Best Budget Monitors Uk: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Navigating the world of budget monitors can feel like a minefield. You want crisp visuals and reliable performance without breaking the bank, but how do you separate the true bargains from the duds? We’ve put in the hours, testing a wide range of affordable screens to find the models that deliver the best performance for your pound. After extensive hands-on evaluation, we’ve crowned the Dell P2425H 24″ 100Hz IPS Monitor as our top pick. It strikes a phenomenal balance between price, performance, and features, offering a smooth 100Hz refresh rate, excellent colour accuracy from its IPS panel, and a suite of connectivity options, including USB-C, that are rarely seen at this price point. It’s the perfect all-rounder for work, study, and casual gaming.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Budget Monitors Uk

#1 Dell P2425H 24″ 100Hz IPS Monitor – Ideal for: All-Round Productivity and Home Office Use

Upon unboxing the Dell P2425H 24″ 100Hz IPS Monitor, it immediately struck us as a product that punches well above its weight class. For a budget monitor, the build quality is solid, and the assembly is refreshingly simple. What truly sets it apart in our testing is its feature set. The 24-inch IPS panel delivers crisp, clear Full HD visuals with 99% sRGB coverage, making colours vibrant and accurate enough for creative tasks like photo editing. Text clarity is outstanding, a point echoed by several users who use it for coding and drafting. The jump to a 100Hz refresh rate is immediately noticeable over standard 60Hz panels; scrolling through documents and web pages is buttery smooth, reducing eye strain during long work sessions. We also appreciated the TÜV-certified ComfortView Plus, which genuinely makes staring at the screen for 5-6 hours a day more comfortable. The ergonomic stand is a star feature, offering full pivot and swivel adjustments, allowing us to easily switch to a vertical orientation—a huge plus for developers and writers. The extensive connectivity, including USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, and even VGA, ensures it’s compatible with almost any device, old or new.

#2 Dell S2725DS 27 Inch QHD 100Hz IPS Monitor – Perfect for: Stylish and High-Resolution Workstations

The Dell S2725DS 27 Inch QHD 100Hz IPS Monitor is a fantastic step-up for those who need more screen real estate and sharper detail. During our tests, the QHD (2560×1440) resolution on the 27-inch screen was the main event, providing a significant boost in clarity and workspace compared to 1080p. It’s perfect for multitasking, allowing us to have multiple windows open side-by-side without feeling cramped. The IPS panel rendered colours beautifully with 99% sRGB coverage, and like its smaller sibling, it features a smooth 100Hz refresh rate. We were pleasantly surprised by the built-in dual 5W speakers; while they won’t replace a dedicated sound system, they are remarkably clear and loud for integrated audio, a sentiment shared by users who appreciate the clutter-free setup. The monitor’s design is another highlight, with a clean white finish and a subtly textured back that looks great in any modern home office. The stand is fully ergonomic, offering height, pivot, swivel, and tilt adjustments, making it easy to find the perfect viewing angle. We found it to be an excellent monitor for both productivity and media consumption, offering a premium feel without a premium price tag.

#3 ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM1A 270Hz Gaming Monitor – Suits: Competitive Gamers on a Budget

For gamers who prioritise speed above all else, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM1A 270Hz Gaming Monitor is an absolute revelation at this price point. Firing up our favourite fast-paced shooters, the overclockable 270Hz refresh rate was a game-changer. The motion clarity is simply phenomenal, providing a tangible competitive edge where every millisecond counts. Combined with a 1ms GTG response time and ASUS’s Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology, we experienced virtually no ghosting or smearing, just buttery-smooth visuals. The Fast IPS panel ensures that you don’t have to sacrifice colour quality for speed; the 99% sRGB coverage meant games looked vibrant and punchy. Compatibility with both FreeSync Premium and G-Sync worked flawlessly in our testing, eliminating screen tearing for a seamless experience. While it sticks to a 1080p resolution, on a 24-inch screen this provides a high pixel density that keeps images sharp and allows GPUs to push those ultra-high frame rates. Our experience was confirmed by numerous users who hailed it as a brilliant gaming monitor. However, we did note, as some have pointed out, that build quality control can be inconsistent, so it’s worth checking for any dead pixels upon arrival.

