Best IPS Monitor Under $200 [Gaming & General Use]

If you’re on the lookout for a monitor, terms like resolution, refresh rate, input lag, screen size, etc. will make your mind go dizzy. Buying a computer is never easy, especially considering how modern innovation makes each model so different, each with its own advantages; you can only get confused when you begin your search. With this article, we aim to give you enough information so you can get an amazing monitor while staying in your budgetary limit.

Top 5 Budget-friendly IPS Monitors

To make your search easier, we have compiled a list of the five most budget-friendly monitors equipped with In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology.

1. Acer Nitro VG240Y BMIIX

The Acer Nitro VG240Y BMIIX is a low-tier gaming monitor. It has a high-frequency refresh rate of 75 Hz, which means that there will be no lag when playing fast-paced games. The 1080p display is pleasing to the eye, giving an optimum graphic experience. This monitor is bound to please your visual senses due to its sharpness, color accuracy, Full HD resolution, comfortable viewing angle and the great contrast ratio.

Although there are better gaming monitors with even better pixel quality when it comes to value for money, the Nitro VG240Y is definitely above most options. The 24-inch screen a great size for gaming but it doesn’t offer any exciting features, like being height adjustable or having a swivel stand. It has two speakers, each of 2 Watts.

The monitor has integrated speakers for audio output. There are HDMI connectors but strangely no USB extension. There is also a built-in webcam. While it is marketed for gamers on a budget, many office workers prefer to use this as well. Due to its high refresh rate, the computer can handle fast-paced work efficiently and for long hours without getting hot.

2. Philips 246E9QDSB

The Philips 246E9QDSB also has a 24-inch screen, but while the Nitro VG240Y had a frame, this is a frameless 4k monitor so there will be no black sides annoying you while you are gaming and completely immerse yourself in whatever you are viewing.

Smaller frames mean a better visual experience, so imagine how exciting a frameless monitor will be to our visual senses. Wide color range, flicker-free display, a high-frequency refresh rate of 75 Hz, 4K resolution, and the wide viewing angles make playing games an even more exciting experience than ever before.

Philips knows that their monitors will leave you stuck behind the screen, so they have developed a LowBlue Mode, which limits ultra-violet rays from the display to minimize eye fatigue.

Philips is a brand known for quality and they offer a warranty for all their products because they know they’re built to last. The display is great, but the peace of mind from knowing you are purchasing a guaranteed product is unparalleled. While the monitor may fall under a budget-friendly category, 200 US dollars is still a hefty amount and no one wants the constant stress of not knowing what they will do if the model they purchase is not long-lasting.

3. BenQ GW2480

When it comes to stylish panels, BenQ is leagues ahead of all other brands and the GW2480 is no exception, with its space saving base and ultra slim bezel design. This monitor offers more than just aesthetics: 1080p resolution, combined with an IPS technology panel, a wide viewing angle of 178°, and maximum clarity no matter what angle you look at it from.

The monitor has a refresh rate of 144Hz, which is one of the highest on the market and is truly exceptional for a budget monitor; this also means there will be no input lag, making it perfect for professional users.

BenQ cares about its users and has created a special Eye-Care technology for their monitors. This uses artificial intelligence as a tool to adjust the brightness automatically according to the lighting in the room for the most comfortable viewing experience. There is also a low blue light mode which reduces the ultraviolet exposure and keeps your eyes safe. Equipped with zero-flicker technology, the monitor has cut out any annoying hindrances, not to mention the headaches and eye fatigue that come from looking at a flickering screen.

Additionally, the monitor has the most connections for compatibility with all devices and even integrated speakers. It also comes with its own VESA mount so you don’t have to search the market to find a compatible one; the stand is designed with a cable management system so that all the wires can be hidden within the stand, giving your setup an overall neat look.

4. Acer CB272 BMIPRX

The Acer CB272 BMIPRX has the largest screen in our pick of low-budget IPS monitors. It has a 1080p resolution and a standard 75 Hz refresh rate. If you are prone to eye fatigue from using gadgets, then this monitor will be healthy for you. It has a Blue Light Shield which works better than LowBlue technologies in preventing UV light transmissions; it also has a zero-flicker technology. It offers extra low dimming for users that like to use their gadgets in the dark.

The monitor is equipped with a unique ergonomic stand that can be adjusted for the ideal height and even pivots if you want it to – it can even turn full circle! This is perfect for workplace conditions as it is equipped with all sorts of connections, including Display Port, HDMI, VGA, and audio in and out. While its integrated speakers aren’t the best, you can equip it with your own set with these connections and easily set up a microphone as well.

