Ever felt like you’re staring at a blurry mess when you’re trying to get work done or enjoy your favorite game? Your computer monitor might be the culprit, and upgrading it doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Finding a good monitor that won’t break the bank can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. There are so many choices, and it’s tough to know which ones are actually worth your money and which will leave you disappointed.
This is where we come in. We understand the frustration of wanting a clear, responsive screen without spending a fortune. That’s why we’ve dug deep to find the best budget-friendly monitors out there. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for, what features really matter when you’re on a tight budget, and how to avoid common mistakes. Get ready to discover a monitor that makes your screen time a whole lot better, without costing you an arm and a leg.
Our Top 5 Cheap Monitors Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cheap Monitors Detailed Reviews
1. Philips 221V8LB 22 inch Class Thin Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor
Rating: 9.3/10
The Philips 221V8LB monitor offers a sharp Full HD picture for all your entertainment and work needs. Its 22-inch screen brings movies and games to life with vibrant colors and deep blacks. Plus, the fast refresh rate means you won’t miss a moment of the action.
What We Like:
- The 1920×1080 Full HD resolution gives you a super clear picture.
- A 100Hz refresh rate makes everything look smooth, especially games and videos.
- Adaptive-Sync technology stops choppy movements, so you see fluid action.
- The VA panel provides bright whites and dark blacks for amazing contrast.
- Images look true-to-life with 16.7 million colors.
- Wide viewing angles (178/178 degrees) mean colors stay the same no matter where you sit.
- LowBlue Mode helps protect your eyes during long viewing sessions.
- It comes with a 4-year advance replacement warranty for peace of mind.
- It has HDMI and VGA ports for easy connection to different devices.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 22-inch screen size might be a bit small for some users who prefer larger displays.
- While good for the price, it may not have all the advanced features found on premium monitors.
This Philips monitor is a solid choice for anyone looking for a clear, smooth, and vibrant viewing experience without breaking the bank. It handles everyday tasks and entertainment with ease.
2. YOTETION 19 inch HD (1440 x 900) Monitor
Rating: 8.6/10
The YOTETION 19 inch HD monitor is a great choice for your computer setup. It offers a clear picture with its 1440 x 900 HD plus resolution. This monitor is slim and fits well on any desk, whether you’re using a laptop, computer, or desktop. It’s designed for easy use and can be mounted on the wall if you want to save space.
What We Like:
- Sharp Picture: The 1440 x 900 HD plus resolution makes everything look clear and detailed. It’s good for work and watching videos.
- Easy on Your Eyes: It has special technology that reduces blue light and flickering. This helps your eyes feel less tired, even after long hours of use.
- Smooth Motion: With a 5-millisecond response time, on-screen actions happen very quickly. This means no blurry images when things move fast.
- Versatile Use: The monitor works with HDMI and VGA connections. It’s also a capacitive touch screen, which is useful for places like stores or restaurants. You don’t need to install extra software for it.
- Good Support: The company offers a free replacement if there are any quality issues within a year. They are easy to reach if you have questions.
What Could Be Improved:
- No Sound: This monitor does not have built-in speakers or support audio output. You will need separate speakers for sound.
- VGA Cable Not Included: While it has a VGA port, the cable for it is not provided. You’ll need to buy one separately if you plan to use that connection.
This YOTETION monitor is a solid option for adding an extra screen to your setup. It provides a good viewing experience and helpful eye-care features.
3. Yxk Portable Monitor 15.6 Inch 1080P USB-C HDMI Ultra-Slim Travel Monitor with Kickstand
Rating: 8.6/10
The Yxk Portable Monitor 15.6 Inch 1080P USB-C HDMI Ultra-Slim Travel Monitor is a fantastic tool for anyone needing more screen space on the go. It’s super thin and light, making it easy to carry around. This monitor gives you a clearer picture with its 1080P resolution and wide viewing angles. It’s great for work, gaming, and everything in between.
What We Like:
- The 15.6-inch screen has a sharp 1920×1080 resolution, making everything look clear and bright.
- It has a 178-degree viewing angle, so you can see the screen well from almost anywhere.
- The monitor uses a single USB-C or HDMI cable to connect, which is very convenient.
- It’s incredibly thin and light, weighing only 1.43lbs, perfect for traveling.
