It’s now no longer the case that you need to splash out in excess to get something that looks and runs great. The best cheap gaming monitors aren’t just reserved for 1080p resolution at 60 FPS, either. We’ve started to observe an uptick in affordability of the best gaming monitors as well as other monitor models that utilize high refresh rates and high resolutions to make gaming a joy all well under the $300 mark. 

Below you’ll find our top picks for the best cheap gaming monitors by resolution, refresh rate, and form factor to give you as many choices as possible. If you’re interested in casting a wider net, however, then we recommend checking out our best 4K monitors for gaming and best curved gaming monitors buying guides, too. 

The best cheap gaming monitors in 2022

1. AOC G2490VX

The best cheap gaming monitor for Full HD 144Hz

Specifications

Size: 24-inchResolution: Full HD (1920×1080) Refresh Rate: 144Hz Response Time: 1ms Display Type: LEDNotable Inclusions: AMD FreeSync Premium support

Reasons to buy

+Thin bezels +Low response time +Sleek design 

Reasons to avoid

-Only has HDMI and DisplayPort 

For its price point, this monitor features all the essentials needed for effective PC gaming in Full HD. This is due in part to the inclusion of support for AMD FreeSync Premium – which prevents screen tearing at low response latency for a smooth overall gaming experience. 

At the same time, it’s got a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response rate – essential for competitive and fast gaming where every millisecond of delay matters. Due to its inexpensive nature and thin bezels, this monitor would be ideal as part of a dual – or even triple – monitor setup stretched out across your desk. 

2. ASUS VG245H

The best cheap gaming monitor for Full HD on console

Specifications

Size: 24-inchResolution: Full HD (1920×1080)Refresh Rate: 75HzResponse Time: 1msDisplay Type: LEDNotable inclusions: AMD FreeSync support

Reasons to buy

+Clear, bright display +Good colors +Affordable for what it is

Reasons to avoid

-Fairly basic

If all you’re interested in is 1080p gaming at 60 fps then this ASUS monitor has all the essentials to provide a pleasant, no-frills experience with its 1ms response time and inclusion of AMD FreeSync support to rid the visuals of any screen-tearing when the action on-screen gets a little crazy. 

If you’re interested in picking this panel up for use on PC, it’s important to note that there is no DisplayPort – just a pair of HDMI ports and VGA; something that seems like an oversight for a unit released in 2016. With that said, if you’re still gaming on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or Xbox Series S and you want something cheap that looks the part – it’s a good option for those systems. 

3. ASUS VP28UQG

The best cheap 4K gaming monitor

Specifications

Size: 28-inchResolution: 4K (3840×2160)Refresh Rate: 60HzResponse Time: 1ms

Reasons to buy

+Great picture quality in 4K +Low Blue Light mode for long sessions+On the fly GamePlus settings 

Reasons to avoid

-Limited to 60Hz

Spend a bit more and you can bump the screen size and resolution up with all the same low latency, anti-screen-tearing technology, dual HDMI 2.0 ports, and – fortunately – a DisplayPort to make the most of Ultra HD gaming at 60FPS. 

28-inch is a somewhat unconventional size for a monitor of this quality – not that we’re complaining – as it’s a fair amount of real estate to take advantage of the HDR technology and stellar colors that this panel can pump out. The only concession is in the refresh rate – you won’t be able to get above 60 fps – if you’re content to have higher fidelity visuals at the cost of a capped frame rate, this may be what you’re been after; ideal for a dual monitor setup too. 

4. Viotek GNV29CB Curved Ultrawide

The best cheap ultrawide gaming monitor

Specifications

Size: 29-inch Resolution: Full HD (2560×1080) Refresh Rate : 120Hz Response Time: 5msNotable Inclusions: Nvidia G-Sync support

Reasons to buy

+Competitively priced for the form factor +Full 120Hz refresh rate +A great size for work and gaming

Reasons to avoid

-Relatively high response time

Viotek has seemingly done something that’s lesser seen from other monitor brands: built a competitively priced curved ultrawide with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s worth enforcing just how promising the form factor is – even if it’s only limited to Full HD – for both gaming and working on with the added screen real estate. 

That’s normally the trade-off for having just a twitch-happy level of snappiness when considering the MSRP compared to similar offerings from Samsung and LG in their gaming ranges. If high frame rates and a wider screen are worth it for you, then this is difficult to beat. 

