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You want a cheap monitor for PC that actually looks good and feels smooth. The problem is that a low price often comes with a blurry 60Hz (60 refreshes per second) panel, terrible built-in speakers, or washed-out colors. The good news: you do not need to spend a lot to get a sharp, reliable, everyday monitor. Every pick here hits 1080p (Full High Definition, or 1920 x 1080 pixels), most hit at least 100Hz (100 refreshes per second), and all keep the cost sensible.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you are building a budget gaming rig, setting up a home office, or just want a cheap monitor for pc that actually delivers, these seven options give you real value without a big price tag.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Cheap Monitor For PC
When your budget is tight, you need to focus on what matters most. Here are the three specs to prioritize for an affordable monitor that will not let you down.
Refresh Rate: How Smooth the Image Looks
Measured in hertz (Hz, or refreshes per second), this number tells you how many times per second your screen redraws the image. A standard 60Hz monitor (60 refreshes per second) feels sluggish when you drag windows or play a fast game. Jumping to 100Hz or 144Hz makes everything—scrolling documents, aiming in a shooter—feel much smoother and more responsive. It is the single biggest upgrade you can feel for the money.
Panel Type: How Colors and Contrast Look
Most budget monitors use a VA (Vertical Alignment, which shows deeper blacks) or IPS (In-Plane Switching, which shows better color from side angles) panel. VA panels offer better contrast (deeper blacks) for movies in a dark room. IPS panels give wider viewing angles and more consistent color from any seat, making them better for sharing your screen or color-sensitive work. Avoid older TN (Twisted Nematic) panels if you care about color.
Connectivity: What You Need to Plug In
Check what your PC or laptop outputs. Most modern setups use HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface, for video and audio), but older systems may need a VGA (Video Graphics Array, an older analog connector) port. A DisplayPort (a high-bandwidth PC connection) is useful for reaching higher refresh rates. If you plan to use an external arm, look for VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) mount compatibility—it is the standard screw-hole pattern on the back of the monitor.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Refresh Rate | Panel Type | Contrast Ratio | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sceptre E248W★ Best Overall | Budget gaming | 100Hz | VA | — | Amazon |
| Amazon Basics C24M2020DNABest Office Value | Office work | 100Hz | IPS | 2000:1 | Amazon |
| MSI PRO MP243L | Competitive gaming | 144Hz | IPS | 1500:1 | Amazon |
| Dell SE2426H | Simple plug-and-play | 144Hz | IPS | 1000:1 | Amazon |
| Samsung LS24F320GANXZA | Eye comfort | 120Hz | IPS | 1000:1 | Amazon |
| LG 24G411A-B | Console gaming | 144Hz (O/C) | IPS | 1500:1 | Amazon |
| Dell S2425HSM | Full ergonomics | 144Hz | LCD | 1500:1 | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Sceptre 24-inch Prime Monitor (E248W-19203R)
The crowd favorite that proves a cheap monitor can still look great.
By far the most-reviewed monitor in this roundup, the Sceptre has won over tens of thousands of owners by keeping the price entry-level while delivering a real VA (Vertical Alignment) panel with 99% sRGB (standard Red Green Blue color space) coverage. What wins people over is the picture quality, which regularly surprises buyers who just wanted the cheapest option. As one buyer put it: “bought it cuz it was the cheaper option and i was quite surprised at its quality.” This means colors look vivid and natural for everyday use.
The 100Hz (100 refreshes per second) refresh rate gives you a visible upgrade over standard 60Hz monitors, making desktop animations and casual gaming feel fluid. It has two HDMI ports (for video from modern devices), a VGA port (for older PCs and projectors), and built-in speakers for video calls and system sounds—so your cursor glides smoothly and you hear alerts without extra gear. The VA panel delivers decent color and contrast for the price, and the Blue Light Shift mode is a nice addition for long work sessions. The stand only tilts, and the speakers handle voices fine but have no real bass, so skip music listening.
