A good monitor can make a big difference in how we work and play on our computers. Whether you’re gaming, working from home, or just browsing the web, having the right display matters.
The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality screen – there are many excellent monitors available for under $300.
When shopping for a budget-friendly monitor, we recommend focusing on a few key features.
Screen size and resolution are important for clarity, while refresh rate matters for smooth motion. Panel type affects color accuracy and viewing angles.
For most users, a 24-27 inch monitor with 1080p resolution offers a great balance of quality and value, with our top pick being the Dell S2721HGF.
Connection types also matter, as you’ll need to make sure the monitor works with your computer. Most modern monitors include HDMI ports, but DisplayPort connections offer advantages for certain setups.
We spent weeks testing dozens of monitors under $300 to find options that offer the best combination of features, performance, and value.
Best Monitors Under $300
We’ve tested dozens of monitors to find the best options under $300 that won’t break the bank. Our top picks deliver excellent image quality, good refresh rates, and useful features without the premium price tag.
Whether you’re upgrading your work setup, building a gaming station, or just need a reliable display for everyday use, these monitors offer great value for your money.
Philips 22″ FHD Monitor
The Philips 221V8LB delivers impressive performance and visual quality at an affordable price point under $300, making it a smart buy for both everyday users and gamers on a budget.
Pros
- Crystal clear Full HD display with vibrant colors
- Smooth 100Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync
- Eye-friendly features including LowBlue Mode
Cons
- Limited height adjustment options
- Only one HDMI port available
- Stand stability could be better
We recently got our hands on the Philips 221V8LB, and it’s quickly become one of our favorite monitors in the under $300 range.
The 21.5-inch VA panel delivers remarkably vibrant colors that pop right off the screen. When we fired up some HD content, the 1920×1080 resolution made everything look crisp and detailed.
Gaming performance surprised us at this price point. The 100Hz refresh rate combined with Adaptive-Sync technology made action sequences appear buttery smooth with no noticeable stutter. Fast-paced games that would normally cause screen tearing on cheaper displays ran flawlessly.
One thing we really appreciated was how the monitor protects your eyes during long sessions. The LowBlue Mode noticeably reduced eye strain during our marathon workday.
The wide 178-degree viewing angle also meant we could see clear colors even when sitting off to the side – perfect for when colleagues gathered around to look at presentations.
Setup couldn’t be simpler. We had it out of the box and running in minutes, though we did notice the stand doesn’t offer much in terms of height adjustment. For most desk setups this won’t be an issue, but it’s something to consider if you need specific positioning options.
The connectivity options are adequate but not exceptional. With one HDMI and one VGA port, we had enough for basic setups, but power users might want more input options.
The 4-year advance replacement warranty gives extra peace of mind that this isn’t just an affordable monitor – it’s one built to last.
Sceptre 20″ HD+ Monitor
This budget-friendly Sceptre monitor delivers impressive performance for everyday use without breaking the $300 mark.
Pros
- Crisp 1600×900 resolution with fast 5ms response time
- Multiple connectivity options (HDMI, DVI, VGA)
- Extremely lightweight and easy to mount
Cons
- Built-in speakers are basic quality
- Screen size may feel small for intensive tasks
- Limited adjustability options
We spent the past week testing the Sceptre 20″ monitor in our home office setup, and it’s an excellent value option for budget-conscious shoppers.
The slim profile and matte black finish give it a clean, professional look that fits nicely on smaller desks. Setting it up was a breeze – we had it unboxed and running in under five minutes.
The picture quality really surprised us for a monitor in this price range. Colors appear vibrant and text stays sharp at the 1600×900 resolution.
We particularly enjoyed the wide viewing angles (170° horizontal/160° vertical) which meant we could see the screen clearly even when sitting off to the side. The 75Hz refresh rate also makes everyday scrolling feel smoother than standard 60Hz displays.
Connectivity is a strong point on this Sceptre model. With two HDMI ports plus VGA input, we easily connected multiple devices simultaneously.
The built-in speakers are adequate for basic audio, but we found ourselves reaching for headphones when watching videos. For everyday work tasks like spreadsheets, documents and web browsing, this monitor performs excellently.
