Monitors under $150 is a sweet spot for budget buyers as there are plenty of options available to choose from in this price range. Usually, budget buyers who are in a hunt for cheap monitors look for basic features such as color accuracy, screen-size, and connectivity ports which will just get work done for them. The $150 Monitors are considered as budget monitors, so you shouldn’t expect those high-end buttery smooth frame-rates and lightning fast response time for gaming and professional works in this price range. However, there are some hidden gems in the market which our monitor professionals were lucky enough to dig out, that are capable enough to blast through frame-rates with their 75Hz display.
Screen Size:
Most of the monitors falling under this price-range feature 21-inch to 25-inch screen with 1920 x 1080 full HD screen resolution which is industry standard for budget monitors, widely used by primary users who don’t care much about sharpness. Full HD resolution would be ideal for most of the users who prefer to stay between 21 to 23-inch screen size, otherwise, on a panel larger than that, 1080p would look pixelated, so not recommended on monitors that have bigger screen size.
Refresh Rate & Response Time:
As far as response time and refresh rate is concerned, most of the monitors under $150 come with 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time which should be ideal for you if your work does not include dealing with motions and moving objects. The higher the refresh rate will be the, more you will be able to notice smoothness. So, when it comes to gaming, refresh rate is one of the most significant things to consider. Apart from 60Hz, some selected monitors under $150 do come with 75Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time which we think is the best possible configuration under $150 anyone could get, so gamers should straightly head over to those monitors in this buying guide. (Note that the refresh rate and response time have no relation with color accuracy or sharpness)
AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync?
The fact that a monitor comes with an AMD FreeSync technology under 150 bucks is driving me nuts. Yes, few monitors from our list feature AMD FreeSync technology, and they are from ASUS and Dell. Now what it does in simple words is, it bridges the gap between stuttering frames whenever possible, so you won’t notice any lag while playing intensive games where frame rates matter a lot.
Display Technology: IPS or TN?
Monitors under $150 offer mostly IPS technology. IPS displays are vibrant in colors and have excellent viewing angles compared to TN panels. TN panels appear to be dull when viewed from sides, while IPS displays don’t fade when viewed from sides. So, for better colors and viewing angles, we would recommend going with the monitor that works on IPS technology.
So, now that you have a proper scenario of what’s going on in the market for $150 monitors. Let’s get straight into the list of best monitors under $150 that our monitor professionals compiled. Figure out your requirements and read the review of each monitor, then make an informed decision on what should you get for the bucks.
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Most Recommended Budget Monitors Under $150
1. Acer R240HY HD IPS Monitor #1 Best Seller
The Acer R240HY has one of the best displays we’ve tested in this price segment. Its 23.8″ panel on the front is backed by IPS technology that brings vibrant colors, deeper blacks and wide viewing angles to the eyes. The screen is, however, full HD 1080p as expected, which is standard in this price segment. The screen won’t look much pixelated on the 23.8″ variant; however, if you decide to opt for bigger 25″ variant, then you may notice quite a bit of pixelated image, which is acceptable over the display quality it offers under $150.
Looking at specs, the Acer R240HY offers 60Hz refresh rate which is ideal for productivity and multimedia tasks. If you’re coming from an old school 30 Hz monitor, then you may notice a significant improvement in smoothness. The Acer R240HY is a work-oriented monitor and is specifically optimized for casual users who want a good looking yet feature-rich panel for their setup. For those who play games, this monitor would work as a casual gaming monitor, but not recommended for intensive gaming where smoothness matters a lot; moreover, this monitor is not equipped with FreeSync or G-Sync, so intensive gamers should stay away.
As far as connectivity is concerned, the Acer R240HY features 1 x HDMI, 1 x DVI and 1 x VGA, so there shouldn’t be any issues regarding connectivity. However, if you plan to use this monitor with your MacBook, then you might need to plug in an HDMI dongle.
| Specifications of ASUS R240HY Monitor | |
| Screen Size | 23.8-inch |
| Resolution | Full HD | 1920 x 1080p |
| Technology | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 4 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | No |
| Connectivity Ports | HDMI, DVI, VGA |
| VESA Mount Compatible | No |
Overall: The Acer R240HY is one of the best monitors under $150 to blast through productivity and multimedia tasks.
