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Best gaming monitor under $100: our best budget picks

Our guide to the best gaming monitor under $100
Last Updated on February 6, 2024

Navigating the vast world of gaming monitors can often feel overwhelming, especially when working with a tight budget. Yet, finding the best gaming monitor under $100 is not only feasible but can also lead to some surprisingly good options that cater to gamers who want performance without breaking the bank.

Products at a Glance

How do we pick the best gaming monitor under $100?

The task of identifying the best gaming monitors under $100 involves rigorous research and testing. We begin by analyzing user reviews and expert opinions to gather a list of monitors that have been lauded for their performance and value for money. The monitors that consistently garner positive feedback get shortlisted.

From there, we delve deeper, examining the technical specifications of each monitor. We evaluate features like refresh rate, response time, resolution, and panel type. We also take into account the build quality, brand reputation, and any additional features such as in-built speakers, VESA mount compatibility, or any energy-saving functionalities.

If you’ve got a wider budget, check out our complete guide to the best monitors for gaming and working. Or for a more immersive experience, take a look at the best widescreen monitors for gaming.

Our Recommended

Product Reviews

1
PROS
  • Smooth 100Hz refresh rate.
  • Excellent IPS panel visuals.
  • Supports AMD FreeSync.
CONS
  • No DisplayPort.
  • Fixed stand height.
  • Built-in speakers lack depth.

When you lay your eyes on the Acer SB242Y EBI, you’re greeted with a 23.8″ IPS screen. It boasts a full HD resolution (1920 x 1080). Its 100Hz refresh rate ensures that games appear buttery smooth. Furthermore, with a 1ms response time, lag won’t be part of your gaming vocabulary.

Now, gamers on a budget often have to sacrifice some aesthetics or features. Yet, this Acer model defies the norm. The frameless design gives it a premium look. Plus, added support for AMD FreeSync means you’re less likely to experience screen tearing. Plus, the IPS panel is a pleasant surprise at this price point. Wide viewing angles and excellent color accuracy make it suitable for both gamers and creative individuals dabbling in graphics or video work.

However, for those running multiple screens or using high-end GPUs, the absence of a DisplayPort might be a bit disappointing. But considering the price point and what it brings to the table, this monitor is a steal for any gamer on a tight budget.

2
PROS
  • Immersive 1800R curved display.
  • VESA wall mount ready.
  • Versatile connectivity options.
CONS
  • Brightness can be better.
  • Stand lacks swivel adjustment.

Introducing the Sceptre Curved C248W-1920RN with a decent 24-inch screen size, boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. A 75Hz refresh rate ensures a smoother experience compared to the more traditional 60Hz monitors, and it’s beautifully housed within an 1800R curved design which takes immersion to another level.

Now, if you’re someone who’s all about being drawn into your game or media, then this curved display is perfect for you. It doesn’t just end with the curve – with HDMI, VGA, and PC audio in ports, you have multiple ways to connect your devices.

On the flip side, being VESA wall mount ready gives you the flexibility of setting it up just the way you want, freeing up desk space if that’s your thing. And for those wary about longevity, the lamp life of 30,000+ hours promises reliability.

3
PROS
  • Engaging 1500R curved display.
  • Zero-frame design.
  • Swift 1ms response time.
CONS
  • Limited to HDMI and VGA.
  • No built-in speakers.

Here’s the Acer’s Nitro ED240Q, rocking a 23.6-inch screen and a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. On the specs side of things, the 75Hz refresh rate delivers a fluid experience and it pairs that with a 1ms response time (VRB), ensuring minimal ghosting. But what truly makes it stand out is the 1500R curved widescreen VA panel, designed to pull you right into the action.

The monitor leans toward those who prefer a blend of immersive viewing and gaming. With the AMD FreeSync technology in tow, gamers can expect tear-free gameplay. The zero-frame design is a nice touch, making the visuals pop and providing a seamless dual-monitor setup if you’re looking to expand your workstation.

Moreover, the ergonomic tilt gives you the freedom to adjust viewing angles, ensuring that prolonged sessions remain comfortable.

4
PROS
  • Crisp visuals with IPS panel.
  • Eye-care tech like LowBlue Light.
  • Sleek frameless design.
CONS
  • Limited connectivity options.
  • No built-in speakers.

Diving into the specs, the AOC 24B2XH boasts a 24-inch (23.8 viewable) screen with a full HD resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. This monitor isn’t just a regular one; it comes with a 75Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth motion in gaming and media consumption. One of its major highlights? Its IPS panel which ensures you get vivid colors and clear visuals, irrespective of your viewing angle.

