The 9 Best Cheap Sim Racing Monitors

The monitor is the spearhead of your sim racing setup, displaying the race in all its glory right in front of your eyes. However, it isn’t always easy to find monitors that do a good job for a low price, making the process of finding the best cheap sim racing monitor a tough one.

The 9 best cheap sim racing monitors are:

1. ASUS VP228HE
2. HP M22f
3. Samsung C24F396
4. LG Ultragear 24GL600F
5. ASUS TUF VG249Q1R
6. Samsung Odyssey G3 LS32AG
7. ACER Nitro VG272UV
8. Samsung Odyssey G5
9. HP X32

There are a multitude of features to think about when purchasing a monitor, with compromises often having to be made when going for a cheaper model. In this article we will discuss how to choose the right cheap sim racing monitor for you, as well as list some of the best options on the market.

How To Choose A Cheap Sim Racing Monitor

When choosing a cheap sim racing monitor it is important to remember that you won’t be able to find a monitor under $200 with high-end features. However, such is the range of great quality products on the market, you will be able to find monitors that perform well above their price range.

There are certain performance features to look out for, including refresh rates, resolution, screen size and response times. These will directly impact the immersion and overall quality of your sim racing experience, so it is important to look out for the features that matter most to you. In the list below, we will rank the monitors in order of price, with the cheapest being at number 1.

Refresh Rates

Refresh rates are very important when looking for a sim racing monitor, as they determine the number of images per second that your screen can display. These rates are measured in Hz, with 240 Hz generally being the highest. As we are focusing on cheap monitors, a good refresh rate will usually fall between 120 to 144 Hz, although the very cheapest of models will usually have a rate of 75 Hz.

Resolution

Screen resolution is important as it determines how clear the images will be on screen. It is measured in pixels, with the current going rate for cheaper monitors being 1080p. The level up from that is 1440p, which will no doubt become the norm in cheaper models in the years to come, but currently only widely exists in monitors over $200.

When choosing your cheap monitor, it is advised that you stay clear of monitors with resolutions below 1080p, as firstly, they aren’t commonly found nowadays, and secondly, they won’t provide you with the results needed to get the best out of your sim racing experience.

Screen Size

Screen sizes are also an important factor to filter into your decision-making process. The ideal screen size for sim racing would be 24” and above, with 32” likely being the largest you’d want before it becomes a little overwhelming. Cheaper monitors will often sit between 22” and 24”, with larger models costing more.

It’s important to factor screen sizes into the amount of room that you have for your setup, as the larger the screen, the more space it will require. This is more of an issue for those who race on a desk rather than a sim racing cockpit.

Unfortunately, buying a cheaper monitor will mean that finding ultrawide and triple-monitor setups just won’t be possible. However, some of the monitors on the list are perfectly suited for tripling up in the future, should you wish to do so.

Response Times

The response time is the time that it takes for the screen to change color and then change back again (different brands measure it in different ways). It is important that you choose a monitor with a response time of 5 ms or lower, especially for sim racing, as it will prevent the colors from blurring into one. Most cheap monitors will have quick response times, so they will be easy to find.

Prices

We are looking for cheaper monitors in this list, but it is important when it comes to choosing yours that you look out for individual features as well as the overall price of the monitor. Cheap monitors tend to start at just over $100 and will contain basic features. You’ll tend to see big improvements to these features at around the $150 mark.

Sometimes it’s best to push your budget a little when it comes to the monitor as it will not only add to the quality of your experience, but you’ll also find that more expensive products are longer lasting and more resistant to defects after long periods of time.

KEY POINTS

• Aim for a 120 Hz screen if possible, but 60 Hz isn’t going to be unplayable

• 1080p is the minimum resolution you should consider

• Monitor size will largely depend on the rest of your setup

• 5 ms or lower is the general rule for response times

The 9 Best Cheap Sim Racing Monitors

1. ASUS VP228HE

Size: 21.5” | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Refresh Rate: 75 Hz | Response Time: 1 ms | Aspect Ratio: 16:9

The VP228HE by ASUS is the ideal monitor for casual sim racers, especially when you consider its low price tag. At 21.5”, it falls below the ideal 24” size, but it will offer a stable HD picture without loading any substantial strain onto your PC. It has a low refresh rate which means you won’t be able to make real use of any hardware capable of 120 fps or more.

Those who take sim racing more seriously may feel restricted by this monitor’s size and low refresh rate, but if you’re in the market for a cheap product with a decent resolution then this monitor is worth shortlisting. You will however want to purchase a set of speakers or headphones to go with it, as the built-in speakers aren’t great.

One of its most surprising features is its super-quick 1 ms response time, which is above and beyond what you’d expect from a monitor in this price range. This will eliminate the chance of seeing much unwanted color distortion or blur when you’re racing.

Mounting the monitor is easy, and its compact size means it will slot nicely on to the front of a sim rig. It has a sturdy table stand if you plan to race on a desk setup, as well as good wall mounting capabilities. As far as convenience goes, this monitor is easy to set up and use, straight out of the box.

