The best budget gaming monitor is the one that's going to level up your setup without breaking the bank. Fortunately, monitor technology has improved drastically in recent years, which means you can now buy some seriously stacked screens for less than ever before.
High refresh rates, low response times, and crisp visuals are all available between $100-$300 these days (sometimes even less), which means you can even buy some of the best monitors for first-person shooters within this price bracket.
Although some features, like OLED technology, do require you to spend a bit more, this guide is here to help with a breakdown of all the best budget displays within each gaming niche.
Quick List: Best Budget Gaming Monitors
- Best budget gaming monitor overall - AOC 25G42E
- Best budget 240Hz gaming monitor - KOORUI GN02
- Best budget 360Hz gaming monitor - Pixio PX259 Prime S
- Best budget 1440p gaming monitor - MSI MAG 27CQ6F
- Best budget curved gaming monitor - Dell S2721HGF
- Best budget OLED gaming monitor - AOC Q27G4ZD
- Best budget 32-inch gaming monitor - KOORUI 32E6QC
Even though high-performance, budget-friendly monitors are becoming more commonplace, the AOC 25G42E still manages to stand out as one of the finest within its 'cheap and cheerful' field. Having tested this one myself, I can confirm it really does punch above its weight.
Key Features:
- 180Hz Refresh Rate: Delivers ultra-smooth visuals, reducing motion blur and making fast-moving enemies easier to track.
- 1ms GtG Response Time (0.5ms MPRT): Ensures near-instant pixel transitions to eliminate ghosting and motion blur during fast-paced action.
- Fast IPS Panel: Combines rapid response with vibrant colors and wide viewing angles—great for both performance and visual immersion.
- Adaptive Sync Technology: Synchronizes refresh rate with your GPU to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering.
- Low Input Lag Mode: Prioritizes responsiveness over visual effects, giving you quicker feedback and an edge in split-second firefights.
- AOC G-Menu Software: Allows in-depth customization of display settings, giving you full control over your gaming experience.
There's more to the 25G42E, too, including HDR10, an ergonomic stand, and more. As a result, this AOC monitor is a very well-rounded, budget-friendly choice for any gaming setup.
If your budget extends a little further, you might want to consider the KOORUI GN02. It's one of the best 240Hz gaming monitors available, yet it costs less than $200 (or £200) at the time of writing.
Key Features:
- 240Hz Refresh Rate & 1ms Response Time: Ensures ultra-smooth motion and sharp visuals for fast-paced competitive gaming.
- Adaptive Sync Technology: Eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for a fluid, lag-free experience.
- DCI-P3 90% & 100% sRGB Color Gamut: Delivers vivid, accurate colors for more immersive gameplay and detailed visuals.
- Built-in FPS, Timer & Crosshair Modes: Adds helpful in-game tools to improve aim, timing, and tactical awareness.
- Ergonomic Tilt & VESA Compatibility: Offers flexible setup and comfort for long gaming sessions or multi-monitor layouts.
- HDMI & DisplayPort Support: Allows high-refresh-rate 1080p output across PCs, consoles, and laptops for versatile gaming setups.
240Hz monitors don't come much cheaper than this. So, if you're seeking a top display for the likes of Warzone or Rainbow Six Siege, the KOORUI GN02 might just be your ticket to more wins.
If speed and smoothness really are paramount to the type of games you play (shooters, racing, etc.), a top 360Hz gaming monitor might be worth forking out for. That said, you won't have to fork out much for the Pixio PX259 Prime S, with it costing less than $300 at the time of writing.
Key Features:
- 360Hz Refresh Rate: Delivers ultra-smooth motion, which is ideal for FPS and competitive gaming where every millisecond matters.
- 1ms GTG Response Time: Minimizes ghosting and motion blur, helping you stay sharp and react instantly in fast-paced scenarios.
- Fast IPS Panel: Combines vibrant color and wide viewing angles of IPS with TN-like speed, giving you the best of both worlds.
- Adaptive Sync Support: Prevents screen tearing and stuttering for a smoother, more consistent gameplay experience.
- Low Latency Design: Built for competitive gamers who need instant feedback and precision in critical moments.
Although it's hard to find a truly budget-friendly 360Hz screen, the PX259 Prime S manages to do a good job of making the high refresh rate more affordable than most.
For some games, a crisp resolution is more important than a high refresh rate—think open-world single-player games like Assassin's Creed Shadows. In which case, it pays to up the picture quality and go for something 1440p or above; a category this MSI MAG 27CQ6F monitor falls into.
Key Features:
- 27” WQHD with 180Hz Refresh Rate: The 2560x1440 resolution and 180Hz refresh rate deliver sharp visuals and ultra-smooth motion, ideal for fast-paced gaming as well as cinematic experiences.
- 0.5ms GtG Response Time: Ultra-low response time minimizes ghosting and motion blur, ensuring crisp action and precise aiming in high-speed scenarios.
- 1500R Curved & Frameless Design: Provides immersive, edge-to-edge viewing that wraps around your field of vision.
