The Best Cheap Monitors That Are Easy on the Eyes

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We’re in front of our screens with greater frequency so digital eye strain has become a more prevalent and concerning issue for all ages. For better or worse, we’re not about to cut ourselves off from viewing and using our screens, but we can upgrade our work and home (or work-from-home) computer monitors to minimize eye fatigue. These days, monitors come in a dizzying variety of sizes and specifications, but using a larger model with high screen quality may translate to less strain on your eyes.

If you haven’t shopped for a monitor in a while, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that prices for a large, bright screen have become more affordable in recent years. For less than $500, you can score an excellent name-brand monitor with high resolution. There are even some great models at $250 or less. Here are our eagle-eyed picks.

The Best Cheap Monitors

What to Look for in a Cheap Monitor

Keep these factors in mind when you’re figuring out which brand would work best for your needs.

Size

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to monitors, although you’ll want it to be large enough for a comfortable view. The sweet spot for most people is about 24 to 32 inches. Those dimensions allow you to look at two documents side by side or get immersed in a game without overwhelming a desk or compromising sharpness. Be sure to measure the size of your space so you know what size can comfortably fit.

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Refresh Rate

For gamers, refresh rate is a crucial measurement. It refers to the frequency at which the screen updates with new images each second, measured in Hertz (Hz). For most applications, a higher refresh rate means smoother visual quality. But the refresh rate doesn’t matter much for web browsing and word processing. The basic refresh rate for desktop monitors is 60Hz. More expensive monitors are available that offer up to 240Hz refresh rates. Gamers should pick a monitor with at least 75Hz.

Lighting

Some monitor makers are now taking steps to reduce eye strain by limiting the amount of blue light emitted by their screens. BenQ, for example, has some cool blue-light filtering tech in their monitors. Mac users can take advantage of a similar feature with Night Shift. Additionally, monitors that are too bright can also cause eye irritation. While you can adjust the brightness yourself, some newer monitors offer automatic brightness adjustment. It saves you a step and assures, due to built-in light sensors, that brightness is at an optimal level.

Shape

Give special consideration to curved monitors since they can create the illusion that you’re immersed in whatever you are looking at on the screen. Lower-end curved monitors tend to have a lot of glare, though, and they can be more expensive than the flat version.

How We Selected These Cheap Monitors

I researched the specifications and evaluated reviews for dozens of monitors that cost less than $500 and tried many of them out myself. I looked for monitors that offer good color reproduction and a crisp picture while also keeping in mind the overall aesthetics of the display. After all, no one wants an ugly monitor on their desk!

Dell S3221QS Ultra-Thin Bezel Monitor

The Dell S3221QS monitor sports a fresh look and some of the best picture quality I’ve seen in a monitor in this class. The curved screen is perfect to immerse you in your work or allow you to get lost in a Netflix series. The built-in 5-watt speakers sound surprisingly decent with plenty of bass and a clear mid-range. Dell advertises the screen as "flicker-free" and in my tests I found it to be comfortable for long viewing periods. The low refresh rate works well for productivity and most low-end games but won’t satisfy pro gamers.

HP 24mh FHD Monitor

The HP 24mh FHD monitor has a retro early 2000s office look that won’t appeal to everyone, but the picture quality is stunning. I was impressed by the razor-sharp display and higher than average refresh rate, which makes movies and video games look extra smooth. The viewing angles are excellent as well, with consistent color and image clarity maintained even if you aren’t looking at the monitor straight on.

ASUS VG246H Gaming Monitor

Gamers who don’t need the highest specs can save a bundle on the surprisingly good value of the ASUS VG246H Gaming Monitor. The 75Hz refresh rate is fast enough to make games look smooth. ASUS claims its Extreme Low Motion Blur technology allows for quick response time to make graphics sharper. The full HD resolution is lower than some other monitors on our list, but it’s an ideal spec for many games. The built-in speakers are weak so be prepared to use your own.

AOC C32G2 Curved Frameless Gaming Monitor

Although the AOC C32G2 monitor is intended for gaming, its reasonable price and high refresh rate make it an excellent choice to get work done fast. The curve of the monitor makes whatever you are doing feel more immersive. This monitor's sleek, futuristic look with red accents might be too casual or eccentric for some office environments but would certainly hold up in a home office space.

LG 32ML600M-B LED Monitor

I love the sleek, minimalist look of the LG 32ML600M-B LED Monitor and the picture quality is surprisingly good for the price. The low refresh rate means that this monitor isn’t ideal for gaming but it’s a great choice for doing things like web browsing and typing. The glossy screen makes colors pop, but it can reflect daylight if you're sitting near a window. Unlike some other monitors, this model doesn’t come with a height-adjustable stand.

LG 29WN600-W Monitor

Ultrawide, the LG 32ML600M-B LED Monitor is ideal for viewing two documents side by side without taking up too much desk space. The anti-glare coating works remarkably well in my test; even direct sunlight wasn’t too distracting. This model also packs some useful features for people who spend long hours staring at the screen. For instance, it boasts a reading mode that reduces blue light and Flicker Safe dimming technology to minimize flicker that can cause eye fatigue.

BenQ GW2485TC IPS Monitor

The all-black BenQ GW2485TC IPS Monitor has an intimidating look but don’t let that fool you as it’s welcoming to your eyes. The super-sharp screen is better than it needs to be at this price and the slightly higher than average refresh rate makes scrolling through web pages a bit smoother than average. I loved the ergonomic, adjustable stand during a recent test which makes it easy to find the right height and angle. The built-in noise cancellation is an unusual bonus and is great for video conference calls.

Samsung Odyssey G5 Gaming Monitor

Samsung’s Odyssey line is well-known in the gaming community for producing some of the best monitors for play. Typically, Odyssey monitors are very expensive, but the Samsung Odyssey G5 Gaming Monitor beats the trend with a modestly priced model that offers enough features to satisfy all but super high-end gamers. The G5’s 144Hz super smooth refresh rate makes gaming more immersive. The fast response time also makes this monitor a great choice for gamers. To keep the price low, Samsung eliminates the speakers and extra USB ports that come standard with pricier models.

ViewSonic VX3211-4K-mhd Monitor

If you want a monitor for work but also to binge-watch the new season of your favorite show, this ViewSonic model fits the bill. It offers a wide variety of features at a reasonable price. The bright, colorful screen is big enough to let you do everything from document editing to enjoy home entertainment. Even though the refresh rate is only 60Hz, this model includes AMD’s FreeSync. The technology enables smooth frame rates, which worked well in my tests to make videos more enjoyable to watch. Plus, the monitor’s integrated speakers are better than most.

Tech Expert Sascha Brodsky Tells You Why to Buy a Larger or Curved Computer Monitor—Minimize Eye Strain!

PM: What’s the benefit of buying an inexpensive monitor?

SB: I spend a lot of time using my MacBook Pro laptop with its built-in screen, so it doesn’t make sense for me, like many people, to spend thousands of dollars on an external display. At the same time, it’s essential to find a monitor that’s good enough to enjoy watching videos and be able to view my work comfortably.

PM: What’s your favorite monitor on this list?

SB: I use the Dell S3221QS daily, and I love the flicker-free display and vibrant colors. The 32-inch screen is big enough to view several documents simultaneously, so it’s a nice change from the 16-inch screen on my laptop.

PM: Should you get a curved monitor?

SB: I’m a big fan of curved monitors partly because I love their futuristic look but also because I just feel much more engaged with whatever I’m doing when I use one. The price of curved displays has dropped in recent years, so this type of monitor is now affordable enough for most budgets. I refuse to go back to using a traditional flat display.

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