The Best Budget Gaming Monitors for All Gamer Types

Gaming monitor prices have skyrocketed, especially for OLED, large-screen, high refresh rate models. However, excellent affordable options exist without significant compromises on image quality or features. The Xiaomi G Pro 27i, a mini-LED, quantum dot display for under $400, is a prime example. It rivals far more expensive monitors, showcasing the value available on a budget.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Budget Gaming Monitors:

Our Top Pick: Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor

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Best 1080p: Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

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Best 1440p: LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

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Best 4K: KTC H27P22S

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Best Ultrawide: Dell S3422DWG

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Budget gaming monitors may lack advanced features, but still deliver excellent displays for your gaming PC. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can perform well with affordable high refresh rate and 4K monitors. While trade-offs exist (e.g., adjustable stands, KVM switches), prioritizing performance and essential features yields great value. Beware of overly cheap monitors; a higher initial cost often translates to better build quality and longevity.

Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham, Matthew S. Smith

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1. Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor

Best Overall Budget Gaming Monitor

Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor

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The Xiaomi G Pro 27i is surprisingly impressive. Its mini-LED backlight with full array local dimming (FALD) and 1,152 local dimming zones (usually found in far more expensive monitors) significantly reduces blooming, resulting in superior contrast and HDR performance. It boasts a 180Hz refresh rate, accurate colors across various color modes, and compatibility with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. While lacking a USB hub and USB-C, and featuring only HDMI 2.0, these trade-offs are minor considering its exceptional picture quality at its price point.

2. Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

Best Budget 1080p Gaming Monitor

Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

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The Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A offers exceptional value. Its VA panel delivers deep blacks and wide dynamic range, while its 1ms response time and features like ELMB enhance competitive gaming. While the stand lacks height adjustment and the pixel density is lower due to its 1080p resolution, its overall performance and features justify its price.

3. LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

Best 1440p Budget Gaming Monitor

LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

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The LG UltraGear 27GN800-B provides a significant resolution upgrade to 1440p, offering sharper visuals and accurate colors. Its 144Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and Low Framerate Compensation ensure smooth gameplay. The non-adjustable stand is its main drawback.

4. KTC H27P22D

Best 4K Budget Gaming Monitor

KTC H27P22D

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The KTC H27P22D demonstrates the advancements in budget 4K gaming monitors. Its 160Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and dual HDMI 2.1 ports make it excellent for console gaming. While lacking factory calibration and a USB hub, its performance and features at its price are remarkable.

5. Dell S3422DWG

Best Ultrawide Budget Gaming Monitor

Dell S3422DWG

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The Dell S3422DWG offers an immersive ultrawide experience. Its curved VA panel with 3440x1440 resolution provides vibrant visuals, while its 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support ensure smooth gameplay. Minor ghosting is present, but overall, it's an attractive option with a height-adjustable stand and USB hub functionality.

How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Monitor?

The $200-$300 range offers a sweet spot for budget gaming monitors. Cheaper options often compromise quality, while significantly more expensive monitors may offer diminishing returns. Consider resolution, refresh rate, panel type, and screen size when choosing a monitor that balances your needs and budget.

Gamers on a budget need to compromise. Higher resolution often means lower refresh rate and vice versa. 1080p remains standard for budget displays, while 1440p offers better value if budget allows. 4K is possible but requires higher system requirements and may necessitate compromises in other areas. Refresh rates typically range from 60Hz to 240Hz, with 144Hz being a good balance. IPS panels excel in motion clarity and color accuracy, while VA panels offer superior contrast. Screen size is a matter of personal preference and desk space, with 27" being a common and versatile size. G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility is recommended, and while many budget monitors advertise HDR, its effectiveness is often limited due to lower brightness.

Budget Gaming Monitor FAQs

What is the best type of panel? VA and IPS panels are common in budget monitors. IPS generally provides better response time and color accuracy, while VA offers higher contrast. The Xiaomi G Pro 27i, with its mini-LED backlight, surpasses both.

When are gaming monitors most affordable? Shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, as well as Back to School sales, often offer significant discounts.

What size gaming monitor should I get for gaming? Consider desk space, resolution, and pixel density. 24" is suitable for 1080p, 27-32" for 1440p, and 27" or larger for 4K. Avoid large 1080p monitors due to the screen door effect.