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Top 5 Best Budget Monitors Spring 2021

You don't have to break the bank to be able to acquire a decent budget monitor. Check out our list of top 5 budget monitors.

You don’t need to spend a lot of cash to get a decent monitor. There’s plenty of options on the market that will suit your needs but won’t break the bank.

Here’s our top 5 monitors:

  1. Best Budget Gaming Monitor: AOC 27G2 27″ Gaming Monitor
  2. Best Small Gaming Monitor: Asus VG259Q 25.5″ Gaming Monitor
  3. Best Image Quality/Productivity: Dell UltraSharp U2422H 24″ Monitor
  4. Best 144Hz Gaming Monitor: Asus VG278Q 27″ Full HD 1080P 144Hz
  5. Best Budget All-Rounder: Acer R240HY 23.8-Inch IPS 1080p

Keep reading to find out why we selected these budget monitors and why we recommend them!

AOC Budget Monitor
(Image Credit: Amazon AOC 27G2)

1. AOC 27G2 27″ Gaming Monitor

Specs

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Panel: IPS
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Response Time: 4ms
Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 – Static
Brightness: 250cd/m2
Ports: 2 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 4 x USB 3.0, 2 x 3.5mm Jack
Additional Features: Speakers, adjustable height, tilt and swivel 

Reasons to Buy

  • Affordable
  • Great performance
  • Good image quality
  • Responsive
  • FreeSync & G-Sync compatible
  • Good color accuracy
  • Crisp-Lag free viewing experience

Reasons to Avoid

  • No USB-C or USB hub

Starting in the gaming category, the AOC 27G2 is the clear budget winner in this space. It’s a competitively-priced 144Hz gaming monitor with a 27 inch IPS panel – something you rarely see at this price point.

The IPS panel provides amazing image quality, fantastic viewing angles, and an accurate color payoff. Despite the low pricing, this budget monitor can be easily compared to its more expensive rival – the Asus VG279Q. 

If you’re on a budget and looking for similar specs to the Asus, seriously consider going with the AOC instead.

Budget monitor
(Image Credit: Amazon AOC 27G2)

With a refresh rate of 144Hz, the 1ms MPRT response time, and adaptive sync, you’ll experience a smooth and lag-free gaming experience. This, combined with the fantastic color reproduction and a sharp image, make games look pretty sexy for such a budget option.

For a 27 inch monitor, a resolution of 1920 x 1080 is relatively low, so the pixels are spread out over a larger area causing the image to appear softer and fuzzier.

A higher resolution is recommended, but we’re certainly not complaining for the price. 1080p gaming means you’ll be able to max out FPS and get a buttery smooth experience with the 144Hz refresh rate.

Budget monitor
(Image Credit: Amazon ASUS VG259Q)

2. Asus VG259Q 25.5″ Gaming Monitor

Specs

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Panel: IPS
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Response Time: 4ms
Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Brightness: 400cd/m2
Ports: 2 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 2 x 3.5mm Jack
Additional Features: Speakers 2 x 2W, adjustable height, tilt and swivel, VESA wall mounting compatible

Reasons to Buy

  • Accurate and consistent colors
  • FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible
  • High brightness and contrast
  • Ergonomic design
  • Gaming features Including FreeSync and ELMB
  • Fast pixel response speed
  • Good viewing angles
  • Comes with DisplayPort and HDMI cable

Reasons to Avoid

  • Gamma needs improvement
  • Pricier than competitors

Another great gaming budget monitor on our list is the Asus VG259Q. It features a rapid pixel response time speed as well as G-Sync compatibility. This results in impressive colors, and the performance isn’t too shabby either. 

The raw performance of this monitor is the reason why it’s on our top 5 list. The pixel response time speed is 3ms ensuring that there is limited blur and ghosting behind fast-moving objects. 

The Extreme Low Motion Blur (EMLB) can also achieve 1ms of Moving Picture Response Time. This helps eliminate ghosting by using backlight strobing and provides motion clarity. 

The Shadow Boost technology helps clarify the dark areas of the game without making the brighter areas overexposed; this improves the overall viewing experience. 

Sick of getting killed by campers sitting in a dark corner? This might be your answer…

Budget monitor
(Image Credit: Amazon ASUS VG259Q)

The image quality is an IPS panel with 144Hz, similar to the AOC gaming monitor previously mentioned. However, this monitor’s differentiating feature compared to the AOC is the brightness. 

At 400cd/m2 brightness rating, the Asus has excellent visibility in bright environments, but it is not recommended for gaming in darker rooms due to its low contrast ratio.   

Similar to other IPS monitors, some backlight bleed can be visible. However, this negative aspect can be found in most IPS panel monitors on the market.  

Overall, if you are looking for a gaming monitor you can’t go wrong with this one.

Budget monitor
(Image Credit: Dell)

3. Dell UltraSharp U2422H 24″ Monitor

Specs

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Panel: IPS
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Response Time: 8 ms (grey-to-grey normal), 5 ms (grey-to-grey fast)
Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Brightness: 250cd/m2
Ports: 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort Output, 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 upstream, 1 x USB-C downstream (power up to 15W), 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 downstream, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 down stream with Battery Charging 1.2, 1 x 3.5mm Jack
Additional Features: Adjustable height, tilt and swivel, daisy-chain feature, VESA interface support

Reasons to Buy

  • Has a USB Hub
  • Daisy-Chain feature
  • Height, tilt, pivot are adjustable
  • Built in low blue light feature
  • Solid build
  • Good for mixed use
  • Wide viewing angle
  • Cables included: DP-DP, USB-A – USB-C Gen 2

Reasons to Avoid

  • Lacks speakers
  • Not suitable for gaming
  • Low refresh rate
  • Response time is slow

If you don’t do any intense gaming, video editing, or photoshop and are only after a good quality all-purpose monitor – check out the Dell U2422H. It’s only just been released.

