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7 Best Monitor for Gaming Under $150 2023 Reviews | Top Affordable Options To Date

7 Top Picks

4 Reviewers

30 Hours of Research

15 Options Considered

A display unit can determine your gameplay experience and overall performance. Fortunately, if you're looking for a great gaming monitor for less than $150, you have a lot of options.

A display unit in this price range can handle your typical streaming and gaming needs. Of course, you won't get the massive 40-inch 4K monitor you've been dreaming about, but you can get a reliable model to enjoy PC gaming. In addition, the amount lets you splurge and set up the multi-display battle station of your dreams.

This detailed guide will take you through the most appropriate options if you're looking for the best gaming monitor under $150. So let's get straight into it!

3 Top Monitors for Gaming Under 150

1. [Best Overall]

 Acer SB240Y Bbix

4.9/5

It  stands out among the best gaming monitors below the $150 mark thanks to its excellent image quality, sleek design, and video input flexibility. 

VESA mount feature lets you mount the monitor on a wall to add flexibility and save space.

  • Energy efficient
  • Law input leg
  • Vivid images and colors

2. [Best For The Money]

 Sceptre E248W-19203R Series

4.9/5

This 24-incher by Sceptre is another reliable and budget-friendly monitor that is designed with gaming and other day-to-day tasks in mind. The sleek-looking unit delivers impressive viewing angles, sharp imagery, and acceptable grayscale reproduction.

  • Sleek, ultra-slim profile
  • Reasonably priced
  • Excellent grayscale performance

3. [Best Eye-saver Mode]

SAMSUNG LC24F396FHNXZA

4.8/5

This LED monitor offers multiple convenience features you'd only find in its costlier counterparts. I tested the model and found remarkable results in color coverage, panel brightness, and value for money.

  • High contrast ratio

  • Slim profile
  • Mini-joystick controller

What Are the Best Monitors for Gaming Under $150?

A gaming monitor under 150 dollars may not seem worthwhile, but you can find numerous models with the features and capability to boost your gaming setup. I've tested a good number and researched extensively, and I can guarantee a seamless experience when you choose any of these gaming monitors.

Best Monitors for Gaming Under 150 Reviews

[Best Overall]

4.9/5

The Acer SB240Y is an excellent ips gaming monitor if you're looking for a midrange 24-inch monitor with robust grayscale gaming performance and excellent color accuracy. This Acer monitor stands out among the best gaming monitors below the $150 mark thanks to its excellent image quality, sleek design, and video input flexibility.

The following features stood out for me:

  • Added comfort – This unit is designed for comfortable viewing. It's easy on my eyes thanks to its fast response times and has a reliable anti-glare capability that also reduces blue lights. It also has straightforward adjustments and a broad viewing angle of up to 178°.
  • VESA mount – This feature lets you mount the monitor on a wall to add flexibility and save space.
  • Acer EcoDisplay – The monitor's environmentally friendly design prioritizes energy efficiency and recyclability. 
  • Great visuals – Acer R240HY delivers Full HD (1920x1080) resolution alongside an aspect ratio of 16:9 for more dramatic and authentic imagery. Small texts and details are clear. Its impressive refresh rate delivers seamless 2-D motion scenes, and the fast response time minimizes ghosting for action-packed, new-level entertainment.  
  • Smart design – The monitor comes with conveniently-placed, on-screen display buttons on the front for quick access. Moreover, you can mount it on the wall, and it has room for a Kensington® lock, a major plus in terms of security. 
  • An eco-friendly pick – Not everyone prioritizes this feature. But by acquiring the Acer R240HY, you'll have played your part in helping save the planet. The unit features arsenic-free display glass, a mercury-free backlight system, and recyclable packaging. What's more, the monitor boasts a 6.0 ENERGY STAR® rating.  

Specs:

Viewable Screen Size

60.5 cm (23.8")

Dimension

8.3 x 21.3 x 16 inches

Response time

4 ms

Screen resolution

1920 x 1080

Refresh rate

75Hz

Panel type

IPS panel

FreeSync Support

AMD FreeSync™


Pros

  • Maximum edge-to-edge visibility thanks to the zero-frame design
  • Good gaming performance for a budget gaming monitor
  • Energy efficient
  • Vivid images and colors
  • Low input lag

Cons

  • Tilt-only design

[Best for the Money]

4.9/5

This 24-inch Sceptre monitor is another reliable and budget-friendly monitor that is designed with gaming and other day-to-day tasks in mind. The sleek-looking monitor with built-in speakers delivers impressive viewing angles, sharp imagery, and acceptable grayscale reproduction.

