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Ranked & Reviewed by Primea Reviews

The 8 Best Monitors Under $100 for Home Offices, Ranked & Reviewed

By the Primea Editorial TeamUpdated November 3, 202611 min read8 products ranked

The short answer

The Philips 241V8LB is the best monitor under $100 for most desks, with a sharp 23.8 inch VA panel and 100Hz. The Lenovo L22-4e is the best IPS option, the MSI MP225 has the smoothest 120Hz motion, and the Sceptre Prime 24 inch has the most inputs.

The Primea Scoreboard

Ranked & Reviewed

01
Best Overall
Philips 241V8LB 24 Inch FHD 100Hz VA Monitor
A 23.8 inch Full HD VA panel with 100Hz, flicker-free backlighting and a paper-like reading mode.
Outstanding
Check price
02
Best IPS
Lenovo L22-4e 21.5 Inch FHD IPS 100Hz Monitor
A 21.5 inch IPS panel with 99% sRGB, 100Hz and a tilt stand.
Outstanding
Check price
03
Best Smooth Motion
MSI PRO MP225 E12VL 22 Inch FHD 120Hz VA Monitor
A 120Hz VA monitor with 4000:1 contrast and TUV flicker-free certification.
Excellent
Check price
04
Best Gaming Ports
Sceptre Prime 24 Inch 100Hz Gaming Monitor, DisplayPort, HDMI x2
A 24 inch 1080p 100Hz monitor with DisplayPort, two HDMI and 100% sRGB.
Excellent
Check price
05
Best 27 Inch
Sceptre Prime 27 Inch 100Hz Gaming Monitor, DisplayPort, 100% sRGB
A large 27 inch 100Hz screen with DisplayPort and two HDMI, at the same price tier.
Excellent
Check price
06
Best Basic 24 Inch
Sceptre 24 Inch 100Hz Gaming Monitor, FreeSync, 2x HDMI, DisplayPort
A 24 inch 100Hz FreeSync monitor with 1ms blur reduction and built-in speakers.
Very Good
Check price
07
Best VGA Option
Sceptre Prime 24 Inch 100Hz Monitor, 100% sRGB, 2x HDMI, VGA
A 24 inch monitor that adds a VGA port for older computers.
Very Good
Check price
08
Best Large Value
Sceptre Prime 27 Inch 100Hz Monitor, 2x HDMI, VGA, 99% sRGB
A 27 inch 100Hz screen with 99% sRGB, edgeless styling and VESA mounting.
Very Good
Check price

Screen size is the first thing shoppers check, and under $100 it is the thing most likely to disappoint. A 27 inch monitor at 1080p stretches the same pixels across a larger surface, so text looks softer than it does on a 24 inch. We ranked these eight monitors by panel type, resolution, size and inputs together, not by inches alone.

We reviewed eight monitors from their listings, all in the $50 to $100 band, so every one sits near the upper half of this budget. Where a listing omits the panel type or resolution, we say so. Refresh and response figures are manufacturer claims.

Before you buy

What Actually Matters

Panel type

IPS panels hold color and brightness from the side, and VA panels offer deeper blacks with a narrower sweet spot. TN is cheapest and weakest. A listing that names IPS or VA gives you confidence, and one that does not is hiding a likely compromise.

Resolution against size

Text sharpness depends on pixels per inch. A 1080p panel looks crisp at 22 to 24 inches and softens at 27. If the listing leaves out resolution on a 27 inch screen, check before buying, and prefer 24 inches for text-heavy work.

Refresh rate

60Hz is standard, while 100 to 120Hz makes scrolling and mouse movement look smoother. It matters more than most people expect, even for office work. Make sure your cable and port can carry it, since HDMI 1.4 may not.

Ports

HDMI covers most uses, DisplayPort is better for high refresh on a PC, and VGA is analog and softer. Count the ports against what you connect, such as a laptop, console and streaming box.

Stand and mounting

Budget monitors often come with tilt-only stands. A VESA 75 or 100 pattern lets you add an arm for height and swivel. If you sit for hours, plan for an arm or a stack of books.

In-depth reviews

Our Ranked Picks, Reviewed

Best Overall

Philips 241V8LB 24 Inch FHD 100Hz VA Monitor

Outstanding

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: A 23.8 inch Full HD VA panel with 100Hz, flicker-free backlighting and a paper-like reading mode.

The Philips 241V8LB is a 23.8 inch 1920 by 1080 monitor with a VA panel, a 100Hz refresh rate, 178 degree viewing angles and a three-side near-borderless frame. It adds EasyRead mode for long documents, flicker-free backlighting and VESA mounting. At about 21.3 inches wide, it suits most desks.

