10 Best Budget Monitors in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed by IT Specialist
Buying budget monitors don't mean sacrificing picture quality over screen real estate. It's fun to check out new monitors in the market and look at their specs, but as most enthusiasts know, premium monitors are often overpriced. With the discovery of new components and an abundance of resources, manufacturers are now able to come up with quality budget monitors!
Luckily, we now don't have to burn a hole in our pockets to get a decent display. You can still have the best of both worlds, and may come across budget monitors with a 4K display or one for gaming. Below, you can find our buying guide checked by IT specialist JC Rogelio and the 10 best budget monitors if you're on a tight budget.
JC Rogelio is first and foremost a fan of upgrading and modifying computers. Due to his passion, he earned a degree in Information Technology from a university specializing in the field. He is tech-savvy and likes to research computer trends. He was a former employee of a Fortune 500 company in the Philippines and now has over 3 years of experience in the IT/Engineering field in Dubai.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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How to Choose a Budget Computer Monitor – Buying Guide
Finding an affordable monitor that meets your needs is easier than you think. This guide breaks down essential features so you can get the best value for your money. Keep reading to learn more!
Get an LED Monitor for Longevity and Efficiency
Although some users may settle for an LCD monitor because it is much cheaper, getting an LED monitor has its advantages in the long run. LCD monitors have a shorter lifespan and tend to be thicker, whereas LED monitors are lighter and slimmer. Yes, LEDs may be more expensive than LCDs, yet its lifespan is longer, and as the manufacturing materials get cheaper, so does the product.
Select from the Different Types of Budget Monitors According to Your Purpose of Use
There are tons of options when it comes to monitors. However, not all users may know which type of monitor to select for a specific task. Below are some of the primary classes that you might encounter on your search for your budget monitor.
Generic-Type Monitors for Home and Office Use
Usually found in computer shops or cafes, generic monitors are relatively cheaper and have low maintenance needs. These peripherals are plug-and-play, which does not regularly need any firmware updates. If you happen to purchase a complete desktop computer bundle, there is a good chance that you will receive an affordable, generic-type monitor.
Gaming Monitors Have High Refresh Rates for Better Gameplay
A gaming monitor's refresh rate per second plays a crucial role in getting a decent gaming experience. Some monitors can go up to 360 Hz, but a 75 Hz refresh rate can suffice if you are on a budget. Also, a lower response time means it can quickly shift and transition colors. Though, your graphics card can additionally determine the quality of the image that you will see on the monitor.
HDR Monitors Provide the Best Color Reproduction
High dynamic range (HDR) monitors have the best color range tech, so it is the best peripheral for professional visual application and a high-quality gaming experience. This monitor can display color contrasts such as pure white, darkest black, and true-to-life colors. But, to truly make the most of its display potential, one should have the best graphics processing unit installed.
Ultrawide Monitors Present More Screen Space for Productivity
Ultrawide monitors, often having 34 to 49 inches of screen size, offer the best setup if you want to open several applications and work on them all. It provides you with a more seamless and efficient setup because you don’t have to configure your monitor settings twice.
It consumes less energy than 2 standard monitors, and imposes less workload on the CPU and GPU. Therefore, it cuts the work rate in half and effectively saves energy by eliminating the need for a second monitor.
Curved Monitors Offer an Immersive User Experience
The introduction of curved monitors has presented a more immersive experience to its users. Commonly, we see 1000R to 4000R curvature ratings to give a concept of depth and visual sense. These figures, followed by the R, refer to the steepness of the curve, where the number denotes the radius if you create a circle around it.
Touchscreen Monitors Present More Input Convenience
Although rarely seen on desktop PCs, touchscreen monitors are often used on ATMs, schools, or retail stores. The display serves as an input tool that requires special hardware to make it work. A digital artist would enjoy using the screen as a drawing board with the help of a digital stylus pen. However, it could be expensive and might require specific protection from wear and tear due to its sensitive screen.
Determine the Panel Type That Works for You
Are you going to use the budget monitor for gaming or content creation? Do you need an HD resolution for playing movies or streaming? Knowing the right panel type for your purpose can also dictate which budget monitor you should be picking.
