There’s a lot to love about having a second monitor. You can use one for work and one for pleasure, or you could just set them side by side with different programs open on each. Even though a dual setup might seem expensive, there are some great options if you don’t want to spend too much money on your second monitor.
In this guide, we’ll look at the ten best cheap second monitors on a budget that will help make your life easier at home and in the office!
10+ Best Cheap Second Monitors in 2022
- Dell UltraSharp U2422H — The best cheap second monitor in 2022 overall (Editor’s choice)
- HP 24mh — The best budget second monitor
- LG 27QN600-B — The best value second monitor
- Asus ProArt Display PA247CV — The best cheap second monitor for creatives
- Samsung UR59C— The best cheap 4K second monitor
- AOC C24G1A — The best cheap gaming second monitor
- ViewSonic VP2458 — The best cheap second monitor for color accuracy
- Samsung 34-Inch SJ55W — The best cheap ultrawide second monitor
- Samsung Business FT452 — The best cheap office second monitor
- Asus VP228QG — The best performing cheap second monitor
What is the Best Cheap Second Monitor in 2022?
When it comes to finding a second monitor that is not only cheap but good as well, it can be a struggle. Thankfully, we know all about the best monitors that fit both categories extremely well. With that in mind, to us, the Dell UltraSharp U2422H is the best cheap second monitor you can buy.
Check out our comparison table below if you’re interested in some of our other top choices.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Second Monitor
To have a better idea of what to look for in a monitor, let’s examine the most important factors when buying one.
Display Size
The screen size is one of the most important factors when choosing a second monitor. You want to ensure that both monitors are large enough to give you an accurate picture and work well together. You can find monitors as small as 15-inch and as large as 50-inch, it all comes down to personal preference. However, your second monitor should ideally be the same size as the first for a dual setup.
Resolution
A good resolution for both monitors should be at least Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels). This ensures that everything looks sharp and crisp on both screens—no pixelation or fuzziness here! Even better, you can opt for a 2K or 4K monitor for improved clarity, detail, and color accuracy.
Connectivity
The selection of ports is the most crucial aspect of a dual setup. While almost every monitor has various input ports such as HDMI and USB, DisplayPort is essential if you want to daisy chain two or more monitors together. You will also need high-quality DisplayPort cables to connect monitors.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of your display will determine how fast it can update its image. The higher this number is, the smoother and more fluid your experience will be when watching videos, playing games, or simply scrolling through web pages. Most monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate by default, but it can go as high as 144Hz or even 300Hz on high-end monitors.
Color Accuracy
The color accuracy of a monitor directly impacts how well-suited any given display is for your needs. If you want accurate colors to match those in real life, choose one with better color fidelity. Otherwise, use one that delivers less accurate results but still looks fine overall (and saves money).
You should look for a monitor with a wide color gamut and at least 16.7 million colors for vibrant visuals. If you are a creative professional, a display with at least 90% sRGB will help you work with a broad palette of colors.
10+ Best Cheap Second Monitors in 2022
1. Dell UltraSharp U2422H (Editor’s Choice)
The best cheap second monitor in 2022 overall
Screen size: 23.8-inch | Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Response time: 8ms | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Connectivity: USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, 3.5mm audio jack
The Dell UltraSharp U2422H is the best cheap second monitor suitable for most people. It has all the features you need in a high-quality second monitor. It includes great color reproduction and viewing angles, excellent contrast ratios (especially for an IPS panel), and an ergonomic sleek, elegant design that will look great in your home or office.
The 23.8-inch display has a 16:9 aspect ratio, easy to use in portrait and landscape modes. Furthermore, you get vibrant colors with the 100% sRGB color gamut, and the virtually borderless InfinityEdge design offers a seamless view across multiple monitors. ComfortView Plus is another useful feature. It is an always-on, built-in low blue light screen that reduces blue light emissions to protect your eyes.
