It doesn’t matter if a gamer’s computer has the fastest CPU, the biggest graphics card or the most memory if their monitor isn’t decent enough to handle the load. A great monitor will allow the gamer to totally immerse themselves into their games, while an inferior one will only serve to be a constant reminder to the gamer that they didn’t research their options well enough before they purchased their monitor.
In the past, it was often difficult to find an adequate model in the under $200 dollar range or even in the under $500 dollar range. However, technology has become cheaper over the past few years, and now gamers can easily buy the best gaming monitor for under $200. To help them out towards this goal, we’ve listed ten of the best models that can be found in that price range and are sure to provide many hours of fun.
Best Gaming Monitors Under $200 Of 2019
LG 25-Inch Ultra Wide IPS Monitor
This 25-inch monitor is not only suitable for playing games but is also suitable for watching movies as well. It has an ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio that allows the gamer or movie buff completely immerse themselves in their entertainment. Another key feature found on this monitor is that it has an on-screen control with Screen Split 2.0 that can be easily manipulated with only a few clicks of a mouse. And since it has a built-in game mode, the gamer doesn’t have to change a bunch of different settings when they change games. They only have to choose the mode for the type of game they’re playing and they ready to play.
Samsung 27-Inch Gaming Monitor
What’s remarkable about this Samsung monitor is that it has many of the features that are usually only found in monitors above the $200 price range. For instance, it has a large 27-inch screen that delivers flicker-free images thanks to its low 1ms response time. It’s also energy efficient and has an auto-brightness setting that adjusts the display brightness to reduce energy demands. Another key feature found on this monitor is a dedicated game mode that delivers the dark blacks that most gamers are going to need. And finally, it can be set up on a computer desk or mounted to a wall as needed by the user.
Viotek 24-Inch Curved Monitor With Speakers
Coming in just under $200 at the time of this review, this Viotek monitor has a number of features which should make it quite exciting to most gamers. It has a perfect curved screen that not only delivers an extremely vibrant color but also delivers a fast response time. It’s response time is just 3.1-seconds, which allows it to deliver almost perfect flicker-free video. This monitor also has a number of ports which gives gamers a whole lot of options when it comes to hooking up either the computer or their gaming systems for gameplay. The outputs found on this product includes a Display Port 1.2 and an HDMI 2.0 port. It also has a stunning 144Hz refresh rate and built-in speakers.
Sceptre 24-Inch Curved Monitor
This quality 24-inch monitor by Sceptre has some of the featured demanded by gamers. It has a 1920×1080 resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, so game images are quick and fluid. This monitor also has an HDMI port, a DVI port, and a Display Port, plus a 3.5mm mini-jack for auxiliary input and a 3.5mm mini-jack out for hooking up headphones. This product is 21.5-inches 15.6-inches by 5.4-inches, and it has both FPS and RTS game modes. All of these features come together to deliver the gamer a great game experience and do it without costing a ton of cash. Finally, this monitor is AMD FreeSync compatible, so it reduces tearing and screen stuttering that’s common with some games.
Samsung 27-Inch S27E310 FHD Monitor
This 27-inch LED-backlit LCD monitor uses a TFT active matrix and magic upscale technology to deliver an unparalleled experience to the gamer. It has a 16:9 aspect ratio, a contrast ratio of 1000:1, and is capable of showing up to 16.7 million colors. This monitor also has HDMI and VGA interfaces, and it has a Full HD resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. This monitor is also designed to save money with its eco-saving features that allow the operator to choose from one of three different energy-saving modes. These energy saving modes include power saving off, 25-percent power savings and 50-percent power savings, so it’s a green choice for many gamers.
ASUS VX248H 24-Inch Full-HD Monitor
Although this 24-inch monitor by ASUS has an ultra-thin design, it still delivers the robust display that people expect out of a budget gaming monitor. It has a response time of only 1ms, has a 1920×1080 display, and a brilliant contrast ratio of 80,000,000: 1. This monitor has a stand whose design was inspired by a sundial, and it’s thin profile allows it to sit pretty on even the smallest of desks. Additional features which can be found on this high-quality product include the choice between full or 4:3 aspect ratios and an HDMI interface. All of which allows this gaming monitor to compete with even some of the more expensive monitors being sold.
Samsung IT LC24F390FHNXZA 24-Inch Curved Monitor
With a curved screen that mimics the curve of the human eye and with a slim profile that’s easy to tuck away, this gaming model is ready for just about any desk. Its curved screen allows for a truly immersive effect and makes it extremely fun to use while playing games. This monitor also has a Game Mode and has AMD FreeSync, so the operator can get the best visual experience possible out of any game. And it also has a 3,000:1 contrast ratio that delivers crisp blacks and white whites, so even the darkest of dungeons can be seen. These features, along with this monitor’s eye saver mode, makes it easy for gamers to enjoy every aspect of their game.
