Best Monitors Under $150: Our Most Recommended Affordable Monitors

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 144Hz display.

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.

But, before that, we also have a buying guide for the best computer monitors for work under $200 so if you can extend your budget a bit you will get a much better value in a long term.

Most Recommended Budget Monitors Under $150

1. Acer R240HY Full HD IPS Monitor

• Zero-frame design
• Widescreen IPS display
• Tilt adjustable stand
• Eye-friendly screen
• 250-nits brightness

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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 27″ 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

Overall

The Acer R240HY is one of the best monitors under $150 to blast through productivity and multimedia tasks.

2. HP VH240A IPS Monitor #1 Best Seller

• Fully adjustable stand
• IPS panel technology
• VESA Mount adapter
• 3-sided micro-edge design
• Built-in speakers

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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 to 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 in the monitor 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

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. BenQ GW2480 1080p IPS MonitorRecommended For work

• Ultra-slim bezel
• Hidden compartment for cables
• Built-in speakers
• Flicker-free technology
• Automatic brightness

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BenQ GW Series of monitors are work-oriented monitors and are specifically intended to be used for office purposes. Its specifications and features are not that promising, but the BenQ GW2480 is undoubtedly one of the most reliable options to buy. The monitor comes with a 23.8″ 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 houses a 3-side frameless design that feels premium and modern. On the connectivity front, the monitor boasts an HDMI, a DVI-D, a D-Sub, and an audio out port for connecting PCs and laptops.

The monitor sits on a matte stand, which lets you adjust the monitor for 5-degrees forward and 20-degrees backward. However, the absence of height adjustment might become a deal-breaker for some users. However, the monitor is VESA mount compatible, so multiple monitors setup is possible with the BenQ GW2480.

Read Detailed Review – BenQ GW2480 Monitor For Productivity & Office Tasks

Specifications

Overall

Well, if you’re looking for a reliable monitor that does what a traditional monitor needs to do, then the BenQ GW2480 is the best.

4. Sceptre E248W-19203R 1080p Monitor

• Adaptive sync
• Built-in speakers
• 75Hz refresh rate
• VESA wall mount
• Slim bezels

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Sceptre announced a range of new monitors in the E series, which feature ultra-slim bezels with nifty features for a price as low as $150. Yes, Sceptre also squeezed in some elements from high-end monitors and gave it a minimal 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 Adaptive-Sync technology for stutter-free gameplay, which again is a nice touch for a sub $150 monitor.

The Sceptre E248W is undoubtedly one of the best-cheap monitors under $150, but does it offer great ergonomics? Well, the Sceptre E238W is not height adjustable, although it does have VESA mount to hook up with a custom stand.

I feel Sceptre should’ve offered an adjustable stand 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 Sceptre E248W monitor comes in three variants, 20″, 22″ and 24″. The one we’re reviewing is 24″ variant, which falls under $150 category. If you want to check the 24″ option, you can read the review of Sceptre E205W on our buying guide for $100 monitors. The E248W is backed by LED 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 Sceptre E248W offers the same, making it ideal for every-day use and casual gaming.

Specifications

Overall

If you’re looking for a thin and minimal looking monitor that does everything you need to do, then the Sceptre E248W should be your go.

5. ASUS VA27EHE IPS FreeSync Monitor Best IPS ALl-Rounder

• Elegant design
• Ultra-low blue light
• Wide viewing angles
• Exclusive gaming features
• Supports VESA mount

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The ASUS VA27EHE is a great budget monitor for office, productivity, and light gaming. An IPS panel backs the monitor, which is very good at producing colors, while the 27″ size ensures that you get enough space on the screen. The bezels are thin, and the 1080p resolution of the monitor provides an excellent mixture of screen quality and real estate.

Unlike, the Acer R240HY, our current contender has VESA mount compatibility because the stand that comes with the monitor has only tilt function. So, those with the needs to change monitor orientation can mount this monitor on a custom monitor arm for further flexibility.

