As we dive into 2024, the gaming monitor market continues to evolve, offering an increasingly diverse range of options for budget-conscious gamers. With a price cap of $250, you might be surprised at the quality and features available. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the top picks, detailed reviews, and essential factors to consider when choosing the perfect gaming monitor for your needs.

Top Picks: Best Gaming Monitors Under $250

Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor

For gamers looking for value for money and portability, this 16.1” Arzopa Z1FC display is the way to go. This IPS panel with 144Hz refresh is currently available for only $105.99 .

• 16.1 Inch Full HD (1920x1080p) IPS with a premium aluminum design.
• 144Hz monitor imaging technology provides an ultra-fast 13ms response speed.
• 1.7 lb weight and 0.3-inch thickness make it ideal for on-the-go use.
• Supports PS5, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck, PCs, phone, and more.
• Includes a built-in stand for both portrait and landscape viewing.

Arzopa Z1FC 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor 16.1" Screen

• 16.1 Inch Full HD (1920x1080p) IPS with a premium aluminum design.
• 1.7 lb weight and 0.3-inch thickness make it ideal for on-the-go use.
• Supports PS5, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck, PCs, phone, and more.
• Includes a built-in stand for both portrait and landscape viewing.

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ASUS VG259QM

The ASUS VG259QM is a standout option in the sub-$250 category, offering an impressive set of features for competitive gamers. This 24.5-inch IPS panel boasts a Full HD resolution (1920x1080) and an incredible 280Hz refresh rate when overclocked.

• 24.5-inch IPS panel
• 1080p resolution
• 240Hz native refresh rate (280Hz overclocked)
• G-Sync compatible
• Excellent response time and low input lag

User reviews praise the monitor's performance in fast-paced games, with many noting the smooth gameplay and reduced motion blur. However, some users have reported issues with panel quality, highlighting the importance of purchasing from a retailer with a good return policy.

Image Credit: ASUS official website

Sceptre E325B-QPN168

For those seeking a larger screen without breaking the bank, the Sceptre E325B-QPN168 offers a 32-inch VA panel with a 1440p resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate.

• 32-inch VA panel
• 1440p resolution
• 165Hz refresh rate
• High sRGB color gamut coverage
• VESA mount compatible

Users appreciate the monitor's large screen size and high resolution, which provide an immersive gaming experience. However, some have noted issues with brightness uniformity, which is a common concern with budget VA panels.

Image Credit: Sceptre official website

LG 29WQ500

The LG 29WQ500 brings ultrawide gaming to the sub-$250 price point, offering a 29-inch IPS panel with a 2560x1080 resolution and a 75Hz refresh rate.

• 29-inch IPS panel
• 2560x1080 ultrawide resolution
• 75Hz refresh rate
• 99% sRGB color gamut coverage
• FreeSync support

Many users praise this monitor for its multitasking capabilities and immersive gaming experience, especially in strategy and simulation games. However, some have mentioned that the brightness could be higher for well-lit environments.

Image Credit: LG official website

Acer CBL282K

For those prioritizing resolution over refresh rate, the Acer CBL282K offers a 28-inch 4K (3840x2160) IPS panel with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

• 28-inch IPS panel
• 4K resolution (3840x2160)
• 60Hz refresh rate
• 100% sRGB color gamut coverage
• FreeSync support

Users praise the monitor's sharp image quality and color accuracy, making it an excellent choice for content creators who also enjoy gaming. However, the 60Hz refresh rate may not satisfy competitive gamers looking for smoother motion.

Image Credit: Amazon official website

Detailed Review: Acer Nitro XV275U P3biipx

While the Acer Nitro XV275U P3biipx is typically priced above our $250 budget, it's worth mentioning as it occasionally drops into this price range during sales events. This monitor offers a compelling mix of features that set it apart from other options in this category.

Key features:

• 27-inch IPS panel
• 1440p resolution (2560x1440)
• 170Hz refresh rate
• Mini LED backlight with 384 local dimming zones
• VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified

The Acer Nitro XV275U P3biipx stands out with its Mini LED backlight, which provides excellent HDR performance with a peak brightness of 1,298 cd/m² in HDR content. This feature allows for deep blacks and bright highlights, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

The monitor also offers good ergonomics with a variety of adjustments, making it suitable for different setups and preferences. Its color performance is impressive, with a wide DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, although it may require calibration for the best sRGB accuracy.

In terms of gaming performance, the XV275U P3biipx offers low input lag and supports variable refresh rate (VRR) technology. However, some users have reported visible flicker when frame rates change, which could be a concern for those sensitive to such issues.

Compared to similarly priced monitors, the Acer Nitro XV275U P3biipx offers superior HDR performance and a higher refresh rate. However, it falls short in terms of motion handling, with some users reporting motion blur and inverse ghosting.

Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing the Right Gaming Monitor Under $250

Determine your priorities:

• Decide whether you value higher refresh rates for competitive gaming or higher resolution for visual clarity.
• Consider the types of games you play most often.

Choose the right size:

• For 1080p resolution, stick to 24-27 inch monitors.
• For 1440p, 27-32 inch monitors offer the best balance of size and pixel density.

Select a panel type:

• IPS panels offer better color accuracy and viewing angles.
• VA panels provide better contrast ratios but may have slower response times.
• TN panels are less common now but offer the fastest response times.

Check the refresh rate:

• Aim for at least 144Hz for smooth gaming.
• Higher refresh rates (240Hz+) are beneficial for competitive gaming.