When looking at images on this monitor, they will always look superb, thanks to its 178-degree viewing angle. No matter where you place yourself relative to it, everything else around remains blurry – even if someone walks past directly behind them! This feature makes watching videos feel like sitting next door instead of across town!
You can even tilt, swivel, pivot, and adjust the height of your monitor to a maximum of 150mm according to your wish. It includes ports like HDMI and DisplayPort that allow you to connect multiple devices at once without adapters or dongles—something we’ve seen on many cheaper models that don’t support those features out of the box.
In addition to its low price tag, you’ll have access to Dell’s excellent customer service if anything should go wrong with your new purchase. If you want to purchase a monitor that won’t disappoint, the Dell UltraSharp U2422H tops our list.
Pros | Cons |
➕Beautiful InfinityEdge design | ➖8ms response time |
➕16:8 aspect ratio and 1000:1 contrast ratio | ➖Refresh rate is limited to 60Hz |
➕Vibrant and color-accurate IPS panel | |
➕Plenty of connectivity ports | |
➕100% sRGB | |
➕Tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment options |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Optimize eye comfort with ComfortView Plus — an always on built-in low blue light screen that reduces harmful blue light emissions
- Vibrant color and get a wide color coverage including 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709 and 85% DCI-P3. In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology delivers consistent color and picture quality across a wide...
- Experience a seamless view across multiple monitors with virtually borderless InfinityEdge
- Tilt, swivel, pivot and adjust the height of your monitor to a maximum of 150mm for optimal viewing comfort.
- Connect to a variety of devices with extensive connectivity ports, including super speed USB 10Gbps
2. HP 24mh
The best budget second monitor
Screen size: 23.8-inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (FHD) | Response time: 5ms | Refresh rate: 75Hz | Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA
The HP 24mh is our top recommendation for a cheap second monitor, thanks to its balance of price and performance. With a Full HD display with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 75 Hz, you’ll experience detailed image quality and smoothness similar to high-end monitors.
It delivers crisp, clear images and rich detail in a slim chassis that provides easy access to all the ports and slots for work or play. With ultra-slim bezels on three sides and a 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angle, you’ll get crystal-clear visuals in multi-monitor setups without sacrificing comfort or productivity. On top of that, two built-in 2W speakers deliver enhanced sound quality for even greater immersion.
Pros | Cons |
➕Affordable | ➖No AMD FreeSync |
➕178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles | ➖Average brightness levels |
➕Integrated 2W speakers | |
➕Impressive sRGB color coverage | |
➕Smooth visuals with 75 Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- OUTSTANDING VISUALS – This FHD display with IPS technology gives you brilliant visuals and unforgettable quality; with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 75 Hz, you’ll experience the image...
- MORE SCREEN, LESS SPACE – Enjoy more desk space than you thought possible with an attractive and ultra-slim design
- PANORAMIC VIEWING – Vibrant detail from practically any position with consistent color and image clarity maintained across an ultra-wide 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles
- MICRO-EDGE DISPLAY – With virtually no bezel encircling the display on three sides, an ultra-wide viewing experience provides for seamless multi-monitor setups
- EASY CONNECTIVITY – Get the picture quality you’ve been looking for without the additional dongles; easily connect to your PC, gaming console, and peripherals for big-screen entertainment with a...
3. LG 27QN600-B
The best value second monitor
Screen size: 27-inch | Resolution: QHD (2560 x 1440) | Response time: 5ms | Refresh rate: 75Hz | Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, 3.5mm audio jack
The LG 27QN600-B is a big, clear, and bright monitor. It has an almost borderless display with great color accuracy. Factor in the fast refresh mode, and streaming or gaming is smooth and crisp. This monitor also has two HDMI ports for connecting to more than one device so that you can watch movies or play games on two screens at the same time.
In a class of its own, the 27-inch QHD IPS display showcases realistic, accurate color and enhanced contrast even at wider angles. Benefiting from 99% sRGB Color Gamut coverage, this impressive monitor delivers a superior visual experience, with a spectacular color range that gives you superior image quality. Furthermore, it features HDR10 to improve the depth of color even more.
