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TOP 10 Best Budget Gaming Monitors 2024

The ultimate window to the PC's soul is a good monitor. Whether gaming, watching movies, editing pictures and videos, or studying, anything you do on your monitor will be boring or uninspiring without the correct display. This is why we have researched the best gaming monitors for you to enjoy a lively display.

When it comes to gaming monitors, there is no one-fits-all solution. The best pick will depend on the games you play, the hardware you have, your visual preferences, and your budget. Monitor specs can be daunting, especially if you’re shopping for the first time. In this buying guide, we’ll decipher all the confusing screen jargon and condense it into straightforward recommendations for all types of gamers.

Choosing the monitor size and resolution

Desktop monitors are typically measured diagonally in inches. The smallest monitors can be under 20 inches, and the largest go up to 55. It might seem that bigger means better; however, this is not always the case. Many seasoned gamers actually admit that they prefer 24 to 27-inch monitors. This is the size that allows seeing everything on a flat screen at once when viewed from the typical desktop distance. Going above that and turning your head every time you want to check what’s in the other corner may not be helpful if you’re into competitive gaming. However, curved screens can be larger since they encompass the field of vision differently.

Next, the monitor size should always be considered together with its native resolution. This is the number of pixels that comprise the image horizontally and vertically. Typical screen resolutions for gaming monitors are Full HD (also called FHD), which measures at 1920x1080 pixels, Quad HD (also called QHD or 2K), which measures 2560x1440 pixels, and the 4K (sometimes and more precisely called UHD), which is 3840x2160 pixels. If only one figure is indicated in specifications, it refers to the vertical edge.

Picking the right monitor type 

Currently, the three most common LCD (liquid-crystal display) technologies used in PC monitors are:

  • Twisted nematic (TN)

  • In-plane switching (IPS)

  • Vertical alignment (VA)

The type of panel you choose will affect its image clarity as well as response time. This is the time needed for a pixel to change from black to white (called black-to-white response time) or from one shade of grey to another (called grey-to-grey response time). A faster monitor means fewer artefacts, such as motion blur and ghosting. In some genres, every millisecond counts, and such gamers should aim for as low a response rate as possible. However, when comparing specs, remember that the speed indicated is the best one possible, and the monitor can be slower in real-world circumstances. Therefore, comparing test results and user feedback will offer a broader picture.

TN panels

TN panels generally have the lowest response times (~1 ms) and highest refresh rates. Thus, they suffer from minimal motion blur or ghosting and are great for users who are into fast-paced, competitive gaming. These monitors are also the cheapest. The common downsides are less accurate colour representation and inferior viewing angles. When viewed from sides, the image may appear washed out. However, the modern TN monitors have addressed these flaws to an extent. You might not notice much difference between the latest-generation TN and an IPS if you’re not a professional designer.

IPS panels

IPS panels are more expensive, but they offer fantastic viewing angles and superb colours, which makes them very popular among gamers. They used to have slower response times (around 3-5 ms), which were too slow for highly competitive gamers. However, the technology has advanced, and the best IPS monitors have become fast enough for all game genres.

VA panels

VA panels excel with their contrast and image depth. Many experts consider the contrast the main criteria for image quality; thus, these are the panels for videophiles. The viewing angles and colours are somewhere between TN and IPS. The response times again are ~3-5 ms, which can be too long for competitive gaming, but you can find some fast models if you’re ready to pay a higher price. 

OLED panels

Finally, you’re no longer obliged to get an LCD monitor, as the next-generation OLED (organic light-emitting diode) panels are turning the tables. These offer super-fast response times, excellent viewing angles, and infinitive contrast. The main difference between an LCD and an OLED is that the latter doesn’t rely on backlighting but uses organic LEDs that can switch on and off. Thus, blacks look truly, deeply black. Other advantages are less strain on your eyes and lower energy consumption. The downsides? OLED monitors are costly to make; thus, you’ll have to reach deep into your wallet, and currently, there are few models to choose from. However, this technology is likely to become the leading one in the future. 

Other considerations

Curved or flat?

Just glancing across the available models, most gamers immediately face the dilemma of whether to get a flat or curved screen.

Flat screens are still the most common, and you’ll generally find models with better response times, higher refresh rates, and better colour accuracy. 

Curved monitors can offer a more immersive, cinematic experience; they are usually ultrawide and measure 30 inches or more. However, they are less straining on your eyes due to their shape, and you can still see the whole screen without turning your head. One downside is that there can be glare from certain angles. The latest models have improved a lot in this regard, but a flat monitor will be a better choice if your computer sits in a bright area. You’ll also have to pay more for a curved monitor compared to a similarly capable flat panel. 

