Looking for the best budget monitor that you can grab in 2019? Well, we’ve made all the research for you and came across some of the best options that are out there right now.
The reason that we’ll be looking at numerous monitors is because each one of them is the best in a certain category like gaming, editing, casual use, you get it. And when we say budget, we mostly look at $200 or less.
We understand that for some of you, 200 bucks is definitely not on the cheap/budget range. But, do understand that those monitors offer the best value for what they do. You’re better off saving a few pennies and getting something a bit more expensive than scraping by to get something slightly cheaper and end up regretting it later. That being said, let’s start!
Best Budget Monitor For Gaming: ViewSonic XG2401
As far as budget gaming monitors go, this is definitely one of the best options out there; if not the best. Yes, the bezels are quite thick and that’s a bummer. But, the advantages that it offers at this price point more than makeup for this.
First of all, you get a refresh rate of 144Hz. If you’re into competitive gaming, then this is definitely a game changer. And the best part? It only asks for 200 bucks or less depending on if you want the ergonomic version or not.
Other than that, it’s 24 inches big which is arguably the sweet spot for gaming and it has a response time of 1ms. That being said, low input lag is a given. As for the resolution, you’re looking at 1080P which is the gold standard for that screen size.
Last, but not least, you also get FreeSync support with a DP port which means that you can use it on both AMD and Nvidia cards that support this kind of technology, sweet.
Overall, if you’re into competitive gaming and you don’t mind the rather thick bezels, this is definitely a very solid choice. Though, do keep in mind that it uses a TN panel. So, if you’re planning on editing pictures and videos, then this may not be the best choice; both because of color accuracy and viewing angles. For the rest of us, it’s not a big deal.
Check out the ViewSonic XG2401 on Amazon
Best Budget Monitor For Casual Use: Acer SB220Q
Gaming in 144Hz is nice and everything. But, not everyone likes or needs gaming, fancy features, big screens, and stuff like that. Some people just want a “normal” monitor to get them through the day for basic usage. So, why spend extra money on something that you don’t need when you can grab the Acer SB220Q for less than 100 bucks?
If you simply want to do things like browse social media and watch a YouTube video every now and then, then this is definitely one of the best budget monitors for casual usage that you can get right now. Thin bezels, sleek design, decent resolution, it has everything you’ll need for that kind of use.
The biggest difference between this one and other monitors in this price range is that it doesn’t simply offer a resolution of 1080P at 21 inches (which is super sharp at this size), but also a refresh rate of 75Hz. So, you can basically also use it for a pleasant gaming experience if your desktop is up to the task.
It also uses an IPS panel which makes it usable for work as well. However, due to the fact that it’s only 21 inches, you may find it tiresome for working and gaming in long periods of time. That is clearly a matter of personal preference. But, just saying.
Check out the Acer SB220Q on Amazon
Best Budget Monitor For Watching Movies: AOC Q3279VWFD8
The AOC Q3279VWFD8 could get our recommendation as the best budget monitor for all kinds of use. However, the huge display that it offers is both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on who you ask.
For an example, those who work 8 hours shifts on their computers may find this a bit tiresome. Same goes for gaming. And for that reason, we’re giving it the title of the best budget monitor for movies.
With a 31-inch IPS panel and a resolution of QHD, this will definitely offer a great experience for watching videos. Though, at about $228, we’re slightly stepping out of our budget range. Still, it’s probably worth it.
Chances are that you can also use it for playing RPG games or something that’s considered a bit cinematic. After all, it offers both a refresh rate of 75Hz and FreeSync. But, again, it may be a bit too tiresome for playing FPS games, working, or anything that requires you to focus on small points.
Check out AOC Q3279VWFD8 on Amazon
Best Monitor For Everything: Acer SB270
Yet another monitor from Asus joins our list. This is pretty much the same monitor that we recommended for casual usage, except it comes with a 27-inch display.
The SB270 is kinda the jack of all trades, master of none. You can use it for gaming, work, casual browsing, and pretty much everything. However, it really only excels for work thanks to its perfectly balanced size and IPS display.
It’s kind of the middle line between everything that we’ve checked out till now. It doesn’t have the monstrous size of AOC, but it’s big enough for entertaining yourself. And it doesn’t offer the crazy refresh rate of the ViewSonic, but it’s still suitable for most kinds of gamers.
However, do keep in mind that it doesn’t offer a DP port. So, Nvidia users won’t be able to get advantage of the FreeSync technology here. After all, it only works through DP ports in Nvidia cards.
Overall, if you want something that can do a little bit of everything, then this one is definitely a great choice.
Check out the Acer SB270 on Amazon
That’s all for now. If you feel like there are other monitors that are worthy of being on this list, then please do let us know about them on the comments section down below!
Leave a Reply