1440p Is the New 1080p: Why Budget Gaming Monitors Are Better Than Ever
If you haven't been paying attention to the monitor market lately, you might not have realized that in the last year or so, good quality 1440p gaming monitors have become exceptionally cheap. So cheap that they are effectively starting to replace 1080p monitors as the go-to entry-level choice for PC gamers. As we approach 2025, we think 1440p is the new 1080p.
1440p Monitors Have Gotten Way Cheaper
Until just recently, if you had less than $200 to spend, you were pretty much consigned to a mid-refresh-rate 1080p gaming monitor. Over the years, there have been plenty of these, such as the AOC 24G4, Gigabyte G24F, Pixio PX248, MSI G274F, and many others, stretching all the way back to products like the AOC 24G2. In fact, back when we first reviewed the 24G2 in early 2020, it was one of the best and most affordable 1080p 144Hz IPS gaming monitors at $180.
But back in 2020, if you wanted a 1440p gaming monitor, you were generally looking at paying at least $300 for one of the better budget-class monitors. At the time, we were recommending the ViewSonic VX2758-2KP-MHD for $320 as a 1440p 144Hz IPS. High-end 1440p options included models like the LG 27GL850 at $500.
Fast forward to today, and despite inflation, these monitor categories have shifted down a tier in pricing. Premium 1440p LCD monitors that used to occupy the $500 price range are now better and closer to the $300 mark. Budget 1440p monitors that used to set you back $300 are now below $200. And 1080p 144Hz monitors that used to cost below $200 are now dirt cheap, filling out price points previously occupied by basic 1080p 60Hz panels. This means that at price points we generally consider to be entry-level, gamers can now purchase a 1440p monitor straight off the bat and not have to touch 1080p at all.
read more: 1440p Is the New 1080p: Why Budget Gaming Monitors Are Better Than Ever | TechSpot
