Budget Gaming Monitor Under $200 - Best Picks 2025 for Low Input Lag
A great budget gaming monitor isn’t just about high resolutions or flashy RGB lighting – it’s about responsiveness, clarity, and speed. Competitive gamers know that a low input lag display can mean the difference between landing a clutch headshot and missing by milliseconds. But what if you’re gaming on a budget?
The good news: You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a monitor that delivers fast response times, high refresh rates, and smooth gameplay. While premium models may push 240Hz and 4K resolutions, there are plenty of affordable gaming monitors under $200 that still provide excellent performance for casual and competitive gamers alike.
At inputdelay.com we’ve tested and analyzed the best budget monitors on the market to find the top picks for 2025. We focused on low latency, refresh rates, panel quality, and real-world gaming performance to ensure you get the best value for your money.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best budget gaming monitors under $200, covering fast 144Hz models, budget-friendly IPS panels, and ultra-low input lag displays that won’t slow you down. Whether you’re into fast-paced FPS games, competitive esports, or immersive RPGs, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s find the best budget gaming monitor for your setup! 🚀🎮
Updated: March 30, 2025
Finding the Perfect Budget Gaming Monitor for Low Input Lag
AOC 24G15N – Best Price Gaming Monitor
✅ Pros:
✔ 180Hz refresh rate
✔ 1ms response time (MPRT)
✔ VA panel with vibrant colors
✔ FreeSync & G-Sync compatible
❌ Cons:
✘ Stand is a bit bulky
The AOC 24G15N is easily one of the best budget gaming monitors available. It features a 24-inch VA panel with a 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, making it an excellent choice for competitive gaming. Unlike many budget monitors that use TN panels with poor colors, this VA panel offers great color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
It also supports AMD FreeSync and is G-Sync compatible, reducing screen tearing for a smooth gaming experience. If you want the best balance of speed, visuals, and price, the AOC 24G15N is the best gaming monitor.
✅ Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link).
MSI G27C4X – Best Color Accuracy
✅ Pros:
✔ 250Hz refresh rate
✔ 1ms response time
✔ Excellent color reproduction (VA panel)
✔ Slim, modern design
❌ Cons:
✘ No built-in speakers
✘ Stand has limited adjustability
The MSI G27C4X is another fantastic 250Hz budget gaming monitor. Compared to other budget monitors, this one has better color accuracy and deeper blacks, making it a great choice for gamers who also enjoy content creation or watching movies.
While it doesn’t have built-in speakers and the stand lacks full adjustability, the thin bezels and modern design make it one of the best-looking monitors in this price range.
✅ Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link).
ASUS VG248QG – Best for Competitive Gaming
✅ Pros:
✔ 165Hz refresh rate
✔ 0.5ms response time (TN panel)
✔ G-Sync compatible
✔ Adjustable stand
❌ Cons:
✘ TN panel has worse colors than IPS
✘ Slightly lower viewing angles
If you play competitive FPS games like CS2, Valorant, or Call of Duty, the ASUS VG248QG is a great pick. It has a 165Hz refresh rate and a lightning-fast 0.5ms response time, reducing motion blur and ghosting.
While its TN panel doesn’t have the best color reproduction, it excels in speed and responsiveness, making it perfect for esports players who prioritize performance over visuals.
✅ Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link).
Sceptre E255B-FWD168 – Best Budget 165Hz Monitor
✅ Pros:
✔ 165Hz refresh rate
✔ 1ms response time
✔ Very affordable
❌ Cons:
✘ Stand is not very sturdy
✘ Limited color accuracy
If you’re looking for the cheapest 165Hz gaming monitor, the Sceptre E255B-FWD168 is a fantastic deal. For a small budget, you get a smooth 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, which is unheard of at this price point.
While the stand is a bit wobbly, and the color accuracy isn’t as good as an IPS panel, it’s still an amazing monitor for fast-paced games like Fortnite or Apex Legends.
✅ Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link).
Which Budget Gaming Monitor Under $200 Should You Buy?
Here’s a quick summary by inputdelay.com :
| Monitor | Best For | Refresh Rate | Panel Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AOC 24G15N | Best Price | 180Hz | VA | Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) |
| MSI G27C4X | Best Colors | 250Hz | VA | Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) |
| ASUS VG248QG | Best for Esports | 165Hz | TN | Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) |
| Sceptre E255B | Best Budget Option | 165Hz | TN | Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) |
AOC 24G15N
Best For: Best Price
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Panel Type: VA
Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link)MSI G27C4X
Best For: Best Colors
Refresh Rate: 250Hz
Panel Type: VA
Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link)ASUS VG248QG
Best For: Best for Esports
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Panel Type: TN
Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link)Sceptre E255B
Best For: Best Budget Option
Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Panel Type: TN
Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link)Why Low Input Lag Matters in Budget Gaming Monitors
When it comes to competitive gaming, having a budget gaming monitor with low input lag can be just as crucial as having a high refresh rate. Monitor input lag refers to the delay between your GPU sending a frame and the moment it actually appears on the screen. In fast-paced games like Call of Duty, CS2 / CS:GO, and Valorant, even a small delay can mean the difference between landing a shot or reacting too late.
A low input lag monitor ensures that your actions are displayed as quickly as possible, reducing the time between your movements and what you see on screen. The most important factors affecting input lag include:
Refresh Rate – A higher refresh rate (144Hz or 165Hz) allows for smoother motion and reduces perceived lag.
Response Time – A fast response time (1ms to 3ms) prevents ghosting and ensures sharp visuals in motion.
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) – Features like G-Sync and FreeSync help eliminate screen tearing while keeping latency low.
Processing Time – Some monitors have extra image processing that can increase lag. A true gaming monitor minimizes this.
Many budget gaming monitors under $200 now offer these features, making it easier than ever to get a smooth, lag-free gaming experience without overspending. If you’re serious about competitive play, investing in a low input lag monitor can give you the responsiveness needed to react faster and stay ahead of the competition.
Final Thoughts – Budget Gaming Monitor Under $200 – Best Picks 2025 for Low Input Lag
Finding a gaming monitor under $200 that delivers low input lag, high refresh rates, and solid visuals isn’t easy—but it’s possible. Whether you’re grinding ranked in CS2, Valorant, Fortnite or Warzone every millisecond counts, and the right monitor can make the difference between a clutch win and a frustrating loss.
At inputdelay.com, we’ve tested the best budget options that don’t compromise on speed or performance. Features like 144Hz refresh rates, 1ms response times, and FreeSync/G-Sync compatibility ensure you get smooth gameplay without ghosting or input delay. Even at a lower price point, you can still gain a competitive edge without breaking the bank.
Want to find the best budget gaming monitor for your setup? Check out our top picks and optimize your gaming experience today.
Visit our page to discover effective methods for minimizing input lag on monitors.