10 Best Gaming Monitors Under $200 in 2025 (1080p & 1440p)

Best Gaming Monitor Under $200 2025 - Gaming setup with monitor
Looking for the best gaming monitor under $200 in 2025? The budget gaming monitor market has evolved dramatically, with 1440p 165Hz displays now available at prices that used to only get you basic 1080p panels. Whether you're a competitive esports player who needs lightning-fast response times or a casual gamer seeking immersive visuals, there's a perfect monitor waiting for you under the $200 mark. Thanks to technological advancements, you no longer have to sacrifice quality for affordability. In this comprehensive guide, we've tested and reviewed the best gaming monitors under $200 available in 2025, covering 1080p speedsters, 1440p value champions, and curved immersive displays.

10 Best Gaming Monitors Under $200 in 2025

1. KTC H27T22 – Best Overall Value

The KTC H27T22 delivers an exceptional 27-inch 1440p 165Hz gaming experience that rivals monitors costing twice as much. It's our top pick for gamers who want the best bang for their buck. Key Specifications:
  • 27-inch QHD (2560x1440) resolution
  • 165Hz refresh rate
  • Fast IPS panel with 1ms GTG response
  • 95% DCI-P3 wide color gamut
  • AMD FreeSync Premium & G-SYNC Compatible
  • HDR10 support
Why We Love It: The combination of 1440p resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, and wide color gamut at this price point is unmatched. The Fast IPS panel ensures minimal motion blur and excellent viewing angles. Best For: Gamers wanting 1440p on a budget

2. LG 24GS65F-B – Best 1080p Gaming Monitor

The LG 24GS65F-B is RTINGS' top pick for the best gaming monitor under $200, offering excellent value with its combination of speed and color accuracy. Key Specifications:
  • 24-inch Full HD (1920x1080) resolution
  • 180Hz refresh rate
  • IPS panel with 1ms GtG response
  • AMD FreeSync Premium
  • HDR10 support
  • 99% sRGB coverage
Why We Love It: LG's reputation for quality IPS panels shines here. The 180Hz refresh rate provides buttery-smooth gameplay, while the accurate colors make it suitable for content creation too. Best For: Competitive FPS gamers, esports enthusiasts

3. Gigabyte GS27QC – Best Curved 1440p

The Gigabyte GS27QC offers an immersive curved 1440p experience with a native 165Hz refresh rate that can be overclocked to 170Hz. Key Specifications:
  • 27-inch QHD (2560x1440) curved display
  • 165Hz (170Hz OC) refresh rate
  • VA panel with 1ms MPRT
  • 1500R curvature
  • AMD FreeSync Premium
  • 3000:1 contrast ratio
Why We Love It: The VA panel delivers deep blacks and excellent contrast, making it perfect for atmospheric games. The curve adds to immersion without distortion. Best For: Immersive single-player games, RPGs

4. AOC C24G1A – Best Budget Curved Monitor

The AOC C24G1A remains a fan favorite with its curved VA panel, 165Hz refresh rate, and excellent ergonomics at a sub-$160 price point. Key Specifications:
  • 24-inch Full HD (1920x1080) curved
  • 165Hz refresh rate (via DisplayPort)
  • VA panel with 1ms MPRT
  • 1500R curvature
  • AMD FreeSync Premium
  • Height, tilt, swivel adjustment
Why We Love It: Full ergonomic adjustability is rare at this price. The 3000:1 contrast ratio ensures stunning visuals, and the three-sided frameless design is perfect for multi-monitor setups. Best For: Budget gamers wanting curved immersion

5. ASUS VG248QG – Best for Esports

The ASUS VG248QG is built for competitive gaming with its blazing 0.5ms response time and 165Hz refresh rate. It's a proven esports performer. Key Specifications:
  • 24-inch Full HD (1920x1080)
  • 165Hz refresh rate (overclockable)
  • TN panel with 0.5ms response time
  • NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible
  • ASUS Eye Care technology
  • Ergonomic stand included
Why We Love It: The TN panel prioritizes speed over color, making it ideal for competitive players where every millisecond counts. G-SYNC compatibility ensures tear-free gaming. Best For: Competitive esports, FPS games