Look for adaptive sync technology:

• FreeSync for AMD graphics cards.
• G-Sync Compatible for NVIDIA graphics cards.

Consider additional features:

• Blue light filters for reduced eye strain.
• Ergonomic stands for better posture and comfort.
• Built-in speakers if you don't plan on using external audio.

1440p Gaming Monitors Under $250: A Closer Look

While 1440p monitors are less common in the sub-$250 price range, there are a few options worth considering:

AOC CQ27G1: This 27-inch curved VA panel offers a 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, making it an excellent value for gamers who want higher resolution without sacrificing smooth gameplay.

Image Credit: Amazon website

ViewSonic VX2768-2KP-MHD: Another 27-inch option, this IPS panel provides 1440p resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, offering a good balance between image quality and gaming performance.

Image Credit: ViewSonic website

Gigabyte G27Q: While it occasionally drops below $250 during sales, this 27-inch IPS monitor offers 1440p resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and excellent color accuracy.

Image Credit: Gigabyte website

These 1440p monitors offer sharper image quality compared to 1080p options, making them ideal for gamers who also use their monitors for productivity tasks or content consumption.

Budget-Friendly 144Hz Refresh Rate Monitors

For gamers prioritizing smooth motion over resolution, there are several excellent 144Hz options available under $250:

1. AOC 24G2: This 24-inch IPS monitor offers a 1080p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, with excellent response times and low input lag.

2. BenQ MOBIUZ EX2510S: A 24.5-inch IPS monitor with 1080p resolution and 165Hz refresh rate, offering great motion handling and color accuracy.

These monitors provide smooth gameplay that's particularly beneficial for fast-paced competitive games like first-person shooters and fighting games.

Curved vs. Flat Monitors: Which is Best for Gaming Under $250?

When choosing between curved and flat monitors for gaming, consider the following factors:

Curved Monitors:

Pros:

• More immersive gaming experience
• Reduced eye strain during long sessions
• Better depth perception in certain games
• Often maintain better color consistency across the screen

Cons:

• Generally more expensive
• Require more desk space
• Can be challenging to set up in multi-monitor configurations
• Potential for glare issues depending on room lighting

Flat Monitors:

Pros:

• More affordable options available
• Easier to set up in multi-monitor configurations
• Typically lighter and easier to wall-mount
• Wider variety of sizes and resolutions available

Cons:

• Less immersive than curved displays
• Potential for color variations at different viewing angles
• May cause more eye strain during extended use

For gaming under $250, flat monitors generally offer more options and better value. However, if you can find a curved monitor within your budget that meets your other requirements, it can provide a more immersive gaming experience.

Edge Question: Can a Budget Monitor Under $250 Offer a High-End Gaming Experience?

While budget monitors have come a long way in recent years, there are still limitations to what you can expect from a sub-$250 gaming monitor compared to high-end models. However, many gamers find that these budget-friendly options can indeed provide a satisfying gaming experience.

Key factors that contribute to a high-end gaming experience:

1. High refresh rates: Many monitors under $250 now offer 144Hz or even 240Hz refresh rates, providing smooth motion comparable to more expensive models.

2. Low input lag: Budget monitors have significantly improved in this area, with many offering input lag low enough to satisfy competitive gamers.

3. Adaptive sync technology: FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible monitors are now common in this price range, reducing screen tearing and stuttering.

4. Decent color accuracy: While not on par with professional-grade displays, many budget monitors offer good color reproduction for gaming.

Limitations of budget monitors:

1. Lower resolution: Most sub-$250 monitors are limited to 1080p, with few 1440p options available.

2. Smaller screen sizes: High-end features are often limited to 24-27 inch models in this price range.

3. Limited HDR capabilities: True HDR performance is generally not available at this price point.

4. Build quality: Budget monitors may use less premium materials and have more basic stands.

Real-life experiences and user reviews suggest that many gamers are satisfied with the performance of budget monitors, especially those focused on competitive gaming where high refresh rates and low input lag are prioritized over image quality.

Conclusion: The Best Gaming Monitor Under $250 for 2024

Ultimately, the best monitor for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the types of games you play, your available space, and whether you prioritize motion smoothness or image quality. By carefully weighing these factors against the options available in your budget, you can find a gaming monitor that will provide an excellent experience without breaking the bank. If you find this article about gaming monitor under $250 helpful or have any good suggestions, please leave a message. And you also can share this article to your friends or on social media that they may be inrterested in gaming monitor under $250.

FAQs

Q: Are 1ms response time monitors worth it for casual gaming?

A: While 1ms response times are often marketed as ideal for gaming, casual gamers may not notice a significant difference compared to slightly higher response times. Monitors with 4-5ms response times can still provide a great gaming experience, especially if they offer other beneficial features like higher refresh rates or better color accuracy.

Q: Can I use a gaming monitor for work or content creation?

A: Absolutely! Many gaming monitors offer features that are beneficial for work and content creation, such as high refresh rates for smoother scrolling, good color accuracy for design work, and ergonomic stands for comfort during long sessions. However, if color accuracy is critical for your work, you may want to look for a monitor with factory calibration or invest in a colorimeter for precise adjustments. Additionally, consider a monitor with a higher resolution (like 1440p) if you frequently work with detailed images or large spreadsheets.

Q: How important is HDR for gaming on a budget monitor?

A: While HDR can greatly enhance the visual experience in games, true HDR performance is rarely found in monitors under $250. Many budget monitors advertise HDR support, but they often lack the necessary brightness and local dimming capabilities to deliver a noticeable improvement over standard dynamic range (SDR) content.