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How Much Should I Spend On A Monitor?

By: Robert Llarves | Date Posted: December 18, 2022

How Much Should I Spend On A Monitor?

Answer: There is no definitive answer as to how much you should spend on a monitor; it all depends on your budget, what you need out of it, and the features that best suit your needs. However, the ideal range for a monitor is typically between $100 – $300.

A computer monitor is an output device that displays information in pictorial form. It is an essential part of any computer setup, without it, you cannot use your computer. They provide a vibrant and clear display of text, graphics, and videos, which makes them essential for both leisure activities such as gaming and business applications such as graphic design.

Computer monitors have come a long way since their early CRT days, becoming far thinner and more energy efficient than ever before. And as gaming becomes more popular, there is more demand for monitors with higher resolutions and refresh rates.

Now, the real question is, how much should you spend on a monitor? Well, it depends on your budget and what you are looking for. Generally speaking, the higher the resolution and refresh rate of the monitor, the more expensive it will be. High-price tag monitors also come with other features, such as G-Sync, curved screens, HDR, etc.

When choosing a monitor, it’s important to consider your needs. If you are a gamer and want the highest performance, then you should be looking at monitors with higher resolutions and refresh rates. For business or professional use, you may want to focus on monitors with larger screens and better color accuracy.


Monitor Prices On Levels

Entry-level monitor ($100 – $200)

$100 - $200 Gaming Monitors

If you are looking for a basic and affordable monitor, then something in the budget range of $100 – $200 should be good enough.

These monitors come with decent resolutions, color accuracy, and refresh rates. The best part is that they won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

Gaming Monitor ($200 – $500)

$200 - $500 Gaming Monitors

When it comes to gaming, you need to look for features such as higher refresh rates (144Hz or above), low input lag, and FreeSync/G-Sync technology.

These monitors usually fall into the $200 – $500 price range. While they may cost more than entry-level monitors, they will provide better performance and a smoother gaming experience.

High-end Monitors ($500 – $1500+)

$500 - $1500+ Gaming Monitors

High-end monitors come with excellent gaming features, image quality, and build quality. They are perfect for the discerning user who wants the best of everything.

If money is no object and you want the best picture quality available, then pick one of these premium monitors. They cost from $500 to $1500+, but they’re worth it if you can afford them.


Factors That May Affect the Price of a Monitor

Monitor Specification

Resolution

Resolution is one important monitor specification that affects the price of a computer monitor.

While low-resolution models are often quite affordable, purchasing higher-resolution monitors can cause prices to increase significantly.

The resolution of a monitor determines the sharpness of an image and allows it to display more information on the screen when compared to lower-resolution models.

Although monitors with higher resolutions may be priced higher than their lower-resolution counterparts, they can provide a better overall viewing experience for users and tend to last longer due to their improved picture quality.

People who need more space on the screen for complex tasks such as video editing or graphic designing should consider spending extra and investing in a monitor with greater resolution.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate is another important factor that affects the price of a computer monitor. It determines how quickly images on the display are refreshed, which in turn impacts the smoothness and responsiveness of gaming or other activities on a computer. Higher refresh rates such as 144Hz or 240Hz will be more expensive than standard 60Hz monitors, but they can also provide smoother visuals for gamers or people who watch fast-paced action movies.

Added Features

Monitors with additional features such as G-Sync, Curved Design, and HDR can be quite expensive. However, these extra features can provide a more immersive experience for the user and help to take their gaming or viewing experience to the next level.

High-end monitors even offer features such as motion blur reduction, ambient lighting, and advanced ergonomics which can significantly increase the cost of the monitor.

Image Quality

The image quality of a monitor is also an important factor that affects its price. Models with better image quality usually cost more than those with poorer picture clarity, but they will typically provide sharper and more vibrant images for users who require high-quality visuals.

People who need to work with graphics or watch movies should spend extra and invest in a monitor with better image quality if possible.

Panel type for example is a big factor in terms of image quality, so investing in a well-known panel type such as IPS or VA will be more expensive than TN panels.

Build Quality

The build quality of a monitor is also important, and monitors with superior construction tend to cost more because they are designed to last longer.

Monitors built from higher-grade materials may end up with a higher price tag. However, for users who need a durable and long-lasting monitor should consider spending extra on models with better build quality.

Size

Finally, the size of the monitor is another factor that affects its price. Generally speaking, larger displays such as 27 inches or bigger tend to cost more than smaller ones.

On the other hand, ultrawide monitors are gaining more popularity in recent years and they tend to be priced higher than traditional display sizes.

Ultrawide monitors such as 21:9 or 32:9 models offer a wider field of view compared to standard 16:9 displays, so they can be suitable for people who need extra space on their screen. Of course, this also means that these ultra-wide models cost significantly more than regular monitor sizes.

There are several factors that affect the price of a computer monitor. People should consider all these factors when looking for a new monitor and decide which ones are most important to them in order to find the best model for their needs.

With a good understanding of these factors, it is possible to find an affordable monitor that meets one’s requirements without breaking the bank.


Final Thoughts

Now that you understand the various elements that go into pricing a computer monitor, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect one for your needs. Remember to consider build quality, image quality, additional features, and of course price when making your selection.

A little bit of research will help you uncover a great model that meets both your budget and needs.

Henz Llarves

Robert Llarves

Robert Llarves is a PC hardware enthusiast, gamer, and writer. He has been building his own rigs for a long time and is passionate about helping others do the same. Robert is also an avid competitive gamer, having played games such as Dota 2 and Far Cry.

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