For a gaming monitor under 150, Sceptre's E248W-19203R Series can be a good deal if you're looking for a medium-screen you can count on.

The monitor's top features include:

  • LED display – The monitor has sharper contrasts of darks and light to deliver a broad scope of rich color for visually appealing images. 
  • Impressive refresh rates and response time – This unit has a 75Hz refresh rate that enables images to change smoothly and fast to minimize screen tearing. It also has speedy response times. So you can be sure of clear images with no blur or ghosting while transitioning pixels. All these features allow me to keep the terrain and enemy precisely in focus at all times. 
  • In-built speakers – The inbuilt speakers can deliver office-level audio for streaming or gameplay sound output. I could enjoy engaging audio while playing my favorite games. 
  • Security Lock – The Sceptre E248W-19203R comes with a security slot that lets you fasten your display unit in place. This feature can effectively limit theft. 
  • Tilt display – A crucial ergonomics component, this monitor can tilt 5° forward and 15° backward. You can quickly find a sweet spot to bridge gaming comfort and clarity. 
  • VESA Wall Mountable – The monitor's VESA wall mount pattern lets you pick the optimum display position. It also eliminates cable clutter and is space efficient. 

Specs

Viewable Screen Size

24 inches

Dimension

21.6 in x 7 in x 15.8 in

Response time

8 ms

Screen resolution

1920 x 1080 pixels (1080p FHD)

Refresh rate

75 Hz

Panel type

Twisted-Nematic (TN) panel

FreeSync Support

AMD FreeSync


Pros

  • Sleek, ultra-slim profile
  • Excellent grayscale performance
  • A pair of HDMI ports that you can convert into DVI
  • Its anti-flicker feature delivers a crisper picture
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • Lacks swivel adjustment

[Best Eye-saver Mode]

4.8/5

The 24-inch Samsung CF396 is an ideal game room display unit that is versatile and affordable. This LED monitor offers multiple convenience features you'd only find in its costlier counterparts. I tested this Samsung monitor and found remarkable results in color coverage, panel brightness, and value for money.

The following features make this budget gaming monitor stand out:

  • Immersive viewing – This display unit has a 1800R screen curvature that guarantees bold, extensive, and stunning views for truly immersive gameplay. Samsung sought inspiration from the human eye's curve to create a remarkable monitor with a comfortable viewing experience. 
  • Brilliant picture quality – This unit runs on the Active Crystal Color technology, which delivers vivid and stunningly vibrant colors. It has a 3,000:1 contrast ratio that delivers bright whites and deep blacks for enhanced visibility in the brightest or darkest scenes. 
  • Stunning depth and crisp detail – The monitor has an advanced VA panel for minimal light leakage throughout the screen and corners. This feature makes it display deep and uniform blacks.
  • Ultra-slim design – The unit makes a stylish statement with its sleek, super-slim profile of under 0.5" thick. It also has a circular stand to add a hint of modernity to your space. 
  • Advanced gaming – This gaming monitor has AMD FreeSync technology that ensures smooth visuals even during rapid movements. It also lowers input latency, dramatically cutting down stutter and image tearing. 
  • Eye-saver mode – You'll enjoy optimal viewing comfort thanks to the eye-saver mode that reduces flickers and blue light emissions. Play games and stream videos without eye fatigue or strain.
  • Eco-friendly monitor – Like the Acer R240HY, Samsung's CF396 can be a perfect pick if you're environmentally conscious. Its Eco-Saving Plus feature saves power by cutting screen brightness. Moreover, the monitor's material construction doesn't contain PVC.

Specs

Viewable Screen Size

23.5 Inches

Dimension

8.61 x 21.56 x 16.68

Response time

4ms

Screen resolution

1920 x 1080

Refresh rate

60 Hz

Panel type

Samsung VA panel

FreeSync Support

AMD FreeSync


Pros

  • Curved gaming monitor for viewing comfort
  • Slim profile
  • Impressive sRGB color coverage
  • High contrast ratio
  • Sufficient brightness for a budget monitor
  • Mini-joystick controller

Cons

  • Fewer ports

Generally considered an entry-level display unit in the gaming monitor market, the 24-inch Sceptre C248W-1920R stands out with its immersive videos and extended contrast. Moreover, it's among the most popular budget models.

