There are plenty of monitors available if you're on a tight budget. While they don't have the most premium features, there are a few entry-level models that offer better value in terms of price and performance compared to more expensive options. As the market grows, you can find low-cost displays for various uses, from work to gaming.
With so many different options available, it's important to consider how you'll use the monitor. You'll want something with sharp text clarity and good ergonomics for work. For gaming, you'll want a fast response time, a high refresh rate, and VRR support. A few budget models also deliver an impactful HDR gaming experience, but most have limited overall picture quality. You may also want to consider which size you want, as there is a wide range of sizes available, but size is more of a personal preference.
We've bought and tested over 385 monitors, and below, you'll find our top picks for the best budget and cheap monitors. Also, check out our recommendations for the best monitors under $200, the best monitors under $500, the best 1080p monitors, and the best budget and cheap gaming monitors. If you need more than just a monitor, then check out the best budget laptops and the best budget keyboards.
We buy and test more than 30 monitors each year, all of which we purchase ourselves, without cherry-picked units or samples. We put a lot into each unbiased, straight-to-the-point review, and there's a whole process from purchasing to publishing, involving multiple teams and people. We do more than just use the monitor for a week; we use specialized, custom tools to measure various aspects and deliver objective, data-driven results. We also consider multiple factors before making any recommendations, including the monitor's cost, its performance compared to the competition, and whether it's easy to find.
-
Best Budget Monitor
PC GamingOfficeEditingSDR PictureHDR PictureConsole GamingBrightnessResponse TimeColor AccuracySize27"Panel TypeLCDSub-TypeVAMax Refresh Rate180 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution2560 x 1440The best budget monitor we've tested is the AOC Q27G3XMN. It's a 27-inch, 1440p monitor mainly designed for gaming, but it's also versatile for other uses. The main advantage of this over other budget-friendly monitors is that it utilizes Mini LED backlighting, a feature typically found on higher-end models. Combined with its high native contrast ratio and good local dimming feature, it displays deep blacks against bright highlights, which is great for use in dark rooms. It also gets bright enough to make highlights pop, so it's a good choice for watching content or gaming in HDR.
Although it's limited in extra features besides that, which is expected for a low-cost monitor, it's also useful for gaming. It has a max 180Hz refresh rate that you can reach over DisplayPort. Motion looks sharp thanks to its fast response time, but there's smearing with fast-moving objects. You can also consider the similar and newer AOC Q27G40XMN, if you can find it on sale, as it features better local dimming. However, it's only available in the United States, and it has worse ergonomics and motion handling.
-
Best Cheap Monitor
PC GamingOfficeEditingSDR PictureHDR PictureConsole GamingBrightnessResponse TimeColor AccuracySize27"Panel TypeLCDSub-TypeIPSMax Refresh Rate180 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution2560 x 1440Should you be on a tighter budget, you can also look into the cheaper Dell Alienware AW2725DM. It's another 27-inch, 1440p option, but the main difference from the AOC Q27G3XMN is that it has much worse picture quality. It lacks Mini LED backlighting and has a low contrast ratio, making it a worse choice for HDR. It also has a terrible local dimming feature that only turns on in HDR, and it results in haloing around bright objects.
Besides the step down in picture quality, it's still a decent gaming monitor. Motion looks fairly sharp at any refresh rate, including at its max of 180Hz. Also, it doesn't have smearing with fast-moving objects. It also works fairly well with consoles as it supports most signals with a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, including VRR with either of them. Plus, this monitor is better than the AOC for work purposes because it has a wider viewing angle, which is ideal if you need to share your screen with someone next to you. The Dell also has two USB-A ports to connect your devices, which is great if your computer doesn't have any ports left for them.
-
Best Budget 4k Monitor
PC GamingOfficeEditingSDR PictureHDR PictureConsole GamingBrightnessResponse TimeColor AccuracySize27"Panel TypeLCDSub-TypeIPSMax Refresh Rate120 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution3840 x 2160If you want a higher resolution than on the AOC Q27G3XMN or the Dell Alienware AW2725DM, there are some 4k displays you can get at a budget cost, like the Dell S2725QS. It's worse for HDR than the AOC as it doesn't have Mini LED backlighting to further enhance its low contrast ratio, and it doesn't get bright enough for highlights to pop. It also has worse motion handling than the AOC or the AW2725DM. However, its 120Hz refresh rate is higher than most entry-level 4k monitors, offering a fairly smooth feel, and it has HDMI 2.1 bandwidth to make full use of gaming consoles.
On the plus side, it's designed with work in mind and features sharper text than 1440p monitors. It's a good choice for use in a well-lit room, as it provides sufficient brightness to combat glare; however, reflections can be distracting in a sunny environment. It also comes with an ergonomic stand, making it easy to adjust. It doesn't have any USB ports, but you can consider the Dell S2725QC as an alternative option with a built-in USB hub. That said, it tends to cost more than the S2725QS.
-
Best Cheap 24-Inch Monitor
PC GamingOfficeEditingSDR PictureHDR PictureConsole GamingBrightnessResponse TimeColor AccuracySize24"Pixel TypeIPSMax Refresh Rate100 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1920 x 1080If you're in the market for the best cheap monitor but you want a smaller screen, look into the Dell P2425H instead. It's worth getting when you can find it on sale. It's different than the Dell S2725QS and the Dell Alienware AW2725DM because it has a lower 1080p resolution, so images don't have the same detail, and it also has fewer gaming features. It has a lower 100Hz refresh rate, doesn't support VRR at all, and fast-moving objects appear blurry, so it's not ideal for playing fast-paced games.
