Despite rising costs for top-tier best gaming monitors, particularly those with OLED panels, large screens, and high refresh rates at crisp resolutions, there’s still a wide selection of budget-friendly monitors that deliver impressive image quality and features. Take the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, for example, with its stunning mini-LED, quantum dot display priced under $400. It’s our top choice for good reason: it rivals monitors costing far more, proving you can get premium quality on a budget if you know where to shop.

Quick Picks: Top Budget Gaming Monitors

Our Top Pick

Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor

1See it at AmazonBest 1080p

Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

0See it at AmazonBest 1440p

LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

0See it at AmazonSee it at TargetBest 4K

KTC H27P22S

0See it at AmazonBest Ultrawide

Dell S3422DWG

0See it at AmazonSee it at Dell

Budget gaming monitors may miss out on some advanced features, but they still offer vibrant displays that maximize your gaming PC’s potential. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can shine with affordable high-refresh-rate or 4K monitors. While compromises like non-adjustable stands or missing extras like KVM switches are common, prioritizing performance and your key needs can lead to excellent value at any price.

Not every budget gaming monitor is equal, and suspiciously cheap options often disappoint. A $100 monitor might seem like a steal, but it’s likely to fail quickly or cause eye strain during long gaming sessions, outweighing initial savings. Our selections, while slightly pricier, offer durable builds, quality panels, and gaming-focused features for a superior experience. For those willing to spend more, premium gaming accessories and monitors are available.

Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham, Matthew S. Smith

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

Top Budget Gaming Monitor Overall

Xiaomi G Pro 27i Mini-LED Gaming Monitor

The Xiaomi G Pro 27i stands out as the most impressive gaming monitor I’ve tested in 2024. Priced around $330, it sets a new standard for affordable displays. While not the cheapest 27" 1440p monitor, it outshines competitors with its exceptional picture quality and gaming performance.

Unlike typical budget monitors, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i features mini-LED backlighting with full array local dimming (FALD), allowing precise dimming for enhanced contrast. Its 1,152 local dimming zones—rare at this price—minimize blooming and deliver a viewing experience rivaling pricier OLEDs without the risk of burn-in or text clarity issues.

This monitor boasts a high-quality panel, supporting up to 180Hz for smooth gameplay with minimal motion blur. It offers accurate colors across DCI-P3, sRGB, and Adobe RGB modes, ideal for content creation. It also supports AMD FreeSync and, in my tests, Nvidia G-Sync, despite not being officially listed.

To keep costs down, Xiaomi skipped USB hubs and USB Type-C ports and used HDMI 2.0, which is sufficient for its 1440p resolution, ensuring compatibility with Xbox and PlayStation consoles. Gaming-specific features are limited, but the trade-offs are minor for such a high-performing monitor at this price. It’s the go-to choice for OLED-like quality without the premium cost.

2. Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

Top Budget 1080p Gaming Monitor

Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

The Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A offers outstanding value, performing well across various hardware without needing a high-end graphics card. Its VA panel delivers deep blacks and a wide dynamic range, ideal for all game genres. With a 1ms response time and competitive gaming features, it’s a steal for the price.

VA panels like this one often match or surpass IPS panels in color quality while providing better blacks for an enhanced gaming experience. At 350 nits, it’s bright enough for vibrant colors and gaming in well-lit rooms. Features like an on-screen reticle, Shadow Boost for better visibility in dark scenes, and Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) mode ensure smooth, clear gameplay.

Drawbacks include a non-height-adjustable stand, though VESA mounting (100x100mm) allows for aftermarket solutions. The 27" 1080p display sacrifices some sharpness compared to smaller screens, but its immersive size outweighs this for most gamers. This monitor is a smart upgrade for budget-conscious players seeking quality without breaking the bank.

3. LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

Top Budget 1440p Gaming Monitor

LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

The LG UltraGear 27GN800-B is an excellent choice for budget gamers seeking sharper visuals. Priced under $300, its 2560x1440 resolution offers a noticeable jump in clarity over 1080p, with accurate colors and solid factory calibration for vibrant visuals. The 27" screen strikes a balance between immersion and manageable system demands.

This monitor shines with a 144Hz refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, ensuring smooth, tear-free HDR gaming. Its Low Framerate Compensation feature smooths out gameplay by inserting frames when your system struggles, enhancing performance in demanding titles.

