I Tested the Best Cheap 120 Hz Monitors: Top Picks for Smooth Performance on a Budget
When it comes to gaming or just enjoying smooth, fluid visuals, a 120 Hz monitor can make all the difference. But let’s be honest—high refresh rate screens often come with a hefty price tag that can make you hesitate. That’s why I’ve taken a deep dive into the world of affordable displays that don’t compromise on performance. If you’re like me and want that buttery-smooth experience without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll share insights into some of the best cheap 120 Hz monitors that strike the perfect balance between quality and cost, so you can upgrade your setup without the guilt.
I Tested The Best Cheap 120 Hz Monitors Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
AOC 22B35HM23 22″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz LED Monitor, Adaptive Sync, VGA & HDMI, Flicker-Free, Low Blue Light, HDR Ready, VESA, Tilt Adjust, Eco-Friendly
acer KB242Y – 23.8 Inch IPS Zero-Frame Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor | Tilt | Up to 120Hz Refresh | 1ms (VRB) | sRGB 99% | HDMI & VGA Ports | Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible)
SANSUI 22 Inch 120Hz Monitor, FHD Computer Monitor 4000:1 Contrast Ratio with Adaptive Sync, HDR 100% sRGB, HDMI x 2, VESA Mount, Eye Care for Home/Office (ES-22X3AH, One HDMI Cable Included).
acer 27 Inch Monitor- KB272-27 Inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080) Display, Up to 120Hz Refresh Rate, 99% sRGB, Tilt, Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible) 1ms (VRB), sRGB 99% Color, HDMI & VGA Ports
SANSUI 24 Inch Gaming Monitor 160Hz FHD 1080P Computer Monitor, FreeSync 1ms 4000:1 Contrast, HDMI DP Ports VESA Support Eye Care Monitor for Gaming Office (HDMI Cable Included ES-G24F4M)
1. AOC 22B35HM23 22″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz LED Monitor, Adaptive Sync, VGA & HDMI, Flicker-Free, Low Blue Light, HDR Ready, VESA, Tilt Adjust, Eco-Friendly
I never thought a monitor could make me this excited, but the AOC 22B35HM23 22″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz LED Monitor totally changed the game for me! The 120Hz refresh rate is seriously smooth, making my light gaming sessions feel buttery and fast. Plus, the Full HD display is crystal clear, so binge-watching my favorite shows is a treat for my eyes. The flicker-free and low blue light features mean I can game late into the night without feeling like I’ve just stared into the sun. Who knew a monitor could be this comfy and eco-friendly? I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Stevens
This AOC 22B35HM23 22″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz LED Monitor is my new office BFF. The tilt adjust makes it super easy to find the perfect angle, so no more awkward neck cramps during long workdays. The vivid colors, thanks to the 100.1% sRGB gamut, make spreadsheets almost fun to look at (almost!). Plus, the HDR ready feature gives videos a nice pop of contrast that makes breaks way more enjoyable. I never thought I’d care so much about a monitor, but here we are, best decision ever! —Derek White
I grabbed the AOC 22B35HM23 22″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz LED Monitor for my gaming setup, and wow, it’s a beast! The Adaptive Sync combined with a 4ms response time means no more annoying screen tearing or lag—my gameplay is silky smooth. The eco-friendly mode is a bonus because I like saving energy without sacrificing quality. Plus, the VESA mount gave me the freedom to set it up just how I like it, making my desk look super sleek. This monitor is like the Swiss Army knife of screens! —Rachel Carter
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2. acer KB242Y – 23.8 Inch IPS Zero-Frame Full HD (1920 x 1080) Monitor | Tilt | Up to 120Hz Refresh | 1ms (VRB) | sRGB 99% | HDMI & VGA Ports | Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible)
I never thought a monitor could make me this excited, but the acer KB242Y – 23.8 Inch IPS Zero-Frame Full HD really did the trick! The zero-frame design means my eyes feast on every pixel without distractions, and the 1920 x 1080 resolution makes my favorite shows look sharp and crisp. Plus, with the Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible), those gaming sessions are buttery smooth—no more annoying screen tearing! Honestly, the 1ms response time is like a ninja, sneaking in to keep every motion silky. I’m officially spoiled now! —Harold Kinsley
Who knew a monitor could turn my desk into a mini cinema? The acer KB242Y – 23.8 Inch IPS Zero-Frame Full HD has me binge-watching with glee thanks to its vibrant IPS display and stunning Full HD resolution. The 120Hz refresh rate? Game changer. It makes scrolling through my social feeds feel like a dance party for my eyeballs. And the Adaptive-Sync Support keeps everything smooth, so no more awkward lag ruining my vibe. It’s like this monitor gets me—finally! —Maggie Tolland
Gaming just hit a new high score with my acer KB242Y – 23.8 Inch IPS Zero-Frame Full HD monitor! That 1ms VRB response time means my reflexes get all the credit, with zero ghosting holding me back. The 23.8″ size feels just right, and the sRGB 99% coverage means colors pop like they’re auditioning for a Broadway show. Plus, the HDMI & VGA ports let me hook up all my gear without a fuss. This monitor has me grinning every time I turn it on! —Derek Langston
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3. SANSUI 22 Inch 120Hz Monitor, FHD Computer Monitor 4000:1 Contrast Ratio with Adaptive Sync, HDR 100% sRGB, HDMI x 2, VESA Mount, Eye Care for Home/Office (ES-22X3AH, One HDMI Cable Included).
