Just like any serious gaming gear, monitors for PC gaming don’t always come cheap. The latest and best 4K models can easily run you hundreds dollars, but getting a decent gaming monitor for under $150 doesn’t have to be a waste. The truth is that there are a ton of budget priced gaming monitors on the market, and some of them are pretty great.
But that doesn’t mean all of them are. We’re going to help you avoid the lemons and invest in the best gaming monitor under $150 models. We’ll start by running through 10 of the best models and then provide you with the advice you need to shop with a lot more confidence.
- The 10 Best Gaming Monitors under $150
- ASUS VS247H-P 23.6″ FHD 2ms Monitor
- Acer KG241Q Pbiip 23.6″ FHD 1ms Monitor
- BenQ ZOWIE RL2455S 24″ 1080p 1ms Monitor
- AOC 24V2H 24″ FHD Ultra-Slim Monitor
- ASUS VX248H 24″ FHD 1ms Gaming Monitor
- ViewSonic VX2457-MHD 24″ 2ms 1080p Gaming Monitor
- Sceptre C248B-144R 24″ Curved 144Hz Gaming Monitor
- Samsung 23.5″ FHD Curved LED-Lit FreeSync Monito
- VIOTEK GFV22CB Ultra-Compact 22″ Monitor
- Acer R240HY bidx 23.8″ Widescreen Monitor
- Gaming Monitors Under $150 Buyer’s Guide
- Screen Size
- Screen Resolution
- Panel Type
- Refresh Rate
- Response Time
- Contrast Ratio
The 10 Best Gaming Monitors under $150
| Award | Design | Monitors | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whip Smart Color Correction |  | Check Price | |
| Fast Performance Built for Battle |  | Check Price | |
| Balancing Visuals and Performance |  | Check Price | |
| A Meat and Potatoes Approach to Design |  | Check Price | |
| Absurdly High Contrast Ratio |  | Check Price | |
| Packed With Special Gaming Modes |  | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | ||
 | Check Price | ||
 | Check Price | ||
 | Check Price |
ASUS VS247H-P 23.6″ FHD 2ms Monitor
Whip Smart Color Correction
The most readily apparent thing about the ASUS VS247H-P is that it looks great. The thing and lightweight design makes it easy to situate even on a cheaper desk – which is certainly an asset for gaming on a budget – but the color quality proves that this gaming monitor is more than just another pretty face. Smart View technology makes use of artificial intelligence to automatically adjust the color variables to match the scene, and the contrast ratio is some of the best you’ll find in a monitor for gaming under $150. There’s even an HDMI output for easy connection to consoles.
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen | 23.6 inch FHD 1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
| Response Time | 2 ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 50,000,000 |
Pros
- Easy gaming console connectivity
- Phenomenal color reproduction
- Above-average contrast ratio
- Backed by a three-year warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t come with speakers
Acer KG241Q Pbiip 23.6″ FHD 1ms Monitor
Fast Performance Built for Battle
For those looking for the best responsiveness in online gaming, the Acer KG241Q Pbiip is easily one of the best gaming monitors. It promises a response rate of only a millisecond and a full 144 Hz refresh rate. This monitors also packs in AMD FreeSync technology, so you can count on a smoother and less jagged experience (just as long as you have an XBox One X or an AMD processor packed into your gaming PC). And you’ll be grateful during those longer gaming sessions for the inclusion of Acer’s VisionCare technology.
| Panel Type | TN |
| Screen | 23.6 inch FHD 1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000 |
Pros
- Built-in blue light protection
- Compatible with AMD FreeSync
- Six-axis color adjustment
- Fast response time and refresh rate
Cons
- Stand isn’t height adjustable
BenQ ZOWIE RL2455S 24″ 1080p 1ms Monitor
Balancing Visuals and Performance
The BenQ Zowie RL2455S does something that few other gaming monitors in this price range manage: offering response times and refresh rates fast enough for competitive gamers while still managing to achieve some awesome color quality. It’s not the fastest gaming monitor on our list, but it exceeds the limitations of current gen consoles in terms of performance. And there’s a real advantage to the fact that this monitor was built exclusively for gaming by a gaming manufacturer. HDMI ports make it easy to plug straight into your existing gaming console, and there are multiple color modes for different gaming genres.
| Panel Type | TN |
| Screen | 24 inch FHD 1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000 |
Pros
- Six visual game modes
- Supported by a three-year warranty
- Mix of speed and graphical quality
- Tracking enhancement for better accuracy
Cons
- Two watt speakers are lackluster
AOC 24V2H 24″ FHD Ultra-Slim Monitor
A Meat and Potatoes Approach to Design
The AOC 24V2H isn’t exactly rich in features, but it makes up for that in terms of overall quality – making it a solid choice if you don’t need all the bells and whistles that come with more sophisticated gaming monitors. Blue light modes help reduce the risk of eye strain during longer gaming sessions, and the bezel is almost entirely invisible. It’s a design that really helps immerse you in your favorite games. This gaming monitor also supports AMD FreeSync, though how much value that will be to you depends on the specifications of your gaming rig or console.
