9+ Best Gaming Monitor Under $ 250 | Unrivaled Guide 2022

The time has come to buy a new gaming monitor for PC and console. But there are so many things to keep in mind: resolution, screen size, refresh rate, response time, panel type, curved or flat screen … and so on. We have decided to write a concise, but nevertheless comprehensive guide, to give you a clearer idea of ​​what can be found today at the level of gaming monitors. We are certain that it will help you find the right screen for your gaming, whether it is a competitive multiplayer, even at a pro level, with the need for lightning-fast frame rates or single-player campaigns that require an immersive experience with every pixel.

It is the fundamental part of the monitor and certainly the most important because it affects almost all aspects of the monitor except, perhaps, the audio. There are currently three types of LCD monitors, with different features, but they all have strong points and the differences aren’t that stark.

TN ( twisted nematic): It is still the fastest panel type, so if a monitor is at 360Hz, it will definitely be a TN. If you are looking for high refresh rates and lightning-fast response times, TN panels will not disappoint you. The downside is that they still suffer from narrow viewing angles and faded color reproduction. However, the black and contrast levels are acceptable.

VA ( vertical alignment ): they lend themselves well to everything. They have excellent contrast, respectable response times, beautiful colors and better viewing angles than TNs. VA panels sit more or less in the middle which is why they are so popular, especially for larger monitors and TVs. They tend to suffer a little from ghosting, but with technological advances this problem has been almost eliminated. They are not as fast as TNs, but they come close.

IPS ( in-plane switching ) : considered the most efficient in terms of color performance and viewing angles. Response times and refresh rates are similar to VA panels but slower than TNs, still good for most cases. The biggest advantage of IPS technology is color representation which is far superior to the other two types of LCDs, although IPS is known to have less than optimal contrast and black levels.

Although monitors vary in size from 22 “to 50”, the most popular gaming monitors are in the 25 “to 35” range. In recent years, resolutions have stabilized at 1920×1080 (1080p full HD), 2560×1440 (2K or QHD) and 3840×2160 (4K or UHD). Of these resolutions there is also the ultrawide version. When considering screen size, the format must also be taken into account. “Normal” screens have an aspect ratio of 16: 9, while ultrawide monitors are available in 21: 9 or 32: 9.

To have a balance between size and resolution, the recommended pixel density is 100-120 pixels per inch, so you will have the sharpest and clearest image. In practice 1080p is best seen on 25 “or 27” monitors, 1440p on 27 “or 35” monitors and 4K on those starting from 32 “. You can see 1080p on a 32 ”monitor but the result will be a bit blurry. Conversely, 4K on a 25 ”screen will seem too concentrated and small. 

Overall, 25 “-27” 1080p monitors are best for those who want speed and quick response. Larger monitors ensure more comfortable viewing even from further away, so there is no need to sit closer and the image is still impressive even on larger screens. Despite advances in technology, larger panels still have lower refresh rates, slower response times, and a higher likelihood of ghosting. Nothing terrible, but less and less sharp than the smaller screens. 

Find out why 1440p looks so good on a 27 ”monitor and why we believe your 1080p games will look spectacular on these monitors. Do you want 4K? Where to point to this , especially if you want to use PC and console with the same monitor. 

The most important benchmark for gaming monitors. The faster the better. Once 60Hz was more than enough, but now monitors with hundreds of frames per second are the norm. Support for a high refresh rate makes the screen do many things: games and desktop feel more responsive and fluid, the graphics card can run at full capacity without being blocked by a slow monitor, and overall input lag is reduced because the monitor updates frames faster than you can press a key. 

To tell you the truth, you don’t need super-fast monitors, because most titles require a lot from the GPU and don’t run at 240Hz or 360Hz, except for games like CS: GO or Rainbow Six Siege. Keeping in mind that most of the latest generation PC and console games run in a range from 60Hz to 120Hz, a 144Hz or 165Hz monitor is enough. 

To learn more, check out this article on 144Hz monitors and compare them to the new generation of 165Hz screens . And then consider why a faster monitor is almost always the better choice. 

Together with the refresh rate, the response time of a monitor determines the smoothness of your gaming experience. Any discrepancy between the video card and the monitor can cause clicks and dropouts. And a monitor with a slow response time can experience more input lag, which is especially noticeable in faster-paced titles. In general, manufacturing companies use the Gray to Gray (GtG, from gray to gray) and Moving Picture Response Time parameters.(MPRT, animated image response time) to indicate the speed of a screen. MPRT is most useful for measuring the likelihood of blurring and ghosting of a monitor. The GtG is good for measuring the overall response of the screen, as it expresses the ability to quickly change the color of the pixels. The best value for both is the one that comes closest to zero, but this is not possible. Any digit below 4ms is acceptable for the GtG. While for MPRT, it is better to opt for 1ms, if available.

