Introduction
Gaming has become a popular pastime for many people around the world. With the rise of esports and the increasing demand for immersive gaming experiences, having a high-quality gaming monitor has become essential for gamers. However, finding the best gaming monitor can be a challenge, especially if you’re on a budget. Fortunately, there are several options available in the market that offer excellent performance without breaking the bank.
When looking for the best gaming monitor under $200, there are several factors to consider. The most important factor is the monitor’s display technology and resolution. The display technology determines the quality of the image and the resolution determines the level of detail you can see on the screen. Other factors to consider include refresh rate, response time, connectivity options, and additional features like Adaptive Sync or HDR support.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the top gaming monitors that you can get for under $200. These monitors offer a great balance of price and performance, making them ideal for gamers on a budget. Whether you’re playing fast-paced shooters, immersive RPGs, or competitive multiplayer games, these monitors will elevate your gaming experience without breaking the bank.
It’s important to note that while these monitors may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end gaming monitors, they still deliver a solid performance and provide an excellent gaming experience. So, let’s dive into the details of these monitors and find out which one is the best gaming monitor under $200 for you.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Monitor
Before you invest in a gaming monitor, there are a few key factors that you should consider to ensure you make the right choice:
- Display Technology: The display technology of a monitor greatly affects the visual quality. There are three main types: TN (Twisted Nematic), VA (Vertical Alignment), and IPS (In-Plane Switching). TN offers the best response times and refresh rates but compromises on color accuracy and viewing angles. VA offers better color reproduction and viewing angles but can have slower response times. IPS provides the best color accuracy and wide viewing angles, but at the cost of slightly slower response times.
- Resolution: The resolution of the monitor determines the level of detail you can see. Nowadays, the most common resolutions are 1080p (Full HD), 1440p (Quad HD), and 2160p (4K Ultra HD). Higher resolutions provide sharper image quality, but also require more powerful hardware to drive them.
- Refresh Rate: The refresh rate refers to the number of times the monitor can refresh the image per second. A higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, results in smoother motion and reduced motion blur. This is especially important for fast-paced games like first-person shooters.
- Response Time: The response time measures how quickly a pixel can change from one color to another. A lower response time, typically measured in milliseconds (ms), ensures minimal motion blur and ghosting. A response time of 1ms or 2ms is ideal for gaming.
- Connectivity Options: Consider the available ports and connectivity options on the monitor. Make sure it has the necessary ports, like HDMI or DisplayPort, to connect to your gaming console or PC. Additional USB ports can also be handy for connecting peripherals.
- Adaptive Sync: Adaptive Sync technology, such as AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-Sync, synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the frame rate of your graphics card. This eliminates screen tearing and provides a smoother gaming experience. However, these features may come at an additional cost.
- Additional Features: Some gaming monitors offer extra features like HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, which provides a wider range of colors and improved contrast. Others may have built-in speakers, adjustable stands for ergonomic positioning, or customizable RGB lighting.
Considering these factors will help you narrow down your options and find a gaming monitor that suits your specific needs and preferences. Now, let’s explore some of the best gaming monitors under $200 that excel in these aspects.
Acer R240HY Gaming Monitor
The Acer R240HY is a popular choice among gamers looking for an affordable gaming monitor that still delivers a great performance. This 23.8-inch monitor features an IPS panel, providing excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making it perfect for immersive gaming experiences.
The monitor has a Full HD resolution of 1920×1080, ensuring sharp and detailed visuals. Combined with a 60Hz refresh rate and a 4ms response time, the Acer R240HY offers fluid gameplay with minimal motion blur and ghosting. Although it may not have the highest refresh rate or response time compared to more expensive gaming monitors, it still provides a solid gaming experience for the price.
Connectivity options on the Acer R240HY include HDMI, DVI, and VGA ports, giving you flexibility when connecting to your gaming devices. It also has built-in speakers, which is a nice bonus if you don’t have external speakers or headphones.
