A good gaming monitor does not have to cost a fortune. If you are happy to stick with Full HD and a sensible screen size, there are some excellent budget options that still feel fast and responsive.
For 2026, we have focused on cheaper gaming monitors that keep refresh rates high and input lag low, so you can enjoy smooth action without paying for bells and whistles you might never use. Every model here is picked for value rather than sheer spec bragging rights.
You will see a mix of flat and curved panels, all around the 24-inch mark, with refresh rates from 120Hz up to 200Hz. Some are absolute bargain-basement choices, while others cost a touch more but offer stronger performance or nicer design touches for only a few extra pounds.
These recommendations are based on the things that actually matter to gamers on a budget: refresh rate, responsiveness, basic picture quality and real-world owner satisfaction. We look closely at the specifications and pricing to work out which models genuinely offer good value rather than just looking cheap on paper.
We also pay attention to user ratings and feedback, favouring models with reassuring scores where available. That helps us avoid recommending bargain monitors that cut too many corners in areas like build quality and reliability.
Our aim is simple: highlight gaming monitors that keep costs sensible but still feel like a proper upgrade over a basic office screen, so you do not end up regretting a false economy.
We started by looking at some of the lowest-priced gaming monitors around the 24-inch mark, then filtered out older or slower models that would not feel responsive enough for modern games. Fast refresh rates and Full HD resolution were essential, as these give you smooth motion without demanding a high-end graphics card.
From there, we compared prices, brand reputation and, where available, customer ratings. Models with strong or promising feedback moved up the list, while anything showing consistent complaints or obvious compromises dropped off.
Finally, we made sure there was a useful spread of choices. That means a rock-bottom option if you simply want the cheapest way into high-refresh gaming, plus a few slightly pricier picks that deliver higher refresh rates, curved panels or more refined designs for only a little more money.
These are the budget gaming monitors that stand out in 2026 for offering smooth gameplay at very low prices. All keep to a compact Full HD format, which is ideal for desks where space and budget are both tight.
The first pick is the true money-saver, while the others cost only slightly more but push refresh rates higher or add curved screens and gaming-focused styling. Pick the one that best matches how seriously you take your games and how far you are willing to stretch your budget.
A no-nonsense 23.8-inch Full HD gaming monitor that delivers a 120Hz refresh rate at one of the lowest prices around, ideal for upgrading from a basic 60Hz screen without overspending.
The standout advantage of the ASUS VA249HG is its price: at around £64 it is comfortably the cheapest gaming monitor in this line-up, yet still offers a 120Hz refresh rate. That jump from 60Hz makes fast-paced games feel noticeably smoother and more responsive, even if you are not chasing pro-level performance. The compact 23.8-inch Full HD panel is easy to fit on most desks and pairs well with entry-level gaming PCs or laptops that might struggle with higher resolutions. ASUS’s Eye Care branding also suggests a focus on reducing flicker and blue light, which is welcome if you spend long evenings gaming.
Being the cheapest option, it is also the most basic. You are limited to 120Hz rather than the 144–200Hz offered by the other monitors here, so very competitive players might prefer to spend a little more. With no review score or owner feedback shown yet, there is less reassurance about build quality and long-term reliability compared with better-rated alternatives. You are also unlikely to get many extras such as full height adjustment or advanced gaming features at this price.
This ASUS is ideal if you simply want the cheapest way to move from a standard office monitor to something that genuinely feels like a gaming screen. It suits casual and mid-level players who care more about a smoother experience than about squeezing every last frame per second from their hardware. It is also a sensible choice for younger gamers’ bedrooms or shared family PCs, where keeping the spend low is the priority.
A curved 24-inch Full HD monitor with a 180Hz refresh rate, offering more immersion and smoother motion than most cheap flat panels for only a modest price bump.
The MSI MAG 244C steps things up with a 180Hz refresh rate, which delivers very smooth motion that competitive players will appreciate. The curved design adds a touch of immersion and gaming style that you would not normally expect at this kind of price. Despite being affordable, it already holds a solid 4.3 out of 5 rating from a handful of reviews, which is encouraging for picture quality and reliability. At 24 inches and Full HD, it remains easy to drive for modest GPUs while still giving you a clear, sharp image for everyday use as well as gaming.