- You can use it to extend your laptop’s screen, mirror it, or use it as a separate display.
- HDR mode makes colors pop and images look more real, which is great for movies and games.
- It works with many devices like laptops, PCs, Macs, phones, PS, Xbox, and Switch.
- The built-in speakers add to the sound experience.
- Low Blue Light feature helps protect your eyes during long use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Your device needs to support Thunderbolt 3.0/4.0 or USB 3.1 Type C DP ALT-MODE for the USB-C connection to work.
- The built-in speakers are okay, but an external speaker might be better for serious gaming or movie watching.
This Yxk portable monitor offers a lot of value for its price. It’s a versatile and easy-to-use option for anyone needing a second screen.
4. ArcticPro 22 inch 100Hz Monitor
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready for a fantastic visual upgrade with the ArcticPro 22-inch monitor! This computer monitor brings sharp Full HD (1920 x 1080p) resolution to your desk, making everything look super clear. It boasts a 100Hz refresh rate for smooth motion, making it great for gaming and everyday tasks. Plus, its 3-sided frameless design looks sleek and modern, fitting perfectly into any workspace.
What We Like:
- Crystal-clear Full HD resolution for sharp and vivid images.
- Smooth 100Hz refresh rate for fluid motion, especially in games.
- Wide 178° viewing angles mean great picture quality from almost anywhere.
- Anti-blue light technology helps protect your eyes during long sessions.
- Slim and frameless design looks stylish on any desk.
- VESA mount compatibility for flexible placement options.
- Good contrast ratio (3000:1) for deeper blacks and brighter whites.
What Could Be Improved:
- Only one HDMI port may limit connectivity for some users.
- The tilt adjustment range is somewhat limited.
- No built-in camera, which might be a drawback for some.
This ArcticPro monitor offers a great balance of performance and visual quality, making it a solid choice for work and play. You’ll enjoy a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience.
5. AOC 22B35HM23 22″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz LED Monitor
Rating: 9.4/10
The AOC 22B35HM23 22″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz LED Monitor offers a fantastic viewing experience for your everyday needs. Its sharp display and smooth performance make it a great choice for work, entertainment, and even some gaming. This monitor focuses on delivering clear visuals and comfortable use, all while being mindful of energy consumption.
What We Like:
- The Full HD 1920×1080 resolution provides crisp and clear pictures on its 22-inch screen.
- You get super smooth action thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time, perfect for fast-paced games and videos.
- Adaptive Sync technology helps prevent choppy images, making everything look seamless.
- Colors pop with 100.1% sRGB and 81% NTSC color coverage, and HDR Ready adds more depth to your viewing.
- You can easily adjust the tilt for the best viewing angle, and it’s VESA mount compatible for flexible placement.
- It’s very energy efficient, using only 13W in eco mode.
- Flicker-Free technology and Low Blue Light help protect your eyes during long sessions.
- The user-friendly OSD menu, eSaver, and i-Menu software make setup and adjustments simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has HDMI, it only includes a VGA port for older devices, which might limit some connections.
- The HDR Ready feature is present, but it’s not a full HDR certification, so the impact might not be as dramatic as on higher-end displays.
For its price, this AOC monitor packs a lot of value, offering a smooth and vibrant visual experience for a variety of uses. It’s a solid option for anyone seeking a reliable and comfortable display.
Your Guide to Affordable Monitors
Finding a good monitor doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. You can get a great screen for your computer without breaking the bank. This guide will help you choose the best cheap monitor for your needs.
Why Choose a Cheap Monitor?
Sometimes, you just need a screen to see what you’re doing on your computer. Maybe you’re a student, you’re setting up a second computer, or you just want a basic display for everyday tasks. Cheap monitors are perfect for these situations. They offer the essentials without the fancy extras that drive up the price.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a cheap monitor, focus on these important things:
Screen Size
- Monitors come in different sizes. Smaller ones are usually 20-22 inches.
- Larger ones are 24 inches or more.
- For everyday work, a 22-24 inch screen is usually good.
Resolution
- Resolution tells you how clear the picture is.
- Look for “1080p” or “Full HD.” This is the most common and good for most people.
- Higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K look sharper, but they cost more and you might not need them for basic use.
