Gaming equipment oftentimes costs an arm and leg, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Actually good products in the market get swept under the rug when overpriced and overhyped products take hold due to strategic marketing.
In truth, your gaming monitor does not have to cost you 500 dollars, you can easily manage to get an excellent one for just under a hundred! Granted, even that isn’t very cheap for families, but it is a step above monitors costing you no less than $1000 per screen.
This is why, today, after testing the top cheap gaming monitors for a total of 60 hours, we have compiled a list of our top seven picks.
These monitors offer you the best graphics, storage space, specs, and everything you need to succeed in your gaming endeavors.
Choosing the right monitor for you is hard though, even when you know what to get. This is why we have also created a buyers’ guide!
Using this guide, you can easily narrow down your options and choose the best possible product for you. Let’s get started.
Ultimate List of The Best Gaming Monitors Under 100 Dollars With Wide Viewing Angles & Eye-Care Technology
Our team selected some of the top-rated monitors in the market and tested each of them for a total of sixty hours. After that, we enlisted the help of professionals and experienced -as well as an amateur- gamers to get an expert opinion. Taking all these into consideration, we then sat together for a total of 6 hours, factored in all aspects, and shortlisted our top picks. If you need expert guidance and reliable reviews, you’re at the right place.
#1. Acer SB220Q Gaming Monitor – Best Under $100
Acer has widely been celebrated as one of the best monitors out there- especially when it comes to gaming. It combines ultra-thin functionality with mind-blowing graphics and fast refresh rates. It features a 21.5-inch full HD (1920 x 1080 resolution) IPS display ensures that you have only the best of the best with the AMD Radeon FreeSync, and 4ms response time is a hallmark of its advanced technology and makes it ideal for gaming.
Its IPS technology also comes with an advanced LCD formula for premium colors with no differences at any angle. The actual thinness of the monitor, too, is stressed upon quite a lot, which is perfectly understandable because it is a sight to behold. The 21.5” widescreen display already makes for an excellent screen, but what makes it even better is the borderless design and the ultra-thin quality since it lets you view more in less space while also looking incredibly attractive.
With a refresh rate of 75Hz, you can be sure to enjoy seamless gaming and entertainment. The only problem one might face is the fact that it only has two ports- one for HDMI and one for VGA- which is a perfectly reasonable amount, but for gamers, you might need something more than that. Overall, it makes the top of our list for a reason. Acer SB is fast, it looks good, and it works incredibly well, making it the perfect choice for you.
- 5-inch widescreen display
- Radeon FreeSync technology
- &5Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time
- -5 to 15-degree tilt angle
- 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution
- Beautiful display
- Very attractive
- Fast response rate
- Not compatible with VESA mount
#2. ASUS VS228H-P Full HD Gaming Monitor
ASUS is quite the underrated brand but comes highly recommended if you’re looking for something (relatively) cheap. The VS228H-P model is one of their finest in the under 100 range and rightly so. Its features are delightfully varied and of incredible quality. The 21.5” HD widescreen display delivers a smooth and sharp video output, which is only enhanced by its 5 ms response time.
The aspect control lets you switch between full and 4:3 for an image quality that is free of distortion, especially in gaming, where the screen size tends to be a problem. Its smart view technology takes care of another common problem- color distortion. It adjusts the color parameters to deliver the same image color with straight viewing.
Aside from that, the monitor supports inputs of D Sub, DVI, and HDMI. It comes with a VESA mount design and an easily detachable base. It has a very straight-edged, clean look, which makes it ideal for any setting. This quality is only further accentuated by its slim and elegant design, which makes it practical and easy on the eyes.
Overall, its build is one to accommodate multiple uses making it highly functional for gaming. The functions and outlook are something that you rarely find for as low a price as ASUS offers, making this one of the best decisions you can take for your gaming career.
- 5-inch full HD widescreen design
- 5 ms response time
- 50,000,000:1 ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio
- VESA mount compatibility
- Supports D Sub, DVI, and HDMI inputs
- Excellent for the price
- Elegant appearance
- Good functionality
- You can face issues with the warranty
#3. ViewSonic VX2452MH Gaming Monitor – Budget Friendly
Viewsonic has widely been hailed as one of the best producers for gaming screens- and rightly so. Despite their gaming monitors not being on par with their TVs and other products, they are nothing to turn your nose up at, especially considering their price. It offers a fast response time for smooth images without streaking, blurring, or ghosting making gaming much easier and fun.
Additionally, this monitor also has a gaming arsenal ready for you. Its game mode provides greater visibility and detail, heightened color performance, and a number of pre-set modes so that you can have the ultimate gaming experience. All that is needed to activate it is a press of a button. That, combined with their 1080p HD output, integrated speakers, and their MEGA dynamic contrast ratio, makes it easy for you to experience some of the best gaming you possibly can.
