, but don’t shy away from 5ms GtG, especially if it allows you to get a better refresh rate or panel type within your budget.

Panel Type: Color, Contrast, and Speed

The panel technology fundamentally influences image quality, viewing angles, and response time.

TN Twisted Nematic:
- Pros: Historically the cheapest and fastest response times often true 1ms GtG.
- Cons: Poor viewing angles colors shift dramatically when viewed off-center and generally poorer color reproduction.
- Best for: Pure competitive gamers where every millisecond counts and image quality is secondary. Less common in newer budget models due to IPS advancements.
VA Vertical Alignment:
- Pros: Excellent contrast ratios often 3000:1 or higher, leading to deep blacks and vibrant colors. Good viewing angles. Often found in curved monitors.
- Cons: Slower response times than TN, sometimes exhibiting “black smearing” dark objects leaving trails on dark backgrounds. Newer VA panels have significantly improved response times.
- Best for: Immersive, single-player games where contrast and visuals are key, and competitive speed isn’t the absolute top priority. Increasingly popular in budget gaming.
IPS In-Plane Switching:
- Pros: Superior color accuracy and wide viewing angles. Generally considered the best all-around panel for image quality.
- Cons: Traditionally slower response times than TN, and lower contrast ratios than VA though improvements are constant. Can suffer from “IPS glow” light leakage at corners.
- Best for: Gamers who want a balance of speed and beautiful visuals, or those who also use their monitor for content creation or media consumption. Modern budget IPS panels offer great value.

Actionable Tip: For budget gaming, VA and IPS panels offer the best value. Choose VA for deep blacks and immersive single-player experiences, or IPS for vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. Only consider TN if you are a purely competitive gamer on a shoestring budget.

Resolution: 1080p Reigns Supreme on a Budget

While 1440p and 4K monitors are captivating, 1080p 1920×1080 remains the most practical and cost-effective resolution for budget gaming.

Why 1080p?
- GPU Demand: Driving games at 1080p requires significantly less graphical horsepower than 1440p or 4K. This means you can achieve higher frame rates with a more affordable graphics card. For example, a mid-range GPU like an RTX 3050 or RX 6600 can comfortably hit 100+ FPS in many games at 1080p, but would struggle at 1440p.
- Price: 1080p monitors are inherently cheaper to produce.
- Screen Size Sweet Spot: At common budget sizes 24-27 inches, 1080p looks perfectly sharp and clear. Going higher than 27 inches with 1080p might start to show individual pixels pixel density issue, but for 24-inch, it’s ideal.
Consider 1440p QHD: If your budget allows for a slightly more powerful GPU e.g., RTX 3060/4060 or RX 6700XT/7700XT and you can stretch your monitor budget to around £250-£350 $350-$450 USD, a 1440p 144Hz monitor offers a significant visual upgrade. However, for a strict “cheap” definition, 1080p is your best bet.

Actionable Tip: Stick to 1080p for budget gaming monitors. This allows you to maximize refresh rate and response time without overspending on your GPU.

Adaptive Sync: Tearing Elimination on a Budget

Screen tearing is an annoying visual artifact where the display shows parts of multiple frames simultaneously, resulting in a horizontally broken image.

Adaptive Sync technologies solve this by synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate. Free public proxy

FreeSync vs. G-Sync

AMD FreeSync:
- Open Standard: FreeSync is an open-source, royalty-free standard, making it widely adopted across a vast range of monitors, especially budget-friendly ones.
- Compatibility: Works with AMD Radeon graphics cards. Many FreeSync monitors also offer basic G-Sync Compatibility with NVIDIA GeForce cards GTX 10-series and newer, though performance can vary.
NVIDIA G-Sync:
- Proprietary Module: True G-Sync monitors contain a proprietary NVIDIA hardware module, which adds significant cost to the monitor.
- Compatibility: Works only with NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards. Offers guaranteed performance and features.

Actionable Tip: Look for monitors with FreeSync Premium. Most budget gaming monitors will have this, and it generally works well with both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs. If you have an NVIDIA card, check reviews specifically mentioning its G-Sync Compatibility performance with that model. This feature is almost non-negotiable for a smooth gaming experience.

The Optimal Screen Size for Budget Gaming

Choosing the right screen size is crucial for comfort, immersion, and pixel density, especially when sticking to a budget resolution like 1080p.

24-inch: The Budget Sweet Spot

Pros:
- Pixel Density: At 1080p, a 24-inch monitor provides a pixel density of roughly 92 PPI pixels per inch. This is considered ideal for 1080p, offering a sharp, clear image where individual pixels are not easily discernible at a typical viewing distance.
- Affordability: 24-inch monitors are generally the cheapest to produce and buy, offering excellent value.
- Competitive Gaming: Many esports professionals prefer 24-inch monitors for their ability to keep the entire display within their field of view, minimizing eye movement and maximizing reaction time.
Cons: Can feel a bit small for immersive cinematic experiences compared to larger screens.