#4 AOC Q27G3XMN 27 Inch QHD Mini LED Gaming Monitor – Ideal for: High-Fidelity HDR Gaming

The AOC Q27G3XMN 27 Inch QHD Mini LED Gaming Monitor is a standout performer, bringing premium Mini LED technology to a much more accessible price bracket. The difference was stark in our testing: with 336 local dimming zones, this monitor produces incredible contrast. Blacks are genuinely deep, and bright highlights pop with an intensity that its HDR1000 certification promises. Games and movies looked absolutely stunning, with a level of detail and colour richness that VA panels are known for, but amplified by the Mini LED backlight. The gaming experience is top-notch, with a fluid 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms GtG response time ensuring gameplay is both smooth and responsive. We noticed minimal ghosting, and FreeSync Premium Pro kept everything tear-free. The QHD resolution on the 27-inch screen is the sweet spot for gaming, offering sharp visuals without demanding a top-of-the-line GPU. The build quality feels robust, and the included stand offers full height adjustment, which we always appreciate. While some users mentioned the stand is quite large, we found it stable, though a monitor arm is a good option to save desk space.

#5 BenQ PD2705U 27″ 4K UHD Designer Monitor – Perfect for: Budget-Conscious Content Creators

When precision is paramount, the BenQ PD2705U 27″ 4K UHD Designer Monitor delivers professional-grade features without the eye-watering price. From the moment we powered it on, the 4K UHD resolution made an impact, rendering images and text with incredible sharpness. What truly impressed us, however, was the colour accuracy. BenQ’s AQCOLOR technology and factory calibration are not just marketing terms; the monitor covers 99% of sRGB and Rec.709 with a Delta E ≤ 3, ensuring that the colours we saw on screen were true to life. This is a huge advantage for photo and video editing. The specialized modes for CAD/CAM and Animation were genuinely useful, highlighting fine details in complex work. We found the built-in KVM switch to be an excellent productivity booster, allowing us to control two different systems with a single keyboard and mouse. The USB-C port with 65W power delivery is another fantastic feature, enabling a single-cable connection for video, data, and laptop charging. Many users, especially those with MacBooks, confirmed its seamless compatibility and excellent performance for creative workflows, making it a solid investment for any budding designer.

#6 Philips Evnia 34M2C5501A 34 inch Curved Gaming Monitor – Suits: Immersive Ultrawide Gaming and Entertainment

The Philips Evnia 34M2C5501A 34 inch Curved Gaming Monitor offers an incredibly immersive experience that envelops your field of view. The 34-inch ultrawide WQHD (3440×1440) panel is a treat for both gaming and productivity. In games, the expanded peripheral vision provided a more cinematic feel, and for work, the extra horizontal space was a huge boon for timelines and spreadsheets. The 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time delivered a fluid and responsive gaming experience. What really enhances the immersion is the Ambiglow feature, which projects light onto the wall behind the monitor that matches the on-screen colours. While testing, we found it made late-night gaming sessions feel more dynamic and less straining on the eyes. The VA panel provided strong contrast, and the picture quality was vibrant and sharp. The monitor’s white design is sleek and modern, and the stand offers good ergonomic adjustment with tilt, swivel, and height controls. While the built-in speakers are serviceable, the star of the show is the combination of the ultrawide format and Ambiglow, creating a unique and compelling package at this price point.

#7 KOORUI 27 Inch 180Hz QHD Curved Gaming Monitor – Ideal for: Maximum Gaming Specs on a Minimal Budget

The KOORUI 27 Inch 180Hz QHD Curved Gaming Monitor represents astonishing value, packing a spec sheet that seems almost too good to be true for the price. We were keen to see if it could deliver, and for the most part, it does. The 27-inch curved VA panel with a QHD resolution offers an immersive and detailed picture. The 180Hz refresh rate felt exceptionally smooth in our gaming tests, a significant upgrade from lower refresh rate panels. Combined with a 1ms response time and Adaptive Sync, the gameplay was fluid and tear-free. The 1500R curvature is quite pronounced, which we found enhances immersion in racing and simulation games. Out of the box, we did find the colours to be a bit washed out, a sentiment echoed by many users. However, after spending some time calibrating the settings through the OSD menu and our graphics card’s control panel, we were able to achieve a much more vibrant and pleasing image. This monitor requires a bit of tweaking to show its true potential, but if you’re willing to put in that small effort, you are rewarded with a high-performance gaming display for an unbelievably low price.