Real-world match: This is the classic “good enough for most” pick. It handles gaming at 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) well, looks good on a desk, and is backed by a massive number of happy owners.
Reach for this if: You want a proven, popular cheap monitor that is a known quantity for gaming and general use.
Think twice if: The built-in speakers matter for music—they are tinny. Anyone needing full ergonomic adjustments (height, pivot, swivel) should look for a model with a better stand, like the Dell S2425HSM.
2. Amazon Basics 24 Inch (23.8 inch viewable) Monitor
An IPS panel with 2000:1 contrast—an unusual combo at this price.
This Amazon Basics monitor leans hard into office productivity. Its 23.8-inch IPS (In-Plane Switching) screen delivers 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution with a very strong 2000:1 contrast ratio (the brightness of white to black)—noticeably deeper blacks than the 1500:1 of the Sceptre or MSI, so dark spreadsheets or movies look richer. The matte finish cuts glare effectively during long workdays, a feature owners frequently praise. It hits a max of 100Hz (100 refreshes per second), enough to make Windows feel snappy, and includes built-in speakers that one buyer described as having “clear sound.”
Connectivity is solid with HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort inputs (allowing you to plug into almost any PC). The stand tilts but does not adjust height, and some owners note that the unit can lean forward on a desk without a little DIY shimming. It is also VESA (100mm x 100mm) compatible, meaning you can easily mount it on an arm. One reviewer noted “Great size and picture quality for the price,” summarizing the value. A 4-port USB hub is also part of the package, letting you plug in a keyboard and mouse directly—a rare bonus at this level.
Where it delivers
- IPS panel with exceptional 2000:1 contrast ratio
- Matte screen for less glare in bright rooms
- Includes HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, and a USB hub
The trade-offs
- Stand can lean forward; some owners needed shims
- No height adjustment built into the stand
Right for you if: Office work is your main use case—the high 2000:1 contrast and matte screen make this the most comfortable of the group for spreadsheets and writing.
Look elsewhere if: You need a fully adjustable stand or are building a fast-paced competitive gaming setup—the 100Hz refresh is slower than the 144Hz MSI PRO MP243L.
3. MSI PRO MP243L E14 24-inch IPS Monitor
144Hz fluidity plus IPS color—the best combo for the price-conscious gamer.
The MSI PRO MP243L is the fastest monitor in this list at a very competitive price. Its 144Hz (144 refreshes per second) refresh rate is faster than the 100Hz Sceptre and Amazon Basics, so fast-moving objects like enemies in a shooter stay crisp and blur-free. When matched with a 1ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time, the time a pixel takes to change) and FreeSync (adaptive sync for screen-tear-free gaming), it delivers motion clarity that makes a real difference in competitive shooters and racing games. The IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel covers 102% of the sRGB color gamut (vs 99% on the Sceptre), offering a touch more vibrancy in photos and games.
This monitor is a unique find for niche users—one owner reported it is a “Perfect monitor for 12v EmComm Powered Ham Stations,” praising its ability to run on native 12V power for ham radio solar backup. For everyone else, the 4-side slim bezel design makes multi-monitor setups look clean, and VESA 100x100mm mount compatibility is standard. The built-in Eye-Q Check is a small tool for assessing your vision health. The only catch: no DisplayPort, which means PC users are limited to HDMI and VGA, and some units have arrived with a small cosmetic nick in the screen bezel.
Fastest in class: The 144Hz refresh rate is the standout feature, making cursor navigation feel instantly more responsive and gameplay silky smooth.
Best for: Gamers on a strict budget who want the biggest performance jump in responsiveness over the 100Hz Sceptre.
Not for you if: A missing DisplayPort is a dealbreaker or you need a monitor with height adjustment right from the start.
4. Dell 24 Monitor SE2426H
A no-frills Dell that does the basics better than most of the competition.
