Cheap gaming monitors with IPS panels are not as common as you think despite the sea of available options in the market. Most of the cheapest options out there still use VA panels, which have better contrast but are incapable of blur-free performance. It is difficult to specify the right one if you don’t know what you’re looking for, but as always, we’re here to help.
Why Buy Cheap Gaming Monitors with IPS Panels?
The other obvious fact aside from saving money is the advantages presented by IPS technology compared to TN or VA. IPS monitors typically have better image quality, particularly with color accuracy and gamut coverage. Most prosumer-oriented variants use IPS panels because of this quality, so it’s safe to assume that you’ll get better color consistency.
Fast IPS is also a thing nowadays, but thankfully, it’s not locked behind a premium price point. We aren’t limited to 60Hz nowadays, so there will be some amazing gaming variants out there. We admit that we were skeptical of how good it was before versus TN, but some fantastic options out there changed our minds.
IPS panels also have better viewing angles, although that matters less if you are only using a single monitor. You can barely see the image on TN and some VA models if the screen is somewhat angled away from you, but that’s not the case here.
What to Expect When Buying Cheap Gaming Monitors with IPS Panels
Our number one rule we would like thrifty buyers to remember is to always manage expectations when shopping for cheap gaming monitors with IPS panels. IPS modules are typically more expensive to make than their counterparts. Manufacturers in turn will try to save costs by sacrificing other features to help pay for that difference.
Some will have tilt stands, limited connectivity, or even basic factory calibration to make the monitor more accurate. You also typically don’t get the goodies associated with gaming monitors, such as RGB lights or remotes. There will be a few exceptions, but they are a bit harder to find at the right price.
Best Cheap Gaming Monitors with IPS Panels 2024
Lenovo y25g-30
The Lenovo y25g-30 is one of the best cheap gaming monitors with IPS panels out there simply because of what it has to offer. It’s a 360Hz G-Sync monitor with fantastic imaging and gaming performance that’s tough to beat at its current price range. It is built like a true premium gaming monitor, but Lenovo just discounted it considerably and allowed it to join this list.
Gigabyte G27F 2
The Gigabyte G27F 2 is a fantastic option since it is priced like a 24-inch offering but has a larger IPS panel instead. It has a height-adjustable stand, more connectivity options, and better functionality than typical budget options. What surprised us about it is its fantastic image quality and responsiveness, which beats out its similarly priced counterparts that have a VA panel.
Gigabyte G24F 2
The Gigabyte G24F 2 isn’t as good as the G27F 2 when it comes to image quality. It is smaller, but it’s also more affordable. It’s priced to compete with the obscure options in the market, so it’s a no-brainer choice since it comes from Gigabyte. It’s fast and responsive, and it has a height-adjustable stand, so you get more mileage out of your money.
AOC 24G4
The AOC 24G4 is the follow-up to the acclaimed 24G2 which changed how we look at budget monitors. It has fantastic build quality and a fully adjustable stand, turning it into a steal in its price category. Its IPS panel also offers great color performance out of the box, so most users only need to put it together and plug it in before gaming.
Pixio PX247
Pixio has come a long way since its early Korean monitor or panel days with its newer offerings like the PX247. It offers decent color coverage and contrast, plus it’s FreeSync and G-Sync compatible, unlike some similar products. It’s not the most accurate out of the box and has limited features, but we felt that it gets the job done in most gaming situations.
Dell G2724D
The Dell G2724D has a larger screen and resolution than most offerings, yet its still a premium-brand option that has a bargain price tag. It has a 165Hz output and dual VRR compatibility, allowing it to represent the gaming monitor sweet spot. It boasts excellent responsiveness and decent image quality, so you will not be disappointed.
Asus XG27ACS
The Asus XG27ACS is far from dirt-cheap, but it is a ROG Strix monitor that’s priced like their entry-level offerings. It’s a 180Hz Fast-IPS gaming monitor with excellent performance all around, putting it next to or above some of the more expensive options in its category. It also has USB-C connectivity for versatility and a fully adjustable stand, so it is worth the extra cost over some of the offerings in this lineup.
Lenovo Y25-30
The Lenovo Y25-30 is another budget offering that is priced like a 144Hz option but actually goes way beyond. It has a 280Hz refresh rate and great color performance, so any E-Sports title will run smoothly and look vibrant all the time. It has a fully adjustable stand, USB-C, and a brighter display output than the rest here, so it’s a steal even if it’s priced like the 360Hz option above.
About the Author: Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen has the right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear and create reviews that accentuate the seldom-explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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