Twitch-fast action games like Valorant and Apex Legends dominate the esports scene—and so does the demand for the highest possible frame rates to stay competitive. More gamers than ever are seeking an ace of a gaming monitor for a bargain price, packing high refresh rates and low input lag. Here at PCMag, we've been testing monitors long before there was any such thing as a "gaming monitor" with three-digit refresh rates. We exhaustively test monitors of all sizes and resolutions using industry-standard equipment and software, while assessing traits such as design, menu usability, stand adjustment, and connections. (We'll also get into pricing—and what "budget" or "cheap" means in a larger sense when talking about gaming displays.) Our current favorite budget gaming monitor is the ViewSonic Omni VX2728J-2K, but you'll want to read our top-picks breakdown in more detail, followed by a guide to buying the right budget gaming monitor for your needs.
Overview
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![ViewSonic Omni VX2728J-2K]()
Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for Most PeopleViewSonic Omni VX2728J-2K
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![Alienware 25 320Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2525HM)]()
Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for 1080p PlayAlienware 25 320Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2525HM)
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![Alienware 27 280Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW2725D)]()
Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for 1440p PlayAlienware 27 280Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW2725D)
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![HP Omen 27k]()
Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for 4K PlayHP Omen 27k
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![Samsung 24-Inch CF396 Curved LED]()
Best Cheap Curved Monitor for GamingSamsung 24-Inch CF396 Curved LED
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![ViewSonic XG275D-4K]()
Best Cheap Monitor for Esports GamesViewSonic XG275D-4K
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![NexiGo NG17FGQ 17.3-Inch 300Hz Portable Monitor]()
Best Cheap Portable Gaming MonitorNexiGo NG17FGQ 17.3-Inch 300Hz Portable Monitor
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![ViewSonic Omni VX2728J-2K]()
Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for Most PeopleViewSonic Omni VX2728J-2K
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Who says a gaming monitor has to be expensive to be good? The ViewSonic Omni VX2728J-2K punches well above its weight, delivering a QHD screen, a 180Hz refresh rate, a 0.5ms response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium technology to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. This ViewSonic monitor might not have the flashy add-ons of more expensive gaming monitors, it's short on I/O ports, and we're not a fan of the tripod stand. But if you're willing to look past these faults, you'll find a very dependable (and very affordable) gaming monitor.
Who It's For
Gamers on a budget: If you're looking for a gaming monitor that offers the most bang for your buck, the ViewSonic Omni VX2728J-2K is a great choice.
Gamers who want to balance visuals and performance: With a 2,560-by-1,440-pixel resolution and a 180Hz refresh rate, the monitor is an excellent choice for users who want to strike a balance between high-fidelity visuals and great game performance.
Specs & Configurations
Adaptive Sync AMD FreeSync Premium Aspect Ratio 16:9 Dimensions (HWD) 22.36 by 24.2 by 8.1 inches Height-Adjustable Stand? Landscape/Portrait Pivot Native Resolution 2560 by 1440 Panel Size (Corner-to-Corner) 27 Pixel Refresh Rate 180 Rated Contrast Ratio 1000:1 Rated Screen Luminance 250 Screen Technology IPS Swiveling Stand? Tilting Stand? VESA DisplayHDR Level HDR10 Video Inputs DisplayPort Video Inputs HDMI Warranty (Parts/Labor) 3 Weight 10.7 Learn More ViewSonic Omni VX2728J-2K Review -
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![Alienware 25 320Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2525HM)]()
Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for 1080p PlayAlienware 25 320Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2525HM)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Alienware AW2525HM offers a high refresh rate of 320Hz on a 1080p screen. It also has a 0.5ms rated response time and robust anti-tearing support (AMD FreeSync Premium, VESA AdaptiveSync, and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible), so it's ideal for intense gaming sessions. But the low input lag is what really prepares the Alienware AW2525HM for just about every gaming situation.
Outside of gaming performance, the monitor offers a surprisingly wide color gamut, as well as additional gamer-friendly features like a retractable headset hanger. For a modest price, the AW2525HM delivers the basics and more to earn our top recommendation for everyday 1080p gaming.
Who It's For
Gamers satisfied with 1080p: For those who want a monitor that just works and who don't care about high resolutions, the AW2525HM delivers plenty at a very affordable price.