Compared to similarly priced peers, this budget gaming monitor packs a comprehensive set of features worth your money. These include:

  • Quality display – This unit has an LED display with sharper light and dark contrasts that deliver rich colors and images that please the eye. Moreover, the curved gaming monitor comprises a maximum 1800R screen curvature that makes pictures appear to wrap around my face. I enjoyed an in-depth, immersive experience.  
  • No screen tearing – The monitor has an impressive 75Hz refresh rate, enabling images to change smoothly and faster than most counterparts. 
  • Fast Response Time – I didn't experience blurring or ghosting when I tried transitioning pixels. Thus, I could constantly focus on the terrain and enemies, even during chaotic scenes.
  • Edgeless design – The monitor's edgeless design completely immersed me in the wondrous scenery and captivating action that the impressive refresh rate and resolution have to offer.
  • Blue light shift – This feature narrows blue light emissions, allowing you to play for long without a hint of eye strain.
  • Built-in speakers – These hardware items deliver smooth, rich audio and save space on your desk. They make the monitor perfectly suitable for gaming and work.
  • Viewing comfort – The display can tilt 5° forward and 15° backward, allowing you to find the correct position that bridges comfort and clarity. It's also VESA wall mountable, so you can choose the most comfortable viewing position, limit cable clutter, and create more space in your battleground.
  • FPS-RTS Game Modes – First Person Shooter (FPS) and Real-Time Strategy (RTS) are the unit's custom display options designed to enhance players' gaming experience

Specs

Viewable Screen Size

24 Inches

Dimension

21.32” x 15.94” x 7.95”

Response time

8 ms

Screen resolution

1920 x 1080

Refresh rate

75Hz

Speaker 

VGA built in

FreeSync Support

No support


Pros

  • Decent image quality
  • Lightweight and slim
  • Excellent contrast and color coverage
  • Low input lag
  • Pocket-friendly price range

Cons

  • It lacks AMD FreeSync

One of the most decent gaming monitors under 150 bucks, this 27-incher by Sceptre stands out with its impressive contrast ratio to handle deep blacks. It also has notable features that ensure quality imagery and tear-free gameplay when linked with a compatible GPU.

Here are some of the monitor features:

  • LED – The unit comes with LED display offering sharper contrasts and a broad scope of rich colors. This culminates in quality images that are pleasing to the eye. 
  • Blue Light Shift – This safety feature cuts blue light emission, so you can play or stream for as long as you like without eye strain. 
  • Up to 75Hz Refresh Rate – The monitor has a 75Hz refresh rate that allows images to change smoothly and fast, eliminating screen tearing. 
  • AMD FreeSync – I liked the on-the-spot movement and smooth video that helped me in fast-paced games. It synchronizes the graphic card and refresh rate to eliminate stuttering and tearing. 
  • Multiple Ports – With two HDMI ports and one VGA port, you'll get the visual edge you need to stay ahead of any opponent. 
  • Built-in Speakers – You're assured of smooth and solid audio quality. Moreover, the unit eliminates the need for external speakers, saving space.
  • Anti-flicker – Whether gaming or streaming, the unit guarantees crisp picture quality by preventing periodic backlight flickering common in average monitors.
  • First-Person Shooter and Real-Time Strategy modes – These are the manufacturer's custom display options. Sceptre offers these settings to enhance the gaming experience.

Specs

Viewable Screen Size

27 inch

Dimension

24.56 x 18 x 8.27 inch

Response time

5ms

Screen resolution

1920 x 1080 Full HD

Refresh rate

75Hz

Panel type

VA (vertical alignment)

FreeSync Support

AMD FreeSync ™


Pros

  • Impressive contrast ratio
  • AMD FreeSync support (up to 75Hz)
  • Built-in speakers
  • Two HDMI ports

Cons

  • Minor ghosting in the darker scenes of fast-paced games

Acer's Nitro RG241Y is a budget gaming display you can count on. The 24-incher supports HDR 10, boasts decent viewing angles and excellent visibility in any lighting condition. In addition, I like its quick response time and ability to deliver vivid imagery in rapid scenes.

