Five low-cost gaming monitors

Philips 227E6LDSD 22 " black

The monitor from Philips belongs to the class of 21.5-inch devices. It is aimed at gamers who want to get a quality solution for a minimum of money.

In the process of displaying information on the monitor screen, a fast matrix of the TN + Film format is used. Its response time is only 1ms, which allows you to get a smooth picture in action scenes without any loops or blurring. For backlighting, white LEDs are responsible, which evenly illuminate the entire plane of the panel. Only viewing angles are unimportant — a common problem for all TN-type matrices.

Given the low-cost orientation of the monitor, you should not expect a number of progressive features in it. Nevertheless, the device can automatically analyze the content and adjust the colour and backlight intensity for it. Plus, the monitor is equipped with support for MHL technology, which allows you to connect compatible mobile gadgets (for example, a smartphone) to it. This port is combined with mini-HDMI. In addition, VGA and DVI-D Dual Link connectors are sheltered on the back of the device. Only VESA mounts and built-in speakers are missing.

In rapidly changing scenes, the Smart Contrast function is connected to the construction of the picture on the display — highly dynamic frames are displayed better and with deeper colours. Its maximum value can reach 20,000,000:1.

Another advantage of the low-cost monitor is its low power consumption — the claimed power is only 13 watts. This figure is confirmed in fact, which, in the light of rising electricity tariffs, will save part of the low-cost for utility bills. Especially if there are several such monitors (for example, a couple of gaming computers at home or a computer club).

Reference. MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) technology allows you to transfer high-definition video (up to 1080p) directly from your smartphone or other compatible device to the monitor. The MHL connector is often combined with an HDMI port and can also act as a charger for mobile gadgets.

Asus VP247H 24 " black

The line of monitors marked VP entered the market in early 2016. All of its representatives are positioned as entry-level gaming solutions.

The average model with a screen size of 24 "is equipped with a fast TN + Film format matrix. Its main advantage is a fast response time (1 ms), due to which dynamic scenes in games and films are devoid of the so-called "loop", and a small drawback is the viewing angles within 160° vertical and 170° horizontal Colours on the display can be oversaturated on closer inspection, but they do not hurt the eyes at all.

Despite the fact that the monitor is an inexpensive model without unnecessary bells and whistles, it has as many as 8 picture display modes and 4 blue spectrum suppression profiles (from 20% to 70%), which reduce eye strain when you stay in front of the display for a long time. Activating a special GamePlus game mode displays 4 crosshair options (for use in shooters) and a countdown timer (for strategies, etc.). Also in games, a high level of dynamic contrast is achieved, the value of which is very close to the mark of 100,000,000:1.

The monitor rests on a classic round stand. On its rear face, you can find the main ports for connecting external devices: HDMI, DVI-D, D-Sub. The only thing missing is a 3.5mm headphone jack. Instead, two speakers with a total power of 3 watts are built into the case.

Asus PV247H provides an opportunity to enjoy your favorite games and will become a true companion for an avid gamer at a relatively low cost. It is inferior to older models only in the maximum sweep frequency, the value of which reaches 75 Hz.

LG 24GM77 24 " black

The representative of the South Korean company LG is designed specifically for games. And it is one of the most affordable models with a screen refresh rate of 144 Hz.

In addition to a high refresh rate, the monitor has a very fast response time that tends to be close to 1ms. Both options provide high-definition images in dynamic scenes. In order to further protect against image delay, the monitor has a built-in function to reduce input signal delay.

As befits a gaming solution, the monitor can automatically improve the visibility of dark areas. This feature is called Black Stabilizer and is activated at the touch of a button on the front of the case. There is also a joystick for fine-tuning image parameters and a mode switch key (6 options for settings for different genres of games).

The factory calibration of the screen requires almost no intervention — it accurately and correctly reproduces colours. At critical angles, the image is visible no matter what is inherent in this type of matrix used (TN + Film). In contrast, the display is coated with an anti-reflective coating, and it also has a high margin of brightness, the maximum level of which reaches 350 cd/m². This will not save you from direct sunlight, but with artificial lighting, the brightness level is enough for all use cases.

Connectors for connecting devices are represented by two HDMI ports (with a maximum refresh rate of 60 Hz), standard DVI-D ports, Display Port, VGA and a USB 3.0 hub. You can also connect headphones to the monitor, but there are no built-in speakers in it. For wall mounting, there is a VESA connector with a size of 100x100 mm.

LG 24GM77 acts as a link between entry-level monitors and advanced gaming solutions. For the money, it's one of the more advanced options to buy and will perform well in gaming and basic day-to-day tasks.

Reference. Screen refresh rate — the number of frames per 1 s that the monitor can form to display an image. The higher this value, the smoother the image in scenes with a highly dynamic plot.

BenQ RL2755HM 27 " black

Model with the index RL2755HM is produced under the motto "The game is in the details" — it was developed and tested in collaboration with professional gamers.

The 27-inch monitor is designed to be paired with a game console(for example, Sony PlayStation 4 or {!!! block='price' idgood='347044' !! !}). Special elements in the design also hint at this: two HDMI ports, a retractable headset hook and a rubberized stand on which two gamepads fit comfortably. Together with a PC, the monitor also feels great.

The low-cost roots of the device are given by its matrix of the TN-Film format. On the one hand, it has an ultra-fast response time (1ms) and boasts excellent image quality, and on the other hand, it has poor viewing angles.

The Taiwanese manufacturer has endowed its offspring with a number of "smart chips" designed to make the gameplay more comfortable. So, the Black eQuilazer function highlights dark places in games, and for the protection of the eyes, flicker suppression and reduction of the blue spectrum in the backlight are provided.

On the monitor case there was a place for two built-in speakers with a total power of 4 W and a VESA wall mount. The total weight of the entire structure is 5.5 kg, so it is better to come to the monitor with a console, and not vice versa.

Iiyama G-Master GE2788HS-B1 27 "

The Japanese brand Iiyama introduced a line of gaming monitors of the G-Master series in the fall of 2015. It included three representatives: the junior "Black Hawk", the middle "Red Eagle" Iiyama G-Master GB2788HS-B2 27 " black and older "Golden Phoenix" (top model with 4K resolution).

The younger model is made in a classic conservative style without any frills. Its TN+Film-matrix does not allow you to look at the screen from any angle, but it provides an ultra-fast response time (1ms). The main difference from the middle brother lies in the reduced frame rate (60 Hz vs 144 Hz). In order to avoid blurring when displaying dynamic scenes, the monitor is endowed with a software Overdrive function designed to avoid image lag.

The manufacturer promotes his offspring under the motto "Evil will not pass!", They say the black hawk will see everything around him. Thus, attention is focused on high-definition pictures. And in the dark, the “smart” Black Tuner function comes to the rescue — a five-position increase in the intensity of the illumination of the darkest places. Judging by real reviews, it really helps to see the details in scenes with complex lighting.

The body of the monitor rests on a stable stand. Regarding connectors, everything is like everyone else: HDMI, VGA, DVI and a mini headphone jack. For those who like to play with external sound, there are two 2.5-watt speakers.

The Black Hawk is a great alternative to more established monitors. It is chosen by gamers with a limited low-cost who need a high-quality picture and a prompt response to all changes in the gaming process.