Monitors are essential devices for any computer user, but they can also be quite expensive. However, that doesn't mean you have to settle for a low-quality or outdated screen. There are many monitors on the market that deliver excellent value for money and suit different needs and preferences.
In this article, we will help you find the best affordable monitors in 2024 based on your budget and requirements. We will review some of the top models from reputable brands and highlight their pros and cons. We will also give you some tips on how to choose the right monitor for your situation and what to look for when shopping.
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Dell UltraSharp U2422H. This monitor offers a stunning 24-inch IPS panel with a 1080p resolution and a 76Hz refresh rate. It also has a USB-C hub that lets you connect your laptop or phone with one cable and charge them at the same time. The design is sleek and ergonomic, with thin bezels and an adjustable stand.
2. Best Budget Gaming Monitor: Asus VA24DQ. This monitor is ideal for gamers who want a smooth and responsive experience without spending too much. It has a 23.8-inch IPS panel with a 1080p resolution and a 75Hz refresh rate. It also supports Adaptive-Sync technology that eliminates screen tearing and stuttering. The monitor has built-in speakers, a headphone jack, and multiple ports for connectivity.
3. Best Budget Large-Screen Gaming Monitor: Gigabyte G34WQC. This monitor is perfect for immersive gaming on a large curved screen. It has a 34-inch VA panel with a 1440p resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It also supports HDR400 and FreeSync Premium technology for stunning visuals and smooth gameplay. The monitor has an ergonomic stand, a KVM switch, and plenty of ports for connectivity.
4. Best Budget Curved Monitor: Samsung CF396. This monitor is great for watching movies or working on multiple windows on a curved screen. It has a 24-inch VA panel with a 1080p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. It also has Eye Saver Mode and Flicker-Free technology that reduce eye strain and fatigue. The monitor has a slim and elegant design, with an HDMI port and a VGA port for connectivity.
5. Best Budget 4K Monitor: HP U28 4K HDR Monitor. This monitor is amazing for enjoying high-resolution content or working on detailed tasks on a 4K screen. It has a 28-inch IPS panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. It also supports HDR10 and has wide color gamut coverage for vivid colors and contrast. The monitor has a USB-C hub that allows you to connect your laptop or phone with one cable and charge them at the same time.
Things to Consider
If you are looking for the best affordable monitors, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options available in the market. There are many factors to consider when choosing a monitor, such as size, resolution, refresh rate, panel type, and connectivity. In this article, we will help you narrow down your choices and find the best monitor for your needs and budget.
- Size: The size of the monitor affects how much screen space you have and how comfortable you are viewing it. Generally, larger monitors offer more immersive and detailed visuals, but they also take up more desk space and cost more. You should choose a monitor size that suits your preference and fits your workspace. The most common sizes range from 21 to 27 inches.
- Resolution: The resolution of the monitor determines how sharp and clear the image quality is. Higher resolutions mean more pixels per inch (PPI), which result in finer details and smoother edges. However, higher resolutions also require more powerful hardware to run smoothly and consume more energy. You should choose a resolution that matches your monitor size and your computer's capabilities. The most common resolutions are 1080p (Full HD), 1440p (Quad HD), and 2160p (4K).
- Refresh Rate: The refresh rate of the monitor measures how many times per second the screen updates the image. Higher refresh rates mean smoother and more responsive gameplay, especially for fast-paced genres like shooters and racing games. However, higher refresh rates also demand more performance from your graphics card and may cause screen tearing if not synchronized with your frame rate. You should choose a refresh rate that suits your gaming style and your hardware's potential. The most common refresh rates are 60Hz, 75Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz.
- Panel Type: The panel type of the monitor affects how the colors and contrast are displayed on the screen. There are three main types of panels: IPS (In-Plane Switching), VA (Vertical Alignment), and TN (Twisted Nematic). IPS panels offer the best color accuracy and viewing angles, but they also have lower contrast ratios and slower response times. VA panels offer the best contrast ratios and deeper blacks, but they also have lower color accuracy and viewing angles. TN panels offer the fastest response times and lowest input lag, but they also have lower color accuracy and viewing angles. You should choose a panel type that matches your preference and usage scenario.
- Connectivity: The connectivity of the monitor refers to the ports and cables that allow you to connect it to your computer and other devices. There are many types of ports and cables, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, VGA, DVI, and Audio Out. You should choose a monitor that has enough ports and cables to support your current and future devices.
FAQs
Q: How do I calibrate my monitor?
A: Calibrating your monitor is a process of adjusting its settings to achieve the best possible image quality. You can use either software tools or hardware devices to calibrate your monitor. Software tools are programs that guide you through various steps of changing your monitor's brightness, contrast, color temperature, gamma, etc. Hardware devices are gadgets that attach to your monitor's screen and measure its color output. They then generate a profile that corrects any inaccuracies or deviations from the standard.
Q: What is HDR and do I need it?
A: HDR stands for High Dynamic Range and it is a feature that enhances the brightness, contrast, and color range of the image on the screen. HDR monitors can display more shades of colors and more details in dark and bright areas than standard monitors. HDR monitors require compatible content and hardware to work properly. You need an HDR monitor if you want to enjoy more realistic and immersive visuals for gaming or watching movies.
Q: What is the difference between curved and flat monitors?
A: Curved monitors have a slight bend on their edges that creates a more immersive and natural viewing experience. Curved monitors can reduce eye strain and distortion by matching the curvature of your eyes. They can also increase your field of view and sense of depth by wrapping around your peripheral vision. Flat monitors have a straight edge that offers a more traditional and uniform viewing experience. Flat monitors can be easier to mount on walls or multiple-monitor setups. They can also avoid any reflections or glare that might occur on curved screens.
Conclusion
Choosing the best affordable monitors can be a challenging task, but with some research and comparison, you can find the one that meets your needs and budget. You should consider various factors such as size, resolution, refresh rate, panel type, and connectivity when shopping for a monitor. You should also check out some FAQs that might answer some of your questions or doubts.