Finding the best cheap gaming monitor can often be a daunting task. Many gamers want to find a monitor they can trust that won’t cost them a fortune. Fortunately, most modern gaming monitors offer excellent performance and surprisingly affordable prices. There are many affordable gaming monitors on the market these days, but which one is the best for you? Let’s take a look at some of the top picks for the best cheap gaming monitors.
An often overlooked factor when choosing a gaming monitor is refresh rate. The refresh rate of a monitor determines the smoothness of the image when gaming. Since the speed at which the image refreshes is so important to the experience, it’s worth paying attention to the refresh rate when looking for a low-cost monitor. A high refresh rate ensures a smooth gaming experience without motion blur, so look for a model with at least 75-hertz refresh rate.
The next important factor to consider when choosing a cheap gaming monitor is the resolution. Resolution is the number of pixels that make up the image, and a higher resolution allows you to see more detail in games. We recommend looking for a monitor with at least 1920×1080 full-HD resolution, since it’s the current standard resolution for gaming.
Once you’ve narrowed down your selection based on the refresh rate and resolution, it’s time to consider other features. Features such as adaptive-sync technology, low input lag, and HDR can make all the difference when you’re gaming. Many cheap monitors don’t have these features, so be sure to look for models that include them.
Finally, size matters. Since gaming monitors can come in a variety of sizes, you’ll need to decide which size is best for you. We recommend a 27-inch monitor for most gamers, as it offers plenty of screen space without taking up too much room. If you want a larger screen, look for models with a size of at least 32 inches.
Panel Type
The next key factor to consider when choosing a gaming monitor is the panel type. Generally speaking, there are three types of panels to choose from: TN (Twisted Nematic), VA (Vertical Alignment) and IPS (In-Plane Switching). IPS panels offer the best viewing angles and color accuracy, and they’re the best choice if you want to enjoy the most immersive gaming experience.
On the other hand, TN panels are the most affordable, but they have narrower viewing angles and poorer color accuracy. VA panels are a good compromise between TN and IPS panels, offering better color accuracy and wider viewing angles. Ultimately, it all comes down to your budget and what you need from your monitor.
No matter which type of panel you choose, it’s also important to pay attention to the response time and contrast ratio. Look for a monitor with at least 5ms response time. The contrast ratio measures the level of detail you can see in dark and bright areas, so look for a model with a high contrast ratio.
Connections
Another important factor when considering a cheap gaming monitor is the type of connections it offers. Many monitors offer DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, and/or DVI ports, and it’s important to make sure your monitor has the connections you need. For instance, if you plan on connecting to a gaming console, you’ll need to make sure your monitor has the correct ports.
Additionally, many gaming monitors have built-in audio jacks, so you can easily connect your headset or speakers. If you’re looking for the best audio performance, look for a monitor with a built-in DAC (digital to analog converter). This will ensure the best audio quality for gaming, movies, and music.
Finally, you may want to consider a monitor with built-in speakers. If you don’t want to connect speakers to your system, built-in speakers can be a great way to get decent sound quality without spending extra money.
Frame Rate
If you’re serious about gaming, you’ll want to pay close attention to the monitor’s frame rate. The frame rate determines how many frames per second the monitor can display, and a higher frame rate will allow for smoother gameplay. Most budget gaming monitors offer a frame rate of up to 144 Hz, and some high-end monitors offer even higher frame rates.
Frame rates are especially important for competitive gamers, as even a small increase in frame rate can give them an edge over their opponents. If you’re into competitive gaming, we recommend looking for a monitor with a frame rate of at least 144 Hz and a response time of at least 4ms.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is often overlooked when shopping for a cheap gaming monitor, but it’s an important factor. An ergonomic monitor stand allows you to adjust the height, tilt, and swivel of your display to ensure maximum comfort while gaming. Without an ergonomic stand, you may find yourself constantly adjusting your monitor and wasting a lot of time.
If you’re planning to use your monitor for long hours at a time, you’ll want to make sure it’s comfortable and easy to adjust. Look for a monitor with a stand that can be easily adjusted and one that offers enough space on your desk or table. Some monitors also offer built-in noise cancellation to ensure you can get the most out of your gaming experience.
Aesthetics
Although it’s not the most important factor when choosing a gaming monitor, aesthetics should still be taken into account. Look for a monitor with a design that matches the rest of your setup, whether it’s a sleek modern look or a more classic design.
Additionally, many monitors now come with LED lighting, so you can add some extra flair to your gaming setup. LED lights not only look great, but they can also help you keep track of important information at a glance. Just make sure the lighting doesn’t become too distracting during gameplay.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best cheap gaming monitor, you’ll want to consider the refresh rate, resolution, ergonomics, aesthetics, panel type, and connections. Make sure the monitor has a high refresh rate and resolution, an adjustable stand, and plenty of ports. Additionally, look for a monitor with low input lag, HDR, and adaptive-sync technology. And finally, look for a monitor that matches the rest of your gaming setup.
