- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Best Monitor
- Best Gaming
- Best Large
- All Reviews
- Discussions
- Store-bought monitors; no cherry-picked units
- Retest after major updates
- Easily comparable results
- No ads; unbiased reviews
You don't necessarily need to spend a small fortune to get a decent monitor. Although they typically lack more advanced features, budget monitors can still deliver a decent experience for most uses if you're not too picky. Monitors in this price range are typically smaller-sized and limited to 1080p resolutions, which is still just fine for occasional use or casual gaming.
We've reviewed 76 monitors and below you'll find our top picks for the best monitors under $200 available for purchase in 2019. See also our recommendations for the best gaming monitor under $200, the best budget gaming monitors, the best budget monitors, and the best 1080p monitors.
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Best Monitor Under $200: Dell P2417H
Usage Ratings - Version 1.07.3Mixed Usage7.5Office7.7Gaming7.0Multimedia7.1Media Creation5.4HDR GamingThe Dell P2417H is the best monitor under $200 that we've tested so far. It's a decent 1080p monitor, with wide viewing angles, great ergonomics, and excellent gray uniformity. It has decent overall motion handling, with a great response time and flicker-free backlight, but it doesn't support any of the variable refresh rate technologies, like FreeSync.
Despite the budget price, this monitor has a decent selection of inputs and a few extra features, including a built-in USB hub with 4 USB ports. It has an HDMI and DisplayPort input, as well as a VGA input, which isn't used very much any more, but is useful if you have an older computer lying around.
Unfortunately, it doesn't look as good in a dark room, due to the poor black uniformity and mediocre contrast ratio. Overall, though, it's a decent monitor for most uses.
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Smaller Alternative: Dell P2217H
If you like the Dell P2417H, but are looking for something a bit smaller or cheaper, check out the Dell P2217H instead. There is no significant difference between the two, other than the size. The unit we reviewed had slightly better viewing angles, but worse black uniformity, but these can vary between individual units of the same model.
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Best Gaming Monitor Under $200: Acer XF251Q
Usage Ratings - Version 1.07.1Mixed Usage6.9Office8.0Gaming6.8Multimedia6.9Media Creation5.5HDR GamingIf you want better gaming performance on a budget, the Acer XF251Q is the best gaming monitor under $200 that we've tested so far. Although this TN monitor doesn't deliver the best picture quality, it makes up for it with its great motion handling and low input lag. It has a fast response time, flicker-free backlight, and a good 75Hz refresh rate. It even supports FreeSync, but as it lacks a DisplayPort connection, it isn't compatible with NVIDIA's new drivers.
This monitor has a few additional gaming-oriented features, including the ability to add virtual cross-hairs to any game. It doesn't support HDR, but this doesn't add much for most monitors anyway. It has decent peak brightness, so there shouldn't be any issues using it in a bright room. The image degrades when viewed at an angle, so it's best enjoyed from directly in front.
Unfortunately, this monitor isn't very accurate out of the box, and some color errors may be noticeable. Overall, though, it is a very good gaming monitor, great for budget shoppers.
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Alternative With A Better Stand: ASUS VG245H
If you like the Acer XF251Q but want something with a better swivel range, check out the ASUS VG245H. Overall, it offers very similar performance to the Acer. Both monitors have excellent response times, support FreeSync, and have good 75Hz refresh rates, and both have excellent low input lag. The unit we tested had worse black uniformity than the Acer, but this varies between units.
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144Hz Alternative: ViewSonic XG2402
Although not currently under $200, the ViewSonic XG2402 is usually only slightly over $200, but delivers a better gaming experience than the Acer XF251Q. It has an extremely fast 144Hz refresh rate, and delivers outstanding motion handling thanks to the incredibly fast response time. It also has lower input lag, which results in a slightly more responsive gaming experience.
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Best Large Monitor Under $200: Dell D3218HN
Usage Ratings - Version 1.06.8Mixed Usage7.0Office7.1Gaming6.7Multimedia6.6Media Creation5.2HDR GamingIf you want the most bang for your buck, the Dell D3218HN is the best large monitor under $200 that we've reviewed so far. It is a decent 32 inch monitor with an IPS panel and a 1080p refresh rate. It produces decent picture quality and has low input lag.
This monitor has good viewing angles and can get bright enough for most rooms, but unfortunately, it only has mediocre reflection handling, so it isn't as well-suited for a really bright room. It has a great response time, which is good for gaming or watching movies, and the backlight is flicker free.
Unfortunately, it has a fixed stand with very few ergonomic adjustments, and it has poor black uniformity. It can also be very difficult to find at the moment. Overall, though, it's a decent 32" monitor that should please most budget shoppers.
Notable Mentions
- LG 24MP59G-P: Decent 1080p monitor, but the Dell P2417H is worth the price difference. See our review
- HP Pavilion 22CWA: Decent 1080p monitor, but mediocre picture quality. See our review
- Sceptre C325W: Mediocre 32" monitor. The Dell D3218HN is much better and cheaper. See our review
All Reviews
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best monitors under $200. They are adapted to be valid for most people. Rating is based on our review, factoring in price and feedback from our visitors.
If you would prefer the make your own decision, here is the list of all of our monitor reviews under $200. 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.
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