The 10 Best Cheap Second Monitors in 2022
For gaming, work, and everything in between
If you spend a decent amount of time (like most of us do) at your PC, a second monitor is a must.
But that shouldn’t mean you have to fork out the same price tag as your primary screen, it’s secondary for a reason!
That’s why today, we’ll be looking through the best budget second monitors for your setup.
We’re not just including the cheapest we can find, but the ones we confidently recommend despite their lower price tags.
- Overall Best Cheap Second Monitor: Acer SB220Q
- Best Cheap Second Gaming Monitor: AOC G2490VX
- Best Cheap Second Monitor for Streaming: HP VH240a
- Cheapest Second Monitor Worth Buying: Sceptre E205W-16003R
- Best Cheap Second Screen for Laptop: ASUS ZenScreen
- Best Cheap 4K Second Monitor: Spectre U275W-UPT
- Best Cheap Second 1440p Monitor: Spectre E275W-QPT
- Best Cheap 1440p Second Screen for Gaming: Spectre E275B-QPT168
- Best Cheap Second Ultrawide Monitor: Spectre C305B-FUN200W
- Best Cheap Second Large Monitor: Philips 325E8
Acer SB220Q
Overall Best Cheap Second Monitor
SPECIFICATIONS*
Screen Size: 21.5″ | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Refresh Rate: 75Hz | Response Time: 4ms | Brightness: 250 nits | Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Our Rating: 95%
REASONS TO BUY
+ Incredible price
+ Good screen quality
+ Deceptively thin and well-built
REASONS TO AVOID
Topping the list is one of the most impressive value offerings in today’s market.
The Acer SB220Q somehow manages to pack in some decent specifications at a price point where many rival manufacturers don’t even offer a full HD monitor.
On top of the 1080p resolution (which, at 21.5″, looks very crisp), the cheap screen boasts an IPS panel with decent colors and contrast.
The 4ms response time means it’s perfectly serviceable for budget gaming (we do have a more recommended screen for gaming below if you can stretch your budget though).
We’re pleased to see that the listing includes 24″/27″ model options. These are not just similar in spec, but also in value (of course, always expect to pay a little more for larger sizes). Where possible, we recommend picking up a budget second display that’s the same size as your primary screen for aesthetics and ease of use across different content (that said, a smaller display is also OK for your second screen, which is why we specifically recommend the 21.5″ option as the best cheap choice).
At this price point, you can’t expect everything to be the best. As highly as we rate the SB220Q, its brightness is a tad low (250 nits is quite common in monitors, but if your screen faces a lot of sunlight, you may want to consider a slightly more expensive option). The picture quality is good, but you will certainly find better colors, blacks, and whites at higher prices.
We’re pleased to see the monitor is sturdy and well-built, with the only area lacking being limited adjustability (if you want your second monitor to align vertically, see our top streaming pick).
When we think of usages of a second screen, it’s often work-related, IMs, background video content, and internet browsing.
What we love about the SB220Q is, compared to other monitors at the same price, it is perfectly suitable for all these activities (and yes, we are keeping cost in mind, but one of the best things we can say is that it doesn’t feel like a cheap option).
The SB220Q is our comfortable top pick for the best cheap second monitor available today.
AOC G2490VX
Best Cheap Second Gaming Monitor
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 24″ | Panel Type: VA | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Refresh Rate: 144Hz | Response Time: 1ms (MPRT) | Brightness: 350 nits | Color: 125.95% sRGB & 92.85% DCI-P3 | Contrast Ratio: 4000:1
Our Rating: 95%
REASONS TO BUY
+ Unmatched value for a 144hz FHD screen
+ Great colors & contrast
+ Beauitful, sturdy design
REASONS TO AVOID
As much as we’ve raved about the top Acer choice for the average user, we’re pleased to report that those after a cheap secondary monitor for gaming have an option just as compelling
The G2490VX packs an incredible amount of value in its price tag.
The big changes that make this an ideal choice for gamers compared to our pick above are the fantastic 1ms response time & 144hz refresh rate. For anything from competitive to single-player titles, we can’t attest just how lovely it is to play on a high refresh rate display with very low input lag.
Now, as much as we like 144hz @ 1ms, what really gives this monitor such a high score from us is how AOC produced a screen quality that excels across the board: offering good color accuracy across DCI-P3 and sRGB, fantastic contrast, and decent brightness.
Even if the monitor had similar specs to our top pick outside of refresh rate/response time, we still would’ve been impressed, so adding better contrast, color and brightness is such a huge value add at the price.
