Written by Astrix Mcallister
Published: 14 Feb 2024
Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau
Are you in the market for a new monitor, but don't want to break the bank? Look no further than the 6 Best Budget Monitors. These affordable options offer high-quality displays without costing a fortune. Whether you're a student in need of a budget-friendly monitor for schoolwork or a gamer looking for an inexpensive option for your setup, these monitors are sure to meet your needs without draining your wallet.
Overall Score: 9/10
Experience brilliant visuals with the Acer 21.5 Inch Full HD IPS Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Computer Monitor. This ultra-thin monitor features a 1920×1080 resolution, a 75Hz refresh rate, and an IPS panel which delivers vibrant and accurate colors. It also boasts a zero-frame design, a 4ms response time, and ports for HDMI and VGA for enhanced connectivity. The slim bezel allows for seamless multi-monitor setups, making it perfect for both work and gaming. The monitor is height adjustable and has a range of custom options available. It's a great budget monitor that excels in both image quality and performance.
Key Features
- 21.5 inches Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen IPS display
- Radeon free sync technology
- Refresh rate: 75 hertz
- Zero-frame design for multi-monitor setups
- Ports: 1 x HDMI & 1 x VGA
- Tilt angle: -5 to 15 degrees
- Aspect ratio: 16:9, Brightness: 250 nit
Specifications
- Color: IPS 75Hz
- Dimension: 8.30Lx19.60Wx15.10H
- Size: 21.5-inch
Pros
- Vibrant and accurate colors
- Ultra-thin design
- Height adjustable
- Seamless multi-monitor setups
- Great for both work and gaming
Cons
- Misleading VESA mount description
- Built-in speakers not included
- Inconveniently large plug
The Acer 21.5 Inch Full HD IPS Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Computer Monitor offers excellent value for its price. With vibrant colors, a sleek design, and a range of custom options, it’s perfect for work and gaming. Despite a few minor drawbacks, it’s a great budget monitor that delivers quality performance and image quality.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Packard Bell airFrame 21 is a high-quality 21-inch monitor with FHD 1920 x 1080p resolution, 75 hertz refresh rate, and 5 ms response time. It offers crisp visuals for gaming and office use, VESA mount compatibility, and an adjustable stand, making it perfect for a versatile setup. The monitor has received positive reviews for its value for money, quality visuals, and ease of setup.
Key Features
- High-Quality Visuals
- Fast Refresh Rate and Response Time
- VESA Mount Compatible
- Adjustable Stand
- Wide Viewing Angle
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 1.00Lx21.00Wx15.00H
- Size: 21 Inch
Pros
- Crisp and clear visuals
- Smooth and seamless experience
- Offers versatility in setup
- Positive customer reviews
- Good value for money
Cons
- Short power cords
- Misleading presentation of monitor frame
The Packard Bell 21 Inch Monitor FHD 1920 x 1080 Computer Monitor offers excellent value for its price. With high-quality visuals, fast refresh rate, and versatile features, it is suitable for both gaming and office use. However, the short power cords and misleading monitor frame presentation are areas for improvement.
Overall Score: 7/10
The Sceptre 20" 1600×900 Ultra Thin LED Monitor is a sleek, high-resolution monitor with multiple connection options and built-in speakers. It offers a fast response time, Vesa wall mount compatibility, and a high contrast ratio. However, some users find the built-in speakers to be of poor quality and have experienced issues with brightness adjustment. Overall, it's a great budget-friendly option for everyday use.
Key Features
- 20" Led HD+ monitor
- 2 x HDMI ports
- Fast response time 5ms
- Vesa wall mount ready
- Built-in speakers
Specifications
- Color: Metallic Black
- Dimension: 7.17Lx18.35Wx13.58H
- Size: 20"
Pros
- High resolution display
- Multiple connection options
- Fast response time
- Vesa wall mount compatibility
Cons
- Poor quality built-in speakers
- Issues with brightness adjustment
The Sceptre 20″ Ultra Thin LED Monitor offers great value for its price, with a high-resolution display, fast response time, and various connection options. Despite some shortcomings with the built-in speakers and brightness adjustment, it’s a reliable choice for everyday use.
Overall Score: 8/10
The ASUS VP229Q 21.5” Monitor offers a vivid and crisp display, featuring a Full HD LED backlight display with 178° wide viewing angle panel. With a refresh rate of up to 75Hz and Adaptive-Sync/FreeSync technology, it ensures smooth and clear video playback. Eye Care technology provides a comfortable viewing experience, while extensive connectivity options and stereo speakers offer convenience. The monitor supports both Adaptive-Sync with NVIDIA GeForce and FreeSync with AMD Radeon graphics cards. The sleek and frameless design is VESA wall mountable. For added value, it includes a free 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. With a color of BLACK and dimensions of 14.29Lx21.50Wx7.83H, this monitor is highly praised for its reliability, vibrant color, and overall value.
Key Features
- 21.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) LED backlight display with IPS 178° wide viewing angle panel
- Up to 75Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync/Free Sync technology
- ASUS Eye Care technology with TÜV Rheinland-certified Flicker-free and Low Blue Light technologies
- Extensive connectivity including HDMI, VGA, and Display Port 1.2
- Supports both Adaptive-Sync with NVIDIA Ge Force and Free Sync with AMD Radeon graphics cards
- Comes with HDMI cable, Display Port cable, Power Cord, Warranty card, and Quick Start Guide
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 14.29Lx21.50Wx7.83H
Pros
- Vivid and crisp display with wide viewing angles
- Smooth and clear video playback with Adaptive-Sync/Free Sync technology
- Comfortable viewing experience with Eye Care technology
- Extensive connectivity options and stereo speakers
- Supports both NVIDIA Ge Force and AMD Radeon graphics cards
Cons
- Uneven backlight and slight IPS glow
- Built-in speakers have lower audio quality
- Stand design is slightly wobbly
The ASUS VP229Q 21.5” Monitor offers impressive features including a vivid display, smooth video playback, and extensive connectivity, making it a reliable and valuable addition to any setup. While it has some minor drawbacks such as uneven backlight and wobbly stand, its overall performance and value make it a great choice for both work and gaming environments.
