Best Cheap 120Hz Monitors for Gaming of 2019
Steve Scott
Updated on
Most people would say that the most essential part of any gaming rig is a quality graphics card. And they are right.
However, there are some other essentials to look after if you want to be a serious gamer. Especially if you plan to compete.
Even the best graphics card in the world won't do you right if your monitor can't follow along.
Over the last couple of years 120Hz monitors have become a hit on the gamer market because of their ability to display even the most demanding games successfully.
But they do come with a price. However, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy them without breaking the bank.
Here we've compiled a list of the best cheap 120Hz monitors on the market. By the end of it, you'll know more about what features to pay attention to, and which model would fit your needs best.
See related: Best Cheap Projectors
Best Cheap 120Hz Monitors – Our Top Picks
Specifications
- Screen size: 34.1 inches
- Max resolution: 3440 x 1440 pixels
- Weight: 26.1 lbs
Key Features
- 3440 X 1440 WQHD resolution
- 300 nits
- 1000:1 contrast ratio
- 120Hz
- 4ms response time
- IPS panel
- 1900R curvature
- AlienFX lighting effects
PROS
CONS
Dell Alienware AW3418DW /1900R Review
Right from the get-go, Dell Alienware impresses with it's sleek design and robustness. Once again, the guys from Dell managed to make a monitor that's both visually appealing as it is exceptional when it comes to its performance.
And how can it not be impressive when it boasts a striking 34-inch screen and a 3440 x 1440 QHD resolution?
Fantastic Color Quality and Clarity
But the things that set this model apart from its competitors are the color quality and brightness. Its gaming performances, nad blur-free, and fluid output make a gamer's top choice. Take a look at some of the best gaming projectors in our guide.
Its modern and delicate design is a quick attention grabber. It has a sharply angled base. Also, it has LED lighting strips positioned at the back, the underside and the stand.
But, seeing that you can only actually see the underside light, which does add a touch of subtlety, there's no excessive need for the other lights. This monitor can be tilted backward (25 degrees) or forward (5 degrees), or rotated from side to side (40 degrees), which is fairly common when it comes to gaming monitors.
As far as the connectivity goes, you have some standard options available. There are two USB 3.0 Type A and two Type B ports, as well as HDMI and DisplayPort. Since those ports are somewhat hard to reach, there are, luckily, two ports on the bottom of the monitor.
But, the most critical aspect of this model is gaming experience. Playing games on this monitor is just a joy to behold.
The images are bursting with color, the amount of details is simply astonishing, and there is no input lag to hinder your performance. All in all, image quality looks incredibly rich and potent and lets you fully dive into those imaginary worlds.
Specifications
- Screen size: 35 inches
- Max resolution: 3440 x 1440 pixels
- Weight: 26 lbs
Key Features
- 3440 X 1440 QHD resolution
- VA panel.
- 300 nits
- 2500:1 contrast ratio.
- 120Hz
- 4ms response time.
- NVIDIA G-Sync
PROS
CONS
AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Review
AOC is quite known in the gaming equipment market. One of their recent success stories is the AGON AG352UCG6 monitor.
This is a 35-inch beast that has a 3440 x 1440QHD resolution.
The color depth and details are incredible here, mainly due to the 2,500:1 dynamic contrast ratio. And to add to the overall visual feel and quality is the 21:9 aspect ratio. Read more about dynamic contrast ratio, and whether you should pay attention to it or not.
Fluid Gameplay
The combination of 4ms of response time and a refresh rate of 120Hz ensures that your gameplay will always be fluid and smooth.
The color accuracy and clarity is through the roof in this model, thanks to the combination of 300nits brightness and the support of NVIDIA G-Sync.
Design and the visual appeal is also something that makes this model pop out. A 1800R curved panel lets you totally immerse yourself in the game or a movie.
With it, you get a 178-degree angle, so you can make the most of it even from some more unfortunate corners of your room.
In terms of connectivity, you get a solid choice. HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort, USB 3.0 (in the rear end) are more than enough for any user.
3. G-STORY GS173H
Specifications
- Screen size: 17.3 inches
- Max resolution: 1920×1080
- Weight: 3.48 lbs
Key features
- 1920 X 1080 resolution with HDR
- 120Hz
- 1ms response time
- GamePlus mode
- TN Panel
- Dual HDMI input
PROS
CONS
G-STORY GS173H Review
If you are a gamer, you most certainly care about things like resolution or color accuracy. But if you're an experienced gamer, you know that response time and refresh rate are equally important.
And with G-STORY GS173H, you get that.
No Ghosting or Input Lag
With a refresh rate of 120Hz and a response time of 1ms, it not only provides astonishing visuals but also keeps the gameplay as fluid as it can be. And in combination with AMD FreeSync, it is safe to say that there will be almost no input lag to drive you crazy.
With such a response time and refresh rate, you can be sure that there will be no ghosting or hiccups.
