Imagine you’re looking for a new computer screen, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money. Maybe you need one for homework, playing simple games, or just browsing the internet. The problem is, there are so many screens out there! It’s like trying to pick one candy from a giant jar – you don’t know which one is the best or the tastiest. This can be really frustrating when you just want something good that won’t break the bank.
Finding a great computer monitor for under $100 can feel like a treasure hunt. You want a screen that’s clear, easy on your eyes, and works well for what you need. But with so many choices, it’s easy to get confused. You might worry about picking one that’s too small, has blurry pictures, or just doesn’t last very long. Nobody wants to waste their money on something that doesn’t work out!
But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help you. We’ll explore some of the best monitors you can get for under $100. You’ll learn what to look for so you can find a screen that’s perfect for your desk. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident about choosing a monitor that fits your needs and your budget. Let’s dive in and find you a fantastic screen!
Our Top 5 Under 100 Monitor Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Under 100 Monitor Detailed Reviews
1. ArcticPro 22 inch 100Hz Monitor
Rating: 8.7/10
The ArcticPro 22-inch monitor offers a super clear picture with its Full HD resolution. Its 100Hz refresh rate makes everything look smooth, especially when you’re gaming. The screen looks great from almost any angle thanks to its wide viewing angles. It also has a special mode to protect your eyes from blue light. This monitor is slim and looks good on any desk. You can even mount it on a wall if you want.
What We Like:
- The Full HD (1920x1080p) resolution gives you really sharp and colorful pictures.
- A 100Hz refresh rate means games and videos look super smooth without any stuttering.
- The 178° wide viewing angles let you see a great picture from anywhere in the room.
- The Anti-blue light feature helps reduce eye strain during long computer sessions.
- It’s VESA mountable, giving you options to set up your workspace.
- The 3-sided frameless design makes it look modern and sleek.
- A 3000:1 contrast ratio makes darks darker and whites brighter for better detail.
What Could Be Improved:
- This monitor does not have built-in speakers, so you’ll need separate ones.
- It only has one HDMI port and one VGA port, which might not be enough for some users.
This ArcticPro monitor provides a fantastic visual experience for both work and play. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly and feature-rich display.
2. Philips 221V8LB 22 inch Class Thin Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor
Rating: 8.9/10
The Philips 221V8LB monitor brings your digital world to life with its sharp Full HD display and smooth motion. Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or just browsing, this monitor offers a great viewing experience.
What We Like:
- Crisp Full HD (1920×1080) visuals show great detail.
- A speedy 100Hz refresh rate makes everything look smooth.
- Adaptive-Sync technology stops choppy images and keeps things fluid.
- The VA panel provides deep blacks and bright whites for realistic pictures.
- With 16.7 million colors, you see true-to-life images.
- A wide 178-degree viewing angle means colors stay the same from any spot.
- LowBlue Mode helps reduce eye strain during long sessions.
- It comes with a 4-year advance replacement warranty for peace of mind.
- VESA mount support offers flexible setup options.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only has one HDMI port, which might not be enough for some users.
- The built-in speakers are not included, so you’ll need external speakers.
For its price and features, the Philips 221V8LB is a solid choice for a smooth and clear visual experience. You get great picture quality and gaming performance without breaking the bank.
3. New! Sceptre 27-inch Gaming Monitor 100Hz 1ms DisplayPort HDMI x2 100% sRGB AMD FreeSync Build-in Speakers
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready for an amazing visual experience with the New! Sceptre 27-inch Gaming Monitor. This monitor brings games and movies to life with its vibrant colors and smooth motion. It’s designed for both gamers and anyone who wants a great display for their computer.
What We Like:
- The 100% sRGB color gamut shows colors so vividly, making everything look super real and bright.
- It has a fast 1ms response time and a 100Hz refresh rate, which means no blurry images during fast-paced games.
- AMD FreeSync helps make gameplay super smooth by preventing choppy visuals.
- Two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort give you plenty of options to connect your devices.
- The built-in speakers are handy and save desk space.
- Eye Care Blue Light Shift protects your eyes during long screen times.
- You can mount it on the wall with VESA mounting, which is great for saving space and finding the best viewing angle.
- The FPS-RTS game modes are custom-tuned to give you an edge in your favorite games.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has built-in speakers, some gamers might prefer the sound quality of separate speakers.
- The “2025” in the model name might suggest a future release, but the features are available now.
This Sceptre gaming monitor offers a fantastic combination of features for its price. It’s a smart choice for upgrading your gaming setup or improving your daily computer use.
4. Samsung 27″ Essential S3 (S36GD) Series FHD 1800R Curved Computer Monitor
Rating: 8.5/10
Dive into a world of vibrant visuals and smooth action with the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 (S36GD) Series FHD 1800R Curved Computer Monitor. This monitor is built to make your digital life more engaging and comfortable, whether you’re gaming, working, or just browsing.
What We Like:
- The 1800R curved screen pulls you into your content, making everything feel more immersive and less distracting.
- Experience incredibly smooth visuals thanks to the 100Hz refresh rate, which makes fast-paced games and videos look fantastic without blur.
- Game Mode lets you tweak settings to see enemies hiding in shadows and make colors pop, giving you an advantage.
- Advanced eye comfort technology, like reduced blue light and flicker, helps protect your eyes during long computer sessions.
- You can easily connect multiple devices with HDMI and D-sub ports, making your setup more versatile.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the curved design is great for immersion, some users might prefer a flat screen for specific professional tasks.
- The inclusion of older D-sub ports might not be ideal for users with only modern devices.
This Samsung monitor offers a fantastic blend of immersive viewing and comfortable use. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their desktop experience.
