The Best Budget Gaming Monitors for All Gamer Types

Gaming monitor prices have skyrocketed, especially for OLED, large-screen, high-refresh-rate models. But fear not, budget-conscious gamers! Excellent affordable options exist without sacrificing image quality or features. Take the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, a mini-LED, quantum dot marvel for under $400. It rivals far pricier monitors, showcasing the quality achievable on a budget—if you know where to look.

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

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

Best 1080p: Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

Best 1440p: LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

Best 4K: KTC H27P22S

Best ultrawide: Dell S3422DWG

Budget gaming monitors may lack some premium features, but they still deliver excellent displays for your gaming PC. Even mid-range graphics cards and CPUs can shine on high-refresh-rate and 4K monitors at affordable prices. While compromises like adjustable stands or KVM switches might be absent, focusing on performance and essential features reveals incredible value at every price point.

Not all budget monitors are equal. A sub-$100 monitor might seem like a steal, but it likely compromises build quality and eye strain, ultimately costing more in the long run. Our picks, while slightly pricier, offer superior builds, panels, and gaming features for a better experience. Of course, higher-end options are available for those with larger budgets.

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

Incredible picture quality at an awesome price.

Product Specifications

• Screen Size: 27”
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
• Panel type: IPS
• Brightness: 1,000 cd/m2
• Refresh rate: 180Hz
• Response time: 1ms
• Inputs: 2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm Audio

PROS: High brightness and deep contrast; Great color accuracy; Outstanding picture quality and HDR; Robust 1,152 local dimming zones

CONS: Bloom on dark grey backgrounds; No USB hub

The Xiaomi G Pro 27i is a standout. Its mini-LED backlight with full-array local dimming (FALD) and 1,152 local dimming zones—usually found in $700+ monitors—significantly reduces blooming, resulting in superior contrast and HDR performance. Its picture quality rivals OLEDs at a fraction of the cost, without the burn-in risk. 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 only supporting HDMI 2.0, these trade-offs are worthwhile given its exceptional picture quality at its price point.

2. Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A

Best Budget 1080p Gaming Monitor

Product Specifications

• Screen Size: 27”
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
• Panel type: VA, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible
• Brightness: 350 cd/m2
• Refresh rate: 165Hz
• Response time: 1ms
• Inputs: 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x Audio Jack

PROS: Great colors and impressive contrast; ELMB support for improved motion clarity; VESA support for third-party stands

CONS: Slightly lower pixel density; No height adjustment

The Asus TUF Gaming VG277Q1A offers fantastic value. Its VA panel delivers deep blacks and wide dynamic range, while its 1ms response time and game-enhancing features (on-screen reticle, Shadow Boost, ELMB) provide a competitive edge. While the stand lacks height adjustment (though VESA mountable), and the 1080p resolution on a 27" screen might show some pixelation, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a significant upgrade for the price.

3. LG UltraGear 27GN800-B

Best 1440p Budget Gaming Monitor

Product Specifications

• Screen Size: 27”
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
• Panel type: IPS FreeSync and G-Sync
• Response time: 1ms
• Inputs: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort

PROS: Solid HDR gaming; Great color accuracy

CONS: Stand isn’t height adjustable

The LG UltraGear 27GN800-B provides a resolution upgrade to 1440p, offering sharper visuals and excellent color accuracy. Its 144Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and Low Framerate Compensation ensure smooth, tear-free gameplay. The non-adjustable stand is its main drawback, but VESA mount compatibility allows for easy upgrades.

4. KTC H27P22D

Best 4K Budget Gaming Monitor

Product Specifications

• Screen Size: 27”
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
• Panel type: IPS FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible
• Brightness: 400 cd/m2
• Refresh rate: 160Hz
• Response time: 1ms
• Inputs: 2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x 3.5mm Audio

PROS: Sharp 4K screen; Great for consoles thanks to HDMI 2.1 connectivity; Fast refresh rate; Excellent value overall

CONS: No USB connectivity; Not factory calibrated

The KTC H27P22D is a remarkable 4K option at its price point. Its 160Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, and dual HDMI 2.1 ports make it ideal for console gaming. While its HDR performance is limited by its brightness, its SDR visuals are vibrant, and its color accuracy is good (though not factory calibrated). The lack of a USB hub is a minor drawback.

5. Dell S3422DWG

Best Ultrawide Budget Gaming Monitor

Product Specifications

• Screen Size: 34”
• Aspect Ratio: 21:9
• Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440
• Panel type: VA FreeSync
• Brightness: 400 cd/m2
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Response time: 1ms
• Inputs: 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort

PROS: Great contrast; Immersive wide, curved display

CONS: Minor ghosting

The Dell S3422DWG provides an immersive ultrawide experience at a budget-friendly price. Its curved VA panel delivers high contrast and sharp 3440x1440 resolution, while its 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support ensure smooth gameplay. Minor ghosting is noticeable, but overall, it offers excellent value for an ultrawide.

How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming Monitor?

The $200-$300 range is a sweet spot for budget gaming monitors. Cheaper options often compromise quality, while a $100 monitor might not last. To find the best value, consider your priorities: resolution, refresh rate, panel type, and screen size.

Resolution, Refresh Rate, Panel Types, Screen Size

1080p remains standard for budget displays, offering high frame rates with less demanding hardware. 1440p is a worthwhile upgrade, especially on 27" screens. 4K is achievable on a budget but requires higher system specs and may compromise brightness or screen size. Refresh rates typically range from 60Hz to 240Hz, with 144Hz being a good all-around choice and 240Hz better for competitive gaming. IPS panels excel in motion clarity and color accuracy, while VA panels offer superior contrast. 27" is a common and versatile screen size, with smaller (24") and larger (32"+) options available. G-Sync or FreeSync support is recommended, and while HDR is often marketed, its effectiveness is limited on budget monitors due to lower brightness.

Budget Gaming Monitor FAQs

What is the best type of panel?

IPS panels offer superior color accuracy and motion clarity, while VA panels provide better contrast. The Xiaomi G Pro 27i, with its mini-LED backlight, surpasses both.

When are gaming monitors most affordable?

Prime Day, Black Friday, Back to School sales, and new model releases often bring significant discounts.

What size gaming monitor should I get for gaming?

Consider your space and the resolution. 24" for 1080p, 27-32" for 1440p, and 27"+ for 4K are good starting points. Avoid large 1080p monitors due to pixelation.