Dell brings its reputation for quality to the budget shelf with the SE2426H. This 23.8-inch IPS (In-Plane Switching) monitor runs at a smooth 144Hz (144 refreshes per second) with a 1ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time), making it a strong contender for both work and casual gaming. The 300 cd/m² (candelas per square meter, a measure of screen brightness) is higher than most competitors at this level, so the screen stays readable in brighter rooms. It also carries a TÜV Rheinland 3-star certification for reduced blue light (a German standard for eye safety), which helps you work longer without eye discomfort.
Owners love the “great color and crisp picture,” calling it the perfect size for a home office desk—one buyer mentioned it is one of the clearest and easiest to set up. The ultra-thin bezels give it a modern look, and the stand is tilt-adjustable. It only has two HDMI ports—no VGA, no DisplayPort—so it is designed for modern gear. The 1000:1 contrast ratio is lower than the MSI’s 1500:1 or the Amazon Basics’ 2000:1, meaning blacks are not as deep in dark scenes.
Plug and play: If you want a 144Hz monitor from a trusted brand that works the second you hook it up, this is your monitor.
Reach for this if: You want a simple, high-refresh-rate monitor for work or gaming without dealing with any complex settings menus.
Think twice if: You need VGA or DisplayPort, or you value deep contrast over color accuracy—the 1000:1 ratio is noticeably lower than the Amazon Basics’ 2000:1.
5. Samsung 24″ S3 (LS24F320GANXZA)
Samsung’s slim design meets a 120Hz IPS panel for just over entry-level money.
The Samsung S3 series brings a bit of style to the budget aisle. The “super slim design” with ultra-thin border bezels looks more premium than its price suggests, and the IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel delivers bright, clear colors that owners call “razor-sharp.” The 120Hz (120 refreshes per second) refresh rate sits between the 100Hz and 144Hz options—it is smooth enough for fast-paced gaming but keeps the cost lower than the 144Hz MSI or Dell. It is compatible with both FreeSync (AMD’s adaptive sync) and G-Sync (Nvidia’s adaptive sync), meaning it works with a wide range of graphics cards to stop screen tearing.
An Eye Saver Mode and Flicker-Free technology (a feature that reduces screen flicker) make it a strong candidate for home office use, which is exactly what buyers report—they frequently praise it as “perfect for a home office.” The main downside is that brightness adjustment controls are a bit finicky through the menu system (requiring a hard press on the power button), and there is no height adjustment. Also, the color gamut is rated at 72% of sRGB (the standard color space)—noticeably lower than the 99% on the Sceptre or MSI—so colors are fine for general use but not ideal for photo editing.
Why it stands out
- Sleek, ultra-slim design with very small bezels
- 120Hz refresh rate is a balance for smoothness
- Compatible with both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync
The small stuff
- No height adjustment on the stand
- 72% color gamut is lower than many competitors
Best for: Someone who wants a modern-looking monitor for office or general use and values a clean desk aesthetic over color accuracy.
Not for: Photo editors or anyone needing a wide color gamut for creative work—the 72% sRGB is far below the 99% on the Sceptre.
6. LG 24G411A-B 24-inch Ultragear IPS Gaming Monitor
A 120Hz native that overclocks to 144Hz—specifically tuned for PS5 and Xbox.
The LG Ultragear 24G411A-B is the console gamer’s best friend. It runs at a native 120Hz (120 refreshes per second), which is exactly what a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X pushes, and can be overclocked to 144Hz for a PC gaming boost. The 1ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) keeps fast-moving action crisp, so your racing games have no blur. The IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel covers 99% sRGB (standard color space) with HDR10 (High Dynamic Range 10, a format for richer colors) support. Owners consistently praise its price-performance ratio and its compatibility with the PS5, noting that game graphics and resolution at 120Hz look “excellent for the price.”
It packs both DisplayPort and HDMI inputs—a flexible mix—and the slim stand has a clean, floating look. The Black Stabilizer mode brightens dark corners in competitive games, and the Dynamic Action Sync reduces input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action). The recurring grip is the stand, which some owners find a bit flimsy and prone to jiggling. Brightness is also average at 250 cd/m² (candelas per square meter), and the color profile benefits from a quick manual calibration from the start. Still, for the balance of speed and price, the LG is a legit contender for console use.
