Why you'll love it: Despite its modest resolution, the
ASUS VG248QE monitor is an excellent affordable gaming monitor.
While ASUS takes the cake for the most expensive monitor in our guide, it also takes the title of best budget gaming monitor. The ASUS VG248QE is the perfect affordable gaming monitor, combining enough resolution and a high enough refresh rate into an inexpensive package. While miles away from the other options on our list, this monitor is the best one you can get for the money.
For around $250, you're getting a 24-inch, full HD monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz. The refresh rate is what makes the difference. While you may be able to get slightly higher resolution or a larger size for the same price, you're not going to find another monitor with as high of a refresh rate, which makes the ASUS monitor perfect for gamers on a budget.
While most other aspects of the monitor are unimpressive, the ergonomics are anything but. The included stand offers 90 degrees of swivel, 110 millimeters of height adjust, 15 degrees of tilt and 90 degrees of pivot. For those who didn't pay attention in geometry class, that means the VG248QE is fully adjustable, so you can even turn it sideways.
As far as budget monitors go, that makes the VG248QE unique. It's a good choice to get started, but also a budget option if you're wanting to add a second display to your rig. You could, for example, buy into it now and, once you upgrade, turn it sideways to have chat open during a Twitch stream or just browse Reddit with maximum efficiency.
You can't expect a lot out of it, though. The VG248QE has mediocre image quality, horrible viewing angles, and only the standard range of inputs. However, for the price, it's excellent. With a full HD panel at 144Hz, ASUS has made one of the few monitors that offers a truly excellent gaming experience shy of $300.
Pros: Inexpensive, high refresh rate, quality stand
Cons: Poor color accuracy and viewing angles
Buy the ASUS VG248QE on Amazon for $248.66 (originally $279)