It ranks first because it combines the contrast of a VA panel with a sensible size and resolution. At 23.8 inches, 1080p keeps text sharp, which is not true of the 27 inch models below. Against the Lenovo it gives deeper blacks, while the Lenovo gives better viewing angles and a published sRGB number.

Buy it for an office desk, general browsing and streaming. Its price band is $50 to $100, so it can reach the top of the budget. The caveat is that VA panels smear dark motion more than IPS, and there is no stated color gamut.

Size: 23.8 in, 1920 x 1080
Panel: VA, 100Hz
Viewing angle: 178/178
Eye care: Flicker-free, EasyRead

What we like

+Sharp 1080p at 23.8 inches
+VA contrast with deep blacks
+Flicker-free backlight
+VESA mount compatible

Watch out for

−No sRGB figure listed
−VA smears fast dark motion

Buy it if: Office users who want a clean, sharp everyday display.

Skip it if: You need accurate color for photo work.

Best IPS

Lenovo L22-4e 21.5 Inch FHD IPS 100Hz Monitor

Outstanding

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: A 21.5 inch IPS panel with 99% sRGB, 100Hz and a tilt stand.

The L22-4e is a 21.5 inch Full HD IPS display with 100Hz, a 4ms response in extreme mode, 99% sRGB and a 1300:1 contrast ratio. It has a three-sided borderless design, 178 degree viewing angles, a tilt-only stand and VESA mounting.

It ranks second because IPS gives truer color from side angles and the 99% sRGB claim is verifiable, which Philips does not offer. The 1300:1 contrast is a step behind VA panels such as the MSI, and the stand only tilts, so you may want an arm. It beats the MSI for color work.

Buy it if you do light photo edits or share the screen with colleagues. It falls in the $50 to $100 price band. The caveat is the smaller 21.5 inch size and the lack of height adjustment.

Size: 21.5 in, FHD IPS
Refresh: 100Hz, 4ms extreme
Color: 99% sRGB
Contrast: 1300:1

What we like

+IPS with 178 degree viewing
+99% sRGB listed
+100Hz refresh rate
+Borderless on three sides

Watch out for

−Tilt-only stand
−Smaller 21.5 inch screen

Buy it if: Light creative users who want verified color and wide angles.

Skip it if: You want a large 27 inch screen.

Best Smooth Motion

MSI PRO MP225 E12VL 22 Inch FHD 120Hz VA Monitor

Excellent

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: A 120Hz VA monitor with 4000:1 contrast and TUV flicker-free certification.

MSI's MP225 E12VL is a 21.45 inch Full HD VA monitor with 120Hz, Adaptive-Sync, a 4000:1 contrast ratio, TUV Rheinland flicker-free and low blue light certification, an Eye-Q Check tool and VESA 100 by 100 mounting. It has an HDMI input and an accessory slot.

It sits third because the 120Hz panel is the smoothest in this guide, but it is small at 21.45 inches and the listing names only an HDMI port. The 4000:1 contrast is the best claim here and gives it deep blacks. It beats the Sceptre 100Hz models on motion, and the TUV certification is a third-party mark, which most rivals lack.

Buy it if you game casually or want a smoother cursor. Its price band is $50 to $100.

Size: 21.45 in, FHD VA
Refresh: 120Hz, Adaptive-Sync
Contrast: 4000:1
Certification: TUV flicker-free, low blue light

What we like

+120Hz, the fastest here
+Highest contrast claim
+Third-party eye-care certification
+VESA 100 x 100 support

Watch out for

−Small 21.45 inch panel
−Only HDMI named

Buy it if: Casual gamers and anyone who values smooth scrolling.

Skip it if: You need DisplayPort.

Best Gaming Ports

Sceptre Prime 24 Inch 100Hz Gaming Monitor, DisplayPort, HDMI x2

Excellent

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: A 24 inch 1080p 100Hz monitor with DisplayPort, two HDMI and 100% sRGB.

Sceptre's 24 inch Prime has 1920 by 1080 resolution, a 100Hz refresh rate, 1ms blur reduction, 100% sRGB, FreeSync, DisplayPort and two HDMI 2.0 ports, built-in speakers and a VESA wall mount pattern. It adds Blue Light Shift and FPS and RTS game presets.

It ranks fourth because of its inputs: DisplayPort plus two HDMI beats the VGA-equipped siblings. The built-in speakers are an add-on, not a strength, and the panel type is not stated on this listing, which weakens the case next to Philips and Lenovo. It beats its 24 inch FreeSync sibling by adding the 100% sRGB claim.

Buy it if you connect a console and a PC at once. It sits in the $50 to $100 price band. The caveat is that speakers at this price are thin, so plan on headphones.

