Best Gaming Monitors Under $200

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Luckily for you, this buyers guide will be focussing on a list of the best gaming monitors for under $200. On top of delving into the details of each display, we’ll also offer advice on how to pick the best monitor for your gaming setup.

Our Recommendations

1. AOC Gaming Q27G2E

👑 The best 1440p gaming monitor under $200.

Introduction

As one of the few 1440p gaming monitors for under $200, the AOC Gaming Q27G2E tackles the demands of a nice collection of gamers. Most gaming monitors within this price range are restricted to 1080p resolution, but AOC have managed to enhance the resolution of this display. For those interested in image quality rather than performance, the jump to 1440p will be very beneficial, as it makes a significant difference to environments and on-screen details when compared to the standard 1080p.

But what’s most surprising about this display is the performance, as it doesn’t take a significant dip in order to support the additional graphic fidelity. Boasting a refresh rate that can be overclocked to 155Hz, as well as a 1ms response time and support for AMD FreeSync Premium, the Q27G2E will be able to match the capabilities of most budget and mid-range gaming PCs without any issues, which means gamers won’t be left disadvantaged if they decide to pick up this display.

Key Specs

Things We Like

Improved image quality: It’s extremely rare to find a 1440p gaming monitor for anything less than $250, which makes this offering from AOC seem like a bargain. If you’re a budget gamer looking to play story-driven blockbusters, then this display is definitely worth considering.

Will accommodate system upgrades: As this monitor is working above it’s paygrade in terms of resolution, it should have the capacity to support at least one system upgrade. Because of this, the Q27G2E is a very cheap long-term investment.

Things We Don’t Like

Pricing will vary: We’ve been able to find this monitor for under $200 fairly regularly. However, the MSRP is technically above the $200 mark, which means those without any room to increase their budget might have to risk waiting for another price drop.

Overkill for most budget system: Unless you have blown most of your budget on a mid-range gaming PC and struggling to find a 1440p display with your remaining funds, this monitor is unlikely to provide optimal gaming performance. With most budget-oriented systems still targeting 1080p, this design is a bit excessive for most consumers looking at this price range.

Summary

Where to Buy

Buy the AOC Gaming Q27G2E on:

2. Cooler Master GM27-FFS

👑 The best gaming monitor under $200 for competitive gaming.

Introduction

If the realms of 1440p are slightly beyond the capabilities of your gaming PC, then a sufficient 1080p monitor like the Cooler Master GM27-FFS is a worthy alternative. This 27″ monitor has enough firepower to provide responsive gameplay, allowing gamers to go toe-to-toe with the opposition. Featuring a crisp 165Hz refresh rate and an impressive 0.5ms response time, the GM27-FFS will have no problems keeping up with the demands of the most powerful 1080p systems on the market.

In terms of visuals, the IPS helps boost the vibrancy by giving the image a much-needed splash of colour, and the compatibility with both FreeSync and G-Sync prevents issues such as screen-tearing from spoiling the immersion. It’s quite surprising to see an IPS panel offer such short response times, but it can only be seen as a positive due to the improved blend of visuals and performance it offers gamers on a budget.

Key Specs

Things We Like

Great for competitive gaming: Anyone looking for an affordable display to play in the latest first-person shooters and arena battles, then this monitor has you covered. The combination of a 165Hz refresh rate and sub-1ms response times gives you everything you need to go up against the very best.

Ultra-fast IPS panel: Generally speaking, IPS panels are known for providing great colour accuracy and wider viewing angles with the caveat of slower response times. However, this panel blows that thinking out of the water, offering users the best of both worlds.

Things We Don’t Like

Weak design: Under the bonnet, this monitor would be an ideal pickup for anyone gaming at 1080p. Unfortunately, the rest of the design lets this display down. The stand specifically feels very flimsy and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Lack of additional features: It’s harsh to expect extra bells and whistles at such a low price point, but adding at least one design aspect that doesn’t revolve around performance would help this monitor stand out from the competition.

Summary

Where to Buy

Buy the Cooler Master GM27-FFS on:

3. Samsung Odyssey AG320

👑 The best 24″ gaming monitor for under $200.

Introduction

For those with limited space, a 24″ gaming monitor will be the easiest way to guarantee your display fits into your setup. Most of these compact displays are targeted towards budget gamers, with the Samsung Odyssey AG320 being a prime example. Like the previous entry, this is a 1080p gaming monitor that comes with a 165Hz refresh rate, opening up the possibilities for gamers to experience smooth and responsive gameplay. In addition, the 1ms response time is fast enough to provide a level footing with those with a more premium display.

Whilst the standard 1080p resolution doesn’t provide much in terms of visual fidelity, the 3000:1 contrast is significantly better than most 1080p displays at this price point, which allows users to see more details within shadowy and brighter areas. This is very handy considering the reduced size of this display, as 24″ screens are often considered a weaker choice for gaming due to their limited vision.

Key Specs

Things We Like

Strong 1080p gameplay: Boasting a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, this 1080p monitor is an ideal choice for gamers wanting to remain competitive on a restricted budget.

Ideal for smaller setups: The biggest advantage of a 24″ display is the reduced size will likely fit on most desks. Therefore, if you’re concerned about fitting a monitor into a smaller setup, then the Odyssey AG320 is an ideal solution

Things We Don’t Like

Limited visual fidelity: As a smaller display with a lack of features designed to enhance visual fidelity, this isn’t an ideal choice for gamers that want to see the environments and on-screen events in vivid detail.

Larger screen will be better for most gamers: A 24″ gaming monitor like this one certainly justifies its existence by filling a niche demand within the market. However, most gamers will find a larger 27″ or 32″ gaming monitor easier to use.