6. BenQ MOBIUZ EX240N – Best for Console Gaming

The BenQ MOBIUZ EX240N offers everything needed for fast-paced gameplay with HDRi technology and built-in speakers optimized for gaming. Key Specifications:
  • 24-inch Full HD (1920x1080)
  • 165Hz refresh rate
  • VA panel with 1ms MPRT
  • HDRi technology
  • treVolo speakers built-in
  • AMD FreeSync Premium
Why We Love It: BenQ's HDRi technology automatically optimizes brightness and color based on content. The built-in speakers are surprisingly good for a gaming monitor. Best For: Console gamers, all-in-one setup

7. Acer Nitro KG241Y – Best Ultra-Budget Pick

The Acer Nitro KG241Y delivers 165Hz gaming at an incredibly affordable price, often dropping below $120 during sales. Key Specifications:
  • 24-inch Full HD (1920x1080)
  • 165Hz refresh rate
  • VA panel with 1ms VRB
  • AMD FreeSync Premium
  • 2x HDMI, 1x VGA
  • Tilt adjustment
Why We Love It: At its sale price, there's nothing that comes close in terms of value. The 165Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium support punch well above its weight class. Best For: First-time gamers, extreme budget builds

8. MSI G274F – Best IPS Panel

The MSI G274F features a Rapid IPS panel that combines fast response times with excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles. Key Specifications:
  • 27-inch Full HD (1920x1080)
  • 180Hz refresh rate
  • Rapid IPS with 1ms GTG
  • AMD FreeSync Premium
  • Night Vision mode
  • Anti-Flicker technology
Why We Love It: The larger 27-inch 1080p display might not be for everyone, but if you prefer a bigger screen and sit further back, it's an excellent choice with superior colors. Best For: Gamers who prioritize color accuracy

9. Sceptre E255B-FWD168 – Best Cheap 165Hz

The Sceptre E255B-FWD168 is one of the cheapest 165Hz gaming monitors available, perfect for gamers on a tight budget. Key Specifications:
  • 25-inch Full HD (1920x1080)
  • 165Hz refresh rate
  • IPS panel with 1ms response
  • AMD FreeSync
  • Built-in speakers
  • Blue light filter
Why We Love It: Getting 165Hz and an IPS panel at this price is remarkable. It's a no-frills monitor that delivers where it matters: smooth gameplay. Best For: Ultra-budget gaming builds

10. KTC H27E22S – Best 240Hz Under $200

The KTC H27E22S pushes boundaries with a 1440p 240Hz display at an unbelievable price point, though it uses a VA panel with different characteristics. Key Specifications:
  • 27-inch QHD (2560x1440)
  • 240Hz refresh rate
  • VA panel with 1ms MPRT
  • 2500:1 contrast ratio
  • AMD FreeSync Premium
  • HDR10 support
Why We Love It: A 1440p 240Hz monitor under $200 seemed impossible just a year ago. The VA panel's high contrast makes games look stunning, especially in dark scenes. Best For: High-refresh enthusiasts on a budget

Gaming Monitor Comparison Table

Monitor Size Resolution Refresh Rate Panel Response Time Price
KTC H27T22 27" 1440p 165Hz Fast IPS 1ms GTG ~$180
LG 24GS65F-B 24" 1080p 180Hz IPS 1ms GtG ~$170
Gigabyte GS27QC 27" 1440p 165Hz VA Curved 1ms MPRT ~$190
AOC C24G1A 24" 1080p 165Hz VA Curved 1ms MPRT ~$150
ASUS VG248QG 24" 1080p 165Hz TN 0.5ms ~$180
BenQ EX240N 24" 1080p 165Hz VA 1ms MPRT ~$160
Acer Nitro KG241Y 24" 1080p 165Hz VA 1ms VRB ~$120
MSI G274F 27" 1080p 180Hz Rapid IPS 1ms GTG ~$170
Sceptre E255B 25" 1080p 165Hz IPS 1ms ~$100
KTC H27E22S 27" 1440p 240Hz VA 1ms MPRT ~$200

Buying Guide: What to Look For

Resolution: 1080p vs 1440p

1080p (Full HD) remains the sweet spot for competitive gaming under $200. It's easier to push high frame rates and monitors are more affordable. Choose 1080p if you play fast-paced FPS games or have a mid-range GPU. 1440p (QHD) has become accessible under $200 in 2025. The extra pixels provide noticeably sharper visuals, especially on 27-inch displays. Choose 1440p if you play RPGs, strategy games, or have a powerful GPU.