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen | 24 inch FHD 1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000 |
Pros
- Support for AMD FreeSync tech
- Flicker and blue light eye care
- High smart contrast ratio
- Bezel is barely even present
Cons
- Not a suitable monitor for competitive gaming
ASUS VX248H 24″ FHD 1ms Gaming Monitor
Absurdly High Contrast Ratio
It’s rare that you find the total package when looking at products on a budget, but ASUS really manages to deliver with the VX248H. A lightning fast response time is paired with a contrast ratio of 80,000,000:1 and support for HDMI video. The refresh rate doesn’t sit among the best, but it hits the highest marks in just about every other category. It also makes use of ASUS’ EyeCare technology – so your eyes can look at the screen longer without fatigue. Just keep in mind that you may have to wait for a deal, as this gaming monitor just skirts our $150 limit.
| Panel Type | TN |
| Screen | 24 inch FHD 1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 80,000,000 |
Pros
- Ultra-thin and sleek form factor
- Great eye care technology
- Wide variety of video ports
- Six preset video modes
Cons
- Expensive for a budget monitor
ViewSonic VX2457-MHD 24″ 2ms 1080p Gaming Monitor
Packed With Special Gaming Modes
ViewSonic is a company known for making some of the best monitors for creative professionals who need good color reproduction, but the VX2457-MHD is living proof that their talents can be used to make some of the best gaming monitors around too. It pairs the color quality ViewSonic is so great at producing with some remarkably fast response rates – so it’s clearly among the best choices for both single player and competitive gaming. But what makes this a gaming rather than more general entertainment focused monitor is the inclusion of AMD FreeSync tech.
| Panel Type | TN |
| Screen | 24 inch FHD 1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 2 ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 80,000,000 |
Pros
- AMD FreeSync tech compatibility
- Above-average response rate
- A variety of modes for gaming
- Backed by a three-year warranty
Cons
- Structural stability is a bit weak
Sceptre C248B-144R 24″ Curved 144Hz Gaming Monitor
Curved monitors are pretty common among more expensive monitors for gaming with a larger screen size. Less common is a curved monitor with a 24 inch screen size. That said, it manages to deliver one of the most coveted features for the gaming experience and do so without making too many sacrifices. The features specific to gaming here are dense: including a number of preset gaming video options while also supporting FreeSync and including an eye saver mode. The refresh rate is the best you’ll find in gaming monitors under $100 and is accompanied by a decent response rate.
| Panel Type | VA |
| Screen | 24 inch FHD 1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Response Time | 3 ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 3,000 |
Pros
- A curved screen for a low price
- Compatible with FreeSync
- Packed to the gills with gaming features
- Top of the line refresh rate
Cons
- Doesn’t include a USB port
Samsung 23.5″ FHD Curved LED-Lit FreeSync Monito
A curved monitor doesn’t have to be an expensive monitor, and while the smaller size of the screen on this Samsung monitor means you won’t get the fully immersive experience, it’s a respectably budget oriented alternative to a larger curved screen. Support here is available for FreeSync tech, making this monitor a natural choice for both XBox One X consoles and gaming rigs with AMD processors built in. The overall performance specs aren’t the best we’ve ever come across, but that’s not the main appeal here. That would be the great color reproduction and above average contrast ratio.
| Panel Type | Curved |
| Screen | 23.5 inch FHD 1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 3 ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 3,000 |
Pros
- Exceptional contrast ratio
- Immersive curved panel
- Eye saver mode
- Support for AMD FreeSync
Cons
- Monitor stand isn’t very adjustable
VIOTEK GFV22CB Ultra-Compact 22″ Monitor
With its 22 inch panel, the VIOTEK GFV22CB is a compact monitor even by the budgetary standards of this list – but it can certainly perform. A refresh rate of 144 Hz is combined with a 5 ms response time for solid all around performance, and VIOTEK has even done a decent job of making the size an asset. In addition to being ultra thin, this monitor uses a very low profile stand to make it fit comfortably even in the most cramped spaces.This is also the rare monitor that offers support for both AMD and NVIDIA’s adaptive sync technologies.
| Panel Type | VA |
| Screen | 22 inch FHD 1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000 |
Pros
- Supports FreeSync and G-SYNC
- In depth display optimization tools
- Compact and stripped down design
- Includes a port for speakers
Cons
- Smaller than other monitors on our list
Acer R240HY bidx 23.8″ Widescreen Monitor
The Acer R240HY bidx gets by on its amicable dependability and its retail price of just over a hundred dollars. A decent amount of connectivity ports mean that you can hook up both a console and a PC, and the bezel is stripped down to give you access to a larger amount of panel real estate than you’d get with a conventional 24 inch monitor. And since it’s an IPS display, you can count on both the color reproduction and the viewing angles to be well above the average.