Technologies like FreeSync and G-Sync, known as Variable Refresh Rate , synchronize monitor and GPU to avoid screen tearing. However, when it comes to the total input lag (the time that passes from when you press a key to when the corresponding action appears on the screen) it is the internal characteristics of the monitor that make up the lion’s share. 

Do you want to know more about the response time? Why not . And while response time and input lag are related, they’re not quite the same . 

Most gaming monitors are flat and hence the term “flat panel”. They work great with all genres and styles of play and are the industry benchmark. Curved panels have become popular in recent years as production has improved. More suited to the natural depth of human sight, curved monitors provide that much coveted “immersion” factor that everyone is talking about. This is a matter of taste, so we recommend that you try a curved monitor before making your decision. The depth of the curve is expressed by a number followed by R which stands for radius. So a 1000R monitor is 1000mm from side to side, a 1900R is 1900mm and so on. If the number goes down, it means that the sides are closer together and the curve is more pronounced.

Since curved monitors almost always have an ultrawide 21: 9 aspect ratio, they have a wider field of view than flat ones. This can be useful in video games and applications, simply because you have more field of view for each frame. A narrower Field of View (FoV ) means having to move the screen (and head) to see what’s beyond the edge of the frame. If you are interested in simulation games, such as driving or flying games, then an ultrawide curved monitor could really be the winning choice. It certainly offers a more realistic and immersive viewing experience than a flat panel. For other types of games the difference is not so obvious. 

We can help out on the debate between curved and flat screens : we have written a more detailed guide to curved screens and an explanation of the different curvatures . 

While the basic features of gaming monitors may be similar across manufacturers, you also need to check out exclusive specifications and features that may be of interest to you. For example, BenQ’s HDRi goes beyond the basic HDRi specifications. Work in conjunction with custom image modes and ambient light sensors to ensure an HDR experience tailored to your preferences. Smart, responsive HDR is what HDRi offers, and we’ve covered it in detail in this article . 

Prolonged gaming sessions can strain your eyesight. Regular monitors don’t help much in avoiding the problem. While BenQ gaming monitors with Eye-Care technology filter out harmful blue light and eliminate flicker to ensure lasting viewing comfort. And of course, our gaming monitors are equipped with durable anti-glare screens that prevent glare and reflections that can affect your gaming moment.

Audio is often overlooked by monitor companies, but not by BenQ. Our team of sound engineers provided powerful 2.1 channel sound monitors with stereo speakers and subwoofer. We’re not talking about the tinny sound coming out of the speakers of a regular monitor, but about custom audio settings designed for powerful gaming audio. However, we recommend that you use headphones so as not to disturb anyone while you play.

To top it off, BenQ gaming monitors have several options to fine-tune the image quality as you like, meaning there’s a lot more than stock graphics. Color Vibrance technology has twenty levels of color intensity for you to try, while Black eQualizer and Light Tuner optimize the dark and light areas of the screen to ensure you don’t miss a single detail. The latter are really useful if you’re into shooters, as opponents hiding in dark areas is a well-known problem. Likewise, sections of the screen that are too light make detail disappear, and BenQ monitors have the technology to make sure that doesn’t happen. 

Storytelling and storytelling role-playing or exploration games – they need beautiful colors and high resolutions, rather than quick response times and speed. The EX2780Q has everything you are looking for if you want to embark on a new adventure.

First Person Shooter: First of all frame rate and response speed. They are typically played at lower settings and resolution, so a nice fast 1080p monitor is what you need. Choose MOBIUZ 165Hz monitors with 1ms of MPRT EX2510S / EX2710S

Driving and Flight Simulators: As we said before, if you are passionate about simulation, opt for an ultrawide curved monitor. Take a look at the EX3415R , EX3203R and EX3501R models . They are beautiful panels with refresh rates between 100Hz and 144Hz and fast response time plus they have impressive sound. 

Marche

Do you want to enjoy an online shopping session? Is your Amazon whishlist getting longer and longer? Whatever order you have planned, don’t underestimate the importance of the brand .

Manufacturers are very often synonymous with guarantee and safety. The brand is in fact associated with a series of qualities: the durability of the product, the resistance of the materials, innovation, design and usability.

In any case, do not fall into the error of reasoning by compartmentalization. The online market is full of lesser known but equally avant-garde brands .

Our buying guide aims to promote progress and functionality regardless of the reputation of the developer team. The reason?

• You will be able to save on the purchase budget . The articles we test for you are the top of the range, regardless of the manufacturer that markets them.
• You will discover the existence of new brands . If you are a shopping-addicted and you love to anticipate trends, there is nothing better than discovering “different” gadgets and accessories to amaze and amaze you.

Do you feel the need for the best gaming monitor ? Do you want to seize unrepeatable offers?

The buying guides take you by the hand in order to show you the advantages and disadvantages of each product step by step .