5. Z-Edge UG24 Curved

The best cheap curved high refresh rate gaming monitor

Specifications

Size: 24-inchResolution: Full HD (1920×1080)Refresh Rate: 165HzResponse Time: 1msNotable Inclusions: AMD FreeSync Premium

Reasons to buy

+165Hz refresh rate+Curved +Well priced for the size and features 

Reasons to avoid

-Limited to 1080p

The star of the show with this curved gaming monitor from Z-Edge is its 165Hz refresh rate. That’s not to say that this panel’s a slouch when it comes to other gaming-specific functions and specs: there’s a 1ms response time, and support for the premium version of FreeSync which adds support for 120Hz and HDR while also reducing ghosting and screen tearing. 

The form factor of the display is something to note as well; yes, it’s curved but it also features very minimal bezels which means it’s ideal for a dual monitor battle station setup too.

6. Dell SE2-417HGX

A great budget gaming monitor in Full HD

Specifications

Size: 24-inchResolution: Full HD (1920×1080)Refresh Rate : 75HzResponse Time: 5ms Notable inclusions: AMD FreeSync

Reasons to buy

+Cheap price +75Hz refresh rate +Great at 1080p 60 

Reasons to avoid

-High response time

If you’ve been searching for something that’s affordable and does the job for casual gaming, web surfing, and watching movies then this could be the right display for you. Or for a spare bedroom or as part of a dual/triple monitor setup. 

With its 75Hz refresh rate, you can be sure that the screen won’t ghost or cloud up under intense conditions – that’s afforded by FreeSync as with some other panels in this roundup. For its size and price tag, the bevels are relatively thin, with the stand being adjustable as well.

7. Sceptre 25 Edgeless 165Hz

A great super high refresh rate monitor

Specifications

Size: 25-inchResolution: Full HD (1080p)Display Type: LED (TN)Notable Inclusions: AMD FreeSync Premium support

Reasons to buy

+Ultra high refresh rates +Sleek form factor +Thin bezels 

Reasons to avoid

-Built-in speakers are small

For less than $200, there’s an awful lot that this gaming monitor gets right. Offering a 1ms response time and a 165Hz refresh rate, there’s also AMD FreeSync Premium support as well as built-in speakers.

It’s worth noting that this is in fact a TN display, as opposed to the brighter IPS tech, but that’s the trade-off with entry-level, budget monitors, and particularly those that offer a high refresh rate. That’s not to count out the colors on this thing, unlike some other 165Hz monitors, there are virtually no reports of ghosting or greying (where blacks aren’t dark enough resulting in mediocre contrast) to speak of. 

If you’re looking for an affordable screen to add to, or build, a multi-monitor HD gaming setup with then this could be what you’ve been searching for, especially given those ultra-slender bezels which make up the ‘edgeless design’. Two or three of these things on a desk would be unbeatable. 

Note: You rarely find Sceptre monitors available outside the US, so if you’re not a US resident, you may want to check out the others on this page.

8. ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM

A cheap 280Hz refresh rate gaming monitor

Specifications

Size: 24.5-inchResolution: Full HD (1920×1080) Refresh Rate: 280HzResponse Time: 0.5msDisplay Type: Fast-IPSNotable Inclusions: Nvidia G-Sync support

Reasons to buy

+Perfect for professional gamers +Fast IPS technology +HDR support 

Reasons to avoid

-No HDMI 2.1 support 

We’re stretching the definition of the word ‘cheap’ with this Asus high refresh model, but given that it features a 280Hz fast IPS-panel for just over the $300 mark, it very much is affordable given what similar brands are asking for at that kind of display speed. 

For those of you interested in competitive gaming, with its display rate being twice that of 144Hz, you’re sure to have the best frame advantages possible in games such as Valorent and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and still benefit from HDR and a rich color gamut thanks to the IPS panel, something which is rarely seen on 240Hz+ monitors even double the price of this one. 

Best cheap gaming monitors: buying advice

We’ve been PC and console gamers for many years and like to think that we know a thing or two when it comes to what makes the best cheap gaming monitors worth it. With that said, we’ve applied our knowledge to answer some of the more frequently asked questions online right now. 

Is a 23-inch monitor good for gaming?

