Best Monitors for Gaming Under $100: Upgrade Your Setup

Are you a hardcore gamer, searching for the perfect monitor that won’t break the bank? Look no further, you have come to the right place. In this post, we will talk about the best monitors for gaming under 100 that come with great features.

In the world of gaming, having the right equipment is most important, because choosing the perfect monitor can make all the difference.

However, finding the best monitors for gaming under 100 dollars can be a bit tricky. You don’t want to sacrifice quality and performance for a lower price.

In this article, we have scoured the market & compiled a list of the best gaming monitors that deliver superior gaming experience, without breaking the bank.

What Is the Role of a Monitor in a gaming setup?

A gaming monitor is an important component of a gamer’s setup because it is the primary display for playing games. It can have a big impact on the gaming experience and is in charge of rendering the game’s images.

Keep in mind, the player’s immersion in the game can be improved by a high-quality gaming monitor’s crisp & colorful images, quick response times, and high refresh rates.

Additionally, it can improve focus, reduce input lag, and also reduce eye strain for a better gaming experience. Choosing the best gaming monitor for your needs is very important to ensuring the greatest gaming experience possible.

What to look for when buying a monitor

For some people, it might be challenging to purchase a gaming monitor, especially on a budget. In this post, I will give you advice on what to look for when buying a gaming monitor for under $100.

We’ll explore essential factors such as resolution, response time, refresh rate, and display size that you need to consider to make an informed decision. So let’s get started.

Screen Size:

A great and immersive gaming experience with higher details and a wider range of vision is totally dependent on the screen size. However, choosing a larger screen size may impact the monitor’s resolution and pixel density.

To get the best gaming experience, it’s essential to balance screen size and resolution. A 21 to 24-inch monitor is the best size for gaming for under $100. Because it strikes the perfect balance between resolution and screen size for the best gaming visuals.

Refresh rate:

The refresh rate of a gaming monitor is an important factor in determining how sharp and fluid your gaming experience will be. You may know that a smoother gaming experience is produced by a higher refresh rate.

The refresh rate refers to the number of times per second the screen updates with new images. The higher the refresh rate the smoother and more responsive your gameplay will be.

Although 144Hz refresh rates are great but they are expensive. In my experience, a 75Hz or 60Hz monitor is an ideal choice for gaming under $100.

Resolution:

Resolution is an essential factor to think about when choosing a gaming monitor. Keep in mind, the sharpness and clarity of an image totally depend on how many pixels are visible on the screen.

Resolution is measured in pixels. The higher the resolution the more vivid and detailed your image will be. Some common resolutions are 1080p, 1440p & 4k. In my experience, a 1080p resolution is the most popular and appropriate choice for gaming around $100.

But a more immersive experience would be offered by higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K. Therefore, it’s important to think about your budget and requirements while selecting a resolution for your gaming monitor.

Related: Can a 4k 60hz monitor run 1440p at 144hz? 2023

Response time:

Response time is another important factor that you should keep in mind when it comes to buying a gaming monitor.

Response time refers to the amount of time it takes for a pixel to change colors. Honestly speaking, a fast response time results in less motion blur and a smoother gaming experience. A response time of 5ms or greater may cause motion blur and ghosting.

That’s why, a response time of 1ms or 2ms is great for fast-paced games. If you want to buy a gaming monitor for under 100, it’s important to choose a monitor with a response time of 5ms or less to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

Flicker-Free:

If you want to enjoy gaming without screen flickering and ghosting, you need to get a monitor with flicker-free technology. Some displays come with a flicker-free feature, it can remove screen flickering that causes eye strain and headaches.

There are several reasons which cause screen flickering, but one of the most common is low brightness level. Keep in mind, the flicker-free monitor can increase your productivity and offer immersive and engaging gaming.

Therefore it’s important to choose a monitor that comes with flicker-free technology.

Ergonomics Stand:

Generally speaking, the ergonomics stand is a great feature, which provides height adjustment, tilt, and swivel functions. If you are a hardcore gamer, you may know how important an ergonomics stand is.

