Friday, August 13, 2021
As display technology matures, the best computer monitors don't have to cost a fortune. That means we're now treated to a great selection of high-quality monitors at lower prices. We've looked through everything you can get right now and found the LG 24GL600F to be the one to beat for under $200.
Best overall: LG 24GL600F
That LG makes a great monitor should come as no surprise, but that it makes one this good at such a reasonable price is incredible. The 24GL600F has a name you'll forget in an instant but a feature set that ensures it deserves a spot on your desk.
Like most budget monitors, it's limited to 1080p, but that's still absolutely fine at 24 inches. Where this monitor excels is its high refresh rate of 144hz, AMD FreeSync support, 1ms response time, and low input lag. It's targeted at gamers, and that's where it truly shines, but even for everyday use, it's a joy to look at.
The built-in controls and menus are an absolute breeze to use. Around the back, you've got not only a VESA mount but a mix of HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, located high up on the rear and facing out, so you're never going to need to fumble around just to hook up a cable. Unfortunately, you can't adjust its height or rotation.
The only issue right now is stock, as it's a pretty popular monitor it's hard to get hold of. Amazon is expecting stock from late December, and you can put an order in now to secure one.
Pros:
- 144Hz
- FreeSync
- Easy to use, intuitive controls
- Lots of display inputs
- 1ms response time
Cons:
- No height or rotation adjust
- Chunky bezels
Best overall
LG 24GL600F
A lot of gaming monitor for a small outlay
With 144Hz, FreeSync, low input lag, and response time, this is a genuinely brilliant budget PC gaming monitor.
Runner-up: ViewSonic VX2457-MHD
There was a time when buying a lower-priced PC monitor would leave you with a horrid design, mediocre display, and less-than-friendly port selection. Thankfully, as the tech has matured, features once reserved for the elite have made their way to the most affordable products.
That means you can now have adaptive sync in the form of AMD FreeSync, perfect for gamers who use a Radeon GPU. It also means a 75Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and a fast response time. All of these features are important to gamers, but at this price, it's hard not to be impressed.
Ultimately the features gamers care about will also give regular PC users a better experience. Getting 1080p on this 24-inch screen showcases a great looking image. While colors aren't going to be as accurate as on some more expensive monitors, you're not left wanting for an all-around quality experience.
Pros
- AMD FreeSync
- 75Hz refresh rate
- Low input lag and response time
- Superb price
Cons
- Lacking color accuracy
- Dated design
Runner-up
ViewSonic VX2457-MHD
A solid monitor that packs a punch in the budget segment
This targets gamers, but everyone should give it a look. It's a 24-inch 1080p panel with a 2ms response time, 75Hz refresh rate, and FreeSync support.
Best budget: AOC 21.5-inch
The best thing about this monitor is that it proves you really can have top quality without spending a lot of money. For a hundred bucks, you get a 21.5-inch 1080p panel, housed in a quite stylish-looking body with the stand of particular note. It might well be budget, but you can still route your cables and keep everything looking nice.
It's a compact monitor that will fit in at home or in the office. Sadly, it doesn't have height adjustment, but it does have tilt, and perhaps more impressive for a monitor, this affordable is that it has a VESA mount built into the back.
Input-wise, you get HDMI and VGA, as well as a headphone output, and while it's only a 60Hz refresh rate, for the money, this is a lot of monitor.
Pros
- 1080p resolution
- Cable routing in the stand
- Compact size
- VESA mount
Cons
- Only one HDMI
- No height adjustment
- Only 60Hz
Best budget
AOC 21.5-inch
Compact and extremely affordable
You get a 1080p resolution, multiple display inputs, and a classy design, all at an attractive price.
Best console gaming: BenQ GL2480
BenQ's monitors have long been favorites of competitive gamers and esports tournaments, and it's easy to see why. Not only is this an incredibly affordable monitor, but it has a myriad of features that gamers are looking for with reliable performance to back it up.
One of the standout features of this brand has always been a 1ms response time and a 1080p panel that may lack absolute color accuracy but still looks vibrant and pleasing to the eye. You're also now getting a 75Hz refresh rate, making it an easy recommendation to both console and budget PC gamers alike.
But this monitor is designed for the competitive edge through and through. The bezel has been designed to minimize distractions, and the built-in flicker-free technology keeps everything looking sharp and your focus on your games. It would have been nice to get AMD FreeSync included as well, likewise height adjustment, but you do get a VESA mount, and for the price, it's tough to find many better gaming monitors for console players.
Pros
- 1080p resolution
- Fast 75Hz refresh rate
- Low 1ms response time
- Superb price
Cons
- Lacking color accuracy
- No height adjustment
Best console gaming
BenQ GL2480
A great option for console and PC gamers
Right here, you get a 1ms response time, a fast refresh rate, an excellent-looking panel, and a fantastic price. With all of that, it makes a great monitor for Xbox Series X and Series S!
Best portable: Kogoda Portable Monitor
Portable monitors are a great addition to your arsenal if you work on a laptop a lot since they're compact and can be stashed in your gear bag without any trouble. They don't take up space, and you get more screen to work with. It's also possible to get a good one without breaking the bank, as this one proves.
The panel itself is 13.3 inches in size, with a 1080p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. It's got great viewing angles thanks to being IPS, too. It also has multiple inputs, including HDMI, DP, and USB-C, and also takes a USB-C connection for power, too.
The versatility here makes it a fine companion device, and it's perfectly capable of being used with smartphones and game consoles and desktop and laptop PCs. The included case doubles as a kickstand and will keep it nice and safe when you travel.
Pros
- Great price
- 1080p IPS display
- Included case and kickstand
- Power over USB-C
Cons
- Quite chunky
- Refresh rate limited to 60Hz
Best portable
Kogoda Portable Monitor
Take an extra screen on the road
Get an extra display to use with your laptop, with 1080p resolution, great viewing angles, and a host of connection options making it a perfect companion to whatever device you're using.
Conclusion
The days of sub-par monitors at the more budget end of the market are long gone. As each of the products mentioned here proves, you can spend comfortably under $200 and still get a great monitor with all the features usually reserved for higher-end devices.
Sure, you might be missing out if you're looking for the best of the best, but if you're looking for reliable monitors to play games on or get some work done, there are plenty of options.
The LG 24GL600F is the best of the bunch, though, ticking virtually every box whether you're a gamer, a professional, or a more casual PC user. It has a great price and tons of features, including 1080p and low input lag, making it a strong all-rounder for virtually any PC user.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Richard Devine Richard Devine is an Editor at Windows Central. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore, and Windows Central. Currently, you'll find him covering all manner of PC hardware and gaming.
Rich Edmonds is a staff reviewer at Windows Central, which means he tests out more software and hardware than he cares to remember. Joining Mobile Nations in 2010, you can usually find him inside a PC case tinkering around when not at a screen fighting with Grammarly to use British words. Hit him up on Twitter: @RichEdmonds.
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