Some articles will focus on the leading brands of our time, others will try to offer you valid alternatives to the most famous brands.

Guarantee and 30 days return

Are you a lover of online shopping? Do you check the courier notifications to schedule the arrival of packages?

If the answer is yes, you are most likely looking for products that are guaranteed , safe and efficient in the long run.

How can I blame you? Many people let themselves be conditioned by the fear of not being able to touch the object they wish to buy.

What to do if a shipment fails and the item does not meet our expectations?

All the best gaming monitors we’ve talked about have a 30-day free returns policy in order to incentivize the trial. You can start a refund procedure in two cases:

• If the item was delivered to you damaged , opened or not matching the one you selected.
• If you have had second thoughts and are not satisfied with the performance of the product.

You always have a second chance! A similar argument applies in the event that the consumer finds factory malfunctions.

Let’s take Amazon ‘s example : every product sold by the world’s # 1 e-commerce is covered by the legal warranty on consumer goods, which protects against manufacturing defects within 2 years from the date on the transaction receipt.

Getting in touch with the manufacturer is also quick and easy: the website messaging is super-updated, as well as accompanied by e-mail addresses, telephone numbers and social profiles (Facebook and Instagram) of the parent company. Customer service is guaranteed!

Does it have all the features you are looking for? 

To find out, there are our buying guides! Each product has sui generis features and functions .

Within the same product category (for example, refrigerators, mobile phones, laptops, etc.) there are items of very different quality, design, power and efficiency.

How to choose the best one ? The speech is obviously subjective, but our advice is the following: if you are about to make a major expense, try to understand the must-have features.

What are the features your gaming monitor absolutely must have?

If you prefer, you can also write them in a short list on a post-it or on your smartphone. Next, it reviews the specifics that – while not necessary – can make using the product more beneficial .

This way, you will be sure to have some sort of checklist always at hand.

And of course, don’t forget to keep an eye on our comparisons – it will be much easier to keep track of the pros and cons of each model!

The best for you

To each consumer his product! Our suggestion is to make a choice according to two main factors: the budget you have available and the use to which you intend to allocate the chosen article. An example?

If you are looking for a gaming monitor it is useless to spend huge budgets on a model equipped with who knows what features if our type of use is very simplified.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for professional gaming monitors , do not forget to pay attention to the durability and usability of the product.

It is useless to opt for models with a thousand features if you are still a neophyte or if you need a “battle” product.

Last, but not least, is undoubtedly the design : we all like to surround ourselves with objects that are so useful, but also beautiful to look at.

Value for money or best price?

The cost is determined by two main variables: the reputation of the brand and the actual quality of the materials used.

In other words, choosing an item with excellent value for money means paying above all for the functionality of the object, and not so much for its popularity.

The same goes for budget gaming monitors : they can be a valid choice if you want to use the accessory once in a while.

If, on the other hand, you need a faithful ally to carry out your daily chores, it is better to opt for a device of average cost.

In this way, you can rely on a functional product, aesthetically beautiful and much more resistant than the basic version .

Our buying guides will help you choose what is really right for you. Alternatively, you can always find extra information by reading reviews left on Amazon by other users. Happy shopping!

Offers

Buying online has always been synonymous with saving . Amazon occasionally organizes events, offers and timed discounts with which to save substantial budgets.

This way, you can buy the best gaming monitor  without negatively impacting your wallet.

Don’t forget that shipping is often free, especially for “medium” orders (from € 29 upwards).

Our advice is to stay updated on all the main offers of your interest: in our buying guides we will tell you about the most exclusive discounts provided by the platform . Don’t get caught unprepared!

In addition to the above, remember that the initiatives are available for a very limited period : log into your account frequently and try to clarify your ideas in advance.

It will be easier to click in record time! Alternatively, choose to order on an e-commerce that adheres to exclusive promotions and recurrences: Black Friday , Amazon Prime Day, the month of sport, technology and so on.

All of these events are the perfect opportunity to buy everything you need at competitive prices. Quite often, stocking up on evergreen items is the best way to not panic at the first difficulty.

Reviews and opinions

Finally, don’t forget that you can always count on our feedback!

Our gaming monitor review will enrich the pages of this site will form a small encyclopedia to consult in view of an intensive online shopping session.

We will evaluate in your company the characteristics, the pros and cons of each product in order to dispel all your doubts.

As if that were not enough, we are ready to personally test the trending items, the Amazon’s Choice and all the super-clicked devices on the well-known e-commerce.

Do you think one of the best gaming monitors could be right for you? Click on the link to open the page and read the comments of users who – just like you – have chosen to buy in a smart and informed way.

Online shopping is a transparent showcase full of convenient offers. By shopping on the internet you have the opportunity to discover the opinions of hundreds of people , without running into nasty surprises upon arrival of the package (but remember to take advantage of the 30-day return if a mishap should happen).

And don’t forget to leave your feedback!

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