Is a Cheap Monitor Good for Gaming?

Last Updated on November 28, 2025 by Jawad

When you’re building a gaming setup, the monitor often feels like the last piece of the puzzle — and the one that drains the wallet if you’re not careful. Cheap monitors (let’s define “cheap” as budget monitors under roughly $150–$200 at retail prices, though prices vary by region) can look tempting: they’re affordable, easy to find, and often better than nothing. But are they good for gaming? Short answer: sometimes — depending on what you play and what you expect. This article breaks down the trade-offs, explains the important specs, and helps you decide if a budget monitor will do the job or if you should save up for something better.

What “cheap” really means

“Cheap” doesn’t always mean “bad.” Many budget monitors are fine for everyday tasks and casual gaming. But compared to mid-range or high-end screens, cheap monitors typically compromise in one or more areas:

• Panel type — many budget monitors use TN or lower-end VA panels rather than IPS.
• Refresh rate — you’ll often see 60 Hz or 75 Hz rather than 120/144/240 Hz.
• Resolution — 1080p (Full HD) is common; 1440p or 4K are rare at low prices.
• Color, contrast, and viewing angles — cheaper panels tend to have poorer color accuracy and limited viewing angles.
• Response time & input lag — cheaper screens may exhibit more ghosting or higher input lag.
• Build quality & features — stands, OSD controls, adaptive sync, HDR, and extra ports may be limited or absent.

Those trade-offs matter differently depending on how you play. Let’s unpack the details.

Key specs that matter for gaming

When evaluating any monitor for gaming — cheap or not — focus on these technical features. I’ll explain what each does and why it matters.

Refresh rate (Hz)

Refresh rate is how many times per second the monitor updates the image. Higher refresh rates (120, 144, 240Hz) make motion look smoother and can improve responsiveness in fast games. Budget monitors commonly sit at 60–75Hz. If you play fast-paced competitive shooters and have a GPU/CPU that can push high framerates, a 60Hz screen will feel limiting. For slower-paced games (strategy, single-player RPGs) 60–75Hz is usually fine.

Response time (ms)

Response time measures how quickly a pixel changes color (often gray-to-gray). Lower numbers (1–5 ms) reduce motion blur and ghosting. Many cheap monitors claim low response times on paper but perform worse in real use because of panel quality and overdrive artifacts. Expect slightly more blur on budget displays, especially on TN/cheap VA panels.

Resolution

Resolution defines pixel count. 1080p (1920×1080) is the sweet spot for budget gaming — it’s easy on GPUs and looks sharp on 24–27in screens. Higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K give more detail but need stronger GPUs and are rare in the low-price segment.

Panel type (IPS, VA, TN)

• IPS: Best color and viewing angles. Historically more expensive, but budget IPS panels exist now with decent color — good for single-player games and anyone who values visuals.
• VA: Better contrast (deeper blacks) but sometimes slower response times and more ghosting.
• TN: Fastest response times and cheapest, but poor color and viewing angles. TN is still used in some very cheap gaming monitors aimed at esports, but colors will suffer.

Adaptive sync (FreeSync/G-Sync Compatible)

Adaptive sync reduces screen tearing by matching the monitor’s refresh rate to the GPU’s frame rate. AMD FreeSync is common on budget monitors; many FreeSync monitors work with NVIDIA GPUs under “G-Sync Compatible.” If adaptive sync is missing, you may see tearing unless you use V-Sync, which can add input lag.

Input lag

Input lag is how long it takes for a frame to appear after you input a command. It’s distinct from response time and is affected by internal processing. Budget monitors sometimes have higher input lag, which hurts competitive play. Look for reviews that measure input lag rather than relying on specs.

Color accuracy & HDR

Cheap monitors rarely deliver true HDR or highly accurate color. If photography, content creation, or deeply immersive single-player visuals matter to you, a cheap monitor may disappoint.

Where cheap monitors do well

Cheap monitors can be perfectly acceptable — even great — for these use cases:

• Casual gamers: If you mainly play single-player games, indie titles, or slower genres (turn-based, strategy, survival), a 60Hz 1080p monitor can be entirely satisfying.
• Older or low-power PCs: If your PC can’t push high FPS, a high-refresh monitor won’t help. A cheap 1080p screen matches modest hardware nicely.
• Secondary displays: For chat, guides, or streaming tools, inexpensive monitors are fine.
• Tight budgets: If your money is better spent on a GPU/CPU or peripherals, save on the monitor and upgrade later.
• Large-screen casual use: For console gaming (PS5/Xbox Series X prefer higher-end, but older consoles or docked Switch work fine), a cheap monitor can be useful as a TV alternative for small rooms.

Where cheap monitors struggle

If any of these describe you, a cheap monitor might not be a good fit:

• Competitive FPS players: Esports players benefit from 144Hz+ and low input lag. Cheap 60Hz monitors will hold you back.
• Color-critical work: Content creators need accurate color and uniformity — budget screens won’t cut it.
• Fast-paced AAA or sim racers: Motion clarity and low persistence matter for immersion and competitive edge.
• Future-proofing: If you want a monitor that will still feel great after future GPU upgrades, investing more now often pays off.

How to choose a good cheap monitor — what to look for

If you decide to buy a budget monitor, not all cheap screens are equal. Here’s a checklist to get the best value.

