6 of the Best Monitors under £150

A good computer monitor is a vital part of your setup, and getting the right sized monitor with a good frequency isn’t easy.

If you’re looking for a monitor to connect to your laptop, or if your current monitor has seen its best days, then you’re in the right place. You’ll be pleased to know that you don’t have to shell out a fortune on a new monitor. You can get a decent one for less than £150 – as long as you get the right one!

Here, I’m going to run through a few of the best deals you can find currently in the UK market. Then, I’ll talk a little bit about what exactly it is you should be looking for in a monitor.

Best Monitor under £150

ProductImageScreen SizeResolutionGet More Info
HP UltraslimHP 24f Ultraslim Full HD Monitor (1920 x1080) 23.8 Inch (1 HDMI, 1 VGA) - Silver/Black24 inch1920x1080@60HzCheck Price at Amazon
Benq Eyecare MonitorBenQ GW2780 27 Inch 1080p Eye Care LED IPS Monitor, Anti-Glare, HDMI, B.I. Sensor for Home Office - Black27 inches1920x1080@80HzCheck Price at Amazon
Dell SE2416HDell SE2416H 24 Inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor, 60 Hz, IPS, 6 ms, Thin Bezel, HDMI, VGA, 3 Years Warranty, Black24 inches1920x1080@83HzCheck Price at Amazon
HP 21.5inch Full MonitorHP 22w Full HD Monitor (1920 x 1080) 21.5 Inch (1 HDMI, 1 VGA) - Black21.5inch1920x1080@60HzCheck Price at Amazon
Acer K242HLAcer K242HL 24 Inch Full HD Monitor, Black (TN panel, 5 ms, DVI)24inch1920x1080@60HzCheck Price at Amazon
Acer NitroAcer Nitro VG270Ubmiipx 27-inch Quad HD Gaming Monitor (IPS Panel, FreeSync, 75Hz, 1ms, ZeroFrame, DP, HDMI, Black)23.8inch1920x1080@75HzCheck Price at Amazon

HP Ultraslim

HP 24f Ultraslim Full HD Monitor (1920 x1080) 23.8 Inch (1 HDMI, 1 VGA) - Silver/Black

Resolution: 1080p | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Response Time: 5 milliseconds | Screen Size: 24 inch | Brightness: Ansi Lumens | Connectivity: HDMI, VGA

For those looking for the best quality of image, this would make a good choice. It has an aluminium chassis and build, which makes it stand out compared to the average monitor you’ll find within this sort of price bracket.

The IPS panel is perfect, and helps to maintain vivid colours no matter the angle you’re looking at the screen. With the 1920×1080 resolution combined with the IPS panel, this gives the monitor an awesome picture quality.

If you like to have multiple monitors, then this would be the perfect monitor to get a few of. Why? Well, the quality of the picture and the thin bezel design make it perfect for a multiple monitor setup.

The only downside I can see with this monitor is that there’s no speakers – you won’t even have the option for sound (assumedly this has been cut to keep the cost down to below £150).

But for most people, this won’t be an issue as you can link it up to some external speakers pretty easily. So, this is definitely my favourite option if you’re looking for a cheap monitor that’s stylish and practical.

Pros

Fast response times
Good contrast ratio
Good image at all viewing angles

Cons

Very heavy
Doesn’t include HDMI and VGA cables

Overall Verdict – The HP Ultraslim is undoubtedly one of the best budget monitors available on the market.

Benq Eyecare Monitor

BenQ GW2780 27 Inch 1080p Eye Care LED IPS Monitor, Anti-Glare, HDMI, B.I. Sensor for Home Office - Black

Resolution: 1080p | Refresh Rate: 80 Hz | Response Time: 5 milliseconds | Screen Size: 27 inch | Brightness: Ansi Lumens | Connectivity: HDMI

You’re probably wondering, what exactly makes an eyecare monitor? How is it different than any other monitor? Well, the main features of an eyecare monitor are really having a flicker free screen, emitting a low amount of blue light and a monitor that will adjust its brightness based on the lighting conditions.

If you’ve ever suffered with migraines or eye strain, then it’s probably worth considering getting an eyecare monitor that will be easier on your eyes. This is one of the cheaper models available too if you’re looking for this sort of eye-friendly technology.

