9 Top Picks
4 Reviewers
30 Hours of Research
30 Options Considered
Are you looking for the best gaming monitors, but a tight budget restricts you?
If you are a gaming enthusiast, it matters a lot the type of monitor you choose for your gaming. It will help a lot if the monitor has high refresh rates and resolution. This allows you to get the best picture quality and transitions. Your choice of a monitor can make the difference between you winning or losing the game.
The best gaming monitors under 200 may not offer the best refresh time and resolutions in the market. However, that doesn't mean you cannot enjoy an exceptionally immersive gaming experience while working on a budget. There are even some excellent finds under 100 bucks. Anyway, a gaming monitor on a budget could easily satisfy all your needs.
How do you ensure you get an excellent budget monitor? Don't fret as we got you covered!
Why should you trust us? We do all the testing so that you don't have to go through the trouble. In this review you can find great gaming monitors with a good balance between money and quality. Here are some of the best budget monitors:
3 Top Gaming Monitors Under 200 USD
1. [Best Gaming Monitor Under 200 USD Overall]
4.9/5
During our testing, we gave the nod to the Asus VG248QG as the best gaming monitor under 200 for various reasons.
For starters, the monitor comes in a 24-inch screen size. Although the display is not the largest in the market, it still offers you a wide range of viewing angles to take your gaming to the next level.
2. [Best For The Money] Sceptre 20" 1600x900 75Hz Ultra Thin LED Monitor
4.8/5
The Sceptre gaming monitor is also an excellent option if you want smooth gaming but working on a tight budget.
The gaming monitor features adaptive sync, which is a technology that closes the gap between the refresh rate offered by the monitor and its graphics card. The technology comes in handy in preventing image tearing and stuttering.
3. [Best For The High-Quality Images] Sceptre Curved 27" 75Hz LED Monitor
4.7/5
If you are still in the market for the best gaming monitors under 200, the Sceptre Curved 27 inch screen size monitor is a perfect pick in this price range.
The curved monitor offers a 75Hz refresh rate, which combines with a fast response time, which eliminates image blurring and ghosting.
What is the Right Gaming Monitor Under $200 for You?
The best gaming monitors under 200 should offer you a decent gaming experience if you are working on a tight budget and want a monitor with an affordable price. On the other hand, if you are not, you can pick one for under 300, under 400, or under 500 bucks.
The monitor should be of a decent size to ensure you have wide viewing angles to make your gaming enjoyable. It will also help if you ensure the monitor has the best possible refresh rate and resolution.
If you buy a monitor at 200, ensure that you have everything in the box. With that, you don't have to undergo further costs while buying the missing items. Check that you have the cables that you need and the stand if you will not mount the monitor on the wall.
So, what are the best gaming monitors under 200? Here is our detailed and comprehensive list.
9 Best Gaming Monitor Under 200 USD Reviews
[Best Gaming Monitor Under 200 USD Overall]
4.9/5
During our testing, we gave the nod to the Asus VG248QG as the best gaming monitor under 200 for various reasons.
For starters, the monitor comes in a 24-inch monitor size. Although the display is not the largest in the market, it still offers you a wide range of viewing angles to take your gaming to the next level. It helps you enjoy best image quality irrespective of whether you look at the screen from above, below, or sides.
The wide viewing angles combined with the monitor's ergonomic design ensures your comfort is guaranteed as you play your games.
This monitor for gaming comes with a height-adjustable stand, and you can also tilt and swivel it to your comfort. Thus, you can continue gaming for the longest time without straining.
The monitor is also VESA compatible, which allows you to mount the monitor on the wall. Mounting the gaming monitor on the wall not only gives you comfort but also secures the monitor to minimize the risk of falling off and breaking. It is also a better option if you have limited space on your desk.
In terms of refresh rate, this specific monitor offers you an impressive 165Hz refresh rate, and it also supports a 144Hz refresh rate. That, combined with the 5ms response time, ensures you enjoy smooth gameplay and reduces screen tearing risk.
