Finding a great-looking, high-performance monitor doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Thanks to recent advances in display technology, you can now get affordable monitors under $150 that look and feel just as premium as higher-end options.
Whether you’re a student, home-office worker, gamer, or simply want to upgrade your setup, there are several impressive budget-friendly monitors that offer sharp visuals, slim bezels, and sleek designs – all while staying within your price range.
This guide compares the 10 best monitors under $150 that deliver premium design, impressive picture quality, and excellent value for money.
1. What to Expect from a Monitor Under $150
Modern entry-level monitors have improved drastically in both aesthetics and performance. Here’s what you can typically expect for under $150:
| Feature | Typical Quality | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 21-27 inches | 24-inch sweet spot |
| Resolution | Full HD (1920×1080) | Avoid anything below FHD |
| Panel Type | IPS or VA | IPS offers better colors, VA deeper contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 60-100 Hz | 75 Hz+ ideal for smoothness |
| Response Time | 4-8 ms | Faster = less motion blur |
| Connectivity | HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort | Multiple ports for flexibility |
| Design | Slim bezels, thin stand | Makes it look premium |
2. Why Some Budget Monitors Look Premium
You don’t need to spend $300-400 to get a modern aesthetic. Budget monitors now mimic high-end designs with:
- Ultra-slim bezels for a borderless look
- Matte finishes that hide fingerprints
- Metallic or brushed frames
- Adjustable ergonomic stands
- VESA mounting support for clean setups
Brands like AOC, HP, Dell, and ViewSonic have mastered this design balance – creating screens that look elegant while remaining affordable.
3. Top 10 Affordable Monitors Under $150 That Look Premium
| Rank | Model | Screen Size | Panel Type | Refresh Rate | Price (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AOC 24B2XH 24″ Full HD IPS | 24″ | IPS | 75 Hz | $109 | Best Overall |
| 2 | HP 24mh FHD Monitor | 23.8″ | IPS | 75 Hz | $139 | Best Design |
| 3 | Sceptre E248W-19203R 24″ | 24″ | VA | 75 Hz | $125 | Best Value |
| 4 | Acer SB220Q bi 21.5″ | 21.5″ | IPS | 75 Hz | $99 | Best for Small Desks |
| 5 | Dell SE2422HX 24″ LED Monitor | 24″ | VA | 75 Hz | $129 | Business & Home |
| 6 | ViewSonic VA2456-MHD | 24″ | IPS | 75 Hz | $139 | Best Color Accuracy |
| 7 | KOORUI 24N1 24″ Frameless | 24″ | IPS | 75 Hz | $109 | Minimalist Setup |
| 8 | ASUS VA24EHE 23.8″ Eye Care | 23.8″ | IPS | 75 Hz | $129 | Eye Comfort |
| 9 | Philips 246E9QDSB 24″ Frameless | 24″ | IPS | 75 Hz | $135 | Elegant & Vivid Colors |
| 10 | LG 24MP400-B 24″ FHD | 24″ | IPS | 75 Hz | $119 | Balanced Performer |
4. Detailed Reviews of the Top 10 Monitors
1. AOC 24B2XH 24″ Full HD IPS – Best Overall Budget Monitor
The AOC 24B2XH is the perfect example of a premium look on a budget. Its ultra-slim design and vibrant IPS panel make it a favorite for office or home use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp 1080p display | No built-in speakers |
| Wide 178° viewing angles | Stand not height adjustable |
| Thin bezels | No DisplayPort |
User Review:
“The display quality is amazing for the price. Super thin and stylish – looks like a $300 monitor.”
Price: $109
2. HP 24mh FHD Monitor – Best Design and Ergonomics
HP’s 24mh monitor combines style with function. The micro-edge bezel and height-adjustable stand give it a premium feel.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built-in speakers | Slightly pricier than others |
| Adjustable height and tilt | Only 1 HDMI port |
| Sleek modern design | Buttons on the back are small |
User Review:
“Crystal clear image and great ergonomics. The adjustable stand is a bonus!”
Price: $139
3. Sceptre E248W-19203R – Best Value for the Price
Sceptre delivers surprising quality in this 24-inch monitor. Its metallic design and solid brightness make it one of the best under $130.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Metal frame design | No height adjustment |
| Dual HDMI inputs | Slight color shift at angles |
| Great build for price | Sound from speakers is average |
User Review:
“Affordable and stylish. Works great for work and Netflix alike.”
Price: $125
4. Acer SB220Q bi 21.5″ – Best Compact Budget Monitor
Perfect for small desks, this 21.5-inch IPS monitor offers bright colors and a frameless look.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super slim | No VESA mount |
| Sharp 1080p display | Not ideal for gaming |
| Great for laptops & small desks | Limited tilt angles |
User Review:
“Compact and bright! Ideal for my small workspace.”
Price: $99
5. Dell SE2422HX – Best for Everyday Home and Office Use
Dell’s sturdy design and reliable performance make it ideal for home offices. The VA panel gives richer contrast and deeper blacks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable brand | Limited viewing angles compared to IPS |
| Sturdy stand | No height adjustment |
| Energy efficient | No built-in speakers |
User Review:
“Classic Dell quality. Great color and sharpness for the price.”