The monitor runs off a VA panel, which compared to IPS, tends to offer better blacks at the cost of slightly inferior viewing angles and color. That said, we don’t think the monitor lacks in any of these departments, VA makes sense as its typically cheaper to produce a low response time screen at this price range (to put it another way, we don’t think you’ll find an IPS screen of the same quality at this price).
Most user reception of the G2490VX has been very positive, but it’s worth pointing out a small number of buyers who have had issues with defective panels/dead pixels.
We don’t consider this a reason not to invest as the AOC warranty here (including for dead pixels) is quite generous compared to some competitor options.
Between its picture, build, and price, we’re delighted that the G2490VX (and its 27″ counterpart) are available for those after a cheap second screen for gaming, it’s a fantastic choice that exceeds many options available at higher prices.
HP VH240a
Best Cheap Second Monitor for Streaming
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 24″ | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Response Time: 5ms | Brightness: 250 nits | Color: 72% sRGB | Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Our Rating: 85%
REASONS TO BUY
+ Fantastic adjustable build
+ Good picture
REASONS TO AVOID
When it comes to purchasing a good second streaming monitor, one of the very common utilities we like to see is being able to align your monitor vertically (this often suits looking at chat, Twitch/Youtube analytics, and other second screen content best for streamers).
With that in mind, the VH240a is HP’s answer to what our top Acer pick accomplishes so well: a cheap yet high-quality jack of all trades monitor.
Its specs are similar (other than the larger 24″ screen) with a good (albeit somewhat average) color/contrast, and the same 250 nits of brightness.
Where the HP VH240a vs Acer SB220Q battle differs is in adjustability, the HP offering is one of the cheapest vertical monitors available, with a fantastic stand and durable build that would be suitable for work environments and regular movement.
That said, it comes at a premium: the VH240a runs at around 30% more expensive (at the time of review) compared to the 24″ version of our top pick.
If you’re a streamer or worker that could value a vertical alignment (e.g. programmer), we think the adjustability can be worth it.
But if you expect to just use your monitor in the traditional landscape orientation, the HP screen is great, but not worth the premium over cheaper second monitors like our top pick.
Sceptre E205W-16003R
Cheapest Second Monitor Worth Buying
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 20″ | Panel Type: TN | Resolution: 1600×900 | Refresh Rate: 75Hz | Response Time: 4ms | Brightness: 250 nits | Color: 99% sRGB | Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
Our Rating: 80%
REASONS TO BUY
+ Very cheap
+ Surprisingly thin and well-built
+ Picture is a good quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Although our top choices are already at very competitive price points, we appreciate some readers will just be looking for the cheapest option possible (perhaps those who only have very basic uses in mind for their second screen).
If this sounds like you, this Spectre offering is the cheapest second monitor on the market that we would recommend (yes, you can go cheaper, but you’ll be met with no-name manufacturers and screens of awful quality).
The e205W boasts some decent colors (we’re pleased to see 99% sRGB) and a good contrast despite its low price. The quality is decent, with the major caveat being its 1600×900 resolution means it’s not suitable for full HD content.
It’s a tiny monitor, at only 20″; for some second screen users, this may be a nice pick if you don’t want a large, imposing screen. It also means that the 900p resolution isn’t too problematic because the screen is small enough that the pixels per inch (PPI) will still look crisp.
We’re pleased to see that the monitor doesn’t look cheap, with a decent, sturdy build quality that includes some basic ergonomic tilt options.
One larger point to consider on picture quality is the TN panel this screen is built on.
TN (typically speaking) is good at offering decent specs at very low prices, which is why its compelling for budget options. A major problem with the panel type, however, is its poor viewing angles.
When you are not looking at the monitor dead-center, the screen can become more washed-out and unclear.
For a usual budget offering, we’d say this is manageable and made up for with the decent contrast and color, but as we’re considering a second monitor, we expect most users won’t be looking dead center at this screen (it will instead be off to their left or right). It’s still certainly usable, but it’s another reason to fork out a little more for an IPS/VA offering.
All things considered, we think the 10-15% it usually costs to upgrade to our top choice is worth it over this Spectre pick.
That said, if every cent counts, or you want the best small second monitor, this is still a great choice.
ASUS ZenScreen
Best Cheap Second Screen for Laptop
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 15.6″ | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Response Time: 5ms (GtG) | Brightness: 250 nits | Contrast Ratio: 800:1
Our Rating: 90%
REASONS TO BUY
+ Beautiful crisp screen for the price
+ High-quality build
+ Single cable for power & connectivity
REASONS TO AVOID
What if your setup isn’t static? If your idea of a cheap second screen involves portability/laptop use, the ZenScreen is our favorite option.
