The 5 Best Monitors Under $200 - Spring 2019
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 64 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, and the best 1080p monitors.

1. Best Monitor Under $200: Dell P2417H

   

   Dell P2417H

   SEE PRICE

   Newegg.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   7.3

   Mixed Usage

   Score components:

   • 30% Office
   • 30% Multimedia
   • 25% Gaming
   • 10% Media Creation
   • 5% HDR Gaming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.5

   Office

   Score components:

   • 16% Resolution and Size
   • 15% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 12% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 7% Ergonomics
   • 7% Reflections
   • 7% Gray Uniformity
   • 6% Input Lag
   • 5% SDR Color Gamut
   • 5% SDR Color Volume
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 4% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 4% Gradient
   • 2% Motion Blur
   • 2% Refresh Rate
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Image Flicker
   • 1% Curve radius

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.7

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 23% Input Lag
   • 14% Resolution and Size
   • 13% Motion Blur
   • 12% Refresh Rate
   • 9% Ergonomics
   • 8% Image Flicker
   • 6% Reflections
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% SDR Color Gamut
   • 1% SDR Color Volume

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.0

   Multimedia

   Score components:

   • 17% Resolution and Size
   • 10% Input Lag
   • 8% Reflections
   • 8% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 4% Motion Blur
   • 4% Refresh Rate
   • 4% SDR Color Gamut
   • 4% SDR Color Volume
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Image Flicker
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Pre Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.1

   Media Creation

   Score components:

   • 21% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Ergonomics
   • 7% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Input Lag
   • 6% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Motion Blur
   • 6% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Reflections
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Color Gamut
   • 3% SDR Color Volume
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Local Dimming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   5.4

   HDR Gaming

   Score components:

   • 14% Contrast
   • 12% Input Lag
   • 9% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 9% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Black Uniformity
   • 7% Local Dimming
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Motion Blur
   • 5% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Gradient
   • 5% HDR Color Gamut
   • 5% HDR Color Volume
   • 3% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 2% Gray Uniformity

   Score distribution:
   Size : 24 "
   Resolution : 1920x1080
   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz
   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS
   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : No

   The Dell P2417H is the best monitor under $200 that we've tested so far. It has great ergonomics, decent overall picture quality with wide viewing angles, and decent motion handling. Gamers will appreciate the low input lag and fast response time, but it lacks any variable refresh rate technology and is limited to a 60 Hz refresh rate.

   It has a versatile array of connections at the back; with HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA connections, you won't have any issues connecting any device, new or old. It also has a USB hub, great for connecting your keyboard and mouse to a computer with limited USB connections.

   Unfortunately, the P2417H can't get very bright, and it doesn't look as good in a dark room, so it is a little less versatile. Overall though, it is a decent 1080p monitor that is great if you are looking for a basic monitor on a budget.

   See our review

2. Smaller Alternative: Dell P2217H

   

   Dell P2217H

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Size : 22 "

   Resolution : 1920x1080

   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : No

   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 P2217H we reviewed had slightly better viewing angles, but worse black uniformity, but these can vary between individual units of the same model.

   See our review

3. Best Gaming Monitor Under $200: Acer XF251Q

   

   Acer XF251Q

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   7.1

   Mixed Usage

   Score components:

   • 30% Office
   • 30% Multimedia
   • 25% Gaming
   • 10% Media Creation
   • 5% HDR Gaming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   6.9

   Office

   Score components:

   • 16% Resolution and Size
   • 15% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 12% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 7% Ergonomics
   • 7% Reflections
   • 7% Gray Uniformity
   • 6% Input Lag
   • 5% SDR Color Gamut
   • 5% SDR Color Volume
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 4% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 4% Gradient
   • 2% Motion Blur
   • 2% Refresh Rate
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Image Flicker
   • 1% Curve radius

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.0

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 23% Input Lag
   • 14% Resolution and Size
   • 13% Motion Blur
   • 12% Refresh Rate
   • 9% Ergonomics
   • 8% Image Flicker
   • 6% Reflections
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% SDR Color Gamut
   • 1% SDR Color Volume

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   6.8

   Multimedia

   Score components:

   • 17% Resolution and Size
   • 10% Input Lag
   • 8% Reflections
   • 8% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 4% Motion Blur
   • 4% Refresh Rate
   • 4% SDR Color Gamut
   • 4% SDR Color Volume
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Image Flicker
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Pre Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   6.9

   Media Creation

   Score components:

   • 21% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Ergonomics
   • 7% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Input Lag
   • 6% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Motion Blur
   • 6% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Reflections
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Color Gamut
   • 3% SDR Color Volume
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Local Dimming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   5.5

