Ever feel like your games look a little… blurry? Or maybe you miss important details because your screen isn’t quite fast enough? If you’re a gamer on a budget, finding a monitor that makes your games look awesome without costing a fortune can feel like a real challenge. It’s tough to know which features matter most when you’re trying to stay under $150. You want a screen that makes your games pop, but also one that won’t make you wait for the action to catch up.
That’s exactly why we’re here! This blog post is your secret weapon to finding a fantastic gaming monitor that won’t break the bank. We’ve done the hard work for you, digging through all the options to find the best bang for your buck. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes a good gaming monitor and you’ll be ready to pick one that will seriously upgrade your gaming experience. Get ready to see your favorite games in a whole new light!
Our Top 5 Gaming Monitors For Under $150 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Gaming Monitors For Under $150 Detailed Reviews
1. Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor
Rating: 8.8/10
The Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026) brings crisp visuals and smooth gameplay to your setup. It boasts a Full HD 1080p resolution and can refresh your screen up to 144 times per second, making fast-paced games look amazing. Plus, it has built-in speakers to save you desk space.
What We Like:
- The integrated speakers are a great space-saver. They give you clear sound without needing extra wires or boxes.
- Blue-Light Shift technology helps protect your eyes. It makes long gaming or work sessions more comfortable.
- The nearly bezel-free design looks really sleek. It’s perfect for setting up two monitors side-by-side for a bigger view.
- The 144Hz refresh rate makes motion look super smooth. This is a big plus for gaming.
- It has HDMI and DisplayPort, so it connects easily to most computers.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the speakers are convenient, serious audiophiles might want dedicated speakers for richer sound.
- The 22-inch size is great for many desks, but some might prefer a larger screen for a more immersive experience.
This Sceptre monitor offers a solid gaming and viewing experience with smart features. It’s a good choice for anyone wanting better visuals without a huge cost.
2. Sceptre Curved 24-inch Gaming Monitor 1080p R1500 98% sRGB HDMI x2 VGA Build-in Speakers
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for a whole new way to play with the Sceptre Curved 24-inch Gaming Monitor! This monitor wraps around you with its 1800R curve, making games and movies feel super immersive. It’s great for gaming and everyday tasks, and it looks sleek on your desk.
What We Like:
- The 1800R curve pulls you right into the action for an amazing, in-depth experience.
- It has an HDMI port and a VGA port, so you can connect different devices easily.
- The 75Hz refresh rate makes games look smooth and clear.
- It covers 98% of the sRGB color range, meaning colors will look bright and true.
- Built-in speakers save you space and extra wires.
- You can mount it on the wall with VESA compatibility, giving you more desk space.
- It works perfectly with Windows 10.
What Could Be Improved:
- The brightness is 250 cd/m², which is good, but some gamers might prefer a brighter screen for very bright rooms.
- The 250 cd/m² brightness is listed twice, which is a bit confusing.
This Sceptre curved monitor offers an awesome, immersive view for a great price. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to upgrade their gaming or entertainment setup.
3. Sceptre New Curved 24.5-inch Gaming Monitor up to 240Hz 1080p R1500 1ms DisplayPort x2 HDMI x2 Blue Light Shift Build-in Speakers
Rating: 8.9/10
The Sceptre New Curved 24.5-inch Gaming Monitor is built for gamers who want to win. Its super-fast refresh rate and quick response time make games look smooth and clear. The curved screen pulls you right into the action. It also has AMD FreeSync Premium to stop games from stuttering.
What We Like:
- 240Hz Refresh Rate: You get an amazing advantage because the screen updates so fast. Frames change instantly.
- 1ms Response Time: Colors change quickly. This means no blurry images or “ghosting” during fast game scenes.
- 1500R Curvature: The curved screen wraps around you. It makes you feel like you’re inside the game, no matter where you sit.
- AMD FreeSync Premium: This technology makes sure your games run smoothly. It stops lag and keeps the frame rate high for better performance.
- Built-In Speakers: You get good sound without needing extra speakers. This saves space on your desk.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 1080p resolution is good for this size and refresh rate, some users might prefer higher resolutions for sharper images in non-gaming tasks.
- The R1500 curvature is quite pronounced. While great for immersion, some users might find it takes some getting used to.
This Sceptre monitor gives you a serious edge in gaming. You’ll enjoy incredibly smooth visuals and deep immersion.
4. New! Sceptre 27-inch Gaming Monitor 100Hz 1ms DisplayPort HDMI x2 100% sRGB AMD FreeSync Build-in Speakers
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for an amazing visual experience with the new Sceptre 27-inch Gaming Monitor. This monitor brings your games and work to life with vibrant colors and smooth motion. Its sleek, frameless design looks great on any desk, and it’s packed with features to make your viewing more comfortable and enjoyable.
What We Like:
- Stunning Colors: The 100% sRGB color gamut shows off bright and natural colors. Reds, greens, and blues look amazing in every picture.
- Smooth Gameplay: With a 100Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, fast-paced games look super clear. No more blurry action!
- Versatile Connections: Two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort let you connect your devices easily. It also has audio options for your headphones or speakers.
- Easy on the Eyes: Blue Light Shift technology reduces eye strain, so you can work or play for longer without discomfort.
- Built-in Sound: The monitor has speakers that sound good for both gaming and everyday tasks. You save space on your desk too.
- Gaming Boost: Special FPS and RTS game modes are built-in to help you see better and react faster in your favorite games.