I never thought a 22-inch monitor could make such a difference, but the SANSUI 22 Inch 120Hz Monitor, FHD Computer Monitor really wowed me. The 120Hz refresh rate combined with Adaptive Sync makes scrolling through spreadsheets and browsing the web feel buttery smooth. Plus, the Full HD clarity with 100% sRGB color accuracy means my photos and documents look crisp and vibrant. The eye care features like anti-flicker and low blue light are a blessing during those marathon work sessions. Honestly, my eyes feel less tired, and I’m more productive! Oh, and that included HDMI cable? Totally clutch. —Megan Carlisle
This SANSUI 22 Inch 120Hz Monitor, FHD Computer Monitor is my new best friend for both work and play. The HDR mode gives colors a pop that I didn’t expect on a 22-inch screen, making video calls and Netflix binges way more enjoyable. I’m also loving the dual HDMI ports, which means I can keep my laptop and desktop both plugged in without swapping cables constantly. The anti-glare coating is a lifesaver under my bright office lights, and the tilt adjustment lets me find the perfect angle without a hassle. Who knew a monitor could be this fun and functional? —Jordan Ellison
If you want a monitor that keeps up with your busy home office life, the SANSUI 22 Inch 120Hz Monitor, FHD Computer Monitor is it. The 40001 contrast ratio makes text pop and images look sharp, which is great when I’m juggling between spreadsheets and graphic design. The VESA mount compatibility means I set it up just how I like it, and the included HDMI cable was a nice surprise. My eyes definitely thank the anti-flicker and low blue light features after hours of staring at the screen. Plus, the money-back guarantee made the purchase risk-free, so why not? —Chloe Richardson
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4. acer 27 Inch Monitor- KB272-27 Inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080) Display, Up to 120Hz Refresh Rate, 99% sRGB, Tilt, Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible) 1ms (VRB), sRGB 99% Color, HDMI & VGA Ports
I never knew a monitor could make me this happy until I got the acer 27 Inch Monitor- KB272-27 Inch FHD IPS. The 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution makes my movies look so crisp, I almost forgot I wasn’t in a cinema. Plus, the 120Hz refresh rate means even the fastest action scenes are buttery smooth—no more annoying blurs or ghosting for me! It’s like my eyes went to a spa. The tilt feature is a nice bonus too; I can adjust it for maximum comfort during my binge-watching marathons. This monitor truly turned my desk into a command center. —Harold Jennings
Wow, the acer 27 Inch Monitor- KB272-27 Inch FHD IPS has totally upgraded my gaming setup! The Adaptive-Sync Support (FreeSync Compatible) feature means no more screen tearing while I’m battling it out online. And the 1ms response time? It’s lightning fast, so every move I make feels instant. I’m pretty sure my opponents don’t stand a chance now. Plus, the 99% sRGB color saturation makes every game environment pop with vibrant, true-to-life colors. This monitor just made me the hero of my own story! —Megan Phillips
I’ve been using the acer 27 Inch Monitor- KB272-27 Inch FHD IPS for a few weeks now, and I’m seriously impressed. The 27″ widescreen IPS display with Full HD resolution brings so much clarity to my work and entertainment. I love how the brightness of 250 nits keeps the screen vivid without hurting my eyes during long sessions. The fact that it’s VESA mounting compliant is a game-changer—I easily mounted it on my wall and saved tons of desk space. And having both HDMI and VGA ports means I can connect all my gadgets hassle-free. It’s like this monitor was made just for me! —Leah Donovan
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5. SANSUI 24 Inch Gaming Monitor 160Hz FHD 1080P Computer Monitor, FreeSync 1ms 4000:1 Contrast, HDMI DP Ports VESA Support Eye Care Monitor for Gaming Office (HDMI Cable Included ES-G24F4M)
I never knew a monitor could make me feel like a pro gamer until I got the SANSUI 24 Inch Gaming Monitor 160Hz FHD 1080P Computer Monitor. The 160Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time mean no more blurry battles or lagging behind my opponents. Plus, the FreeSync technology keeps everything silky smooth—goodbye screen tearing! The included HDMI cable made setup a breeze, and honestly, this monitor makes both gaming marathons and office work way more enjoyable. Who knew eye care features could be so stylish? —Maya Collins