#8 KTC 27 Inch 2K 210Hz Gaming Monitor – Perfect for: High-Speed, Colour-Accurate Gaming

The KTC 27 Inch 2K 210Hz Gaming Monitor is a hidden gem that manages to blend raw speed with impressive colour fidelity. The Fast IPS panel is the key here; it delivers a snappy 1ms response time and an overclockable 210Hz refresh rate, putting it in the upper echelon for competitive gaming. In our tests, motion was exceptionally clear with minimal blur. But where it truly surprised us was its colour performance. With 131% sRGB and 101% DCI-P3 coverage, games looked incredibly vibrant and lifelike, a step above many other gaming-focused monitors in this price range. This makes it a versatile choice, equally adept at fast-paced gaming as it is at media consumption or even light content creation. The HDR400 support and 450 cd/m² brightness also provide a nice punch to visuals. We found the setup to be straightforward, and the built-in speakers, while not powerful, are a convenient inclusion. A tip we discovered, which users also noted, is to immediately turn the “Black Equalise” setting to zero for true blacks. It’s a fantastic package that offers a rare combination of speed and beauty.

#9 AOC 27G2ZNE 27 inch 240Hz Monitor – Suits: Esports Enthusiasts and FPS Gamers

The AOC 27G2ZNE 27 inch 240Hz Monitor is laser-focused on one thing: delivering an esports-grade experience on a budget. The 240Hz refresh rate and rapid 0.5ms MPRT response time are its headline features, and in practice, they are spectacular. We experienced an incredibly responsive and fluid feel in fast-paced games, where the low input lag makes a noticeable difference. The VA panel provides a significant advantage in contrast, with a 3000:1 ratio that produces deep, inky blacks, making darker scenes in games much more immersive than on a typical IPS display. While the Full HD (1920×1080) resolution might seem low for a 27-inch screen to some, for competitive gamers, this is often preferred as it’s less demanding on the GPU, making it easier to consistently hit those high frame rates needed to take advantage of the 240Hz refresh rate. FreeSync Premium worked perfectly to eliminate any screen tearing during our sessions. Many users praised it as an outstanding choice for consoles like the PS5, as well as for PC gaming. If your primary goal is pure gaming speed and you appreciate high-contrast visuals, this monitor is a formidable contender.

#10 ARZOPA 16.1” 144Hz Portable Monitor – Ideal for: Gaming and Productivity On the Go

The ARZOPA 16.1” 144Hz Portable Monitor is a fantastic solution for anyone needing a second screen that isn’t tethered to a desk. We were immediately impressed by its slim, lightweight design and premium-feeling build quality. It’s incredibly easy to pack in a bag alongside a laptop or gaming console. The key feature here is the 144Hz refresh rate, which is a rarity in the portable monitor space. We hooked it up to a gaming laptop and a Steam Deck, and the smooth, fluid motion was a massive upgrade over standard 60Hz portable screens. The 16.1-inch 1080p screen is sharp and vibrant, with 100% sRGB coverage making colours pop. Setup is a breeze – we just used a single USB-C cable for both power and display from a compatible laptop, making for a very clean setup. The built-in kickstand is surprisingly sturdy and holds the monitor securely in both landscape and portrait orientations. As many users have noted, it’s an incredibly versatile device, perfect for creating a dual-screen work setup in a hotel room or for getting a better gaming experience on consoles like the Switch or PS5 while travelling. The only minor weakness is the built-in speakers, which are a bit quiet, but that’s a small compromise for such a capable and portable display.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

When shopping for a budget monitor, it’s essential to focus on the features that matter most for your needs. Here are the key factors we prioritized during our testing:

• Resolution & Screen Size: The sweet spot for budget monitors is typically a 24-inch screen with Full HD (1920×1080) resolution. This provides a sharp image without being too demanding on your computer’s graphics card. If you have a bit more to spend, a 27-inch QHD (2560×1440) monitor offers a significant upgrade in screen space and clarity.
• Refresh Rate: Measured in Hertz (Hz), this indicates how many times the screen updates per second. The standard is 60Hz, but even on a budget, you can now find monitors with 75Hz, 100Hz, or higher. A higher refresh rate results in smoother motion, which is great for gaming and even makes general desktop use feel more responsive.
• Panel Type: There are three main types. IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels, like our top pick, offer the best colour accuracy and viewing angles. VA (Vertical Alignment) panels provide superior contrast with deeper blacks. TN (Twisted Nematic) panels are the fastest but have the poorest colours and viewing angles, making them less common today. For most users, an IPS panel is the best all-round choice.
• Connectivity: Ensure the monitor has the ports you need. HDMI and DisplayPort are the modern standards for video. A USB-C port is a huge bonus, as it can often handle video, data, and power over a single cable, which is fantastic for laptops.
• Ergonomics: A good stand can make a huge difference to your comfort. Look for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments. A monitor that can pivot to a vertical orientation is particularly useful for coding, writing, or browsing long documents.

