A good monitor doesn’t have to break the bank. With technology advancing rapidly, budget-friendly monitors now offer impressive features that were once only available in expensive models.
Finding a quality monitor under $150 means getting the best value for your money without sacrificing the viewing experience you need.
When shopping for a budget monitor, pay attention to a few key factors.
Screen size, resolution, and panel type will greatly impact your experience. Most monitors under $150 offer 1080p resolution, which is perfectly adequate for everyday use.
You’ll also want to consider refresh rate, especially if you plan to use the monitor for gaming or watching action-packed videos.
We tested dozens of affordable monitors to find options that deliver crisp images, decent color accuracy, and solid build quality without exceeding our $150 budget. The Acer SB220Q emerged as our top pick, offering an IPS panel with vibrant colors and wide viewing angles that’s hard to beat at this price point.
Looking for a quick recommendation? The Acer SB220Q offers excellent performance for everyday use, with an IPS panel and ultra-thin design that makes it look more expensive than it is.
Contents
Best Monitors Under $150
We’ve searched high and low to find the most affordable yet quality monitors that won’t break the bank. Our list features screens with good resolution, decent refresh rates, and reliable performance for everyday use.
Whether you need a display for work, casual browsing, or light gaming, these budget-friendly options deliver surprising value without the premium price tag.
Philips 22″ FHD Monitor
The Philips 221V8LB delivers exceptional value for under $150 with its crisp Full HD display and smooth 100Hz refresh rate perfect for both work and casual gaming.
Pros
- Crystal clear Full HD picture with vivid colors
- Smooth 100Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync
- Eye-friendly with LowBlue Mode and flicker-free technology
Cons
- Limited adjustability options
- Single HDMI port may not be enough for some users
- Stand design is basic compared to higher-end models
We recently tested the Philips 221V8LB and were immediately impressed by its visual performance.
The 1920×1080 resolution on this 21.5-inch VA panel produces deep blacks and bright whites that make everything from spreadsheets to streaming videos look fantastic. Colors pop without appearing unnatural, and the wide 178-degree viewing angles mean the image stays consistent even when viewing from the side.
The 100Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference compared to standard 60Hz monitors in this price range. When scrolling through documents or websites, everything feels smoother.
Gaming performance exceeded our expectations too. The Adaptive-Sync technology eliminated screen tearing during fast-paced action games, and response times felt quick enough for casual gaming sessions.
Setting up the monitor was straightforward. The package includes everything needed to get started, including both HDMI and VGA cables.
The on-screen menu system is intuitive to navigate, with easy access to picture settings and special features. We particularly appreciated the LowBlue Mode after long work sessions – our eyes definitely felt less strained compared to older monitors.
The slim-bezel design gives this budget monitor a more premium look than its price suggests. While the stand doesn’t offer height adjustment, the tilt function provides enough flexibility for comfortable viewing.
Build quality feels solid despite the lightweight construction, and we’re impressed by Philips’ 4-year warranty that adds significant value to the package.
AOC 22″ Full HD Monitor
The AOC 22B2HM2 is an exceptional budget-friendly monitor that delivers remarkable performance and vibrant visuals perfect for everyday use at a price that won’t break the bank.
Pros
- Smooth 100Hz refresh rate eliminates stuttering
- Vibrant color reproduction with HDR Ready capability
- Energy efficient with only 13W power consumption in eco mode
Cons
- Limited height adjustment options
- Control buttons awkwardly positioned underneath
- No built-in speakers
We recently got our hands on this AOC monitor, and it’s truly impressive what they’ve packed into this sub-$150 display.
The 21.5-inch VA panel offers deep blacks and vibrant colors that make everything from documents to videos pop. The 100Hz refresh rate via HDMI is a standout feature at this price point, making scrolling and light gaming noticeably smoother than standard 60Hz monitors.
Setup was a breeze – just attach the base to the stand, and you’re ready to go. The slim bezels give it a modern look that fits well in any workspace.
While testing, we appreciated the wide 178° viewing angles that let us see clear images even when not sitting directly in front.
The HDR Ready capability adds extra depth to compatible content, though don’t expect the full HDR experience of premium monitors. We found the Adaptive Sync technology really helps eliminate screen tearing when watching fast-moving content or playing casual games.
One thing we noticed during our evening use was how effective the Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free technologies are at reducing eye strain. After several hours of work, our eyes felt less tired than with older monitors.
The tilt adjustment is adequate, though we wish it had height adjustment too.
Connectivity is basic but sufficient with one HDMI and one VGA port. The earphone out jack is a thoughtful addition since there are no built-in speakers.
For users concerned about power consumption, the eco-mode’s 13W usage is impressively efficient.
Sceptre 20″ LED Monitor
The Sceptre E205W-16003R offers excellent value with its decent display quality, multiple connectivity options, and built-in speakers at a budget-friendly price under $150.
Pros
- Sharp 1600×900 resolution with good color reproduction
- Multiple connection options (HDMI, VGA, DVI)
- Ultra-thin design saves desk space
Cons
- Built-in speakers sound a bit tinny
- Not ideal for professional design work
- Stand lacks height adjustment
We tested this Sceptre monitor for about two weeks in various setups. For the price point, we were surprised by the display quality.
Colors look vibrant and the 1600×900 resolution provides decent clarity for everyday tasks like browsing, document work, and casual video watching.