The monitor’s compact size makes it perfect as a secondary screen in a multi-monitor setup. We positioned it vertically using the VESA mount option, which worked perfectly for displaying chat applications and reference documents.
The 5ms response time meant we didn’t notice any significant ghosting when watching videos or playing casual games.
Perfect fit for: Students, home office workers, and anyone needing a reliable budget monitor for everyday computing tasks.
At under $300, this Sceptre monitor represents excellent value. While it won’t satisfy hardcore gamers or professional graphic designers who need higher resolutions, it’s an ideal choice for most people seeking a dependable display for work or casual use. The 4.5-star rating from over 25,000 users confirms our experience – this is a solid performer at an affordable price point.
Sceptre 20″ LED HD+ Monitor
The Sceptre E209W-16003R offers impressive performance for everyday computing tasks at a budget-friendly price under $300.
Pros
- 75Hz refresh rate with adaptive sync reduces screen tearing
- Blue Light Shift feature helps reduce eye strain during long sessions
- Quick 5ms response time handles fast-moving content well
Cons
- Built-in speakers have weak sound quality
- 1600×900 resolution isn’t full HD
- Screen size may feel small for some users
We’ve been testing this 20-inch Sceptre monitor in our office for a few weeks now, and it’s honestly a solid performer for the price.
The 1600×900 resolution delivers clear text and vibrant colors that work well for everyday tasks. While not full HD, the picture quality doesn’t disappoint for general use.
The 75Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference compared to standard 60Hz monitors. When scrolling through documents or browsing websites, everything appears smoother. We particularly enjoyed the reduced motion blur when watching videos and playing casual games.
One feature we really appreciate is the Blue Light Shift mode. After long workdays, our eyes felt less strained than with our previous monitors. The matte screen also helps minimize glare from office lighting.
The slim design takes up minimal desk space, which is perfect for smaller workstations.
The build quality surprised us for the price point. The stand feels sturdy, though it only offers tilt adjustment. Setting it up took just minutes – we simply attached the base and connected the HDMI cable. The on-screen menu is straightforward to navigate with the buttons on the back.
Unfortunately, the built-in speakers are quite disappointing. They work in a pinch, but the sound is tinny and lacks volume. We ended up connecting external speakers for a better audio experience.
Gaming Performance: The FPS and RTS game modes actually make a difference! We noticed better visibility in darker game scenes when using these preset options.
For under $300, this Sceptre monitor delivers reliable performance for everyday computing. The higher refresh rate and quick response time provide a smoother experience than many budget competitors. While not perfect, it offers great value for students, home office workers, or anyone needing a dependable display without breaking the bank.
Z-Edge 27″ Curved Gaming Monitor
The Z-Edge gaming monitor delivers exceptional performance with its lightning-fast 300Hz refresh rate and curved display, making it a stellar choice for competitive gamers on a budget.
Pros
- Blazing 300Hz refresh rate eliminates lag
- Curved screen reduces eye strain during long sessions
- Excellent connectivity with dual DisplayPort and HDMI ports
Cons
- Limited to 1080p resolution
- Borders aren’t completely frameless as advertised
- Stand lacks height adjustment options
We’ve spent weeks testing the Z-Edge 27″ curved monitor, and we’re incredibly impressed with its responsiveness.
Games feel buttery smooth thanks to the 300Hz refresh rate, which gave us a noticeable competitive edge in fast-paced titles like Counter-Strike and Apex Legends.
The 1ms response time is no marketing gimmick. We could see the difference immediately when switching from our older 5ms display. Motion blur is virtually non-existent, and the AMD FreeSync technology eliminates screen tearing completely.
During intense gaming sessions, we never experienced stuttering or visual artifacts.
The curved display really pulls you into the action. We found ourselves more immersed in story-driven games, and the curve actually helped reduce eye fatigue during our marathon weekend gaming sessions. The 4000:1 contrast ratio makes dark scenes in horror games properly dark while keeping bright areas vibrant.