5. KOORUI 22 Inch Computer Monitor Full HD 1080P 100Hz PC Gaming Screen VA Panel Ultra-Slim Display 3000:1 Contrast Ratio with Adpitive Sync (HDMI/VGA/VESA Compatible 100x100mm/Audio Out)
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for a smoother, more vibrant visual experience with the KOORUI 22 Inch Computer Monitor. This monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1080P resolution and a speedy 100Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and everyday tasks. Its ultra-slim design and impressive 3000:1 contrast ratio bring your content to life with deep blacks and bright whites.
What We Like:
- Smooth gaming with 100Hz refresh rate and Adaptive Sync.
- Stunning contrast with a 3000:1 ratio for deep blacks.
- Vibrant colors with 99% sRGB coverage.
- Sleek, ultra-slim design.
- VESA mount compatible for flexible setup.
- Comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Only supports HDMI and VGA input; no DisplayPort.
- Does not include a DisplayPort cable.
- Requires a separate USB-C to HDMI adapter for newer MacBooks and similar devices.
- The 22-inch size is measured diagonally, so confirm actual dimensions.
For gamers and anyone seeking a sharp, responsive display, this KOORUI monitor offers great value. While it has a few connection limitations, its core performance features shine.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide: Finding Your Perfect Under $100 Monitor
So, you need a new computer monitor, but your wallet is feeling a little light? Don’t worry! You can still find a great monitor for under $100. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for a monitor under $100, some features are more important than others. Focus on these:
Screen Size
- Most monitors in this price range are between 20 and 24 inches.
- A 21.5-inch or 23-inch screen is a good size for everyday tasks like browsing the web, writing papers, or watching videos.
- Bigger isn’t always better when you’re on a budget.
Resolution
- Look for a monitor with 1920 x 1080 resolution. This is also called Full HD.
- Full HD means the picture will be clear and sharp.
- Lower resolutions will make things look blocky.
Panel Type
- Most budget monitors use TN (Twisted Nematic) panels.
- TN panels are fast, which is good for gaming.
- However, they don’t show colors as well as other types. The picture might look a bit faded.
- IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels offer better colors and wider viewing angles, but they are rare in this price range.
Refresh Rate
- This tells you how many times the screen updates per second.
- A 60Hz refresh rate is standard and fine for most people.
- If you play fast-paced video games, a higher refresh rate (like 75Hz) is better, but hard to find under $100.
Connectivity
- Check the ports. Most budget monitors have HDMI or VGA.
- HDMI is better because it sends both video and sound.
- Make sure the monitor has the right ports for your computer.
Important Materials
Monitors are mostly made of plastic. The quality of the plastic can make a difference.
- Durable plastic: A monitor with sturdy plastic feels more solid. It won’t creak or flex easily.
- Thin bezels: Bezels are the borders around the screen. Thinner bezels make the monitor look more modern and can be nice if you want to use multiple monitors.
What Makes a Monitor Great (or Not So Great)
Several things can affect how good a monitor is for the price.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Bright screen: A brighter screen makes it easier to see, especially in sunny rooms.
- Good contrast ratio: This means the difference between the darkest darks and the lightest lights. A good contrast ratio makes pictures look more real.
- Wide viewing angles: This means you can see the picture clearly even if you’re not looking straight at the screen.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Backlight bleed: This is when light leaks from the edges of the screen. It can make dark scenes look gray.
- Color accuracy: Budget monitors often don’t show colors perfectly. Reds might look a bit orange, or blues might look a bit purple.
- Flicker: Some monitors can flicker, which can cause eye strain. Good monitors have flicker-free technology.
Your Experience and How You’ll Use It
Think about what you’ll do with your monitor.
User Experience
- Easy setup: Most monitors are plug-and-play. You just connect them and go.
- Adjustable stand: Some stands let you tilt the screen. This helps you find a comfortable viewing position.
- Built-in speakers: Many budget monitors have small speakers. They are okay for system sounds but not great for music or movies.
Use Cases
- Everyday computing: If you use your computer for email, web browsing, and simple tasks, any decent 1080p monitor will work.
- Schoolwork: Clear text is important for reading and writing. A 1080p monitor is perfect for this.
- Casual gaming: If you play games that aren’t too fast, a 60Hz TN panel is fine.
- Watching videos: A 1080p resolution will make YouTube videos and streaming services look good.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best screen size for under $100?
A: A screen size between 20 and 24 inches is common and works well for most people.
Q: What resolution should I aim for?
A: Aim for 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) for a clear picture.
Q: What is a TN panel and is it good?
A: A TN panel is a type of screen that is fast, which is good for games. However, its colors are not as good as other types.
Q: What does 60Hz mean?
A: 60Hz means the screen updates 60 times every second. This is standard for most monitors.
Q: What ports should I look for?
A: HDMI is the best port because it sends both video and sound.
Q: Will a monitor under $100 have good color?
A: Colors might not be perfect on budget monitors. They are usually decent for everyday use.
Q: What is backlight bleed?
A: Backlight bleed is when light shows through the edges of the screen, making dark areas look gray.
Q: Can I use a cheap monitor for gaming?
A: Yes, for casual or slower-paced games, a 60Hz TN panel can work.
Q: Do monitors under $100 have built-in speakers?
A: Some do, but they are usually not very good for listening to music or watching movies.
Q: Is it hard to set up a new monitor?
A: No, setting up a new monitor is usually very simple. You just plug it in.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Florence Disha, the creator behind HomesMend.com. With a passion for making every house a home, I share my personal experiences, tips, and expertise to help you transform your living spaces. Whether it’s practical advice, creative ideas, or tried-and-true solutions, my goal is to inspire and guide you in creating a home that feels just right. Let’s make every corner of your space truly yours!