Because it can decrease your neck pain as well as eye strain when it comes to playing games for long periods of time. In addition, it also allows you to change the monitor position for various activities, such as watching movies, playing games, writing, etc.

However, when choosing a gaming monitor under $100, an ergonomic stand is still worth considering for its long-term benefits.

Rich Connectivity:

Rich connectivity is important for a great gaming experience. Generally speaking, having a variety of connectivity ports on a monitor, is known as rich connectivity. It is one of the most important factors when it comes to buying a gaming monitor.

You can easily connect your gaming devices to a monitor that comes with rich connectivity. These ports include USB, audio jacks, HDMI, DisplayPort, and so on. And, also it can increase your experience without the need for additional hubs & adapters. It also kills clutter in the gaming setup.

Related: Best Monitors for Business In 2023

The List of the Best Monitors for Gaming Under $100

Let’s dive into the top products, their features, and the pros & cons to find a perfect gaming monitor.

1. Acer VG220Q

Specs:

Pros:

• High-quality display
• AMD Radeon FreeSync Technology
• Fast Response Time & High Refresh Rate
• Multiple Connectivity Options
• Built-in Speakers

Cons:

• Limited Adjustability
• Construction with simple materials

If you are a casual gamer and looking for a great & affordable monitor that won’t compromise on performance, then the Acer VG220Q is an ideal choice. It comes with a 21.5″ Full HD IPS display and a 75 Hz refresh rate, which is more than enough for gaming.

It also comes with AMD Radeon FreeSync technology, which reduces screen tearing and stuttering. In my experience, the standout feature of this monitor is its quick 1ms response time with Virtual Response Boost (VRB) technology that helps to reduce motion blur and ghosting.

The Acer VG220Q offers an IPS panel, which provide accurate colors and wide viewing angles, making it one of the best option for gaming and other high-end tasks. Its 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution delivers clear and sharp visuals that enhance your gaming experience.

One downside of this monitor is, it lacks an adjustable stand, which makes it hard to find a perfect viewing position.

The Acer VG220Q features rich connectivity including 2 HDMI 1.4 ports and 1 VGA port, making it easy to connect to various devices. Additionally, it comes with built-in speakers. But its speakers may not provide the best sound quality.

As a result, it is one of the best options for casual gamers who are looking for a budget-friendly option. However, it may not have all the greatest and most advanced features, but it delivers great performance.

Related: 11 Ways To Fix Acer Monitor No Signal 2023

2. Acer SB220Q

Specs:

Pros:

• AMD FreeSync
• Ultra-thin IPS panel
• Full HD resolution
• Affordable

Cons:

• No VESA mount compatibility
• No USB ports
• Tilt-only design

The Acer SB220Q is one of the best monitors for gaming that offers decent performance and great features. It comes with a 21.5-inch Full HD IPS panel, 1920 x 1080p & 75Hz refresh rate, which is enough for competitive gaming.

If you are looking for a highly responsive and affordable monitor, then Acer SB220Q is the way to go. It offers a 4ms response time, which helps to reduce ghosting and screen tearing. It also offers the AMD Radeon FreeSync technology, which provides a smoother gaming experience by reducing screen tearing and stuttering.

Its flexible connectivity makes it different from its competitors. The connectivity options include Bluetooth, VGA, and HDMI, making it simple and easy to connect to a variety of devices.

According to my experience, the Acer SB220Q is a perfect choice for gaming and daily use thanks to the frameless design and In-Plane-Switching (IPS) panel, which offer accurate color and great viewing angles.

Keep in mind, this monitor does have some drawbacks. Make sure to read a complete review before making a final decision. Its color accuracy and viewing angle are not the best compared to its competitors, which may cause some color fading & bending when viewed from different angles.

Also, this monitor does not have any adjustable stand and mounting options, which may be challenging to position it for optimal viewing.