For gamers, the monitor is delighted with 75Hz refresh rate, which is excellent to have at this price segment. There won’t be much difference, but you do get that little competitive advantage over your 60Hz competitors. Further, the monitor houses Adaptive Sync which significantly reduces ghosting, and stuttering while playing fast-paced games.

Specifications

Overall

The Acer VA27EHE is an excellent all-rounder for buyers who are looking for a monitor under $150 to suffice their everyday computing needs whether it be productivity or gaming.

6. Sceptre E248W-FPT Business IPS Monitor

• Wide viewing angles
• Fast response time
• Multiple ports
• Edgeless design
• VESA wall mountable

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The Sceptre E248W-FPT is an entry-level IPS monitor from the manufacturer that focuses on providing professionals with a good colorful screen. Sceptre’s offering of all the basic bits for starters makes it one of the best-selling IPS monitors in the industry under $150. So if you are looking for an IPS monitor and your budget is somewhere around $150 then this is an ideal contender to consider.

Starting with the display, the Sceptre E248W-FPT houses an IPS panel that is excellent at producing colors. It’s a full HD panel as you would expect from a budget monitor and the 23.8″ screen size delivers the perfect combination of screen space and clarity so that’s a nice thing. If you are concerned about text clarity, the texts clear and it doesn’t cause eye fatigue while reading for a long amount of time.

For those who are concerned about color accuracy, the Sceptre E248W-FPT is one of a few monitors under $150 to come with 99% sRGB colo coverage which is excellent. So, if you are seeking color accuracy, this is the monitor you should buy. Apart from that, our current contender is also ideal for gaming purposes with its offering of a 75Hz refresh rate. It gets a host of gaming features as well so that’s a nice thing for such an affordable monitor.

Talking about the design and build of Sceptre E248W-FPT, it does look elegant with those frameless bezels, but the build is mediocre and it doesn’t seem to be very well put together. The main highlight of its design is the frameless sides which makes it super ideal for dual or triple monitor setups.

The bottom is quite thick because the Sceptre branding goes there and the stand is quite old-fashioned with that round shape. It offers only tilt function however if you need other functions as well you will need to mount this monitor on a custom monitor VESA arm. The ports and buttons for OSD are given on the back and they are backward-facing making them easy to reach.

The build quality and feel of the monitor don’t seem premium. It offers a couple of gaming features but misses out on FreeSync so it might not attract gamers.

Specifications

Overall

The Sceptre E248W-FPT is an excellent entry-level IPS monitor that offers a 75Hz refresh rate so if you are looking for a monitor under $150 then this is a great option.

7. ASUS VA27EHE IPS FreeSync Monitor best curved pick

• 1800R curved screen
• Eye-saver mode
• Flicker-free technology
• Wide viewing angle
• Brilliant picture quality

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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 curved monitor 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 console 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

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!

8. Dell S2421H Full HD IPS Monitor

• Thin bezels
• Accurate colors
• Comfortable viewing
• Dell Easy Arrange
• Reduced eye fatigue

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The Dell S2421H is one of the best budget monitors for productivity. It houses a color-accurate IPS panel under the hood that is excellently calibrated to carry on color-demanding tasks on the monitor. The 1080p resolution might not be the best suited for designers and video editors, but for $150, it is excellent. For those who are concerned about colors, the Dell S2421H possesses 72% NTSC color coverage which is rare in this price segment although the 250-nits peak brightness is quite low for a modern IPS monitor.

When it comes to multiple tasks, the Dell S2421H might not be the best all-rounder from the list. There are better options available for the price, but if you need color accuracy, then this is the best option to buy.

For gamers, the Dell S2421H gets AMD FreeSync which its predecessor missed out on, but it is great to see Dell updating their budget monitors with AMD FreeSync and other gamer-centric features. Apart from that, the monitor houses a 75Hz refresh rate for a smooth gaming experience. If you are coming from a 60Hz monitor, you will notice a slight improvement and the visuals would seem a little more fluidic on the Dell S2421H.