The screen boasts a decent IPS screen with an excellent PPI (1080p at 15.6″ is going to provide some very crisp content).
The brightness and contrast are mediocre but serviceable, we would’ve liked to see a slightly higher nits rating considering the portable intention of the device (something to consider if your laptop environment is often very sunny), but overall, it’s a high-quality offering compared to other devices at its price range here.
The exception to this rule is if you are willing to purchase from smaller manufacturers. The portable monitor market has way more no-name suppliers who don’t have the brand power (and by extension, support/warranty) as big names like ASUS, but certainly offer some pretty compelling products at cheaper prices if this doesn’t worry you too much (this screen is a great example, offering similar specs at about 30% cheaper).
Another plus we will give the ZenScreen specifically is its build quality. It’s important to consider design and durability when you’re picking up a portable offering; the screen is deceptively thin, lightweight, and includes a high-quality sleeve that allows you to align the device horizontally and vertically.
If you like the look of the ZenScreen but want a cheaper option, ASUS also produces a 768p version at a significantly lower price (we don’t rate this version as highly and think most users will appreciate the full HD screen, but it’s still a good product if you can’t afford the 1080p version).
Overall, between its high-quality internal and external setup, we still consider the ZenScreen the best budget second laptop monitor and think it’s worth the slight premium over other options.
Spectre U275W-UPT
Best Cheap 4K Second Monitor
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 27″ | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Refresh Rate: 70Hz | Response Time: 5ms | Brightness: 350 nits | Color: 99% sRGB | Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Our Rating: 85%
REASONS TO BUY
+ Incredible price for 4K
+ Great connectivity options
+ Pleasing design
REASONS TO AVOID
The U275W is an impressively priced 4K choice for a cheap dual monitor setup. At a price-point not that much higher than our 1080p/1440p picks, it doesn’t just boast an incredible PPI (UHD @ 27″ is very crisp), but also some good secondary specs.
The contrast, color accuracy, and brightness are all at a good middle range, and we’re pleased to see the monitor not skimping on design or connectivity either.
The main gripe we have with this cheap UHD monitor is that, while its picture is of decent quality, when you’re considering a 4K monitor, we imagine many of you are professional users (video/photo editors) or content enthusiasts demanding the highest quality picture.
Even though this Spectre offering has a good screen, 4K is a premium market, and you will see the benefit in higher color accuracy/better contrast & brightness if you invest more in an alternate option.
If you’re a gamer, a 4K 144hz screen will serve you better (these aren’t cheap, but if you’re running a 4K gaming PC, we think you should be expecting to spend to match the quality of your PC).
We would, for example, say it’d be better to combine a higher quality primary 4K monitor, with a cheaper 1080p/1440p option.
Also, given the pixel density of a 4k screen at 27″, unless you are very close to your monitor or simply like the higher PPI possible, we think many 4K-enthusiasts will prefer 32″+, where the benefits of 4K can be observed by lesser-trained eyes.
That said, this is still a gorgeous, crisp screen and we’re recommending it for a reason. We know some users will want a mid-range 4K offering at a decent price, this Spectre pick excels at providing just that far better than any other option we’ve come across.
Spectre E275W-QPT
Best Cheap Second 1440p Monitor
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 27″ | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 2560 x 1440p | Refresh Rate: 75Hz | Response Time: 5ms (GTG) | Brightness: 300 nits | Color: 99% sRGB | Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
Our Rating: 90%
REASONS TO BUY
+ Decent specs for the price
+ Good screen size for crisp 2K image
+ Good build quality
REASONS TO AVOID
1440p is a wonderful compromise between 4K and 1080p, especially for a secondary screen.
At 27″, 2K is a sweet spot, offering a crisp image without being, for many eyes, overkill.
The E275W stands at the top of the pile. Boasting a very impressive price point that rivals some of our earlier 1080p picks, the screen is gorgeous.
Like the 4K Spectre pick above, it boasts a good picture quality with mid-range specs for brightness, color, and contrast.
It’s also a similarly well-built device with good connectivity across HDMI and DisplayPort (there is limited adjustability in its stand however if that is important to you).
There is little we don’t like about this Spectre offering unless you happen to want decent onboard speakers, the ones on offer here are pretty poor quality so we’d recommend combing them with decent headphones or standalone speakers.
Overall, the E275W hits a really nice sweet spot for those after a budget second 1440p monitor, at a very fair price, you’re not just getting great resolution but a screen that feels mostly mid-range in quality.