This model is just one of a handful that support HDR. This enables the monitor to display way more colors than on other devices and to achieve extraordinary vividness and accuracy.
With a 17.3 inch diagonal, this model is a solid choice for gamers or those who are into graphic design, photography or video editing. But, such large build makes this model quite hard to carry around, if you find yourself on the move a lot. If you want to know more about portable projectors, check out our in-depth article.
And since it is not USB powered, you will need to have a wall outlet nearby if you want to use it.
Specifications
- Screen size: 23.5 inches
- Max resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Weight: 13.6 lbs
Key features
- 1920 X 1080 resolution Full HD
- 120Hz
- 1ms response time
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 5000:1 contrast ratio
PROS
CONS
Eizo FORIS FG2421-BK Review
Eizo monitors have become a household name over the last couple of years. Or at least to those who follow pro gaming tournaments, since you could often see this brand featured there.
The FORIS FG2421-BK is a model that takes the game to a whole new level. This simple yet powerful model will leave anyone in awe when it comes to the level of performance.
At first glance, it doesn’t look like much. But its simplistic design can bring you to a wrong conclusion.
FullHD Resolution
The visual performances and added features are mind-boggling. The primary reason why the visuals are so satisfying is a 1920 x 1080 FullHD resolution.
The 5000:1 contrast ratio ensures that no scene lacks in dynamics, even the darker ones. And with over 16 million colors on the screen, the color depth will always be incredible.
FORIS FG2421-BK incorporated a Virtual allignment panel that provides both durability and aesthetic pleasure. Combined with the ability of 178-degree viewing, it will make any gaming session a joy, even if you’re sitting at a weird angle.
This is a 120Hz monitor with a 1ms response time, which basically means you’ll have no screen tearing or any similar mishaps.
However, the folks at Eizo like to point out that this is a specially designed monitor (for gaming purposes), that allows you to double the refresh rate from 120Hz to 240HZ, without hindering the overall quality.
This is partially true since the image can get dim when switching to 240.
Another great feature is that this model is built with ergonomics in mind. This means that you can tilt, swivel or adjust the monitor to your preferences, all to preserve your health.
Specifications
- Screen size: 35 inches
- Max resolution: 3440 x 1440 pixels
- Weight: 27.6 lbs
Key features
- 120Hz
- 4ms response time
- 21:9 aspect ratio
- 3000:1 contrast ratio
- 2560 x 1080 native resolution
- DisplayPort, HDMI, 2x USB 3.0
PROS
CONS
Acer Predator Z35P Review
When it comes to the gaming industry, Acer Predator is one of the most popular items on the market. And it’s popular with both pro and hobbyist gamers.
This monitor is one of the first that comes to mind when people think and discuss budget 120Hz gaming monitors.
The native resolution of 2560 x 1080 with Led-lit display allows the screen to work without any flickering or tearing. The visual quality is aided by the presence of 300 nits brightness and 3000:1 contrast ratio.
Supports Over 16 Million Colors On-Screen
The color depth and reproduction are on a more than satisfactory level in every frame since this model supports over 16 million colors.
This 35-inch beast can be viewed at a 178-degree angle, which makes almost any position in the room adequate for gaming or movie watching.
The presence of NVIDIA G-Sync and the response time of 4ms will let you always have a smooth and trouble-free gaming session.
The Predator also comes with two built-in speakers. In all honesty, these are nothing more than decent and could provide a much better output. But, in terms of visuals, this model shines in almost every field.
Specifications
- Screen size: 34 inches
- Max resolution: 2560 x 1080
- Weight:16.6 lbs
Key features
- 2560 x 1080 resolution WFHD
- 120Hz
- 21:9 aspect ratio
- 1,000:1 contrast ratio
- 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
- 5ms response time
- Low blue light system
- Black EQ mode
PROS
CONS
Crossover 344FW AHIPS Ultra Wide Review
Crossover might not be a household name in the gaming industry, or monitor industry altogether, but its 344FW AHIPS model managed to elicit a positive user response.
And rightfully so, since it managed to surpass many more well-known brands in terms of visual quality, features, or ergonomics.
It boasts a 2560 x 1080 WFHD native resolution and a 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, thus offering top-notch visuals and optimum black depth.
As with many monitors on this list, the fluidity of Crossover 344FW AHIPS is exceptional, not only because of its 120HZ refresh rate (achieved with NVIDIA Real Boost Clock) but also by embedding AMD FreeSync.
A Solid Choice For Competitive Gamers
This model makes an excellent choice for competitive gamers since its 4ms response time, and the anti-flickering system makes any gaming session exceptional.
And last but not least, the design is quite eye-catching. This model is extra thin with a shiny steel finish.
The VESA 100 x 100 tripod offers many options for height adjustment, tilting or swiveling until you find the perfect position.
Aside from positioning options, the 344FW AHIPS model offers other additional features like Low Blue Light system, Black EQ mode or game mode, all for the final user’s convenience.