It also comes with AMD FreeSync technology to reduce image choppiness between the screen and the GPU. The flicker-safe technology ensures you can work comfortably throughout the day. Worth mentioning that the LG 27QN600-B has a fast response time and is VESA compatible—a nice bonus if you’re planning on mounting your monitor on the wall or using it in an office space.
For its price range, the LG 27QN600-B has excellent display quality and comes with a modern design that looks great on your desk. It’s also very affordable and delivers great value for money.
Pros | Cons |
➕Stunning visuals with QHD resolution | ➖Tilt-only stand |
➕HDR 10 compatible | |
➕Flicker safe and anti-glare coating | |
➕AMD FreeSync and refresh rate up to 75Hz | |
➕Modern borderless design | |
➕Bang for the buck |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 27” QHD (2560 x 1440) IPS Display
- 3-Side Virtually Borderless Design
- SRGB 99% Color Gamut
- HDR 10 Compatible
- AMD FreeSync
4. Asus ProArt Display PA247CV
The best cheap second monitor for creatives
Screen size: 23.8-inch | Resolution: Full HD | Response time: 5ms | Refresh rate: 75Hz | Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB hub, 3.5mm audio jack
The Asus ProArt PA247CV is the perfect monitor for digital artists, designers, and users who need a wide range of color depth. Its specifications are more than enough to make it worth considering if you’re looking to get your work done efficiently without spending too much money.
This monitor features a stunning 23.8-inch Full HD LED-backlit display with IPS 178° wide viewing angle panel and 25% NTSC color support. It supports 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 wide color gamut. It is Calman certified factory calibrated for excellent Delta E < 2 color accuracy, providing more accurate and optimized graphic designing, video editing, and gaming workflow.
The Asus ProArt PA247CV also features a 75Hz refresh rate and Adaptive-Sync technology, eliminating screen tearing and delivering smooth motion during gaming or video editing.
You’ll also have access to all standard display settings like brightness control, color temperature adjustment, and VESA compatibility. This monitor will fit into just about any setup you want if you don’t already have one already installed in your setup! It also comes with three free months of Adobe Creative Cloud, which is essential for every creative.
You can use this monitor alone or connect up to four monitors using DisplayPort 1.4 cables if necessary—so just plug ‘n play!
Pros | Cons |
➕Excellent color gamut | ➖Sub-par contrast ratio |
➕Wide viewing angles | ➖No HDR support |
➕Can be daisy-chained with up to four monitors | |
➕Calman verified with factory calibrated for excellent Delta E<2 color accuracy | |
➕Ergonomic design | |
➕USB-C for 65W Power Delivery | |
➕Built-in ruler and screen overlay to help with measurement. |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 23.8-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) LED backlight display with IPS 178° wide viewing angle panel
- International color standard 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 wide color gamut
- Calman Verified with factory calibrated for excellent Delta E < 2 color accuracy
- Extensive connectivity including DisplayPort over USB-C with 65W Power Delivery, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.1 hub
- 75Hz refresh rate and Adaptive-Sync technology (48~75Hz) to animated content with fast action and eliminate screen tearing
5. Samsung UR59C
The best cheap 4K second monitor
Screen size: 32-inch | Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) | Response time: 4ms | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, 3.5mm audio jack
The Samsung UR59C is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable 4K monitor that can handle a wide range of uses. Its large 32-inch panel produces a spectacular one billion colors that provide lifelike detail that blows past any competition. With its curves, the monitor provides a 3D-like experience while eliminating noticeable edge distortion and providing better comfort for your eyes.
The 4k resolution means that you can use the monitor for text clarity and the pixel density is very high to see every tiny detail. You won’t have any issues finding a space to work or share the screen—it has a versatile stand and thin bezels.
