Not too long ago, purchasing a 27-inch monitor certainly meant spending north of $200. However, today a lot has changed among budget monitors in 2025 — thanks to brands like KTC, Sansui, Arzopa, KOORUI, and CRUA — and now, you can acquire a large, quality display for below $150 — for work, gaming, and entertainment.
These monitors proved that just because something is affordable, it doesn’t mean it’s cheap. Today’s monitors under $150, which range from crisp WQHD panels to 100Hz refresh rates and ultra-slim bezels, can compete with mid-range monitors from years past.
In this blog, we’ll help narrow down 5 of the best monitors under $150 that maximize your dollar in 27-inch screens. Whether a student, gamer, or remote worker, this short-list will help find the optimal performance, balanced with price.
The Importance of Size and Specs Under $150
When you operate in the under $150 range, the specifications dictate your overall experience. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Resolution:
Look for Full HD (1920×1080) or higher. A WQHD (2560×1440) monitor will give you a sharper image, ideal for general multitasking and design.
- Panel Type:
IPS panels will provide great colors with decent viewing angles while VA panels will provide better depth in contrast. TN panels are hard to come by nowadays and shouldn’t be your first choice unless speed is the only priority.
- Refresh Rate:
You can tell the difference between a 100 Hz or 180 Hz and a traditional 60 Hz screen in terms of motion — especially for gaming or fast scrolling.
- Design and Ergonomics:
A slim profile with tilt adjustment or VESA compatibility will give you room to adjust depending on how you use the monitor, especially in dual monitor setups.
- Connectivity:
At a minimum, you’ll want at least one HDMI and one DisplayPort input for your PC, console or laptop.
Top 5 Monitors Under $150 (2025 Edition)
Here are the highest ranked monitors that provide good prices, quality, and a design that’s up to date.
1. KTC 27-Inch Monitor – Sleek, Fast and Affordable
Best For: Gamers and multitaskers who want a fluid performance under $150.
- Approx. Price: $139.
- Resolution: QHD (2560×1440).
- Refresh Rate: 100Hz.
- Panel Type: IPS.
- Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, Audio Out.
Why to Buy
Smooth 100Hz refresh rate during motion and gaming.
IPS panel with proper color reproduction for editing and use in general.
Ultra-thin bezels and minimalistic stand for dual monitor setups.
Summary
The KTC 27-inch monitor earns its top spot as one of the best all-rounders in the under $150 class. The 100Hz refresh rate will keep buttery smooth visuals when gaming or scrolling through long documents. The colors reproduce vibrant, yet natural, while the design feels premium even when making the budget price tag. If you’re a gamer or a professional who requires clear and reliable colors, KTC nails it.
2. Sansui 27-Inch WQHD Monitor – Brilliant Clarity for Work and Play
Best For: Creative users and productivity seekers who prioritize superb resolution.
- Approximate Price: $149
- Resolution: WQHD (2560×1440)
- Refresh Rate: 180Hz
- Panel Type: IPS
- Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort
Why to buy
WQHD resolution gives you 1.7x the detail of Full HD, great for data spikes that require you to monitor many windows at once.
Colors are great, which is awesome for photo editing and other creation work.
Slim, modern design, with tilt and anti-glare options available.
Summary
The Sansui 27-inch WQHD is the best monitor you will find under $150 – everything is razor sharp, the colors are great, and you can comfortably work on two windows side by side with room to spare. This is not a monitor meant for gaming, during competitive style video games, but it is amazing for design, spreadsheets and binge-watching your series in great clarity. In simple terms – it easily feels more premium than the $149 price point.
3. Arzopa 27-Inch Monitor — Lightweight, Stylish, and Reliable
Best For: Home office setups and casual entertainment.
- Approx. Price: $139
- Resolution: QHD (2560×1440)
- Refresh Rate: 180z
- Panel Type: IPS
- Connectivity: Dual HDMI, VGA, Audio Out
Why buy
Crisp and clear 2560×1440 display for day-to-day productivity.
Dual HDMI ports let you easily switch back and forth between your laptop and console, if needed.
Slim, lightweight build that looks stylish and is right at home on a minimalist desk.
Summary
The Arzopa 27-inch monitor prioritizes utility, with a clean aesthetic that makes it a good fit for home offices and hybrid working style. The slim build, with strong color reproduction via IPS panel, makes it a good fit for workers who need a solid and reliable presentation display. Having the dual HDMI ports gives you the capability of connecting multiple devices, meaning you don’t have to unplug and plug in devices constantly. This monitor won’t be pushing any frames in an intense game, but it streams and plays light games without issue, meaning for less than $139, it is a solid everyday monitor.