Refresh Rate
- This is how many times the screen updates per second.
- A refresh rate of 60Hz is standard. It’s fine for most tasks.
- Higher refresh rates (like 75Hz or 120Hz) make motion look smoother. This is better for gaming, but often not found on the cheapest monitors.
Panel Type
- Monitors use different types of screens.
- TN panels are fast but colors might not be as good.
- IPS panels have better colors and viewing angles. They are often a good choice if you can find one on a budget.
- Most cheap monitors use TN or basic IPS panels.
Connectivity
- Check what ports the monitor has.
- HDMI is common and works with most modern computers.
- VGA is an older port. Some very old computers might only have this.
- Make sure the monitor has the right connection for your computer.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Cheap monitors are often made with less expensive plastic. This is normal. The stand might be simple, and it might not move up and down a lot.
- Plastic Casing: Most monitors use plastic. Look for sturdy plastic that doesn’t feel flimsy.
- Stand: A basic stand will hold the monitor up. Some stands allow you to tilt the screen. More adjustable stands cost more.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect how good a monitor looks and works.
- Brightness: A brighter screen is easier to see, especially in a sunny room. Look for a brightness level around 250 nits or more.
- Contrast Ratio: This is the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of the picture. A higher contrast ratio makes images look more realistic.
- Viewing Angles: This is how good the picture looks when you’re not looking straight at the screen. IPS panels are usually much better for this. TN panels can look washed out from the side.
- Color Accuracy: This is how true the colors look on the screen. Cheap monitors might not have the best color accuracy, but for general use, it’s usually fine.
- Build Quality: A well-built monitor will feel solid. Buttons should work smoothly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who are cheap monitors best for?
- Students: Perfect for writing papers, doing homework, and online classes.
- Office Work: Great for spreadsheets, emails, and browsing the web.
- Basic Home Use: Good for everyday tasks like checking the news or social media.
- Secondary Monitor: If you already have a good main monitor, a cheap one can be used for extra screen space.
For gaming or professional photo editing, you’ll likely need to spend more money. Cheap monitors are not usually built for these demanding tasks. They might not have fast enough refresh rates for gaming or the color accuracy needed for creative work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best screen size for a cheap monitor?
A: For most people, a screen size between 22 and 24 inches is a good choice for a cheap monitor. It offers enough space to see everything clearly without being too large or expensive.
Q: What resolution should I look for in a budget monitor?
A: You should look for a resolution of 1080p, also known as Full HD. This resolution provides a clear and sharp picture for everyday tasks and is standard on most affordable monitors.
Q: Is a 60Hz refresh rate good enough for a cheap monitor?
A: Yes, a 60Hz refresh rate is perfectly fine for general use, like browsing the web, working on documents, or watching videos. It’s the standard for most budget-friendly monitors.
Q: What is the difference between TN and IPS panels on cheap monitors?
A: TN panels are usually faster but have less accurate colors and poorer viewing angles. IPS panels offer better colors and wider viewing angles, making them a better choice if you can find one in your budget.
Q: Do cheap monitors have good connectivity options?
A: Most cheap monitors will have HDMI ports, which are standard for modern computers. Some older models might also have VGA ports. Make sure the monitor has the right connection for your device.
Q: What does “brightness” mean for a monitor?
A: Brightness, often measured in “nits,” tells you how bright the screen is. A higher number means a brighter screen, which is helpful in well-lit rooms.
Q: Can I use a cheap monitor for gaming?
A: For casual gaming, a cheap monitor might work. However, for serious gaming, you’ll want a monitor with a higher refresh rate (like 75Hz or more) and faster response times, which are usually found on more expensive models.
Q: Are cheap monitors good for watching movies?
A: Yes, cheap monitors with 1080p resolution and decent contrast are generally good for watching movies and videos. The picture quality is usually good enough for entertainment.
Q: How important is “color accuracy” on a cheap monitor?
A: For everyday use, color accuracy is not the most critical factor on a cheap monitor. If you do professional photo or video editing, you would need a more expensive monitor with better color accuracy.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a cheap monitor?
A: With proper care, a cheap monitor can last for several years, often 5-10 years, just like more expensive monitors. They are built to be durable for regular use.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.