Behind a gaming PC or console, a monitor is one of the most important parts of any setup. A gaming monitor has the responsibility of producing an image that matches the performance of your system.
However, finding a monitor that ticks all the boxes within a specific price point can be an extremely difficult task. Luckily for you, we’ve scoured the web to find some of the best budget options that will suit a wide range of gaming needs.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the factors to consider when buying a display, and provide our recommendations for the best gaming monitors currently under $250.
Key Considerations For Gaming Monitors
Due to the importance of a gaming monitor within your setup, there are a lot of factors that can influence the performance and functionality of a display. Because of this, it is important to gain a basic understanding of what each of these factors do, as this will help make the search process much easier. Here are a few things we suggest looking out for when trying to find a monitor for your setup.
Display Size
The first thing to consider when looking at a monitor is the size. A common misconception with gaming monitors is that a larger display is always better, but this is simply not the case for a number of reasons.
Realistically, larger screens are less likely to fit the desired space or budget of most consumers, meaning that it is important to know the limits of your setup before picking a 42″ ultrawide monitor. Also, smaller screens are often the preferred choice for competitive gamers, as the smaller real-estate keeps important on-screen data within the line of sight at all times.
For those looking within the $250 mark, we would suggest either a 27″ or 32″ display, as this will offer an immersive experience that keeps key information within your peripheral vision.
Refresh Rate
Next up is refresh rate, which is a factor that is especially important for gaming monitors. Measured in Hz, refresh rate refers to the amount of times the frame on a display changes per second. For example, a 60Hz display will change the image up to 60 times per second.
As a result, a display with a higher refresh rate is more desirable as it leads to smoother gameplay visuals. For competitive gamers, refresh rate is one of the most important factors in a display, as it opens up more opportunities for precise inputs.
Most gaming monitors within the $250 price range will provide high refresh rates such as 144Hz or 165Hz. However, in order to achieve these visuals, you will need a system that is powerful enough to display games at the desire refresh rate.
Response Time
In a similar fashion to refresh rate, response time is an important factor for any gamer looking to gain a competitive advantage. This refers to the time it takes for a monitor to render an image onto the screen.
Smaller response times gives gamers the ability to react faster to the events on screen, which can make all the difference in the height of battle. A combination of low response times and high refresh rates creates the ultimate competitive gaming experience.
Nowadays, it’s pretty easy to find a gaming monitor with a response time of at least 1miilisecond, which will be more than enough to keep up with the opposition.
Resolution
Resolution | Total Pixels |
---|---|
1080p / FHD (1920 x 1080) | 2,073,600 |
1440p / QHD (2560 x 1440p) | 3,686,400 |
4K / UHD (3840 x 2160) | 8,294,400 |
Last and probably least in this case, we have resolution. Whilst there is a lack of choice when it comes to budget gaming monitors, it is an important factor to consider when looking at any display. Simply put, the resolution determines the image quality you can expect from a monitor.
When it comes to picking the resolution, there are three main choices. These options are 1080p, 1440p, and 4K, which refers to the total number of pixels that appear in the display. 1080p has the lowest number of pixels, and 4K has the highest, making 4K the best option for enhanced visual quality.
Due to the budget for this guide, the main options are 1080p and 1440p. Whilst there are some viable choice with a 1440p resolution in the allotted budget, they often come at the expense of performance or features. Because of this, a 1080p might be the best bet for this price point.
Our Recommendations
1. LG 32″ UltraGear FHD (Best 32inch Option)
Key Facts:
Resolution: 1080p
Response Time: 1ms
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Panel Type: VA
Screen Size: 32 inches
AMD Freesync: Yes
Nvidia G-Sync: Yes
First up on our list is the 32inch variation of the LG UltraGear FHD. LG have built a reputation for providing some of the best gaming monitors on the market, with consumers bound to find a display that suits their system requirements and budget. Their UltraGear line-up in particular is focussed on providing enhancements to performance by prioritising high refresh rates and low response times.
This model boasts a 32″ 1080p display, which is the largest screen size on this list, making it the best option for single monitor setups, or for those looking to accomplish some productivity tasks alongside gaming sessions. Despite the larger screen size, the UltraGear FHD includes some impressive performance capabilities, with a smooth 165Hz and 1ms response time.