One of the major concerns for any casual gamer or a competitive gamer while looking for a monitor is eye safety. Since you'll be spending a lot of time in front of the screen, you need to be sure it won't be harmful to your eyes.
The Asus gaming monitor is one of the best you can get in the market in terms of safety. It features a flicker-free eye care technology and also a blue light filter, which reduces eye fatigue.
With the NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility, you can enjoy smooth gaming free from screen tearing and stutter. It also features exclusive Gameplus and GameVisual functions that enhance the color performance for the best colors.
You also enjoy flexible connectivity as this great gaming monitor comes with a lot of USB ports like an HDMI port, Displayport, and dual-link DVI-D port.
Asus VG248QG 24” Gaming Monitor Pros
Asus VG248QG 24” Gaming Monitor Cons
[Best for the Money]
4.8/5
The Sceptre gaming monitor is also an excellent option if you want smooth gaming but working on a tight budget.
The gaming monitor features adaptive sync, which is a technology that closes the gap between the refresh rate offered by the monitor and its graphics card. The technology comes in handy in preventing image tearing and stuttering.
Additionally, unlike many of its competitors, this great gaming monitor comes with built-in speakers that enhance your experiences. With the office level audio, you can hear the gunshots, engine revs, and other sounds in the game. You can also use the monitor to listen to your favorite tunes and use it for conference calls and meetings.
The 75Hz refresh rate also supports newer gaming technologies. The refresh rate and the 5 ms response time ensure a faster and smoother change of images, which reduces tearing on your on screen display. It also has low input lag mode.
It also comes with 2 HDMI ports (convertibles to DVI), enabling you to connect the monitor to your computer and other devices
Plus, the 20 inches LED HD+ screen features 1600 x 900 high resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio, ensuring clear images. It also has an excellent contrast ratio.
You can mount the screen on the wall as it is VESA compatible. This helps to secure the screen and also saves you space on your desk.
This monitor is feature packed, because it offers a lot of other features besides the ones that are listed and is the best budget gaming monitor.
Sceptre 20" 1600x900 75Hz Ultra Thin LED Monitor Pros
Sceptre 20" 1600x900 75Hz Ultra Thin LED Monitor Cons
[Best for the High-Quality Images]
4.7/5
If you are still in the market for the best gaming monitors under 200, the Sceptre Curved 27 inch screen size monitor is a perfect pick in this price range.
The curved monitor offers a 75Hz refresh rate, which combines with a fast response time, which eliminates image blurring and ghosting. As such, you can focus on every detail of the game, which helps put the enemy at bay.
The thin bezels also qualifies the monitor as the best affordable monitor for competitive gaming. The edgeless slim design helps you immerse yourself in the action with high-quality images that the 1080p resolution and 75Hz refresh rate offer.
You also enjoy connection flexibility as the screen features one VGA and one HDMI port, making it possible to connect various devices.
It also comes with speakers that offer smooth and robust audio, which makes your gaming fun.
The blue light shifting reduces the blue light emissions. Thus, you can play your game or watch content on this great monitor for an extended period without straining your eyes.
Additionally, it features a tiltable display that allows you to tilt the monitor forward or backward for the most comfortable setup.
Plus, the 1800R curved display matches the human field of vision. Thus, you enjoy motion clarity and a wide field of view that allows you to immerse yourself fully in the game.
Sceptre Curved 27" 75Hz LED Monitor Pros
Sceptre Curved 27" 75Hz LED Monitor Cons
The 21.5 inches screen size, full HD Asus VP228QG also makes it in our list as one of the best gaming screens under $200.
With the 1920 x 1080 resolution, you can expect the most accurate colors that guarantee clarity of images. As such, there is no possibility that you'll miss any details on the screen. You can even spot the enemy hiding in some dark corners.
It also features a 75Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. This ensures smooth transitioning of images and prevents screen tearing, which helps to enhance your gaming. It also comes with adaptive sync and free sync, closing the gap between your monitor's graphics card and the refresh rate for the most accurate images.