Users who value performance for money: At 320Hz, the Alienware AW2525HM is a value-packed choice for gamers who excel at fast-paced multiplayer shooters.
Specs & Configurations
Adaptive Sync AMD FreeSync Premium, VESA AdaptiveSync, NVIDIA G-Sync compatible Aspect Ratio 16:9 Dimensions (HWD) 15.3 by 21.8 by 8.1 inches Height-Adjustable Stand? Landscape/Portrait Pivot Native Resolution 1920 by 1080 Panel Size (Corner-to-Corner) 25 Pixel Refresh Rate 320 Rated Contrast Ratio 1,000:1 Rated Screen Luminance 400 Screen Technology Fast IPS (FIPS) Swiveling Stand? Tilting Stand? USB Ports (Excluding Upstream) 2 VESA DisplayHDR Level NA Video Inputs DisplayPort Video Inputs HDMI (2) Warranty (Parts/Labor) 3 Weight 13.3 -
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![Alienware 27 280Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW2725D)]()
Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for 1440p PlayAlienware 27 280Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW2725D)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Alienware 27 280Hz (AW2725D) is what many gamers have been waiting a long time for: a 1440p OLED gaming monitor for less than $600. With an impressive 240Hz refresh rate and excellent color accuracy, the Alienware 27 280Hz (AW2725D) pairs well with a mainstream PC or console. Like many other cheap monitors, the Omen 32q doesn't come with many I/O ports, but its low input lag makes it a decent display for both casual and hard-core play.
Who It's For
Gamers interested in OLED monitors: An OLED monitor is a game-changer, and the Alienware 27 280Hz (AW2725D) is the most affordable gateway to deeper color and improved contrast ratios.
Console owners: If you own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X and prefer using Performance mode in your games, the Alienware 27 280Hz (AW2725D) is a perfect match.
Specs & Configurations
Adaptive Sync AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G-Sync Compatible, VESA AdaptiveSync Aspect Ratio 16:9 Dimensions (HWD) 16 by 24 by 8.1 inches Height-Adjustable Stand? Landscape/Portrait Pivot Native Resolution 2560 by 1440 Panel Size (Corner-to-Corner) 27 Pixel Refresh Rate 280 Rated Contrast Ratio 1,500,000:1 Rated Screen Luminance 250 Screen Technology OLED Swiveling Stand? Tilting Stand? USB Ports (Excluding Upstream) 2 VESA DisplayHDR Level DisplayHDR True Black 400 Video Inputs DisplayPort Video Inputs HDMI (2) Warranty (Parts/Labor) 3 Weight 14 -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![HP Omen 27k]()
Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for 4K PlayHP Omen 27k
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The HP Omen 27k is a capable and reasonably priced 4K gaming monitor. With two HDMI ports (one 2.0 and one 2.1), a DisplayPort 1.4, and one USB Type-C (which can also be used as a DisplayPort input), the monitor offers plenty of I/O options for console and PC players. The 144Hz refresh rate is low when compared with other premium gaming monitors, but it's good enough for gamers who want to play at maximum resolution and frame rates between 60 and 120 frames per second. The color accuracy and low input lag make up for the weaker color range and lame speakers, which means that overall, the HP Omen 27k is an excellent 4K monitor, especially considering its price.
Who It's For
Gamers looking for a 4K monitor: If you're in the market for a decent 4K monitor, you'll find the HP Omen 27k to be a harbinger of enjoyable 4K gaming.
Console players: If you're gaming on a PS5, Xbox Series X, or Nintendo Switch 2, the HP Omen 27K offers 4K resolution and VRR support that allows you to take full advantage of your console.