Twisted-Nematic (TN) Panels Are Meant for Gaming
Supporting the highest refresh rate available at 240 Hz, a TN panel is the best setup if you're a hardcore gamer. Any user will experience the fastest and smoothest gameplay a player could yearn for on this monitor. Unfortunately, the viewing angles aren't the best, and the color reproduction is not on par with HDR monitors. Still, this is an affordable choice if you are on a budget.
In-Plane Switching Panels (IPS) Exhibit the Best Color Reproduction
Favored by graphic artists and designers, IPS has been their go-to display for a long time now. It can recreate genuine and true-to-life colors from different viewing angles. You can also enjoy 4K videos and streams on a gorgeous display at a premium price. However, the response and refresh rates are not as fast as a TN panel.
Vertical-Alignment Panels Have the Best of Both Worlds
While IPS panels have an edge in terms of screen resolution and TN panels offer the fastest refresh rates, a VA panel sits in the middle of the two. Its display is almost as good as an IPS panel in terms of resolution, and the viewing angle is quite the same. For its response time, it's about as fast as a TN panel, so a gamer might consider using it.
Assess Which Screen Size Will Satisfy Your Needs
The range of screen sizes that you can find in the market today is around 19 to 43 inches. Generally, the size of the screen will dictate how cheap or expensive the price is, but it may also depend on the type of panel used. To know the ideal screen size that you want, you can use a tape measure to get the diagonal length from the bottom corner to the opposite top corner or the other way around.
Check the Best Aspect Ratio and Resolution Settings
The screen's height and width determine the aspect ratio of a display, while a resolution also refers to the height and width measured in pixels. An aspect ratio will always have a corresponding resolution so it can display on a monitor properly. Below are the common settings that a monitor will usually follow.
- 4:3 = 640×480, 1440×1080, 1920×1440 and 2048×1536
- 16:9 = 1280×720 (720p), 1920×1080 (1080p), 2560×1440 (2K), 3840×2160 (4K), 5120×2889 (5K), 7680×4320 (8K)
- 21:9 = 2560×1080, 3440×1440 and 5120×2160
- 32:9 = 3840×1080 and 5120×1440
Look for Important Ports Like HDMI or DisplayPort for Connectivity
Less expensive monitors will probably still have a video graphics array (VGA) or a digital visual interface (DVI) ports to accommodate older desktops. These ports are still reliable and can support 1920x1080 resolution with an above-average refresh rate of 144 Hz. Regrettably, you will need a separate cable for the audio signal.
Meanwhile, modern settings for gaming tend to have a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) or a DisplayPort connection to get support for 4K gaming at a higher refresh rate. Their cables can also carry an audio signal, so they can be used on monitors with a built-in speaker for a more immersive experience.
10 Best Budget Monitors to Buy Online
| Products | Image | Click to purchase | Popularity | Details | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display Type | Monitor Type | Panel Type | Screen Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Aspect Ratio | Connectivity | |||||
1 | 24.5" Monitor ｜Pro MP251 E14L MSI |  | No.1 | LED | General Monitor | IPS | 24.5 in | 1920 x 1080 | 144 Hz | 16:9 | HDMI, VGA | |
2 | 23.8-Inch Monitor ｜A24i Xiaomi |  | No.2 | LED | General Monitor | IPS | 23.8 in | 1920 x 1080 | 100 Hz | 16:9 | HDMI, DisplayPort (DP) | |
3 | 24.5" Monitor ｜EK251Q P6bi Acer |  | No.3 | LED | General Monitor | IPS | 24.5 in | 1920 x 1080 | 144 Hz | 16:9 | HDMI, VGA | |
4 | 24-Inch Monitor ｜LS24F320GAEXXP Samsung |  | No.4 | LED | General Monitor | IPS | 24 in | 1920 x 1080 | 120 Hz | 16:9 | HDMI | |
5 | 23.8" Monitor ｜L24-4C (67DDKAC6PH) Lenovo |  | No.5 | LED | General Monitor | IPS | 23.8 in | 1920 x 1080 | 144 Hz | 16:9 | HDMI, VGA | |
6 | PC Monitor 27/24/22/19 Inch Expose |  | No.6 | LED | Curved Monitor, General Monitor | IPS | 19 in to 27 in | 1920 × 1080 to 2560 × 1440 | 60 Hz to 165 Hz | 16:9 | HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort (DP) | |
7 | 24.5" Monitor ｜25MS500-B LG |  | No.7 | LED | General Monitor | IPS | 24.5 in | 1920 x 1080 | 100 Hz | 16:9 | HDMI | |