The 5ms response time handled most video content well. We noticed minimal blurring during fast-paced action scenes in movies. While it’s not marketed as a gaming monitor, we found it perfectly adequate for casual gaming sessions. The 75Hz refresh rate gives it a slight edge over standard 60Hz monitors in this price range.
Connectivity is a strong point with this monitor. The two HDMI ports made it easy to hook up multiple devices without constantly swapping cables. We connected both a laptop and gaming console simultaneously.
The built-in speakers save space but don’t expect impressive audio quality – they’re functional but basic.
Setting up the monitor took just minutes. The stand assembled easily, though we wish it offered height adjustment. The on-screen menu system is straightforward once you get used to the button layout along the bottom edge.
At just 4.43 pounds, the monitor feels lightweight but not flimsy. The thin bezels give it a more premium look than you might expect at this price point. VESA mount compatibility (75mm x 75mm) provides flexibility if you prefer a wall mount or monitor arm setup.
CRUA 27″ Curved Gaming Monitor
This curved gaming monitor offers exceptional value with its 180Hz refresh rate, immersive 1800R curvature, and vibrant color display for under $150.
Pros
- Fast 180Hz refresh rate with FreeSync for smooth gaming
- Immersive 1800R curved screen with comfortable viewing angles
- Rich color reproduction with 120% sRGB coverage
Cons
- Build quality feels adequate but not premium
- HDR performance is underwhelming
- Limited adjustability options beyond tilt
We recently spent time testing the CRUA 27″ curved monitor, and it delivers impressive performance for its price point.
The 180Hz refresh rate is a standout feature that makes gaming feel incredibly responsive. Fast-paced titles run buttery smooth with almost no motion blur, and the FreeSync technology eliminates screen tearing completely.
The curved display creates a more natural viewing experience than flat panels. We noticed less eye strain during extended gaming sessions, which makes sense given the monitor’s flicker-free technology and blue light filter. The 1800R curvature pulls you into games and movies by filling more of your peripheral vision.
Color reproduction exceeded our expectations at this price point. The 120% sRGB coverage means vibrant, accurate colors that pop on screen. Movies and games look rich and detailed, though professional designers might still want something higher-end.
The 250 cd/m² brightness works well in most rooms, but you’ll want to avoid direct sunlight.
Connectivity options are practical and versatile. The monitor includes both HDMI (supporting up to 120Hz) and DisplayPort (for the full 180Hz experience). We easily connected it to both a gaming PC and console without issues.
The thin bezels give it a modern look, and while the V-shaped stand isn’t the most adjustable, it provides adequate stability for everyday use.
Viewedge 27″ Gaming Monitor
This budget-friendly 27-inch gaming monitor delivers impressive performance with its 180Hz refresh rate and vibrant display quality at a price that won’t break the bank.
Pros
- Super smooth 180Hz refresh rate with 1ms response time
- Excellent color reproduction with 110% sRGB and HDR10
- Eye protection features reduce strain during long sessions
Cons
- Built-in speakers are basic at best
- Stand has limited adjustment options
- No USB ports for connectivity
We recently tested the Viewedge 27-inch gaming monitor and were pleasantly surprised by its value. The crisp 1080p resolution on the IPS panel provides vivid colors and wide viewing angles.
Text appears sharp, and games look fantastic with rich, accurate colors.
The 180Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for fast-paced action. Playing shooters like Valorant, we noticed significantly smoother motion compared to standard 60Hz displays.
The 1ms response time eliminated motion blur during rapid movements. AMD FreeSync technology also prevented screen tearing, creating a seamless visual experience.
Setting up the monitor was straightforward with the included HDMI cable. The on-screen menu is intuitive to navigate, making it easy to adjust settings.
We appreciate the eye protection features – after several hours of use, we experienced noticeably less eye fatigue than with other monitors.
For connectivity, you get HDMI and DisplayPort options.
The built-in speakers work in a pinch but lack bass and volume. Most users will want to connect external speakers or headphones for better audio quality.
The monitor’s slim bezels give it a modern look on any desk. While the stand is stable, it offers limited adjustability – just basic tilt functionality.
For better positioning, you might want to use the VESA mount compatibility with a separate monitor arm.
At under $150, we found this monitor offers excellent value. It delivers performance that rivals more expensive models while providing essential features for both gaming and everyday use.
Buying Guide
Finding the best monitor under $150 doesn’t have to be challenging. We’ve put together this guide to help you make a smart choice without breaking the bank.
Screen Size
Screen size matters when choosing a monitor. Most affordable options range from 21 to 27 inches.
Tip: Measure your desk space before buying! A 24-inch monitor is usually the sweet spot for most users.
Resolution
Resolution determines how sharp your images look. For monitors under $150, look for these options:
- 1080p (1920 x 1080) – Good for most users
- 1440p (2560 x 1440) – Better quality but rare in this price range
Panel Type
The panel type affects color quality and viewing angles. There are three main types:
| Panel Type | Pros | Cons |
| TN | Fast response times, cheapest | Poor viewing angles, worse colors |
| IPS | Best colors, wide viewing angles | Higher price, slower response |
| VA | Good contrast, decent colors | Some motion blur |
Refresh Rate
Refresh rate is how many times per second your screen updates. For basic use, 60Hz is fine. Gamers might want 75Hz, which can sometimes be found under $150.
Connectivity
Make sure the monitor has the right ports for your computer. Look for HDMI for most modern setups. VGA is older but still common in budget monitors.
Extra Features
Some budget-friendly monitors include nice extras:
- Built-in speakers
- Adjustable stands
- Eye-care technology
- VESA mount compatibility