Great screens at small prices: The best budget monitors of 2024

A favourite among monitor enthusiasts, we think the ever-brilliant Samsung Odyssey AG320 32-inch monitor is simply perfect for those who want long-lasting, comfortable and high-performance leisure time with their desktop. It's also one of the few truly budget monitors with a generous 32-inch display.

Beautifully designed with three frameless sides, a bold angular design and an solid adjustable stand and angular bottom edges, the Odyssey G3 stands out amongst budget monitors on style alone.

As for performance, there's no denying it: the Samsung Odyssey is nothing short of brilliant for the price. Out of the gate, there's a whopping 165Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time and FreeSync for tear-free fast motion. As monitors go, this has plenty of detail and colour to enjoy films, TV shows and of course gaming.

That being said, the Odyssey G3 lacks any kind of HDR support, but some cutbacks are expected with a monitor of its price. However, we cannot argue with its all-around excellence; the Odyssey G3 is a sublime monitor for many purposes, and for the price you might as well have two.

Dell's SE2422HX is a really versatile monitor and earns our best budget category for good reason. The 24-inch display gives a solid amount of useable workspace, and with its FHD (1920x1080) screen resolution and 60Hz refresh rate, it looks great too.

The colour depth is pleasingly deep, and the anti-glare screen with a 178-degree viewing angle means that you have a little more freedom when checking or sharing your screen from the side.

A small but welcome bonus of the SE2422HX is its stable base, which doesn't impact your desk space. Note: Dell only ships this monitor with a VGA cable, you'll need to purchase an HDMI lead separately.

This AOC 24B2XDAM looks like a straightforward 24-inch screen, and thankfully for office workers it is. We love its well-balanced spec, making it a great monitor for working from home and a worthwhile investment. Offering full HD resolution on a clear VA panel, it has a slim frame, which is ideal for multiple monitor setups. It can connect to a computer via HDMI, VGA or DVI. Sturdy, with wide viewing angles and a bright screen, this perfectly ideal monitor is great for conquering a harsh workload. A solid screen with full HD visuals, built-in speakers and a litany of performance-heightening technology to keep your screen tear-free, the AOC 24B2XDAM 24-inch monitor knocks it out of the park in terms of sheer value.

Not too big, not too small: park this well-sized monitor on any desk, and have room for plenty of office supplies, and perhaps a desktop PC while you're at it. This monitor is worth every penny.

Tried and tested by Adam Binnie: "Every winter/rainy spell leaves me annoyed that I can't ride my bike. There's a solution, of course, an indoor turbo trainer. The key to this is a huge screen positioned close to my face so I'm not able to look around the garage and get distracted by projects or things that need tidying."

"As well as an attractively thin border, the display features rich colours and a wide viewing angle. Plus, with two speakers built-in, there's no need to buy some PC speakers or listen to the game on my tinny phone speaker. Usually, cheap tech cuts corners by not including extras like a stand or cables, but this model comes with everything you need (even an HDMI lead) and is truly plug and play."

"The stand has proved sturdy so far, and it also has holes to accept a VESA mount. I had plans to use those to attach it to the wall at some point, but it's stable as it is and light enough to pick up and move onto a shelf if it's getting in the way. Super easy to recommend as a second screen for hobby use or even work, plus you can hook it up to a phone or something else with Netflix and YouTube on it as a great value alternative to a TV."

We think the AOC 24V5CW is a top choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly monitor that doesn't compromise on quality. Priced under £200, this 24-inch monitor offers a sleek design, thin bezels, and a variety of ports, including USB-C and HDMI. It's a strong candidate for both office use and home setups, especially with its built-in webcam and adjustable stand. Whether you need a reliable primary screen or an additional display for a dual-monitor setup, the AOC 24V5CW delivers solid performance without breaking the bank.

With Full HD resolution, a flicker-free screen, and a 75Hz refresh rate, the AOC 24V5CW ensures clear visuals and smooth motion, all while being kind to your eyes. The monitor's colour support and brightness levels are impressive for its price range, making it versatile enough for various tasks, from office work to light gaming. Its space-friendly design and handy features like the webcam shutter make it a well-rounded choice for anyone in need of a dependable monitor.