In my opinion, the Acer SB220Q is a great & budget-friendly gaming monitor, which offers good performance and premium features. Its sleek & stylish design makes it a good choice for everyday use, whether for online work, business, or entertainment.

Helpful: 5 Creative Ways to Wall Mount a Monitor Without Holes 2023

3. Dell SE2419Hx 23.8″

Specs:

Pros:

• Thin bezels
• Compact base
• Rich and consistent colors
• Wide viewing angles
• Fast response time and low input lag

Cons:

• No display position adjustment
• Not VESA mount compatible
• No AMD FreeSync & No headphone jack
• Not high contrast ratio

If you want to buy a cheap gaming monitor with solid performance and great image quality, there is no need to look past then the Dell SE2419Hx. This monitor comes with 1920 x 1080p full HD resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio, which offers a clear and vibrant picture for both gaming and general use.

Also, it comes with a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is low for competitive games but “don’t worry” enough for faced paced games. The Dell SE2419Hx features an amazing viewing experience with deep blacks and vibrant color thanks to its 1000:1 contrast ratio and 250 cd/m2 brightness.

It also comes with a wide 178-degree viewing angle, which makes it simple and easy to share the screen without sacrificing contrast or color accuracy. In my experience, this monitor is one of the best options for both office and home use, due to its sleek design, thin bezel, and small base.

Keep in mind, the Dell SE2419Hx doesn’t have an adjustable stand or display position, therefore it could be difficult to find the best viewing angle. This monitor is one of the great budget-friendly options, which is specially designed for hardcore gamers.

Although, it might lack some of the more sophisticated features, which are found on more expensive gaming monitors.

4. ViewSonic VA2055SM

Specs:

Pros:

• The picture quality is very good.
• Speakers are small and tinny.
• Great for Home and Office
• Enhanced Viewing Comfort
• High-Resolution
• Easy Set-Up

Cons:

• The sound quality was bad
• Limited Refresh Rate
• Limited Connectivity Options
• No Built-In Speakers

If you are looking for a great and affordable monitor that comes with premium features and affordable price, then the ViewSonic VA2055SM is what you are looking for. This monitor comes with a 20-inch LED screen, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 1920 x 1080 pixel full HD resolution, which make it a great option for gamers.

It provides a clear and detailed visual experience for gaming and normal use. It offers a 75 Hz refresh rate, which provides a smoother and flicker-free gaming experience.

This monitor comes with a blue light filter, which helps to reduce eye strain and fatigue after prolonged use, making it perfect for gaming and office work.

Another great feature of this monitor is its adjustable stand, which makes it different from the above options and allows you to select your desired viewing angle.

Also, its thin bezel design allows you to maximize your screen space. And interestingly, it comes with all the necessary cables for easy setup right out of the box.

The ViewSonic VA2055SM offers flexible connectivity options including VGA and DVI, making it compatible with laptops, PCs, Macs, and even POS systems. The only downside, it lacks the Free-Sync feature, which is important for high-end games.

5. HP Pavilion 22cwa

Specs:

Pros:

• High definition display
• Wide viewing angle
• Gray uniformity is excellent
• Tilt adjustment
• Affordable

Cons:

• Blacks appear gray in a dark room
• No VESA mount
• No display port
• More motion blur

If you are looking for a great and feature-rich display that is affordable! Look at the HP Pavilion 22cwa monitor. This monitor comes in a fantastic alternative for multi-monitor setup thanks to its stylish design and narrow bezel.

The HP Pavilion 22cwa comes with 21.5 Inches screen size and 1920 x 1080p resolution, which make it an ideal choice for gaming and other high-end tasks. It also comes with an IPS panel and a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is enough for a great gaming experience.

It has HDMI and VGA connectors for connecting to additional devices and LED technology for a clear, colorful & vibrant display. In addition, this monitor has a tilt feature that allows you to choose the ideal viewing angle.

And, it can also handle casual gaming and daily tasks such as streaming, browsing, and office work with ease. In my experience, the HP 22cwa is a good selection for people who are looking for a budget-friendly monitor for personal use or entry-level gaming requirements.