27-inch: A Step Up with a Caveat for 1080p

*   Immersion: A larger screen enhances immersion for single-player games and media consumption.
*   Productivity: More screen real estate for multitasking.

Cons:
- Pixel Density at 1080p: At 27 inches, 1080p resolution results in a pixel density of approximately 81 PPI. This is where some users might start to notice individual pixels or a “screen-door effect,” especially if they sit close to the monitor. Text can appear less sharp.
- Price: Generally more expensive than 24-inch models.

Actionable Tip: For a “good cheap gaming monitor,” 24-inch 1080p is the absolute best value. If you want a 27-inch monitor, strongly consider stretching your budget to a 1440p resolution to maintain pixel density and sharpness. Avoid 27-inch 1080p unless you prioritize screen size above all else and are not bothered by slightly less sharp visuals.

Brands and Models to Watch For

The budget gaming monitor market is fiercely competitive, which is great news for consumers.

Several brands consistently deliver excellent value.

While specific model recommendations can change frequently due to new releases and stock, these brands are generally reliable.

Reputable Budget Brands

AOC: A long-standing player in the monitor space, AOC offers a wide range of budget to mid-range gaming monitors. Their G2 series e.g., AOC 24G2SPU/BK is often cited as a benchmark for affordable IPS gaming. They typically offer good value, solid build quality, and competitive specs.
BenQ Zowie: While Zowie is BenQ’s esports-focused sub-brand and often pricier, BenQ’s main line occasionally offers great budget options. Known for quality control and features designed for eye comfort.
Acer: Their Nitro and Predator lines though Predator is more premium frequently have excellent budget gaming monitors. Models like the Acer Nitro XV240Y P or XV272U RV often hit the sweet spot for price-to-performance. Acer is known for aggressive pricing and good feature sets.
MSI: A well-known gaming brand, MSI has made significant inroads into the monitor market. Their Optix series, particularly the MSI Optix G241 or G271, are popular budget choices, often offering good IPS panels with high refresh rates.
Gigabyte: Relatively newer to the monitor game but quickly gained a reputation for delivering great specs at competitive prices. Their M-series e.g., Gigabyte M27Q for 1440p, or G24F/G27F for 1080p are highly regarded. They often pack features found in more expensive monitors into budget-friendly packages.
Dell Alienware: While Alienware is premium, Dell’s main monitor line sometimes has excellent sales on their gaming-oriented models. They are known for robust build quality and excellent customer service. Keep an eye out for their S-series gaming monitors.
ViewSonic: Another established monitor brand that has a solid lineup of budget gaming monitors, often offering good color accuracy and reliability. Their XG series can be a good choice.

What to Look for When Researching Specific Models

Reviews: Always check independent reviews from reputable tech sites e.g., Rtings.com, PCGamer, TechRadar and user reviews on retailer sites Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy. Look for comments on backlight bleed, ghosting, and build quality.
Sale Events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day, and local holiday sales are prime opportunities to snag a fantastic deal. Monitor prices fluctuate significantly.
Refurbished/Open Box: Reputable retailers often offer refurbished or open-box monitors at a significant discount. Ensure they come with a warranty.

Example Models Prices and availability vary greatly by region and time:

AOC 24G2SPU/BK 24-inch, 1080p, 165Hz IPS, 1ms MPRT, FreeSync Premium: Often considered one of the best budget gaming monitors, offering excellent colors and viewing angles for its price.
Acer Nitro XV240Y P 24-inch, 1080p, 165Hz IPS, 1ms VRB, FreeSync Premium: Another strong contender with similar specs, frequently on sale.
MSI Optix G241 24-inch, 1080p, 144Hz IPS, 1ms MPRT, FreeSync Premium: Solid all-around performer with good build quality.

Remember, the “best” monitor is subjective and depends on your specific needs and budget.

Researching current deals and reading multiple reviews is key. Free password manager for android

Optimizing Your Cheap Gaming Monitor

Getting a good cheap gaming monitor is just the first step.

To truly maximize its performance and ensure a smooth, enjoyable gaming experience, a few optimization steps are crucial.

These tips can help you squeeze every last drop of performance from your budget setup.

Calibrate Your Display Settings

Out of the box, most monitors aren’t perfectly calibrated.

Taking a few minutes to adjust settings can significantly improve image quality.