Specs & Configurations
Adaptive Sync AMD FreeSync Premium, Nvidia G-Sync Compatible Aspect Ratio 16:9 Dimensions (HWD) 20.62 by 8.79 x by 24.16 inches Height-Adjustable Stand? Landscape/Portrait Pivot Native Resolution 3840 by 2160 Panel Size (Corner-to-Corner) 27 Pixel Refresh Rate 144 Rated Contrast Ratio 1000:1 Rated Screen Luminance 400 Screen Technology IPS Tilting Stand? USB Ports (Excluding Upstream) 2 VESA DisplayHDR Level DisplayHDR 400 Video Inputs DisplayPort Video Inputs HDMI (2) Video Inputs USB-C Warranty (Parts/Labor) 1 Weight 16.6 Learn More HP Omen 27k Review -
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![Samsung 24-Inch CF396 Curved LED]()
Best Cheap Curved Monitor for GamingSamsung 24-Inch CF396 Curved LED
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
With a slight curve of just 1,800R, the CF396 Curved LED Monitor is the most basic of monitors. But the small screen is not without its perks. Not out of place in a home, office, or living room, the curved screen offers excellent color coverage for a monitor this cheap. It's not much of a gaming monitor, with a maximum refresh rate of just 60Hz, but it's small, lightweight, and supports AMD FreeSync. Don't expect miracles from this tiny monitor, but if you're looking for a basic curved monitor to game on, the CF396 Curved LED Monitor delivers the goods at a very agreeable price.
Who It's For
Gamers interested in trying out a curved monitor: The CF396 is for those who want to try out a curved monitor without investing a lot of cash.
Budget buyers: The CF396 is extremely affordable, usually retailing for just over $100.
Specs & Configurations
Adaptive Sync AMD FreeSync Aspect Ratio 16:9 Dimensions (HWD) 16.7 by 21.6 by 8.6 inches Native Resolution 1920 by 1080 Panel Size (Corner-to-Corner) 23.5 Pixel Refresh Rate 60 Rated Contrast Ratio 3000:1 Rated Screen Luminance 250 Screen Technology VA Tilting Stand? VESA DisplayHDR Level NA Video Inputs HDMI Video Inputs VGA Warranty (Parts/Labor) 1 Weight 6.8 -
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![ViewSonic XG275D-4K]()
Best Cheap Monitor for Esports GamesViewSonic XG275D-4K
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If you care about competitive gaming, chances are you care about refresh rates over resolution. The ViewSonic XG275D-4K offers a surprisingly attractive middle ground: a 4K screen with a 160Hz refresh rate and a full 1080p resolution at 330Hz. The 27-inch monitor offers low input lag and a solid color range, though it lacks image-enhancing features like HDR. The ViewSonic XG275D-4K is not without some shortcomings, but for the price, it is an excellent choice.
Who It's For
Gamers who want options: Some games call for 4K resolution to show off their visual splendor, while others call for lightning-fast reflexes. The ViewSonic XG275D-4K caters to both, allowing users to switch between screen modes for different scenarios and to set refresh rates to higher or lower values.
Budget-strapped artists and gamers in one: A wide color range sets this panel apart from your run-of-the-mill 4K gaming display. If you edit photos or video and play twitchy shooters in equal measure, here's your right-match budget display.
Specs & Configurations
Adaptive Sync AMD FreeSync Premium, Nvidia G-Sync Compatible Aspect Ratio 16:9 Height-Adjustable Stand? Landscape/Portrait Pivot Native Resolution 3840 by 2160 Panel Size (Corner-to-Corner) 27 Pixel Refresh Rate 320 Rated Contrast Ratio 1,000:1 Rated Screen Luminance 300 Screen Technology IPS Swiveling Stand? Tilting Stand? VESA DisplayHDR Level NA Video Inputs DisplayPort Video Inputs HDMI (2) Warranty (Parts/Labor) 3 Weight 13.9 Learn More ViewSonic XG275D-4K Review -
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![NexiGo NG17FGQ 17.3-Inch 300Hz Portable Monitor]()
Best Cheap Portable Gaming MonitorNexiGo NG17FGQ 17.3-Inch 300Hz Portable Monitor
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Built around a 17.3-inch IPS panel with an esports-worthy peak refresh rate, NexiGo's NG17FGQ delivers on almost all accounts for gamers seeking a portable monitor for play with a PC or console. The version we reviewed is a good value at $400, but if you'd like to save a bundle and can sacrifice the 300Hz refresh rate, you might be interested in the 144Hz model, which retails for less than $200.
Who It's For
Gamers on the go: If you're in the market for a lightweight monitor that's small enough to tuck into a bookbag to go along with your console or gaming laptop, you can't go wrong with the NexiGo NG17FGQ.
