The best budget gaming monitors of 2024

The Japanese Iiyama aren't as well known in the wider marketplace as some, but they've earned a respectable following in gaming circles and the G2740HSU-B1 is a true hidden gem – it's got a great look, and its specs include an excellent screen size, resolution, colour representation, response time, low input lag, and AMD FreeSync. The ideal choice for a competitive gamer in training.

The AOC 24G2SPU is loaded with all of the essential features. Featuring a widescreen, 1ms response time, and a 165Hz refresh rate, it even comes with AMD FreeSync Premium to keep your gaming framerates in sync. While the colour representation isn't as pin-sharp as some other models on the list, it still does a decent job – especially for the price. With speakers built-in and the whole AOC gamer look to the design, this is a lot of gaming monitor for the money.

The iiyama G-Master Red Eagle Monitor offers top-tier gaming features at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers. This 23.8-inch display boasts a 165Hz refresh rate and 0.8ms latency, ensuring smooth gameplay, especially in fast-paced games. With AMD FreeSync support, the risk of screen tearing is significantly reduced, adding to its appeal. Compact and versatile, this monitor is perfect for smaller setups, offering solid performance without breaking the bank.

Despite its budget-friendly price, the Red Eagle doesn't skimp on essential features. It includes a VESA mount option, dual speakers, and a range of customizable settings. While the built-in speakers and button navigation aren't perfect, they're more than acceptable considering the monitor's price. Whether you're upgrading from an older screen or setting up a new gaming rig, the iiyama G-Master Red Eagle Monitor is a strong contender.

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 a breeze, and I was immediately impressed by the sturdy yet versatile stand. However, the real highlight is the display itself. The difference between my old 60Hz monitor and this one was night and day—everything felt so much smoother and more responsive. The colour accuracy was decent for gaming, and the AMD FreeSync worked like a charm, eliminating any screen tearing during intense gameplay sessions."

"I did have a couple of minor issues, though. The speakers are serviceable but not great for anything beyond basic audio needs. Navigating the monitor's menu with the back buttons was also a bit tricky at first. However, given the monitor's price, these are small compromises. Overall, the iiyama G-Master Red Eagle offers fantastic value for anyone looking to dive into high refresh-rate gaming without spending a fortune."

Read his full iiyama G-Master Red Eagle Monitor review

The AOC Gaming CQ27G2SE is an excellent choice for gamers seeking a budget-friendly yet feature-packed monitor. This 27-inch curved display offers a sharp 1440p resolution with a 165Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth, immersive gameplay. With HDR10 support, Adaptive Sync, and a sleek design featuring subtle red accents, it's a great addition to any gaming setup. It's an ideal pick for those who want to enhance their gaming experience without breaking the bank.

In addition to its impressive specs, this monitor offers a 1500R curve, which is designed to draw you deeper into the action. Whether racing through the streets of Forza Horizon 5 or exploring the vast worlds of Skyrim, the AOC Gaming CQ27G2SE promises a more engaging experience.

This monitor was tested by Chris Duffill, who said about his experience: "I've never been a fan of curved screens, but the AOC Gaming CQ27G2SE may have changed my mind. The 1500R curve really helped me get lost in the game worlds, offering just the right amount of immersion without overwhelming my senses. Despite its budget-friendly price, the monitor didn't compromise on performance. Games like DOOM Eternal and Rocket League ran smoothly, with frame rates staying rock-solid."

Chris also appreciated the monitor's feature set, adding, "The Shadow Control and Adaptive Sync features were particularly impressive. Shadow Control allowed me to fine-tune black levels, which made a big difference in darker scenes. The 165Hz refresh rate paired with Adaptive Sync ensured that gameplay was smooth and stutter-free, even at high frame rates. Overall, the AOC Gaming CQ27G2SE exceeded my expectations for a budget monitor."

Read their full AOC Gaming CQ27G2SE monitor review

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q Monitor is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking an affordable upgrade to a 4K display. Featuring a 28-inch screen, HDR10 support, and a sturdy build, this monitor provides an exceptional gaming experience. The 4K resolution promises sharp, detailed images, while the user-friendly design and intuitive menus enhance usability. Whether gaming, watching videos, or working, this monitor offers excellent value for its price.

With its flexible settings, vibrant colours, and 60Hz refresh rate, the VG289Q stands out in its price range. While the placement of ports may be tricky, its overall performance more than compensates for it. This monitor is perfect for those who want to experience 4K without breaking the bank.

Kyle Purves, who extensively tested the ASUS TUF VG289Q, had this to say about their experience: "I've put the ASUS TUF VG289Q through its paces with both PC and PS5 gaming, and it truly delivers on its promise of vibrant visuals. The 4K resolution truly makes a difference, enhancing the clarity and detail of everything on screen. Despite my initial concerns about the 60Hz refresh rate, I found the motion to be smooth and stable, which was a pleasant surprise. The monitor's flicker-free design likely plays a significant role in this."

"One of the standout features is the ease of navigating the menus. The buttons are conveniently placed, making adjustments simple, something I valued during long gaming sessions. The only drawback I encountered was the awkward port placement, but once everything was connected, the performance was exceptional. Overall, this monitor offers fantastic value for those looking to experience 4K gaming on a budget."

Read their full ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q Monitor review

This affordable entry in the UltraGear range is a great pick, offering a full HD experience with crisp colours and stutter-free movement. There's even a Black Stabiliser feature that helps you spot competitors lurking in the shadows. The 99% sRGB coverage will appeal to creatives, and the physical design has a strong gamer aesthetic, too. As you may expect, the build is a little more lightweight than most, understandable given the compact 23.8-inch screen. All in all, you could pick this up alongside any portable gaming rig and take it anywhere.

Curved monitor screens have become a highly sought-after commodity, but AOC offers a budget-friendly curved option to fit any sized setup. Offering premium features such as AMD FreeSync, a whopping 240Hz screen and lightning-fast response times, this screen is more than it's curved. Speaking of curves, you'll be pleased to know that curved displays are better for those long gaming sessions as the curved display is better for reducing eye fatigue.

There are a few concessions to make however, the in-built speakers are a great inclusion, but many users report they just end up adding their own in the end. In addition, while the VA panel is great for contrast, colour reproduction can suffer. Many prefer the IPS panel type, but despite this, it is still a great curved monitor for under £200 with all the gaming features you could want.

As the most expensive monitor on our list, you might be wondering how this monitor cracks it as a "budget" pick. However, this entry from Gigabyte has every premium feature you could want for under £500 if you want a monitor to bridge the gap between budget and high-end. With a wide 34-inch curved display, you have never seen more of your game in such high quality. Boasting a 144Hz screen, you can be sure that your sessions will be smooth in frame rate and resolution. The built-in speakers will help you save space and money as there won't be a need for an extra soundbar.

There are no downsides to this monitor besides the cost. It does push the boundaries of budget but is something to keep in mind if you ever want to upgrade your setup down the line.