2. HP VH240a IPS Monitor
The HP VH240a monitor offers bright and crisp images on its IPS panel for everyday wear and tear. As expected, this HP monitor also comes equipped with a 1080p display, which is standard in this budget category. But, what did HP do make it stand out from other budget monitors? Well, the cabinet is frame-less from 3 sides and that makes it quite comfortable to be used as multiple monitor setup. The sides and back are plastic, however, which is tough enough to withstand normal collisions. As far as ergonomics are concerned, the HP vh240a allows us to adjust the height, tilt, and pivot it to 90-degrees for vertically-oriented tasks such as scrolling through long websites and documents. So those who are obsessed with adjustments and ergonomics for their setup will definitely pick this one over other contenders.
The specifications of this monitor are equivalent to what others are offering at this price-point, but HP has done some little tweaks to make it more attractive for budget buyers, 72% sRGB coverage, a vibrant IPS panel, and a pair of built-in speakers under the hood for better audio quality. The display’s refresh rates and response time are ideal for menial tasks such as document-viewing, browsing, and casual gaming.
| Specifications of HP V240a Monitor | |
| Screen Size | 23.8-inch |
| Resolution | Full HD | 1920 x 1080p |
| Technology | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | N/A |
| Connectivity Ports | HDMI, HDCP, VGA |
| VESA Mount Compatible | Yes |
Overall: Keeping the offerings into consideration, the HP VH240a monitor isn’t disappointing at all. So if you’re on a tight budget and looking for a sharp & slim monitor for your setup, then this is a good contender to consider.
3. ASUS VZ239H-W 1080p IPS Monitor
Putting all the detailing, colors and refresh rates to the side, the ASUS VZ239H excels in build quality and to be able to make a monitor which is 7 mm thin is nuts. Yes, the monitor profile at its thinnest is 7 mm, and that makes it one of the slimmest monitors on our list of $150 monitors. The monitor is available in White and Icicle Gold color whichever suits your taste and is built on an elegant metal frameless design, making it an appealing choice to go for in terms of design and looks. Ergonomics is only where ASUS let us down, the VZ239H-W only tilts -5 to 22 degrees, and it doesn’t offer height adjustments and VESA holes either. So, for premium design and looks, you’re trading off ergonomics here.
On the display front, the ASUS VZ239H-W is backed by IPS technology; you can expect vibrant colors, adequate viewing angles, and deep blacks. Similar to what other IPS panels offer. On the connectivity front, the monitor offers HDMI and VGA ports and is claimed to deliver 48-76 Hz refresh rates depending on the connection used.
| Specifications of ASUS VZ239H-W Monitor | |
| Screen Size | 23-inch |
| Resolution | Full HD | 1920 x 1080p |
| Technology | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | N/A |
| Connectivity Ports | HDMI, VGA |
| VESA Mount Compatible | No |
Overall: The design is where ASUS VZ239H-W truly excels at. So, if your primary objective is to get a premium looking monitor while putting ergonomics to the side, then this should be on the top of your list.
4. ViewSonic VA2459-SMH Monitor
With flexible connectivity and wide-viewing angles, the ViewSonic VA2459 is an ideal monitor for PCs, Macs, and POS systems that support HDMI and VGA inputs. The monitor features a frameless edge-to-edge screen on the front that is backed by IPS technology, which delivers vivid colors and is visible from any viewing angle. For those who want multiple monitors setup, the ViewSonic VA2459 is VESA compatible and can be hooked up with multiple monitors. Moreover, its thin bezels will be super convenient for those who work on multiple screens every day.
Although there is no option available for height adjustments, so users who change their desk or chair frequently for the ergonomic purpose might feel it quite uncomfortable.