1. Prefer 1080p at 24–27 inches
   1080p on a 24–27in screen strikes the best balance between sharpness and price. Avoid stretching 1080p on very large displays unless you don’t care about pixel density.
2. Look for 75Hz and FreeSync
   If you can find a 75Hz panel with FreeSync, it’s a small but meaningful upgrade over standard 60Hz and helps reduce tearing without a big price increase.
3. Check panel type
   Try to get IPS if possible — many modern budget IPS displays are good enough for gaming and general use. If high contrast matters, a VA panel is okay but watch for ghosting.
4. Read real reviews for input lag & response
   Specs lie. Look for trusted reviews or user tests that measure input lag, ghosting, and real-world response, not just marketing numbers.
5. Ports & ergonomics
   Ensure the monitor has HDMI (modern consoles need HDMI 2.0+ ideally) and at least one display port if you use a PC. Adjustable stands and VESA mount support are big pluses.
6. Panel uniformity & warranty
   Some cheap panels have backlight bleed or uneven color. Check return policies and warranty terms — these can save you money if the unit is bad.

Tuning a cheap monitor for better gaming

You can extract more performance and better visuals from a cheap monitor with a few tweaks:

• Use the monitor’s game mode: Many monitors include “Game” presets that reduce processing and input lag.
• Turn off unnecessary image processing: Features like dynamic contrast, heavy sharpening, or noise reduction can add lag or visual artifacts.
• Enable adaptive sync if available: Install the latest GPU drivers and enable FreeSync/G-Sync Compatible to avoid tearing.
• Adjust overdrive carefully: Overdrive can cut ghosting but too much causes inverse ghosting (overshoot). Test settings with motion tests.
• Calibrate basic brightness and contrast: Even a simple calibration (or using an online calibration target) improves visuals a lot.
• Use proper cable: A decent HDMI or DisplayPort cable (rated for your refresh rate) avoids bandwidth issues.

When to save and when to buy now

If you have a limited budget, prioritize components that give the largest gameplay improvement for money. For many gamers that’s the GPU and CPU first, then monitor. If your GPU can’t push high FPS at 1080p, buy a better GPU before splurging on a high-refresh monitor.

Buy a cheap monitor now if:

• You’re on a tight budget and need a usable screen.
• You’re upgrading other components first and will replace the monitor later.
• You play casual or slower games and don’t need ultra-low input lag.

Save up if:

• You play competitive shooters and need 120–240Hz refresh rates and minimal input lag.
• You need color-critical accuracy or HDR.
• You want future-proofing for console next-gen features (e.g., 120Hz at 1440p).

Budget monitor buying guide — practical recommendations

Here are practical tips to choose a monitor that gives the most bang for your buck:

• Target size: 24–27 inches for 1080p.
• Refresh rate: If possible, choose 75Hz or 100Hz on budget IPS models. 144Hz is great but may push the price upward.
• Panel: Look for “IPS” in the spec sheet for better colors and viewing angles.
• Adaptive sync: FreeSync is a big plus and often free.
• Stand & VESA: If you’ll mount the monitor later, VESA compatibility is useful.
• Connectivity: At least HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 (for PC) where possible.
• Warranty & reviews: Prefer brands with decent customer support and read user feedback for backlight issues.

Accessories and future upgrades

You can improve a budget setup without replacing the monitor:

• Use a monitor arm: Improves ergonomics and viewing angle without buying a new screen.
• External speakers or a headset: Budget monitors often have poor audio; don’t rely on built-in speakers.
• Upgrade cable: A quality HDMI 2.0/2.1 or DisplayPort cable ensures full bandwidth.
• Consider a later upgrade: Reserve the idea of a mid-range monitor later (144Hz IPS or 1440p 165Hz) when you upgrade your GPU.

Quick FAQs

Q: Can a cheap monitor run competitive games?
A: It can run them, but you’ll be at a disadvantage versus players on high-refresh, low-latency displays. If you play casually, you’ll be fine.

Q: Is 60Hz dead for gaming?
A: Not dead — 60Hz is still fine for many single-player and casual games. But high-FPS competitive players prefer 120Hz+.

Q: Should I buy a cheap monitor for consoles?
A: For older consoles or single-player play, yes. For PS5/Xbox Series X and future-proofing (120Hz, HDR), consider a better panel if your budget allows.

Q: Do cheap monitors have adaptive sync?
A: Some do — FreeSync is common on budget monitors. It’s a useful feature to look for.

Summary — is a cheap monitor good for gaming?

A cheap monitor can be good for gaming — for the right person and the right games. If you’re a casual player, use an entry-level PC, or need a temporary screen, a budget 1080p monitor (ideally IPS, 75Hz, FreeSync) can deliver a pleasant experience. However, if you’re competitive, demand top-tier visual fidelity, or want a display that lasts through multiple GPU upgrades, cheap monitors have limitations that will become obvious: lower refresh rates, slower response, worse colors, and sometimes higher input lag.

Buying smart matters: prioritize specs that match your games and hardware, read real-world reviews (not just manufacturer specs), and tune the monitor after setup. If you’re not sure, start with a solid budget IPS 1080p panel with FreeSync — it’s often the best compromise between cost and experience.