While there’s an argument to say that all sizes of monitor are ‘good enough’ for gaming, we would probably put 23-inches just outside the ideal range and minimum bottom line. 24-inches and above are perfect for gaming and at that size still don’t take up too much room even in the smallest of city apartments. (Though, this is all subject to each particular scenario of course.)

We prefer bigger screens but there’s a case for 24-inches as a particularly good size as it offers enough space for gaming, and everything on-screen is neatly in your vision by default, meaning you don’t have to move your head as much. This size isn’t brilliant for immersion, but if speed is your thing then a smaller monitor can be great.

Is 75Hz good for gaming?

The perennial number-throwing of refresh rates is one of the most consistent points of discussion when it comes to the best cheap gaming monitors. (As you can see from  this FAQ and buying advice section!)

However, with a broad brush, we would say that, yes, 75Hz absolutely works and is good for gaming! Unless you’re really chasing the slightest of advantages in super competitive play, then 1080p or 1440p particularly at 75Hz will do you just fine and provide you with a great, solid gaming experience.

Are Hz and fps the same?

Yes, but also no. While ‘Hz’ refers to a monitor’s refresh rate – how fast it can refresh an image every second – ‘fps’ refers to how fast your machine and graphics card can produce images and frames on the screen each second. They are directly and intimately related – having a graphics card powerful enough to pump 100 frames per second is easily compatible with a 75Hz monitor, for example, even though there’s extra headroom not being capitalised on –  but are separate in their own rights, for sure. 

Is 165Hz better than 144Hz?

There did seem to be a brief time when everyone thought that 165Hz would be the new 144Hz – but it hasn’t stuck around, and certainly didn’t replace or budget the 144Hz standard mark. Anyway, that’s because, for us, there’s basically no difference (apart from the literal one) between the two, and if it means you can save a bit more money and go for a cheap gaming monitor that has 144Hz instead of 165Hz then that’s definitely worth it in our eyes. 

Have you been looking for that perfect gaming companion for your new console? If so, our guides to the best 120Hz 4K TV, the best gaming TV, and the best TV for PS5 and Xbox Series X may help you find the right choice to make the most out of the current generation’s full capabilities. 

The post The best cheap gaming monitors for June 2022 appeared first on Game News.

While we’ve listed the full line-up of Memorial Day monitor deals below, one of the highlights you should check out first would be HP’s V24i panel for $119.99 (opens in new tab). It isn’t a gaming screen, but seeing as it’s been discounted by $50, you can’t really go wrong.

Dell’s impressive $510 discount (opens in new tab) on the Alienware AW2521H is another winner in this year’s Memorial Day monitor deals. The 24.5-inch display features a 360Hz refresh rate, so it having dropped to just $399.99 offers a tempting opportunity.

You’ll find these Memorial Day monitor deals, and more, below. If they don’t hit the spot, we’ve also listed a few other offers at the bottom of the page. If you’re overhauling your whole setup this weekend, it’s also worth taking a peak at the latest Memorial Day laptop deals to boot. 

Today’s best Memorial Day monitor deals

• Amazon: Prices start at just $129 (opens in new tab)
• Best Buy: Save between $50 and $400 on cheap and premium screens (opens in new tab) 
• Dell: Up to $500 off Alienware displays (opens in new tab)
• HP: Discounts of $100 or more across a range of HP and Omen panels (opens in new tab)
• Lenovo: Big savings on ThinkVision and Legion displays (opens in new tab)
• Microsoft: Displays start at $329 (opens in new tab)
• Newegg: AOC, Acer, and Gigabyte monitors from $139 (opens in new tab)
• Samsung: Curved monitors start at just $139 (opens in new tab)
• Walmart: Budget displays from $129 (opens in new tab)

Memorial Day monitor deals

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HP V24i | $169.99 $119.99 at HP (opens in new tab)
Save $50 – It may not be a gaming screen, but this FHD monitor can output a 1920 x 1080 resolution and will do the job nicely for home working, browsing, and light gaming. Well worth a look at that price, in other words.

Panel size: 23.8-inch Resolution: Full HD Refresh rate: N/A

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HP X27 | $259.99 $179.99 at HP (opens in new tab)
Save $80 – Here’s a very respectable gaming panel offer for the Memorial Day monitor deals, reduced by over 30% from its standard price. You can get better screens, sure, but few 1920 x 1080 gaming panels will go this low in cost. It’s a great entry-point as a result.

