Best Gaming Monitors under $150

A budget gaming monitor is an affordable display designed to deliver a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience without breaking the bank. These monitors typically offer at least 1080p resolution for great visuals and a refresh rate of 60Hz or higher to ensure smooth gameplay. Many budget options now feature 75Hz or even 144Hz refresh rates, making them great for fast-paced gaming. While they may not have premium features like G-Sync, ultra-high resolutions, or HDR, they still provide excellent performance for casual and competitive gamers on a budget.

144Hz+ Gaming Monitors

For competitive gamers, having a high refresh rate monitor is crucial for smooth gameplay and quick reactions. A refresh rate of at least 120Hz, with 144Hz or higher being ideal, can make a noticeable difference in fast-paced games like FPS or battle royales. Below are some of the best budget-friendly high refresh rate gaming monitors available under $150.

1. AOC 24G15N

List Price: $99.99

Check it out here: https://amzn.to/3YhFqz5 (Amazon)

The AOC 24G15N is a 24-inch Full HD gaming monitor designed for competitive gamers on a budget. With an ultra-fast 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, it delivers smooth, tear-free gameplay, making it perfect for fast-paced action. The Adaptive-Sync technology reduces screen tearing, while the frameless design enhances multi-monitor setups. This monitor provides low input lag and vibrant colors with a 116% sRGB color gamut, ensuring an immersive experience without breaking the bank.

Pros:

  • High 180Hz Refresh Rate – Delivers ultra-smooth gameplay, ideal for competitive gaming.

  • 1ms Response Time – Reduces motion blur and ghosting for precise aiming and fast reactions.

  • Adaptive-Sync Support – Helps eliminate screen tearing for a more fluid experience.

  • Frameless Design – Great for multi-monitor setups with minimal distractions.

  • Wide Color Gamut (116% sRGB) – Provides vibrant and accurate colors for an immersive experience.

  • Low Input Lag Mode – Optimized for console and PC gaming with fast response times.

Cons:

  • No Built-in Speakers – Requires external speakers or a headset for audio.

  • Limited HDR Performance – HDR-ready but lacks full HDR brightness for deeper contrast.

  • Only 1080p Resolution – While great for budget gaming, some users may prefer higher resolutions like 1440p.

  • Stand Adjustability – May have limited height or tilt adjustments (depending on the model).

2. Sceptre IPS

List Price: $129.97

Check it out here: https://amzn.to/3E7IkQ7 (Amazon)

The Sceptre IPS Gaming Monitor delivers ultra-smooth gameplay with a 165Hz refresh rate, IPS panel for vivid colors, and AMD FreeSync to eliminate screen tearing. Its edgeless design enhances immersion, while multiple HDMI and DisplayPort inputs offer flexible connectivity. With built-in speakers and Blue Light Shift for eye comfort, it's a great budget-friendly choice for both gaming and productivity.

Pros:

  • 165Hz Refresh Rate – Smooth performance, reducing motion blur.

  • IPS Panel – Delivers accurate colors and wide viewing angles.

  • AMD FreeSync – Helps eliminate stuttering and screen tearing.

  • Edgeless Design – Provides an immersive viewing experience.

  • Multiple Ports – Three HDMI (144Hz) and one DisplayPort (165Hz) for versatile connectivity.

  • Blue Light Shift – Reduces eye strain for long gaming sessions.

  • Built-in Speakers – Convenient for casual use without external speakers.

Cons:

  • 1080p Resolution – Good for budget setups but lacks 1440p sharpness.

  • Limited Speaker Quality – Built-in speakers are basic; external speakers recommended.

  • Stand Adjustability – May have limited tilt and height adjustments.

3. Koorui Gaming Monitor

List Price: $139.99

Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4jd3yLf (Amazon)

The Koorui 24-inch gaming monitor stands out with a 200Hz refresh rate—higher than the standard 144Hz monitors in this price range—offering ultra-smooth motion for competitive gaming. It features a Fast IPS panel for vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, avoiding ghosting or motion blur common in VA or TN panels. Designed for comfort, it comes with an ergonomic stand (tilts -5° to 20°) and VESA mount compatibility for flexible setup options. Adaptive Sync reduces screen tearing, while eye-care features like a blue light filter and flicker-free tech help during long gaming sessions. Ideal for fast-paced FPS games, this monitor is compatible with PC, Xbox, and other platforms through HDMI and DisplayPort connections. Plus, Koorui backs it up with a 3-year replacement warranty.