For binge-watching, the ViewSonic VA2759 comes equipped with a pair of inbuilt-speakers which are loud and crisp, so that you don’t have to search for an external speaker in-between those heavy work sessions. The monitor sets up in no time, and with the cables included within the box, the setup becomes even more seamless.
| Specifications of ViewSonic VA2459 Monitor | |
| Screen Size | 24-inch |
| Resolution | Full HD | 1920 x 1080p |
| Technology | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 7 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | N/A |
| Connectivity Ports | HDMI, VGA |
| VESA Mount Compatible | Yes |
Overall: Offering slim form-factor and versatility, the ViewSonic VA2459 monitor is an excellent option to consider for home and office use under $150.
Well, this is equally specced as the VA2459, with a gaming DNA beneath. Yes, the VX2452MH comes equipped with lightning fast 2ms response rate and smooth 75Hz refresh rate. The specifications might not be top of the line, but for the price it comes at, it is one of the best options to consider under $150. For gaming, ViewSonic tweaked this monitor with Gaming mode which enhances the visibility of darker scenes in video games with just a press of a button.
5. Samsung LC24F396FHNXZA Curved Monitor
Curved monitors are becoming a thing lately, and one of the reasons why most professionals prefer them over traditional monitors is their wider field of view. So, if you’re a professional looking for a curved monitor under $150, then the Samsung LC24F396FHNXZA is the best option to buy. It might not be super ultra-wide like those high-end workstation monitors, although its 16:9 ratio screen offers sufficient room and doesn’t feel claustrophobic to operate at all.
Moreover, gamers will love the AMD FreeSync technology on this monitor which substantially decreases image tearing and stutter during gameplay. Its 4 ms response ensures fast gameplay and PC experience overall. For casual gamers, the 60 Hz refresh rate would work, but not recommended for intensive gamers. (they should instead settle for a flat 75 Hz monitor as the curved ones with higher refresh rates cost way more than $150)
The 23″ flicker-free display on the front offers a good amount of vibrancy and is pretty good at handling colors. You can expect a little bit of over saturation or extra rich colors which you typically notice on other Samsung devices; nonetheless, the monitor lets you choose between various color modes so you can opt whichever mode that suits your eyes.
| Specifications of Samsung LC24F396FHNXZA Monitor | |
| Screen Size | 23.5-inch |
| Resolution | Full HD | 1920 x 1080p |
| Technology | LED |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 4 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | AMD FreeSync |
| Connectivity Ports | HDMI, VGA |
| VESA Mount Compatible | Yes |
Overall: Well, if you’re badly craving for a curved monitor under $150 to blast through productivity, then there are no better options available other than Samsung LC24F396FHNXZA. Go for it!
Well, if you’re in a hunt for curved gaming monitor under $150, then we have got you covered. The Sceptre C248W monitor is an ideal monitor for gaming as well for other tasks. It features a sharp 24″ 1080p curved screen on the front that can deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks while those intense dark scenes in the gameplay. The monitor’s pixel response is 75 Hz which is more than what other monitors offer at this price-segment. Other than that, the Sceptre C248W also features a built-in speaker which is ideal for movies and binge-watching. On the connectivity front, the monitor connects via Display Port, HDMI or VGA, and is also VESA mount compatible.
6. ASUS MB168B Portable Monitor
Of course, having multiple screens in front of you will enable you to be more productive. There are few portable monitors in the market which are ready to use straight away anywhere anytime, plug in the HDMI or USB with your laptop, and everything is set!
According to guys over at Laptop Mag, until now the best portable monitors under $150 offer screen resolution upto 1366 x 768 which might be a let go for some users, however, for most of the casual users who deal with a lot of presentations or documents on the go, this would work fine. The highlight of this monitor is its portability; it is lighter than most of the laptops that are currently sold in the market and is easy to throw in a backpack and carry anywhere. The setup is seamless with the USB cable that comes within the box. Just plug-in and you’re all set. (Drivers installation required initially)
Talking about the display, the ASUS MB168B features a 15.6″ screen which performed well in the outdoor conditions when we tested, the brightness was on-point, and the texts were easily readable. We also fired up some videos on Youtube to check out the color accuracy and vibrancy; we didn’t notice any issues regarding this; however, there was some sort of color fading on the screen when viewed from sides. That might be due to the matte coating instead of glossy which is necessary to avoid reflections as this specific monitor is intended to be used in outdoor conditions.