Kyle Purves tried and tested the AOC 24V5CW with this to say about their experience: "I was pleasantly surprised by how well this monitor performed, especially considering its budget-friendly price. The 1080p resolution may not be 4K, but the display is sharp, vibrant, and easy on the eyes. I appreciated the flicker-free screen and Low Blue Light feature, which helped reduce eye strain during long workdays. The monitor's design is also a highlight, with thin bezels and a compact stand that fit seamlessly into my desk setup.

"The built-in webcam was another feature I found particularly useful, especially for video calls when working from home. It's not the highest resolution, but it's definitely better than most laptop cameras I've used. The included shutter is a thoughtful touch for privacy. Overall, the AOC 24V5CW didn't blow me away, but it consistently delivered reliable performance, making it a great all-rounder for anyone on a budget."

The KOORUI 27N1 Monitor is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable, no-frills display - ideal for home office setups or dual-screen use. With its ultra-thin bezels and sharp design, it looks striking on any desk. The monitor also includes an 'Eye Protection Mode,' reducing eye strain during prolonged use.

Though the 27N1 doesn't boast the highest brightness levels or a wealth of connectivity options, its size and durability make it a reliable, budget-friendly option for everyday tasks.

This was tried and tested by Ryan Houghton, who has this to say about her experience: "When I first unboxed the KOORUI 27N1, I was impressed by its build quality and size, especially at such a low price point. The design is sleek, though I found the button layout frustrating due to the nearly invisible symbols. However, the monitor's 'Eye Protection Mode' became a highlight for me, offering a warm, comfortable display that's easy on the eyes during long working hours."

"I did notice the screen's limited brightness, which makes it less suitable for gaming or watching movies. The lack of built-in speakers and the limited port selection are downsides, but understandable for the price. Overall, I'd recommend the KOORUI 27N1 as a dependable monitor for office work, particularly for those on a tight budget."

You can read his full review here.

The PHILIPS 222V8LA is a compact and affordable monitor perfect for students, professionals, or anyone looking for a dependable display without splurging unnecessary features. With its 21.5-inch screen, thin-bezel design, and price tag under £100, we think it's an excellent choice for those with limited desk space or a tight budget. This monitor is a cost-effective option in a market where high-quality monitors often start at double the price.

Although the PHILIPS 222V8LA lacks some of the premium specs in pricier models, it still delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks. While it may not be the best choice for gaming or advanced image editing, it can handle work, browsing, and streaming.

Tried and tested Harvey Isitt: "Setting up the PHILIPS 222V8LA was a breeze, and I was impressed by its sturdy build and sleek, thin-bezel design. However, I found the stand lower than my other monitors, which required me to improvise with a couple of books for a better viewing height. The physical symbols for the function buttons took some time, but once I figured them out, navigating the settings became straightforward."

"While the 75 Hz refresh rate might not cut it for gamers, the PHILIPS 222V8LA performed adequately for my work and entertainment needs. The built-in speakers were a convenient addition, though their sound quality left much to be desired, especially at higher volumes. Despite its minor shortcomings, this monitor offers great value for its price, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers."

You can read his full review here.

We think the iiyama G-Master Red Eagle Monitor is an outstanding choice for gamers on a budget. This 23.8-inch monitor combines premium gaming features with an affordable price tag, offering a high refresh rate of up to 165Hz and ultra-low latency. It's ideal for those with limited space, making it an excellent fit for smaller setups or dual-monitor configurations. The monitor also includes AMD FreeSync technology to minimise screen tearing, ensuring smooth gameplay at an accessible price point.

This monitor's compact size and built-in speakers make it perfect for dorm rooms or gaming areas where space is a premium. Though it has minor drawbacks, such as less intuitive menu navigation and basic speaker quality, the iiyama Red Eagle remains an excellent option for gamers looking to enhance their setup without breaking the bank.

This was tried and tested by Olivia Sheed, who has this to say about her experience: "Setting up the iiyama G-Master Red Eagle Monitor was incredibly straightforward. The VESA compatibility allowed me to easily mount it, freeing up even more space on my desk. While the buttons for navigating the monitor's menus were a bit tricky to master, I was impressed by the customization options available, particularly the colour settings. The built-in speakers are a nice touch, though they're better suited for casual use rather than serious audio needs."