- Flexible Mounting: You can mount this monitor on the wall using its VESA pattern. This helps you find the perfect viewing angle and keeps your desk tidy.
What Could Be Improved:
- Brightness Control: While colors are great, some users might wish for more advanced brightness and contrast adjustments.
- Speaker Quality: The built-in speakers are convenient, but serious audiophiles might prefer external speakers for richer sound.
This Sceptre monitor offers a fantastic combination of performance and features for gamers and professionals alike. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their visual setup.
5. SANSUI Gaming Monitor
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for an amazing gaming and work experience with the SANSUI 24-inch Gaming Monitor. This monitor brings you super-smooth visuals and vibrant colors. It’s perfect for serious gamers and people who need a sharp display for their office tasks. You’ll see every detail clearly thanks to its Full HD resolution and fast response time.
What We Like:
- Super fast 200Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make games look incredibly smooth.
- FreeSync technology stops screen tearing, so your games play without annoying interruptions.
- Special game modes like CrossHair and RTS help you aim better and see more in your games.
- Great colors with 110% sRGB and 80% DCI-P3 coverage make images pop.
- It has modern ports like HDMI 2.1 and DP 1.4, and an HDMI cable is included.
- The monitor has eye-care features like anti-flicker and low blue light to protect your eyes during long sessions.
- SANSUI offers a good warranty with 30-day money-back and free replacement, plus lifetime tech support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The monitor does not have built-in speakers, so you’ll need separate ones.
- While it has HDR, its capabilities might not be as advanced as some higher-end monitors.
This SANSUI monitor offers a fantastic balance of speed, color, and features for its price. It’s a solid pick for anyone looking to upgrade their gaming setup or workstation.
Finding Your Next Gaming Monitor Under $150
The Budget Gamer’s Dream: What to Look For
Are you ready to level up your gaming setup without emptying your wallet? Finding a great gaming monitor for under $150 might seem tricky, but it’s totally possible! We’ll help you pick the best one for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
- Screen Size: For this price range, you’ll often find monitors between 21 to 24 inches. This is a good size for most desks.
- Resolution: Most monitors under $150 will have a 1920×1080 resolution, also known as Full HD or 1080p. This is the standard for good gaming.
- Refresh Rate: This tells you how many times the screen updates per second. For gaming, look for at least 75Hz. Higher is better for smoother action.
- Response Time: This is how fast pixels change color. A low response time, like 1ms or 5ms, helps prevent blurry images, especially in fast games.
- Panel Type: The most common panel types are TN and IPS. TN panels are usually faster but have less vibrant colors. IPS panels offer better colors and viewing angles but can sometimes be a bit slower.
2. Important Materials and Build
While you won’t find premium materials like brushed aluminum at this price, most monitors are made with sturdy plastics. The stand is important. Make sure it feels stable and doesn’t wobble. Some stands let you adjust the height or tilt, which can make your gaming more comfortable.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Brightness: A brighter screen makes games look better, especially in well-lit rooms. Look for around 250-300 nits.
- Contrast Ratio: This is the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of the image. A higher contrast ratio means deeper blacks and brighter whites, making the picture pop.
- Color Accuracy: While budget monitors might not have perfect color accuracy, some do a decent job. This means colors look more realistic.
- Viewing Angles: This is how good the picture looks when you’re not looking straight at the screen. IPS panels usually have wider viewing angles.
- Build Quality: A well-built monitor will last longer and feel more solid. Check reviews to see what other users say about the build.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Monitors under $150 are perfect for casual gamers, esports fans, or anyone who wants a better gaming experience than an old TV. They work well for playing games like Fortnite, Valorant, or Call of Duty. You can also use them for schoolwork, browsing the web, or watching videos. A 1080p resolution is great for most games at this price point. A 75Hz refresh rate will make your games feel much smoother than a standard 60Hz monitor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best screen size for gaming under $150?
A: For monitors under $150, a screen size between 21 to 24 inches is common and works well for most gaming setups.
Q: Is 1080p resolution good enough for gaming?
A: Yes, 1080p (1920×1080) resolution is the standard for many games and looks great on monitors in this price range.
Q: What refresh rate should I aim for?
A: Aim for at least a 75Hz refresh rate. This will give you a smoother gaming experience compared to standard 60Hz monitors.
Q: What does response time mean for gaming?
A: Response time is how quickly pixels change color. A low response time (like 1ms or 5ms) helps prevent motion blur in fast-paced games.
Q: What’s the difference between TN and IPS panels?
A: TN panels are usually faster but have less vibrant colors. IPS panels offer better colors and viewing angles but can sometimes be a bit slower.
Q: Can I play fast-paced games with a monitor under $150?
A: Yes, you can play fast-paced games. Look for a monitor with a good refresh rate (75Hz+) and a low response time (5ms or less).
Q: Will the colors look good on these monitors?
A: Colors can vary. IPS panels generally offer better color accuracy than TN panels. Reading reviews can help you find a monitor with good colors.
Q: What if I need to adjust the monitor’s position?
A: Some monitors have stands that allow you to tilt the screen. For height adjustment or rotation, you might need to look at slightly higher price points or consider a separate monitor arm.
Q: Are these monitors good for anything besides gaming?
A: Absolutely! They are great for schoolwork, general computer use, watching videos, and browsing the internet.
Q: How can I make sure I’m buying a quality monitor?
A: Read user reviews! They provide real-world experiences and can tell you about a monitor’s performance, build quality, and any potential issues.
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!