In the world of digital work and gaming, a quality monitor doesn’t have to drain your wallet. The right budget monitor can elevate your viewing experience, offering crisp visuals and vibrant colors without the premium price tag. Whether you’re editing, gaming, or just streaming your favorite shows, finding a monitor that balances performance and cost is key. This guide explores the best budget monitors, proving that high quality can come without a high cost.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A
HP OMEN 27u 4K Gaming Monitor
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Updated on June 24, 2025 by Elvis Shida: We replaced the Alienware AW2524H Gaming Monitor with the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A because it is cheaper and offers better picture quality with a 1440p resolution while still maintaining great gaming performance. Plus, we’ve expanded our buying advice with quick-fire recommendations to help you find the perfect monitor quickly.
Game Rant’s Best Budget Monitors
Acer Nitro XV320QU Gaming Monitor
Acer Nitro XV320QU is a gaming monitor that supports WQHD resolution at 2560 x 1440 pixels. It has a large 31.5-inch display panel with In-Plane Switching technology. The maximum refresh rate supported by the monitor is 165 Hz, which is available via the DisplayPort connection.
Meet the best overall budget monitor, the Acer Nitro XV320QU. This monitor stands out with its impressive blend of features that are hard to find at this price point. Sporting a WQHD resolution and a high 165Hz refresh rate, it’s tailored for gamers seeking fluid gameplay without breaking the bank. Its AMD FreeSync Premium support ensures that frame tearing and stuttering are things of the past, providing a smooth, immersive gaming experience.
Despite its many strengths, the Acer Nitro XV320QU is not without its drawbacks. Some have noted issues with brightness, suggesting that it may require adjustment out of the box for the ideal viewing experience. However, considering its overall performance and affordability, it stands as a testament to what the best overall budget monitors can offer.
CRUA 27" Curved Gaming Monitor
The CRUA 27" curved gaming monitor is a 1920 x 1080 resolution display designed to enhance the gaming experience. With a 165Hz refresh rate and 1 ms (GTG) response time, it provides smooth visuals. Its modern design features an 1800R curvature for reduced head movement, ultra-thin bezels on three sides, and a stable V-shaped base.The display supports a 99% sRGB color gamut and includes Flicker-free technology and a blue light filter for comfortable all-day viewing.
Getting your first ever monitor? The CRUA 27" Curved Gaming Monitor is a perfect entry into the budget gaming monitor market. Its FHD resolution and high refresh rate making it a standout choice for gamers on a budget. Its 1800R curvature immerses players in a panoramic viewing experience, enhancing the realism and depth of any game. The monitor’s support for a broad color spectrum and eye-care technologies also ensures a comfortable gaming session, even during long hours.
The CRUA 27" does have some quirks, such as screen inconsistencies reported by some users. However, its overall value for money, ease of installation, and solid performance for gaming make it a top pick for those entering the world of gaming monitors. This balance of quality and affordability is why we consider it the best entry-level budget monitor for gamers looking to enhance their setup without breaking the bank.
LG 27" Ultragear OLED (27GR95QE-B)
The LG 27-inch Ultragear OLED 27GR95QE-B is part of LG’s latest and greatest OLED offerings. It targets enthusiast gamers with its 240Hz refresh rate and bleeding edge 0.03ms response times on a QHD OLED panel that delivers the goods on gaming and then some. With excellent color reproduction and HDR support out of the box, the LG 27GR95QE-B OLED monitor is worth a look if players are looking for a premium display option in 2024.
The LG 27" Ultragear OLED (27GR95QE-B) sets a new standard for budget-friendly OLED monitors. With its QHD resolution on a 26.5" OLED display, this monitor delivers unparalleled picture quality for gaming and professional use. Its 0.03ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate make it a top choice for esports enthusiasts and hardcore gamers alike, offering silky-smooth gameplay without any lag or ghosting.
There are some considerations to be had with this budget OLED monitor. It has a few drawbacks, such as the lack of built-in speakers and the need for potential calibration. However, that doesn’t detract from the fact that the LG 27GR95QE-B excels in providing a premium OLED viewing experience. Its deep blacks and impressive HDR implementation stand out, especially for those seeking immersive gaming and content creation. This is why it’s dubbed the best budget OLED monitor for those who crave high-end performance at a more accessible price point.
Sceptre 32 inch Curved 2K Gaming Monitor
The Sceptre 32-inch curved 2K gaming monitor features a 1500R curvature, offering an immersive gaming experience that enhances the player’s situational awareness. It comes with QHD resolution (2560 x 1440), delivering vivid colors and sharp clarity. The monitor supports up to a 165Hz refresh rate through DisplayPort and 144Hz through HDMI ports, ensuring smooth gameplay and quick frame transitions.Equipped with HDR400, the monitor provides enhanced dynamic contrast with brighter colors and deeper dark tones. The luminous back cover lights add a modern touch with colorful LED illumination. With 1ms Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT), it limits ghosting considerably versus the competition.