Acer Nitro QG241Y Sbmiipx 23.8"

Features of this gaming monitor under 150:

  • Superb synching – The unit has AMD Radeon FreeSync, which gets rid of distracting visual tear and choppy gameplay. It syncs its 75Hz refresh rate to your device's frame rate for responsive visuals.
  • Picture perfection – The monitor's FHD resolution lets you see every detail and experience top-quality image depth and contrast. Its 178° viewing angle lets you share the gameplay with an eager audience without distorting the contrasts and shade.
  • Optimized colors – Get genuinely immersed in your game world's hyper-realistic colors. The unit's 72% NTSC wide color gamut delivers finer shades, uniformity, and smooth transition. Moreover, the Black Boost technology lets you spot bonuses, enemies, and other vital gameplay details.
  • Eye safety – Acer Flickerless and BlueLightShield technologies limit eye strain. Moreover, Low Dimming and ComfyView™ features limit eye fatigue and monitor glare during extended gaming.
  • Fast adjustment – You don't have to fiddle with buttons as the Display Widget software can quickly modify your settings.  
  • Impressive ergonomics – This monitor can tilt from -5° to 25°, putting your mind and neck at ease. Moreover, the VESA mount increases screen adjustment options and enables a multi-monitor setup. 
  • Multiple Gaming Modes – Choose from various gaming modes with unique color profiles. Your options include sports, racing, action, and more. You can also tailor all your applications to run in your preferred mode.  

Specs

Viewable Screen Size

23.8"

Dimension

21.3" x 16.3" x 8.7" 

Response time

1 ms

Screen resolution

1920 x 1080

Refresh rate

75Hz 

Panel type

VA panel 

FreeSync Support

AMD FreeSync


Pros

  • Impressive refresh rate and response time
  • A budget monitor
  • Good contrast ratio
  • HDR 10
  • VESA support

Cons

  • Stand adjustment limitations

You'll not always have sufficient room for an enormous gaming monitor. But you won't have to worry about this with Viotek's GFV22CB. This ultra-compact 22-incher is among the most uniquely designed, with minimal aesthetics, thin bezels, and a somewhat strange yet attractive three-point stand.

VIOTEK GFV22CB Ultra-Compact 22-Inch 144Hz 1080P Gaming Monitor

Its top features include:

  • Massive gains, compact size – From a reliable response time of 5ms and impressive 1080p resolution to a blistering monitor refresh rate of 144Hz, this small unit packs plenty of capabilities.
  • Extreme space economy – Viotek intelligently designed the GFV22CB to provide more playing space and maximize desk space. The unit occupied as much space as a 20-inch model on my desk.
  • Connections for days – This monitor has high-performance DisplayPort, a 3.5mm audio out, and a pair of HDMI ports. All these transform it from a mere display unit to your ideal command station linking all your devices.
  • Game-winning features – Gsync and AMD FreeSync compatibility ensures liquid-smooth gameplay. The unit also has the Gameplus feature that targets crosshairs to enhance your aim. Finally, you can leverage display optimizations that allow screen adjustments for optimal viewing.
  • Viewing comfort – While the monitor has a stable and unique stand, you also have the VESA monitor mount option that lets you stick it on the wall for the ultimate viewing flexibility and comfort.  

Specs

Viewable Screen Size

22 Inches

Dimension

.17 x 19.34 x 15.1 inches

Response time

5ms 

Screen resolution

1920x1080

Refresh rate

144Hz 

Panel type

VA Panel

FreeSync Support

AMD FreeSync™


Pros

  • Space efficient
  • FreeSync and Gsync-ready
  • No dead pixels
  • Superior features packed in a compact unit
  • Impressive image clarity

Cons

  • Average color accuracy

Are Gaming Monitors Under $150 Good?

Monitor technology advances by the day. This evolution makes costs drop to make way for affordable and exciting offerings. So can you really find the best gaming monitors for less than $150? Yes, you can.

Today's premium display unit could be a budget gaming monitor tomorrow. So models from several years back that were deemed high-end – and still have excellent image quality and experience – are getting cheaper. Numerous such monitors currently go for less than $150. Furthermore, manufacturing methods are getting more efficient by the day, causing the cost of tech devices to fall.

The key to finding the best gaming monitor within this price range is to know the leading consideration factors to prioritize. 

Gaming room

What to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Monitor

Choosing the best gaming monitor can take time and effort. But you'll make an informed decision when you heed the following factors:

Viewable Screen Size

Generally, a bigger monitor provides added usable space and a more expansive view of your gaming setting. You may even opt for an ultra-wide monitor mimicking a dual setup. However, going big could limit your gameplay as you'll have to move your head constantly or sacrifice display resolution. The best size for a gaming monitor is between 24 – 27 inches.  

Backlight Type

The backlight's interaction with the panel delivers shades of color. Your two primary options for a monitor below $150 are the light-emitting diode (LED) and liquid crystal display (LCD). The only benefit of the LCD is that it's cheaper. On the other hand, LED backlighting delivers better contrast ratios, black levels, and color accuracy.

