Desktop monitors come in all shapes and sizes. There's a wide range to choose from, including monitors suitable for graphic design, animation, gaming, and so on.

However, not everyone wants or needs 4K ultrawide curved displays. Sometimes, a basic 24-inch screen would suffice for your needs.

So, if you're in the market for a monitor that won't break the bank, it's worth considering the best budget monitors.

Here are the best budget monitors available today.

The AOC C24G1A is an affordable gaming monitor that doesn't skimp on any features. It has a 1500R curve rating, a 165Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync compatibility. You can maximize your graphics performance without having to spend excessive amounts of money.

This monitor also has many connectivity options, including two HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.2 port, a VGA connector, four downstream USB ports, and a 3.5mm headphone out jack. You don't have to worry about current and near-future compatibility with all these options.

Beyond its physical features, you can also optimize the display based on the games you're playing. So whether you're fighting in urban FPS games or driving hundreds of miles in simulation racing, you can tweak the display to your taste so you can focus on your match.

Key Features
  • 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time makes it perfect for competitive gaming
  • Supports FreeSync Premium to ensure avoid visual tearing
  • Frameless design
Specifications
  • Brand: AOC
  • Screen Size: 24-inch
  • Display Technology: VA
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 165Hz
  • Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x D-SUB, 4x USB ports, 1x 3.5mm Headphone Out
Pros
  • Comes with six game modes
  • Equipped with HDMI, DP, and D-Sub ports
  • Built-in 3.5mm headphone out and USB downstream ports offer better connectivity
Cons
  • Only uses a VA panel
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AOC C24G1A 24-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor
Editors choice

2. HP 24mh 23.8-Inch Monitor

9.40 / 10
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If you're looking for a budget monitor that has proven performance, then look no further than the HP 24mh monitor. This widely-popular display offers a 75Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for casual gaming. At the same time, its height-adjustable tilt stand lets you stay comfortable despite hours of use.

You can also connect most modern computer display outputs on this device, with its DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, and D-Sub connection options. It also has two built-in speakers, letting you save some space on your desk.

The HP 24mh also features an ultra-slim Micro-Edge display. That way, the monitor takes up less air space and makes it easier to position on your desk. Its slim bezels also make it suitable for use in multiscreen configurations, so you minimize the distraction when you're looking at display-spanning content.

Key Features
  • Multiple video connectivity options, including DisplayPort, HDMI, and VGA
  • Height-adjustable tilt stand offers better ergonomics
  • Built-in 2W speakers
  • Low Blue Light mode
Specifications
  • Brand: HP
  • Screen Size: 23.8-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 75Hz
  • Ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x D-Sub
Pros
  • Built-in speakers saves desktop space
  • Low blue light technology reduces eye strain
  • Offers 75Hz refresh rate
Cons
  • Physical volume adjustment only found in the Monitor Management Menu
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HP 24mh 23.8-Inch Monitor

Those who own a laptop and want to dock it to a bigger screen will surely appreciate the ViewSonic VX2485-MHU. That's because this monitor's 60W USB-C port will let you connect your computer to it while charging it at the same time. Furthermore, it also has 3.5mm jack audio in and audio out ports at the rear, letting you plug your speakers and mic into it.

The monitor's stand also has a small footprint, saving you space. All these features allow you have a single-cable solution for docking your computer to your display.

You also get to enjoy this device's 75Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync compatibility, letting you have a smooth gaming experience. With this monitor, you can enjoy playing casual games on your laptop with a single cable.

Key Features
  • 60W USB-C port charges your laptop while transferring visual data
  • Supports up to 75Hz refresh rate
  • Compatible with AMD FreeSync for smooth frame rates
Specifications
  • Brand: ViewSonic
  • Screen Size: 24-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 75Hz
  • Ports: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x USB-C, 1x D-Sub, 1x 3.5mm Audio In, 1x 3.5mm Audio Out
Pros
  • Includes two integrated speakers
  • Small stand footprint saves desk space
  • Slim bezels make it suitable for multiscreen computers
Cons
  • No downstream USB ports
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ViewSonic VX2485-MHU 24-Inch Monitor

Professional-grade displays need not be expensive with the Philips 246E9QDSB display. This monitor sports wide-color gamut coverage with its 129% sRGB and 108% NTSC support. It also has a 20,000,000:1 SmartContrast, to ensure you get the best blacks and white on your display.

The three-sided frameless design also allows you to focus on the content you're creating. And if you wish to have a multi-display configuration, the monitor's nearly invisible bezel will let you have a seamless view.

This display's LowBlue Mode can help reduce eyestrain if you're spending hours upon hours in front of your computer. It also has an IPS display that offers an excellent view angle, allowing you to share your work with your coworkers easily.

