Gaming on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gamer, choosing the right monitor can greatly enhance your gaming experience. With a variety of options on the market, it’s crucial to understand key features like refresh rates, resolution, and screen size. This guide presents the best gaming monitors under $200, providing choices suitable for all types of players. After finding the perfect gaming monitor, you might want to enhance your overall gaming setup. Great visuals are just as important as a high-quality audio experience. Consider these best budget wired headsets for gaming to elevate your audio experience with exceptional sound quality. Game Rant’s Best Gaming Monitors under $200 The MSI Optix MAG2732 is the best overall gaming monitor under $200, providing gamers with high-performance features without a steep price tag. Its impressive 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time ensure smooth and responsive gameplay, making it an excellent choice for competitive gamers. The IPS panel enhances this experience by offering vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, ensuring stunning visuals from any perspective. Although it does not include built-in speakers or advanced design elements, the MSI MAG2732 focuses on what’s crucial for gaming excellence. GSync compatibility helps reduce screen tearing, and various connectivity options accommodate different gaming setups. Recognized for its outstanding qualities, the MSI Optix MAG2732 is considered the best overall gaming monitor under $200. The KOORUI 24.5 Inch FHD 170Hz VA Gaming Monitor is the best entry-level gaming monitor under $200, perfect for gamers on a budget. It provides full HD (1920×1080) resolution and a high-speed 170Hz refresh rate through DisplayPort. Additionally, its 1ms GTG response time and FreeSync technology help ensure smooth and responsive gameplay. This monitor supports VESA mounts and is easy to set up. Although it has a brightness of 250 Nits and supports a lower refresh rate with HDMI, its overall value and performance are impressive. For gamers seeking an upgrade without overspending, the KOORUI 24.5 Inch FHD 170Hz VA is arguably the best entry-level gaming monitor under $200. The Sceptre 32-inch Curved 2K Gaming Monitor is recognized as the best curved gaming monitor under $200, providing an outstanding gaming experience. It features a 165Hz refresh rate and QHD resolution, enhancing visual clarity and fluid motion. Additionally, the 1500R curvature expands your field of view for a more immersive experience, and HDR400 technology brightens the display with vibrant, lifelike colors. While it excels in many areas, there are some considerations. The refresh rate is limited to 144Hz when using HDMI, and the built-in speakers might not meet everyone’s expectations. However, its performance through DisplayPort and overall capabilities position it as a top choice for gamers looking for a high-quality curved monitor without a hefty price tag. The Sceptre 32-inch Curved 2K Gaming Monitor truly shines as the best curved gaming monitor under $200, demonstrating excellence in its category. The Acer Nitro XV320QU is the best mid-range gaming monitor under $200, offering high-performance features at an affordable price. Its 32-inch WQHD display provides stunning visuals, perfect for immersive gaming sessions. Additionally, the 1ms response time and 165 Hz refresh rate ensure smooth and responsive gameplay, enhancing the overall experience. While the Acer Nitro XV320QU has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks, including some reports of brightness issues. However, its AMD FreeSync Premium and IPS technology significantly enhance picture quality and reduce screen tearing. This makes the Acer Nitro XV320QU the best mid-range gaming monitor under $200 for gamers on a budget. The Acer Nitro XV320QU is the best high-end gaming monitor under $200, offering top-notch features for gamers who demand quality without breaking the bank. Its 32-inch WQHD display ensures vivid and immersive visuals, ideal for detailed gaming. The 1ms response time coupled with a 165 Hz refresh rate provides fluid and lag-free gameplay, enhancing the gaming experience significantly. While the Acer Nitro XV320QU boasts many advantages, it’s important to note some concerns about brightness from certain users. Nevertheless, with AMD FreeSync Premium and IPS technology improving picture quality and reducing screen tearing, the Acer Nitro XV320QU stands out as the best high-end gaming monitor under $200 for budget-conscious gamers. The CRUA 27″ Curved Gaming Monitor is considered the best budget gaming monitor under $200. It features a 27-inch FHD 1920×1080 resolution display complemented by an impressive 180Hz refresh rate, enhancing the visual fluidity for gaming. Its 1800R curvature immerses players into their gaming worlds, offering an expansive viewing experience. Additionally, this monitor supports a 99% sRGB color gamut, ensuring vibrant and precise colors. Key features such as Flicker-free technology and a blue light filter are included to minimize eye strain during long gaming sessions. While there have been some reports of screen issues, the overall value and straightforward setup affirm its position as the best budget gaming monitor under $200 for gamers seeking quality and affordability. Selecting the Best Gaming Monitor under $200 When choosing a budget gaming monitor, consider: Refresh Rate: Higher refresh rates offer smoother gameplay, especially for fast-paced games. Resolution: A higher resolution provides clearer and more detailed visuals. Brand Reputation: Trusted brands often deliver better build quality and customer support. FAQ Q: Are budget gaming monitors good for competitive gaming? Yes, many budget gaming monitors offer high refresh rates and low response times, making them suitable for competitive gaming. Q: What is the ideal refresh rate for a gaming monitor under $200? For smooth gameplay, look for a monitor with at least a 75Hz refresh rate. However, some budget options offer up to 144Hz or 180Hz. Q: Can I use a budget gaming monitor for console gaming? Yes, budget gaming monitors can be used with consoles. Look for monitors with HDMI ports and low input lag for the best experience.