Which resolution and size of monitor should I choose?
You are no longer restricted to a small monitor by a limited budget. There are now a lot of choices between 22 and 27 inches, and some even go past 30 inches. However, resolution is an important consideration in addition to panel size. Due to the lower number of pixels per inch (PPI), a 27-inch monitor with the same resolution will appear softer and more pixellated than a 22-inch monitor with Full HD resolution. To sum it up numerically: A 32-inch Full HD panel has only 69ppi, which is 30% less than the 100ppi of a 22-inch Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) monitor.
We recommend staying above or equal to 90 ppi: A 24″ Full HD monitor is just right, and a 27″-32″ 1440p (2,560 x 1,440) panel also looks great. Using a calculator or this website, you can quickly and easily determine the PPI.
However, one word of caution: Several older (read: Higher-resolution panels may not work with integrated graphics-equipped older computers. Sticking with Full HD might be a good idea if your computer is getting old. We would at the very least check the highest resolution that your PC or laptop can handle.
Also related: Best monitors for Xbox Series X & Series S 2023
Which is the best kind of panel?
There are three primary sorts of LCD screens, with each having its own qualities. The least expensive type of panel technology is Twisted Nematic (TN). Despite the fact that it lacks some contrast and color accuracy, this is inexpensive and more responsive for gamers.
Although they don’t always have the best color accuracy, vertical alignment panels (VA, AVA, and MVA) typically have very high contrast levels and narrow viewing angles.
Finally, despite the fact that the price gap between IPS/PLS, VA, and TN has narrowed in recent years, IPS/PLS screens generally offer the best color accuracy and viewing angles. However, they are also the most expensive.
Which additional features should you think about?
Display controls: Most have a HDMI input, while others actually depend on VGA (D-Sub) and DVI-D information sources. On the more expensive models, DisplayPort may even take center stage.
A stand with adjustment: You will have significantly more flexibility if you have an adjustable stand, and you won’t have to stuff magazines or books underneath it to get it to a comfortable height. A budget monitor with tilt and height adjustment is not uncommon. Even though it is more of a rarity, it is not impossible to locate one that can also rotate and swivel.
Bezels that are recessed: The design of budget monitors has never been better; most game a three-sided borderless plan, which makes them occupy less room in front of you.
Inherent additional items: Some financial plan screens have inherent USB centers and speakers. While the latter are almost always terrible, the former are genuinely useful. A cheap pair of dedicated PC speakers easily surpass most.
How are monitors tested?
A combination of in-depth panel performance tests and real-world examinations are used in our monitor testing process. When the screen is set up, we can promptly evaluate things like form quality, stand flexibility and the number/kind of ports, looking at these things against other comparative screens to assist with illuminating our judgment.
We conduct a series of tests to evaluate the panel of a monitor, testing things like color accuracy, gamut coverage, peak brightness/contrast, and motion handling. We use BlurBusters’ suite of monitor testing tools for motion handling tests, but for all other tests, we use a colorimeter and professional display calibration and characterisation software. Our results are produced by utilizing DisplayCal software and an X-Rite i1Display Studio colorimeter.
Our comprehensive monitor reviews always contain the outcomes of our in-house tests.
In 2023, the best budget monitors are as follows:
Acer K273: The best budget monitor
With AMD FreeSync support, overdrive controls for gamers, and a 74Hz refresh rate, this 27-inch IPS panel offers 1080p resolution. It has only HDMI and VGA ports on the back, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a stand that tilts 15 degrees in either direction. However, it delivers where it counts and is incredibly inexpensive.
For such a low-cost panel, the K273 performed exceptionally well in our tests, providing decent accuracy and good sRGB color gamut coverage. The IPS panel manages a relatively high peak brightness (263 cd/m2) and contrast (1010:1), which is good news for gamers. It also has excellent motion handling and viewing angles. Overall, this is an excellent value purchase for both work and play.