Refresh Rate

The standard unit for a monitor's refresh rate is hertz (Hz), representing how often the display refreshes. You can find a 144Hz monitor when looking for a monitor that costs under $150. You need the lowest input latency possible to influence fast-paced games significantly. This could support higher frame rates and more seamless desktop motions. Notably, be sure to find a potent graphics card that can support your refresh rate. 

Response Time

This term refers to how rapidly your gaming monitor can display images. For example, you'll benefit immensely from a shorter reaction time when playing a jittery and fast-paced action games like Call of Duty, CS:GO, Warzone, and many more. While you can find a fantastic panel that takes a few milliseconds to flip pixels, not everyone needs incredibly swift response rates as a millisecond.

Resolution

Since you're shopping around for the best gaming monitors below $150, you will likely encounter a small variety of screen resolution options. In fact, most monitors within this price range don't exceed 1080p.

Generally, your unit's screen resolution can directly influence your gaming performance, especially with a demanding game. So if you have a slow computer, go for below 1440p. And, on the contrary, if you own a top-shelf gaming device, you can get a 1440p gaming monitor

A girl playing the video game

Panel Type

Most advanced gaming monitors use TFT-LCD technology. But you have other options, each with its strengths and setbacks. Each panel exhibits optimal performance in different situations. For instance, some boast high responsiveness, whereas others have remarkable color accuracy and viewing angles.

Here's a quick overview of the three primary panel types:

  • TN (twisted nematic) – TN is a form of LCD panel technology where liquid crystal cells align naturally in a twisted manner between substrate glass panes when an electric current isn't flowing.   
  • VA (vertical alignment) – Unlike the TN, liquid crystal cells in VA gaming monitors align vertically between substrate panes. This creates consistently excellent image quality when you view the display from any side or in bright surroundings.
  • IPS (in-plane switching) – The crystal cells align parallel to the substrate panes to deliver rich colors. IPS monitors are great if you're looking for a gaming monitor with an impressively wide viewing angle.

AMD FreeSync and Nvidia Graphics Cards

Nvidia G-Sync and FreeSync monitors reduce screen stuttering and tearing, guaranteeing a seamless gaming experience. Notably, you'll likely encounter screen tearing when your display unit's refresh rate and PC or console's frame rates don't align. When these two elements fail to match up, FreeSync or G-Sync can be helpful.

The two technologies can adjust the refresh rates to match the source device's frame rate. That's why the best gaming monitor doesn't exhibit screen tearing.

Price

Price is an obvious and critical consideration factor. But since this review only focuses on gaming monitors under 150 bucks, you won't see a significant price variance throughout our recommendations. Still, gaming monitors that cost right below the price tag will have more features than monitors under 100 dolars. Since there's no significant cost difference, prioritize your needs and features to find the best gaming monitor for you.

Connectivity

Most gaming monitors offer multiple connectivity options. Rich connectivity guarantees added gameplay convenience, so consider a unit that gives you the flexibility you need. Your priorities should include USB, DisplayPort, and HDMI ports.

a person playing the game

FAQs

Is 144Hz Good For Gaming?

Though adequate, 144Hz won't guarantee the most fun gameplay. Playing at higher refresh rates can significantly impact your gaming experience, especially with competitive, fast-paced games where each frame counts. Unfortunately, this is the maximum refresh rate you'll get from a gaming monitor under 150 dollars.   

Is 24 Or 27 Better For Gaming?

The 24-incher is the best gaming screen for casual and expert gamers. It's cheaper, provides a screen resolution that aligns with most games, and limits head movement during gameplay. Consider IPS gaming monitors when looking for a wider screen. 

Can I Buy A Good Gaming Monitor For Under 150?

Absolutely. Gaming monitors below $150 are worth the investment, particularly for beginners. Contrary to common belief, you can find a broad range of gaming monitors with excellent features and capabilities. To determine the best gaming monitor for your needs, consider the unit's panel type, resolution, response time, and refresh rate. 

About Lawrence Jung

Lawrence graduated cum laude from Boston University with a B.S. in Journalism. He then started working with The New York Times for 3 years as an editor. Upon their acquisition of online review website the Wire Cutter he became exposed to the digital world of review-style articles and digital content. He was a writer for many tech review products where he developed his expertise in the electronic and PC peripheral space. He quickly got promoted to managing a writing team where he was responsible for training and managing a team of over a dozen writers. After being there for another 3.5 years, Lawrence left in late 2019 to help Dusan create VSS Monitoring, where he could help design and contribute to the site’s content and website’s architecture to develop what he wants to become THE top tech resource online.