   HDR Gaming

   Score components:

   • 14% Contrast
   • 12% Input Lag
   • 9% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 9% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Black Uniformity
   • 7% Local Dimming
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Motion Blur
   • 5% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Gradient
   • 5% HDR Color Gamut
   • 5% HDR Color Volume
   • 3% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 2% Gray Uniformity

   Score distribution:
   Size : 25 "
   Resolution : 1920x1080
   Refresh Rate : 75 Hz
   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : TN
   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : FreeSync

   The Acer XF251Q is the best gaming monitor under $200 that we've tested so far. It delivers great motion handling, with an incredibly fast response time, a decent 75 Hz refresh rate, and, unlike the P2417H, the XF251Q supports FreeSync, which is great.

   It is a bit less versatile than the Dell P2417H. It has two HDMI connections and a VGA port, but it does not have the USB hub found on the Dell monitors. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with NVIDIA's new FreeSync drivers, as it does not have a DisplayPort connection.

   Unfortunately, it doesn't look as good in a dark room, and the image degrades when viewed at an angle. The 1080p resolution and 75 Hz refresh rate are decent for casual gamers, but may disappoint more serious gamers. Overall, the Acer XF251Q is a great gaming monitor that should please most budget gamers.

   See our review

4. Better Stand Alternative: ASUS VG245H

   

   ASUS VG245H

   SEE PRICE

   Newegg.com

   Size : 24 "

   Resolution : 1920x1080

   Refresh Rate : 75 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : TN

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : FreeSync

   If you like the Acer XF251Q, but want something with a slightly better stand, check out the ASUS VG245H. It has a slightly better stand with a wider tilt range and full swivel range. Other than that, they are both 75 Hz TN monitors with great gaming performance, including FreeSync support. The VG245H we reviewed had worse black uniformity, but this can vary between individual units of the same model.

   See our review

5. Best Large Monitor Under $200: Dell D3218HN

   

   Dell D3218HN

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   6.8

   Mixed Usage

   Score components:

   • 30% Office
   • 30% Multimedia
   • 25% Gaming
   • 10% Media Creation
   • 5% HDR Gaming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.0

   Office

   Score components:

   • 16% Resolution and Size
   • 15% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 12% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 7% Ergonomics
   • 7% Reflections
   • 7% Gray Uniformity
   • 6% Input Lag
   • 5% SDR Color Gamut
   • 5% SDR Color Volume
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 4% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 4% Gradient
   • 2% Motion Blur
   • 2% Refresh Rate
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Image Flicker
   • 1% Curve radius

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.1

   Gaming

   Score components:

   • 23% Input Lag
   • 14% Resolution and Size
   • 13% Motion Blur
   • 12% Refresh Rate
   • 9% Ergonomics
   • 8% Image Flicker
   • 6% Reflections
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% SDR Color Gamut
   • 1% SDR Color Volume

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   6.7

   Multimedia

   Score components:

   • 17% Resolution and Size
   • 10% Input Lag
   • 8% Reflections
   • 8% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 4% Motion Blur
   • 4% Refresh Rate
   • 4% SDR Color Gamut
   • 4% SDR Color Volume
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Image Flicker
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Pre Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   6.6

   Media Creation

   Score components:

   • 21% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Ergonomics
   • 7% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 7% Input Lag
   • 6% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 6% Motion Blur
   • 6% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Reflections
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% Black Uniformity
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Gradient
   • 3% SDR Color Gamut
   • 3% SDR Color Volume
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 2% HDR Color Gamut
   • 2% HDR Color Volume
   • 1% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Local Dimming

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   5.2

   HDR Gaming

   Score components:

   • 14% Contrast
   • 12% Input Lag
   • 9% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 9% Resolution and Size
   • 8% Black Uniformity
   • 7% Local Dimming
   • 5% Ergonomics
   • 5% Motion Blur
   • 5% Refresh Rate
   • 5% Gradient
   • 5% HDR Color Gamut
   • 5% HDR Color Volume
   • 3% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 3% Image Flicker
   • 3% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 2% Gray Uniformity

   Score distribution:
   Size : 32 "
   Resolution : 1920x1080
   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz
   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS
   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : No

   If 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" monitor with an IPS panel and a 1080p refresh rate. It produces decent picture quality and has low input lag.

   The D3218HN has good viewing angles and can get bright enough for most rooms, but unfortunately, it has only mediocre reflections handling, so it isn't as well suited for a really bright room. It has a great response time, 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. Overall though, it is a decent 32" monitor that should please most budget shoppers.

   See our review