It also features flexible connectivity and can support laptops, PCs, and Macs with HDMI, DVI, and VGA inputs. Overall, it doesn’t have a lot of flashy features but instead focuses on providing the best quality on the features it does have which makes it ideal for anyone looking for a long-term monitor. It is brilliant for anyone doing professional gaming since its gaming arsenal helps you out a lot and provides the best quality one could ask for.
- full HD (1920x1080p) resolution
- Gaming mode provides added brightness, dynamic coloring, and an even faster refresh rate
- Supports laptops, PCS, and Macs with the help of its HDMI, VGA, and DVI inputs
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Can not be mounted
- Added gaming options provide the best possible experience
- Excellent graphics and refresh rate
- Fast refresh rate
- Test quality is not up to par with the image quality
#4. HP Pavilion 1080p IPS LED Monitor – Black
HP is widely famed for producing some of the best monitors in the market- and its Pavilion model is no less. Its defining feature is its graphics. Pavilion gives you 21.5 inches of full high-definition graphics (1920 x 1080p) with a 60Hz refresh rate, 16:9 aspect ratio, and an IPS LED-backlit panel.
You can also tilt it at any angle between -5 to 25 degrees with 178° positional viewing for the best quality at any angle. It has a VGA and HDMI port and easy access to both due to its open wedge design. Additionally, it supports all OS as well as popular gaming consoles like PS4.
You may also choose to mount it on a wall with the help of its VESA adapter mount kit (VESA mount is not included). It has a minimalist, contemporary look that is only heightened by its sleek and ultra-thin profile. If you’re looking to game in style, this is the monitor for you.
Overall, its minimal features may cause issues, especially if you’re a more advanced gamer, but this model is perfect for anyone who needs a reliable, strong base to begin with.
- 5-inch full HD monitor (1920 x 1080p)
- 60Hz refresh rate and 16:9 aspect ratio
- Adjustable tilt (-5° to 25°) with 178° positional viewing
- VESA mount adapter kit included
- Compatible with all OS
- Simple and stylish outlook
- Excellent graphics
- Budget-friendly
- No integrated speakers
#5. BenQ GW2280 Eye Care – Slim Bezel Monitor Under 100 Dollars
If you are someone who has poor eyesight or is concerned about the effect constant gaming will have on your eyes, this is the monitor for you. BenQ does an excellent job of making sure their product is healthy for you without compromising on the video, audio, or overall quality.
It relieves excessive strain on the eyes by re-adjusting the screen brightness in accordance with the on-screen content and ambient light conditions with BenQ’s patented brightness intelligence technology. It also has low blue light and is equipped with a zero flicker technology which maximizes eye health without compromising on the overall quality of the video and display.
In fact, rather than compromising on it, BenQ’s slim bezel monitor only enhances it further with its seamless edge-to-edge bezel design that minimizes distractions and keeps your attention on the screen. With 22-inches of full HD VA widescreen and 1920 x 1080p resolution and wide viewing angles, you can be assured you can game for hours on this monitor without your eyes feeling tired for even a second.
Furthermore, it is compatible with all operating systems window 7 onwards and has an excellent cable management system that neatly hides inside them inside the monitor stand, away from the public eye, and keeps them from tangling. You can even mount it with the VESA wall-mount.
Overall, this monitor is truly a gem. It makes sure your eyes aren’t under too much stress while gaming and provides you with excellent graphics and audio- all packed up neatly in a very attractive monitor. It’s highly recommended for anyone with sensitive eyes.
- 22” widescreen with HD 1920 x 1080p resolution
- Wide viewing angles for maximum clarity
- Compatible with OS after windows 7
- self -adjusting brightness, zero flicker technology, and low blue light to relieve any strain on the eyes
- Neat cable management system
- Easy on the eyes
- Very stylish and attractive design
- Excellent graphics
- Less than impressive customer service
#6. HP 23er 23-Inch Gaming Monitor – Ultra Wide Screen
If you want something that prioritizes looks as much as (or more than) quality, this might be the one for you. HPs 23er is one of their most stylish models to date, combining modern elegance with a seamless, classy look and stealing the hearts of computer nerds worldwide. Not only is it very fashionable, but it is also their thinnest and most lightweight model which makes for easy mounting and moving.
It is a 23-inch Full HD monitor with a 920 x 1080 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, and an anti-glare matte IPS LED-backlit panel so you can be assured of the best possible graphics. With its 178-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles and an adjustable tilt from -5 to 25 degrees, you are guaranteed the best of the best color quality which is only further enhanced by the color accuracy by HP enhance. It can hold one VGA and one HDMI cable with HDCP support as well.
