10 Best Budget Monitors in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by IT Specialist

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.

A gaming monitor's refresh rate per second plays a crucial role in getting a decent gaming experience. Some monitors can go up to 360Hz, but a 75Hz 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.

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, 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. 

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.

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.

Supporting the highest refresh rate available at 240Hz, 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.

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.

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.