Best cheap HDMI 2.1 monitor in 2024 – budget picks for 4K 120Hz & more
Budget-friendly HDMI 2.1 monitors, can we find them?
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Looking for the best cheap HDMI 2.1 monitor in 2024 doesn’t have to be difficult. If time if of the essence to you, we’d start with recommending either the Gigabyte M32U or ASUS VG28UQL1A. There’s more to discover though, and we really explain what makes these monitors great. The best HDMI 2.1 monitors currently available can reach eye-watering prices, so today we’re going to focus on some options which are a little nicer on your bank account.
If you’re on a console like the PS5 or Xbox Series X, HDMI 2.1 support is what you need if you want to achieve their maximum potential for 4K 120Hz gaming. These monitors generally don’t come very cheap in the grand scheme of things, but we’ve found a few which offer excellent value for money. As always, we aim to keep this guide updated with the best options. Now that these monitors have established themselves on the market, its a matter of time before the prices drop even further.
Best cheap HDMI 2.1 monitor: Gigabyte M32U
Gigabyte M32U
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Response time
1ms GTG
Screen size
32″
Resolution
3840 x 2160
- Large 32″ screen size
- 4K visuals and smooth 144Hz refresh rate
- Appealing design
- IPS panel delivers excellent colors
- Not the best HDR performance
Starting off with the impressive Gigabyte M32U – a large 32″ 4K monitor. 4K 144Hz monitors are the gold standard when talking about HDMI 2.1, as they are capable of supporting the maximum 4K @ 144Hz output you’ll get with 2.1. Consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X support up to 120Hz, so you’ll need to play on PC to unlock that extra 24Hz. Playing at full 4K is super immersive with the 32″ screen size. Worth noting that there is a 28-inch model as well if you want something a little smaller (which will save you money in the process).
Our Gigabyte M32U review talks about this monitor in great detail, putting it up against our rigorous testing process. We found that the specs deliver excellent performance as expected, while the IPS panel ensures that colors look great, with a wide viewing angle too. The 90% DCI-P3 color coverage isn’t the best we’ve ever seen and the DisplayHDR 400 rating means that HDR performance isn’t high-end, but it’s passable. FreeSync compatibility is always a plus too to minimize screen tearing.
What you get from this monitor is 32-inch UHD panel which is definitely excellent value for money. The build quality is good and connectivity is great with both USB 3.0 and USB-C alongside the HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports. It definitely deserves its spot on this list.
Next best cheap HDMI 2.1 monitor: ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A
ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Response time
1ms GTG
Screen size
28″
Resolution
3840 x 2160
- Fast 1ms GTG response time
- Subtle gaming aesthetic
- NVIDIA G-Sync and FreeSync Premium
- 90% DCI-P3 color gamut
- Peak brightness limited to 450 nits
- Lacking premium HDR support
The ASUS TUF VG28UQL1A is a great HDMI 2.1 monitor that, despite its high-end specifications, won’t break the bank. The fast IPS panel found at its core produces excellent viewing angles, a quick 1ms GTG response time, and excellent color recreation. The design of ASUS’s TUF range has changed over the years, with the latest iterations sporting a more angular, ‘V’-shaped stand that is reminiscent of its premium ROG SWIFT lineup. Having said that, ASUS still maintains its subtle design aesthetic, perfect for almost any setting.
As far as performance goes, the ASUS TUF VG28UQL1A offers up a 4K UHD 28-inch IPS panel that delivers a 144Hz refresh rate and low 1ms GTG response time. ASUS has utilized its Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync and VRR (for both G-Sync and FreeSync systems) support in this panel, resulting in a silky smooth visual experience that is void of annoying artifacts like screen tear and blurring. That’s great for FPS gamers or those who enjoy fast-paced reflex based titles.
Unfortunately, peak brightness and HDR support are a little underwhelming in this monitor – only offering VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. Peak brightness also tops out at 400 nits, meaning it isn’t the best as far as daytime viewing goes.
Best cheap 240Hz HDMI 2.1 monitor: Sony Inzone M3
Sony Inzone M3
Refresh rate
240Hz
Response time
1ms
Resolution
1920 x 1080
Screen size
27″
- Super fast 240Hz refresh rate
- HDMI 2.1 VRR support
- Quick 1ms response time
- Unique adjustable tripod stand design
- Lower 1080p resolution
If you’re looking for a much higher refresh rate monitor, then the 240Hz Sony Inzone M3 is a good option. While HDMI 2.1 caps out at 144Hz when running at 4K, this lower resolution 1080p monitor is easily capable of the higher 240Hz refresh rate. The Inzone M9 is another top pick if you actually want 4K visuals, but the M3 is definitely excellent value for money and a suitable monitor for competitive gaming. It does feature a larger 27″ screen size than your typical 1080p monitor, so it’s not so bad for productivity either, or if you just prefer the bigger dimensions.
This gaming monitor has variable refresh rate (VRR) via HDMI 2.1 and Nvidia G-Sync support via DisplayPort, which is much appreciated when dealing with high refresh rates. Frames per second varies massively from game to game, so if you can’t achieve a steady 240FPS, VRR or G-Sync will kick in to sync your refresh rate to your in-game performance. This helps prevent screen tearing or stuttering – the 1ms response time also makes visuals crystal-clear, even with fast movements on screen.
As a Sony monitor, it does include exclusive features catered to PS5, but the console won’t support more than 120Hz, so we definitely recommend this 1080p display for PC gamers if you want maximum value for money. Definitely recommended for competitive gamers, especially FPS games.
Are HDMI 2.1 monitors cheap?
Generally speaking, HDMI 2.1 monitors sit towards the more high-end options on the monitor market. That’s because many of them are aiming to be the best 4K gaming monitors out there. Despite that, you can actually find a decent amount of ‘budget’ displays which feature this kind of connectivity too; especially since it’s been a few years since the release of the current generation of consoles.
When you think budget gaming monitor, you’re probably thinking around the under $100 or under $200 range. HDMI 2.1 displays haven’t quite made it as low as that, but we’re getting there. Be sure to check out our current cheap HDMI 2.1 monitors, as we’ll be keeping on top of these monitors as they get more affordable over time.
Best cheap HDMI 2.1 monitor FAQs
Why are HDMI 2.1 monitors expensive?
Quickly browsing through a number of HDMI 2.1 monitors and you’ll notice they can be pricey. This is because HDMI 2.1 is the latest version of the cable and supports high refresh rate 4K gaming.
However, we’ve found a few choices which deliver excellent value for money.
Are all HDMI 2.1 monitors 4K?
No, there are some lower resolution options out there. The majority of HDMI 2.1 monitors look to capitalize on high refresh rate 4K performance, but there are alternatives if you want something not so demanding on your PC or console.
