As a PC gamer, your monitor is key to an immersive experience. Skip generic screens—opt for a dedicated gaming monitor. Fortunately, excellent budget options deliver pro-level performance without breaking the bank.
Gaming monitors prioritize features overlooked by standard displays or TVs. Here's what matters most:
Refresh Rate: Aim higher than 60Hz. Gaming monitors typically hit 144Hz or even 240Hz for fluid motion.
Response Time: Look for 5ms or less. This measures how fast pixels change, minimizing blur.
HDR: A nice bonus for vibrant colors, but not essential on budget models where it can sometimes oversaturate.
FreeSync vs. G-Sync: AMD's FreeSync and Nvidia's G-Sync reduce tearing and lag. Pair with compatible GPUs—budget cards from both brands work well.
Start with size: Bigger isn't always better. Measure your viewing distance—like sizing a TV—and 24-27 inches suits most setups.
4K (UHD) tempts many, but it's no must-have. Prioritize refresh rate and response time over resolution. A budget 4K with poor specs falls flat. While 4K sharpens visuals, it's skippable for cost-conscious gamers.
BenQ Zowie 24-Inch Full HD Gaming Monitor - 1080p 1ms Response Time for Competitive Esports Gaming, Color Vibrance, Dual HDMI, DVI-D, D-Sub (RL2455S) BenQ Zowie 24-Inch Full HD Gaming Monitor inches - 1080p 1ms Response Time for Sports Competitions Gaming, Color Vibrance, Dual HDMI, DVI-D, D-Sub (RL2455S) Buy Now On Amazon $159.00
The popular 24-inch size shines with the BenQ Zowie RL2455. It offers crisp 1080p visuals, 1ms response, and versatile ports. Standout BenQ features include game-specific presets and Black eQualizer for enhanced shadow visibility without washout—praised by gamers and reviewers alike.
ViewSonic VX2476-SMHD 24-inch 1080p Frameless Widescreen IPS Monitor with HDMI and DisplayPort ViewSonic VX2476-SMHD 24-inch 1080p Frameless Widescreen IPS Monitor with HDMI and DisplayPort Buy Now On Amazon $145.03
TN panels like the BenQ's prioritize speed; IPS excels in color and angles. Modern budget IPS closes the gap. The ViewSonic VX2476 delivers at sizes from 22-32 inches. Ideal if movies matter alongside gaming.
ASUS VG248QE 24" Full HD 1920x1080 144Hz 1ms HDMI Gaming Monitor ASUS VG248QE 24" Full HD 1920x1080 144Hz 1ms HDMI Gaming Monitor Buy Now On Amazon $238.00
Upgrade to 144Hz for modern gaming's silky smoothness. The Asus VG248QE nails basics reliably. Stick to the TN 144Hz version—avoid the slower IPS 75Hz model.
Samsung CFG7 23.5" LED Backlit Monitor (C24FG73FQN) Samsung CFG7 23.5" LED Backlit Monitor (C24FG73FQN) Buy Now On Amazon $297.13
AMD FreeSync users love the 24- or 27-inch Samsung 390 series. Its VA panel balances IPS color with TN speed.
Dell Gaming Monitor S2417DG YNY1D 24-inch TN LED-illuminated Display with G-SYNC, QHD 2560 x 1440, 165Hz Refresh Rate, 1ms Response Time, 16:9 Aspect Ratio Dell Gaming Monitor S2417DG YNY1D 24-inch with G-SYNC LED, QHD 2560 x 1440, 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, 16:9 aspect ratio Buy Now On Amazon $372.99
G-Sync's hardware module justifies the premium for Nvidia users. The Dell S2417DG wows with IPS-like colors on TN, 165Hz, 1ms, and QHD (2560x1440). A consensus budget champ—even for AMD setups. 27-inch version available too.
BenQ EX3203R 32" Curve HDR 144Hz Gaming Monitor, WQHD, Freesync2, Ultra Slim Bezel, Brightness Intelligence, USB-C BenQ EX3203R 32" Curve HDR 144Hz Gaming Monitor, WQHD, Freesync2, Ultra Slim Bezel, Brightness Intelligence, USB-C Buy Now On Amazon $597.98
Stretch your budget for the immersive BenQ EX3203R: curved, HDR, FreeSync 2, QHD, 144Hz, 1ms, and USB-C. Our review confirmed its excellence—skip 4K for superior overall quality.
None here are 4K because panel quality and speed trump resolution on a budget. For 4K, check our guide: The best 4K gaming monitors for every budget. If you want to game in 4K, you'll need a 4K gaming monitor. Here are the best 4K gaming monitors you can buy today! Read More