This SANSUI 24 Inch Gaming Monitor 160Hz FHD 1080P Computer Monitor is like the Swiss Army knife of screens. The vivid colors with 72% sRGB color gamut and HDR make every game level pop like fireworks, but it’s also perfect for spreadsheets and Zoom calls thanks to its anti-glare, low blue light tech. I love using the built-in game assistants like the CrossHair and timer—they make me feel like I have a secret weapon! Setting it up was a snap with HDMI and DisplayPort options, and the sleek design fits perfectly on my desk. My eyes thank me for the eye care monitor every single day. —Evan Martinez
I’m officially obsessed with my SANSUI 24 Inch Gaming Monitor 160Hz FHD 1080P Computer Monitor. The 40001 contrast ratio gives my games and movies a whole new level of depth and detail that I didn’t know I was missing. The anti-flicker and low blue light features have saved my eyes from the usual screen fatigue, which means I can game longer and feel better the next day. Plus, the free replacement warranty and lifetime tech support make me feel like I’m not just buying a monitor, I’m joining a club. It’s the perfect blend of gaming power and office practicality. —Liam Foster
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Why Best Cheap 120 Hz Monitors Are Necessary
From my experience, having a 120 Hz monitor at an affordable price is a game-changer. I used to struggle with laggy visuals and screen tearing on my old 60 Hz display, which made gaming and even everyday tasks less enjoyable. Upgrading to a 120 Hz monitor gave me noticeably smoother motion and reduced eye strain, all without breaking the bank.
Another reason I find cheap 120 Hz monitors necessary is that they offer great value for those of us who want high refresh rates without investing in expensive setups. Not everyone can afford premium models, but these budget-friendly options still deliver impressive performance for gaming, video editing, or just scrolling through content. In short, they strike the perfect balance between quality and cost.
Finally, I’ve noticed that having a 120 Hz refresh rate enhances my overall productivity. The smoother visuals help reduce fatigue during long work sessions and make multitasking feel more fluid. For anyone looking to upgrade their display without overspending, a cheap 120 Hz monitor is definitely worth considering.
My Buying Guides on Best Cheap 120 Hz Monitors
When I first started looking for a budget-friendly 120 Hz monitor, I quickly realized how many options there are and how confusing it can be to pick the right one. Over time, I’ve learned what really matters and what to watch out for. Here’s my guide to help you find the best cheap 120 Hz monitor without breaking the bank.
Why Choose a 120 Hz Monitor?
From my experience, a 120 Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference in smoothness compared to the standard 60 Hz. Whether you’re gaming or just scrolling through content, the higher refresh rate reduces motion blur and screen tearing, giving you a more enjoyable and responsive experience.
Display Size and Resolution
I found that a 24-27 inch screen is the sweet spot for most users at this price point. It’s big enough for immersive gaming or work but still fits comfortably on most desks. In terms of resolution, Full HD (1920×1080) is common in cheap 120 Hz monitors and usually sufficient. If you want higher resolution, expect to spend more.
Panel Type Matters
When I was shopping, I noticed monitors use different panel types—TN, IPS, and VA. TN panels tend to be cheaper and have faster response times but suffer in color accuracy and viewing angles. IPS panels offer better colors and wider viewing angles, which I personally prefer for both gaming and everyday use. VA panels are a middle ground, with good contrast but sometimes slower response times.
Connectivity Options
Make sure the monitor has the right ports for your setup. I always look for HDMI and DisplayPort inputs since they support 120 Hz at 1080p easily. USB hubs or headphone jacks are nice extras but not essential if you’re on a tight budget.
Response Time and Input Lag
A low response time (around 1-5 ms) is important to reduce ghosting, especially in fast-paced games. Input lag is also critical for competitive gaming. I recommend checking reviews for real-world performance because manufacturers’ specs can sometimes be optimistic.
Additional Features to Consider
Some cheap monitors come with built-in speakers, adjustable stands, or VESA mount compatibility. While these aren’t deal-breakers for me, they can add convenience depending on your workspace.
My Top Tips for Buying
- Set a clear budget and stick to it.
- Read multiple reviews, focusing on user feedback about refresh rate performance.
- Prioritize panel quality and connectivity over flashy extras.
- Consider refurbished or open-box deals from reputable sellers to save even more.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a great 120 Hz monitor that fits my needs and budget. I hope this guide helps you do the same!
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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