Brightness and Contrast: Adjust these to suit your room’s lighting. Too bright can strain your eyes, too dim can hide details. Look for a monitor calibration guide online e.g., using Windows Color Management or a free calibration tool.
Color Temperature: Many monitors default to a cooler bluer temperature. A warmer setting e.g., 6500K is generally more accurate and comfortable for long sessions.
Gamma: This affects the overall brightness of mid-tones. Adjusting it can bring out details in shadows or highlights.
Overdrive/Response Time Setting: Most gaming monitors have an “overdrive” setting to reduce ghosting. Experiment with different levels. Too high can introduce “inverse ghosting” or “overshoot” white halos around moving objects. Start with a medium setting and test in games.

Enable Adaptive Sync FreeSync/G-Sync

This is a non-negotiable step for tear-free gaming.

For AMD Users FreeSync:
1. Ensure your monitor’s OSD On-Screen Display has FreeSync enabled often called “Adaptive Sync” or “VRR”.
2. Open AMD Radeon Software.
3. Go to Gaming > Display.
4. Enable Radeon FreeSync.
For NVIDIA Users G-Sync Compatible:
1. Ensure your monitor’s OSD has FreeSync enabled.
2. Connect your monitor using a DisplayPort cable HDMI typically doesn’t support G-Sync Compatible. Free dns proxy
3. Open NVIDIA Control Panel.
4. Go to Display > Set up G-SYNC.
5. Check Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible.
6. Select your monitor and check Enable settings for the selected display model.
7. Go to Manage 3D settings > Vertical sync and set it to Off some prefer Fast for minimal input lag.
8. It’s usually recommended to cap your in-game FPS slightly below your monitor’s maximum refresh rate e.g., 141 FPS for a 144Hz monitor to stay within the FreeSync range.

Set the Correct Refresh Rate in Windows

Windows often defaults to 60Hz even if your monitor supports higher.

Windows 10/11:
1. Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings.
2. Scroll down and click Advanced display settings. Free password manager
3. Under Refresh rate, select your monitor’s maximum supported refresh rate e.g., 144Hz, 165Hz.

Update Graphics Drivers

Always keep your graphics drivers up to date.

Both AMD and NVIDIA regularly release driver updates that include performance optimizations and bug fixes for games and display technologies.

AMD: Download from the official AMD website.
NVIDIA: Download from the official NVIDIA website or use GeForce Experience.

Manage In-Game Settings

Even with a high refresh rate monitor, if your PC can’t push enough frames, you won’t get the full benefit.

Prioritize Frame Rate: In demanding games, lower graphics settings like shadows, anti-aliasing, and post-processing effects to achieve a stable frame rate that matches or exceeds your monitor’s refresh rate.
Full Screen Mode: Always play games in exclusive full-screen mode if available, as it often provides better performance and lower input lag compared to borderless windowed mode.
V-Sync: Turn off V-Sync in games if you are using FreeSync/G-Sync Compatible, as V-Sync can introduce input lag.

By following these steps, you can ensure your good cheap gaming monitor performs at its peak, providing a smooth and responsive gaming experience without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 144Hz monitor good for gaming?

Yes, absolutely.

A 144Hz monitor is considered the sweet spot for gaming, offering a significant upgrade in smoothness and responsiveness compared to a standard 60Hz display.

This higher refresh rate reduces motion blur and makes gameplay feel much more fluid, giving you a competitive edge.

Can I get a 144Hz monitor for cheap?

Yes, you can.

Many reputable brands offer excellent 144Hz or even 165Hz monitors in the £150-£250 $200-$350 USD range, especially at 1080p resolution with VA or IPS panels. Sales events can further drop these prices. Forbes subscription discount

Is 1ms response time necessary for gaming?

While 1ms GtG Grey-to-Grey response time is ideal for competitive esports, 5ms GtG is perfectly acceptable for most casual and even many serious gamers.

The difference between 1ms and 5ms is often imperceptible to the average eye and won’t significantly impact your gaming experience unless you’re a top-tier pro.

Is 1080p good enough for gaming in 2024?

Yes, 1080p Full HD remains an excellent and practical resolution for gaming, especially for budget setups.

It’s less demanding on your GPU, allowing you to achieve higher frame rates, and 1080p monitors are significantly more affordable.

For 24-inch screens, 1080p provides a perfectly sharp image.

What is the best screen size for a cheap gaming monitor?

For a cheap gaming monitor, 24-inch is generally the best screen size when paired with 1080p resolution. It offers optimal pixel density around 92 PPI, keeping the image sharp and clear, and is typically the most affordable option.

Should I get an IPS, VA, or TN panel for budget gaming?

For budget gaming, IPS and VA panels offer the best value.

IPS: Provides wide viewing angles and excellent color accuracy, great for immersive games and general use.
VA: Offers superior contrast and deeper blacks, perfect for cinematic single-player games, but can sometimes have “black smearing.”
TN: Historically cheapest and fastest but has poor viewing angles and color reproduction, less common now in newer budget models.