- Dynamic Contrast & AI Vision Enhancement: High native and dynamic contrast ratios improve visibility in darker scenes, while AI Vision tech optimizes brightness and detail automatically.
- Versatile Connectivity with HDMI CEC: Offers HDMI 2.0b and DisplayPort 1.4a for smooth performance on both PCs and consoles.
Although resolution isn't always important in gaming, sometimes it's more important than you might think. But, you don't have to spend a fortune to get crystal clear detail—the MSI MAG 27CQ6F proves it.
Although this list already covers a curved monitor or two, the Dell S2721HGF is another solid option to consider in this field, especially considering its ultra-cheap price.
Key Features:
- 144Hz Refresh Rate with 1ms (MPRT) Response Time: Delivers smooth, blur-free visuals that keep fast-paced action crisp and responsive.
- G-Sync Compatible & AMD FreeSync Premium: Reduces screen tearing and stuttering for fluid, uninterrupted gameplay regardless of your GPU.
- 1500R Curved Display: Enhances immersion by wrapping the visuals around your field of view, pulling you deeper into the game.
- Ergonomic Stand (Height & Tilt Adjustable): Lets you game comfortably for long sessions by easily customizing your viewing angle.
- Gaming-Focused OSD Controls: Joystick and shortcut buttons make it quick and easy to adjust settings mid-game without breaking focus.
Though there are bigger, more curved monitors out there, the S2721HGF does a good job of balancing the immersive gaming experience a curved screen brings with an inexpensive price that makes upgrading your gaming setup much, much more affordable.
OLED monitor technology is typically expensive, often costing $500 or more. However, the AOC Q27G4ZD stands out by offering OLED performance at a more affordable price, placing it in the budget-friendly category.
Key Features:
- 240Hz Refresh Rate with 0.03ms GTG Response Time: Delivers ultra-smooth, lightning-fast gameplay with virtually no motion blur.
- OLED Panel Technology: Provides deep blacks, exceptional color accuracy, and instant pixel response for immersive, vivid visuals.
- 1440p Resolution on a 27" Screen: Strikes the perfect balance between sharp detail and screen real estate for both fast-paced and cinematic games.
- HDR10 with Wide Color Gamut: Enhances depth and vibrancy with 110.2% DCI-P3 and 147.6% sRGB coverage, offering richer and more lifelike visuals.
- Optimized for Console Gaming (Up to 120Hz): Maximizes performance on modern consoles with high frame rates and ultra-low input lag.
This is the most expensive monitor on the list, but as mentioned, OLED technology typically comes at a premium. That said, the AOC Q27G4ZD is still more affordable than many of its OLED competitors, making it a relatively budget-friendly option in this category.
If you're looking to upgrade to a larger gaming monitor without overspending, the KOORUI 32E6QC is worth considering. This 1440p ultrawide display offers impressive performance at a budget-friendly price.
Key Features:
- 32" Curved Display (1500R): Offers an immersive field of view that pulls you into the action for more engaging gameplay and cinematic experiences.
- 170Hz Refresh Rate & 1ms Response Time: Ensures ultra-smooth motion with reduced blur, giving a competitive edge in fast-paced shooters.
- 3000:1 Contrast Ratio: Enhances visibility in dark and bright scenes, letting you spot enemies or hidden details with ease.
- Ergonomic Tilt & VESA Mount Support: Offers flexible setup options and comfort for long gaming sessions without neck strain.
- Versatile Connectivity (2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2): Lets you easily connect multiple devices like PC, Xbox, or PlayStation without sacrificing performance.
Although bigger screens aren't always best for FPS action, a 32" monitor still has its place in the gaming world. If you are looking for something in this realm, then make sure you consider the KOORUI 32E6QC before you buy.
Best Budget Gaming Monitors: Factors to Consider When Buying
- Refresh Rate: On a budget, aim for at least 120Hz or 144Hz. Though if you can go higher, it's worth considering spending a little extra.
- Response Time: Look for 1ms to reduce motion blur and ghosting, even on a budget.
- Resolution: 1080p (Full HD) is standard for budget monitors, offering a good balance of quality and performance.
- Panel Type:
- IPS: Typically, better colors and viewing angles
- TN: Usually faster response times, and typically cheaper
- VA: Good contrast, decent all-around performance
- Adaptive Sync: Support for FreeSync (AMD) or G-Sync Compatible (NVIDIA) to eliminate screen tearing.
- Size: 24” to 27” is ideal for most gaming setups without overwhelming desk space.
- Ports: Ensure it has HDMI and DisplayPort for compatibility with your PC or console.
- Ergonomics: Adjustable stands and VESA mount compatibility can improve comfort.
- Build Quality: Durable design and thin bezels are a plus, even on a budget.
Final Thoughts
No matter your budget or gaming style, there's a high-performance monitor out there that won’t drain your wallet. With the right choice, you can elevate your gaming experience without compromising on quality or features.