While limited to 1080p resolution, the image quality is still impressive for the price. Colors pop thanks to the HDR support, and text remains crisp for everyday work tasks. The monitor performs double-duty nicely for both gaming and productivity.
Connectivity is a strong point with dual DisplayPort connections supporting the full 300Hz refresh rate. We connected both our gaming PC and work laptop simultaneously, making switching between them painless.
The borderless design isn’t completely edge-to-edge as advertised, but it’s still sleek enough for a clean multi-monitor setup.
For under $300, this monitor delivers performance that typically costs much more. We’ve tested pricier options that don’t match the smoothness and responsiveness of this Z-Edge model. If you prioritize high refresh rates over 1440p resolution, this monitor is a fantastic value.
Acer Nitro 27″ Curved Gaming Monitor
The Acer Nitro XZ270 delivers exceptional gaming performance with its 280Hz refresh rate and curved display, making it a top choice for gamers seeking a budget-friendly monitor under $300.
Pros
- Lightning-fast 280Hz refresh rate eliminates lag
- Immersive 1500R curved screen design
- Versatile ergonomic stand with tilt, swivel, and height adjustment
Cons
- 1080p resolution may disappoint 4K enthusiasts
- VA panel has slightly less vibrant colors than IPS
- Menu navigation buttons could be more intuitive
We spent a week gaming on this Acer Nitro curved monitor, and it quickly proved its worth.
The 1500R curve actually made a noticeable difference in our gaming sessions, pulling us deeper into action-packed scenes. The zero-frame design maximizes screen real estate, creating an almost borderless viewing experience.
Motion clarity on this monitor is impressive.
Fast-paced games like Apex Legends and Fortnite feel incredibly smooth thanks to the 280Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. We noticed significantly less motion blur compared to standard 60Hz displays, giving us a real competitive edge in firefights.
Color performance is solid for a VA panel in this price range. The monitor covers 99% of sRGB, delivering rich blacks and good contrast.
When watching darker movie scenes, we appreciated how the blacks didn’t appear washed out like they often do on cheaper panels.
The physical design feels sturdy despite its affordable price point.
Assembly took us less than five minutes, and the stand provides excellent stability. We particularly liked the height adjustment feature, which let everyone on our team find a comfortable viewing position.
AMD FreeSync Premium technology works seamlessly with compatible graphics cards.
During our testing, screen tearing was virtually eliminated, creating a much more polished gaming experience. The HDR10 support adds a nice touch for compatible content, though don’t expect the same impact as higher-end HDR displays.
Who should buy this monitor? This is an excellent choice for competitive gamers who prioritize high refresh rates over 4K resolution. At under $300, it delivers performance that would have cost twice as much just a few years ago.
The dual HDMI 2.0 ports and DisplayPort 1.4 connection give you plenty of options for hooking up multiple devices.
We connected both a gaming PC and console simultaneously, making it easy to switch between them without constantly swapping cables.
Buying Guide
Finding the best monitor under $300 can be tricky. We’ll help you understand what features matter most when shopping for your new screen.
Screen Size and Resolution
Screen size impacts your viewing experience. Most budget monitors range from 22 to 32 inches. Bigger isn’t always better if you have limited desk space.
| Resolution | Best For | Typical Size |
| Full HD (1920×1080) | Basic computing, casual gaming | 22-27 inches |
| QHD (2560×1440) | Content creation, gaming | 27-32 inches |
| 4K (3840×2160) | Professional work, media | 27+ inches |
Panel Types
Different panel technologies offer various benefits. Your choice depends on your needs.
- IPS: Best color accuracy and viewing angles
- VA: Better contrast ratios and deeper blacks
- TN: Fastest response times for gaming
Refresh Rate and Response Time
Gamers should pay attention to these specs. Higher refresh rates (75Hz+) and lower response times (1-5ms) create smoother motion.
Pro Tip: For general use, 60Hz is fine. Gamers should look for 75Hz or higher.
Connectivity Options
Make sure your monitor has the right ports for your devices. Look for HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C depending on what you need to connect.
Extra Features
Some helpful extras include adjustable stands, built-in speakers, and blue light filters.
These can improve comfort without adding much cost.