Business travelers seeking the biggest possible portable screen: The NexiGo NG17FGQ is not just a dependable screen for consoles. It's also a capable one for both work and play, and few panels come this big.
Specs & Configurations
Adaptive Sync AMD FreeSync Aspect Ratio 16:9 Dimensions (HWD) 9.8 by 15.4 by 0.43 inches Native Resolution 1920 by 1080 Panel Size (Corner-to-Corner) 17.3 Pixel Refresh Rate 300 Rated Contrast Ratio 1,000:1 Rated Screen Luminance 300 Screen Technology IPS USB Ports (Excluding Upstream) 1 VESA DisplayHDR Level NA Video Inputs HDMI Video Inputs USB-C Warranty (Parts/Labor) 1 Weight 2.2 -
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Best For | Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for Most People | Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for 1080p Play | Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for 1440p Play | Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for 4K Play | Best Cheap Curved Monitor for Gaming | Best Cheap Monitor for Esports Games | Best Cheap Portable Gaming Monitor | Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for Most People | Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for 1080p Play | Best Cheap Gaming Monitor for 1440p Play |
Panel Size (Corner-to-Corner) | 27 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 23.5 | 27 | 17.3 | 27 | 25 | 27 |
Native Resolution | 2560 by 1440 | 1920 by 1080 | 2560 by 1440 | 3840 by 2160 | 1920 by 1080 | 3840 by 2160 | 1920 by 1080 | 2560 by 1440 | 1920 by 1080 | 2560 by 1440 |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 |
Screen Technology | IPS | Fast IPS (FIPS) | OLED | IPS | VA | IPS | IPS | IPS | Fast IPS (FIPS) | OLED |
Rated Screen Luminance | 250 | 400 | 250 | 400 | 250 | 300 | 300 | 250 | 400 | 250 |
Rated Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 | 1,000:1 | 1,500,000:1 | 1000:1 | 3000:1 | 1,000:1 | 1,000:1 | 1000:1 | 1,000:1 | 1,500,000:1 |
Pixel Refresh Rate | 180 | 320 | 280 | 144 | 60 | 320 | 300 | 180 | 320 | 280 |
Adaptive Sync | AMD FreeSync Premium | AMD FreeSync Premium, VESA AdaptiveSync, NVIDIA G-Sync compatible | AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G-Sync Compatible, VESA AdaptiveSync | AMD FreeSync Premium, Nvidia G-Sync Compatible | AMD FreeSync | AMD FreeSync Premium, Nvidia G-Sync Compatible | AMD FreeSync | AMD FreeSync Premium | AMD FreeSync Premium, VESA AdaptiveSync, NVIDIA G-Sync compatible | AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G-Sync Compatible, VESA AdaptiveSync |
Video Inputs | DisplayPort, HDMI | HDMI (2), DisplayPort | HDMI (2), DisplayPort | DisplayPort, USB-C, HDMI (2) | HDMI, VGA | DisplayPort, HDMI (2) | HDMI, USB-C | DisplayPort, HDMI | HDMI (2), DisplayPort | HDMI (2), DisplayPort |
USB Ports (Excluding Upstream) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | ||||
VESA DisplayHDR Level | HDR10 | NA | DisplayHDR True Black 400 | DisplayHDR 400 | NA | NA | NA | HDR10 | NA | DisplayHDR True Black 400 |
Dimensions (HWD) | 22.36 by 24.2 by 8.1 inches | 15.3 by 21.8 by 8.1 inches | 16 by 24 by 8.1 inches | 20.62 by 8.79 x by 24.16 inches | 16.7 by 21.6 by 8.6 inches | 9.8 by 15.4 by 0.43 inches | 22.36 by 24.2 by 8.1 inches | 15.3 by 21.8 by 8.1 inches | 16 by 24 by 8.1 inches | |
Weight | 10.7 | 13.3 | 14 | 16.6 | 6.8 | 13.9 | 2.2 | 10.7 | 13.3 | 14 |
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Warranty (Parts/Labor) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Buying Guide: The Best Cheap Gaming Monitors for 2026
When it comes to budget gaming monitors, the size of your panel and its resolution are intertwined. Native resolution has traditionally been limited to 1080p (1,920 by 1,080 pixels) on monitors with panel sizes under 32 inches.