For more information, see our full Acer K273 review. Key specs: Screen size: 27in; Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Screen innovation: IPS; Video sources: one VGA and one HDMI 2.0; Speakers: Yes; Rate of refresh: Acer K273 bmix – K3 series – LED-Monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 68.6 cm (27″)
243B9H Philips
Puccy Privacy Screen Protector Film, compatible with Philips 243B9H 00 01 23.8″ Anti Spy TPU Guard
The Philips 243B9H is at the top of the budget monitor range, but we believe there isn’t much better available for less than £300. The 243B9H is the monitor for you if you want a 24-inch 1080p monitor with a versatile stand, a built-in webcam, and a panel that works well.
We measured maximum luminance at 320 cd/m2 and contrast at 1,230:1; sRGB gamut coverage was approximately 90% in the default mode, with an average variance (delta E) of 2.09 and a near-perfect color temperature of 6600K. Both of these numbers are excellent and higher than Philips’ estimates. The findings indicate that the 243B9H monitor is accurate and vibrant, with sufficient brightness for well-lit environments and no discernible red or blue tint.
Board to the side, the 243B9H is an incredible little screen. In addition to the impressive 150mm of height adjustment offered by the stand, the monitor is also compatible with the VESA mount. We were likewise tremendously satisfied to see a USB-C port that upholds video and document transmission enhancing the back of the screen close by the HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.4 ports and three-port USB center point. Then there’s the 2MP webcam, which when not in use retracts into the monitor’s frame and is compatible with Windows Hello. It’s not great, but Zoom calls use it well.
Key specs: Screen size: 24in; Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Screen innovation: IPS; Video sources: One HDMI 2.0, one DisplayPort 1.4, and one USB-C; Rate of refresh: The Philips 243B9H is a 24-inch Full HD monitor with a 75Hz refresh rate, 4ms response time, IPS, USB-C docking, webcam, speakers, and height adjustment (1920 x 1080, 250 cd/m2, USB-C/HDMI/VGA/DP 1.2).
GW2785TC BenQ: The best budget home office monitor
BenQ GW2785TC Office Monitor 27″ 1080p
The price of this 27-inch 1080p panel is jaw-droppingly low for such a powerful set of features.
The stand has full adjustability, including support for portrait mode, 130mm of height adjustment, 45 degrees of left/right swiveling, and 20 degrees of tilt backwards. On the back, there is a USB-C port, one HDMI 1.4 port, one DP 1.2 “in” port, and one DP 1.2 “out” port that can be used to daisy-chain a second monitor.
The panel produces 95.6% of the sRGB color gamut and has a Delta E that is small enough to make any errors very hard to spot. It is accurate and colorful. A dim, washed-out image won’t bother you either: The contrast ratio of the GW2785TC was 1,165:1, with a peak luminance of 272 cd/m2. We could go on, but the basic point is this: The absurdly low price of this monitor makes everything about it even more remarkable.
We recommend BenQ’s 24in GW2485TC if you want something similar but a little smaller. Except for the screen size and slightly lower price, it is identical in every way.
Key specs – Screen size: 27in; Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Screen innovation: IPS; Video sources: 1 USB-C, 1 DisplayPort 1.2 in, 1 HDMI 1.4 out, and 1 DisplayPort 1.2 in; Rate of refresh: 75Hz
Picture of BenQ GW2785TC 27 inch 1080p, IPS Drove Screen, USB-C, clamor dropping amplifier for Home Office BenQ GW2785TC 27 inch 1080p, IPS Drove Screen, USB-C, clamor undoing mouthpiece for Work space
Q27V4EA AOC: The best financial plan 1440p screen
The AOC Q27V4EA is a simple 1440p screen that is 27in across the slanting. The monitor has three bezel-free edges and a slim side profile that is just 40 millimeters thick at its widest, making it look like a more expensive product despite its limited feature set. Change choices are restricted to 21.5 levels of in reverse slant, so you could have to set it up assuming you favor a screen that sits high up.
However, the Q27V4EA’s place here is due to the panel. With a contrast ratio of 850:1, a peak luminance of 250cd/m2, and little color variation, the monitor’s default mode produced 88.7% of the sRGB color gamut. Even in well-lit environments, these numbers indicate that content and colors appear bright and natural on a budget monitor. In addition, the Q27V4EA is ideal for playing a few rounds of Apex Legends after work due to its 4ms G2G response time, 75Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync support.
In the event that you can manage the non-customizable stand, the Q27V4EA is a beautiful generally useful screen for anybody who works and plays in a similar spot.