On the connectivity front, our current contender houses dual HDMI 1.4, and a 3.5mm Audio Out which seems too outdated. An offering of HMDI 2.0 would have been great here. The Dell S2421H offers only tilt function which is great and easy to adjust, thanks to its premium mechanism. However, it misses out on other adjustment options so if you need to pivot or swivel your monitor, you can mount this monitor on a custom monitor arm via 100 x 100 mm VESA interface.

Specifications

Overall

The Dell S2421H is an excellent budget monitor for those who don’t want to spend much. It’s super purposeful and it houses all the basic bits a professional would need.

9. Philips 246E9QDSB 24″ FreeSync Monitor

• Ultra-Wide Color Spectrum
• AMD FreeSync
• Narrow Borders
• 75Hz Refresh Rate
• 129% sRGB

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With flexible connectivity and wide-viewing angles, the Philips 246E9QDSB is an ideal monitor for PCs, Macs, and other systems that support HDMI input. 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 should note that the Philips 246E9QDSB is VESA mount compatible. So, putting this monitor on a custom VESA supported arm that supports multiple monitors would be seamless.

Also, there is no option available for adjustments other than tilt, so users who change their desk or chair frequently for the ergonomic purpose might feel it quite uncomfortable.

Talking about its main highlight, the Philips 246E9QDSB packs a beautiful and color-accurate screen beneath that premium-looking frame. It has a standard 1080p screen as you would expect from a budget monitor, but the capabilities of this monitor are exceptional.

The visuals appear super smooth and the texts appear crispy, thanks to its 92ppi which is not the closest arrangement of pixels but the fact that it’s a budget monitor still performs excellently. The color coverage of 129% sRGB makes a huge difference for designers and editors who are seeking color accuracy.

For gamers, the Philips 246E9QDSB gets a native 75Hz refresh rate which does provide a competitive advantage over 60Hz players. The list has not finished yet, our current contender also gets FreeSync technology making it one of the most feature-rich monitors in our list of $150 monitors.

Specifications

Overall

Offering slim form-factor and colourful screen, the Philips 246E9QDSB monitor is a great all-purpose option to consider for home and office use under $150.

Alternative For Gaming with 2ms Response Time – ViewSonic VX2452MH

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.

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10. Dell S2421HGF 144Hz FreeSync Monitor Best Gaming pick

• Rapid Pixel Color Change
• 144Hz Refresh Rate
• AMD FreeSync
• Height & Tilt Adjust
• Plenty Gaming Features

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The Dell S2421HGF is one of very few monitors under $150 with a 144Hz refresh rate so if you have been looking for a 144Hz monitor under $150 then this is the right contender. However, one thing readers should note that the price of these monitors varies often so at times the price of Dell S2421HGF might go above $150.

Featuring a sturdy design, the Dell S2421HGF is one of the best gaming monitors to buy under $150 if you prefer a 24″ screen size. It features a sturdy design that looks stunning in person than in the picture. The panel is a TN that produces some excellent response times and is an excellent performer when it comes to gaming.

The panel boasts a standard 1080p flat display on the front, which feels sharper than it should be because of the 24″ screen size. However, on a 27″ screen, it would have looked quite pixelated. The monitor features a host of gaming features that can be triggered via one of the hotkeys on the monitor. It lets you choose between various modes such as Racing, Action, Sport, User Standard, ECO, Graphic & Movie.

Apart from excellent design, the monitor also provides a 1ms pixel response and 144Hz refresh rate to blast through gaming. The monitor also features AMD 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 Dell S2421HGF features 2x HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and an audio out port for connections.

Specifications

Overall

A premium frameless design, AMD FreeSync Technology, fast pixel response, and 144Hz refresh rate is what Dell S2421HGF offers us for gaming under $150. Kudos to Dell for perfectly blending affordability & performance!

11. ASUS VL279HE Eye-Care 27″ Monitor

• IPS Technology
• Adaptive Sync / FreeSync
• Eye-Care Features
• Slim & Frameless Design
• ASUS GamePlus Features

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The ASUS VL279HE is an excellent monitor for those who are looking for a 27″ monitor under $150. It packs a lot of eye-care features that make it an ideal option for productivity. The main highlight of our current contender is its beautiful and big IPS screen on the front that serves multiple purposes.