Size: 24 in, 1920 x 1080
Refresh: 100Hz, 1ms BR
Ports: DisplayPort, 2x HDMI 2.0
Color: 100% sRGB, FreeSync

What we like

+DisplayPort plus two HDMI
+100% sRGB claim
+FreeSync support
+Built-in speakers

Watch out for

−Panel type not stated
−Speakers are basic

Buy it if: Anyone connecting a PC and a console to one screen.

Skip it if: You want a stated IPS or VA panel.

Best 27 Inch

Sceptre Prime 27 Inch 100Hz Gaming Monitor, DisplayPort, 100% sRGB

Excellent

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: A large 27 inch 100Hz screen with DisplayPort and two HDMI, at the same price tier.

Sceptre's 27 inch Prime has a 100Hz refresh rate with 1ms response, 100% sRGB, FreeSync, DisplayPort and two HDMI ports, built-in speakers, Blue Light Shift, game presets and a VESA mount. At about 24 inches wide it is a big panel.

It ranks fifth because the listing does not spell out the resolution, so check it before buying: on a 27 inch screen, lower resolutions look soft for text. It offers the most screen area here for the money, and the inputs match the 24 inch DisplayPort model. It beats the VGA 27 inch on connections.

Buy it for a big, immersive desk display for video and games. Its price band is $50 to $100.

Size: 27 in
Refresh: 100Hz, 1ms
Ports: DisplayPort, 2x HDMI
Color: 100% sRGB

What we like

+Large 27 inch screen
+DisplayPort and two HDMI
+100% sRGB claim
+VESA wall mount

Watch out for

−Resolution not stated on listing
−Text may look soft at this size

Buy it if: People who want the biggest screen for the budget.

Skip it if: You do a lot of text work on a 1080p panel.

Best Basic 24 Inch

Sceptre 24 Inch 100Hz Gaming Monitor, FreeSync, 2x HDMI, DisplayPort

Very Good

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Our verdict: A 24 inch 100Hz FreeSync monitor with 1ms blur reduction and built-in speakers.

This Sceptre 24 inch has a 100Hz refresh rate, 1ms blur reduction, FreeSync, two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, Blue Light Shift, an edgeless design and built-in speakers.

It lands sixth because it overlaps with the Prime 24 inch and does not list a sRGB figure. The listing gives fewer panel details than Philips or Lenovo.

Buy it if it is the cheapest of the Sceptre 24 inch options when you shop. Its price band is $50 to $100.

Refresh: 100Hz, 1ms BR
Ports: 2x HDMI, 1 DisplayPort
Sync: FreeSync
Design: Edgeless, speakers

What we like

+Three inputs including DisplayPort
+FreeSync support
+Edgeless styling
+Speakers included

Watch out for

−No sRGB figure listed
−Overlaps the Prime 24

Buy it if: Shoppers comparing Sceptre prices who want a 24 inch.

Skip it if: You want published color data.

Best VGA Option

Sceptre Prime 24 Inch 100Hz Monitor, 100% sRGB, 2x HDMI, VGA

Very Good

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: A 24 inch monitor that adds a VGA port for older computers.

This Sceptre 24 inch Prime has 100% sRGB, two HDMI ports and a VGA port, built-in speakers, Blue Light Shift and FPS and RTS presets. The 100Hz refresh rate is listed.

It ranks seventh because there is no DisplayPort and the VGA port limits the picture quality of anything plugged into it. Its value is for people with an older PC or projector that still needs VGA.

Buy it for legacy hardware. Its price band is $50 to $100.

Color: 100% sRGB
Ports: 2x HDMI, VGA
Audio: Built-in speakers
Refresh: 100Hz

What we like

+VGA port for older gear
+100% sRGB claim
+Two HDMI inputs
+Built-in speakers

Watch out for

−No DisplayPort
−VGA is the weaker connection

Buy it if: Offices with older computers or projectors.

Skip it if: Your computer has DisplayPort.

Best Large Value

Sceptre Prime 27 Inch 100Hz Monitor, 2x HDMI, VGA, 99% sRGB

Very Good

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: A 27 inch 100Hz screen with 99% sRGB, edgeless styling and VESA mounting.

This Sceptre 27 inch lists 100Hz, 1ms blur reduction, 99% sRGB, two HDMI ports and a VGA port, built-in speakers, edgeless design and VESA wall mounting.

It comes last because it has no DisplayPort and no stated resolution, and it duplicates the 27 inch DisplayPort model with fewer inputs. It is for buyers who want a large screen and have no need for DisplayPort.