This monitor somewhat lacks in performance compared to its competitors. It utilizes an IPS panel, has a 1920 x 1080 FHD resolution and an aspect ratio of 16:9.

However, the refresh rate and response time are where this monitor falls short – hence not an intelligent choice for gaming (although you can still game if you need to). You may also see some backlight bleeding and ghosting if you decide to play FPS games (like CS: GO) or watch fast action movies. 

It’s not a big deal if you’re only planning to use the computer for everyday browsing and social networking.

If you’re after a more premium version of this monitor, we reviewed the Dell U2720Q 4K monitor.

Other features

Daisy Chain

Daisy chain is, of course, a great addition to a monitor in our eyes, and we don’t see much of this in many budget monitors. If you are after a seamless multi-monitor setup with minimal cables connected to your laptop, then this feature is a fantastic addition. 

ComfortView Plus

If you’re someone who suffers from headaches and eye strain, you will be impressed by the ComfortView Plus, which reduces blue-light emissions while still delivering a vibrant color. 

Budget monitor
(Image Credit: Dell)

Ports

Dell U2422H has got you covered ports-wise. HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, USB, and a 3.5mm jack. There is a built-in hub in the monitor, allowing you to connect wired devices such as a mouse, keyboard, external hard drives, and headphones.

Budget monitor
(Image Credit: ASUS VG278Q)

4. ASUS VG278Q 27″ Gaming Monitor

Specs

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Panel: TN
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Response Time: 1 ms (Grey to Grey)
Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Brightness: 400cd/m2
Ports: 1 x HDMI (1.4), 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, Dual-link DVI-D, 1 x 3.5mm Jack
Additional Features: 2W x 2 Stereo RMS, Adjustable height, tilt and swivel, VESA interface support

Reasons to Buy

  • Great picture quality
  • AMD and G-Sync Compatible
  • Low input lag
  • High refresh rate
  • Adjustable stand
  • Quick response time
  • Motion blur reduction

Reasons to Avoid

  • Low pixel density
  • Narrow viewing angle
  • Inferior image quality to IPS and VA panels
  • Internal speakers are OK

Yes, we’ve already spoken about a few gaming monitors. Give us a break! They’re just excellent options at this price point and have several cool features.

The ASUS VG278Q is slightly pricier than our other options, but you get more bang for your buck. It’s known to be a fan favorite among multiple gamers, and for a good reason. This 1080p, 144Hz, and 1ms response time monitor comes with certified G-Sync compatibility and motion blur reduction.

It is not a fantastic product due to its use of the TN panel, commonly known to have poor viewing angles and inaccurate colors. However, fast response times and low input lag make up for this. 

For gaming, viewing angles shouldn’t be a big deal breaker as you sit in front of the screen and not at an angle. Besides, the pixel density of 81ppi lacks for a 27†monitor. However, this would not be noticeable unless you sit 5-inches away. 

Budget monitor
(Image Credit: ASUS)

With this monitor, while fast-paced gaming, you can be sure that there will be no motion blur. This is due to the feature called ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur), which uses backlight strobing to eliminate trailing and ghosting at a refresh rate of 120Hz-144Hz.

Overall, this monitor offers a great gaming experience with plenty of features and settings.

Budget monitor
(Image Credit: Acer R240HY)

5. Acer R240HY 23.8″ Monitor

Specs

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 FHD
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Panel: IPS
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Response Time: 4 ms (Grey to Grey)
Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Brightness: 250cd/m2
Ports: 1 x HDMI, 1 x DVI (withHDCP), 1 x VGA, 1 x 3.5mm Jack

Reasons to Buy

  • Great viewing angles
  • Good color gamut
  • Great response time
  • Good range of features

Reasons to Avoid

  • No Vesa mount option
  • Stand height cannot be adjusted
  • More light bleed than many other IPS monitors
  • No speakers, USB ports or DisplayPort
  • Non-adjustable stand with tilt only monitor

The ACER R240HY will impress you with its design. This is followed closely by its display and performance. Its IPS panel offers a remarkable 178-degree viewing angle.

The FHD 1920 x 1080 resolution produces excellent color too. If you’re after an entry-level monitor for graphic design, photoshop, and editing, then this will be a great budget option.

Nevertheless, if you plan to do some gaming, then the 4ms response time will assist with reducing motion blur and ghosting. So you’ll be able to play those fast-paced games like Overwatch and Battlefield and have a good experience. 

Budget monitor
(Image Credit: Amazon R240HY)

Keep in mind that with all of the positives of using an IPS panel, there are still negatives, such as light bleeding. You will notice this “glow†around the edges of your screen when viewing black or other dark colors. 

A great addition is the Flicker-Less Technology which has been implemented in this monitor and aims to reduce screen flickering, which is a cause of eye strain after prolonged computer use. 

So if you’re a casual gamer or an average pc user looking for a decent budget monitor, this is a great option to consider.

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