Whether you’re building a home office, upgrading your gaming setup, or just looking for a reliable second screen, there’s no need to spend a fortune. Monitors under £200 offer impressive features today—Full HD resolution, IPS panels, decent refresh rates, and even slim bezels for dual-screen setups. But how do you sort the gems from the gimmicks in this price bracket? The key lies in comparing models based on performance, build quality and long-term value.

One of the best value categories for monitors is the 24-inch Full HD (1920×1080) segment. For under £200, these monitors strike a solid balance between size, sharpness and desk space. Brands like AOC, LG and ASUS lead the way here. The AOC 24B2XH, for instance, features an IPS panel, ultra-slim design, and solid colour reproduction at around £99. For students, casual users or light remote workers, it’s a hard deal to beat.

If refresh rate matters to you—especially for gaming or fast-paced tasks—then you’ll want to explore models offering 75Hz or 100Hz. While 60Hz is standard, stepping up even modestly improves motion smoothness. Monitors like the ASUS VP249QGR or Acer Nitro series offer a 75Hz refresh rate with 1ms response time, catering to budget-conscious gamers. You can easily compare specs and deals side by side on daddyprice, especially during seasonal promotions where high-rated monitors dip below the £200 threshold.

Panel technology is another major consideration. While older TN panels still exist, IPS technology is now widespread in affordable models. IPS provides better viewing angles and colour accuracy—two things TN panels struggle with. For creative work or even video watching, IPS should be the minimum you accept. VA panels, though slightly less colour-accurate, excel in contrast and deep blacks—ideal for movie buffs or low-light users.

Don’t overlook ergonomics and ports either. Many cheap monitors come with only tilt adjustment, but others offer height, swivel and even pivot support—vital for long hours of use. HDMI is a given now, but some include DisplayPort, VGA or even USB-C. The more flexible the input options, the easier it is to future-proof your setup. Some models even include built-in speakers, though these are rarely impressive—consider it a bonus rather than a selling point.

Ultrawide and curved displays are starting to trickle into this price range, particularly for 29-inch ultrawides with 2560×1080 resolution. While you’ll compromise slightly on pixel density, the extended real estate is great for multitasking or immersive media consumption. Brands like LG and Samsung are starting to make affordable curved monitors more accessible, although you’ll usually need to buy during a sale to stay under £200.

Build quality is a concern with cheaper electronics, but surprisingly, many budget monitors are well designed with minimal bezels and clean aesthetics. Look out for VESA mounting compatibility if you plan to attach it to a monitor arm or wall mount. Also, always check for anti-flicker and blue light filtering technologies to reduce eye strain—especially if you’re working long hours or using the screen in dim light.

Let’s talk about productivity. If you’re someone who works with spreadsheets, documents or even light editing tools, the 1080p resolution is absolutely sufficient on 24- to 27-inch screens. Text is crisp, layouts are legible, and with proper brightness settings, even prolonged usage won’t wear you down. Paired with the right ergonomics and screen calibration, these affordable monitors can serve professional needs comfortably.

Some buyers are lured by large screen size alone, but beware: a 27-inch monitor at 1080p may display more pixelation than a 24-inch at the same resolution. Unless you’re sitting further away or using it primarily for video, it might not be the upgrade you hoped for. Clarity and resolution go hand in hand, so screen size should always be matched to resolution and usage style.

From a price standpoint, £150–£200 is a sweet spot. It brings better refresh rates, superior design, and richer colour output without crossing into premium territory. Below £150, you’ll likely see more compromises, but even then, there are options worth your attention. The best strategy is to compare offers, read user reviews, and keep an eye on flash deals. You might be surprised by how much monitor you can get for less than £200 today.

For the final word: budget monitors have evolved to offer genuinely strong performance across most daily uses. Whether it’s work, streaming, or casual gaming, you don’t need to overspend to find quality. A focused comparison—considering size, panel, ports and ergonomics—can make all the difference between a regretful and rewarding purchase.