Finding the best gaming monitor under 200 USD is a daunting task. Thankfully, there are lots of excellent options to choose from. The trick is to identify the features and specs that matter for gaming and prioritize them according to the budget. As gamers usually spend countless hours gaming, it is important to invest in a monitor that provides good performance and excellent immersion. To help narrow down the options, let’s break down the factors you should consider when looking for a gaming monitor under 200 USD.
Display Quality
It goes without saying that image quality should be your first priority. This concern is particularly relevant if you are a competitive gamer. Look out for monitors equipped with the best possible technologies such as FreeSync and G-Sync. These technologies help produce smooth visuals by helping your graphics card run at the right frame rate. TN panels offer the fastest response time, but result in lower image quality. On the other hand, IPS panels provide the best image quality but has longer response times and higher latency. There are also VA panels, which is a compromise between both.
Size, Resolution, and Refresh Rate
Screen size is probably the most commonly discussed feature for gaming monitors. It is worth noting that the larger the screen size, the higher the price. So if you are looking for a gaming monitor under 200 USD, you will struggle to find a large screen. However, if you prioritize screen size, you will have to compromise on image quality. The resolution is also an important factor to consider. A higher resolution monitor presents more fine details and a better display quality. For refresh rate, a rate of 60 Hz is fine.
Connectivity
It is necessary to consider the connectivity options available to ensure that you are able to connect your monitor to the necessary peripherals. Chances are, the gaming monitor you purchase under 200 USD will come with a limited number of ports. Some monitors even come with only a single HDMI port. So, if you want to connect multiple devices, you will need to purchase a hub or splitter to make it work.
Other Factors
Other important features include response time, viewing angles, and color accuracy. These features are especially important for gaming as they make the difference between clear and blurred visuals. Aside from that, ergonomics also play an important role as it allows you to position your monitor at eye’s level for maximum comfort. Lastly, It is also necessary to check what type of warranty is included with the package.
Conclusion
Finding a gaming monitor under 200 USD can be a tricky task with various features and specs available in the market. Nevertheless, with the help of this guide, you can narrow down your choices to make an informed decision. It is also worth noting that regardless of the model you choose, chances are that you will have to compromise on certain features. So make sure to prioritize the features and specs that are important to you.
Price Vs Value
For gamers on a tight budget, choosing the best gaming monitor under 200 USD can be difficult as there are various specifications to consider. It is important to understand that there is no single “perfect” monitor that fits all needs. Thus, it is necessary to prioritize the features and specs that you deem important, such as resolution, size, refresh rate, and response time. It is best to look for a balance between price and value, as cheaper monitors tend to offer fewer features.
Refurbished Monitors
Refurbished monitors are an ideal option for gamers who are looking for the best gaming monitor under 200 USD as they provide excellent value for money. Refurbished monitors are essentially second-hand monitors which have been tested and refurbished. Most of these monitors come with a warranty of one or two years. Refurbished monitors are generally more reliable than their cheaper counterparts as they have been tested and certified by the manufacturer.
Alternatives
A common alternative to gaming monitors is TV monitors. TV monitors offer larger screen sizes than regular gaming monitors at a lower price, but do not provide as good as picture quality. It is also difficult to get a TV monitor with a high refresh rate or extensive connectivity options. Furthermore, TVs are also more power hungry and bulky compared to regular monitors.
2K, 4K and Higher Resolution Monitors
2K and 4K monitors can be suitable alternatives for gamers who are looking for the best gaming monitor under 200 USD. Despite being pricier than regular monitors, 2K and 4K monitors deliver sharper images and better immersive gaming experience. However, it is worth noting that 2K and 4K monitors require higher-end graphic cards to run properly. Additionally, gamers may also have to sacrifice the refresh rate in order to accommodate the higher resolution.