Anyone looking for a 32″ monitor might want to consider saving up for a similar display with a higher 1440p resolution, but for those working with a tight budget, this LG 32″ UltraGear FHD offers great value for money.
2. ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A (Best 1080p Option)
Key Facts:
Resolution: 1080p
Response Time: 0.5ms
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Panel Type: IPS
Screen Size: 23.8 inches
AMD Freesync: Yes
Nvidia G-Sync: No
Moving onto the other side of the size spectrum, we have the ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A. Whilst a monitor with a smaller screen size of around 24 inches may seem like a bad thing, it’s actually a great choice for budget monitors, and has a surprising number of benefits. Anyone with limited desk space will be thankful for the smaller displays, as they can open up the potential for multiple monitor setups in even the tightest of spaces. Also, if you like to be close to the action, then these displays will provide you with the full picture, without the need to be constantly tilting your head.
Looking at the TUF Gaming model specifically, this display includes plenty of performance benefits. The IPS panel allows the image to remain crisp and vivid, even when positioned at an angle. And despite IPS typically resulting in slower performance, the VG249Q1A has a rapid 0.5ms response time. Paired with a refresh rate of 165Hz, this monitor offers a great competitive gaming experience for a very reasonable price.
3. Acer Nitro XZ272U (Best 1440p Option)
Key Facts:
Resolution: 1440p
Response Time: 1ms
Refresh Rate: 170Hz
Panel Type: VA
Screen Size: 27 inches
AMD Freesync: Yes
Nvidia G-Sync: No
Usually, 1440p monitors are priced slightly above the $250 mark. But recently, a combination of technological developments and increased demand for higher resolutions has forced prices down to a more competitive price point. As a result, the Acer Nitro XZ272U manages to sneak its way onto this list.
As the only 1440p offering on this list, the XZ272U is the best option if you strive for image quality above all else. For example, if you play a lot of story driven games, the additional visual fidelity will help to improve immersion. And whilst an increase in visual quality generally comes with a hit to performance, this display offers the best of both worlds.
The 27″ inch display is capable of a smooth 170Hz, which makes this monitor run similarly to the 1080p alternatives. Plus, the 1ms response time and AMD Freesync compatibility should be more than enough to maintain a competitive edge.
4. AOC AGON C27G2Z (Best for Esports)
Key Facts:
Resolution: 1080p
Response Time: 0.5ms
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Panel Type: VA
Screen Size: 27 inches
AMD Freesync: Yes
Nvidia G-Sync: No
When looking for a gaming monitor on a budget, a performance-based display is the best way to get the best bang for your buck. With the limited amount of high resolution options within this price range, opting for a screen that unlocks performance benefits is the best solution.
Our monitor of choice for Esports and competitive gamers is the AOC AGON C27G2Z. This 27″ inch display possesses some great performance specs for a reasonably priced 1080p monitor. The 240Hz refresh rate and will unlock the potential of most budget and mid-range systems, and the 0.5ms response times allows you to take advantage of the incredibly smooth gameplay with lightning-fast reactions.
On top of this, the C27G2Z also features a curved VA panel for increased immersion, allowing you to get into the zone by reducing the impact of distractions within your peripheral vision.
5. Samsung Odyssey 27″ G32A (Best Design)
Key Facts:
Resolution: 1080p
Response Time: 1ms
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Panel Type: VA
Screen Size: 27 inches
AMD Freesync: Yes
Nvidia G-Sync: No
To round off the list, we have the Samsung Odyssey 27″ G32A. Whilst this monitor offers decent performance specs, the main reason to pick up this display is the aesthetics. With a three-sided borderless display and ring-shaped mount cover on the back, the G32A wouldn’t look out of place on a spaceship. But somehow, it manages to remain subtle enough to blend in with most gaming setups.
In terms of ergonomics, the included stand allows you to change the position of the monitor with easing, including the ability to rotate 90 degrees to a portrait orientation. This is great for multi-monitor setups, or anyone looking to use their monitor for more than gaming, as the quick adjustments makes it easier to move from one task to another.
Although the design of the Odyssey G32A is arguably its main selling point, this display also has the performance to compete with the other monitors at the same price. Equipped with a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, as well as the inclusion of AMD Freesync, the G32A offers a gaming experience that will satisfy the needs of most competitive gamers.