It also has an elegant design with a curved panel that gives it an edge over other monitors. The screen has a very high contrast ratio (2500:1), making text look crisp and clean even when viewed from an angle or at night when there is low light. It comes with some extras like DisplayPort inputs, so if you want powerful 4K dual-monitors, this might be right up your alley!
The stand also comes with height adjustment, making it easier than some other options out there when it comes down to setting up your workspace. A built-in cable management system keeps everything tidy while working on this display. Simply pull out any excess cables so they don’t mess up things when trying to look good and function properly too!
Pros | Cons |
➕Incredible picture quality | ➖No USB port |
➕4K panel with a high pixel density | ➖No G-Sync or FreeSync |
➕Supports one billion colors | ➖60Hz refresh rate |
➕Robust build quality | |
➕ Award-winning design | |
➕Built-in cable management system |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 32 inch curved 4k monitor with an industry-leading 1500R curvature delivers an immersive and comfortable viewing experience.
- CES 2019 INNOVATION Award Winner
- Minimize eye strain during long working hours with Flicker free and eye saver mode reducing blue light emissions.
- Widescreen monitor provides the enhanced productivity thru split screen functions like Picture-by-Picture (PBP), letting you connect to two devices while maintaining their original quality. Stand...
- INCREDIBLY VIBRANT AND DARKER BLACKS with 1 billion colors, 2500:1 contrast ratio and multiple game mode support.
6. AOC C24G1A
The best cheap gaming second monitor
Screen size: 24-inch | Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Response time: 1ms | Refresh rate: 165Hz | Connectivity: VGA, DisplayPort, HDMI
The AOC C24G1A gaming monitor offers an image quality that feels like you could be playing on a 4K TV—albeit one of lower resolution at Full HD. If you have a 1080p or 1440p curved display, this is your best bet for getting the most out of games or work without breaking the bank.
With a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, the AOC C24G1A delivers super smoothness that is crucial for keeping you in the game. Equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium, it eliminates tearing, stuttering, and input lag to give you permanently smooth gameplay. All this is wrapped up in a frameless curved panel design to maximize the view area and keep your focus on the essential things.
This monitor comes with VESA mountable feet, so you can attach it directly to the wall for added stability when working at an ergonomic angle. Since this is an AOC product, you know there are no surprises: a 3-year warranty is included!
Pros | Cons |
➕144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium | ➖No speakers or USB port |
➕Curved panel for a more immersive experience | |
➕Best in class 1ms response time | |
➕119.76% sRGB and 88.29% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage for life-like visuals | |
➕Sturdy design | |
➕Good adjustment options | |
➕3-year warranty |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 24" class, 23.6" viewable AOC Gaming monitor with 1920 x 1080 Full HD Resolution
- 1500R curved monitor wrapping around your vision for an immersive gaming experience. Purchase multiple C24G1As for an even more immersive battle station.
- Rapid 1ms (MPRT) response and now with 165Hz (via DP 1.2 port) refresh rate with AMD FreeSync Premium for smoothest competitive gameplay (48-165Hz LFC supported via DP)
- 3-sided frameless design with ultra-narrow borders for the ultimate multi-monitor setup
- Height adjustable stand with swivel, tilt, and quick release for optimum ergonomics | VESA mounting compatible wall/desk mounting options
7. ViewSonic VP2458
The best cheap second monitor for color accuracy
Screen size: 24-inch | Resolution: Full HD | Response time: 5ms | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Connectivity: HDMI, USB, VGA, DisplayPort
Color accuracy makes all the difference when working on creative projects, and if it is a priority for you, the ViewSonic VP2458 is one of the best monitors on the cheap. With a 24-inch Full HD screen that has 100% sRGB color coverage and Delta E<2 color accuracy, it delivers bright and accurate colors that will look great in any design or productivity setting.
This professional-grade monitor has advanced ergonomic tilt, swivel, and height adjust features for a comfortable viewing experience. Its 4-sided frameless design offers a seamless multi-monitor viewing experience. The ViewSonic VP2458 also comes with VESA mount capabilities, so you can easily attach it to your wall or other surfaces without drilling any holes into your desk surface.