120Hz Monitors for Gaming – A Buying Guide
The difference between 60Hz and 120HZ Monitors
Although 60 Hz monitors were once an industry standard, they've become obsolete over time. As you'll see further down, since they operate at 60Hz they refresh 60 images per second.
On the other hand, 120Hz monitors were introduced because they can display frames twice faster than the 60Hz ones.
Some argue that the human eye is only capable of following a resolution of 60Hz. Nevertheless, now there are monitors not only with 120Hz but 144 and more.
And with the rising popularity of 4K monitors and the availability of 4K games, 60Hz monitors slowly lose their spot in the gaming world.
Common Monitor Features
Before deciding to get a brand new monitor, first you need to be informed about some of the most common and essential features. Here are some of them:
Monitor Size
Although the size of your monitor is a matter of personal preference, it is still one of the most important traits to look for when buying it. And the rule of thumb is – the bigger, the better.
Naturally, your choice of size will depend mainly on the purpose for which you intend to use it. In most cases, gamers or movie buffs tend to look for a large monitor.
120Hz monitors usually range from 19 all the way up to 27 inches. By getting a big monitor, you ensure that the picture quality and clarity will be top-notch.
Resolution
Resolution is one of those things that are crucial for all screen devices, not just for gaming monitors.
Simply put, a resolution is the number of pixels a screen has. So, when you see a mark 1920 x 1080, it means that the monitor is 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels tall.
And when you multiply these two values, you get a total number of more than two million pixels across the screen.
The easiest way to describe this would be to say that the higher the number of pixels the better the image quality is. Meaning, the larger pixel number will enable a much more detailed picture output.
Response Time
Another not so prominent monitor feature is response time. Basically, it measures the time it takes the monitor to switch from one color to another.
This time is measured in milliseconds. Or better said how many milliseconds it takes to shift from black to white and back again. Usually, the response time is less than ten milliseconds, although some models go as low as one.
What is Ghosting?
Naturally, the lower this number is, the better. A low response time prevents any motion blurriness or what users call "ghosting."
For a simple, everyday user, response time won't have much of an impact. Daily surfing, writing or even basic video watching is unnoticeable because the colors are shifting so fast that it's almost impossible to see it.
But, if you're going to your monitor for gaming, then response time will be of great interest to you. That is if you play certain kinds of games.
Not all games will require a fast response time. For instance, single-player games that don't rely heavily on graphics (Minecraft, for example) won't see much benefits from a monitor with the low response time.
Take a look at this guide to learn more about refresh rates and response times.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate is one of the most crucial factors for a smooth, uninterrupted image. It represents a number of times that an image can be refreshed in a particular time window.
Usually, this means how many times images will be updated within a second.
The higher the number is the better the picture quality. So, for example, if you have a 60Hz monitor, it will update 60 times per second.
Gamers find this feature extremely valuable since a higher refresh rate means that the monitor will be able to respond much faster to any changes in the screen.
Input Lag
One thing that will be influenced by the refresh rate is input lag. The higher the refresh rate, the lower the lag, and vice versa.
If you're not a gamer, input lag probably won't be on the list of your priorities. But for players who like their games to run without a glitch, this is something to look after.
In the world of gaming, even a slight millisecond can mean a world to the user. If the monitor doesn't respond to the user's commands on time, it will negatively affect the outcome.
Screen Tearing
Screen tearing is something you don't have to be an expert to notice. You'd have to be really oblivious to miss this one!
So why does it mean? It is directly related to the refresh rate of your monitor.
So, if the refresh rate is, let's say, 60Hz, your monitor will update the image 60 times per second.
But if the images are out of sync with the refresh rate and your monitor starts displaying images beyond that refresh rate, then you have a problem.
Since 120Hz monitors refresh two times quicker than 60Hz ones, that means that they will display double the amount of frames per second. In turn, this almost eliminates any possibility of a screen tear.
What Effect Do These Monitors Have On Gaming Experience?
Chances are regular folks who use their monitors for something else than gaming won't see any difference in performance. After all, the refresh rate of 120Hz will do nothing to improve the graphics.
But, it will improve the overall fluidity and smoothness of the image, by displaying frames two times faster.
So for gamers, especially competitive ones, who play game slike Fortnite, CS: GO and others, those small things will do wonders. The fact that the images refresh faster will allow a user to make both faster decisions and reactions.
In Conclusion
It seems as though if you want to be a gamer these days, you need to be prepared to spit out some serious cash. No longer are 60Hz monitors enough to fulfill serious gamers' needs. And since 120Hz monitors have stormed the market recently, it's no wonder they come with a hefty price.
Luckily, there are some more affordable options out there. Hopefully, by reading this article, you got a glimpse of what those are!
My name is Steve Scott. Father of 2 and owner of Outdoor Movie HQ. I’ve been involved in the A/V industry for most of my life and built this blog to help people better understand projector technology. Please leave a comment if you have any questions.