5. ASUS VP249QGR

The ASUS VP249QGR is the smallest monitor in our list with its 23.8-inch display. This belongs to the ASUS gaming line, so you know it will be a monitor to reckon with. Its Full HD resolution, refresh rate of 144 Hz, and a response time of only 1 millisecond make it the fastest monitor in our rundown.

When it comes to being perfect for gaming, a flicker-less display is the key, so ASUS has introduced Low Motion Blur technology that makes sure even the fastest object on the screen will be perfectly fluid and visible. The monitor’s ability to keep up with professional gamers is not the only amazing thing; it is also equipped with Ultra-Low Blue Light technology and is even better than the Low Blue technology for protecting our eyes.

This monitor is equipped with extensive connections to support all sorts of additional devices. It comes with an adjustable stand and can even be mounted on the wall as per your convenience. While the product comes with a 3-year warranty which is refreshing to most users, the monitor hasn’t proved to have a long life. Its sleek build is a downside because, to keep the price to a minimum, ASUS used cheap material that is very likely to break due to the slightest impact.

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Screen Size vs. Display Resolution

When it comes to picking the best monitor, there are two dimensions that always confuse users. Not only do they tend to mix up the two, they often just don’t understand what those numbers mean. Here is a quick breakdown of the screen size and resolution jargon for you:

Screen Size

One of the first things you will notice about a monitor will be its screen size. Not only do larger screens cost more, they generally require higher resolution to produce good quality images. You should also pick a screen size that will be adequate for your living space.

Aspect Ratio 4:3

These are full screen monitors that are good enough for most general users and used to be the preferred ratio before wide screen monitors infiltrated the market.

Aspect Ratio 16:9

Their widescreen is easier to view and offers a more immersive experience than their predecessors. While more expensive than 4:3 monitors, these monitors are still budget-friendly.

Aspect Ratio 21:9

The more common term is Ultra Wide monitors, and they are great for not only providing a more immersive experience when you are playing, but even for professional office work as they let you multi-task. However, these monitors are rarely available on the market and are mostly used for cinema screens.  

Screen Resolution

You might find it appealing to simply buy a screen with a higher resolution; however, it is important to remember that a high resolution can actually become a hindrance if your graphics card and system is not powerful enough to keep up with the high quality images.

Full HD Resolution

Most monitors in the market are equipped with a Full HD display and, while it is a fantastic upgrade from 720p displays, we would only recommend this for low-tier gamers on a tighter budget. It is also the most common type of resolution found in modern devices.

2K Resolution

While 2K is the official jargon for such a display, it is often specified as Quad HD. As you can guess from the name, it offers 4 times the resolution of an HD monitor, making it perfect for an immersive gaming experience or even for editing pictures.

 4K Resolution

This offers double the resolution quality of a 2K monitor, so you can imagine how clear the images will be. 4K monitors are slowly becoming more common but are still very expensive, so you should consider investing in one only if you are a truly dedicated professional gamer.

Which Resolution and Dimension Should You Choose?

A 4K resolution and above would seem ideal for a smooth gaming experience, but as we noted before, it would require maybe two graphics cards to fully support it. Also, this resolution would be quite expensive and would require a high-end gaming card. We would only recommend this for professionals who are willing to invest in their career.

For a mid-range viewing experience, the Quad HD with a screen size of up to 32 inches is an adequate choice. It gives a good pixel density and detailed images.

Full HD resolution is a better option for people a tighter budget and is comfortable for viewing, as it gives the fastest frame rates. Be careful to not go above 27 inches when looking at the size, as that would lower the image quality and might make some pixels visible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is IPS Panel and Why Should You Buy It?

IPS panels have liquid crystals that adjust their alignment on the single plane to produce better images at any viewing angle. Overall, these are the most expensive in the market either, making them ideal for professional users, picture editors, or gamers.

Is an IPS Monitor Good?

IPS monitors offer a good middle ground as the image quality of IPS monitors is much better than most other panel technologies; however, their refresh rates and response time are only a bit above average.

Is IPS Display Better Than LED?

IPS display offers better color accuracy and contrast, which is necessary for picture editing. LED screens have lower power consumption and a shorter response time. Hence, your needs must determine which is the better option.

Is IPS Better Than VA?

When it comes to better color production, VA definitely takes the lead; however, IPS offers an above average display and higher refresh rates that make it a clear winner.

 Is IPS Good For Gaming?

The excellent color display and great refresh rates that IPS monitors offer make them great for gaming. There are other panel technologies better suited to gaming, but they require graphic cards and other equipment to be used at maximum efficiency.

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Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a monitor, IPS monitors offer a great deal especially when it comes to being budget-friendly. Just under 200 US dollars, you can really get the most bang for your buck depending on your specific need. Each monitor has its own specifications so it’s important to look at the whole picture when making your final choice.