| Specifications of ASUS MB168B Portable Monitor | |
| Screen Size | 15.6-inch |
| Resolution | WXGA | 1366 x 768p |
| Technology | LED |
| Refresh Rate | N/A |
| Response Time | N/A |
| Variable Refresh Rate | No |
| Connectivity Ports | USB 3.0 |
| Weight | 1.76 lbs |
Overall: Well, if you’re a frequent traveler-worker kind of user, then the ASUS MB168B is the best portable monitor under $150 to buy. Portability and versatility are the two main objectives here.
7. AOC 24V2H Ultra-Slim FreeSync Monitor
AOC announced a range of new monitors in the V2H series, which feature ultra-slim bezels and premium build quality for a price as low as $150. Yes, AOC also squeezed in some features from high-end monitors and gave it a premium look to compete with other monitors under $150 price range. We’ve got out hands on the 24″ panel which falls under the spectrum of budget monitors, so you shouldn’t expect those blazing fast response time and buttery smooth refresh rates either. However, it does support AMD FreeSync technology for stutter-free gameplay, which again is a nice touch for a sub $150 monitor.
The AOC 24V2H is undoubtedly one of the best-looking monitors under $150 but does it offer great ergonomics? Well, AOC 24V2H is not height adjustable and lacks VESA mount to hook up with a custom stand. I feel AOC should’ve offered VESA mounts on 24V2H to make it even more versatile contender than the competition. This doesn’t affect everyone so it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for those users who plan to use this monitor with the pre-installed stand itself.
On the display front, the AOC V2H monitor comes in three variants, 22″, 24″ and 27″. The one we’re reviewing is 24″ variant which falls under $150 category; if you like to check the 22″ variant, then you can read the review of AOC 22V2H on our buying guide for $100 monitors. The 24V2H is backed by IPS technology that offers vibrant colors with wide-viewing angles. You may need to play around a little bit with the calibration settings initially to make it even more dynamic. Otherwise, you won’t be pushing it to the limits, and the panel would look quite dull. The 75 Hz refresh rate is standard in this price range, and the AOC V24H offers the same, ideal for every-day use and casual gaming.
| Specifications of AOC 24V2H FreeSync Monitor | |
| Screen Size | 24-inch |
| Resolution | Full HD | 1920 x 1080p |
| Technology | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | AMD FreeSync |
| Connectivity Ports | HDMI (cable included), VGA with Audio Line-out |
| VESA Mount Compatible | No |
Overall: If you’re looking for a thin and premium looking monitor that does everything it needs to do, then the AOC 24V2H should be your go.
8. Acer Nitro VG220Q FreeSync Gaming Monitor
Featuring a ZeroFrame design, the Acer VG220Q is one of the best gaming monitors to buy under $150 if you prefer 21″ screen size. It features a 3-side frameless design that looks stunning in person than in the picture. The panel is IPS that produces some serious rich colors and is an excellent performer when it comes to viewing angles. The panel boasts a standard 1080p display on the front which feels shaper than it should be because of the 21″ screen size. However, on a 24″ or 27″ it would have looked quite pixelated. The monitor features Gamer View Technology which can be triggered via one of the hotkeys on the monitor. It lets you choose between various modes of display such as Racing, Action, Sport, User Standard, ECO, Graphic & Movie.
Apart from excellent design, the monitor also stands out in providing fast pixel response and low input-lag to blast through gaming. The monitor also features AMD Radeon FreeSync Technology which reduces lag and offers stutter-free gameplay. However, the frame-rates and performance solely depend on the CPU you use; these monitors only help you achieve a better feel and feedback while gaming. As far as connectivity is concerned, the Acer VG220Q features 2x HDMI ports and 1x VGA port for connections. Alongside, the monitor also features a pair of speakers which are ideal for movies.
| Specifications of Acer Nitro VG220Q Monitor | |
| Screen Size | 21.5-inch |
| Resolution | Full HD | 1920 x 1080p |
| Technology | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
| Response Time | 1 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | AMD Radeon FreeSync |
| Connectivity Ports | 2x HDMI, 1x VGA |
| VESA Mount Compatible | Yes |
Overall: A premium frameless design, AMD FreeSync Technology, fast pixel response, and low input lag is what Acer Nitro VG220Q offers us for gaming under $150. Kudos to Acer for perfectly blending affordability & performance!