Key Features
  • Supports up to 75Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync
  • 20,000,000:1 SmartContrast offers improved viewing quality
  • Low Blue mode
  • Narrow borders
Specifications
  • Brand: Philips
  • Screen Size: 24-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 75Hz
  • Ports: 1x HDMI, 1x DVI-D, 1x D-Sub
Pros
  • Three-sided frameless design allows you to focus on your content
  • LowBlue Mode setting reduces eye strain for prolonged computer work
  • IPS display offers excellent viewing angles
Cons
  • No USB-C or DisplayPort connectivity
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Philips 246E9QDSB 24-Inch Monitor

Most curved displays are known for their high price. However, you can enjoy the same technology without breaking the bank with Samsung's LC24F396FHNXZA Curved Monitor. This 1800R display improves your immersion by mimicking the natural curve of the human eye. Its 3000:1 contrast ratio also offers a better viewing experience, with deeper black and brighter whites.

And if you're into games or like watching fast-paced content, its AMD FreeSync technology compatibility and 4ms response time ensure a smooth experience.

The screen's matte finish keeps glare to a minimum so that you can enjoy your content no matter the lighting conditions around you. And if you're spending long hours in front of your computer, you can activate this monitor's Eye Saver mode to reduce eyestrain.

Key Features
  • 3000:1 contrast ratio offers deep blacks and bright whites
  • Compatible with AMD FreeSync
  • Flicker free
  • Eco-saving Plus feature
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Screen Size: 23.5-inch
  • Display Technology: VA
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Ports: 1x HDMI, 1x D-Sub, 1x 3.5mm Headphone Out
Pros
  • Eye Saver mode reduces blue light emissions
  • 4ms response time for casual gaming
  • Matte screen finish keeps glare to a minimum
Cons
  • Pretty thick bezels can be distracting in multimonitor set ups
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Samsung LC24F396FHNXZA 23.5-Inch Curved Monitor

Work from home professionals who are also into gaming will appreciate the features of the Acer Nitro VG240Y display. This monitor has a built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers, letting you get into meetings without adding extra peripherals. The webcam is even Windows Hello certified, allowing you to log into your system securely via facial recognition.

At the same time, you get a 75Hz refresh rate monitor with a 1ms response time and AMD FreeSync technology. That way, you can enjoy playing games without suffering from annoying delays and tearing. You also have eight preset display modes, so you can customize the display's output based on the content type you're viewing.

Best of all, the display sports thin bezels on three sides, reducing distracting borders if you want to create a multimonitor configuration for your workstation.

Key Features
  • 75Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time with AMD FreeSync technology make it suitable for gaming
  • Windows Hello-certified webcam offers better security via face recognition
  • Built-in 2W speakers
Specifications
  • Brand: Acer
  • Screen Size: 23.8-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 75Hz
  • Ports: 2x HDMI, 1x D-Sub
Pros
  • Comes with eight preset display modes for varying content types
  • Uses an IPS screen for wide viewing angles
  • Thin-bezel display offers great edge-to-edge views
Cons
  • No DisplayPort or USB-C port
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Acer Nitro VG240Y 23.8-Inch Monitor

The Asus VA24EHE is made for those who simply need a basic display without bells and whistles. It offers a reliable, excellent connection that will work with most devices. It has an HDMI and D-Sub connection, plus a DVI port for older devices. At the same time, it has a 75Hz refresh rate for casual gaming and uses an IPS display for better viewing angles.

You also get four temperature options so that you can set the monitor's hue to your taste. It's made with a non-glare display surface, allowing you to enjoy your content even if you're in bright lighting conditions.

Should you choose to build a multiscreen setup, its frameless design on three sides will reduce distracting borders if you're spanning your display.

Key Features
  • 75Hz refresh rate makes it suitable for casual gaming
  • Frameless design makes it suitable for multiscreen configurations
  • Offers DVI connectivity for legacy devices
Specifications
  • Brand: Asus
  • Screen Size: 23.8-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 75Hz
  • Ports: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x DVI, 1x D-Sub
Pros
  • IPS Screen offers a 178-degree wide viewing angle
  • Non-glare display surface ensures better viewing experience in bright areas
  • Four color temperature options to suit your taste
Cons
  • Doesn't come with a DisplayPort input option
Buy This Product
Asus VA24EHE 23.8-Inch Monitor

FAQ

Q: What is the Ideal Monitor Size?

One of the best monitor sizes for productivity and gaming is 24 inches. This screen size offers an outstanding balance between desktop real estate and your desk's space. Furthermore, the 24-inch monitor provides an excellent viewing angle for most common office table sizes based on its position in relation to the user.

Q: Are Monitors Better Than TV?

Yes, monitors are better than TVs when it comes to computing. This is primarily because computers are designed for close placement about the user, compared to televisions designed for viewing greater distances.

Furthermore, monitors typically have additional features designed for computer use. This includes higher refresh rates, faster response times, and lower input lag.

Q: Why Are Monitors Expensive?

Monitors are more expensive than televisions because they're typically designed for a more specialized purpose. Many displays feature more advanced technology than TVs, like better panels, a more extreme curve, and faster response times.

Some manufacturers also offer longer warranties and better after-sales service compared to their television products. Nevertheless, some higher-end televisions are more expensive than some monitors, but they're typically out-sized models that won't make sense placing on your office desk anyway.