If you are looking for a monitor that guarantees the safety of your eyes, the Asus VP228QG is the right model for you. It comes with the Asus eye care technology that reduces blue light emissions and also eliminates flickering. Therefore, your eyes don't suffer from ailments or fatigue even with prolonged use of the screen.
Plus, it comes with built-in 15 watts stereo speakers such that apart from seeing the game, you can also hear the sound. It also makes this good monitor a perfect fit for office matters as you can use it for video conferencing, meetings, etc.
It also features an exclusive game plus adds, which helps you add a timer, counter and display alignment, FPS, and crosshair.
This great budget monitor stands out from the rest as it comes with a 3 years warranty, which gives you the confidence that the product is high quality.
The stand allows for height adjustment, tilt adjustment and you can swivel it. With the adjustments, you can achieve the most comfortable viewing position without straining. It comes with a cable management system at the back that minimizes clutter on your desk.
Asus VP228QG 21.5” Full HD Monitor Pros
Asus VP228QG 21.5” Full HD MonitorCons
4.5/5
Are you still looking for a gaming monitor under 200? If yes, how about you consider the BenQ 24 inch monitor with an IPS panel?
This 24 inch monitor with full HD IPS panel offers you a wide variety of viewing angles. As such, you enjoy the quality and clear images whether you are looking at the screen from above, below, or from the sides.
With the 1920 x 1080 resolution and 250 nits of brightness, you can expect the clearest and most accurate photos. The clarity enables you to get all the fine details of the screen's activities, which gives you a better chance of winning the game.
If you like it when your desk is clean and free of clutter, the BenQ full HD monitor is a great choice for you. The monitor features a cable management system that hides the cables in the monitor stand. The stand is sturdy and also allows you to adjust it to your most comfortable height. You can also tilt and swivel it for a comfortable view.
The monitor is also popular for its eye care technology. It features a proprietary brightness intelligence adaptive technology that helps adjust the brightness for a comfortable viewing experience. The flicker-free and low blue light technology prevents your eyes from strain and also prevents headaches.
It has a 60Hz refresh rate and an 8ms response time, which guarantees a smooth transition of images. However, the variable refresh rates are on the lower side than the high refresh rate offered by other brands.
The monitor also comes with VGA connectivity technology.
BenQ 24 Inch IPS Monitor Pros
BenQ 24 Inch IPS Monitor Cons
The ViewSonic VX2452MH 1080p monitor is a perfect combination of form and function.
It comes in a modern and elegant design that makes it a worthy addition to your desk. The monitor does not only look good, but it also performs well.
For instance, it features a full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution that ensures clarity of images that allows you to pay attention to the finest details.
It also makes an excellent choice for both beginners and competitive gamers. It comes with pre-set customizable visual modes that make it effortless and seamless. It also features a mega dynamic high contrast ratio that results in sharp and crisp images.
If you have multiple devices, the monitor allows you to connect them using its flexible connectivity options, so you can have a multi monitor setup. It allows you to connect your PCs, laptops, Macs, etc., using the VGA, HDMI, and DVI options.
The monitor boasts a 60Hz refresh rate and a fast response time that eliminates ghosting and blurring of fast moving objects in your favorite games. The dual integrated speakers combine the screen performance with sound for a more immersive experience in competitive games.
It comes with an industry-leading three-year warranty and access to the US-based customer service team.
ViewSonic VX2452MH 1080p Gaming Monitor Pros
ViewSonic VX2452MH 1080p Gaming Monitor Cons
4.4/5
If you want to find the best experience in gaming and working on a budget, the AOPEN 27HC5R will be a good budget gaming monitor for you.
For starters, this 27 inch monitor offers a full HD display, which is an impressive screen real estate. It comes with a VA display with AMD FreeSync premium technology, which bridges the gap between your graphics card and the refresh rates.
Additionally, the 1500R curved screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio ensures you enjoy an immersive experience with every corner of the monitor close to the eye.
The supercharged refresh rate of 165 Hz and a 5ms response time enables you to enjoy the best experience even when playing fast paced games.
