If you’re building a gaming setup on a tight budget or improving your current one without spending too much, the good news is that gaming monitors have become more affordable than ever. In 2025, you can find great monitors with 1080p resolution, high refresh rates, and low response times—all without breaking the bank.

Whether you play competitive shooters like Valorant and CS2, or story-driven games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, choosing the right monitor can dramatically boost your experience. This guide reveals the best cheap gaming monitors in 2025 with options under $100, $150, and $200, ideal for budget builds and low-end PCs.

🖥️ Why a Budget Gaming Monitor Still Matters in 2025

Many gamers think they need a premium monitor to enjoy smooth gameplay, but that’s not true anymore. Modern budget monitors offer:

✔️ 1080p Full HD clarity

Perfect for gamers using GPUs like GTX 1050, GTX 1650, RX 570, RTX 3050, and APUs.

✔️ 75Hz to 165Hz refresh rates

You don’t need a powerful GPU to reach 144Hz in eSports titles—low-end PCs can do it.

✔️ Low response times (1ms–5ms)

Competitive players need fast pixel transitions to avoid motion blur.

✔️ Adaptive Sync (FreeSync / G-Sync Support)

Eliminates screen tearing without expensive hardware.

👉 A cheap monitor can easily transform a low-end gaming setup.

💰 Best Cheap Gaming Monitors Under $100 (Entry-Level Picks)

🏆 1. Sceptre E205W-16003R — Best Ultra-Budget 75Hz Monitor

If you want an extremely cheap monitor that beats office displays, this one is perfect. It offers a noticeable upgrade from 60Hz for casual gaming.

⭐ Highlights

• 🔹 20″ Full HD (1080p)

• 🔹 75Hz refresh rate

• 🔹 Slim bezels for dual-monitor setups

• 🔹 Built-in speakers

• 🔹 VESA mount support

Best For: Casual games, low-end PCs, students.

🏅 2. AOC 22B2H — Best IPS Display Under $100

If you care about colors and viewing angles, especially for both gaming and watching movies, IPS offers a major improvement.

⭐ Highlights

• 🔹 1080p IPS panel

• 🔹 75Hz refresh rate

• 🔹 Ultra-thin modern design

• 🔹 Low input lag

Best For: Story games, RPGs, YouTube, everyday use.

⚠️ Not suitable for hardcore FPS gaming due to slower motion handling.

👉 Buy now from Amazon store

⚔️ Best Budget 144Hz Gaming Monitors Under $150 (For Competitive FPS)

If you play Valorant, Apex, Fortnite, or Warzone, 144Hz is a game changer.

🥇 1. Acer Nitro KG241Y — Best Cheap 144Hz eSports Monitor

One of the best-value monitors for competitive gamers in 2025.

⭐ Highlights

• 🔥 144Hz refresh rate

• ⏱️ 1ms VRB response time

• 🖥️ 24″ 1080p panel

• 🔄 FreeSync support

Best For: FPS gamers on a budget.

👉 Buy now from Amazon store

🥈 2. ViewSonic XG2405 — Best IPS 144Hz for Color + FPS

Want both fluid movement and accurate colors? This model delivers both.

⭐ Highlights

• 🎮 144Hz IPS panel

• 🎨 Excellent color accuracy

• ⚡ 1ms MPRT

• 👍 Height-adjustable stand

Best For: Gamers who play both competitive and story-driven titles.

Downside: Slightly pricier, but worth it.

👉 Buy now from Amazon store

💎 Best Budget 1080p Gaming Monitors Under $200 (Premium Budget Picks)

👑 1. MSI Optix G241 — Best Overall Budget Monitor (2025)

This monitor is a beast for the price.

⭐ Highlights

• ⚡ 144Hz IPS panel

• 🖥️ 1080p Full HD

• 🔄 FreeSync + G-Sync compatibility

• 🎨 Wide 97% sRGB

Perfect For: All gaming genres—from shooters to cinematic titles.

👉 Buy now from Amazon store

👑 2. Gigabyte G24F 2 — Best for High FPS Gaming

Future-proof with an updated 165Hz refresh rate.

⭐ Highlights

• 🚀 165Hz / 1ms response time

• 🖥️ 1080p IPS panel

• 🎮 Black Equalizer for FPS visibility

• 🎯 Aim Stabilizer technology

Ideal For: Competitive gamers upgrading soon.

👉 Buy now from Amazon store

🎮 Budget Monitor Buying Tips (Don’t Skip)

💡 If you play competitive FPS, prioritize refresh rate over color quality.

🏁 Final Verdict: Best Budget Gaming Monitor in 2025

🏆 Best Choice for Gamers on a Low-End PC

Acer Nitro KG241Y
Because even weak GPUs can hit 144FPS in games like Valorant, CS2, and LoL.

🔌 Bonus Tip for Low-End PCs:

If your PC struggles to run games at 1080p:

Set the game resolution to 900p or 720p, but keep the monitor at 1080p for sharper menus and text.
👉 You still enjoy smooth movement + readable UI.

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