As display technology matures, the best computer monitors don't have to cost a fortune. That means we're now treated to a great selection of high-quality monitors at lower prices. We've looked through everything you can get right now and found the LG 24GL600F to be the one to beat for under $200.
That LG makes a great monitor should come as no surprise, but that it makes one this good at such a reasonable price is incredible. The 24GL600F has a name you'll forget in an instant but a feature set that ensures it deserves a spot on your desk.
Like most budget monitors, it's limited to 1080p, but that's still absolutely fine at 24 inches. Where this monitor excels is its high refresh rate of 144Hz, AMD FreeSync support, 1ms response time, and low input lag. It's targeted at gamers, and that's where it truly shines, but even for everyday use, it's a joy to look at.
The built-in controls and menus are an absolute breeze to use. Around the back, you've got not only a VESA mount but a mix of HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, located high up on the rear and facing out, so you're never going to need to fumble around just to hook up a cable. Unfortunately, you can't adjust its height or rotation.
The only issue right now is stock, as it's a pretty popular monitor it's hard to get hold of. Amazon is expecting stock from late December, and you can put an order in now to secure one.
Dell has been doing slim bezels on its monitors for a number of years now, and when you're looking for a good 27-incher this is of extra importance to keep the overall package size down.
What you have with the S2721HN is typical Dell fare. A great-looking design with a quality panel and in this case, a fantastic price. To stay under $200 you're limited to 1080p resolution, but it does have a 75Hz refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync, so it's a decent buy as a budget gaming display as well.
Being an IPS panel means better color reproduction and viewing angles, and it's also coated with an anti-glare finish. Inputs are limited to HDMI, but you get two of them at least. Perfect for multi-device setups.
The best thing about this monitor is that it proves you really can have top quality without spending a lot of money. For a hundred bucks, you get a 21.5-inch 1080p panel, housed in a quite stylish-looking body with the stand of particular note. It might well be budget, but you can still route your cables and keep everything looking nice.
It's a compact monitor that will fit in at home or in the office. Sadly, it doesn't have height adjustment, but it does have tilt, and perhaps more impressive for a monitor this affordable is that it has a VESA mount built into the back.
Input-wise, you get HDMI and VGA, as well as a headphone output, and while it's only a 60Hz refresh rate, for the money, this is a lot of monitor.
BenQ's monitors have long been favorites of competitive gamers and esports tournaments, and it's easy to see why. Not only is this an incredibly affordable monitor, but it has a myriad of features that gamers are looking for with reliable performance to back it up.
One of the standout features of this brand has always been a 1ms response time and a 1080p panel that may lack absolute color accuracy but still looks vibrant and pleasing to the eye. You're also now getting a 75Hz refresh rate, making it an easy recommendation to both console and budget PC gamers alike.
But this monitor is designed for the competitive edge through and through. The bezel has been designed to minimize distractions, and the built-in flicker-free technology keeps everything looking sharp and your focus on your games. It would have been nice to get AMD FreeSync included as well, likewise height adjustment, but you do get a VESA mount, and for the price, it's tough to find many better gaming monitors for console players.
Portable monitors are a great addition to your arsenal if you work on a laptop a lot since they're compact and can be stashed in your gear bag without any trouble. They don't take up space, and you get more screen to work with. It's also possible to get a good one without breaking the bank, as this one proves.
The panel itself is 14 inches in size, with a 1080p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. It's got great viewing angles thanks to being IPS, too. It also has multiple inputs, including HDMI, DP, and USB-C, and also takes a USB-C connection for power, too.
The versatility here makes it a fine companion device, and it's perfectly capable of being used with smartphones and game consoles and desktop and laptop PCs. The included case doubles as a kickstand and will keep it nice and safe when you travel.
Choosing the best budget monitor
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The days of sub-par monitors at the more budget end of the market are long gone. As each of the products mentioned here proves, you can spend comfortably under $200 and still get a great monitor with all the features usually reserved for higher-end devices.
Sure, you might be missing out if you're looking for the best of the best, but if you're looking for reliable monitors on which to play games or get some work done, there are plenty of options.
The LG 24GL600F is the best of the bunch, though, ticking virtually every box whether you're a gamer, a professional, or a more casual PC user. It has a great price and tons of features, including 1080p and low input lag, making it a strong all-rounder for virtually any PC user.