Plus, the 1080p screen resolution ensures you get vibrant colors and high contrast ratio that most gamers would say are key factors. The high resolution offers you the sharpest image quality such that you can see all the details in darker scenes, including the enemy hiding in the dark areas.
AOPEN 27HC5R Pbiipx 27" Monitor Pros
AOPEN 27HC5R Pbiipx 27" Monitor Cons
The IPS panel monitor offers you a wide variety of view angles. As such, you can enjoy sharp images from a variety of viewing positions even when gaming on a dual-monitor setup.
If you are playing a fast action game, you require a fast response time for the best experience. The monitor offers you a 75Hz refresh rate and a fast response time to prevent image blurs and screen tearing when playing fast action games.
Additionally, the in-plane switching ensures there is consistent color performance and crisp images from various angles that increase immersion. Combine that with the 99% sRGB wide color gamut that offers a variance in different colors such as red, green, and blue, and you end up with the most realistic images.
The edgeless design monitor offers you connectivity flexibility with its multiple connectivity options. It has two HDMI ports and a VGA port that offers incredible picture clarity.
Sceptre IPS 24-Inch Business Computer Monitor Pros
Sceptre IPS 24-Inch Business Computer Monitor Cons
If you want to enjoy an optimal game playing experience, BenQ Zowie XL2411P is a perfect choice.
With its super-fast refresh rate, the monitor is excellent for fast action games. It comes with a 144hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time that eliminates all blurring and ghosting.
The monitor gives you an advantage in the field over other players as it comes with customized color settings, black eQualizer technology, and exclusive color vibrance, which enhances image clarity.
The black eQualizer enables you to enhance the visibility in the dark scenes to see the hiding enemies. With the exclusive adjustment feature, you can add your preferred saturation to see the small targets in the background and make tracking effortless and seamless.
It is VESA mountable, allowing you to mount it on the wall, saving you space on your desk. The ergonomic stand is also height adjustable. You can also swivel and tilt it.
It features multiple connectivity options, including Dual-Link DVI-D, to reach up to refresh rate of 144hz, DisplayPort, and HDMI. You also have a microphone/headphone jackpot.
With the anti flicker feature, the gaming monitor under 200 enables you to use the screen for an extended period without eye strain or fatigue. Thus, you can practice gaming for a prolonged time and become a pro at it.
The 1920 x 1080p screen resolution ensures motion clarity of the content and a great experience when watching movies. This ensures that you don't miss even the finest details in the game.
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P 24 Inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor Pros
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P 24 Inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor Cons
What to consider before buying one of the best gaming monitors under 200 USD
A monitor can be difficult to find on the market. Comparison shopping often feels like staring at an alphabet soup because the majority of models have highly unhelpful names that consist of long strings of numbers and letters. Their fundamental specifications can appear to be equally difficult to understand, especially for those who don't want to spend all day poring through spreadsheets.
Fortunately, our budget—which limits our options to the best gaming displays under $200—limits our alternatives in this situation. You will still need to decide, and we want you to be able to do so with confidence. In order to discover the ideal addition to a cheap gaming PC, let's go through the fundamental characteristics that can make or break a monitor at any price.
Size and resolution
It's common to believe that resolution and size have no connection. They shouldn't be, since the two have significant effects on one another.
The maximum amount of pixels your monitor can display is known as resolution. In general, your image will be more detailed the higher your resolution. However, as the size of your monitor's screen increases, more pixels will be required to produce the same level of information. Strong pixel density is what you want, not simply a lot of pixels.
In 2023, 1920 x 1080 pixels, also known as 1080p or "Full HD," will be the industry standard for PC monitors, with almost all gaming monitors priced under $200 having this resolution. Although a 1080p display looks sharp on a 24-inch screen, the lowest of the three popular panel sizes, baseline doesn't necessarily imply awful. However, minute features on 27- and 32-inch monitors can start to appear a little less distinct, so we advise sticking with a 24-inch monitor. However, if gamers insist on a larger screen, we do have a very great 27-inch choice on our list.