As well as being good for your eyes, another great feature about this monitor is that it’s actually 27 inches. There aren’t many monitors cheaper than £150 that you can get that are this size, so you’re getting a lot of monitor for the money.

This is another thin bezel monitor with great picture quality, and it’s worth adding to your list of possible options. It’s an IPS monitor too, meaning you’ll get a good image as well.

Pros

Easy on the eyes
80 Hz Refresh Rate
Thin bezel design

Cons

Screen quite dark
Poor quality speakers

Overall Verdict – If you suffer with migraines, then an eyecare monitor like this might be the best choice.

Dell SE2416H

Dell SE2416H 24 Inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor, 60 Hz, IPS, 6 ms, Thin Bezel, HDMI, VGA, 3 Years Warranty, Black

Resolution: 1080p | Refresh Rate: 83 Hz | Response Time: 6 milliseconds | Screen Size: 24 inch | Brightness: 250 Ansi Lumens | Connectivity: HDMI, VGA

Whether you’re looking for a second monitor to use with your first, or you’re finally fed up of cowering over your laptop, this Dell monitor would be a good choice. it’s a great second monitor, but it can also work well as your primary too.

It has a 1080p resolution with a 60 Hz refresh rate, which makes it fine whether you’re watching videos, browsing the internet or even casual gaming. Though the truth is, you’ll likely need to spend a little more if you want a 144Hz refresh rate, which is what pro gamers use.

The HD display is bright and visually quite impressive, and although it’s only 24 inches, it does feel like it’s much bigger. The screen is fully visible from all angles, so don’t worry about having a distorted view. It has a pretty standard 16:9 aspect ratio like most modern monitors.

The only thing I will say about this monitor is that it comes with a tilt stand, which is definitely convenient if you want to adjust it. But, you can’t adjust its height, which makes it a little bit awkward to use. So, you might want to invest in a monitor stand to go with it.

Pros

Nice slim design
Good quality display
Works well for typing or gaming

Cons

No HDMI included
Tilt adjusted stand

Overall Verdict – You can’t really go wrong with a Dell monitor, and this one does everything you need it to well within the price range.

HP Full 21.5 Inch Monitor

HP 22w Full HD Monitor (1920 x 1080) 21.5 Inch (1 HDMI, 1 VGA) - Black

Resolution: 1080p | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Response Time: 5 milliseconds | Screen Size: 21.5 inch | Brightness: 250 Ansi Lumens | Connectivity: HDMI, VGA

If you’re looking for something even cheaper, you might have to look at a smaller monitor. Typically at less than £150, the biggest monitor you’re going to get is 24-27 inches (a decent quality one, anyway).

However, if you’re willing to have an even smaller monitor, then you can actually get an even cheaper price. This HP monitor is a great example of that, with both HDMI and VGA ports on the back that you can use.

Now, there isn’t too much difference between this and the HP Ultraslim model I’ve already mentioned. In comparison, this is significantly cheaper. But what are you losing for that bit of cash, aside from the size?

Well, the monitor itself is very similar, and you’re still going to get a surprisingly great image quality – I don’t think you’ll be able to find better at this price. You’re still getting the same sleek design and this would also be great in a multi monitor setup as well.

So realistically, if you’re okay with using a smaller monitor, then it might make sense to opt for this model as it has all the specs (display resolution, hertz) of the larger monitor.

Pros

Cheap price
Minimal light bleed
Great second monitor

Cons

Screen might be too small
Heavy for the size

Overall Verdict – The HP 21.5 inch Ultraslim is perfect for those that want a smaller monitor size.

Acer K242HL

Acer K242HL 24 Inch Full HD Monitor, Black (TN panel, 5 ms, DVI)

Resolution: 1080p | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Response Time: 5 milliseconds | Screen Size: 24 inch | Brightness: Ansi Lumens | Connectivity: HDMI, VGA, DVI

Although this one of the older models, it can still hold its own with some of the new monitors. It has the same 1080p specs as the others, and you’re going to get a decent picture on it too.

With a response time of 5 milliseconds, the whole Acer K2 series is based on trying to create a cost effective monitor that still has the display quality of more expensive alternatives.