Overall Score: 6/10
The Eyoyo 7 inch monitor is a versatile and portable display that offers high resolution and multiple interface options to suit various devices and uses. It is lightweight and easy to install, making it convenient for travel and various viewing scenarios. With its flip function and remote control, it provides unique perspectives and easy control. However, some users have reported issues with image quality, especially for specific use cases such as security camera monitoring.
Key Features
- High Resolution: 1024×600, 300 cd/m² brightness
- Multi-interface: Hdmi, Vga, Av, Bnc, Usb
- Mirror Flip Function: Left/Right/Down/Up flip screen
- Portable: Lightweight at 0.69lb/ 315g
- Easy to Install: Supports bracket and wall mounting
Specifications
- Dimension: 7.20Lx4.90Wx1.10H
- Size: 7 inch
Pros
- High resolution with clear picture quality
- Multiple interface options for various uses
- Lightweight and portable for travel
- Easy to install and control
Cons
- Inconsistent image quality reported by some users
- Limited viewing angles for specific use cases
The Eyoyo 7 inch monitor offers versatility and convenience for various viewing scenarios, making it a suitable option for general use. However, potential users should be aware of reported image quality issues and limited viewing angles for specific use cases.
Overall Score: 8/10
The HP Newest P Series Business Monitor is a 21.5" Full HD display that offers a sleek design with IPS technology for wide viewing angles and 72 percent sRGB color accuracy. It features technology to reduce blue light and glare for increased viewing comfort. The monitor is made with 98 percent recycled materials and comes in recycled packaging for a sustainable design. It also offers a slim profile and innovative cable containment for a streamlined setup. However, some customers mentioned issues with cracked screens upon receipt.
Key Features
- Full HD monitor with IPS technology
- 98 percent recycled materials
- Eyesafe technology for reduced blue light and glare
- Slim profile with innovative cable containment
- 21.5 inch display size
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 19.85Lx1.73Wx11.82H
- Size: 21.5"
Pros
- Sleek design with wide viewing angles
- Reduced blue light and glare for increased comfort
- Sustainable construction with recycled materials
- Slim profile for a streamlined setup
Cons
- Some customers experienced cracked screens upon receipt
The HP Newest P Series Business Monitor offers a sustainable and sleek design with advanced technology for increased viewing comfort. Despite some issues with cracked screens, the overall quality and features of this monitor make it a great choice for business and personal use.
Best Budget Monitors Buyer's GuideFactors to Consider
- Screen Size: Consider the size that best suits your workspace and viewing preferences.
- Resolution: Look for a monitor with a higher resolution for better image quality.
- Refresh Rate: Higher refresh rates are beneficial for smoother gameplay and video playback.
- Panel Type: Consider your needs for color accuracy and viewing angles when choosing between TN, IPS, or VA panels.
- Connectivity: Ensure the monitor has the necessary ports for your devices.
Important Features
- Adaptive Sync: This feature reduces screen tearing and stuttering, providing a smoother gaming and viewing experience.
- Blue Light Filter: Monitors with this feature help reduce eye strain during long periods of use.
- VESA Mount Compatibility: Look for monitors that are compatible with VESA mounts for more flexible installation options.
- Integrated Speakers: Consider if built-in speakers are important for your setup.
Budget Considerations
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on a monitor and prioritize features based on your budget.
- Refurbished or Open-Box Options: Consider refurbished or open-box monitors for potential cost savings.
- Warranty: Check the warranty and return policy for peace of mind with your purchase.
User Reviews
- Research: Look for reviews from reputable sources and consider user feedback on performance and reliability.
- Consider Multiple Sources: Compare reviews from different websites and platforms to get a well-rounded understanding of the monitor's performance.
Additional Considerations
- Future-Proofing: Consider if the monitor has features that can meet your needs in the future.
- Ergonomics: Look for monitors with adjustable stands for better ergonomics and comfort.
- Aesthetics: Consider the design and aesthetics of the monitor to ensure it fits with your workspace or setup.
Final Tips
- Compare Prices: Look for deals and compare prices from different retailers to get the best value for your budget.
- Demo in Person: If possible, visit a store to see the monitor in person and evaluate its performance before making a purchase.
- Consider Accessories: Factor in the cost of accessories such as cables, mounts, or screen protectors when budgeting for a new monitor.
Remember, the best budget monitor for you is the one that meets your specific needs and preferences within your price range. Happy monitor hunting! 🖥️
Frequently Asked Questions about 6 Best Budget Monitors
Some important features to consider when looking for budget monitors are screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and connectivity options. These factors can affect the overall performance and usability of the monitor.
You can find the best deals on budget monitors by doing thorough research online, comparing prices from different retailers, and looking for promotions or sales. It’s also a good idea to consider refurbished or open-box options for additional savings.
Yes, there are budget monitors available that offer good image quality. Look for monitors with higher resolution and good color accuracy to ensure a clear and vivid display.
Yes, there are budget monitors specifically designed for gaming that offer fast refresh rates and low response times. Look for monitors with features like AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-Sync for a smoother gaming experience.
Some reputable brands that offer budget monitors include Acer, ASUS, Dell, and LG. These brands often offer a range of affordable options that still provide good performance and quality.
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