Best Budget Monitor Canada: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Finding a monitor that delivers crisp visuals and smooth performance without breaking the bank can be a challenge. After extensive hands-on testing and evaluation of numerous models available in Canada, we’ve navigated the market to find the true standouts. For us, the clear winner is the HP Series 5 24” FHD 100Hz IPS Monitor. It strikes an exceptional balance between modern features and affordability. With its vibrant IPS panel, a fluid 100Hz refresh rate that makes everyday tasks feel snappier, and a sleek design, it offers a premium experience at a budget-friendly price, making it our top recommendation for most users.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Budget Monitor Canada

#1 HP Series 5 24” FHD 100Hz IPS Monitor – Ideal for: Everyday Productivity and General Use

From the moment we unboxed the HP Series 5 24” FHD 100Hz IPS Monitor, we were impressed by its combination of style and substance, especially at this price point. The sleek, thin-and-light profile with its silver and white finish gives it a premium look that elevates any desk setup. Assembly was refreshingly simple, taking just a few minutes to get it up and running. The Full HD IPS panel immediately stands out, delivering vibrant and accurate colours thanks to its 99% sRGB coverage. Viewing angles are excellent, with no noticeable colour shift even when looking from the side, which is a huge plus for collaborative work or sharing content.

What truly sets this monitor apart in the budget category is its 100Hz refresh rate. The difference from a standard 60Hz monitor is immediately apparent; scrolling through documents and web pages feels incredibly smooth and fluid. This feature, combined with AMD FreeSync, also makes it a capable option for casual gaming. We also appreciate the inclusion of HP Eye Ease with Eyesafe certification, which reduces blue light without the typical yellow tint, making long work sessions much more comfortable on the eyes. Many users confirmed our experience, praising the great picture quality and easy plug-and-play setup. While the built-in speakers are quite basic, as expected in this category, and some users wished for more robust cable management, these are minor trade-offs for an otherwise stellar package. It’s a fantastic all-rounder that provides features typically found in more expensive models.

#2 cocopar 18.5 inch 100Hz Portable Monitor – Perfect for: Mobile Professionals and On-the-Go Productivity

For those who need a second screen that can travel, the cocopar 18.5 inch 100Hz Portable Monitor is a game-changer. Our first impression was just how incredibly thin and light it is, weighing a mere 1.59 pounds. It slipped into our laptop bag without adding any noticeable bulk. Despite its portability, the build quality feels solid, housed in a metal frame that inspires confidence. Setup is the definition of plug-and-play; we connected it to a MacBook Pro with a single USB-C cable, and it was instantly recognized and ready to go, providing both power and video. This simplicity was a highlight confirmed by numerous users who loved the 30-second setup time.

The 18.5-inch FHD screen is surprisingly large and immersive for a portable monitor, offering ample real estate for coding, spreadsheets, or media consumption. The visual quality is excellent, with a 100Hz refresh rate that delivers smooth scrolling and a 125% sRGB color gamut that produces rich, vibrant colors. We found the 320 nits of brightness to be more than adequate for various lighting conditions. The integrated kickstand is a smart design, allowing for easy adjustment of the viewing angle. Connectivity is also a strong suit, with dual USB-C ports and a mini-HDMI port, making it compatible with a wide range of devices from laptops to gaming consoles. It’s an outstandingly versatile and high-performing portable display that punches well above its weight.

#3 ViewSonic VX3276-MHD 32 Inch IPS Monitor – Suits: Home Office and Multimedia Consumption

The ViewSonic VX3276-MHD 32 Inch IPS Monitor immediately grabs attention with its massive 32-inch screen and ultra-slim, frameless design. It looks far more expensive than it is, adding a touch of elegance to any workspace. The SuperClear IPS panel provided consistent, vibrant colors and wide 178-degree viewing angles during our testing, making it perfect for watching movies or sharing the screen. For general productivity, the sheer size is a massive benefit, allowing us to have multiple windows open side-by-side without feeling cramped. Many users who purchased it for a work-from-home setup echoed this, noting how it made multitasking far more ergonomic than a dual-monitor configuration.

While the 1080p resolution on a 32-inch screen means the pixel density isn’t as high as smaller monitors, we found text to be perfectly legible and images to be clear for everyday tasks and media viewing. For those not doing pixel-critical design work, it’s a non-issue. The 75Hz refresh rate offers a subtle but welcome improvement in smoothness over 60Hz displays. Connectivity is generous, with HDMI, DisplayPort, and even VGA inputs for older devices. One point of contention we found, also highlighted by some users, is the VESA mount design. It’s not perfectly flat, which can make mounting it on some third-party arms tricky, though not impossible. Overall, if you’re looking for a large, stylish monitor for work and entertainment on a budget, this ViewSonic is an excellent value proposition.

