Our concise budget gaming monitors buying guide cuts through the clutter of fake reviews and insufficient expert analysis by digging into data and real-world testing. We scrutinized 321,671 reviews (customer & expert) from 196 computer monitors, evaluating essential performance aspects like input lag and contrast ratio. Our research revealed that 71% of experts fall short in their testing, but we’ve identified the credible few. This meticulous process has allowed us to curate a list of 5 top-performing budget gaming monitors, giving you the confidence to make an informed decision based on reliable test data and genuine insights.
While this guide is focused on affordability, we also have selections for the best gaming monitor models regardless of price. Additionally, we have recommendations for top-tier monitors for various uses to ensure you find the perfect display for your specific needs and preferences.
HP OMEN 27QS – Best for PS4
The HP OMEN 27QS is an excellent budget-friendly monitor for competitive gaming, offering a 240 Hz refresh rate and best-in-class input lag of 8.5 ms. Its bright display at 389.5 nits and 100% sRGB color gamut coverage ensure vivid and accurate colors, while its 1440p resolution balances clarity and performance. Additionally, G-Sync and FreeSync compatibility provide a tear-free gaming experience.
Dell S2421H – Premium Pick
The Dell S2421H is a solid, all-around, budget-friendly gaming monitor with an 8.9 ms input lag and a 7.2 ms response time. It features a 75 Hz refresh rate, 1080p resolution, and FreeSync compatibility for smooth gameplay. Its 250 nits brightness and 95.9% sRGB coverage offer good color reproduction, making it suitable for gaming and general use.
MSI Optix G27C5
The MSI Optix G27C5 is an affordable curved gaming monitor with a 165 Hz refresh rate, a low input lag of 9.3 ms, and a quick 6.6 ms response time. Its impressive 3676:1 contrast ratio and 97.2% sRGB color space coverage deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. The 1080p resolution and FreeSync compatibility ensure smooth and immersive gameplay, making it a great monitor for various activities.
Dell G2724D – Best Mid-Range
The Dell G2724D stands out with its highest brightness of 432 nits on this list, along with a 165 Hz refresh rate and a 1440p resolution. It boasts an input lag of 9 ms and a response time of 4.3 ms, ensuring smooth and clear fast-paced action. Its 1350:1 contrast ratio, 100% sRGB coverage, and G-Sync and FreeSync compatibility make it ideal for gaming and versatile for multimedia and productivity use.
Dell S2722QC – Best for 4K Gaming
The Dell S2722QC is an excellent budget 4K gaming monitor with a 9 ms input lag and an 8.3 ms response time. Its 100% sRGB coverage, 1247:1 contrast ratio, and 339 nits brightness provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. Though it has a 60 Hz refresh rate, its 4K resolution offers stunningly detailed images, making it suitable for gaming, content creation, and productivity tasks.
How We Rank Monitors and What is the Gadget Review True Score
Gadget Review is known for its True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating. The True Score blends expert reviews and human assessed Trust Ratings with customer feedback, underpinned by a sophisticated AI tool. This tool utilizes advanced machine learning algorithms and Bayesian models to analyze and synthesize data, ensuring accurate, unbiased, and comprehensive scoring. You can read more about it here.
