I spent way too long squinting at a tiny laptop screen before I finally caved and got a monitor. Turns out you don't need to spend $500 to get something solid. Here's what I found.
Sections
5
Under $150 Picks
For the WFH Crew 💼
Gaming on a Budget 🎮
Dual Monitor Setup
Accessories You'll Want
Under $150 Picks
These are the sweet spot if you just need a good screen without overthinking it. I started here and honestly most people don't need more than this.
this was my first real monitor purchase. crisp display for the price, no regrets.
HP M22f 22" FHD IPS Monitor, 75Hz, AMD FreeSync
super thin bezels. looks way more expensive than it is 💯
Acer SB220Q 21.5" Full HD IPS Monitor
got this for my partner's WFH setup. the colors are really accurate for this price range.
Samsung T35F 24 Inch Monitor: FHD IPS & AMD FreeSync
solid LG quality. just works.
LG 24-inch Monitors | IPS, Full HD, Gaming & More
eye comfort mode is clutch for late night spreadsheet sessions 👀
HP 24-Inch Monitor - FHD Display & Premium Features
27 inches for under $150? yes please.
27 inch monitors | High refresh & WQHD displays
For the WFH Crew 💼
I work from home full time and a bad monitor will wreck your neck and your mood. These made my desk setup actually functional.
Dell just knows how to make reliable monitors. this one's been on my desk for 8 months straight.
Dell 27 FHD Computer Monitor - SE2722H | Dell USA
the white frame is a nice touch if you care about how your desk looks
HP 24-Inch Monitor - FHD Display & Premium Features
IPS panel means the colors don't wash out at weird angles. great for sharing your screen with someone next to you.
27" FHD 3-Side Borderless IPS Monitor- 27MR400-B
pivot and height adjust built in. saved me from buying a separate arm 🙌
Samsung 24-inch FHD IPS Monitor with FreeSync
built-in speakers are surprisingly decent. not amazing but they work for Zoom calls.
HP Monitors | High-Quality FHD & QHD Displays
flicker-free tech. my eyes stopped hurting after long days, not even kidding.
Refurbished Acer Vero CB242Y G 24" Monitor FHD
Gaming on a Budget 🎮
My friends kept telling me I needed a $400 gaming monitor. I ignored them and found these instead. They play everything I throw at them just fine.
100Hz refresh rate for cheap. smooth enough for casual gaming.
Acer 24-inch Monitors - IPS, Full HD, 1ms Response
75Hz with FreeSync. plays Fortnite without tearing which is all I needed.
Samsung T35F 24 Inch Monitor: FHD IPS & AMD FreeSync
curved screen on a budget. feels way more immersive for racing games
Best 24-inch Gaming Monitors
UltraGear line is legit. 165Hz and it was under $130 when I grabbed it 🤯
Ultragear 24GQ40W Monitors
VA panel so the blacks are actually dark. horror games hit different on this.
Acer 24-inch Monitors - IPS, Full HD, 1ms Response
170Hz IPS. my buddy has this and won't shut up about it. he's right though.
Best 24-inch Gaming Monitors
Dual Monitor Setup
Once you go dual monitors you literally cannot go back. I dragged my feet on this for years and now I feel silly for waiting so long.
thin bezels make two of these side by side look seamless
HP 32 inch monitor - High-quality FHD display options
affordable enough to buy two without crying at your bank account 😅
22" FHD Monitor - 22MR410-B
basic but reliable. perfect as a secondary screen for Slack or email.
Dell 22 FHD Computer Monitor - E2222H | Dell USA
VESA mount compatible so you can put it on an arm right away.
22-inch Computer Monitors
I run two of these. one for code, one for docs. life changing honestly.
HP 24-Inch Monitor - FHD Display & Premium Features
clean design, easy setup. was running within 5 minutes of unboxing.
Samsung 24-inch FHD IPS Monitor with FreeSync
Accessories You'll Want
Don't skip these. I set up my first monitor on a stack of textbooks and it was embarrassing. These little adds make the whole setup feel complete.
freed up so much desk space. should have gotten this from day one.
Vivo Dual Monitor Desk Mount
pairs with 3 devices. I switch between my laptop and monitor constantly 🔄
logitech k380 multi device bluetooth scissor keyboard
raises the screen to eye level. my neck pain literally disappeared after a week.
Amazon Basics Adjustable Monitor Stand Riser
flows between two computers. perfect for dual setups.
Wireless Golden Mouse | Shop Logitech & More
don't use the cable that comes in the box. just trust me on this one.
Cable Matters: USB-C & Lightning Charging Cables
monitors eat up outlets fast. this keeps everything tidy behind the desk 🔌