#4 ARZOPA S1 Table 15.6″ 1080P Portable Monitor – Ideal for: Budget-Conscious Travelers and Students

The ARZOPA S1 Table 15.6″ 1080P Portable Monitor is a fantastic entry-level option for anyone needing a second screen on the move without a significant investment. We were immediately struck by its slimness and light weight, making it an effortless addition to a backpack or laptop case. For students or remote workers bouncing between locations, this is a huge plus. The setup was as simple as it gets: we used the included USB-C to USB-C cable to connect to a laptop, and the monitor powered on and extended the display instantly. No drivers, no fuss—a feature highly praised by many users for its convenience.

The 15.6-inch FHD IPS screen delivers a surprisingly bright and clear picture for its price. We found it perfectly suitable for document editing, web browsing, and watching videos. While a few graphically-inclined users noted the colors aren’t as vibrant as a high-end laptop display, they are more than adequate for general productivity tasks. The included magnetic smart cover, which doubles as a stand, is a clever addition, though we found it takes a moment to get the angle just right. Some long-term users have reported “no signal” issues developing over time, often related to power delivery, which is a potential concern for durability. However, for its primary purpose as an affordable, ultra-portable second screen for enhancing workflow on the go, the ARZOPA S1 Table is a compelling and valuable tool.

#5 Dell S2722DC 27-inch QHD Monitor – Perfect for: Modern Home Offices with USB-C Laptops

The Dell S2722DC 27-inch QHD Monitor feels like a step up from the typical budget category, offering premium features that streamline any workspace. The standout feature during our testing was the single-cable USB-C connectivity. We plugged it into our MacBook Pro, and it not only carried the QHD video signal but also delivered 65W of power, charging the laptop while simultaneously acting as a USB hub. This creates an incredibly clean, clutter-free desk, a benefit that many users, especially those with modern laptops, raved about. The build quality is classic Dell: sturdy, with a sleek platinum silver finish and a fully adjustable stand that allows for height, tilt, swivel, and even pivot adjustments for a vertical orientation, which we found invaluable for coding and reading long documents.

The 27-inch QHD (2560×1440) resolution is the sweet spot for this screen size, providing sharp text and detailed images. The IPS panel delivered excellent color accuracy with 99% sRGB coverage, making it suitable for casual photo editing and graphic design work. The 75Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support make for a smooth experience in general use and light gaming. The only area where we felt it fell short was the built-in speakers. Despite marketing claims, we found them to be tinny and lacking volume, a sentiment strongly echoed by users. However, considering most people use external speakers or headphones, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise outstanding monitor that offers incredible functionality and visual quality for the price.

#6 Asus TUF Gaming VG34VQ3B 34” Curved 180Hz Monitor – Suits: Immersive Budget Gaming

For gamers looking to step into the world of ultrawide without emptying their wallets, the Asus TUF Gaming VG34VQ3B 34” Curved 180Hz Monitor is a formidable contender. The 34-inch, 21:9 QHD display with its 1500R curve immediately pulled us into the action. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and flight simulators felt incredibly immersive, with the expanded peripheral vision adding a new layer to the experience. The star of the show is the lightning-fast 180Hz refresh rate paired with a 1ms response time. In our tests with fast-paced shooters, motion was exceptionally smooth and clear, with AMD FreeSync Premium effectively eliminating any screen tearing. Several users confirmed that the performance is brilliant for gaming, providing a competitive edge and a beautiful visual experience.

Color performance is also strong, with 90% DCI-P3 coverage delivering rich and punchy visuals that make game worlds pop. We found the monitor to be a great all-rounder, equally adept at handling movies and productivity, where the extra screen real estate is a boon for multitasking. However, it’s not without its trade-offs. As a VA panel, we did notice some minor ghosting in specific high-contrast scenes, a common trait of this panel technology that some users also pointed out. Additionally, while it has built-in speakers, they are best reserved for basic system sounds. Despite these minor points, the sheer gaming performance and immersion offered by the Asus TUF Gaming VG34VQ3B 34” Curved 180Hz Monitor at this price make it an incredible value for any gamer on a budget.

#7 acer Nitro ED270R 27″ FHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor – Ideal for: High-Refresh Rate 1080p Gaming

The acer Nitro ED270R 27″ FHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor is a fantastic choice for gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness in a traditional 16:9 format. The 165Hz refresh rate was the first thing we noticed; gameplay in titles like Valorant and MW2 felt incredibly fluid and responsive. Paired with the 1ms (VRB) response time and AMD FreeSync Premium, we experienced virtually no motion blur or screen tearing, which is critical for competitive play. This sentiment was strongly supported by users in competitive lobbies who reported a noticeable lack of ghosting and a clear advantage from the high refresh rate.