"The performance of this monitor far exceeded my expectations, especially considering its price point. The 165Hz refresh rate and 0.8ms latency made a noticeable difference in fast-paced games like CSGO and Apex Legends, where every millisecond counts. The iiyama Red Eagle truly delivers high-end gaming performance on a budget, making it an excellent choice for gamers looking to maximize value without sacrificing quality."

You can read his full review here.

It's incredibly rare to find such a good deal as this BenQ MOBIUZ 24-inch gaming monitor. But why do we think that this is such excellent value for money?

Well, the answer lies with its brilliant refresh rate. At a staggering 165Hz, BenQ's EX240N gaming monitor is unrivalled at the price, as is the blistering 1ms response time. Together they offer the ultimate gaming experience for close to £100. What's more, the overall quality of the monitor is brilliant, with a thin bezel, gamer aesthetic and plenty of inputs for multiple device connections.

The addition of FreeSync technology is a serious bonus here. FreeSync enables some graphics cards to adjust the monitor's refresh rate on the fly for maximum smoothness and minimal screen-tearing. It's hard to find fault with this brilliant gaming monitor, especially at this price – there are even built-in speakers too.

The ASUS VA27DQ is a sleek, contemporary-looking 27-inch monitor. We love the frameless design of this ASUS which truly opens up the workspace provided by the screen: if you buy more than one, this allows for a more seamless look to your multi-display setup.

But, of course, our favourite features here are the ones that help you work in comfort for longer. Some great eye care features are included to reduce eyestrain, including low blue light, a smooth 75Hz refresh rate and a flicker-free, crisp full-HD resolution display. Adaptive sync is even included if you're watching content with a variable framerate, and ASUS has even thrown in some built-in speakers.

The low-profile stand isn't adjustable, but we do appreciate that this can be wall-mounted if you need to. As a great monitor at a little over £100, you cannot knock the ASUS VA27DQ for its features and price.

Despite not being the cheapest of monitors, the Philips 27E8VJSB is incredibly well-priced. If, like us, you simply cannot resist the breathtaking beauty of a 4K display but are taken aback by the price of those screens, this might just be the perfect budget monitor for you.

Immersive 4K visuals, and intense colour accuracy for a life-like viewing experience, all housed in what is a fantastic-looking monitor, the Philips 27E8VJSB brilliantly balances value and performance to create the perfect monitor for those who adore UHD visuals.

With a gorgeous 28-inch 4K screen with an IPS panel and a wealth of FreeSync technology, gaming will look fantastic on this brilliant display. But, if you're looking for much higher refresh rates, you might want to consider spending a little more or just go with a 1080p monitor - the choice is yours.

For general use, whether it's tackling office work, gaming or editing, the KOORUI 22-inch business computer monitor is perfect for getting the job done. A true budget monitor, we find the spec of this versatile 22-inch monitor to be perfect for comfortable use all day long, without any concern of screen burn or dead pixels.

Handling at 75Hz with a 5ms response time, there's no lag or screen-tearing to be found with this trusty monitor. While it isn't the most sophisticated budget monitor, it certainly makes up for it with value.

Practically half the price of its competitors, with about the same build quality, KOORUI's excellent business monitor is packed with colour, has all the performance you'll need and is built to last. Without question, it's one of the best monitor deals of the year.

AOC's Q27V4EA offers a 27-inch display at QHD quality, bringing the user's content to life with crisp details and realistic colours. The thin bezel gives the impression of a much larger screen, and with a more than reasonable refresh rate of 75Hz, your work, movies and gaming are bound to look smooth.

A 4ms response time, amazing IPS panel, and Adaptive Sync to limit screen-tearing really push this monitor into the excellent category. There are even built-in speakers.

Although we find the design a little basic, there are very few things wrong with AOC's brilliant 1440p monitor, and at its price, you won't find anything better.

Japanese brand Iiyama isn't as well known in the marketplace as some, but it's earned a following in PC gaming and also with serious creatives thanks to industry-leading colour reproduction with 100 per cent sRGB.

It's a brand that proves it can also offer great image quality at an affordable price with monitors like the G2740HSU-B1. We think this is a true gem amongst budget monitors. Its 27-inch screen houses great specs that include more than enough resolution for work and gaming. Its 75Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and FreeSync means this can deliver smooth gaming too. Built-in speakers are a cut above most monitor speakers, and the legendary iiyama build quality finishes off this super solid monitor choice perfectly.