Budget pick
Best Monitor Under $100: A Simple, Affordable Second Screen
Under $100, you can still buy a perfectly usable monitor for documents, browsing, video calls and as a second screen for a laptop. The compromises are mostly size, adjustability and polish rather than everyday usability.
Pros: what this budget gets right
- Instant productivity boost: a second screen for reference material, chats or spreadsheets.
- 1080p resolution: sharp enough on 22 to 24-inch screens.
- IPS or VA panels: decent colours and viewing angles compared with older budget panels.
- Refresh rates above 60 Hz: many models now offer 75 to 100 Hz, making scrolling smoother.
Cons: where monitors at this price cut corners
- Basic stands: usually tilt only, with no height adjustment.
- Limited ports: often just HDMI and sometimes VGA, rarely USB-C.
- Lower brightness: fine indoors but weaker in bright rooms.
- Thin speakers or none: plan to use headphones or laptop speakers.
Size and resolution
22 to 24 inches at 1080p is the sweet spot here. Avoid larger screens at this price if they are still 1080p, since text looks softer as size increases.
Ergonomics on a budget
Raise the monitor to eye level with a stand, books or a riser. If the monitor has VESA mounting holes, an inexpensive monitor arm improves posture and frees desk space.
Connecting a laptop
Check your laptop's ports. Many laptops have HDMI; others need a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Make sure your laptop's USB-C port supports video output before buying an adapter.
Eye comfort
Look for flicker-free backlights and low blue light modes. Adjust brightness to match your room, and position the screen to avoid reflections from windows.
Gaming expectations
Budget monitors handle casual games well. For competitive gaming, a dedicated gaming monitor with higher refresh rates and faster response times makes a noticeable difference, even at only a little more money.
Verdict: when to stretch or save
Stay under $100 for a second screen, office work or study. Stretch to the next tier for a 27-inch 1440p screen, USB-C docking or a height-adjustable stand if you work long hours at your desk.
Want the full checklist, price tiers and FAQs? Read our monitors buying guide.