The gamer in you must already know what it feels to game in a monitor with lower or standard refresh rates. While playing casual games can just be described as okayish, playing high-end games like Assassins Creed or Lara Croft begins to show the effects of the low refresh rates. The occasional ghosting and screen tears can totally ruin the whole gaming experience. Well, if you have a CPU with AMD graphics card, all you need is a compatible gaming monitor with AMD FreeSync to eliminate all the side effects.
What Is AMD FreeSync
Most of the computer monitors have a default refresh rate of 60Hz. However, if you have a computer with AMD graphics card, FreeSync-supporting monitors can leverage the card to deliver dynamic refresh rates that sync with the game graphics. The dynamic refresh rates mean you will see less ghosting, screen tears, and stutters. In short, you have the top gaming experience without any visual glitches.
The good thing is that FreeSync monitors also handle the backlight of the panel. Because AMD FreeSync doesn’t use any proprietary module and is an open standard, it’s available in quite a few affordable gaming monitors. That means you can game in all the glory even if you are in a tight budget.
In this post, we have done the legwork and have compiled a list of the best FreeSync gaming monitors available in less than $200.
Note: FreeSync monitors are compatible with AMD graphics cards and integrated APU Radeon cards.
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1. ViewSonic VX2457-MHD
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz over HDMI & DisplayPort
- Input Ports: 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
- Resolution: FHD (1080p)
If you have a tight budget and do not much care for the looks of your monitor, the ViewSonic VX2457-MHD is a good pick. This monitor has an FHD resolution and a TFT screen. One of the biggest advantages of the TFT screen is rapid response time, and in this one, ViewSonic claims a response time of 1ms, which is great for a monitor priced at around $140.
The 1ms response time means you will be able to breeze through fast-paced games with only a slight motion blur. However, TFT screens are also known to have poorer viewing angles and color reproduction. And the lack of proper height adjustment and tilt doesn’t help its cause.
While the VX2457-MHD is a good gaming monitor for beginners, it’s not a looker. The thick bezels on the edges end up giving it an old-world look and not to mention a cheap look.
A low price tag means there are a few tradeoffs. In this case, it’s the 2W speakers. They are not enough to plow through your game’s audio. However, if you play with gaming headphones or have computer speakers connected, it’s not much of a concern. On the upside, there’s a DisplayPort connector as well, and the AMD FreeSync support is over both DP and HDMI.
2. Acer Nitro VG240Y bmiix
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz over HDMI
- Input Ports: 2 x HDMI 1. 4 Ports and 1 x VGA
- Resolution: FHD (1080p)
Like its counterpart above, the Acer Nitro VG240Y bundles a 75Hz refresh rate with the FHD resolution panel. However, it isn’t a TN panel. Instead, it packs an IPS panel which is known for better viewing angles, and better contrast, and color reproduction. You get dual HDMI 1.4 connectors at the back to plug your console or a Fire TV Stick directly.
Though the makers claim a response time of 1ms, it’s not always the case. In a real-world scenario, you might see the response time lingering around 4-5 ms.
On the upside, the picture quality is good, and you will end up with a sharp and crisp picture. What’s more, it looks great, thanks to the borderless less look. Also, the stand also sports a sharp look.
Like its counterpart above, there are two 2W speakers on this monitor, but don’t expect too much from them. The best option would be to connect a pair of gaming headphones. When it comes to the FreeSync performance, this one can cycle between 48Hz and 75Hz depending on the game’s demands.
3. AOC C24G1 Curved Frameless Gaming Monitor
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Input Ports: 1 x VGA, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 2 x HDMI 1. 4
- Resolution: FHD (1080p)
Playing at 144Hz is delightful. If you want a smooth gaming experience, you can’t go wrong with the AOC C24G1. This curved monitor looks great, thanks to the dark red ring at the edge of the monitor, stand, and the rear. And needless to say, the whole setup looks chic. The matte screen further aids the red and black combo and reduces glare while gaming. However, it’s not just beauty. The AOC C24G1 has enough brawn to up your gaming experience.