One downside of the Acer R240HY is the lack of Adaptive Sync technology. While it may not be a deal-breaker for all gamers, it’s worth considering if you’re sensitive to screen tearing or desire a smoother gaming experience. However, at this price point, it’s difficult to find a gaming monitor with this feature.
Overall, the Acer R240HY gaming monitor offers excellent value for money, providing a vibrant and immersive gaming experience at an affordable price. Whether you’re playing fast-paced action games or exploring visually stunning RPGs, this monitor will enhance your gaming sessions without breaking the bank.
BenQ GW2270 Gaming Monitor
The BenQ GW2270 is a budget-friendly gaming monitor that offers impressive features and performance. With its 21.5-inch VA panel and Full HD resolution of 1920×1080, this monitor delivers sharp and detailed visuals, perfect for gaming.
One of the standout features of the BenQ GW2270 is its ultra-slim bezel design, which provides a seamless and immersive gaming experience. The thin bezels on all sides of the monitor create a larger viewing area, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the game without distractions.
While the monitor has a 60Hz refresh rate and a 5ms response time, slightly slower than some other gaming monitors, it still delivers smooth and fluid gameplay with minimal motion blur. The VA panel technology ensures wide viewing angles and excellent color reproduction, enhancing the visual quality of your gaming experience.
In terms of connectivity, the BenQ GW2270 offers HDMI and VGA ports, allowing you to easily connect your gaming devices. It also has built-in speakers, eliminating the need for external speakers or headphones in some scenarios.
One of the notable features of this monitor is BenQ’s Eye-Care technology. It includes features like flicker-free technology and low blue light mode to reduce eye strain during long gaming sessions. This is a significant advantage for gamers who spend extended periods in front of the screen.
While the BenQ GW2270 does not have Adaptive Sync technology, it provides excellent value for budget-conscious gamers. With its impressive visual quality, stylish design, and eye-care features, this gaming monitor is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable gaming experience.
ASUS VG245H Gaming Monitor
The ASUS VG245H is a highly regarded gaming monitor that combines affordability with impressive performance. This 24-inch monitor is specifically designed for console gaming, making it an excellent choice for gamers who primarily play on PlayStation or Xbox.
Featuring a Full HD resolution of 1920×1080, the ASUS VG245H delivers sharp and detailed visuals, allowing you to fully enjoy the graphics of your favorite games. It has a TN panel with a 1ms response time, ensuring minimal input lag and smooth motion, making it ideal for fast-paced games like first-person shooters.
One of the standout features of this monitor is its 75Hz refresh rate. While it may not be as high as some gaming monitors, it still offers a noticeable improvement over the standard 60Hz, providing smoother gameplay. This, combined with AMD FreeSync technology, eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for a more fluid gaming experience.
The ASUS VG245H also comes equipped with a range of gaming-centric features. It has ASUS GameFast Input technology, which minimizes the input lag to ensure quick response times. Additionally, it has customizable GameVisual modes to optimize visuals for different game genres, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Connectivity options on this monitor include HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI ports, allowing you to connect to various gaming devices. It also has built-in speakers, which can come in handy if you don’t have external speakers or headphones.
The ASUS VG245H comes with an ergonomic design, featuring a height-adjustable stand, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments. This allows you to find the most comfortable viewing position for extended gaming sessions.
In summary, the ASUS VG245H gaming monitor offers excellent performance and features tailored specifically for console gamers. With its crisp visuals, fast response time, and gaming-centric enhancements, this monitor delivers an immersive gaming experience at an affordable price.
AOC C24G1 Gaming Monitor
The AOC C24G1 is an impressive gaming monitor that offers a curved display and a host of features designed to enhance your gaming experience. This 24-inch monitor boasts a Full HD resolution of 1920×1080 and a VA panel, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast.
One of the standout features of the AOC C24G1 is its 1500R curvature, which wraps the screen around your peripheral vision for a more immersive gaming experience. This curved design provides a wider field of view, allowing you to see more of the game world without straining your eyes.