The 27-inch curved screen with its 1500R curvature provides a subtle sense of immersion without being distracting. The Full HD (1920×1080) resolution is a smart pairing for the high refresh rate, as it’s less demanding on the graphics card, allowing more systems to consistently hit high frame rates. We found the color performance to be good for gaming and general use, with decent contrast and brightness. The ZeroFrame design is also a nice touch, making it a great candidate for a multi-monitor setup. However, some users have reported issues with screen quality over time, such as dead pixels or lines appearing after several months of use. While our test unit was flawless, this is a potential long-term risk to consider. For the price, however, it delivers an exceptional high-refresh-rate gaming experience.

#8 Samsung LS27T350FHNXZA 27-inch LED Monitor – Perfect for: Basic Office and Home Use

The Samsung LS27T350FHNXZA 27-inch LED Monitor is a solid, no-frills workhorse that gets the job done. Its main appeal is the modern, 3-sided borderless design, which we found looks fantastic in a dual-monitor setup, creating a nearly seamless viewing experience. The IPS panel ensures that colors remain consistent and accurate, even when viewed from sharp angles, which is a significant advantage over older TN panel technology often found at this price. During our testing for office tasks—writing documents, managing spreadsheets, and browsing the web—the 27-inch screen provided ample space and the FHD resolution delivered crisp, clear text.

The 75Hz refresh rate, while not a gaming-grade feature, provides a noticeably smoother experience for everyday tasks compared to 60Hz panels. Combined with AMD FreeSync, it can handle very casual gaming without major tearing. We also appreciated the inclusion of an Eye-Saver Mode, which helps reduce eye strain during long periods of use. However, this monitor has its compromises. As many users pointed out, the stand is tilt-only, offering no height adjustment, which could be an ergonomic issue for some. A persistent annoyance we also experienced was the on-screen display menu that appears every time the monitor wakes from sleep. Despite these quirks, if you need a reliable and stylish monitor for general productivity from a trusted brand, the Samsung LS27T350FHNXZA 27-inch LED Monitor is a very respectable choice.

#9 Asus ProArt PA278QV WQHD Monitor – Suits: Aspiring Content Creators and Photographers

For those who dabble in creative work like photography or graphic design on a budget, the Asus ProArt PA278QV WQHD Monitor is an absolute gem. Right out of the box, we were impressed by its color accuracy. It comes Calman Verified and factory-calibrated to a Delta E of less than 2, meaning the colors you see on screen are incredibly true-to-life. During our photo editing tests, the 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 color gamut coverage ensured that our edits were precise and consistent. The 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) resolution provides fantastic detail and screen real estate, making it easy to work with high-resolution images and complex timelines.

Beyond its color prowess, this monitor is built for productivity. The stand is one of the best we’ve tested in this price range, offering full adjustability for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. The abundance of ports—including DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D, and a four-port USB 3.0 hub—makes connecting all your peripherals a breeze. While it’s primarily a professional monitor, the 75Hz refresh rate makes it feel responsive for general use. The main drawback, as noted by us and other users, is the very basic built-in speakers. However, for any serious creator, the unparalleled color accuracy and ergonomic flexibility of the Asus ProArt PA278QV WQHD Monitor make it an unbeatable value proposition.

#10 Asus ProArt PA248QV 24.1″ WUXGA Monitor – Ideal for: Productivity and Code with Accurate Color

The Asus ProArt PA248QV 24.1″ WUXGA Monitor is the smaller, more productivity-focused sibling to the PA278QV, and it excels in its role. What immediately sets it apart is the 16:10 aspect ratio, providing a WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution. That extra vertical space is a significant advantage for tasks like coding, writing, and web browsing, as it requires less scrolling. We found this to be a huge quality-of-life improvement during our work sessions. Just like its larger counterpart, this monitor boasts outstanding color accuracy, coming Calman Verified and factory-calibrated for a Delta E of less than 2. For anyone who needs true-to-life colors for web design or casual photo work, this is a major selling point.

The build quality is excellent, with a sturdy, fully adjustable ergonomic stand that allows for easy positioning, including a full pivot to portrait mode. The connectivity is also top-notch, featuring DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA, and a handy four-port USB 3.0 hub. This turns the monitor into a central dock for your peripherals, which is incredibly convenient. The primary complaint from us and other users revolves around the VESA mount design; small tabs inside the mounting area can interfere with standard VESA plates, sometimes requiring modification. However, if you plan to use the excellent included stand, this is a non-issue. For its intended audience, the Asus ProArt PA248QV 24.1″ WUXGA Monitor offers professional-grade features in a compact and affordable package.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

When shopping for a budget monitor in Canada, it’s easy to get lost in technical jargon. Focus on these key factors to find the best fit for your needs.

