Best Budget Gaming Monitors Under $100 (Buying Guide 2020)

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Whether you are a casual game warrior or a hardcore gamer, the hardware is not the only thing that defines the victory and defeat, there is much more to it.

To enjoy the latest fast-action games, a PC with the complete specs is not enough; in fact, you need a powerful portable monitor that delivers the action without causing any delays, tearing, flicker and blurred images.

Markets are over flooded with a myriad of monitors ranging from business monitors to gaming monitors. But,

if you want a budget gaming monitor that is below $100, then you definitely are at the right place!

Keep in mind there is one hell of a difference between the gaming and the business monitors. So, before making the final investment make sure the features meet all your needs. If you are hunting for a monitor that embrace a variety of features then a multimedia display is the right choice to go for.

They are quite handy and offer several extendable ports like HDMI, VGA and more to make use of it for entertainment purposes as well.

However, if you are looking for something that is only destined to gaming purposes then keep on reading the below mentioned 7 best gaming monitors under $100 to get the best of gaming experience from the comfort of homes.

Best Gaming Monitors Under $100

And the List starts with the ASUS VS228.

1) ASUS VS228H-P Gaming Monitor

Your hunt for the most desirable gaming monitor under $100 stops with this amazing ASUS masterpiece. ASUS VS228H-P is a top pick because of its exceptional features like 5MS response time, 50:1 color contrast ratio, 21.5 inches LED display, HDMI port and what not.

This latest gaming monitor is designed with state-of-the-art technology to make it one of the best available gaming monitors for game fanatics. The aspect control function of this monitor allows the user to choose their specific display mode between 4:3 and full display to enjoy a real-life gaming experience or watch a movie without any image distortion or data loss.

Similarly, smart view technology adjusts the color parameters to make sure the color and quality of the image is superb.

The bottom right side is beautifully equipped with navigational buttons to play around with the monitor settings giving full control to the display. The packaging includes a separable stand, VGA, DVI join; three years warranty card, a manual and a power string.

In short, this monitor comes with all the necessary cords needed to make the monitor functional. Its user-friendly interface, smooth imagery and other remarkable features make it one of the best 1080p gaming monitor under 100.

2) HP Pavilion 21.5 Gaming Monitor

If you are an avid computer user and spend hours playing games or watching movies than you would definitely want to have a quality monitor for gaming or everyday use.

Keep in mind, the best monitor for gaming doesn’t always ask for a hefty amount as HP pavilion 21.5 inch monitor is easily accessible under $100 both online and in shops. It is one of the beautifully designed, modern as well as highly functional monitors specifically designed for gaming.

HP is a renowned name in the PC industry and this monitor clearly standout among its counterparts with its exceptional features and performance.

The IPS technology allows clear HD image irrespective of the angle you are looking at the monitor from. With a response time of 7ms, the user will enjoy a crisp look thus, there will be no delays and blur images.

The best thing about this monitor:

It is exceptionally low power consumption i.e. 20 watt only. HDMI, HDCP and VGA support keeps you connected in all circumstances. The arsenic-free glass, mercury-free backlighting and low halogen design make it one of the most environment-friendly devices.

It comes with all the needed cords and allows easy access to all the ports. Its open wedge stand makes the plugging and un-plugging quite easy and hassle free.

3) Acer HA220Q bi 21.5

Many of us have the belief that finding a big brand in a limited budget is something unbelievable, but this amazing gaming monitor by Acer has proved us wrong clearly. Acer HA220Q bi 21.5” has topped the list of best 1080p Gaming PC under $100 with its wider screen, ultra thin sleek design, clear images and much more.

This monitor is the perfect choice for the people who urge for HD gaming experience but are reluctant to spend a fortune. It embraces all the features often offered by the higher priced brands.

With Acer HA220Q bi 21.5-inch display having 1920*1080 resolution, you can get high definition entertainment from the comfort of your home. Quick 4ms response time remove the delays and bring immersive graphics to the games and movies.

Its 100m: 1 contrast ratio emits deepest blacks and brightest whites offering a crystal clear view of the content. The best thing about this monitor is it also supports HDMI and VGA for better compatibility, so the user can easily expand the enjoyment from his/her tablet or Smartphone on a full HD screen.  You can easily interact with the monitor from all the possible angles with its -5-15 degrees ergonomic tilt feature. Moreover, it is believed to lessen energy consumption by up to 65%.

4) Sceptre E205W-16003R 20″

Apart from heavy RAM, hard drive and fast CPU, the monitor is no doubt one of the most important parts of the PC framework to enjoy your time browsing the internet or playing games. If you are looking for something sleek, modern as well as high-performance gaming monitor than Sceptre E205W-16003R 20″ is the thing to go for without giving it a second thought. Its 20-inch high definition LED with a resolution of 1600*900 make it one of the most demanding monitor under this budget.  It presents a rich, sharp and detailed picture creating a full HD gaming environment. The fast response time of 5ms shows video successions with utmost clarity and crispness.

