Best Budget Monitors for Programming: Affordable Options for Coders and Developers
Finding the best budget monitor for programming can be challenging, especially if you’re looking for something that balances performance, screen size, and ergonomics without breaking the bank. As a programmer, you need a monitor that provides crisp text clarity, an expansive display for multitasking, and comfortable viewing for long hours of coding.
In this article, we’ll explore three of the best budget monitors for programming, detailing their specifications, performance, and value for money. Whether you’re a beginner developer or a seasoned coder, these monitors will meet your needs without overspending.
1. ASUS VA24EHE – Best Budget 24-Inch Monitor for Programming with Eye Care Features
The ASUS VA24EHE is a 24-inch monitor that offers exceptional value for programmers who need a larger screen and enhanced eye comfort. Packed with an IPS display, this monitor is perfect for coding and other development tasks where visual clarity and comfort are paramount.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 23.8 inches
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) IPS
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz
- Connectivity: HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort
- Special Features: Ultra-low blue light, Flicker-Free technology, 178-degree wide viewing angles
Why It’s Great for Programming:
The ASUS VA24EHE is an excellent choice for coders due to its IPS panel, which provides excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making long coding sessions easier on the eyes. The 75Hz refresh rate ensures smooth screen transitions, which is a nice bonus for programming tasks and light media consumption. The real standout feature is the eye care technology, including Ultra-Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free technology, which helps reduce eye strain during long coding sessions. The thin bezel design is also perfect for those who like to set up dual-monitor configurations for more screen real estate.
Priced at $150, the ASUS VA24EHE offers great value for programmers who need a high-quality, ergonomic display that won’t strain their eyes.
2. AOC 24B1XHS – Best Budget Monitor for Programmers with Ultra-Narrow Bezels
The AOC 24B1XHS is a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS monitor with an ultra-narrow bezel design, making it perfect for programmers who need a dual-monitor setup. With vibrant colors, great screen clarity, and ergonomics in mind, this monitor will keep your workflow efficient and comfortable.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 23.8 inches
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) IPS
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Connectivity: HDMI, VGA
- Special Features: Ultra-narrow bezels, VESA compatible, slim design
Why It’s Great for Programming:
The AOC 24B1XHS provides a crystal-clear display with full HD resolution and an IPS panel that offers wide viewing angles and excellent color accuracy. The ultra-narrow bezels make it an excellent choice for dual or multi-monitor setups, maximizing screen space for multitasking. The slim design ensures that the monitor doesn’t take up too much desk space, giving you more room for your laptop or other peripherals. It also supports VESA mounting, so you can easily mount the monitor on the wall or a stand, further optimizing your workspace.
At a price of around $130, the AOC 24B1XHS delivers excellent value for programming tasks, offering a crisp, reliable display with a space-saving design.
3. BenQ GW2480 – Best Budget Monitor for Programming with Eye-Care Technology
The BenQ GW2480 is a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS monitor known for its eye-care features, great color accuracy, and sleek design. If you’re looking for a monitor to support long programming sessions without compromising on quality or performance, the BenQ GW2480 might be the best option for you.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 23.8 inches
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) IPS
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA
- Special Features: Eye-care technology, built-in speakers, ultra-narrow bezel
Why It’s Great for Programming:
The BenQ GW2480 is equipped with BenQ’s Eye-Care Technology, which includes Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free technology, designed to reduce eye strain, a common issue for programmers who spend long hours in front of screens. The IPS panel offers wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction, making it perfect for coding, reading, and long debugging sessions. With built-in speakers, you won’t need external speakers for casual use or conference calls. The ultra-narrow bezel design also makes it suitable for dual-monitor setups.
At $140, the BenQ GW2480 is an affordable monitor with all the features you need to maximize your productivity and reduce eye strain during long hours of programming.
4. Dell SE2419H – Best Affordable Monitor for Programming with Ultra-Thin Bezels
The Dell SE2419H is a 24-inch budget monitor offering a sleek design and excellent visual clarity, making it a solid option for programming and development. It delivers a Full HD IPS display that enhances text sharpness, ensuring you can focus on your code without worrying about blurred text or colors.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 24 inches
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) IPS
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Connectivity: HDMI, VGA
- Special Features: Ultra-thin bezels, tilt-adjustable stand, flicker-free technology
Why It’s Great for Programming:
The Dell SE2419H stands out for its ultra-thin bezel design, which helps maximize screen space and enhances the aesthetics of any workspace, especially when using a dual-monitor setup. The IPS panel delivers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, providing excellent clarity whether you’re reviewing code or working with data. The tilt-adjustable stand allows you to adjust the screen angle for maximum comfort, which is essential for long programming sessions. Additionally, the flicker-free technology reduces eye strain, ensuring you stay productive without discomfort.
Priced at around $130, the Dell SE2419H offers fantastic value for programmers seeking a well-rounded, budget-friendly display for their development environment.