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen | 23.8 inch FHD 1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 4 ms |
| Contrast Ratio | 100,000,000 |
Pros
- Looks great from any angle
- Bezel is barely even there
- Built to be energy efficient
- Full screen tilt adjustmen
Cons
- Only offers one HDMI port
Gaming Monitors Under $150 Buyer’s Guide
Gaming monitors under $150 aren’t the most prevalent product on the market. A lot of gaming monitors under $150 aren’t really worth your time, but more and more monitors under $150 are being produced with great performance than ever before. The reviews above represent the best gaming monitors under $150 right now, and we’ll help you understand why they’re the best below.
Screen Size
Unfortunately, when your price range is under $150, you don’t have a whole lot of flexibility in terms of screen size. For the most part – at least for now – 24 inches in the standard to expect in terms of size. More budget priced models are sometimes a little smaller, but you’ll have to extend beyond that if you really want to immerse yourself in more cinematic gaming experiences.
Screen Resolution
Screen resolution is unfortunately as tethered as size when trying to do monitor gaming on a budget. Any monitor under $150 will offer a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. While Full HD resolution 1920 x 1080 used to be the standard for high definition, it’s being phased out for both monitors and TVs. That said, Full HD resolution 1920 x 1080 still looks good even with a lot of the latest games, and you’ll have to spend a lot more money if you want a gaming experience that goes beyond 1920 x 1080.
Panel Type
There are three different types of panels used in the construction of modern monitors. Most gaming models only make use of two of those panel types, but we think any one of the three can be a reasonable choice depending on the gaming experience you prefer. Let’s break down the specifics below.
- IPS panels are often used by digital artists, and that’s because they offer the best color reproduction of anything on the market. They also happen to look great from very wide viewing angles. And while they suffer in terms of competitive factors like refresh rate and response time, that makes them a great choice if you’re the type of gamer who likes to sit your friends at wide viewing angles and break out the party games.
- TN panels are practically synonymous with monitors gaming. Their viewing angles are pretty narrow, and the color quality is a bit muddier than what you’ll find in a monitor with an IPS panel, but they’re highly responsive to the needs of gamers. If your highest priority is accuracy and performance in game, the response times and refresh rates that this type of monitor offers is unparalleled.
- VA panels find a happy in-between for TN and IPS monitor panels. They take a hit in terms of in game performance but not as much as an IPS monitor would. Additionally, they offer viewing angles and color quality that falls further to IPS than TN panels on the spectrum. This is a middle of the road choice for the type of gamer who wants flexibility to play a variety of games without any major impediments.
Refresh Rate
How often does your monitor refresh what’s on the screen? Refresh rate tells you that, and it helps you understand how smoothly games will run on your monitor. Lower rates mean more stuttering and jagged edges, while higher rates mean more seamless gameplay. Each monitor on our list has a refresh rate between 60 Hz and 144 Hz. We highly recommend the latter type of monitor for seriously competitive gamers.
Response Time
Response time tells you how quickly your computer can change from one color to another and back. As such, it can affect how quickly images render on your screen and mean the difference between death and last minute salvation. Will response time matter to most gamers? Considering it’s measured in milliseconds, probably not. That said, a response time of five milliseconds is generally the highest we recommend for gamers, and you should aim for one millisecond if you’re a more serious and competitive gamer.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio determines how dark the darkest blacks and how light the lightest whites look on your monitor. For instance, a monitor with a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 can replicate a black that’s a thousand times darker than the whitest white. In practice, that can have a pretty big impact on both competitive and single player gaming.
Prowling around a battlefield to get the drop on another player? Contrast ratio can help you identify them out from the shadows. Trying to immerse yourself in an open world gaming experience like Fallout? Contrast ratio can help the world feel more real and more inviting.
Wrapping Up
Gaming with a monitor in 2022 doesn’t have to be an expensive process, but you want to make sure that your monitor will really help you make the most of the hardware already within your computer. Different panel types can have a serious impact on how you game, as can cool features like dedicated gaming modes, blue light protection, and adaptive sync technology. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far to learn more. ISITRATED.com is overflowing with information on the coolest new technology, and especially on technology for gamers.If you liked our article on gaming monitors under $150, please share and comment below what your favorite product is.