Console-ready: The 120Hz native plus HDMI combo makes it a plug-and-play upgrade if you are moving from a standard TV to a dedicated monitor.
Reach for this if: A PS5 or Xbox Series X is your primary gaming machine and you want smooth, tear-free 120fps (frames per second) gameplay.
Think twice if: Monitor stability matters—you will likely want a VESA (100mm x 100mm) arm to replace the included stand.
7. Dell 24 Plus Monitor S2425HSM
The fully adjustable stand and actual speakers make this the best all-rounder for a home office.
This is the most expensive monitor in the list by a small margin, but the extra money translates directly into features you can feel. The Dell S2425HSM comes with a full ergonomic stand—height, tilt, pivot, and swivel—so you can get the screen exactly where your neck wants it, unlike the Sceptre or Samsung which only tilt. The dual 3W (watt) speakers are a major step up from the tinny single speakers on other models, delivering what one owner described as “better than anything I’ve heard out of a normal monitor.” It also carries a TÜV 4-star eye comfort certification (a German standard for reduced blue light), which helps with all-day work.
The 144Hz (144 refreshes per second) refresh rate and 1ms MPRT keep the experience fluid, and the 1500:1 contrast ratio makes images pop. The FHD (Full High Definition, 1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution and crisp color clarity get high marks from owners who call it “easy on the eyes” and “great quality.” Connectivity is limited to two HDMI ports—no DisplayPort or USB-C—which some buyers noted as a missing feature. A few also mentioned that text can appear slightly pixelated, though a software tool like BetterDisplay can help. If you prioritize comfort and sound, this is the premium pick that justifies itself.
Where it shines
- Full ergonomic stand (height, tilt, pivot, swivel)
- Dual 3W speakers with real audio quality
- TÜV 4-star low blue light certification
What it lacks
- No DisplayPort or USB-C inputs
- Some text can look slightly pixelated at default settings
Best for: A home office setup where you spend all day in front of the screen and want the best ergonomics and sound package over the cheaper Sceptre or Samsung.
Not for: PC gamers who need a DisplayPort for their graphics card or anyone on a bare-minimum budget.
Understanding the Specs
Refresh Rate (Hz)
This spec tells you how many times per second your screen redraws the image. A 60Hz (60 refreshes per second) monitor updates 60 times a second. Jumping to 144Hz means the screen updates 144 times a second, making everything from mouse cursor movement to fast-paced car chases look much smoother and more responsive. For a cheap PC monitor, aiming for at least 100Hz is a great way to get a noticeable daily upgrade.
Panel Type (IPS vs VA)
Two common panel types dominate the budget market. IPS (In-Plane Switching) offers better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, so you can stand to the side and still see the same colors. VA (Vertical Alignment) offers a higher contrast ratio, meaning deeper blacks, which is better for watching movies in a darker room. Neither is wrong; it just depends on whether you prioritize color vibrancy or shadow detail.
FAQ
Can I use a 144Hz monitor with a standard laptop?
Are built-in monitor speakers good enough for gaming?
What is the difference between FHD and 1080p?
Will a cheap monitor work with a PS5 or Xbox Series X?
What does VESA mountable mean?
How long should a budget PC monitor last?
Can I use a cheap gaming monitor for photo editing?
Is it worth getting a monitor with FreeSync?
What is the ideal screen size for a cheap PC monitor?
Does 1ms response time matter for non-gamers?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the cheap monitor for pc winner is the Sceptre 24-inch Prime Monitor because it delivers excellent 99% sRGB color, a smooth 100Hz refresh rate, and the backing of tens of thousands of satisfied owners at a price that is tough to top. If you want the smoothest possible motion for competitive gaming, grab the MSI PRO MP243L for its 144Hz performance. And for all-day home office use with the best ergonomics and speakers, the Dell S2425HSM is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, The Tools Trunk earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.