Pros | Cons |
➕Unmatched color accuracy with 100% sRGB color coverage | ➖Lacks speakers |
➕Flicker-free technology with blue light filter for all-day comfort | |
➕Great adjustment options | |
➕VESA mount compatible | |
➕Low input lag |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- PROFESSIONAL MONITOR: Full HD (1920x1080p) 60Hz IPS monitor with four sided framelss bezels for home and office settings
- ULTIMATE COLOR ACCURACY: Screen wide 100% sRGB color coverage and Delta E<2 color accuracy deliver precise, lifelike images
- PRODUCTIVITY & COMFORT: Advanced ergonomics, and flicker-free technology with blue light filter help boost productivity for all-day comfort
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: The VP2458 supports laptops, PCs, and Apple/Mac operating systems with HDMI 1.4, USB 3.1, DisplayPort and VGA inputs
- INCLUDED IN THE BOX: LCD Monitor, Power Cable, DP to DP Cable, USB 3.1 Upstream Cable, and Factory Color Calibration Report
8. Samsung SJ55W
The best cheap ultrawide second monitor
Screen size: 34-inch | Resolution: WQHD (3440 x 1440) | Response time: 4ms | Refresh rate: 75Hz | Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort, 3.5mm audio jack
The Samsung SJ55W series is one of the company’s most popular monitors. This ultrawide model gives you the best possible viewing experience in every aspect of your work. Whether you’re working on a dual monitor configuration or want to create a workspace, these monitors deliver excellent screen quality, ergonomic design, and effective multitasking capabilities.
With a screen resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels, the SJ55W delivers highly detailed images. The screen size of 34-inch provides all the workspace you need to comfortably multitask on a single screen, whether working, playing games, or watching movies. It supports DisplayPort to attach more monitors to build a massive setup.
It comes with a 75Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync that synchronizes the refresh rate of your graphics card and monitor to minimize display tearing, allowing you to play comfortably at higher frame rates. Low Input Lag Mode reduces the delay between mouse, keyboard, or joystick input into the onscreen response for seamless gaming and work experience.
While it is a powerful performer, the slim SJ55W also brings the elegance and quality you expect from Samsung to your workspace. The slim panel, elegant Y-stand, and metallic bezel provide a subtle design that looks good everywhere, all designed together to create an attractive workspace or centerpiece for your home.
Pros | Cons |
➕Ultrawide 34-inch screen | ➖Tilt-only design |
➕Crisp image quality | ➖Requires a large space |
➕3440 x 1440p resolution | |
➕AMD FreeSync with low input lag mode | |
➕Stylish design with the durable build quality |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 34-INCH ULTRAWIDE MONITOR with WQHD resolution (3440 x 1440p)
- Viewing Angle is 178° (H) / 178° (V); Aspect Ratio is 21:9
- PERFECT FOR DUAL MONITOR USAGE with powerful multitasking split screen features – PBP/PIP and easy to use embedded split screen software
- AMD FREESYNC synchronizes the refresh rate of your graphics card and widescreen monitor to reduce image tear and stutter
- CONNECT MULTIPLE INPUT SOURCES thru HDMI ports and display port. Power Supply Type - AC 100-240V. Power Consumption (Max)- 59 W. Power Consumption (Stand-by)- less then equal to 0.3 W. Max Stand By...
9. Samsung Business FT452
The best cheap office second monitor
Screen size: 22-inch | Resolution: Full HD | Response time: 5ms | Refresh rate: 75Hz | Connectivity: USB, HDMI, DisplayPort
The Samsung Business FT452 is ideal for your home office. Its 22-inch Full HD display with a 75Hz refresh rate delivers rich colors. It offers a wide viewing angle that eliminates color shifts and keeps content from being washed out. It features an IPS panel for premium picture quality, crystal-clear images, and wide viewing angles of 178 ̊, so collaboration with co-workers is quick and easy.