Panel Types Explained

  • IPS: Best color accuracy and viewing angles. Slightly slower response than TN. Ideal for most gamers.
  • VA: Best contrast and deep blacks. Good for dark games and movies. Some models have slower response times.
  • TN: Fastest response times but poor viewing angles and colors. Best for pure competitive gaming.

Refresh Rate

At this price point, 144Hz is the minimum you should accept. Most monitors now offer 165Hz or higher. The jump from 60Hz to 144Hz is dramatic; from 144Hz to 165Hz is subtle but noticeable.

Adaptive Sync

Look for AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible support. This technology eliminates screen tearing and stuttering by syncing the monitor's refresh rate with your GPU's output.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 1440p worth it under $200?

Yes, in 2025 you can get excellent 1440p 165Hz monitors like the KTC H27T22 under $200. The sharper image is particularly noticeable on 27-inch displays. However, you'll need a decent GPU (RTX 3060/RX 6600 or better) to fully utilize 1440p at high refresh rates.

What's the best refresh rate for gaming under $200?

Look for at least 144Hz, though most budget monitors now offer 165Hz. For competitive gaming, higher is better. The difference between 144Hz and 165Hz is minimal, but the jump from 60Hz to 144Hz is transformative.

IPS or VA panel for gaming?

IPS is better for competitive gaming due to faster response times and better viewing angles. VA is better for immersive single-player games thanks to superior contrast ratios and deeper blacks. Both are excellent choices in 2025.

Do I need G-SYNC for an NVIDIA GPU?

Not necessarily. Most FreeSync monitors are now "G-SYNC Compatible," meaning they work with NVIDIA GPUs without issues. True G-SYNC monitors with dedicated hardware cost more and aren't available under $200.

Is 24-inch or 27-inch better for gaming?

For 1080p, 24-inch is ideal as the pixel density remains sharp. For 1440p, 27-inch is the sweet spot. Going 27-inch with 1080p can make pixels more visible, though sitting further back mitigates this.

Can budget monitors be used for competitive esports?

Absolutely. Monitors like the ASUS VG248QG and LG 24GS65F-B are used by many competitive players. The key specs (144Hz+, 1ms response, low input lag) are all present in sub-$200 monitors.

What cables do I need for 165Hz?

DisplayPort 1.2 or higher is recommended for 165Hz at 1080p or 1440p. HDMI 2.0 can also handle 165Hz at 1080p but may be limited at 1440p. Most gaming monitors include a DisplayPort cable.

How important is HDR under $200?

HDR on budget monitors is typically "HDR10" or "HDR400," which is entry-level. It's a nice bonus but won't deliver the dramatic HDR experience of high-end displays. Don't pay extra specifically for HDR at this price point.

Should I buy curved or flat?

Curved monitors (usually 1500R) add immersion, especially for single-player games. Flat monitors are preferred for competitive gaming and are better for productivity tasks. At 24-27 inches, the curve is subtle and mostly a preference.

Will these monitors work with PS5/Xbox Series X?

Most 1080p 120Hz+ monitors will support 120fps gaming on next-gen consoles. For 1440p, check for HDMI 2.0/2.1 support. The BenQ MOBIUZ EX240N is specifically designed with console gaming in mind.

Final Verdict

The best gaming monitor under $200 in 2025 depends on your priorities:
  • Best Overall: KTC H27T22 – Unbeatable 1440p 165Hz value
  • Best for Esports: ASUS VG248QG – Lightning-fast 0.5ms response
  • Best Budget: Acer Nitro KG241Y – 165Hz under $120
  • Best Curved: AOC C24G1A – Full ergonomics, great contrast
  • Best 1080p: LG 24GS65F-B – Premium IPS quality
The gaming monitor market under $200 has never been better. Whether you choose 1080p for competitive edge or 1440p for visual fidelity, you're getting incredible value that would have cost $400+ just a few years ago.