8 | Computer Monitor 19, 22, 24, 27 Inch Icon |  | No.8 | LED | General Monitor | IPS | 19, 22, 24, 27 in | 1920 x 1080 | 75 Hz | 16:9 | HDMI, VGA | |
9 | 23.8-Inch Monitor｜24B30H3/BW AOC |  | No.9 | LED | General Monitor | IPS | 23.8 in | 1920 x 1080 | 120 Hz | 16:9 | HDMI, VGA | |
10 | 15.6-Inch Monitor ｜E1512A Koorui |  | No.10 | LED | General Monitor | IPS | 15.6 in | 1920 x 1080 | 60 Hz | 16:9 | Type-C, Mini HDMI | |
| Display Type | LED |
|---|---|
| Monitor Type | General Monitor |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen Size | 24.5 in |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Connectivity | HDMI, VGA |
| Display Type | LED |
|---|---|
| Monitor Type | General Monitor |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen Size | 23.8 in |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 100 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Connectivity | HDMI, DisplayPort (DP) |
| Display Type | LED |
|---|---|
| Monitor Type | General Monitor |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen Size | 24.5 in |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Connectivity | HDMI, VGA |
Samsung 24-Inch Monitor ｜ LS24F320GAEXXP
| Display Type | LED |
|---|---|
| Monitor Type | General Monitor |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen Size | 24 in |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Connectivity | HDMI |
Lenovo23.8" Monitor ｜ L24-4C (67DDKAC6PH)
| Display Type | LED |
|---|---|
| Monitor Type | General Monitor |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen Size | 23.8 in |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Connectivity | HDMI, VGA |
| Display Type | LED |
|---|---|
| Monitor Type | Curved Monitor, General Monitor |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen Size | 19 in to 27 in |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 to 2560 × 1440 |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz to 165 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Connectivity | HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort (DP) |
| Display Type | LED |
|---|---|
| Monitor Type | General Monitor |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen Size | 24.5 in |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 100 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Connectivity | HDMI |
Icon Computer Monitor 19, 22, 24, 27 Inch
| Display Type | LED |
|---|---|
| Monitor Type | General Monitor |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen Size | 19, 22, 24, 27 in |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Connectivity | HDMI, VGA |
| Display Type | LED |
|---|---|
| Monitor Type | General Monitor |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen Size | 23.8 in |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Connectivity | HDMI, VGA |
| Display Type | LED |
|---|---|
| Monitor Type | General Monitor |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Screen Size | 15.6 in |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Connectivity | Type-C, Mini HDMI |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Can an External Monitor Increase FPS?
Short answer is: Yes! The science behind it is that most laptop displays are connected to the integrated GPU, a component that prioritizes power efficiency more than speed, thus bottlenecking FPS. Meanwhile, your laptop's HDMI is wired to the dedicated GPU, so connecting an external monitor with this port removes the bottleneck.
What Is the Best Budget Ultrawide Monitor?
Budget and ultrawide don't often come hand in hand, but with the Philips 288E2A, they come close! The 28 inches of this monitor is already large enough for multitasking, but what really takes the cake is its technical features like the wide color gamut and 4k resolution.
What Is the Best Budget Monitor for Gaming?
If gaming is your priority, get the Asus Gaming Monitor VP249QGR. Its fast refresh rate, coupled with FreeSync compatibility, ensures consistent, smooth, and enjoyable gameplay.
Find the Best PC Monitors to Suit Your Needs
There are various types of computer monitors in the market today, and it's not difficult to pick out the right one for your purpose. Check out the articles we have below so you can make an informed decision.
Author: Chafi L.
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
