Gaming on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gamer, choosing theright monitorcan greatly enhance your gaming experience. With a variety of options on the market, it’s crucial to understand key features like refresh rates, resolution, and screen size. This guide presents thebest gaming monitorsunder $200, providing choices suitable for all types of players.
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Game Rant’s Best Gaming Monitors under $200
MSI MAG2732, 27" Gaming Monitor
The MSI Optix MAG2732, 27" Gaming Monitor is an excellent contender for a budget monitor as it checks all the right boxes that gamers are looking for in a gaming screen in 2024. It offers 1ms response times, 165Hz refresh rates, and an IPS panel coupled with all the requisite ports users would need to hook it up to their PC or console.
The MSI Optix MAG2732 is the best overall gaming monitor under $200, providing gamers with high-performance features without a steep price tag. Its impressive 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time ensure smooth and responsive gameplay, making it an excellent choice for competitive gamers. The IPS panel enhances this experience by offering vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, ensuring stunning visuals from any perspective.
Although it does not include built-in speakers or advanced design elements, the MSI MAG2732 focuses on what’s crucial for gaming excellence. GSync compatibility helps reduce screen tearing, and various connectivity options accommodate different gaming setups. Recognized for its outstanding qualities, the MSI Optix MAG2732 is considered the best overall gaming monitor under $200.
KOORUI 24.5 Inch FHD 170Hz VA Gaming Monitor
The KOORUI 24.5-inch FHD 170Hz VA Gaming Monitor offers a budget gaming monitor that clubs thin bezels, a high refresh rate, and a VA panel in a package that offers excellent value for money without compromising on its core strengths. It’s backed by a comprehensive 3-year warranty, making it easy to see why it is one of the most popular choices on Amazon currently.
The KOORUI 24.5 Inch FHD 170Hz VA Gaming Monitor is the best entry-level gaming monitor under $200, perfect for gamers on a budget. It provides full HD (1920x1080) resolution and a high-speed 170Hz refresh rate through DisplayPort. Additionally, its 1ms GTG response time and FreeSync technology help ensure smooth and responsive gameplay.
This monitor supports VESA mounts and is easy to set up. Although it has a brightness of 250 Nits and supports a lower refresh rate with HDMI, its overall value and performance are impressive. For gamers seeking an upgrade without overspending, the KOORUI 24.5 Inch FHD 170Hz VA is arguably the best entry-level gaming monitor under $200.
Sceptre 32 inch Curved 2K Gaming Monitor
The Sceptre 32-inch curved 2K gaming monitor features a 1500R curvature, offering an immersive gaming experience that enhances the player’s situational awareness. It comes with QHD resolution (2560 x 1440), delivering vivid colors and sharp clarity. The monitor supports up to a 165Hz refresh rate through DisplayPort and 144Hz through HDMI ports, ensuring smooth gameplay and quick frame transitions.Equipped with HDR400, the monitor provides enhanced dynamic contrast with brighter colors and deeper dark tones. The luminous back cover lights add a modern touch with colorful LED illumination. With 1ms Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT), it limits ghosting considerably versus the competition.
The Sceptre 32-inch Curved 2K Gaming Monitor is recognized as the best curved gaming monitor under $200, providing an outstanding gaming experience. It features a 165Hz refresh rate and QHD resolution, enhancing visual clarity and fluid motion. Additionally, the 1500R curvature expands your field of view for a more immersive experience, and HDR400 technology brightens the display with vibrant, lifelike colors.
While it excels in many areas, there are some considerations. The refresh rate is limited to 144Hz when using HDMI, and the built-in speakers might not meet everyone’s expectations. However, its performance through DisplayPort and overall capabilities position it as a top choice for gamers looking for a high-quality curved monitor without a hefty price tag. The Sceptre 32-inch Curved 2K Gaming Monitor truly shines as the best curved gaming monitor under $200, demonstrating excellence in its category.
Acer Nitro XV320QU Gaming Monitor
Acer Nitro XV320QU is a gaming monitor that supports WQHD resolution at 2560 x 1440 pixels. It has a large 31.5-inch display panel with In-Plane Switching technology. The maximum refresh rate supported by the monitor is 165 Hz, which is available via the DisplayPort connection.
The Acer Nitro XV320QU is the best mid-range gaming monitor under $200, offering high-performance features at an affordable price. Its 32-inch WQHD display provides stunning visuals, perfect for immersive gaming sessions. Additionally, the 1ms response time and 165 Hz refresh rate ensure smooth and responsive gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.
While the Acer Nitro XV320QU has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks, including some reports of brightness issues. However, its AMD FreeSync Premium and IPS technology significantly enhance picture quality and reduce screen tearing. This makes the Acer Nitro XV320QU the best mid-range gaming monitor under $200 for gamers on a budget.
Dell 27 Curved Gaming Monitor
The Dell 27 Gaming curved Monitor is a decent entry level curved monitor. It features fast response times with decent refresh rates, which creates clear motion pictures without any blur even behind fast-moving objects.
The Acer Nitro XV320QU is the best high-end gaming monitor under $200, offering top-notch features for gamers who demand quality without breaking the bank. Its 32-inch WQHD display ensures vivid and immersive visuals, ideal for detailed gaming. The 1ms response time coupled with a 165 Hz refresh rate provides fluid and lag-free gameplay, enhancing the gaming experience significantly.
While the Acer Nitro XV320QU boasts many advantages, it’s important to note some concerns about brightness from certain users. Nevertheless, with AMD FreeSync Premium and IPS technology improving picture quality and reducing screen tearing, the Acer Nitro XV320QU stands out as the best high-end gaming monitor under $200 for budget-conscious gamers.
CRUA 27" Curved Gaming Monitor
The CRUA 27" curved gaming monitor is a 1920 x 1080 resolution display designed to enhance the gaming experience. With a 165Hz refresh rate and 1 ms (GTG) response time, it provides smooth visuals. Its modern design features an 1800R curvature for reduced head movement, ultra-thin bezels on three sides, and a stable V-shaped base.The display supports a 99% sRGB color gamut and includes Flicker-free technology and a blue light filter for comfortable all-day viewing.
The CRUA 27" Curved Gaming Monitor is considered the best budget gaming monitor under $200. It features a 27-inch FHD 1920x1080 resolution display complemented by an impressive 180Hz refresh rate, enhancing the visual fluidity for gaming. Its 1800R curvature immerses players into their gaming worlds, offering an expansive viewing experience. Additionally, this monitor supports a 99% sRGB color gamut, ensuring vibrant and precise colors.
Key features such as Flicker-free technology and a blue light filter are included to minimize eye strain during long gaming sessions. While there have been some reports of screen issues, the overall value and straightforward setup affirm its position as the best budget gaming monitor under $200 for gamers seeking quality and affordability.
FAQ
Q: Are budget gaming monitors good for competitive gaming?
Yes, many budget gaming monitors offer high refresh rates and low response times, making them suitable for competitive gaming.
Q: What is the ideal refresh rate for a gaming monitor under $200?
For smooth gameplay, look for a monitor with at least a 75Hz refresh rate. However, some budget options offer up to 144Hz or 180Hz.
Q: Can I use a budget gaming monitor for console gaming?
Yes, budget gaming monitors can be used with consoles. Look for monitors with HDMI ports and low input lag for the best experience.