Plus with the widespread ratio, this monitor is equally as good to watch films on as it is to use as a desktop. It’s VESA mount compatible, meaning you can easily attach it to your wall.

For the value, you’re actually getting a good quality image, as well as clean HD image rendering. So, this is another model that’s worth considering if you’re looking for a bargain.

Pros

Great connectivity options
Good image quality
Value for money

Cons

No built-in speakers
Annoying stand height

Overall Verdict – This 24 inch Acer monitor is another good option if you want fast response times and a decent refresh rate.

Acer Nitro

Acer Nitro VG270Ubmiipx 27-inch Quad HD Gaming Monitor (IPS Panel, FreeSync, 75Hz, 1ms, ZeroFrame, DP, HDMI, Black)

Resolution: 1440p | Refresh Rate: 75 Hz | Response Time: 1 milliseconds | Screen Size: 27 inch | Brightness: Ansi Lumens | Connectivity: HDMI, VGA

The Acer Nitro is one of Acer’s bestselling gaming monitors. But, it’s equally as good for gaming as it is for other purposes. With a 1 ms response time, it’s easy to see why it’s one of their most popular items.

Combine this with the 75Hz refresh rate and you’re to have an awesome monitor for pretty much any purpose. Its Freesync integration makes it perfect if you have a computer with an AMD processor.

Another quality about this monitor is that it has 11 different levels of lighting adjustment, so you can easily adjust the darkness on your monitor to your preference.

Along with this, it also has the flicker free screen and ultra low light emitting technology, which means you’ll be able to use the monitor for longer without getting fatigued. So, this is another awesome option for those looking for a cheap monitor.

Pros

Very responsive
Ergonomic Design
VESA compatible

Cons

Have to get on sale to get £150 price
Can have light bleed issues

Overall Verdict – If you want a gaming monitor, then there’s none better than the Acer Nitro. It has a slightly higher refresh rate of 75Hz and fast response time, which can make the difference when you’re gaming.

Monitor Buying Guide FAQs

How much is a basic monitor?

The most basic monitors you can generally find for even less than £100. These will have basic specs, but typically will be fine for most people. A 17-20 inch screen and a maximum res of 1600×900. Of course, this isn’t going to blow anyone away. But, if you’re looking for a low cost option, then this will do the job.

Should I get an LED or LCD monitor?

If you’re trying to decide between the two, then it’s important to know the basic different. Essentially, the main different is that LCD monitors use fluorescent lighting, whilst LED monitors don’t. Both monitors used the same method of display – light that shines through crystals between two layers of glass. But LEDs use LED lighting, whereas LCD use fluorescent lighting.

Is it worth getting a curved monitor?

Generally in this sort of price range, you’re not going to get a curved monitor. Typically, curved monitors are good for people who want a better viewing experience, but this typically means for gaming or maybe watching lots of films. If you’re just looking for a monitor to get some work done, then you don’t need to invest in a curved monitor.

How many monitors should I use?

The question of whether you should go for dual, or even more than that, is quite difficult. For optimal performance, of course you’re going to be better off with more monitors if you can get used to them. But for many people, just one monitor is enough to get by.

Which PC monitor is best for my eyes?

If you get migraines or eye fatigue, then you’ll likely want to look at getting a monitor that’s easier on the eyes. You can typically find these as they’ll mention that they are ‘eyecare’ monitors. You should also look for monitors that are flicker free too.

Conclusion

Hopefully this has answered any questions you might have about monitors (if it hasn’t, feel free to leave a comment below with your question). You really don’t need to spend multiple hundreds on a monitor unless you want the best of the best, or maybe if you’re looking for a special gaming monitor with fast refresh rates.

So, consider what size monitor you want beforehand – it’s a good idea to get a ruler or some measuring tape out and measure this beforehand. Or, you can compare the size of your television too – most people will find a 24-27 inch monitor fine, but you might want even larger than this! Once that’s decided, you can purchase whichever monitor you want.

If you have any comments or suggestions for the list, please feel free to leave a comment below!

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About Jon

Hey, I'm Jon. I'm an engineer by trade, so it makes sense that I'm obsessed with anything technology related! On the weekends, you can find me playing around with my computers or fixing something around the house. Feel free to leave a comment if you want to get in touch.

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