4. KOORUI 27-Inch Monitor — Affordable Gaming Done Right
Best For: Entry-level gamers and students in need of speed on a budget.
- Approx. Price: $139
- Resolution: QHD (2560×1440)
- Refresh Rate: 170Hz
- Panel Type: VA
- Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, Audio Out
Why to Buy
170Hz refresh rate guarantees smoother gaming and scrolling.
The VA panel supplies deep contrast and great blacks.
Modern curved edge design feels immersive and high-end.
Summary
The KOORUI 27-inch is a gamer’s dream for under $150 and supplies smooth, tear-free visuals, and great colors along with some shadow detail. The build quality feels like it is of a premium quality and the slight curvature truly improves immersion when in use. Whether casually gaming, watching movies, or even coding late into the night the KOORUI is a solid performer overall.
5. CRUA 27-Inch Monitor — Stylish and Affordable Immersion
Best for: Entertainment Enthusiasts and Daily Multitaskers
- Approx. Price: $139
- Resolution: QHD (2560×1440)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Type of Panel: IPS
- Connectivity: HDMI, VGA, Audio Out
Reasons to Buy
The curved VA panel provides a little bit of immersion while watching media or playing games.
120Hz refresh rate gives a level of fluidity, especially for an entry level price tier.
Blue light filtering and flicker-free technology help minimize eye strain.
Summary
The CRUA 27 inch monitor has one of the best visual experiences anywhere in the sub $139 monitor space today. The curved screen adds an additional level of immersion, colors are surprisingly sharp and the premium 120Hz refresh rate gives you most of the fluidity you will find in this price tier — which is important for a more cinema-like experience on a budget. With a balanced amount of comfort and quality, CRUA is definitely worthy!
Comparison Table — Quick Overview
| Monitor | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Panel Type | Best For | Price (USD) |
| KTC 27″ | 2560×1440 | 100Hz | IPS | Balanced use & gaming | $139 |
| Sansui 27″ WQHD | 2560×1440 | 180Hz | IPS | Creative work & clarity | $149 |
| Arzopa 27″ | 2560×1440 | 180Hz | IPS | Productivity & streaming | $139 |
| KOORUI 27″ | 2560×1440 | 170Hz | VA | Budget gaming | $139 |
| CRUA 27″ | 2560×1440 | 120Hz | IPS | Movies & casual gaming | $139 |
| Samsung G5 Odyssey | 2560×1440 | 120Hz | IPS | Gaming | $199 |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Purchasing Monitors Under $150
Advantages
- Large 27-inch screen sizes are now under $150.
- Capable of high refresh rate (75–100Hz) even with budget monitors.
- Excellent viewing quality using IPS or VA panels.
- Great for work-from-home, casual gaming, and entertainment.
Disadvantages
- Generally no advanced HDR or USB-C port on most monitors.
- Traditional stand adjustments of just up and down (usually tilt only) no height adjustments.
- Generally weak built-in speakers.
- Not suitable for accurate photo/video editing.
Tips to Consider Before You Purchase
- Usually their devices or systems support either HDMI or DisplayPort, which is important to note since there are some 27″ personal computer monitors that connect using DVI or other methods.
- Determine if VESA mounting is important; this is useful for two screen devices or for ergonomics.
- Usually the affordable monitors that I’ve mentioned might compare favorably after adjusting for brightness and/or color.
- Deals are always great opportunities! Keep in mind that most of these monitors will come back under $120 during peak sale events like Prime Day or Black Friday.
Final Verdict
Selecting the 27″ personal computer monitor on this list comes down to your priorities:
- Best Monitor for Work & Daily Use: Arzopa 27″ – beautiful design, affordable, and is perfect for productivity.
- Best Monitor for Gaming: KOORUI 27″ – put the 170Hz VA panel to work with real gaming experiences.
- Best Monitor for Creative Work: Sansui 27″ WQHD – you will notice differences with sharper resolutions and colors.
- Best All-Rounder: KTC 27″ – balance performance, design, and price.
- Best Monitor to Watch Movies: CRUA 27″ – curved monitor for immersive experiences.
You can also consider Samsung 27″ Odyssey G5. It’s little over $150 but worth checking out.
Those days of cheap monitors meaning cheap quality are over. In 2025, these are the five 27-inch displays you can find for less than $150 that are most worth it in terms of potential image quality, refresh rates, etc. They also look nice on any desk.
Whether you’re gaming, reading, editing or just watching Netflix, one of these displays will suit both your tastes and budget! It simply means you have smartly purchased something that has a good value proposition.
For more reviews and comparisons on technology, visit our most recent blogs on InsiderXP.