The main downside is the non-height-adjustable stand, which may require a VESA-compatible (100x100mm) aftermarket stand for ideal positioning. Still, its feature set and price make it a top pick for budget 1440p gaming.

4. KTC H27P22D

Top Budget 4K Gaming Monitor

KTC H27P22S

The KTC H27P22D proves how far budget gaming monitors have come. Priced at $400, often discounted to $340, it delivers a high-refresh-rate 4K experience without a premium price tag. It’s a well-balanced option with few flaws, ideal for gamers with the hardware to support it.

With a sharp 4K resolution and a 160Hz refresh rate, it supports AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth gameplay. Dual HDMI 2.1 ports make it a great fit for console gaming, though you’ll need external audio since it lacks built-in speakers—a minor issue given typical monitor speaker quality.

While its 400-nit brightness doesn’t fully support true HDR, it delivers vibrant SDR gaming. Colors are strong, but the lack of factory calibration may require a colorimeter for creative work. The absence of a USB hub is a small trade-off for the value offered, making this a fantastic choice for budget 4K gaming.

Dell S3422DWG

5. Dell S3422DWG

Top Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

Dell S3422DWG

The Dell S3422DWG is the top budget ultrawide for immersive gaming. Its VA panel with 3440x1440 resolution delivers vibrant, sharp visuals across all game genres. The 21:9 aspect ratio and gentle curve enhance focus by wrapping the screen around your field of vision.

The 1440p ultrawide resolution offers better pixel density than 1080p equivalents, though it demands slightly more graphics power. With a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support, gameplay is smooth, though minor motion blur may occur behind dark objects.

Priced competitively, this monitor includes a height-adjustable stand, two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and USB hub functionality, adding versatility to its impressive design.

How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Monitor?

For budget gaming monitors, aim for $200-$300 to balance quality and cost. Cheaper options often compromise durability, leading to issues like eye strain or early failure. A monitor in this range should last 3-5 years, provided you prioritize key features based on your needs.

Budget gamers face fewer trade-offs today, but compromises remain. You’ll typically choose between higher resolution or faster refresh rates, as affordable monitors rarely offer both.

1080p is the go-to for budget displays. It lacks 4K’s clarity but requires less powerful hardware, making it easier to achieve high frame rates. Upgrading to 1440p offers sharper visuals and better value if your budget allows, though high refresh rates like 240Hz become less attainable. 4K is possible near $400, but expect sacrifices in brightness or screen size, plus higher system demands.

Refresh rates for budget monitors typically range from 60 to 240Hz, with 144Hz or 165Hz being common. A 144Hz rate handles most games well, while 240Hz suits competitive players. Some 360Hz options are now more affordable. Note that maximum refresh rates may vary by input, with DisplayPort often supporting higher rates than HDMI.

Panel type matters. Our picks feature IPS or VA panels. IPS excels in motion clarity, vibrancy, and responsiveness, ideal for competitive gaming. VA panels offer superior contrast and deeper blacks, better for immersive, graphically rich games.

Screen size is more flexible now. This guide highlights 27" monitors and a 34" ultrawide. Smaller 24" screens are cheaper and suit competitive gamers, while 32"+ displays are more immersive but need higher resolutions to avoid pixelation. A 27" monitor with a 16:9 ratio is a safe, versatile choice.

Look for Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync support, ideally both, to match your graphics card for smoother gameplay. All our picks specify supported standards.

HDR on budget monitors often disappoints, as most peak at 400 nits, sufficient for SDR but not true HDR. For vibrant visuals, prioritize other features over marketed HDR capabilities.

Budget Gaming Monitor FAQs

What’s the best panel type?

Budget gaming monitors typically use VA or IPS panels. Our top pick, an IPS with mini-LED backlighting, outperforms others due to its advanced implementation. If that’s within your budget, it’s the best choice. Otherwise, consider response time, color accuracy, and contrast. IPS panels lead in responsiveness and vibrant colors, while VA panels excel in contrast and deeper blacks, ideal for dynamic range in immersive games.

When are gaming monitors most affordable?

Shop during events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday for the best deals on gaming monitors. Back-to-School sales and clearances for new model releases also offer discounts.

What size gaming monitor is best?

Monitor size depends on preference and space. Measure your setup to ensure a proper fit. For 1080p, a 24" screen is ideal; for 1440p, 27-32" offers sharp, immersive visuals. For 4K, choose at least 27" to leverage its high pixel count. Avoid 1080p monitors over 27" to prevent visible pixels.