The best thing about this monitor is it has 2 HDMI ports that can be converted to DVI easily. The built-in speaker gives a completely clear, natural and vigorous sound. With these built-in speakers, Sceptre E205W-16003R monitor conveys professional level sound for web workshops and calls. The design of the monitor is immensely delicate having a sophisticated stand that makes it fit easily anywhere anytime. You can tilt the monitor for better viewing.  Additionally, VESA wall mount with 100*100mm model, one can easily fix it on the monitor mount or the wall.

The best thing about the specter monitors is they are well suitable for Windows 8, one of the latest and highly accessible frameworks on PCs now-a-days.

5) Sceptre E248W-1920R 24 Inch

Sceptre E248W-1920R 24 Inch is another masterpiece designed under the label of Sceptre. This company has got international recognition with its ultra slim, metallic, highly functional and above all most OS compatible gaming monitors for game lovers. This model is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, MacOS Sierra, MacOS High Sierra and OS X EI Capitan. It has so many smart features that make it stand among all. For example, its blue light shift enables you to lower your screen’s light which will protect your eyes from strain, fatigue and irritation. This way you will be able to play games, watch videos or work in excel or MS word for a longer period of time. It also features HDMI and VGA which not only helps in delivering clear audio and video but helps you connect with TV or laptop to enhance your entertainment level. Its quick response time of 5ms makes all the activities on screen instant and seamlessly smooth. There are no speakers in this monitor but have 3.5mm audio-out and in jacks.

Its contemporary sleek design, thin metal back cover, slim bezel and elevated performance make it the most loved cheap 1080p gaming monitor available today. It is a featherweight monitor and the 2 VESA holes at the back are enough to hold the monitor perfectly.

6) BenQ GW2270 21.5 gaming monitor:

This monitor is designed on the philosophy of “less is more”. BenQ GW2270 21.5 gaming monitor would be a nice addition to any space. Each and everything about this monitor is reduced to bring together functionality and simplicity into perfect aesthetics. Moreover, this device is designed completely on eye-caring technology, as it filters out the damaging blue light significantly helps in lowering irritation, fatigue and strain. Likewise, the advanced technology put a stop to flickering effects that are harmful to eyes. Its high contrast ratio of 3000:1 which is thrice the intensity of the traditional monitors thus offer high definition pictures and color depths. The 5ms fast response time helps in changing pixels fast in order to avoid blurring, ghosting and streaking in fast-moving games and movie scenes. The best thing about this monitor is its compatibility with Windows, 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8 and Windows 7. The only thing that lowers the overall rating of this monitor is no HDMI port and absence of speakers.

BenQ GW2270 21.5 inch gaming monitor is a compact form of all features that you expect from a high-end monitor. In short, this monitor is not only an example of modern sleekness and minimalistic designs but is a gateway to day-by-day enjoyment for business and leisure.

7) Acer R221Q bid 21.5-inch IPS Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen Display

This wider display monitor delivers excellent details with its 1920*1080p, making it ideal for multimedia applications and HD productivity. This amazing IPS monitor shows every minute detail vivid and clear without any color distortion from any angle. It’s zero frame and sleek design gives an exclusive visual experience making it an ideal adornment for any place. The 4ms response time lowers the transition time and results in giving high-quality images of the fast moving scenes. The amazing thing about the Acer R-series is the use of eye-caring technology in their monitors. This monitor is kind to your eyes and is designed with a blue light filter to keep your eyes free from strain and fatigue. Moreover, Acer Comfyview and flicker-free technology helps in reducing screen glare and flickering.

This monitor supports HDMI, VGA and DVI, so the user can easily broaden the entertainment form tablet or smartphone on full HD monitor within seconds. Isn’t it amazing to play games from mobile on an HD display without immersing into countless cords and wires? Another exceptional feature of this amazing display is its power saving technology that allows you to conserve resources and cost. It is easy to setup and is lighter in weight. This monitor is mostly suggested for PCs only; the XBOX and the PS4 user may not find it a good option.

Conclusion:

After compiling the list of 7 best budget gaming monitors under $100, our final verdict goes for ASUS VS228H-P 21.5 inch display because of its exceptional features and sleek design. This is the most user-friendly monitor that allows the user to switch the display modes via the “Aspect control”. This feature enables the user to switch from full screen to 4:3 ratios without compromising on picture quality just with a slight touch. Thus, enable the user to choose the perfect display option for games as well as movies.

We also have a list of top value for money Gaming monitors under $200, if you can stretch your budget a little bit more.

This model win the ground with its full HD resolution while maintaining the 50m: 1 contrast ratio and 5ms response rate like its siblings. This monitor is packed with all connections and cords that are essential to get started with it. ASUS VS228H-P 21.5 inch no doubt offers high quality, crisp images in this price range that is mostly expected from the monitors with a price tag of several thousand or more. User-friendly options, smooth imagery, several input/output ports and much more make it one of the best choices for both occasional as well as serious gamers.