PROS:

• Very cheap
• Good resolution
• Easy to set up and use

CONS:

• Low refresh rate
• Small size
• Poor built-in speakers

2. HP M22f

Size: 21.5” | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Refresh Rate: 75 Hz | Response Time: 5 ms | Aspect Ratio: 16:9

The HP M22f shares many similarities with the ASUS VP228HE, including its low price. It also has a small screen and a low refresh rate. The main differentiation between the two monitors is the M22f’s wide 178° viewing angle. This means that you’ll be able to see what’s on the screen when at an angle, making it possible to upgrade to a triple-monitor setup further down the line.

The monitor has almost no visible borders on the sides and top of the screen, which also lends itself to using it as part of a triple-monitor setup. It’s a nice aesthetic bonus too, giving the monitor a sleek look. The angle of the screen is adjustable, both vertically and horizontally, so you can adjust the positioning of the screen in accordance with your seating position.

There are no built-in speakers in this monitor, meaning you will need headphones or an external speaker system in order to gain access to sound for your sim racing setup.

For a tiny step up in price versus our top option, this monitor offers ever so slightly more in terms of adjustability features, giving it the edge over the ASUS model. Once again, more experienced sim racers will be able to recognize its size and performance shortcomings, meaning this monitor is more suited to those at the start of their sim racing journey.

PROS:

• Adjustable
• Thin screen borders
• Wide viewing angles

CONS:

• Low refresh rate
• No built-in speakers
• Small size

3. Samsung C24F396

Size: 23.5” | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Response Time: 4 ms | Aspect Ratio: 16:9

The C24F396 by Samsung features a curved 24” screen, which gives it the look of a dedicated gaming monitor rather than an all-round use monitor. This monitor falls within the cheap category. It has a standard 1080p resolution, which produces a clear picture. However, the monitor is let down by its refresh rate, which is lower than most of its competitors.

The low refresh rate is a slight dampener, considering the rest of the technological features are to a good standard. The curved screen is a nice touch though and will be useful for sim racing as you’ll gain enhanced peripheral vision. This monitor is without built-in speakers and will require external speakers or headphones.

For a monitor that doesn’t have any IPS technology, the colors on display are vibrant, which will add to the immersion when you are racing. The monitor also has a good response time, which will eliminate any color blurring. Overall, the C24F396 is a good-looking monitor which represents a step up in quality, despite being slightly let down by a low refresh rate.

PROS:

• Curved screen
• Vibrant colors on display
• Nice size

CONS:

• Very low refresh rate
• No built-in speakers

4. LG Ultragear 24GL600F

Size: 24” | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Response Time: 1 ms | Aspect Ratio: 16:9

The LG Ultragear 24GL600F is a cheap monitor aimed specifically at gamers. It has a high refresh rate, which is perfect for sim racing as it will keep the gameplay smooth and accurate. While the screen size is decent, it’s not too large and won’t heap added pressure on to your PC. The lightning quick 1 ms response time will prevent any blurring when you’re racing at fast speeds.

Unfortunately, the viewing angles on this monitor are narrow, so the resolution, colors and visibility will greatly reduce unless you’re central to the screen. This isn’t really a huge issue, but it does make it difficult to take up a more reclined position during a long session.

The monitor has a great range of calibration options, including a ‘Game Mode,’ which features presets that will help your gameplay to be the most vibrant and smooth that it can be. It really makes a difference having a monitor that is designed for gamers instead of general use!

PROS:

• High refresh rate
• Great response time
• Good calibration settings

CONS:

• Narrow viewing angles
• No built-in speakers

5. ASUS TUF VG249Q1R

Size: 24” | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Refresh Rate: 165 Hz | Response Time: 1 ms | Aspect Ratio: 16:9

This monitor comes with 2 built-in speakers, meaning you won’t have to go out of your way to find a good sound system to pair with it. It has a great refresh rate and response time, so you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in your racing.

The Shadow Boost technology within the monitor will enhance and clarify darker areas of the game, which is perfect for night races. It also has low motion blurring, which is ideal for a genre like sim racing where you’ll spend most of the time travelling at high speeds. On top of all this, you can choose from 7 pre-set, gaming-oriented calibrations to get the best out of the monitor when racing.

Unfortunately, this monitor has limited adjustability, which may be an issue if you are choosing to mount it on a desk or table. However, this shouldn’t be an issue when mounting to a sim rig. Overall, the ASUS VG249G1R greatly outperforms its price, offering great picture quality and smooth gameplay – both of which are vital for sim racing.

PROS:

• High refresh rate
• 7 pre-set gaming calibration options
• Smooth visuals

CONS:

• Limited adjustability

6. Samsung Odyssey G3 LS32AG

Size: 32” | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Refresh Rate: 165 Hz | Response Time: 1 ms | Aspect Ratio: 16:9

The Samsung Odyssey G3 represents the gateway to the mid-range monitors. While still being classed as cheap compared to what you can spend on a monitor, it’s one of the more expensive choices on our list. The most notable difference between this monitor and the previous 6, aside from the price, is the 32” screen size. 32” is seen by many as the optimum size for sim racing.