That's changing, though, as more manufacturers broaden their model ranges. We've been able to include both 1440p (2,560 by 1,440 pixels) and 4K (3,840 by 2,160 pixels) options in this roundup, and that diversity will only continue to grow as the economics of panel production follow the natural curve of tech product cycles: bigger, better, cheaper.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)In our testing across the budget gaming monitor market over the past few years, we've seen three size categories take hold as staples: 24-inch, 27-inch, and 32-inch. While other sizes lie above and below those goalposts, these three are the most commonly produced by many major manufacturers, with 25-inchers as an occasional interloper.
Who wants the smaller sizes? Space-strapped folks, sure, but also a surprising contingent: esports professionals. In general, we recommend starting any serious gaming career with a 24-inch panel, as it is the most popular option among esports pros worldwide. It's considered just large enough to fill your field of vision, but not so large that you lose details on the periphery. If you take your multiplayer matches seriously, 24-inchers are a pro-approved starting point, and some might argue exactly as large as you should go.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)For those who want a slightly more cinematic experience and play a mix of AAA titles and low-intensity multiplayer games (and who also watch a lot of content at their desks), the 27-inch and 32-inch brackets fill their respective roles better, in our opinion. Generally speaking, however, expect to pay more at these size tiers. The economics of panel production in the current marketplace, along with the raw cost of materials, can both have an effect on the final list price of a monitor.
Perhaps the most determinate factor in the price of your next gaming monitor, though, is the type of panel packed inside. Let's get into that.
Which Panel Technology to Get in a Cheap Gaming Monitor?
The reason we didn't present you with a straight pricing chart above—one that tells you specifically what you should expect to spend for a given panel size—is that the panel type also helps determine a gaming monitor's price range. As you shop, you'll see several panel technologies, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Twisted Nematic (TN)
TN panels are often the most affordable of all the types we'll discuss in this section. They are popular among gamers because they offer fast pixel response times and refresh rates. The downsides of TN? TN panels can exhibit low brightness levels and poor contrast, and they aren't generally a good choice for general content watching or if you want AAA games to "pop," as it were. Think of TN's role as the ultimate budget driver for games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive or League of Legends, and not a whole lot more.
Vertical Alignment (VA)
VA screens are known for their high native contrast ratios, robust colors, and ability to display deep blacks. But they are also known to produce noticeable ghosting effects, which can mar multiplayer gaming performance. If you're more of a AAA gamer who doesn't need response times that break records, and who prefers color vividness to outright speed, VA will be your best bet in the budget segment.
In-Plane Switching (IPS)
IPS panels provide the best all-around color quality, as well as strong grayscale performance and wide viewing angles. But they can't match the pixel response of TN panels and can be subject to motion artifacts. They are the best general-use panel type, but discriminating gamers and competitive esports types may take issue with IPS panels.
Fast IPS (FIPS)
Some newer technology changed the IPS narrative in 2019, when LG developed a new IPS panel type, which various monitor makers may dub "Nano IPS" or "Fast IPS" or something else, depending on the company. FIPS claims 1-millisecond gray-to-gray response time with overdrive turned on. These panels use a thin layer of nanoparticles applied to the display's backlight that enables wider color-gamut coverage and reduces response times, a combination that makes them the now-dominant choice for almost every midrange and premium gaming monitor. If you have room in your budget, they offer the best balance of gaming performance to image quality nowadays.
For the true budget gamer, if you spot any FIPS or Nano IPS monitor on sale and it fits within your price range, push it to the top of your list. Even the worst FIPS- or Nano IPS-backed panels we've tested are well ahead of the best VA or TN panels in terms of color quality, response times, and input lag.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Organic Light Emitting Diode and Quantum Dot OLED (OLED, QD-OLED)
OLED panels still remain squarely premium picks (as do the QD-OLED versions that have trickled out over the past year). We don't foresee many of them in budget models for some time. Just like with OLED televisions, these two ultra-beautiful panel types are inescapably expensive to produce (for now), and most OLED gaming monitors aren't very cost-conscious. That said, the tide may be turning: Alienware did debut a 27-inch QD-OLED gaming panel at $349. Watch this space.