Looking for a curved option within your budget? The Sceptre 32-inch Curved 2K Gaming Monitor is a game-changer for budget-conscious gamers seeking immersion and performance. With its QHD resolution and up to 165Hz refresh rate, this monitor brings out the best in high-action games, offering sharp, vivid visuals that keep you in the heart of the action. The 1500R curvature wraps around your field of view, enhancing the depth of gaming worlds and making every session more immersive.
Despite a few limitations, such as the need for a DisplayPort connection to unlock the highest refresh rate, the monitor’s overall quality, including HDR400 and dynamic LED backlighting, impresses many. Customers rave about the brightness, vibrant colors, and the substantial size that elevates gaming and viewing experiences alike. It’s these features that solidify the Sceptre 32-inch as the best budget curved monitor for gamers who want to dive deep into their games without diving deep into their wallets.
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A offers a fantastic combination of sharp 1440p resolution and a buttery smooth 180Hz refresh rate for a price that won’t break the bank. It’s ideal for gamers who prioritize value without sacrificing performance or image quality.
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A represents a remarkable value for those looking for a high-quality gaming monitor. It’s not only affordable, but it also ticks the right boxes for high-performance gaming, with a 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and FreeSync Premium VRR to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. It’s excellent for highly competitive games and even has a backlight strobing feature to further remove motion blur and improve clarity in the most fast-paced scenes.
At 27 inches, the 1440p produces sharp and detailed images, and it’s also not as demanding on your graphics card as 4K displays, making it ideal to pair with a mid-range PC build. While the display supports HDR10 for improving contrast and color depth, it doesn’t get bright enough to make highlights pop. However, the overall picture quality is still decent and noticeably better for users upgrading from a 1080p or cheaper monitor.
The VG27AQ3A includes both HDMI and DisplayPort for easy connection to your PC or gaming laptop. It offers different options to adjust the viewing angle of the screen, but those looking to adjust the height should consider adding amonitor arm. For under $300, the TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A is an incredible offering for budget-minded users.
The HP OMEN 27u 4K Gaming Monitor is an excellent IPS panel that offers an excellent 4K resolution coupled with up to 120Hz on HDMI or 144Hz on DP connections. It allows gamers to experience video games at the maximum fidelity possible.
The HP OMEN 27u 4K Gaming Monitor is a game-changer for budget-conscious gamers looking for a high-quality 4K monitor. Its 27-inch IPS panel delivers breathtaking 4K clarity, ensuring every detail of your game is sharply rendered. Coupled with a 1ms GTG time and the capability to reach up to 144Hz refresh rate via DisplayPort, this monitor is designed to keep up with the fast-paced action of any game. HDR support and AMD Freesync Premium Pro further enhance the gaming experience, offering vibrant colors and smooth, tear-free gameplay.
While the monitor excels in delivering premium features at a budget, it’s important to note the high refresh rate is exclusive to DisplayPort connections, and achieving the full 4K 144Hz experience requires a robust gaming setup. Nonetheless, many rave about its quality, value, and flawless performance, solidifying its position as the best 4K budget monitor for gamers.
Choosing the Best Budget Monitor
There’s no shortage of budget-friendly monitors, but not all will meet your needs and quality expectations. Some monitors in this price range have quality control issues and typical display issues like backlight bleed. We recommend going with an IPS panel when the budget allows and prioritizing reputable brands like ASUS. Unless you want a really cheap monitor for esports, avoid TN monitors for everyday work and productivity.
The Acer Nitro XV320QU Gaming Monitor is an excellent monitor for anyone looking for a budget-friendly display. It has a large, sharp display with vibrant colors and plenty of gaming features, including a high refresh rate, making it suitable for gaming, work, and everyday use. If the Acer is still out of your price range, the CRUA 27" Curved Gaming Monitor is a more affordable, all-purpose alternative. It has a lower 1080p resolution but is still plenty sharp for work and features solid gaming features.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Budget Monitor
Picking the right budget monitor involves balancing performance, quality, and cost. These final tips aim to help you navigate through the vast array of options, ensuring you make an informed decision that meets your needs.
Resolution and Panel Type
Opting for at least Full HD resolution and IPS panel technology is crucial for clear, vibrant visuals. These features are fundamental for both productivity tasks and entertainment, offering a compromise between affordability and image quality.
Refresh Rate and Response Time
For gamers and dynamic content enthusiasts, a monitor with a higher refresh rate and lower response time can significantly enhance the experience. These specs are key to smooth, lag-free viewing, making them worth considering even in budget models.
Connectivity Options
A monitor’s versatility is often determined by its range of connectivity options. Look for models with multiple ports (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB) to ensure compatibility with all your devices, maximizing the value of your investment.
FAQ
Q: Can budget monitors be good for gaming?
Absolutely, many budget monitors offer high refresh rates and low response times, making them great for gaming without a hefty price tag.
Q: What resolution should I look for in a budget monitor?
Aim for at least 1080p (Full HD) to ensure clear and sharp visuals, even in budget models.
Q: Can budget monitors be used for professional work?
Definitely, many budget monitors have the specs and features needed for professional tasks like coding, design, and video editing.