What is FreeSync and do I need it?

FreeSync is AMD’s adaptive synchronization technology that eliminates screen tearing and stuttering by synchronizing your monitor’s refresh rate with your GPU’s frame rate. Yes, you absolutely need it.

It’s widely available on budget monitors and significantly improves the smoothness of your gaming experience, regardless of whether you have an AMD or NVIDIA GPU as many FreeSync monitors are G-Sync Compatible.

Can I use a FreeSync monitor with an NVIDIA graphics card?

Yes, many FreeSync monitors are now officially or unofficially “G-Sync Compatible.” To enable it, you’ll typically need to connect via DisplayPort, enable FreeSync in your monitor’s OSD, and then enable G-Sync Compatible in the NVIDIA Control Panel. Performance can vary between models. Free vpn to watch netflix

What’s the difference between 1ms GtG and 1ms MPRT?

1ms GtG Grey-to-Grey: Measures the actual time it takes for a pixel to change from one shade of grey to another. This is a measure of pixel response speed.
1ms MPRT Moving Picture Response Time: Measures motion blur and is often achieved using backlight strobing, which rapidly turns the backlight on and off to reduce perceived motion blur. It doesn’t mean the pixels are actually changing colors in 1ms. GtG is generally a more important metric for true pixel speed.

Are curved monitors good for budget gaming?

Curved monitors are more common with VA panels and can offer a more immersive experience, especially for single-player games, by wrapping the image around your field of view.

While they were once premium, many budget VA panels now come in curved variants without a significant price premium. It’s a matter of personal preference.

Do I need HDR for a good cheap gaming monitor?

No, true HDR is not typically found on cheap gaming monitors.

While many budget monitors claim “HDR support” or have “VESA DisplayHDR 400” certification, this is a very basic form of HDR and doesn’t offer the deep contrast or wide color gamut of true HDR displays.

Focus on refresh rate, response time, and panel type instead.

What cables do I need for a gaming monitor?

For high refresh rates 120Hz+ at 1080p or 1440p, you’ll typically need a DisplayPort DP cable. While some HDMI 2.0 ports can support 1080p 144Hz, DisplayPort is generally preferred for gaming monitors as it often supports higher bandwidth and G-Sync Compatible features.

How much should I spend on a cheap gaming monitor?

You can find excellent value in the £150-£250 $200-$350 USD range. This budget allows for 1080p resolution, 144Hz+ refresh rate, and good IPS or VA panel quality with adaptive sync.

What brands make good cheap gaming monitors?

Reputable brands known for good value in budget gaming monitors include AOC, Acer, MSI, Gigabyte, and ViewSonic. Dell also occasionally has good sales on their gaming-oriented models.

Is a 75Hz monitor good enough for gaming?

While 75Hz is a slight improvement over 60Hz and certainly better than nothing, it’s generally not considered “good enough” for serious or competitive gaming if your PC can push higher frame rates. For only a small jump in price, you can usually find 120Hz or 144Hz monitors, which offer a much more significant and noticeable improvement in smoothness.

Can I use a TV as a cheap gaming monitor?

You can use a TV for casual gaming, but it’s generally not recommended as a primary gaming monitor for PC. TVs typically have much higher input lag, slower response times, and lower refresh rates usually 60Hz compared to dedicated gaming monitors, leading to a less responsive and blurrier experience. Founders edition 4080 super

What is backlight bleed and should I worry about it on a cheap monitor?

Backlight bleed is when light from the monitor’s backlight leaks through the edges or corners of the screen, visible as lighter patches, especially on dark backgrounds.

It’s common to some degree on many IPS and VA panels, including budget ones.

A small amount is usually acceptable, but excessive backlight bleed can be distracting.

Check reviews for specific models, as some units might have it worse than others.

Does a cheap gaming monitor affect my PC’s performance?

No, the monitor itself does not affect your PC’s raw processing performance CPU/GPU. However, if you choose a monitor with a higher resolution e.g., 1440p or refresh rate than your PC can comfortably drive, you won’t be able to achieve the desired frame rates or resolution in games, which can lead to a less optimal gaming experience.

How important are ergonomics for a budget gaming monitor?

On a budget, monitor ergonomics are often the first feature sacrificed. Most cheap monitors will come with a basic stand that only allows for tilt adjustment. While full ergonomic stands height, swivel, pivot are beneficial for comfort, they add cost. If ergonomics are important, consider investing in a VESA-compatible monitor and purchasing an affordable aftermarket monitor arm.

Where can I find the best deals on cheap gaming monitors?

Keep an eye on major online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, and your local electronics stores.

Major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day are excellent times to find significant discounts.

Price comparison websites can also help track deals. Firestick nordvpn

Good cheap gaming monitor