ViewSonic VA2759-SMH 27 Inch IPS Monitor
Although this monitor isn’t specifically marketed as a gaming monitor, it does have a host of features which makes it suitable for gameplay. It has a 27-inch Full-HD screen with a resolution of 1920×1080, and it has an edgeless design that prevents the edge from interfering with the display. Other features found on this monitor include dual integrated speakers and high-quality color rendering. It also has an HDMI port, a VGA port, and two audio ports. And since its bezel is so thin, the gamer is assured of a great view despite their particular viewing angle. This product is great for gaming and/or multitasking use.
BenQ Zowie 24-Inch 1080P Monitor
When it comes to the BenQ, it’s 24-inch display size is only the tip of the iceberg. The real beauty of this monitor is that it has some great features which allow it to show video games the way they were meant to be shown. This monitor has a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, so dark and light colors can be clearly distinguished from one other, which allows the gamer to see even in games with low-light conditions. It also has a low blue light filter which helps to reduce eye strain and makes it more comfortable for gamers to game. And finally, it has a quick 1ms response time that reduces lag and keeps the display from becoming choppy.
ASUS VG245H Full-HD Monitor
More and more ASUS monitors are equipped with Eye-Care technology that helps gamers to minimize eye fatigue, and this monitor is no exception. It’s flicker-free display, and blue light filter makes it extremely easy to look at, even for long periods of time. It also has a 75 Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time that allows it to display the game the way the game is supposed to be displayed. Additional features which can be found on this inexpensive gaming monitor include Dual HDMI Connectivity, AMD FreeSync, and an ASUS GamePlay hotkey that allows for in-game adjustments to be made.
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How To Choose An Inexpensive Gaming Monitor
Choosing a gaming monitor in the $200 or under price range isn’t as difficult as many people believe it to be. Not if they spend a little bit of time doing their homework and going over their options. Having said that, below are some of the things that should be taken into consideration first.
Resolution
The first thing that has to be taken into consideration is the resolution of the gaming monitor. As a general rule, the minimum resolution needed for gaming nowadays is 1920×1080, also known as 1080p or Full HD (FHD). However, it seems like every passing month is bringing this minimum standard closer and closer to obsolescence. Which is why gamers who continuously play the most technologically advanced games is probably going to want to go as high as a resolution as possible. Below are some other resolutions and their common name.
- WUXGA: 1920×1200
- 2K Resolution: 2560×1440
- UHD: 3840×2160
- 4K Resolution: 4096×2160
- 5K Resolution: 5120×2880
Although many of the above resolutions are not going to be available in the under $200 price range at the time this article was written, prices are constantly coming down, so the gamer may be able to catch a deal on a higher resolution.
Response Time
Response time is also extremely important, at least it is for gamers. Although most other computer users could probably get by with a monitor that has a lower response time, the gamer is not going to be able to enjoy their game without the best response time available. That’s because monitors with long response time produce a blurring motion when they’re used to play games or videos. Therefore, it’s important to choose a monitor with a response time of under 5 ms (milliseconds). Gamers should keep in mind that the lower the response time on the monitor, the better it will be able to keep up with the game.
Refresh Rates
Unlike response times, higher refresh rates are more desirable than lower refresh rates, especially if the gamer is using a powerful graphics card. Higher refresh rates will usually result in smoother image quality and in motion that has less chop than a lower resolution monitor does. Most gamers will want to get a monitor that’s at least 60Hz in this price range, but 75Hz is better. Unfortunately, monitors that offer above 75Hz are usually much more expensive than $200.
Panel Technology
The next thing to consider is the panel technology used to make the monitor. Nowadays, monitors come in two different types: In-Plane Switching or IPS monitors and Twisted Nematic or TN monitors. Although these two types of monitors are usually not that far apart in visual quality when all other things are equal, TN monitors usually have faster response times than IPS monitors, but IPS monitors are usually the ones in the budget range.
Curved Monitors
Whether or not the gamer is going to want a curved monitor is going to depend on the particular preference of the gamer. Although curved monitors are supposed to provide a better viewing experience, and often do, many gamers simply don’t like the curved screen. And if the monitor is under 24-inches, then a curved screen is not going to make much of a difference to video quality.
Screen Size
When it comes to monitors made for playing games on, the absolute minimum acceptable size is 24-inches. Anything smaller than that is not going to provide the real estate the gamer is going to need to thoroughly enjoy their game. When it comes to screen size, the gamer should buy the largest size they can afford. They just need to make sure that their refresh rate and response time is acceptable in relation to the screen’s size.
Monitor Inputs & Outputs
Although a traditional gaming monitor may have a number of inputs and outputs, including multiple USB ports, it only needs to have a few standard input/outputs. This includes either a Display Port or HDMI port (or ports as is usually the case) and a 5mm audio out port for hooking up a headphone. Sure, the individual gamer may need their monitor to have additional inputs, outputs or ports, but those are the basic ones required for most gamers.

I began my writing career writing for various content firms, but it was under the tutelage of the editors here at SavantMag.com that I grew as a writer and editor. I love the content we write here and bringing solid reviews to consumers is rewarding beyond what I can even describe.
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