It also houses gaming features such as FreeSync and the refresh rate is clocked to 75Hz so those who need a productivity monitor that can play games, look nowhere, the ASUS VL279HE is the perfect monitor.

Starting with the display performance, the 27″ IPS panel on the front gives a great sense of space on the screen so if you do multi-tasking where you open up a couple of windows side by side, then this is going to be your choice. As far as clarity is concerned, the visuals appear super clean and neat, the texts look crispy even if they are small in size so it won’t cause eye strain as such.

To save eyes health, the ASUS VL279HE houses low-blue light mode which decreases the blue light emission from the screen to give you a comfortable view of the screen for a long time. The aesthetics are minimal, and the screen is frameless from 3-sides.

Gamers get a 75Hz refresh rate, not a significant upgrade over 60Hz but that little bit of extra smoothness does make a difference. Apart from that, the ASUS VL279HE packs ASUS GamePlus features with crosshair, timer, FPS counter, and display alignment functions.

Specifications

Overall

The ASUS VL279HE is an excellent 27-inch monitor under $150 for productivity and gaming. Its big screen is super purposeful and makes gaming possible with the offering of a 75Hz refresh rate and Adaptive Sync.

Spend $20 More and Get a Monitor with Pivot Adjustments

• Excellent IPS Screen
• Eye-Care Features
• Height, Pivot, tilt Adjustable
• Stereo Built-in Speakers
• VESA Mount Compatibility

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The HP M27ha is an excellent monitor for programmers and designers seeking portrait orientation on a monitor under $150. It houses a big 27″ screen on the front which is very purposeful and the fact that it rotates and goes up-down makes it a great deal for budget buyers. Apart from ergonomics, it has a low blue light mode, and it is also delighted with built-in stereo speakers so that’s a nice thing.

12. Acer CB272 Home Office Monitor

• AMD FreeSync
• Zero Frame Design
• VESA Mount Compliant
• High Speed Response
• Fully Adjustable Stand

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The Acer CB272 is a 27″ IPS monitor that 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. However, the colors and viewing angle are excellent and, the screen has a non-reflective anti-glare coating that prevents reflection for clear visibility.

The cabinet weighs around 16.5-pounds and has a circular stand at the bottom, which lets you fully adjust the monitor. It offers seamless tilt, pivot, swivel, and height adjustments. Moreover, it also supports VESA mount so mounting this monitor a custom arm is going to be super easy for multiple monitor setup.

The buttons for OSD are given on the 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 Acer’s Blue Light Prevent technology on the monitor, which lowers the amount of Blue light emission from the screen. (causes eye-strain and sleeping disorders).

For connectivity, the Acer CB272 offers HDMI, DisplayPort, D-Sub, and headphone jack. Buyers should note that the monitor comes with a D-Sub cable within the box.

Specifications

Overall

The Acer CB272 is a 27″ monitor that has some decent gaming innards under the hood, and the IPS makes it the best monitor for home office under $150.

More Recommendations

ASUS MB168B Portable Monitor

• Compact Form-Factor
• Auto Rotating Display
• Blue Light Filter
• Works on USB 3.0
• Doesn’t Require External Power

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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.

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

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Sceptre C248W 75Hz Gaming Monitor

• 24″ FHD/1080p Curved Screen
• 5ms Response Time
• 75Hz Refresh Rate
• Anti-Flicker
• Edgeless Design

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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.

Screen Size	23.6-inch
Resolution	Full HD | 1920 x 1080p
Technology	VA
Refresh Rate	75Hz
Response Time	5ms
Variable Refresh Rate	AMD FreeSync
Adjustments	Tilt Only
Connectivity Ports	1x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x VGA, 1x 3.5mm Audio Out
VESA Mount Compatible	Yes

Overall

The Acer CB272 is a 27″ monitor that has some decent gaming innards under the hood, and the IPS makes it the best monitor for home office under $150.

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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.