This monitor stands out with an ultra-thin bezel and front-panel design, making multi-monitor setups easy to arrange. The screen features flicker-free technology that adjusts its brightness while reducing eye strain and eye saver mode that lowers blue light levels so you can work easily for long hours.
The FT452 supports HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports for connecting other monitors and accessories. However, what we love most about this monitor is that it can save up to 10 percent on power consumption while maintaining picture quality. Eco Saving Plus technology adjusts the brightness of the screen’s black sections and RGB gain values, so it appears just as bright as before while saving energy.
Pros | Cons |
➕Clear image quality | ➖Slightly dim |
➕Adjustable stand | |
➕Power saving mode | |
➕Easy to setup |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- IMPRESSIVE PICTURE QUALITY: The FT45 Series features an IPS panel for premium picture quality, with vibrant color reproduction and crystal-clear images and text without color shift; IPS technology...
- ULTRA THIN BEZELS: Text and graphics are beautifully presented in a 3-sided bezel-less frame, so you see more picture and less plastic; With ultra-slim bezels, multiple monitor configurations are...
- FAST, EASY CONNECTIVITY: With 2 x HDMI, Display Port and a 2 x USB hub, you have the ability to plug multiple devices directly into the monitor
- ERGONOMIC, ADJUSTABLE STAND: The monitor swivels, tilts, pivots and is height-adjustable for comfort over a long workday; VESA compatibility makes installation on a wall or separate mounting arm easy
- EASY ON THE EYES: Eye Saver Mode lowers blue light levels, to help reduce eye strain during long work hours; Flicker Free technology adds further viewing comfort by eliminating flickering at all...
10. Asus VP228QG
The best performing cheap second monitor
Screen size: 21.5-inch | Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Response time: 1ms | Refresh rate: 75Hz | Connectivity: DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA
When it comes to quality, you get what you pay for. The VP228QG is a high-fidelity monitor that delivers smooth visuals and an accurate image. Featuring Full HD resolution, this display is perfect for everyday computing with an anti-glare coating to enjoy brighter whites and deeper blacks in every scene. Its 75Hz refresh rate takes performance to the next level without annoying lag or blur.
This monitor has a response time of 1ms and a refresh rate of 75Hz, which means it can display frames faster than 60fps (or more). This makes it suitable for gaming and takes performance to a high level. It also comes with Adaptive Sync technology to keep things smooth at all times.
Asus’ eye care technology lowers Blue light levels by up to 80% compared with traditional monitors. It eliminates flickering effects across multiple screens and displays images accurately without blur. Despite being the most affordable monitor with DisplayPort, the Asus VP228QG is backed by the brand’s 3-year replacement warranty, so you can buy it worry-free.
Pros | Cons |
➕Excellent value for money | ➖Large bezels |
➕1ms response time and 75Hz refresh rate on a budget | ➖Not the best build quality |
➕Built-in stereo speakers | |
➕Backed by a three-year warranty | |
➕GamePlus technology for improved performance |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 21.5 inch Full HD (1920x1080) with 1ms response time and 75Hz refresh rate for crisp visuals featuring DisplayPort, Dual HDMI and VGA connectivity with Adaptive Sync/free Sync technology
- Asus Eye Care technology lowers Blue light and eliminates flickering to reduce eyestrain and ailments
- Built in 1.5Watt stereo speakers allow for full sound without external speakers
- Exclusive game plus adds in game viewing for adding a crosshair, timer, FPS, counter and display alignment
- Asus Rapid replacement 3 Years warranty Service with free cross shipping
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10+ Best Cheap Second Monitors in 2022
It’s important to remember that many factors go into deciding on a monitor. Your budget, what you need it for, and how much space you have in your workspace will all play a role in making an informed decision about which one is best suited for your needs. Hopefully, this article has helped to give insight into what makes each monitor so special!
Let us know which type of monitor you prefer, standard or curved, in the comments section below!