Recommended by Our Editors
Specs to Watch: Pixel Response, Input Lag, and Refresh Rate
Budget gaming monitors need to make compromises on features like panel type. Many of the specs important to gaming monitors that have usually been strong only on premium models—input lag and pixel response time, for starters—have gotten a lot better with the budget set of late. (Our overall gaming monitors guide gets deeper into the background of what these specs mean.)
Some of the best budget monitors we've tested over the past year also have among the lowest input lag figures. Also, while models with ultra-high refresh rates remain a bit pricey despite their 1080p native resolution, plenty come in at quite affordable prices and deliver stellar gaming performance across the board.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Overall, in the budget tier for gaming monitors—which starts to transition into mid-tier around $350 to $400 these days, depending on who you ask and what screen size you are talking about—you should set your spec expectations as follows. For refresh rate, expect the spec to be from 100Hz to 165Hz, though some 200Hz and 240Hz models go on sale every now and then and create exceptions to the rule.
Then there's response time: Your new budget panel should maintain gray-to-gray response times of 1-millisecond (1ms) or less. And as for input-lag figures, they can drift below 3ms comfortably without hurting your wallet too much (or your multiplayer ranking, if you're an esports hound).
Adaptive Sync and HDR: Are They Worth Paying For?
Before we close out this guide, know that two other features can raise the cost of a gaming monitor, but you might want them anyway: support for adaptive sync anti-screen-tearing technology, and for high dynamic range (HDR) content.
Adaptive sync encompasses a couple of technologies from AMD (FreeSync) and Nvidia (G-Sync), the two big video card makers. Adaptive sync's job is to smooth out distracting "screen tearing," which occurs when portions of your screen are misaligned or partially drawn due to a mismatch in the refresh rate and the ability of your video card to push an in-sync signal. FreeSync and G-Sync each come in one of several "levels" of capability, depending on the monitor.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Where you do see adaptive sync in a budget monitor at all (not all have it), AMD's FreeSync tends to be more common. The upper levels of G-Sync, like G-Sync Ultimate (which require specialized circuitry in the monitor), cost extra and aren't in budget monitors.
The make of graphics card you have determines which of these technologies you can use, but know that some FreeSync monitors are also what's called "G-Sync Compatible," which means their adaptive-sync feature will work with GeForce cards, too. Nvidia maintains a list of G-Sync Compatible monitors here. (See our general gaming monitors guide for more on these technologies.) For a budget gaming monitor, to leverage the feature, you'll want to check that you have adaptive sync support that matches your video card's, though the panel will still work, either way.
HDR is less essential as a creature comfort for gamers, more geared toward enhancing color and brightness. HDR specs are defined by their own set of "levels" that express the intensity of the effect, and higher HDR specs tend to reflect how expensive your monitor might get.
You will see HDR 400-rated monitors floating around the budget-display category, but more often than not, you're better off without it, or at least not paying more for it. HDR doesn't start producing eye-popping visuals until the HDR 600 mark, and it's only really worth the ticket price at HDR 1000 and above, to our eyes. We've laid eyes on a lot of "budget HDR" panels over the past few years, and while a few monitors on our pick list do HDR 400, they have other strong reasons to be there, unrelated to the HDR support. (See much more about monitor HDR in Windows in our primer.)
Our general buying advice in this department? Go for the highest-rated compatible adaptive sync you can afford, and mostly ignore HDR as a sideshow. We've yet to see an HDR 400 budget monitor that merits the "HDR" designation. Conversely, plenty of budget gaming panels with FreeSync or G-Sync Compatible badges are great entry points for aspiring esports pros, or those who want a little more smoothness in their AAA gaming experience.
Ready to Buy the Right Cheap Gaming Monitor for You?
Finding the best budget gaming monitor is all about compromise, but that's no bad thing. Balancing the right panel type, size, and refresh rate comes down to personal preference and the kinds of games you like to play most. For more of our monitor picks, check out our top gaming monitors overall, regardless of price level. Gamers can also check out our top-picks coverage of other peripherals, such as gaming keyboards and gaming mice, to complete their PC gaming package.