For sure your mind is burdened with different questions while buying a gaming monitor for yourself or your kids. Big gaming companies have made the decision even harder by introducing a plethora of different gaming monitors with exceptional qualities. What kind of display will be perfect? Contrast ratio, panel size, panel resolution, refresh rate and response rate are few of the things that will keep bombarded your brain while making the final decision. To make it easier for you here are some points that must be kept in mind while purchasing a gaming monitor.

Screen size:

The very first thing that must be considered is the screen size, as the screen size plays an important role in your gaming performance. The highly appreciated screen size by hardcore gamers is 24 inches. According to them if the monitor size is large, you have to be more focused to see each and everything on the screen. However, with a small display, you can see everything just by staring at the middle of the screen. Though, a screen size smaller than 22 inches is not recommended for gaming purposes as it will not be suitable for today’s fighting and racing games, though is good for business purposes. Most of 21-24 inches displays have a resolution of 1920*1080 which is perfect for all kind of modern games. But, at the end of the day it’s your own choice as you may come across people who prefer a screen size of 27 inches or more for games.

Panel technology:

Monitors these days are designed with different types of technologies having both minuses and pluses. The most reasonable and popular displays among gamers are the TN (Twisted Nematic) panels. The reason behind its immense popularity is the fast refresh rate and pixel response. However, color shifting is noted if viewed from a specific angle. VA (Vertical Alignment) panels are loved for high contrast ratio, ability to deliver deep blacks and robust colors but, at the same time are accused for ghosting effects which ultimately hurts your performance. IPS (In-Panel Switching) panels is the most appreciated and loved technology overall because of its broad viewing angles and awesome color quality, but failed to match the pixel quality of TN panels and are accused for motion artifacts at the same time. So, must study a bit about different panel technologies and note down the pluses and minuses of each technology to make an accurate decision.

Response time:

If you are not among the competitive gamers then it is something you shouldn’t worry about. On the other hand, if you are the one who love playing famous e-sports titles then it is something you should put at the top of your checklist. To enjoy a perfect gaming experience response time should be low. Try to hand-on the one having response time less than 5ms. However, monitors with 1 or 2ms response rate are the ideal choice for avid gamers. Anything between 5-1 ms is fine. Actually, low response rate will eliminates the spreading of moving pictures and delivers a smooth and clear display than the monitors having higher response rate. All the latest monitors have a response rate of 1 or 2ms.

Refresh rate:

It is one of the most important aspects for gamers. Refresh rate of gaming monitors is measured in Hertz. Basically, the refresh rate indicates how many times the image is refreshed by the screen per second. All the television screens have a refresh rate of 59 or 60Hz. However, in latest gaming monitors the refresh rate is 60Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz and 240Hz. The price of the monitor goes above as the refresh rate gets higher. No doubt, the difference between 60 and 120Hz is huge. Majority of the people love a monitor having a refresh rate of 120Hz for gaming purposes.

Input and output ports:

Experts are of the view that one should buy a gaming monitor that embrace all the possible video inputs, thus enabling you to connect to multiple gaming consoles like Xbox one and PS4. Most of the consoles are equipped with HDMI ports however, the latest ones offer both DVI and Displayport connectivity. Double check the fact that the output ports are compatible with the graphic cards.  Mostly the graphic cards are designed with several input ports such as DVI and HDMI, but make it certain that you invest on the monitor that is compatible with the card, because no feeling is worse than the feeling of un-boxing your new gaming monitor and knowing you cannot plug it in. USB port is like cherry on the cake, as it makes it easier to connect with different gaming controllers, thumb drives, mice and other external means. It is suggested to go for the monitor having all the possible input/output ports to enjoy all forms of entertainment from the comfort of your bed.

Moreover, built-in speakers will not only enhance the overall gaming experience but will conserve the spaces as well. Similarly, a sleek, strong stand with tilt, swivel and height adjustments give ergonomic comfort for your night-fray marathons.

Price/budget:

There is no end to the types and sizes of gaming monitors, but after all the selection completely depend on the user’s preferences. No doubt, the panel technology, screen size, refresh rate, response rate and other similar features will determine the price of the monitor, higher the features higher will be the price. People are ofb the view that higher the price better are the features, but this is a wrong notion. Advancement in technology has given birth to a wide range of best gaming monitors under $100. No doubt, prices vary from $2400-$3500, but days are gone when smart features like USB port, several input/output ports, adjustable stand, large screen and Free-Sync or G-Sync cost you a giant amount. Today, if not all, but most of the features can be attained under $100 and all thanks to technology. A 24 inch monitor with TN or VA technology can be grabbed at peanut prices easily both online and from the stores.