Pros:

  • 200Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth gameplay

  • Fast IPS panel with vibrant colors

  • Adaptive Sync to prevent screen tearing

  • Ergonomic stand with tilt adjustment

  • VESA mount support

Cons:

  • No built-in speakers

  • Colors may need tweaking out of the box

75HZ to 100Hz Gaming Monitors

Not everyone needs a high refresh rate for gaming. If you play casual single-player games, work on creative projects, or use your PC for everyday tasks, a 75Hz to 100Hz monitor might be the best choice. These monitors tend to have better color accuracy (often using IPS panels) and work great for games like RPGs, strategy games, and even console gaming, where frame rates rarely exceed 60 FPS.

1. Sceptre E248W-19203R

List Price: $108.38

Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4cpSsAr (Amazon)

The Sceptre E248W-19203R is an excellent budget-friendly 75Hz monitor, offering a slightly smoother experience than a traditional 60Hz display. With its ultra-slim metallic design and thin bezels, it’s perfect for gaming, office work, and media consumption. While it doesn’t have the fastest response time compared to gaming-focused IPS panels, the higher refresh rate and decent VA panel make it a great option for casual gaming and everyday use. The dual HDMI ports allow easy switching between devices like a PC, laptop, or gaming console, and the built-in speakers provide basic audio without needing external ones.

Pros:

  • 75Hz refresh rate for a smoother experience

  • Sleek metallic design with thin bezels

  • Multiple connectivity options (2x HDMI, DisplayPort)

  • Built-in speakers for basic audio

Cons:

  • VA panel may have slightly slower response times than IPS

  • No FreeSync or G-Sync support

2. Koorui 22-inch

List Price: $109.99

Check it out here: https://amzn.to/4cpTAEb (Amazon)

The Koorui 22-Inch E2212F is a great choice for gamers who want a faster refresh rate than standard 60Hz/75Hz monitors without breaking the bank. With a 100Hz refresh rate and a 5ms response time, it provides a smoother experience in FPS and action games, reducing screen tearing and lag thanks to Adaptive Sync technology. The VA panel delivers deeper blacks and higher contrast (3000:1) compared to TN and IPS monitors in this price range, making it an excellent option for gaming and watching movies. The compact 22-inch size is perfect for small desks or multi-monitor setups, and its tilt adjustment (-5° to 20°) ensures comfortable viewing angles.

Pros:

  • 100Hz refresh rate for a smoother experience

  • Adaptive Sync reduces screen tearing

  • High contrast VA panel for deep blacks and vibrant visuals

  • Compact and VESA mount compatible

Cons:

  • 22-inch size may feel small for some users

  • VA panels can have slower response times than IPS

3. Sansui Monitor

List Price: $129.99

Check it out here: https://amzn.to/42dvW9j (Amazon)

The Sansui 23.8” monitor combines a high refresh rate (100Hz) with an IPS panel, delivering smooth gameplay and vibrant colors. With 110% sRGB coverage, this monitor is ideal for gaming, office work, and media consumption. The wide 178° viewing angles ensure consistent image quality from different positions, and low blue light & anti-flicker tech help reduce eye strain during long sessions. The V-shaped metal stand offers a sleek, modern look while saving desk space, and it supports tilt adjustments (-5° to 15°) for comfortable viewing. While it lacks built-in speakers and an earphone jack, it’s a strong budget option with VESA mount compatibility for flexible setups.

Pros:

  • 100Hz refresh rate for smooth motion

  • IPS panel with wide viewing angles & vibrant colors

  • Anti-glare & low blue light features for eye comfort

  • VESA mountable & space-saving stand

Cons:

  • No built-in speakers or audio jack

  • Slightly lower brightness (250 nits)

Final THoughts

Choosing the right budget gaming monitor depends on your gaming needs and priorities. If you want the fastest refresh rates for competitive gaming, the 144Hz category is the best option, offering ultra-smooth gameplay and reduced motion blur. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with good visuals and decent refresh rates, the 60Hz–100Hz monitors provide a solid balance for casual gamers and everyday use.

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