Panel size: 27-inch Resolution: Full HD Refresh rate: 165Hz

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Samsung T55 Series | $290 $219.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $50 – It doesn’t get much better than Samsung in the world of screens, and this curved monitor being reduced by $50 is a great opportunity to upgrade for less. Its vivid colors make it a winner.

Panel size: 27-inch Resolution: Full HD Refresh rate: 75Hz

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Samsung UR55 | $319.99 $249.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $70 – It’s hard to find Memorial Day monitor deals that beat Black Friday and Cyber Monday offerings, but this sale has managed it. Samsung’s IPS 4K display has tumbled in price to $40 lower than it was at the end of 2021, so this is an aggressively good reduction.

Panel size: 28-inch Resolution: 4K Refresh rate: 60Hz

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Samsung Odyssey CRG5 | $400 $279.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $120 – Although it’s not as big a discount as we enjoyed during last year’s Cyber Monday sale, it’s still a huge saving on a very respectable monitor. And because it’s Samsung, you know you’re getting quality.

Panel size: 27-inch Resolution: Full HD Refresh rate: 240Hz

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Samsung A700 | $349.99 $299.99 at Best Buy (opens in new tab)
Save $50 – This Samsung screen is back to its Cyber Monday price as part of the Memorial Day monitor deals, and that’s cracking value for a 4K panel. Want a UHD display for less without sacrificing quality? Here you go.

Panel size: 32-inch Resolution: 4K Refresh rate: 60Hz

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Samsung Odyssey G5 | $399.99 $338.80 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save 15% – Here’s another Memorial Day monitor deal that’s fallen below its Cyber Monday price. While it’s more expensive than some of the other options here, you’re getting all the functionality that you’d expect from a premium monitor at much more aggressive price point.

Panel size: 27-inch Resolution: WQHD (1440p) Refresh rate: 165Hz

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Alienware AW2521H | $909.99 $399.99 at Dell (opens in new tab)
Save $510 – This is one of the most absurd Memorial Day monitor deals on this page. With a whopping $500 off the sticker cost, Alienware’s mid-range panel is much more affordable than it would otherwise be. High quality for a reasonable price? Not bad at all, Dell.

Panel size: 24.5-inch Resolution: Full HD Refresh rate: 360Hz

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Aorus FV43U | $1,099.99 $699.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save $400 – Here’s yet another Memorial Day monitor deal that’s managed to beat its Cyber Monday price by quite a long way. Even though it’s more of a gaming TV than a traditional monitor thanks to that size, it’s excellent value for money on a device that can easily do both.

Panel size: 43-inch Refresh rate: 144Hz Resolution: 4K

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Samsung CRG9 | $1,199.99 $994 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Save $205 – If you can stretch your budget to the more premium end of the scale, you’ll be mightily rewarded. The CRG9 is an excellent device with a super-sharp resolution and enormous size, so that $200 saving is much appreciated.

Panel size: 49-inch Resolution: WQHD (5120 x 1440p) Refresh rate: 120Hz

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More of today’s best Memorial Day sales

• Amazon: Nintendo Switch Lite and OLED discounted now (opens in new tab)
• Best Buy: smart TVs from just $99.99 (opens in new tab)
• CDKeys: get 3 months of Game Pass Ultimate for under $30 (opens in new tab)
• Dell: laptops from $229 and gaming laptops from $699 (opens in new tab)
• GameStop: save up to $15 on the latest PS5 games (opens in new tab)
• HP: up to 70% off and free shipping (opens in new tab)
• Lenovo: save up to 60% in doorbuster deals (opens in new tab)
• Microsoft: PCs and laptops up to $500 off (opens in new tab)
• Newegg: up to 55% off gaming PC parts and accessories (opens in new tab)
• Samsung: save up to $4,000 on premium TVs (opens in new tab)
• Walmart: 4K TVs from $298 (opens in new tab)

Memorial Day monitor deals – FAQ

We’re also rounding up all the latest Memorial Day Nintendo Switch deals and Memorial Day TV deals for more savings this weekend. You’ll also find a range of Memorial Day gaming laptop deals up for grabs as well. 

The post Memorial Day monitor deals 2022 appeared first on Game News.