Getprice Buyer's Guide: Bargain PC Monitors for August 2017
When it comes to buying a low-priced PC monitor in Australia, you're absolutely spoiled for choice in today's market. It's understandable, then, if you're a bit stuck when it comes to narrowing down which ones are actually worth putting on your shortlist.
To help scope out what's available when it comes to budget screens for your PC or Mac, we’ve put eight models to the test, with all priced under $350.
Of course, at this pricepoint, monitors tend towards simpler models, but there are still plenty of smaller panels that provide higher-end features.
It’s also possible to buy quite competent gaming models, with functionality such as AMD FreeSync and higher refresh rates. While many cheaper screens use basic TN panels, some step up the quality with VA or even IPS displays.
Other affordable productivity-focused monitors include adjustable stands, or have increased power efficiency.
While it’s possible to buy cheaper LCDs under 20-inches, 27-inches is about as big as you will find without blowing out the budget and going above $300.
As always, make sure you shop around for the best price — and here at Getprice, we're is obviously happy to help you compare!
Budget AMD gamers rejoice!
Available from just $179 – click here to compare the latest prices!
For those wanting a better-than-basic gaming experience for as few coins as possible, the ViewSonic VX series is a must see. It comes in three sizes — the 22-inch VX2257-mhd (around $179), this 24-inch VX2457-mhd (also $179), and the larger 27-inch VX2757-mhd for just $249. At first glance, the VX screens may seem like run-of-the-mill offerings, with 1,920 x 1,080 resolutions and a TN panel. But going beyond the nice low 1ms response time, the ViewSonic monitors include FreeSync support, and have a 75Hz refresh rate. The tech operates from 47–75Hz, so is well suited to those with mid-range AMD cards who want a buttery smooth gaming experience, but are not chasing super-high frame rates.
The monitor responds well to some OSD tweaks, but considering the price and spec, offers quite decent image quality and a uniform backlight. In testing, FreeSync did an excellent job of eliminating any tearing or stuttering. The VX2457-mhd has HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA inputs, but frustratingly does not include a DisplayPort cable, which is needed to actually use FreeSync.
Score: 4/5
Affordable, yet well equipped.
Available from just $225.50 - click here to compare prices!
For as little as $225.50, the 23-inch ASUS VX239H is well suited as an everyday monitor. For those who want the extra quality, it uses an AH-IPS panel, with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, wide 178-degree viewing angles, 80 million to 1 smart contrast ratio and an ultra-low blue light production backlight.
The VX239H looks great on the desk, with thin (but not quite frameless) bezels and a minimalistic stand with basic tilt adjustment. We did not experience any ghosting at all, thanks to the 5ms response time, and while not really aimed at gamers, the monitor does have gamer modes.
The monitor is quite bright (250cd/m2), with an even backlight and vibrant, accurate colours. The screen has dual HDMI and VGA inputs, with the former MHL compatible for connecting (and charging) mobile devices.
Frustratingly, only an VGA cable is included (not HDMI), and the speakers are expectably tinny.
For those who need a quality 23-inch screen with a few handy extra features, you can’t go wrong with the ASUS VX239H.
Score: 4/5
An affordable gaming monitor.
Available from just $315 – click here to compare prices!
At 27-inches, the AOC G2778VQ is a decent step up from a 23-inch screen, without too much of a price bump. It features a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, and has a simple but stylish red and black colour scheme with internal PSU. The G2778VQ is aimed at gamers, with a low 1ms response time and gaming modes such as FPS, racing and RTS.
More importantly, though, the monitor supports AMD FreeSync, and has a 75Hz refresh rate. The screen also has shadow control, which allows the user to improve detail in dark areas without blowing out the whites.
The AOC gives a great image for gaming, but the TN panel doesn’t have the colour accuracy or viewing angles of its IPS brethren. The backlight is bright (300cd/m2) and quite even, and overall contrast is decent and colours vibrant. We experienced no visible ghosting and FreeSync does an excellent job of eliminating any tearing or stuttering.
Round the back, the AOC has HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA inputs. The inbuilt 2W speakers are nothing special, but handy as
a backup.
Score: 4/5
Is it time for a curved upgrade?
Available from just $219 – click here to compare prices!
Scraping in under the $230 mark if you shop around, the Samsung LC24F390 offers a curved screen experience at an entry-level price.
The panel itself is 23.5-inches wide, and uses the standard 16:9 aspect ratio. It also has a full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, and uses a high quality VA panel.
This gives wider than TN viewing angles, as well as a higher than average 3000:1 native contrast ratio.
Despite not being aimed at gamers, the 5ms GTG response time is pretty decent, and and the screen supports AMD FreeSync.