Summary

Where to Buy

Buy the Samsung Odyssey AG320 on:

4. Dell G2723HN

👑 The best value gaming monitor under $200.

Introduction

Rounding off our picks, we have the Dell G2723HN, a strong gaming-oriented display which provides good value to consumers on a budget. Another 1080p monitor that can generate 165Hz with a 1ms response time, the G2723HN allows gamers to stay competitive in online multiplayer. On top of this, it includes support for both FreeSync and G-Sync, providing all gamers with the chance to eliminate instances of motion blur and screen-tearing.

Moving onto the visuals, the G2723HN includes an IPS panel, resulting in a sharper image that is full of colour. An IPS panel is always welcome on 1080p gaming monitors, as it provides a much-needed visual enhancement. Considering this monitor is currently the cheapest option on this list, it provides the best price to performance for gaming on a budget.

Key Specs

Things We Like

Suitable for 1080p competitive gaming: This offering from Dell is equipped with all the specs needed to compete with other 1080p displays on the market. More specifically, the 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time will contribute to a fluid gaming experience

Budget price point: It appears that this design has received a significant price drop, making it the cheapest option in this roundup as of writing. As a result, this will be the best option for gamers not willing to stretch their budget.

Things We Don’t Like

Original price above $200: Like a couple of the other options featured in this roundup, the original price of this system is slightly above $200, meaning you should be weary of a potential increase in price.

Summary

Where to Buy

Buy the Dell G2723HN on:

Do I Need a Gaming Monitor?

Yes. In order to get the best performance possible, then a gaming monitor is a crucial element of any gaming setup. Whilst it is possible to play games on a generic monitor targeted towards productivity-based tasks, there are lots of performance restrictions to these displays which make them feel slow in comparison to designs that are purposefully built for gaming. One of the best examples of this is the difference in response times. Gaming monitors tend to have response times of 1ms or less, which makes gameplay feel snappy, but other monitors struggle to keep up with the action due to their response times being a lot slower.

In addition, displays that are designed with gaming in mind often possess significantly higher refresh rates, with 144Hz and 165Hz being the most common. Compared to the 60Hz limit on many productivity-based displays, gameplay will feel very polished and significantly more reactive. Generally, the main advantage that workstation monitors have over gaming-oriented ones is improved colour accuracy and contrasts, but these factors are less important for gaming.

So there are lots of reason why a gaming monitor will be a beneficial addition to your setup if you plan on delving into a wide variety of games, especially if you plan on playing competitive titles. Whilst it is possible to play on a screen that’s not optimised for gaming, the experience will feel very sluggish and slow in comparison.

Should I Buy a 1080p or 1440p Gaming Monitor?

One of the biggest questions surrounding gaming monitors is what resolution to pick up your display should be. There are many different factors that go into this decision, but the main areas to concern yourself with money and the type of games you want to play. If we abide by the $200 price point, then the main options are between 1080p and 1440p, as 4K gaming monitors are unfortunately way beyond these budget limitations. In fact, most 1440p display will be out of the question here as well.

Luckily, there are some options for 1440p in or around the $200 mark, which is a huge benefit for those wanting some extra visual clarity. In terms of visuals, the jump from 1080p to 1440p is definitely worthwhile, as it provides a boost of vibrancy and sharpness needed to appreciate the environments and textures within games. Because of this, 1440p gaming monitors are a great pickup for budget gamers looking to play a lot of story-driven action adventure games.

However, these displays often come with the caveat of limited performance compared to their 1080p counterparts. Whilst cheaper 1440p displays are slowly catching up to hit the higher refresh rates, it is much easier for gamers on a strict budget to find a 1080p monitor capable of reaching 165Hz or beyond. Additionally, these displays are more likely to include performance-enhancing features such as adaptive sync and sub-1ms response times.

Therefore, the choice between 1080p and 1440p for budget gamers depends on where your priorities lie. If you are willing to run the risk of limited performance for improved visual fidelity, then 1440p is the way to go. But, if you want the best performance possible, then 1080p is the ideal choice.

Why You Can Trust Us

When a new product arrives in the GeekaWhat office, our team of PC hardware experts and gaming enthusiasts get straight to testing and evaluating them with lots of attention to detail. After putting these products through various gaming scenarios and general usage, we then forge an extensive summary that will address where it stands within the current market. We then relay these findings to our audience via YouTube videos and written content, discussing our thoughts and experiences with the product in question.

If you’re interested in learning more about our team or editorial promise, head to the ‘About Us’ section on our website.

How We Tested the Best Gaming Monitor Under $200

In order to test and evaluate the best gaming monitor under $200, there are a number of factors that we take into account, these are:

• Performance
• Visual Fidelity
• Aesthetic
• Value for Money

Conclusion

Best Gaming Monitor Under $200: AOC Gaming Q27G2E

For $200, we feel as if prioritising performance is a sensible choice, but the AOC Gaming Q27G2E has no problem providing gamers with solid performance alongside visual enhancements. As one of the cheapest 1440p gaming monitors on the market, this is a great choice for those looking to play a mixture of single and multiplayer titles. However, it also boasts a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, letting it go head-to-head with the performance on most 1080p displays at this price point.

GeekaWhat Rating:

★★★★★

Buy the Cooler Master GM27-FFS on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need More than One Gaming Monitor?

No. Whilst a multi-monitor setup can increase immersion and provide lots of productivity benefits, it is better to have one display that offers a strong balance of performance and visual fidelity.

Is 165Hz Good for Gaming?

Yes. A 165Hz refresh rate is more than enough to enjoy fluid gameplay that doesn’t feel like fast and responsive movements are limited.

Can a Budget PC Play Games at 1440p?

Generally, no, but it depends on the components included within your build. The GPU and CPU will be the main determining factors to whether your system will be able to play these titles.