Now, who’s this for? If you’re a budding graphic designer or photographer, the 106% sRGB color gamut coverage makes sure your creations pop on screen. And for those long editing sessions? AOC’s got you covered with the LowBlue Light mode to protect your eyes and a Flicker-Free technology that further reduces eye strain.

Gamers too aren’t left behind. That 75Hz refresh rate ensures that gameplay is fluid. The frameless design also offers a sleek look that is perfect for multi-monitor setups, expanding your view for a truly immersive experience.

Best gaming monitor under $100: Features and Considerations

When considering gaming monitors within this budget range, it’s essential to manage expectations appropriately. Even at this price point, there are certain features that are non-negotiable for an optimal gaming experience. Refresh rate, for instance, is a critical aspect; a monitor with at least a 60Hz refresh rate is recommended to ensure smooth gameplay.

Moreover, while you might not get a 4K display for under $100, it’s essential to opt for monitors that offer full HD resolution for clear and detailed graphics. Panel type also plays a significant role in the display quality. While IPS panels provide better viewing angles and color accuracy, TN panels, which are more common in this budget range, offer faster response times which can be beneficial for fast-paced games. It can be worth spending more of course – the best OLED monitors for gaming are a testament to that.

How to Pick the Best Gaming Monitor Under $100 For Your Needs

Now that we’ve reviewed our top picks for the best gaming monitor under $100, let’s look at some of the most important specs to keep an eye on. These are all important to know for any monitor purchase, but we’ve ordered them from most to least important when it comes to this price point.

Panel Type

When it comes to budget monitors, nothing will affect overall performance like panel type. Panel type plays a large part in how colorful a monitor will be, how responsive it will be, and its viewing angles. There are three main types of panels that are used in computer monitors today:

  • TN Panels: TN panels are the cheapest to manufacture and are often found in monitors under $100 like the ones we’re looking at here. TN panels are known for lacking in color and having very poor viewing angles. This means that when you look at the monitor from off center the colors become distorted and the image can be hard to discern. TN panels do have one distinct advantage however, which is that they are usually the fastest of the three panel types allowing for lower response times and higher refresh rates.
  • VA Panels: None of the monitors on our list use a VA panel, so we’re going to overlook this one a bit. In short though, VA panels represent a middle ground between TN and IPS panels.
  • IPS Panel: IPS panels are generally considered the most desirable overall and are the most expensive to produce in most cases. They boast the best viewing angles of all the monitor types and can produce robust and vibrant colors. That said, they usually have higher response times than comparable TN panels.

Refresh Rate and Response Time

Refresh rate and response time are very important for gamers to be aware of. The refresh rate is a measure of how many frames per second a given monitor can show on screen. The higher this number the more smooth motion on screen will appear and the higher the frame rates your games will be able to run at (assuming your computer can manage it).

Response time is closely related and is a measurement of how quickly the pixels on the monitor can change from one shade to another. A very slow response time can result in ghosting or other artifacts where a trail is left behind an object as it moves around on screen.

Faster response times can also offer a competitive advantage since changes to an object’s position in game will be rendered on your screen a split second sooner on monitors with lower response times.

Resolution and PPI

Resolution is a spec that almost everyone these days is already well familiarized with. All of the monitors on our list use the standard HD resolution of 1920 by 1080. What differentiates some of the monitors from the others is the pixels per inch, or PPI.

This is a measurement of how densely packed the pixels are on screen and is inversely related to the size of the monitor. The larger the monitor is at a given resolution the lower the PPI will be, which results in a slightly less sharp image.

In this case, all of these monitors look pretty sharp considering the price and budget. In short, other factors, like panel type, will have a much larger effect at this point.

Are cheap gaming monitors worth it?

Yes, they absolutely are, especially if you’re a beginner or a casual gamer. These budget monitors offer a balance between performance and price. You can enjoy decent refresh rates, good resolution, and other gaming-centric features without splurging.

Is 1080p OK for 27-inch monitors?

Yes, 1080p (or Full HD) is okay for a 27-inch monitor, especially for gaming. It offers a decent pixel density that delivers clear and crisp visuals. However, when it comes to tasks like professional photo editing or graphic design, some users might notice pixelation or desire sharper clarity.

Our Verdict

Editor's choice

Best gaming monitor under $100: our best budget picks

Final thoughts

Choosing a gaming monitor doesn’t always mean you have to break the bank. As we’ve seen, there are some surprisingly robust options available for under $100. These monitors provide excellent value for the price, delivering reliable performance, immersive visuals, and gamer-centric features that will surely enhance your gaming experience.

Whether you’re diving into the competitive gaming world or simply want to enjoy your favorite titles without splurging too much, these monitors are proof that you can get quality without spending a fortune. However, if you want to know the overall best choice, we’d go with the