Best Monitors under $100 - Cheap Computer Monitors

Prices have dropped a lot in the past couple of years, and now if you are looking for a computer monitor that costs under $100, you will probably be pleasantly surprised with the choices.

Here are the best flat screen computer monitors for under $100. Whether you are upgrading your current model, replacing an old CRT monitor, or buying a extra monitor to connect to your computer or laptop, I'm sure you'll be happy with the choices.

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You may have only one of these choices, or all three. VGA is an older type of connection that is lower resolution. If you have DVI or HDMI on your computer, then you should buy a monitor with DVI or HDMI input ports. If you want to watch HD video but don't have a DVI or HDMI connection on your computer, you may be able to add these options by installing a video card in your computer, if you have the room to do so.

These are decent sized screens that have a VGA cable connection, and the picture quality will be a huge improvement over most old CRT monitors.

This will work for standard computer use (word processing, internet use, etc) but if you want to watch HD video or bluray or edit photos, I'd recommend you buy a monitor with HDMI or DVI.

Here are the best selling small monitors for under $100.

Unfortunately, most monitors with these options cost a little more than $100. Here are the cheapest ones I could find. Since prices change a lot, it's possible that one of these will go on sale, especially as the big Black Friday / Cyber Monday shopping days approach.

Maybe you'll find a really cheap 15", 17", or 19" monitor on Ebay. Always check out the seller's feedback and the shipping charge before purchasing. There ARE some amazing deals on Ebay, but you have to be careful.

Glossy or Matte (Non-Glare) Screens - There are two choices for LCD screens. Non-Glare screens, also called Matte, have a rough surface which lessons the amount of reflections. If you have windows or lights in your room, they may cause reflections that make looking at a glossy monitor difficult. However, glossy screens may have higher contrast and brightness. Glossy is usually preferred for watching movies. According to the Matte vs Glossy Screens Debate Page, 78% of poll responders prefer Matte.

Input Choices

VGA - This is the oldest kind of input. If you have an old computer, you probably have VGA on it. Some newer computers and laptops also have this. VGA is an analog signal and won't produce as sharp of a picture as a DVI or HDMI connection.

DVI - Most newer computers have a DVI port. DVI is for a digital signal and it produces a really clear picture. In many cases, using a DVI cable is the best way to connect your PC to your monitor, and if the monitor doesn't include a DVI cable, you can buy a cable for cheap. If your old computer doesn't have a DVI port, you may be able to add a video card with DVI.

HDMI - Like DVI, it is a digital signal and will produce a clear picture. This option is more common on a TV than a computer monitor.

Response Time - This is how fast a pixel can change color. Faster is better. A difference in response time is most noticeable when watching fast moving action scenes in sports and video games. On monitors with a slower response time, you may see a blur.

Viewing Angle - Can people from an angle see the screen? If you want to collaborate on projects, a wider viewing angle will make it easier for everyone to see the screen.

Speakers - Some monitors have built-in speakers. Don't worry, you can buy separate computer speakers for under $10!