Overall, its sleek design, tilt adjustment, and multiple connectivity options make it an excellent and versatile option.

6. SAMSUNG 22”

Specs:

Pros:

• IPS panel
• Superior Eye Care
• Affordable
• Good refresh rate & Free-Sync
• Seamless, Smooth Visuals

Cons:

• Limited connectivity

Samsung 22″ is an ideal choice for gaming and office work. This monitor offers sharp and fluid images that make your game look the best & even real. It comes with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution and 75Hz refresh rate, which is more than enough for high-end games and the most demanding tasks such as graphics designing, video editing, photography, etc.

It also comes with a 5ms response time, which is best for competitive games. This monitor offers a flicker-free feature that helps to reduce eye strain and headaches during prolonged gaming sessions.

Also, the monitor offers an elegant dark blue-gray style that goes well with any gaming setup. For individuals who frequently need to change their setup, it is extremely lightweight and simple to set up.

You’ll have a competitive advantage and a smooth gaming experience with game mode, AMD Radeon FreeSync, and its amazing specifications. The only downsides are, it only has VGA and HDMI ports and doesn’t have tilt or height adjustment options, for optimal viewing experience.

In my opinion, this monitor is a good option for gamers who want to get a great and low-cost monitor.

Also Read: How to Connect PS5 to Monitor for Ultimate Gaming Experience

7. Acer SB220Q

Specs:

Pros:

• Full HD deeply with 1080p resolution
• Widescreen AMD Free-Sync
• Best response time
• Less expensive

Cons:

• No built-in speakers
• Limited Connectivity options
• No adjustable stand

The Acer SB220Q is an amazing option that offers reliable features and decent performance. This monitor offers vivid, clear & crisp images with a 21.5-inch full HD display and 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution.

It comes with a 75 Hz refresh rate, which helps to reduce screen tearing and enables better animation. And it also comes with a 4ms response time which provides guaranteed lag-free gameplay.

The Acer SB220Q monitor offers a sleek and slim design with a thin bezel giving it a modern and stylish look. Its connectivity options include VGA and HDMI ports. This monitor is one of the best options for those who are looking for a cheap and feature-rich gaming monitor.

As a certified refurbished product, this monitor offers excellent value for its price point, and the 90-day warranty ensures that buyers are protected in the event of any issues.

One downside of the Acer SB220Q is that it doesn’t have an adjustable stand, which can be a deal-breaker for some users. And, a potential drawback of this monitor is its limited connectivity options. However, this may not be a significant issue for many users who only need to connect a single device.

Is 60 Hz good for gaming?

A refresh rate of at least 60 Hz is enough for a smooth gaming experience. However, higher refresh rates such as 120 Hz or 144 Hz are increasingly common for competitive gaming. According to many experts, the best refresh rate totally depends on the hardware being used, the games being played, and personal preference.

While a 60 Hz monitor can still provide a great gaming experience, it can result in some motion blur and screen tearing.

Related: Monitor Blinking On and Off 

How important is a monitor’s contrast ratio for gaming?

Generally speaking, the contrast ratio is a measure of the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of an image. But compared to other elements such as resolution, refresh rate, and response time, it might not be as significant for gaming.

High contrast ratios can enhance image quality, although they are not always necessary for gaming. A higher contrast ratio may be beneficial in certain games with dark or dimly-lit environments where details in shadows are important.

For a responsive and fluid gaming experience, factors like response time, refresh rate & resolution are very important.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Conclusion

There are several great options for gaming monitors available for under $100. While they may not have all the features of high-end monitors, but still provide a good gaming experience. 

When choosing a gaming monitor, it’s important to consider some factors such as screen size, response time, and connectivity options to ensure that it meets your needs.

As a result, these budget-friendly options can provide great value for gamers on a budget. I hope you understand and gained some information about gaming monitors. If you have any queries related to this post, leave them in the comment section below.