Understanding Refresh Rate vs. Response Time

These two specs are often confused but are critical for performance, especially in gaming. Refresh Rate (Hz) is how many times your monitor refreshes the image per second. A 120Hz monitor can display up to 120 frames per second (fps). The higher the number, the smoother the motion appears. Response Time (ms) is how quickly a pixel can change from one colour to another (e.g., grey-to-grey). A lower response time, like 1ms, reduces motion blur and “ghosting,” where a faint trail is visible behind moving objects. For competitive gaming, both a high refresh rate and a low response time are crucial. For general office work, a standard 60-75Hz refresh rate and a 5ms response time are perfectly adequate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes is buying a large monitor (27 inches or more) with a low resolution (1080p). This results in a low pixel density, making text and images appear blocky or “pixelated.” For a 27-inch monitor, we strongly recommend a QHD (1440p) resolution. Another error is neglecting ergonomics. A monitor with a fixed stand might seem like a good way to save money, but it can lead to neck and back strain. Investing a little more in a model with an adjustable stand, or budgeting for a separate monitor arm, is well worth it for your long-term comfort and health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I expect from a budget monitor under £150?

In the sub-£150 category, you can expect some excellent features. A Full HD (1920×1080) resolution is standard. You should look for an IPS panel for good colours and viewing angles. Refresh rates have improved, with 75Hz being common and models up to 100Hz or even 144Hz becoming available. Connectivity will usually include HDMI and DisplayPort. You might have to compromise on ergonomics, with many stands offering only tilt adjustment, but some great value models do include more versatile stands.

Can you get a good quality IPS monitor on a budget?

Absolutely. In fact, our top pick, the Dell P2425H, is a testament to this. IPS technology has become much more affordable, and you no longer need to settle for lower-quality TN panels to stay within budget. A budget IPS monitor will provide significantly better colour reproduction and wider viewing angles than its TN counterparts, making it a great choice for general use, productivity, and even entry-level creative work.

Which brands offer the best value for money in the UK?

Based on our testing and market analysis, brands like Dell, AOC, and ASUS consistently offer excellent value by providing strong feature sets at competitive prices. Newer brands like KOORUI and KTC are also making a name for themselves by offering very high specifications, such as high refresh rates and resolutions, at extremely aggressive price points, though sometimes with compromises on out-of-the-box calibration or build quality.

Is it worth buying a refurbished monitor to save money?

Buying a refurbished monitor can be a great way to save money, allowing you to get a higher-spec model for the price of a new budget one. However, it comes with risks. Ensure you buy from a reputable seller that offers a solid warranty. Check the return policy and be prepared to inspect the monitor carefully upon arrival for dead pixels, scratches, or significant backlight bleed.

What is the cheapest monitor with decent colour accuracy?

For decent, out-of-the-box colour accuracy on a tight budget, look for an IPS monitor that specifies its sRGB coverage, ideally 99% or higher. Our top choice, the Dell P2425H, is an excellent example, offering 99% sRGB coverage at a very affordable price, making it suitable for tasks where colour is important without needing to spend on a professional designer monitor.

Are budget monitors suitable for office work and productivity?

Yes, budget monitors are often perfect for office work. For productivity, prioritize features like an IPS panel for clear text and good viewing angles, a flicker-free screen, and a low blue light mode to reduce eye strain. A stand with height and tilt adjustment is also highly recommended for long-term comfort. A 24-inch 1080p monitor is a fantastic and affordable starting point for any home office.

What are the common compromises made on cheap monitors?

The most common compromises on cheap monitors are in ergonomics (fixed or tilt-only stands), connectivity (fewer ports, no USB-C), build quality (more plastic, thicker bezels), and panel quality control (higher chance of dead pixels or backlight bleed). You may also find lower peak brightness levels and less accurate colours out of the box compared to more expensive models.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After thorough testing and careful consideration, we stand firmly by our top pick. The Dell P2425H 24″ 100Hz IPS Monitor is the best budget monitor for most people in the UK right now. It masterfully balances modern features with an accessible price. You get a vibrant IPS display that’s easy on the eyes, a 100Hz refresh rate that makes every interaction feel smoother, and a fully ergonomic stand that promotes a comfortable setup. The inclusion of extensive connectivity, especially the versatile USB-C port, is the icing on the cake, offering a level of future-proofing and convenience that is simply unmatched in this category. It’s a reliable, high-performing workhorse that excels in almost every area.