Where this monitor stands out against other entry-level models is with its productivity perks. It comes with a very ergonomic stand that's easy to adjust to your preferred position. It even has a small USB hub that includes three USB-A ports and a USB-C port. However, unlike higher-end displays, the USB-C port doesn't support DisplayPort Alt Mode. You can't use it for a video connection with your laptop; rather, it's meant for connecting peripherals, such as a keyboard or mouse. It lacks other features higher-end monitors have, such as HDR support, but this doesn't make a significant difference, as it has limited picture quality anyway.
-
Best Budget 32-Inch Monitor
PC GamingOfficeEditingSDR PictureHDR PictureConsole GamingBrightnessResponse TimeColor AccuracySize32"Panel TypeLCDSub-TypeVAMax Refresh Rate180 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution2560 x 1440Although the monitors recommended above have 24- to 27-inch screen sizes, which represent most of the budget monitor market, there are a few decent low-cost 32-inch monitors available if you want a bigger screen. Budget monitors of this size aren't as good as smaller displays, but if you want a larger display, the Dell Alienware AW3225DM is a good choice. Like the Dell Alienware AW2725DM and the AOC Q27G3XMN, it's focused on gaming as it has a 180Hz refresh rate.
It's great for fast-paced gaming, as it has very good motion handling, though it has some smearing. It also has good SDR picture quality, and it displays fairly deep blacks next to bright highlights. The main downside to this monitor is its HDR performance. It has a terrible local dimming system that cannot be turned off in HDR. This local dimming actually worsens the picture quality, failing to make highlights pop and causing haloing around bright objects. You may prefer gaming in SDR if this bothers you, as you won't get the same haloing around bright objects.
-
Best Budget Ultrawide Monitor
PC GamingOfficeEditingSDR PictureHDR PictureConsole GamingBrightnessResponse TimeColor AccuracySize34"Panel TypeLCDSub-TypeVAMax Refresh Rate180 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution3440 x 1440If you're looking for an ultrawide monitor on a budget, check out the Dell Alienware AW3425DWM. It's a 34-inch, 180Hz gaming monitor with a 1440p resolution, similar to the Dell Alienware AW3225DM and the AOC Q27G3XMN. That said, this monitor features a wider 21:9 aspect ratio, providing a more immersive viewing experience. Its curved screen also brings the edges closer to you, so you see a more consistent image across the display.
However, it has a trade-off in terms of HDR image quality compared to the AOC. Its terrible local dimming system causes a lot of haloing around bright objects, and it doesn't get bright enough for highlights to pop. Its HDR colors also aren't as vivid for an impactful experience. That said, in SDR, it performs well. It's bright enough to fight glare in a well-lit room, and it displays fairly deep blacks in any environment. It also makes fast-moving objects appear fairly sharp, although it does exhibit some smearing, similar to the AW3225DM.
Notable Mentions
-
ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV:
The ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV is a low-cost monitor with a USB hub that's better for productivity than the AOC Q27G3XMN. However, it has worse picture quality because it doesn't have a local dimming feature. It's only something to consider if you want a budget-friendly work monitor.
See our review -
ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS:
The ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS is a 27-inch, 1440p monitor that competes with the Dell Alienware AW2725DM. One difference is that the ASUS has better color accuracy and improved motion handling. That said, the ASUS has a smaller USB hub.
See our review -
Dell S2725DC:
The Dell S2725DC is a versatile entry-level 1440p monitor with more productivity features than the Dell Alienware AW2725DM, including a bigger USB hub. The S2725DC also has some gaming features, but it has worse motion handling than the AW2725DM.
See our review -
Dell S3225QS:
The Dell S3225QS is a larger alternative to the Dell S2725QS if you want a 32-inch screen. It has many of the same features, including the 120Hz refresh rate, but it has a narrow viewing angle. It also costs more than the S2725QS, so you're paying more for the bigger size.
See our review -
LG 24GS65F-B:
The LG 24GS65F-B is an entry-level 24-inch monitor that's in the same price range as the Dell P2425H. It's different from the Dell because it's more focused on gaming with a higher refresh rate and better motion handling. Unfortunately, it doesn't have any productivity features like the Dell.
See our review
Recent Updates
Mar 26, 2026:
We verified that all monitors are available to purchase and updated the text for clarity throughout.
Mar 02, 2026:
We replaced the MSI G274QPF-QD with the Dell Alienware AW2725DM because it's cheaper and consistent with other recommendations.
Feb 04, 2026:
We added the Dell S2725DC to the Notable Mentions.
Nov 07, 2025:
We replaced the Dell S3225QS and the Dell G2524H with the Dell S2725QS and the Dell P2425H, respectively, as they're both cheaper. In the Notable Mentions, we removed the ViewSonic XG2431 and added the LG 24GS65F-B, the ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS, and the S3225QS.
Aug 12, 2025:
We replaced the Dell S2721QS with the Dell S3225QS, as the S2721QS is harder to find. We also replaced the ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS with the MSI G274QPF-QD, as it costs less. Additionally, we replaced the LG 32GN650-B/32GN63T-B with the Dell Alienware AW3225DM, as it has better performance. We also added the Dell Alienware AW3425DWM as 'Best Budget Ultrawide'. Finally, we removed the Dell S3422DWG from the Notable Mentions.
All Reviews
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best budget monitors you can get. They're adapted to be valid for most people. The rating is based on our review, factoring in price and feedback from our visitors.
If you would prefer to make your own decision, here is the list of all of our budget and monitor reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most monitors are good enough to please most people, and the things we fault monitors on are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.