Spectre E275B-QPT168
Best Cheap 1440p Second Screen for Gaming
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 27″ | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Refresh Rate: Up to 165Hz | Response Time: 1ms | Brightness: 300 nits | Color: 99% sRGB | Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
Our Rating: 95%
REASONS TO BUY
+ Great balance between spec and price for gaming
+ Sturdy build
REASONS TO AVOID
If you like the sound of the above 2K display but have gaming in mind, this pick is for you.
On top of the crisp 1440p resolution at 27″, decent brightness/contrast, and good color, the E275B earns our gaming recommendation above its other 2K brother by boasting a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.
We can’t speak highly enough of what a great combination of specs are on offer here for the price. Providing you have the gaming PC to run it, single-player and competitive titles alike are going to not just look fantastic, but feel snappy and responsive.
The monitor boasts great connectivity too, with 2 x HDMI and 2 x DP 1.4 (worth noting that HDMI is limited to up to 144Hz, but this is still a fantastic refresh rate if you don’t want to use DisplayPort).
AOC G2490VX vs Spectre E275B-QPT168
The only reason we wouldn’t recommend the Spectre pick for gamers is its price.
Overall, it’s an excellent figure for what’s on offer, but we do appreciate our top AOC 1080p gaming pick is notably cheaper (as we’re reviewing second screens here, unless your primary monitor isn’t gaming-focused, this may be overkill for some users).
But if your idea of a cheap second screen for gaming includes excellent resolution on top of great secondary specs, this Spectre screen is our favorite pick for you.
Spectre C305B-FUN200W
Best Cheap Second Ultrawide Monitor
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 30″ | Panel Type: VA | Resolution: 2560 x 1080 | Refresh Rate: Up to 200Hz | Response Time: 1ms | Brightness: 250 nits | Color: 99% sRGB | Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
Our Rating: 80%
REASONS TO BUY
+ Good balance of specs
+ Great for productivity & gaming
REASONS TO AVOID
If your idea of a second screen includes a wider form factor for more immersive content with fewer bezels interfering with your viewing, or if you’re someone in-between picking up 1 or 2 extra monitors, this pick is for you.
The C305B is an ultrawide monitor, which, as the name implies, means it is significantly wider (21:9 aspect ratio, compared to the standard 16:9 screen, so just over 30% wider).
This can be a wonderful choice for many types of content; working on an ultrawide can be a dream, but this specific choice also excels at gaming with an impressive 200Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.
The brightness is a little low at its price-point for 250nits, but we appreciate the 3000:1 contrast ratio produced by its VA panel, which means you can expect decent blacks/whites in spite of the low brightness (providing you don’t have too much sun glare).
Important note: This pick, with its low response time and high refresh rate, has been recommended with gamers also in mind, if your pure focus is on productivity, see our other 1080p ultrawide options for cheaper choices.
We do like this ultrawide display, but it gets the lowest score on our list purely because of today’s focus on the best second monitor for PC setups with cost in mind.
We expect it’s not what many people have in mind for their price range, and a majority of you will prefer our traditional 16:9 picks.
Still, if you do have a slightly larger budget and want to fork out extra for the wonderful immersion for gaming and content on offer in an ultrawide, this is a great offering for you.
Philips 325E8
Best Cheap Second Large Monitor
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 32″ | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution: 2560×1440 | Refresh Rate: 75Hz | Response Time: 5ms (GTG) | Brightness: 250 nits | Contrast Ratio: 1200:1
Our Rating: 95%
REASONS TO BUY
+ Good size and resolution for an amazing price
+ Elegant design and good build quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Many of the options on this list hover in the 20-27″ range.
So to wrap up the list, we wanted to highlight an excellent offering from Philips for those after a larger second monitor.
And what a great choice it is; boasting a 1440p resolution, we appreciate Philips not opting for 1080p here (at 32″, you’ll begin to notice the pixel count more, 2K is a great balance between crisp image and price).
The other specs are all respectable, with a decent response time, color rating, and contrast ratio running on an IPS panel. We would’ve liked to see 300-350 nits brightness and slightly better color accuracy included, but like many options on this list, we’ve focussed on price first.
And it’s really worth highlighting the price of the Philips offering as a huge deal; most larger monitors come with a hefty premium, so to not only get 32″, but also 1440p, at a price range not too much more expensive than some of our other picks is an incredible deal compared to the other competitors’ options we reviewed.
Even if the picture quality is “good, not great”, we still think the 325E8 is a very good product and easily our pick for the best budget large second monitor available today.
Final Thoughts
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About the author
Kaelum Ross
* Specifications throughout our articles are double-checked and intended to inform our users, but should not be treated as factual information. When making final decisions on your products, please check the manufacturer pages to confirm the fine details.