Specifications –
Screen size: 27in;
Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440;
Screen innovation: IPS;
Video sources: 1 DisplayPort 1.4 and 1 HDMI 2.0;
Rate of refresh: AOC Q27V4EA – 27-inch QHD Monitor, 75Hz, 4ms, IPS, Adaptive Sync, Speakers, FlickerFree (2560×1440 @ 75Hz, 250cd/m2, HDMI 1.4 x 1, DisplayPort 1.2 x 1)
AOC Q27V4EA – 27-inch QHD Monitor, 75Hz, 4ms, IPS, Adaptive Sync, Speakers, FlickerFree (2560x AOC U32P2: The best budget 4K monitor
AOC U2790VQ 27″ 4K 3840×2160 UHD Frameless Monitor, IPS, 5ms,
This 32-inch 4K monitor makes the most of its high resolution by using a big MVA panel that avoids the problems with viewing angles that are typically associated with vertical alignment panel technology. On test, this panel achieved over 400 nits of brightness and is fairly accurate as well: With an average Delta E of just 1.09, we measured sRGB coverage as high as 99 percent. Those are excellent outcomes for a monitor that typically retails for less than £379 (sadly, scarcity has increased the price).
The U32P2 continues to impress in other settings. The stand is stylishly able to adjust in all four main ways: This is one of the most ergonomically friendly monitors we’ve tested, with 90 degrees of pivot, 150mm of height adjustment, 22 degrees of backward tilt, and 180 degrees of swivel in either direction (meaning you can spin the screen all the way around).
The selection of ports is also impressive, with USB-C being the only one not present on the display’s back. The remaining ports include a headphone jack for good measure, two HDMI 2 ports, one DP 1.4 port, and a four-port USB-A hub. Indeed, gamers probably won’t slobber at the prospect of a 60Hz pinnacle revive rate and 4ms reaction time, yet for essentially any other individual, this 4K screen is unsurpassable worth.
For more information, see our full AOC U32P2 review. Key specs: Screen size: 32in; Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160; Screen innovation: MVA; Video sources: 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, 1 DisplayPort 1.4 port; Rate of refresh: AOC U32P2 – 32 Inch 4K Monitor, 60Hz, 4ms, VA, Height Adjustment, Flicker-Free Speakers (3840×2160 @ 60Hz, 350cd/m2, HDMI 2.0 x 2, DisplayPort 1.2 x 1 / USB 3.2 x 4)
GW2280 by BenQ: The best monitor for a small budget
BenQ GW2480 Computer Monitor 24″ FHD 1920x1080p | IPS
The VA-based 21.5-inch panel has a high contrast ratio and good viewing angles. Despite the limited tilt adjustment and slightly wobbly plastic stand, the three-sided borderless design is very appealing.
Instead, think about the GW2480, which is its sibling and is slightly larger. It costs just £158 and has a 24-inch IPS panel that supports Full HD.
Specifications – Screen size: 21.5in; Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080; Screen innovation: VA; Video sources: 2 x HDMI 1.4, VGA; Rate of refresh: BenQ GW2280 22 Inch 1080p Eye Care LCD Monitor, Anti-Glare, Dual HDMI, B.I. Sensor for Home Office – Black
BE24EQK by Asus: The cheapest monitor with a webcam
ASUS BE24EQK 23.8” Business Monitor with 1080P Full HD IPS
Mounted on the highest point of the 24in 1080p board is a 2-megapixel webcam complete with 315 levels of pivot, a limited quantity of upwards and downwards slant and an actual cover for those worried about protection. The BE24EQK is a ridiculously affordable option if you frequently work in suboptimal locations around your home, such as at the kitchen table, and require additional screen real estate as well as a webcam and microphone for Zoom calls.
Although panel performance is merely acceptable, IPS screen technology provides excellent viewing angles, and a peak luminance of approximately 275 cd/m2 is more than sufficient for all but the sunniest outdoor environments. Anecdotally, the display appears crisp enough for day-to-day use, and the combination of a 24-inch 1080p display with a high pixel density keeps things from looking sloppy. Although the monitor is small and light enough to be propped on almost anything and won’t get in the way when not in use, you might wish for a stand that is more adjustable.