If you prefer a curved monitor, pay attention to its curvature (look for an ‘R’ number in specifications). This figure indicates the curved radius in mm, which is also the optimal viewing distance. Some common curvature sizes are 1500R, 1800R, 3000R, and 4000R. A lower number means a greater curve and a shorter maximum viewing distance.

Aspect ratios

The widescreen format at 16:9 is currently the most common aspect ratio for gaming monitors and a safe bet for all games. On a 4:3 monitor, your games will look pressed and certainly less immersive. 

Then, there are ultrawide monitors with aspect ratios like 21:9 or 32:9. These offer an increased field of view, provided that the game supports an ultrawide aspect ratio too. If not, you’ll see blank edges on the screen, and the experience will not look any better than on a 16:9 monitor. However, the number of games that work on ultrawide keeps growing, and, for some genres like multiplayer games, the wider view can offer a competitive advantage.

FreeSync vs G-Sync monitors

G-Sync and FreeSync are both variable refresh rate technologies. In other words, they adjust the monitor’s refresh rate to the frame rate of your graphics card (commonly abbreviated as GPU). This eliminates tearing and stuttering, which happens if the monitor starts drawing a new frame before the previous one has completed rendering.

Both technologies essentially do the same and can be found on high-end gaming monitors. G-Sync is developed by Nvidia; thus, it used to be the case that G-Sync monitors would only work with Nvidia GPUs. FreeSync is developed by AMD, and until recently, FreeSync monitors would be compatible exclusively with AMD GPUs.

While in many cases, the compatibility law is still in force, there are exceptions nowadays. For example, some FreeSync monitors can run G-Sync. And performance-wise, both technologies are comparable and only have minuscule differences that won’t be essential for most gamers. Thus, your primary criterion for choice should be the hardware that you already have and its compatibility. FreeSync monitors also tend to be cheaper, which helps if you’re on a tighter budget.

What about HDR?

HDR stands for a High Dynamic Range, which means a greater contrast and more vivid colours. Nowadays, the number of games that support HDR is growing, and these are expected to look better on an HDR-capable monitor. 

However, the pricing of such monitors is higher too, and often the visual difference is not noticeable enough to pay more. If you want the best HDR experience, check what standards are supported. HDR10 is the most common standard on gaming monitors. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are technically superior (and costlier) but not common in the gaming world yet. 

Next, check the maximum brightness levels, which are measured in nits. Entry-level HDR monitors usually are limited to 400 nits and are not bright enough to deliver an awe-inspiring dynamic range. If HDR is crucial for you, look for at least 600 nits.

Colour gamut

The range of colours a monitor can provide is called a colour gamut. However, most modern gaming monitors offer a more-than-adequate range of colours for an average user (over 95% of standard RGB). Be aware that the colour range can vary slightly among the units. Some monitors deliver great tones out of the box; others may benefit from calibration. But considering the several colour modes and adjustment options available on nearly all gaming monitors, you’ll find a good setting. 

Unless you also need a monitor for design purposes, we recommend focusing on panel type, speed, and contrast first and foremost.

Build quality

With all the overwhelming monitor specs, people often forget to consider the construction quality before they buy. This can lead to disappointment with the new purchase, as it may turn out suboptimal for your gaming needs.

  • First of all, measure how much space you have on your gaming desk. Curved monitors generally require more room, but even the flat ones can be quite prominent if they have bulky stands.

  • The monitor stand should be stable and made of durable, long-lasting materials. The ergonomics is not limited to gaming chairs and desks; check whether it is possible to adjust the display tilt, swivel, and height for a comfortable position. Some models also can pivot into portrait mode. We generally prefer monitors with a cut-out in the stand that allows hiding the cables for a neater look.

  • A panel coating can be glossy or matte. Glossy coatings are made from polymer or glass and are the best pick for those who love vibrant colours. However, they are not optimal for bright rooms due to glare and reflections. Matte coatings are usually made of etched plastic. Their colours are less bright, but they are sturdier and handle reflections better.

  • Bezel thickness can also affect how immersive your gaming experience is. This is equally true regarding the plastic edge around the screen and the black, pixel-less area on its sides. Thick, pronounced bezels can distract and make your gaming experience less immersive, so look for smaller ones.

  • The built-in speaker quality will vary among models, while some gaming monitors have no speakers at all. If you want a richer sound, look for at least 2-watt speakers. However, it’s best to invest in dedicated gaming speakers or get a gaming headset for a richer soundscape. 

  • The number of available ports and their location can also affect the ease of use. Most computers and monitors nowadays have both HDMI and DisplayPort but double-check the compatibility to be on the safe side. If you use USB devices often, make sure there are enough USB ports. If there’s USB-C, you’ll have even more options and features. And if you wear wired headphones, a 3.5-mm jack on the side is convenient too.