The 5 Best Monitors Under $200 - Fall 2019
Reviews

If you like the Dell P2417H but are looking for something a bit smaller or cheaper, check out the Dell P2217H instead. There's no significant difference between the two, other than the size. The unit we reviewed had slightly better viewing angles and worse black uniformity, but these can vary between individual units of the same model.

Overall, although the P2417H is slightly better, if you're limited in space and don't mind the slightly worse back uniformity, the Dell P2217H offers almost identical performance.

If you want a monitor with a better swivel range, check out the ASUS VG245H instead. This 24" monitor performs almost identically to the slightly larger Acer XF251Q, but it has a better height adjustment, much wider swivel range, and a better tilt range. This makes it easier to place it in an ideal viewing position without VESA mounting it. On the other hand, the ASUS has worse black uniformity than the Acer, so it doesn't look as good in a dark room.

Overall, the Acer XF251Q and the ASUS VG245H are extremely similar. The Acer is the best gaming monitor under $200 for most people, but if you want a better stand and don't plan on using it in a dark room, the ASUS is a good alternative.

If you're willing to stretch your budget a bit, the ViewSonic XG2402 can usually be found for a bit more than $200 and delivers a better gaming experience than the Acer XF251Q. The ViewSonic has a faster refresh rate and a faster response time, so motion looks even clearer with almost no noticeable blur behind fast-moving objects. Thanks to the higher refresh rate, it has a much wider variable refresh rate range, ensuring a nearly tear-free gaming experience, even when your computer can't quite keep up with the fast action on-screen.

Overall, although the Acer XF251Q is the best gaming monitor under $200 that we've tested so far, if you're willing to stretch your budget just a bit, the ViewSonic XG2402 is a worthwhile investment.