9+ Best Gaming Monitor Under $250 | Unrivaled Guide and Products Overview

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.

Also read: Best Gaming Monitor Under $200

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. 

Storytelling and storytelling role-playing or exploration games – 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 a fast response time plus they have impressive sound. 

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 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 and 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, 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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