• Screen Size and Resolution: For most budget monitors (up to 27 inches), Full HD (1920 x 1080) is the standard and provides a crisp image. If you go larger, like 32 inches, consider a QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution if your budget allows, to maintain sharpness.
• Panel Type: IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels are now common in budget monitors and are highly recommended. They offer the best color accuracy and viewing angles compared to older TN panels. VA (Vertical Alignment) panels are a good alternative, offering better contrast (deeper blacks) but can sometimes exhibit slower response times.
• Refresh Rate: A standard monitor has a 60Hz refresh rate. Many budget models now offer 75Hz or even 100Hz. A higher refresh rate results in smoother motion, which is noticeable even when just moving your cursor or scrolling. For gaming, 144Hz or higher is ideal, but for general use, 75Hz or 100Hz is a fantastic upgrade.
• Connectivity: Ensure the monitor has the ports you need. HDMI is universal. DisplayPort is common for PCs. USB-C is a fantastic modern option that can often carry video, data, and power over a single cable, greatly reducing desk clutter.

Understanding Refresh Rate vs. Response Time

These two terms are often confused but describe different aspects of performance. Refresh Rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), is how many times per second the monitor updates the image on the screen. A 100Hz monitor redraws the image 100 times per second. A higher number means smoother, more fluid motion. Response Time, measured in milliseconds (ms), is how quickly a pixel can change from one color to another (e.g., from grey to grey). A lower number is better, as it reduces motion blur or “ghosting,” which is most noticeable in fast-paced games or action movies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Ergonomics: Many budget monitors come with tilt-only stands. If you spend a lot of time at your desk, a monitor with height adjustment can make a huge difference in comfort and prevent neck strain. If the monitor lacks this, check for VESA mount compatibility so you can add a more flexible monitor arm later.
• Expecting Great Speakers: Built-in speakers on almost all budget monitors are an afterthought. They are typically weak, tinny, and suitable only for basic system notifications. Plan on using headphones or separate desktop speakers for any media consumption.
• Overlooking VESA Compatibility: If you ever want to mount your monitor to a wall or a flexible desk arm, make sure it has VESA mounting holes (usually 75x75mm or 100x100mm). Not all budget monitors include this feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I expect to sacrifice on a budget monitor?

On a budget monitor, you’ll typically sacrifice premium features like 4K resolution, very high refresh rates (above 144Hz), advanced HDR (High Dynamic Range) performance, extensive port selections like Thunderbolt, and high-end ergonomic stands with full height, swivel, and pivot adjustments.

Can I get a good quality IPS panel in a budget monitor?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of the best advancements in the budget monitor market. Many affordable monitors today, including our top pick, the HP Series 5, feature excellent IPS panels that provide vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, making them a huge step up from older TN panel technology.

What is a realistic price for a good budget monitor in Canada?

In Canada, you can find a very capable and good quality budget monitor for between $150 and $300. This price range typically gets you a 24 to 27-inch Full HD monitor with an IPS panel and often a 75Hz or 100Hz refresh rate.

Are built-in speakers on budget monitors any good?

Generally, no. The built-in speakers on budget monitors are usually very low power and produce thin, tinny sound. They are functional for system sounds or a quick video call in a pinch, but for music, movies, or gaming, you will get a much better experience from even a basic pair of external speakers or headphones.

Is it possible to find a budget monitor with good colour accuracy for casual photo editing?

Yes. Models like the ASUS ProArt series are specifically designed for this purpose. They come factory-calibrated with excellent sRGB color gamut coverage, making them fantastic choices for hobbyist photographers and graphic designers who need true-to-life color reproduction without investing in a professional-grade display.

What is the minimum acceptable resolution for a new monitor today?

For most users, Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) is the minimum acceptable resolution for a new monitor, especially for screen sizes up to 27 inches. It provides a sharp, clear image for everyday tasks. For larger screens (32 inches and up) or for more detailed work, QHD (2560 x 1440) is preferable if it fits your budget.

Which brands are known for making reliable, low-cost monitors?

Several established brands consistently produce reliable and well-regarded budget monitors. Look for models from HP, Dell, Asus, ViewSonic, Samsung, and Acer. These companies have a strong track record of balancing performance, build quality, and price in their entry-level offerings.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After thorough testing and comparison, we confidently stand by our top choice: the HP Series 5 24” FHD 100Hz IPS Monitor. It masterfully combines the features that matter most for a superior everyday experience. The vibrant, color-accurate IPS panel is perfect for everything from work to entertainment, while the 100Hz refresh rate elevates the entire user experience, making even simple web browsing feel smoother and more responsive. Packaged in a sleek, modern design that looks great on any desk, it delivers exceptional value. For Canadian shoppers seeking the best performance and features without stretching their budget, the HP Series 5 is the clear and definitive winner.

Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API