It costs more than the absolute bargain models, so if you are purely chasing the lowest possible price the ASUS VA249HG undercuts it. The number of customer reviews is still fairly small, so while the rating is good, long-term reliability is not yet as proven as some more established models. As with most budget curved screens, you should not expect premium extras such as a fully adjustable stand or high-end HDR performance.
The MAG 244C is a strong choice for gamers who want a more immersive curved display without blowing the budget. It suits players of shooters, racers and action titles who will really notice the difference between 120Hz and 180Hz. It is also a good pick if you want a monitor that looks obviously “gaming” on the desk, but still sits at a sensible price for a student room or budget-conscious upgrade.
This 25-inch Full HD monitor pushes refresh all the way to 200Hz, giving serious competitive gamers a very fast yet still affordable display.
The MSI MAG 255F E20 is all about speed, with a blisteringly fast 200Hz refresh rate that will appeal to serious competitive players. That extra headroom makes motion look exceptionally smooth when your PC can push high frame rates, giving you a slight edge in twitchy shooters. It carries an impressive 5 out of 5 rating from early buyers, suggesting that owners are very happy with what they get for the money. At 25 inches and Full HD, it strikes a nice balance between screen size and ease of driving, making it suitable for mid-range gaming rigs that prioritise high FPS.
You do pay a little more than for the very cheapest models, even though it still sits firmly in the budget bracket. The review count is still low, so while feedback is glowing, long-term durability is not yet proven across a wide base of users. Like other budget monitors, you are unlikely to get premium features such as USB-C connectivity, wide colour coverage or strong HDR.
This MSI is ideal if you play a lot of fast competitive games and want the fastest refresh rate you can get without overspending. It suits PC gamers with hardware capable of pushing high frame rates at 1080p and who value responsiveness above everything else. It is also a sensible pick if you want a screen that should remain responsive for years, even as your PC gets faster over time.
A smart-looking 23.8-inch Philips Evnia screen that mixes a 180Hz refresh rate with Full HD resolution and a stylish white design, backed by a strong early review score.
The Philips Evnia 3000 combines a 23.8-inch Full HD panel with a speedy 180Hz refresh rate, making it a very capable all-round gaming screen. Its 5 out of 5 rating, even from a single review, suggests a strong first impression for quality and performance. The Evnia range is known for a more stylish, modern look, and the white finish helps it stand out from the usual black plastic gaming monitors. For the price, it delivers a slick mix of responsive gameplay and everyday usability that will work just as well for browsing, work and streaming as it does for gaming.
At roughly the same price as some higher-refresh rivals, it is not the absolute cheapest way into high-refresh gaming. The small number of customer reviews means real-world reliability data is still limited. If you strongly prefer a curved panel or want the fastest 200Hz experience, one of the MSI options on this list may suit you better.
The Evnia 3000 is a great fit if you want a gaming monitor that looks clean and modern on a shared desk or in a living space, rather than aggressively “gamer”. It suits mixed-use setups where the screen will handle work, study and streaming as well as games, but you still want a high refresh rate for smooth play. It is also a sensible option if you want a trusted brand and a good early rating without straying into premium pricing.
An ASUS TUF Gaming monitor with a 23.8-inch Full HD panel and 146Hz refresh rate, delivering a step up from basic high-refresh models while staying firmly in budget territory.
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QE5A brings the brand’s esports-focused styling and features to a very affordable price point. With a 146Hz refresh rate, it offers a noticeable step up from 120Hz screens, helping games feel crisp and responsive. The 23.8-inch Full HD panel is a sweet spot for competitive play, as it keeps everything within your field of view without overwhelming a smaller desk. ASUS’s TUF line is generally associated with sturdy, gamer-friendly designs, so you can expect a monitor that feels purpose-built for long gaming sessions.
It is slightly more expensive than the very cheapest options, yet does not reach the extreme 180–200Hz of some rivals on this list. There are no customer ratings shown yet, so you are buying more on brand reputation than proven owner feedback. As a budget TUF model, features like full ergonomic adjustment or advanced colour controls may be limited compared with higher-end ASUS screens.
This monitor is ideal if you like the ASUS TUF aesthetic and want a screen that feels geared towards esports without a big price tag. It suits players who want something faster than 120Hz but do not feel they need to push to 180Hz or 200Hz. It is also a strong option for compact gaming setups where a 23.8-inch Full HD panel hits the sweet spot between focus, performance and cost.