In use, the 19-degree curvature of the Samsung screen makes it look larger than it actually is, but not to any huge degree. It takes a little getting used to, but helps it feel slightly more immersive, and easier on the eyes. The actual image quality is top notch, with deep blacks and bright colours.
The Samsung has HDMI and VGA inputs, but no DisplayPort. For those who want a smaller screen, the monitor also has a 21.5-inch version for $250, or a 27-inch for $430.
Score: 4/5
27-inches of IPS screen for less than a dollar an inch.
Available from just $230 - click here to compare prices!
Available from just $230, the LG 27MP48HQ is a remarkably affordable way to upgrade from a smaller monitor. It’s not just available from little computer stores either — big retailers such as Harvey Norman stock the screen. The LG offers a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, with a high-quality IPS panel and a 16:9 aspect ratio. At 250cd/m2, it’s quite bright, but can be overpowered by high-glare situations.
The 27MP48HQ has wide 178-degree viewing angles, a pretty normal 1,000:1 contrast ratio and includes a splitscreen utility for up to four views at once. The response time is a gamer-unfriendly 14ms (GTG) but it doesn’t create any ghosting issues in normal use, or even fast paced video. The panel colours are great, though there is some very mild unevenness to the backlighting.
The LG monitor has a single HDMI input, as well as a legacy VGA connection — though annoyingly only includes a cable for the latter. The screen itself has basic tilt adjustment, and a sleek if somewhat thick bezeled look.
Score: 4/5
A compact 21.5-inch option at a very tiny price.
Priced from just $144 - click here to compare prices!
Measuring in at 21.5 inches, the little BenQ GW2270H is great for smaller desks or as an affordable second screen. Even better, it costs just $150, despite using a higher-quality VA panel with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution.
Sure, it’s not quite IPS territory, but the GW2270H offers true 8-bit colour and wide 178-degree viewing angles. VA panels also give great contrast, and the BenQ screen exploits that with a high 3,000:1 native contrast ratio.
The refresh rate is quite good at 5ms GTG, and we did not experience any ghosting in normal use, including light gaming. The screen is rated to display 72% of the NTSC colour gamut, and gives a noticeably better image than a TN screen. The GW2270H looks great on a desk, but only has basic tilt adjustment.
Connectivity falls a little short as well, with DVI and VGA, but no HDMI or DisplayPort.
For those who want a larger screen, an extra $50 gets the BenQ GW2470H, with the same specs but a 23.8-inch panel.
Score: 3.5/5
HP offers up a high quality panel for not a lot of bucks.
Available from just $249 – click here to compare prices!
Aimed at professionals or those who want top-notch visuals, the HP EliteDisplay E240 provides quality at a decent price. Sure, it’s not bargain basement, and you will need to shop around to find the monitor under $300. But the E240 makes up for it with a 23.8-inch IPS panel with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution and wide 178-degree viewing angles. Just as importantly, it has an ergonomic stand with a large 150mm height adjustment, as well as tilt and swivel options.
The monitor includes HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA inputs (though only comes with a DisplayPort and VGA cable), plus a two-port USB hub. It’s also designed for power efficiency (using 31W) and can have an HP mini PC mounted on the rear for a slim AIO build.
The image quality on the E240 is top notch, with great colours, contrast and even backlighting, though the higher 7ms response time is not suited to gaming. For those who like to tweak their screen experience, the monitor comes with HPs Display Assistant Software.
Score: 3.5/5
A decent choice for workplace or home office productivity.
Available from just $249 - click here to compare prices!
For those looking for a high-quality panel for work or home, the Philips 241S6QYMB has a lot to offer. Rather than a TN panel, the 23.8-inch monitor uses an AH-IPS panel, with wide 178-degree viewing angles. The Philips offers the usual 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, with a 60Hz refresh rate and 250cd/m2 brightness.
The 5ms GTG response time isn’t aimed at gamers, but is still good enough to avoid ghosting during some casual play. The monitor also has a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, which boosts to 20 million to 1 using Philips SmartContrast.
The 241S6QYMB also makes it easy to get the perfect viewing experience, with a fully ergonomic base offering height (110mm down to almost desk level), swivel, tilt and rotation adjustments.
We found the panel needed some minor colour adjustments out of the box, but overall gives a vibrant image with very even backlighting. The inbuilt speakers are a little tinny, but perfectly fine for watching that funny YouTube video. The 241S6QYMB has DisplayPort, DVI and VGA inputs, but no HDMI.
Score: 3.5/5
Want more monitor ideas? Check out our sister site TechRadar’s round up of the 10 best monitors and displays on the market in 2017.