Refresh rate
Refresh rate is the number of times per second that your display can draw a fresh image, expressed in Hertz (Hz). Since your maximum frame rate is essentially determined by the refresh rate of your display, refresh rate is very crucial when gaming. When playing fast-paced competitive games like Fortnite or Apex Legends, having the smoothest, fastest frame rate can offer you an advantage. In these situations, a high refresh rate may be more important than resolution.
For gaming monitors, we often advise opting for ones with a refresh rate of 144Hz, which enables you to play numerous games at the highest frame rate possible for your PC. Almost all of our picks fall under the fundamental cutoff of $200, however there are a few exceptions that are better suited to casual players and those with older systems.
Reaction time
Every computer you use has a small lag between when you hit a key and when something happens on the screen. While processing time accounts for the majority of this delay, input lag is also affected by the response time of your monitor. The majority of gaming displays boast of having a response time of 1 millisecond or less.
Similar to frame rate, competitive players will seek the quickest response time possible because even a single frame can have significant effects. Even at a price point around $200, the majority of the monitors we suggest have a 1ms response time.
Panel type
Twisted Nematic (TN), Vertical Alignment (VA), and In-Plane Switching are the three main types of display panels that make up a monitor's physical screen (IPS). Without getting too specific, each has advantages and disadvantages, but the majority of the suggestions on this list include a VA panel. While remaining more cost-effective than IPS panels, VA panels offer better color balance than TN panels.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for a gaming monitor, you don't have to break a bank to enjoy the best experience. Here, we have a list of the best budget monitors that are worth paying and guarantee the best game playing experience. You can also find a cheaper alternative.
FAQs
1. What is a good monitor for $200?
Here are the Top 3 Gaming Monitors Under 200 USD that we can recommend.
1. Asus VG248QG 24 inches Gaming Monitor - During our testing, we gave the nod to the Asus VG248QG as the best gaming monitor under 200 for various reasons.
For starters, the monitor comes in a 24-inch screen size. Although the display is not the largest in the market, it still offers you a wide range of viewing angles to take your gaming to the next level.
2. Sceptre 20 inches 1600x900 75Hz Ultra Thin LED Monitor - The Sceptre gaming monitor is also an excellent option if you want smooth gaming but working on a tight budget.
The gaming monitor features adaptive sync, which is a technology that closes the gap between the refresh rate offered by the monitor and its graphics card. The technology comes in handy in preventing image tearing and stuttering.
3. Sceptre Curved 27 inches 75Hz LED Monitor - If you are still in the market for the best gaming monitors under 200, the Sceptre Curved 27 inch screen size monitor is a perfect pick in this price range.
The curved monitor offers a 75Hz refresh rate, which combines with a fast response time, which eliminates image blurring and ghosting.
2. How do I choose a gaming monitor?
When choosing a gaming monitor, there are several factors to consider. Resolution is important, as is refresh rate. Response time is also key, as it affects how quickly the monitor can react to changes in the image. Some gamers also prefer monitors with a higher frame rate, which can make the gaming experience smoother. Color accuracy is another important consideration, as is screen size.
3. Is 5ms good for gaming?
Yes, 5ms is good for gaming.
Gaming is a fast-paced activity that requires quick response times, so a low ms latency is important for a smooth, enjoyable experience. 5ms is considered to be a good latency for gaming, as it is fast enough to minimize any lag or delay between input and output.
4. Are gaming monitors worth it?
Gaming monitors are worth it for a few reasons. First, they have a higher refresh rate than traditional monitors, which means they can display more images per second and create a smoother gaming experience. Second, they often have special features tailored to gamers, like backlight synchronization and fast response times. Finally, gaming monitors are typically larger than traditional monitors, which can give you a better view of the game world.
5. Are cheap monitors good?
In general, monitors that are less expensive will not have as many features as more expensive models. They may also not be as reliable or have as good a picture quality. However, there are some lower-priced monitors that are good quality and may be a better value for the money than more expensive models. It is important to research different models and compare prices before making a purchase.