5. LG 24MK600M-B – Best Budget Monitor for Programming with Color Accuracy and Performance
The LG 24MK600M-B is a 24-inch budget monitor that provides excellent color accuracy, making it ideal for programming, web development, and general office work. With an IPS display and additional features tailored for long hours in front of the screen, this model ensures optimal comfort and efficiency.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 24 inches
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) IPS
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz
- Connectivity: HDMI, D-Sub
- Special Features: AMD FreeSync, On-Screen Control, 99% sRGB color accuracy
Why It’s Great for Programming:
The LG 24MK600M-B offers impressive color accuracy, which is crucial for developers working on front-end design or web development. The 75Hz refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling and reduces lag, especially when working with complex coding projects. The On-Screen Control feature provides quick access to various display settings, allowing you to adjust brightness, contrast, and other settings with ease. This monitor’s AMD FreeSync feature eliminates screen tearing, making it an excellent option for those who also enjoy light gaming or multimedia alongside their coding work. Its wide viewing angles ensure you’ll always have clear visuals, whether sitting directly in front of the screen or from a side angle.
At approximately $150, the LG 24MK600M-B is a solid choice for programmers looking for an affordable monitor that delivers great color accuracy, performance, and comfort.
6. Philips 246E9QDSB – Best Budget Monitor for Programmers with High Refresh Rate and Wide Viewing Angles
The Philips 246E9QDSB is a 24-inch budget monitor that offers a Full HD IPS display, designed to deliver vibrant colors and clear text, perfect for programming. Its sleek design, high refresh rate, and ergonomic features make it a top contender for programmers seeking a reliable, affordable display.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 24 inches
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) IPS
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz
- Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA
- Special Features: Ultra-narrow borders, high contrast ratio, SmartImage technology
7. Samsung LC24F390FHNXZA – Best Budget Curved Monitor for Programming
The Samsung LC24F390FHNXZA is a 24-inch curved monitor that provides a Full HD resolution with an IPS panel. Its curved design allows for a more immersive experience, which can be especially beneficial for developers who need to keep their workflow focused and organized. Its affordability makes it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 24 inches
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) VA Panel
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Connectivity: HDMI, VGA
- Special Features: 1800R curvature, Eco-friendly, Eye Saver Mode
Why It’s Great for Programming:
The Samsung LC24F390FHNXZA offers a 1800R curvature, which wraps the screen slightly around your field of vision. This can help reduce neck strain and improve focus while working on coding tasks for extended periods. The VA panel provides excellent contrast ratios, so dark text on a bright screen will always be legible. The Eye Saver Mode reduces blue light and flicker, making it easier to work for long hours. It’s also Eco-friendly, consuming less power while still delivering solid performance.
At just $120, the Samsung LC24F390FHNXZA is a great value for anyone looking for a curved monitor that’s designed to enhance comfort and immersion during programming sessions.
8. Acer R240HY – Best Budget IPS Monitor with Thin Bezels for Programming
The Acer R240HY is another great option for programmers seeking a budget monitor with an IPS panel. Known for its sharp image quality and thin bezels, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to create a multi-monitor setup without excessive border distractions.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 23.8 inches
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) IPS
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Connectivity: HDMI, VGA, DVI
- Special Features: Ultra-thin bezel design, wide viewing angles, flicker-less technology
Why It’s Great for Programming:
The Acer R240HY features an IPS panel that provides excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles—important for programmers who often view the screen from different positions. Its thin bezel design makes it perfect for dual-monitor setups, allowing for more screen space in a compact area. The Flicker-less technology reduces flicker to prevent eye strain, which is a common issue during long coding sessions. The HDMI and VGA connectivity options ensure compatibility with most devices.
At around $120, the Acer R240HY is one of the best value-for-money monitors, offering impressive performance and comfort for coders on a budget.
9. ViewSonic VA2456-MHD – Best Budget Monitor for Programmers with Ergonomic Features
The ViewSonic VA2456-MHD is a 24-inch monitor designed specifically with programmers in mind. It combines a high-quality IPS display, ergonomic adjustments, and a sleek design, making it a great choice for those who work long hours in front of a screen.
Key Features:
- Screen Size: 24 inches
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) IPS
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA
- Special Features: Ergonomic stand, Blue Light Filter, wide viewing angles
Why It’s Great for Programming:
The ViewSonic VA2456-MHD offers excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles thanks to its IPS panel. This feature is particularly useful for long programming tasks where you need clear, consistent visuals from different angles. The ergonomic stand provides tilt, height, and swivel adjustments, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle for comfort. The Blue Light Filter reduces harmful blue light, minimizing eye strain during extended hours of programming.
At a price of around $130, the ViewSonic VA2456-MHD offers all the features programmers need, from ergonomic comfort to excellent visual performance.