Updated Sep 1, 2026· 5 min read

Sometimes you just need an affordable, functional monitor without any frills. Whether you are setting up a secondary display, kitting out a budget PC, adding a screen for a laptop, or furnishing a home office on a shoestring, the cheapest monitors on the market get the job done for surprisingly little money. Modern budget displays still deliver decent Full HD resolution, adequate refresh rates, and useful connectivity, making them genuine bargains.

The trick with cheap monitors is knowing where corners have been cut and whether those compromises matter for your use. Below we outline what to look for when hunting for the lowest-priced options, then review a range of wallet-friendly monitors in 2026, from tiny portable panels to larger Full HD displays, so you can find the best value for your specific needs.

Our top picks

Top pickSceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor, FHD 1080p, Up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built-in Speakers, Machine Black (E225W-FW144 Series, 2026)Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor
  • 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the…
  • 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and…
  • 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures…
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Also great19-inch Full HD 75Hz Small Thin Monitor for laptops, Computers and desktops, HD+ 1440 x 900p, Anti-Glare, LED Display, VGA/HDMI Connection19-inch Full HD 75Hz Small Thin Monitor
  • Screen performance: 1440 x 900 HD plus resolution…
  • Dual connection options: supports HDMI and VGA ports,…
  • Response Time - With a response time of…
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Also greatAnyuse 15.6" FHD IPS USB-C HDMI Portable Monitor | 15.6" FHD IPS ultra-slim zero-frame, kickstand, USB-C/HDMI, for PC/Mac/Phone/PS/Xbox/Switch, gaming.Anyuse 15.6" FHD IPS USB-C HDMI Portable
  • 15.6" FHD Portable Monitor - Featuring a 1920*1080P…
  • Double Type-C Port -For Plug & Play -…
  • Portable & Light Weight - At just 1.37lbs…
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ProductKey specs
Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the…
【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and…
【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures…
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19-inch Full HD 75Hz Small Thin MonitorScreen performance: 1440 x 900 HD plus resolution…
Dual connection options: supports HDMI and VGA ports,…
Response Time - With a response time of…
Check price
Anyuse 15.6" FHD IPS USB-C HDMI Portable15.6" FHD Portable Monitor - Featuring a 1920*1080P…
Double Type-C Port -For Plug & Play -…
Portable & Light Weight - At just 1.37lbs…
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Yxk Portable Monitor 15.6 Inch 1080P 60Hz15.6" FHD Portable Monitor - Featuring a 1920*1080P…
Double Type-C Port -For Plug & Play -…
Portable & Light Weight - At just 1.43lbs…
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Philips 22 Inch Computer Monitor FHD 100HzThis 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V…
100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games…
Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid…
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Philips 24 Inch Computer Monitor FHD 100HzThis 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp…
The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper…
The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents…
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WGK 15.6 inch Portable Monitor 1080P FHD15.6" FHD Portable Monitor - Featuring a 1920*1080P…
Easy-use dual Type-C ports-plug and play
Monitor with built-in stand - Weighs only 2.7…
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msi PRO MP225 E12VLMSI's 21.45-inch Full HD VA gaming monitor (1920×1080)…
TÜV Rheinland certified Flicker Free and Low Blue…
120Hz high refresh rate delivers noticeably smoother motion…
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Watch: Best Cheapest Monitor — Video Review

How to Choose the Cheapest Monitor

  • Resolution: Full HD 1080p is the budget standard and looks fine on smaller screens. Very cheap panels may use lower resolutions, so check before buying.
  • Size vs. price: Smaller 19 to 22-inch monitors cost the least, while larger panels add space at a modest premium. Match size to your desk and needs.
  • Connectivity: Ensure the monitor has the ports you need, such as HDMI, VGA, or USB-C, to connect your devices without extra adapters.
  • Refresh rate: 60Hz to 100Hz is common on budget displays and fine for everyday use. Higher rates matter mainly for gaming.
  • Portability: If you need a travel or second screen, a portable USB-C monitor offers flexibility, often with a built-in kickstand.

The Cheapest Monitors Reviewed

19-inch Full HD 75Hz Small Monitor

This 19-inch monitor is about as affordable as it gets, offering an HD+ 1440×900 resolution, 75Hz refresh, and anti-glare LED display with VGA and HDMI. It is perfect as a secondary screen, a compact office display, or a basic setup where size and cost matter most.

Philips 22-Inch FHD 100Hz (221V8LB)

The Philips 22-inch delivers Full HD at 100Hz with a VA panel, flicker-free operation, and adaptive sync. Its low blue light mode and 4-year replacement warranty make it a dependable, comfortable budget choice for everyday work and light gaming.

Philips 24-Inch FHD 100Hz (241V8LB)

The Philips 24-inch offers the same reliable FHD 100Hz VA panel in a slightly larger size, with flicker-free viewing, adaptive sync, and low blue light. The extra screen space makes it a great value for productivity and casual entertainment.

Anyuse 15.6-inch Portable Monitor

The Anyuse 15.6-inch is an ultra-slim FHD IPS portable monitor with USB-C and HDMI, plus a kickstand. It works with PCs, phones, and consoles, making it a versatile, affordable second screen for travel, laptops, or gaming on the go.

Sceptre 22-Inch FHD Monitor

The Sceptre 22-inch offers Full HD 1080p with up to 144Hz, HDMI, DisplayPort, and built-in speakers. Its higher refresh rate at a low price makes it a standout budget pick for anyone wanting a bit of gaming smoothness on a tight budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cheap monitors any good?

For everyday use, yes. Budget monitors like the Philips models deliver solid FHD resolution and comfort features. Just check the resolution and refresh rate suit your needs.

What is the cheapest usable resolution?

1080p Full HD is the practical budget standard. Some ultra-cheap panels use lower resolutions like 1440×900, which is fine on smaller 19-inch screens.

Can I game on a cheap monitor?

Light gaming is fine on budget displays. For smoother play, look for higher-refresh options like the Sceptre 22-inch at 144Hz rather than basic 60Hz panels.

Is a portable monitor worth it?

If you need a travel or second screen, yes. The Anyuse portable connects via USB-C and works with laptops, phones, and consoles for flexible use.

Final Thoughts

The cheapest monitor for you depends on how you will use it. The 19-inch panel is the rock-bottom pick for a basic second screen, the Philips 22 and 24-inch models offer great everyday value with comfort features, and the Sceptre 22-inch adds gaming-friendly refresh. Match size, resolution, and ports to your needs for maximum value.

O
Owen Mitchell
We compare specs, materials and verified owner reviews before a product earns a spot. Rankings are never paid.

FAQ

Are cheap monitors any good?
For everyday use, yes. Budget monitors like the Philips models deliver solid FHD resolution and comfort features. Just check the resolution and refresh rate suit your needs.
What is the cheapest usable resolution?
1080p Full HD is the practical budget standard. Some ultra-cheap panels use lower resolutions like 1440×900, which is fine on smaller 19-inch screens.
Can I game on a cheap monitor?
Light gaming is fine on budget displays. For smoother play, look for higher-refresh options like the Sceptre 22-inch at 144Hz rather than basic 60Hz panels.
Is a portable monitor worth it?
If you need a travel or second screen, yes. The Anyuse portable connects via USB-C and works with laptops, phones, and consoles for flexible use.
Affiliate disclosure. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices accurate as of the date shown.
8 Best Cheapest Monitors (2026)Check price on Amazon