Best Monitors Under $200: Affordable Options for Work & Gaming (2024)

Finding a good computer monitor that doesn’t break the bank can feel like a challenge. While testing the latest OLED and 6K displays is enjoyable, the reality is most people need something affordable and functional. After a search for genuinely good, cheap monitors, here’s a look at some of the best options available under $200.

The Landscape of Budget Monitors

When shopping for a monitor in the “budget” category, anything under $200 is the target. Monitors under $100 generally remain at a 1920×1080 resolution, typically in 23.8-inch or 27-inch sizes. Even the cheapest 32-inch monitors will usually exceed the $100 price point. It’s worth noting that aiming slightly higher, in the $100-$200 range, offers more flexibility – allowing you to trade higher resolution for features like a USB-C hub or a higher refresh rate.

Top Picks in the $100-$200 Range

The Dell 27 Plus (S2725HSM) stands out as a strong contender. Building on the success of its 4K model, which remains a top pick for overall monitor quality, the Dell 27 Plus delivers solid image quality, hitting 300 nits of brightness and offering good color performance for the price. A key feature is its highly adjustable stand, with swivel and height adjustment, and a built-in VESA mount for even greater flexibility. The design is sleek and modern, finished in white.

However, the Dell 27 Plus does have a limitation: its port selection. It only includes two HDMI ports, meaning accessories may need to be connected directly to a laptop or through a USB hub. Despite this, it ranks among the best full-featured 1080p monitors available.

A comparable option, offering a built-in USB hub, is the Samsung Essential Monitor S4. While I haven’t personally tested this model, it also boasts a 1080p resolution and height adjustability at a similar price point. It does have a slightly lower claimed brightness, at 250 nits.

Stepping Up to 1440p: The MSI Pro 27

For those willing to stretch their budget slightly, the MSI Pro 27 (MP273QW E14) offers a significant upgrade in resolution, with 2560×1440 pixels for a sharper image. Priced around $190, this monitor delivers surprisingly good image quality, almost reaching the level suitable for content creators and photographers – a remarkable feat for its price range. It also boasts a brightness of over 427 nits.

The MSI Pro 27’s main drawbacks are its limited adjustability and port selection. It lacks height and swivel adjustment, and the built-in stand is fixed. While it supports VESA mounting, a mount isn’t included. It also lacks built-in USB ports.

A Gaming-Focused Option: The Lenovo Legion R27fc-30

The Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 emerges as a strong contender for the best budget gaming monitor. It exceeded expectations with its image quality, offering brightness over 300 nits and excellent color performance. This is a welcome surprise, as cheap gaming monitors often suffer from subpar displays.