Buy it if the larger panel is the priority. Its price band is $50 to $100.

Size: 27 in
Color: 99% sRGB
Ports: 2x HDMI, VGA
Refresh: 100Hz, 1ms BR

What we like

+Large 27 inch screen
+99% sRGB listed
+Two HDMI inputs
+VESA wall mountable

Watch out for

−No DisplayPort
−Resolution not stated

Buy it if: Buyers who want a big screen over a fast port.

Skip it if: You need DisplayPort.

Methodology

How We Ranked These

Panel type

We compared IPS and VA panels, and noted where the listing does not state the type.

Resolution and size

Screen size was set against resolution, since 1080p on 27 inches is softer than on 24 inches.

Refresh and response

100Hz and 120Hz claims, blur reduction and adaptive sync support were weighed.

Inputs and ergonomics

DisplayPort, HDMI and VGA ports were counted, along with stand adjustment and VESA support.

Value under $100

Every monitor sits in the $50 to $100 band, so the top end of the budget applies to all of them.

Every Primea Score uses the same weights: Performance 30% · Build & Materials 20% · Everyday Usability 20% · Value 20% · Owner Satisfaction 10%. Full scoring rules

Buyer's guide

How to Pick the Right One for You

By Main Use

Match the panel to your work.

Use	Our pick
Office and general use	Philips 241V8LB 24 Inch FHD 100Hz VA Monitor
Color and wide angles	Lenovo L22-4e 21.5 Inch FHD IPS 100Hz Monitor
Smooth motion and casual games	MSI PRO MP225 E12VL 22 Inch FHD 120Hz VA Monitor
PC plus console	Sceptre Prime 24 Inch 100Hz Gaming Monitor, DisplayPort, HDMI x2

By Budget

Spend	Our pick
$50 to $100, balanced	Philips 241V8LB 24 Inch FHD 100Hz VA Monitor
$50 to $100, IPS	Lenovo L22-4e 21.5 Inch FHD IPS 100Hz Monitor
$50 to $100, biggest screen	Sceptre Prime 27 Inch 100Hz Gaming Monitor, DisplayPort, 100% sRGB
$50 to $100, VGA needed	Sceptre Prime 24 Inch 100Hz Monitor, 100% sRGB, 2x HDMI, VGA

IPS vs VA

IPS

Truer color and wide viewing angles, a bit lower contrast. Picks: Lenovo L22-4e.

Deeper blacks and higher contrast, with some smear in fast dark scenes. Picks: Philips 241V8LB, MSI MP225.

Choose IPS for color and shared screens, VA for movies and dark rooms.

By Screen Size

Size	Our pick
Under 22 inches	MSI PRO MP225 E12VL 22 Inch FHD 120Hz VA Monitor
24 inches, text work	Philips 241V8LB 24 Inch FHD 100Hz VA Monitor
24 inches, many ports	Sceptre 24 Inch 100Hz Gaming Monitor, FreeSync, 2x HDMI, DisplayPort
27 inches	Sceptre Prime 27 Inch 100Hz Monitor, 2x HDMI, VGA, 99% sRGB

For a Home Office Specifically

Look for

A 24 inch 1080p panel, flicker-free backlighting and VESA mounting so you can add an arm.

In this ranking

Philips for the desk, Lenovo for the color, and MSI for the eye-care certification.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

You want 1440p, a height-adjustable stand or USB-C charging. Those start above $150.

Save if

The monitor is a second screen. The Sceptre 24 inch options serve well.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these work with my laptop?+

Any laptop with an HDMI port can drive the 100Hz models, though HDMI version limits refresh. DisplayPort or USB-C needs a cable or adapter.

What is the most common mistake?+

Buying a 27 inch 1080p screen for text work. The pixels look larger and softer, so choose 24 inches or a higher resolution.

Is the Philips worth it over the Lenovo?+

If you prefer contrast and size, yes. If you want IPS angles and a stated 99% sRGB, the Lenovo is the better fit.

How do I set 100Hz or 120Hz?+

Use a good HDMI or DisplayPort cable, then open the display settings on your computer and choose the highest refresh rate.

How do I clean the screen?+

Turn it off and use a dry microfiber cloth. For marks, use a cloth dampened with water, never spray the panel.

Can I mount these on an arm?+

Most list VESA 75 or 100 mounting. Check the pattern and weight against the arm you plan to use.

Final take

The Philips 241V8LB is the best monitor under $100 for general use because it gives a sharp 1080p picture at a sensible size. Choose the Lenovo if you want IPS color, the MSI for 120Hz motion, and the Sceptre Prime 24 inch if you need DisplayPort and two HDMI. Check resolution before buying any 27 inch screen.

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