Having a screen this size will increase the immersion of your sim racing experience, and the quick response time and high refresh rate will help keep the racing feeling smooth. The G3 also has a borderless design, which will make it suitable for triple-monitor use, although this will dramatically reduce its affordability.

One of the main issues with this monitor is that it is vulnerable to backlight bleeding, which means there will be a slight glow around the borders of the screen, most noticeable when darker images are being displayed. This is a common issue in monitors, especially those at lower prices.

The G3 is the only flat screen model in Samsung’s Odyssey range, and admittedly doesn’t perform quite as well as the G5 and G7 models in terms of color vibrancy and display quality, but that is to be expected considering they are both a step up in price. The G3 is a great introduction into the Odyssey range, and having the extra inches added onto the screen is a bonus.

PROS:

• Large screen
• High refresh rate
• Anti-flicker technology

CONS:

• Requires a more powerful PC
• Backlight bleeding

7. ACER Nitro VG272UV

Size: 27” | Resolution: 2560×1440 | Refresh Rate: 240 Hz | Response Time: 1 ms | Aspect Ratio: 16:9

The ACER Nitro VG272UV is possibly outside of the budget monitor range, but with the features it has to offer, you can see why. It has a high 1440p resolution, which will allow for sharp images, especially on its 27” screen. Couple this with its 240 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time, and you’ll experience a truly beautiful, smooth sim racing experience.

It is a perfect example of what can be achieved from your monitor when you invest more into it, although be wary, as you’ll require a more powerful PC with a good graphics card in order to witness its full potential (not really a problem if you’re sim racing on console). It also features an IPS panel which will keep the graphics looking great wherever you’re positioned.

The screen has a high brightness level, which not only enhances the colors on-screen, but will allow you to see clearly in bright rooms. It’s not quite as effective in dark rooms however, as it has a low contrast ratio which dulls the blacks, making them look more like a dark shade of gray.

PROS:

• 1440p resolution
• High refresh rate
• High brightness levels

CONS:

• Low contrast ratio
• Pretty expensive

8. Samsung Odyssey G5

Size: 32” | Resolution: 2560×1440 | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Response Time: 1 ms | Aspect Ratio: 16:9

The Samsung Odyssey G5 is a 32” curved monitor with an excellent 1440p resolution, but it is a little expensive. It has a high refresh rate, although not as high as its sister model, the G3. The larger, curved screen is what sets it apart visually. The curve is great for sim racing as it offers a more immersive experience, with good peripheral vision.

If you find having a 32” screen slightly overbearing, there is a slightly cheaper 27” version, with the same technical features. The 27” model will also be better, and more space-effective, if you are planning on upgrading to a triple-monitor setup in the future, but creating a triple setup with curved monitors can lead to some distortion at the borders.

The curvature of the (single) screen has been designed to replicate the natural human field of view, which will help to reduce eye fatigue during long racing sessions. The colors are bright and vivid, meaning your racing experience will be immersive and easy on the eye.

PROS:

• Curved screen
• Good resolution
• Excellent picture quality

CONS:

• Takes up a lot of space
• Lower refresh rate than the G3

9. HP X32

Size: 32” | Resolution: 2560×1440 | Refresh Rate: 165 Hz | Response Time: 1 ms | Aspect Ratio: 16:9

The HP X32 is one of the most expensive monitors on our list. It has all the features that you’d want from a monitor at this price, including a smooth 165 Hz refresh rate, 1 ms response time and a crisp 1440p resolution. At 32” the screen will provide an immersive experience, with little to no motion and color blurring, depending on your PC and graphics card.

It features an IPS panel and backlighting from the side of the screen, which will reduce the chances of potential backlight bleeding. It is also made from 85% recycled materials, which is a nice touch on HP’s part. The screen is fully adjustable, both in height and tilt, so you can get the best view for your seating position.

Despite it being one of the most expensive in this price-oriented list, the monitor ranks as one of the most affordable of its kind. You can instantly see its quality too, with high brightness levels and beautiful color display. Design-wise, it’s minimalist, with thin borders and a black rim underneath the screen, so if you want something bold and eye-catching this may not be the monitor for you.

It’s also not stacked with ports, only offering 1 HDMI port and 1 Display Port, which may be a little restrictive for some. With this monitor, you’re paying for the quality of the screen and the way it portrays the images, rather than its looks and other non-performance related features.

PROS:

• Good refresh rate
• Great brightness level
• Beautiful colors on display

CONS:

• Expensive
• Lack of ports

Final Thoughts

Despite more expensive monitors offering incredible technical features, there is a lot to be said for some of the cheaper options on the market, and how well they perform in comparison. The best cheap sim racing monitor is the ASUS VP228HE, but if you want great features on a budget, the ACER Nitro VG272UV is a better option.