9. BenQ GL2760H Gaming Monitor
The BenQ GL2760H is a 27″ Twisted Nematic (TN) monitor which offers a decent gaming performance at a very affordable price. Low input lag and fast pixel response are the highlights of this monitor. It won’t blow you away like those high-end gaming monitors sitting at the top, the colors and viewing angles are not that great, plus the color starts to fade when viewed from sides which are common characteristics for TN panels. However, the screen has a non-reflective anti-glare coating that prevents reflection for clear visibility.
The cabinet weighs around 11-pounds and has a round-glossy stand at the bottom which lets you tilt the monitor 5-degrees forward and 20-degrees backward. Sadly it misses out the height and pivot adjustments options which shouldn’t be a deal-breaker as the monitor is VESA compatible so that users can get a customized stand or build a multiple monitor setup.
There are total 6 buttons on the right-back of the monitor. These buttons can help you tweak the colors and brightness of the monitor. Moreover, by a press of a button, an interface will appear that lets you choose between various pre-defined modes. There is BenQ’s Blue Light Prevent technology on the monitors which lowers the amount of Blue light emission from the screen. (causes eye-strain and sleeping disorders). For connectivity, the BenQ GL2760H offers D-sub, DVI. HDMI and headphone jack. Buyers should note that the monitor comes with a VGA cable within the box.
| Specifications of BenQ GL2760H Monitor | |
| Screen Size | 27-inch |
| Resolution | Full HD | 1920 x 1080p |
| Technology | TN |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 2 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | N/A |
| Connectivity Ports | D-Sub, DVI. HDMI, Headphone Jack |
| VESA Mount Compatible | Yes |
Overall: The BenQ GL2760H is a 27″ monitor that has some decent gaming innards under the hood. However, considering the fact that it’s a TN panel instead of IPS, you will be trading off better picture quality here.
10. Dell E-Series E2318Hx Monitor
The Dell E Series of monitors are work-oriented monitors and are specifically intended to be used for office purpose. Its specifications and features are not that promising but, the monitor is undoubtedly one of the most reliable options to buy. The monitor comes with a 23″ IPS panel on the front which is ideal for browsing the web, documents, and watching video alongside. The standard 1080p and 16:9 aspect ratio is perfect for most productivity based tasks. Talking about the design, the monitor feels quite outdated when observed side-by-side with current frameless monitors. However, these monitors are a gem for their sturdy and reliable build. On the connectivity front, the monitor boasts a VGA and Display port / HDMI port for connecting PCs and laptops.
The monitor sits on a matte stand which lets you adjust the monitor 5-degrees forward and 21-degrees backward whatever suits your posture. However, the absence of height adjustment might become a deal-breaker for some users. Moreover, the monitor is VESA mount compatible, so multiple monitors setup is possible with the Dell E2318Hx.
| Specifications of Dell E2318Hx Monitor | |
| Screen Size | 23-inch |
| Resolution | Full HD | 1920 x 1080p |
| Technology | LED-lit |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Variable Refresh Rate | No |
| Connectivity Ports | VGA, Display Port / HDMI |
| VESA Mount Compatible | Yes |
Overall: Well, if you’re looking for a reliable monitor that does what a traditional monitor needs to do, then the Dell E2318Hx is the best.
That’s a wrap! Looking at the market, there are plenty of options available to choose from under $150, whether it be for gaming or productivity, it’s quite challenging to pick one from a lot. So, in order to narrow it down and make everything easy, our monitor professionals tested these contenders from the market and figured out all the goods and bads for the buyers. We suggest our readers to first figure out their requirements and then read our reviews to make a right purchase on their monitor.