For one, the picture quality is one of the best for its price. It delivers rich and vivid picture quality and is accompanied by a pleasing contrast ratio.
It provides a decent number of input ports, and the high refresh rate of 144Hz is supported over DisplayPort and HDMI.
When it comes to the AMD FreeSync performance, the refresh rate can be as low as 48Hz and as high as 144Hz and adjust accordingly to give you a smooth gaming performance.
Though the makers advertise a response time of 1ms, the folks at PC Monitors tested the response time and found it to be hovering around 3.97ms (144Hz).
The AOC C24G1 has collected a good amount of user reviews over the past few years. Users have praised its gaming prowess, screen quality, and picture quality. As per Fakespot’s estimates, over 60% of these reviews are reliable and can be trusted.
If you can extend your budget by a little, you can check out the AOC 24G2. This model offers better colors and viewing angles and has a refresh rate of 144Hz.
4. Samsung C27F398 27″ Curved Monitor
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Ports: 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
- Resolution: FHD (1080p)
Another elegant display that you can use for casual gaming (and a bit of competitive gaming) is the Samsung C27F398. Similar to the displays above, it bundles an FHD resolution and a VA panel. It delivers an immersive viewing experience for the price, and you can expect to see a high contrast ratio. The panel is bright and clear. However, the refresh rate is only 60Hz over the 75Hz and the 144Hz clocked by the monitors above.
The 60Hz refresh rate makes it ideal buy if you are just starting in the gaming world.
The good news is that it sports an elegant look. The bezel-less borders, slim base, and curved screen add to this display’s aesthetic quotient. And yeah, it also bundles DisplayPort connectors.
When it comes to the FreeSync performance, it can push the refresh rate to go as far as 72Hz and as low as 48Hz. According to the folks at Monitor Nerds, the C27F398 uses a three-stage Response Time setting, which can eliminate ghosting and smudging during gaming sessions.
Samsung advertises a rapid response time of 4ms for fast-paced gaming. However, in real-world scenarios, it can go up to 10ms.
5. Sceptre Curved C275B-144RN
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Input Ports: 2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort
- Resolution: FHD (1080p)
The Sceptre Curved C275B-144RN sports an ultra-slim design that is sure to enhance the look of your gaming desk by several folds. And the almost bezel-less display adds to the slim looks. It is a curved display with a screen curvature of 1800R and is one of the cheapest gaming monitors with a refresh rate of 144Hz and AMD FreeSync.
The picture quality is impressive with great color contrast. So yeah, if you play one of those games with great graphics, this display will do justice to it.
When it comes to FreeSync compatibility, the refresh rate on this one can vary between 48Hz-144Hz and well, it works over both the HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 connectors. The HDMI 1.4 port has a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz.
Last but not least, the response time amounts to 3ms in real-world scenarios. The Sceptre Curved C275B-144RN is quite popular on Amazon and users have appreciated it for its picture quality and value-for-money proposition.
6. HP 27F
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz
- Input Ports: 1 x VGA input, 2 x HDMI 2.0 Inputs
- Resolution: FHD (1080p)
If you are looking for a monitor just for casual gaming, the HP 27f makes for a good buy. It’s a basic entry-level gaming monitor that doesn’t have many features to boast of except for the 75Hz refresh rate and the AMD FreeSync support. However, it tries to make it up with great picture quality with accurate colors and wide viewing angles, thanks to the IPS screen.
Another plus is the low input lag, which results in fewer motion blurs and the likes.
The build quality is decent for the price. Sadly, the HP 27F comes with bad ergonomics. The stand is fixed, and you won’t be able to swivel the monitor, and the tilt angles are minimal.
Game All the Way
These were some of the affordable gaming monitors with FreeSybnc that you can get at less than $200. All you need to do is pair them with decent HDMI cables, and a good gaming mouse and you can zoom in your virtual races and strategy games.
So, which game will you play when you get yours?
Last updated on 02 February, 2022
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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