There are some good monitors you can find for under $200. Most options in this price range are simple, entry-level models that offer the basics for work or play, and some offer good value compared to the competition. That said, most don't have extra features you'd find on higher-end models and are behind more expensive options in terms of performance. With that in mind, it might be worth stretching your budget if you want an upgrade in performance, as even the best gaming monitors under $300 are much better than some cheaper options.
However, if you're on a tight budget, these displays are useful for a variety of usages. There are a few factors to consider when looking for a monitor, like the variety of models available in the market and what you need your monitor for. For example, if you want a monitor for gaming, it's important to get something with a fast response time for good motion handling. However, having versatile ergonomics is more important for work, so there's no perfect solution for everyone.
We've bought and tested over 410 monitors, and below, you'll find our top picks for the best monitors for under $200. See our recommendations for the best budget and cheap monitors, the best portable monitors for working on the go, and, if you're willing to stretch your budget, the best monitors under $500.
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.
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Best Monitor Under $200
PC GamingConsole GamingOfficeEditingResponse TimeBrightnessHDR PictureSDR PictureColor AccuracySize27"Panel TypeLCDSub-TypeVAMax Refresh Rate180 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution2560 x 1440The best monitor under $200 that we've tested is the AOC Q27G3XMN. It's a 27-inch, 1440p display that's versatile for different types of uses. It's worth getting when you can find it on sale for under $200. Even when it's a bit past $200, it's worth stretching your budget for because it delivers much better picture quality than similarly priced options. It uses Mini LED backlighting and, combined with its good local dimming feature, it displays deep, inky blacks in dark rooms. It also makes highlights pop for an impactful HDR experience. Plus, it displays a wide range of vivid colors for a realistic image.
It's versatile for different uses, like gaming. It includes a 180Hz refresh rate, VRR support to reduce screen tearing, and low input lag to help keep your system's total latency low. While it has a fast overall response time, there's black smearing behind fast-moving objects in dark scenes, so it's not the best choice if you play action games, but it's still fine for most gamers.
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Best Gaming Monitor Under $200
PC GamingConsole GamingOfficeEditingResponse TimeBrightnessHDR PictureSDR PictureColor AccuracySize24"Panel TypeLCDSub-TypeIPSMax Refresh Rate240 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1920 x 1080If you don't need the best picture quality and want the best gaming monitor under $200, consider the Dell SE2426HGS. Besides its smaller screen, the main downside of this monitor compared to the AOC Q27G3XMN is its much worse picture quality. It has a lower contrast ratio and lacks local dimming to further improve picture quality in dark scenes. Highlights don't pop, either, so it's a bad choice if you want something for HDR gaming. However, this is what you have to expect at this price point, especially considering that the Dell costs less than the AOC.
On the plus side, it still gets bright enough to fight some glare, and its matte screen coating is effective at reducing glare in moderately lit rooms. Also, the Dell monitor has an advantage for gaming. For starters, it has a higher 240Hz refresh rate and less smearing in dark scenes behind fast-moving objects, making it the better choice for playing action games. Its lower 1080p resolution also makes it easier for your graphics card to maintain high frame rates, as it's less demanding on your computer.
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Best Work Monitor Under $200
PC GamingConsole GamingOfficeEditingResponse TimeBrightnessHDR PictureSDR PictureColor AccuracySize27"Panel TypeLCDSub-TypeIPSMax Refresh Rate180 HzSee all our test resultsNative Resolution2560 x 1440If you're looking for a work monitor under $200, check out the Samsung Odyssey G50D S27DG50. It's actually designed for gaming, but it performs well for productivity, too. It has a higher 1440p resolution than the Dell SE2426HGS, resulting in sharper text. The Samsung also has a bigger screen than the Dell, making it the better choice for multitasking with windows opened side-by-side. Plus, it has a wider viewing angle than the AOC Q27G3XMN, so the image remains consistent when viewed from the sides, which is great if you often need to share the screen with a coworker or client.
Besides that, it's a good choice if you work in a well-lit office space because it gets bright enough to fight glare and has good reflection handling. The downside to getting a monitor for work in this price range is that it doesn't have any USB ports to connect your devices, so you have to make sure all your devices are connected directly to your PC. You can check out the Dell P2425H if you want something with a USB hub, but it has a smaller screen and is harder to find.
Notable Mentions
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LG 27G610A-B:
The LG 27G610A-B is a 1440p gaming monitor with a 27-inch screen, making it a bigger alternative with more detailed images than the Dell SE2426HGS. While the LG has a fast 200Hz refresh rate, it's lower than that of the Dell. Plus, the LG is more than $200 most of the time.
See our review -
LG 24GS65F-B:
The LG 24GS65F-B is a low-cost gaming monitor that's fairly similar to the Dell SE2426HGS, with sharp motion handling. However, it has a lower 180Hz refresh rate, and it usually costs more than the Dell.
See our review -
ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS:
The ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS is an entry-level 1440p monitor that competes with the Samsung Odyssey G50D S27DG50. The advantage of the ASUS is that it has a USB-C port to quickly connect a laptop. However, it sometimes costs more than the Samsung.
See our review
Recent Updates
Oct 05, 2026:
We replaced the hard-to-find AOC Q27G40XMN with the AOC Q27G3XMN as the 'Best Monitor Under $200.' In the work category, we replaced the Dell P2425H with the Samsung Odyssey G50D S27DG50, which has a higher resolution and is easier to find. In the Notable Mentions, we removed the Dell Alienware AW2725DM and the Dell S2725DC, and we added the LG 27G610A-B and the ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS to better represent the current market.
Jul 10, 2026:
We replaced the LG 24GS65F-B with the Dell SE2426HGS, which has a higher refresh rate. In the Notable Mentions, we replaced the AOC Q27G3XMN, the ViewSonic XG2431, and the Dell S2725QS with the Dell Alienware AW2725DM, the LG 24GS65F-B, and the Dell S2725DC to better reflect the current monitor market.
Apr 22, 2026:
We added the AOC Q27G3XMN and the ViewSonic XG2431 to the Notable Mentions.
Jan 27, 2026:
We replaced the MSI G274QPF-QD with the AOC Q27G40XMN, as the MSI is becoming harder to find and the AOC offers better value. We also removed the Samsung Odyssey G50D S27DG50 from the Notable Mentions because its price increased.
Oct 08, 2025:
We replaced the Gigabyte GS27QC with the MSI G274QPF-QD, which is easier to find and is consistent with other recommendations. We removed the AOC 24G15N, which is hard to find, and replaced the Dell G2524H with the cheaper LG 24GS65F-B. In the Notable Mentions, we removed the LG 27GL850-B/27GL83A-B, and added the Samsung Odyssey G50D S27DG50 and the Dell S2725QS.
All Reviews
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best monitors under $200 that are available to purchase in the United States, including the best gaming monitors under $200. They're adapted to be valid for most people in this price range. The rating is based on our review, feedback from visitors, and price. For example, two monitors may perform the same, but the cheaper one will be recommended. We also consider availability, as we don't recommend a monitor that's hard to find.
If you'd prefer to make your own decision, here's the list of all our reviews for monitors under or around $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.