The best thing about it, especially in regards to gaming, is the custom OSD setting options. You can easily make room for more windows and even add screen partitions with the help of the HP My Display software. Overall, it’s the ideal product for someone who has a particular aesthetic in mind.
Despite the very attractive outlook, the functionality is quite average but it’s very well-built which leads to this monitor being very durable.
- Bezel-less frame
- 23-inch full HD with a 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 178-degree wide horizontal and vertical viewing angles
- 1 VGA and 1 HDMI cable support
- Custom OSD setting
- Very attractive
- Good graphics and audio
- Excellent customer service and long warranty
- Excellent for gaming but average for reading and other academic tasks
#7. Sceptre 24 Inch Curved Edgeless Gaming LED Monitor
The first and most obvious thing you notice about this monitor is its curvature. Sceptre’s 24 inch Curved Edgeless Monitor offers you an in-depth, fully immersive 3D experience that is sure to take your breath away. You can also tilt the screen backward by 15 degrees and forward by five which makes for better graphics overall.
It also has an anti-flicker feature that gives you a smoother and more crisp picture and a blue light shit mode which lets you toggle a warm light screen as per your discretion to make sure your eyes get the care they deserve. It also has an HDMI, VGA, and PC in audio ports which makes it easier for connection. You can also mount it using the VESA wall mount, though the stand design is much more ergonomic and is more recommended for gaming.
With a high refresh rate of 75Hz and fast response time, you can’t really go wrong with this. Overall, if you want a really good quality monitor that focuses particularly on graphics, this is the one to go for. It has an edgeless, curved screen, fast response time, and high refresh rate, all perfect for excellent graphics while gaming. Plus, the blue light mode just makes it better since you can prioritize your health and still be a pro-gamer.
- 1800R curved monitor offers a fully immersive experience
- HDMI, VGA, and PC in audio ports
- 75Hz refresh rate
- Fast response time
- Compatible with most Operating Systems
- Attractive outlook
- Excellent graphics
- Excellent for the money
- not actually edgeless as shown
How to Choose the Best Gaming Monitor Under $100 Budget for Everyday Gaming – Complete Buyers’ Guide
Investing in a monitor is no easy task, even if it is below or for 100 dollars, especially if your primary use of the monitor is going to be gaming. First off, you need to decide which experience you’re going for; are you going for a smooth gaming experience or a pretty gaming experience, or both? Once you’ve answered that, it’s time to move on. Here’ we’ll be combining both experiences and listing the things you need to look for if you want a combination of both. Let’s get started.
Refresh Rates
A fresh rate is going to be the defining factor in how smooth your game will be running. 60Hz is the minimum baseline for most monitors- especially the ones on a budget but it goes up to 250Hz. It’s good to have it somewhere between 120Hz to 144Hz if you’re going for a slightly more expensive build, but 60Hz (which is the refresh rate for most of the models here) is nothing to turn your nose up at, especially if you’re just starting out.
Response Time
This is measured in milliseconds but can make a huge difference in your gaming experience. Generally, you should consider getting one with the lowest possible response time (1 ms) but the average for most gaming monitors is 3 ms to 7 ms. With this range, it’s neither very fast nor too slow, but just right. Note that since you’re going for monitors under or for 100, this is the best you can get.
TN vs. IPS
The general choice is between TN (prioritizes budget and speed) and IPS (prioritizes viewing experience). Neither of them is the one for gaming and have their own set of pros and cons. For TN panels, speed is what matters. They offer a low response time (1 to 2 ms), are more budget-friendly, and provide cheaper support for high refresh rates. They also have a lot less latency as compared to IPS panels which make them the ideal choice for budget monitors. On the other hand, IPS monitors have much better color production and better viewing angles which make it a good choice if a good display is what you’re going for. However, they’re much more expensive and have higher latency if not paired with other high-priced components.
Resolution and Monitor Size
Before getting into anything else, let’s clear one thing up, the size of the monitor has nothing to do with its display or overall quality. When you’re sitting practically face-to-face with the screen, size becomes practically irrelevant. That being said, a 24 to 27-inch monitor is generally the most widely used option, and rightly so. It is arguably the best monitor for gaming since it lets you see everything at once without being too small to be indiscernible. The best setup you could go for on a budget is the 108pp and 24 inches combo.
Final Thoughts
With that, our list for the best gaming monitor under $100 comes to a finish. We hope you found this helpful and enjoyable. Please let us know your favorite monitor along with any feedback or suggestions you might have! Happy Gaming!