The monitor has a fast 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and fluid gameplay even in fast-paced action scenes. Combined with a 1ms response time, this monitor minimizes motion blur and ghosting for a more immersive gaming experience.
In addition to its impressive visual performance, the AOC C24G1 includes AMD FreeSync technology, which eliminates screen tearing and stuttering by synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with your graphics card’s frame rate. This ensures a smooth and tear-free gaming experience.
Connectivity options on the AOC C24G1 include HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA ports, giving you flexibility in connecting your gaming devices. It also features built-in speakers, although their sound quality may not match that of dedicated speakers or headphones.
The monitor’s design is sleek and stylish, with thin bezels on three sides, providing a more immersive viewing experience. It also has an adjustable stand that allows you to tilt, swivel, and adjust the height to find the optimal viewing position.
Overall, the AOC C24G1 gaming monitor offers an immersive curved display, high refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync technology at an affordable price. Whether you’re playing fast-paced shooters, exploring open-world RPGs, or immersing yourself in virtual reality, this monitor will enhance your gaming experience with its impressive visual performance.
Sceptre C248W-1920RN Gaming Monitor
The Sceptre C248W-1920RN is a curved gaming monitor that combines immersive visuals with impressive performance. With its 24-inch curved display and Full HD resolution of 1920×1080, this monitor creates a more engaging gaming experience.
The curved design of the monitor wraps around your field of vision, providing a wider viewing angle and enhancing depth perception. This allows for a more immersive and captivating gaming experience, drawing you into the game world.
Featuring a VA panel, the Sceptre C248W-1920RN offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios. The monitor’s impressive visual performance is further enhanced by its 75Hz refresh rate, providing smoother motion for an overall more fluid gaming experience.
With a 5ms response time, this monitor delivers minimal motion blur and ghosting, ensuring crisp and sharp visuals, even during fast-paced gaming. While it may not have the fastest response time on the market, it still performs admirably for the price range.
The Sceptre C248W-1920RN offers multiple connectivity options, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA, allowing you to connect your gaming devices with ease. Additionally, it features built-in speakers, eliminating the need for external speakers or headphones in certain scenarios.
The curved gaming monitor features a sleek and modern design with ultra-thin bezels, maximizing the screen real estate and minimizing distractions. It also has an adjustable stand that allows for tilt adjustments, ensuring optimal viewing angles and comfort during long gaming sessions.
One of the standout features of this monitor is its compatibility with AMD FreeSync technology. This technology synchronizes the refresh rate of the monitor with the graphics card’s frame rate, reducing screen tearing and providing a smoother gaming experience.
In summary, the Sceptre C248W-1920RN gaming monitor offers an immersive curved display, vibrant visuals, and an impressive array of features at an affordable price. If you’re looking for a visually captivating and immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank, this monitor is definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
Finding the best gaming monitor under $200 can be a daunting task, but with the options mentioned above, you can enjoy an immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank.
The Acer R240HY offers excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, while the BenQ GW2270 provides an ultra-slim bezel design for a seamless gaming experience. The ASUS VG245H caters specifically to console gamers with its optimized features, and the AOC C24G1 boasts a curved display for a more immersive gaming experience. Finally, the Sceptre C248W-1920RN combines vibrant visuals and a curved design to enhance your gaming sessions.
Before making your decision, consider factors such as display technology, resolution, refresh rate, response time, connectivity options, and additional features like Adaptive Sync. Think about your specific gaming needs and preferences to choose the monitor that best suits them.
Remember that while these monitors may not have all the advanced features of higher-end models, they still deliver solid performance and provide an excellent gaming experience for the price. Whether you’re a casual gamer or an esports enthusiast, these monitors offer an affordable option to enhance your gaming setup.
So, take your time, compare the specifications and features, and select the gaming monitor that fits your budget and gaming preferences. With any of these options, you can elevate your gaming experience without breaking your bank account.