Price: $129
6. ViewSonic VA2456-MHD – Best Color Accuracy
If you edit photos or videos occasionally, this model is unbeatable under $150. It’s color-accurate, frameless, and VESA mountable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accurate colors (sRGB 100%) | Slightly thicker base |
| Built-in speakers | Basic OSD menu |
| 3-year warranty | No USB ports |
User Review:
“The best monitor I’ve owned under $150. Perfect colors for editing.”
Price: $139
7. KOORUI 24N1 Frameless Monitor – Best Minimalist Design
KOORUI’s 24N1 features a borderless three-sided design, making it ideal for multi-screen setups.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Frameless design | Stand tilt only |
| Fast 75 Hz refresh rate | Light bleed in dark scenes |
| Sharp IPS colors | No built-in audio |
User Review:
“Looks beautiful on my desk setup – clean, modern, and smooth visuals.”
Price: $109
8. ASUS VA24EHE – Best for Eye Comfort
Designed with ASUS Eye Care technology, this monitor is ideal for long hours of use. Its flicker-free and blue light filter reduce strain effectively.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Eye comfort features | No speakers |
| 75 Hz with Adaptive-Sync | Slight wobble on stand |
| Elegant thin bezels | No height adjustability |
User Review:
“Super comfortable on the eyes. Perfect for long work sessions.”
Price: $129
9. Philips 246E9QDSB – Best for Vibrant Colors
The Philips 246E9QDSB stands out with wide color gamut coverage (124% sRGB), providing vivid and accurate colors for content creators.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Gorgeous colors | Glossy surface reflects light |
| Sleek curved base | No built-in audio |
| AMD FreeSync support | No height adjustability |
User Review:
“The color depth is incredible. Looks like a premium designer monitor.”
Price: $135
10. LG 24MP400-B – Best All-Rounder Under $120
A balanced performer with excellent IPS display, ergonomic tilt, and vibrant visuals – ideal for daily use and light gaming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp IPS panel | Basic design |
| 75 Hz smooth refresh | No speakers |
| Excellent value | Slight plastic flex on frame |
User Review:
“Perfect everyday monitor. Great colors and clarity for under $120.”
Price: $119
5. Quick Comparison Chart – Specs & Features
| Model | Size | Panel | Refresh Rate | Speakers | VESA Mount | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AOC 24B2XH | 24″ | IPS | 75 Hz | No | Yes | $109 |
| HP 24mh | 23.8″ | IPS | 75 Hz | Yes | Yes | $139 |
| Sceptre E248W | 24″ | VA | 75 Hz | Yes | Yes | $125 |
| Acer SB220Q | 21.5″ | IPS | 75 Hz | No | No | $99 |
| Dell SE2422HX | 24″ | VA | 75 Hz | No | Yes | $129 |
| ViewSonic VA2456 | 24″ | IPS | 75 Hz | Yes | Yes | $139 |
| KOORUI 24N1 | 24″ | IPS | 75 Hz | No | Yes | $109 |
| ASUS VA24EHE | 23.8″ | IPS | 75 Hz | No | Yes | $129 |
| Philips 246E9QDSB | 24″ | IPS | 75 Hz | No | Yes | $135 |
| LG 24MP400-B | 24″ | IPS | 75 Hz | No | Yes | $119 |
6. Best Monitors by Category
| Category | Model | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | AOC 24B2XH | Great image quality and price |
| Best Design | HP 24mh | Elegant look and adjustable stand |
| Best for Editing | ViewSonic VA2456-MHD | Accurate colors and IPS display |
| Best for Eye Comfort | ASUS VA24EHE | Blue-light filter + flicker-free |
| Best Value | Sceptre E248W | Metallic design under $130 |
| Best Minimalist Setup | KOORUI 24N1 | Borderless and lightweight |
| Best for Students | Acer SB220Q | Compact, simple, affordable |
| Best for Business Use | Dell SE2422HX | Reliable and energy-efficient |
| Best for Color Depth | Philips 246E9QDSB | Wide color gamut and vivid tones |
| Best All-Round Choice | LG 24MP400-B | Balanced specs and price |
7. How to Choose the Right Budget Monitor
- Pick the right panel: IPS panels are ideal for most users due to color consistency.
- Don’t go below 1080p resolution: HD is outdated; Full HD is the new minimum.
- Check for HDMI ports: Make sure it’s compatible with laptops and consoles.
- Refresh rate matters: Even 75 Hz feels smoother than 60 Hz for casual gaming.
- Mind your workspace: If you’re short on space, choose 21-24 inches.
- Built-in speakers are convenient – but don’t expect deep bass.
- Look for a slim design – not just for aesthetics but also desk efficiency.
8. Tips to Make a Budget Monitor Look More Premium
You can make any monitor look high-end with small touches:
- Use VESA mounts or monitor arms for a floating effect.
- Hide cables with sleeves or desk organizers.
- Set a minimalist wallpaper with dark tones for contrast.
- Adjust color profiles for richer visuals.
- Pair with a metallic or LED-lit keyboard for a professional setup look.
9. Expert Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re looking for the best combination of design, color quality, and affordability, the AOC 24B2XH and HP 24mh stand out as the top picks.
For those who need vibrant visuals and accurate color, ViewSonic VA2456-MHD and Philips 246E9QDSB deliver near-pro quality for photo or design work.
If your budget is tight, KOORUI 24N1 or Acer SB220Q provide unbeatable value under $110.
Each of these monitors proves that “premium” doesn’t have to mean “expensive.” With clean designs, sharp displays, and long-lasting quality, you can build a professional setup without exceeding your budget.