When it comes to presenting your photos to an audience, you want to make sure they see the image exactly how you envisioned it. Finding the best monitors for photo editing under $300 can help with that endeavor.

If you’re serious about taking the best photos, then you’ve more than likely invested a lot of money in your camera and lenses, but maybe haven’t really thought about a computer monitor. That’s more than likely because you think all of them are exactly the same.

Unfortunately, this isn’t true.

Monitors come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and abilities. Your needs may not be the same as other photographers, which means you have to take the time to find the monitor that will work best for you.

Since you probably don’t have a lot of time or know exactly what to look for, we’re here to help. Our list of the best monitors for photo editing under $300 contains many different options, so we’re sure you’ll find the one that will work for you.

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The Buying Guide for the Best Monitors for Photo Editing Under $300

If you are asking, “what type of monitor is best for photo editing,” one of the most important factors you need to consider is color accuracy and ensuring that you are able to view a broad color range on your monitor, in addition to other factors.

When looking for the best monitors for photo editing under $300, here are the things you’ll need to consider:

Color Space

As mentioned, being able to see your photos with accurate color is the most important thing you need to consider when it comes to your monitor. The industry-standard color spectrum for sharing your work online is the sRGB.

The best monitors for photo editing under $300 will cover at least 90% of the sRGB, but higher is always better.

Resolution

The better you can see your picture, the better you can edit it. The first thing you’ll need to look for when it comes to the best monitors for photo editing under $300 is the resolution. This refers to how much content can fit onto a screen.

When working on your photos, you want to be able to see as many details as possible. In general, you want to look for a monitor that is full HD, with at least 1920 x 1080 resolution. You can go higher, depending on your needs, and might even consider getting a 4K monitor to help you with your photo editing needs.

Size

Bigger monitors are better all the way around. Not only do they allow you to see the beauty of your photographs, but a larger monitor also puts less strain on your eyes. If possible, you want to look for an HDR monitor for photo editing that is at least 23 inches.

However, you also have to take your workspace into consideration. If your desk or work area won’t support a monitor that is 23 inches, then you need to find the largest option that will fit into your space. Taking measurements is in your best interest to determine what size monitor will fit your needs and your workspace.

Brightness

A bright display will ensure that your photos look good in any light source. Since you more than likely aren’t editing your work in a room that is completely dark, having a monitor that can adjust to the light levels around you is beneficial.

In addition to the brightness, you also need to consider the surface of your screen. Typically, monitors come with the option of having a matte or glossy finish. A glossy finish is ideal when it comes to gaming or watching videos because it delivers pristine, vibrant images. However, they can also be reflective, which doesn’t make them the best for photo editing.

You’ll want to look for a monitor that has a matte surface because it can reduce glare and give you a more realistic, accurate view of what your final picture will look like.

Viewing Angle

Being able to see your work from various angles will ensure it looks good no matter how it’s being viewed. The best monitors for photo editing under $300 should allow you to look at your work in 160 degrees from any direction, but — again — a larger viewing angle is always better.

Color Calibration Settings

Over time, even the best monitors for photo editing will lose their color accuracy. Finding an option that has color calibration settings that can be tweaked works to your advantage and ensures your photos look fantastic from day one of owning your monitor to day 1,000.

Budget

How much you have to spend on an HDR monitor for photo editing will vary from person to person. To ensure you’re able to find exactly what you need, we’ve included a variety of options on our list that will fit into your photo editing wants and needs, without draining your wallet.

Other Factors to Consider

The refresh rate is something you will see in monitor descriptions when you start shopping for them, and it refers to the number of times in a second your screen refreshes the image on it. Typically, this becomes incredibly important when you are playing video games or watching a movie, but it can also impact your photo editing and how quickly you see the changes to your work.

In general, the refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz). The higher the hertz number, the more often the screen refreshes. Some monitors come with the ability to change the refresh rate, but some have the rate already set.

Another factor you’ll want to consider is to make sure you get a high-quality monitor. You take pride in being able to create amazing photos to share with the world, and your equipment should be a reflection of that.

You don’t want to buy the cheapest option you can find, but you also don’t want the most expensive. Finding a monitor that gives you the best value for your budget makes the most sense and ensures you get a good piece of equipment to help you edit your photos.

Product Review for the Best Monitors for Photo Editing Under $300

When it comes to finding the best monitors, the first thing you need to be aware of is what options are out there. Since there are so many different monitors to choose from, we’ve narrowed down your choices to those that we think are the best.

You’ve been asking, “what type of monitor is best for photo editing,” and we’ve found the answer! All you have to do is review our findings and find the monitor that will work best for you. Happy shopping!

AOC U2790VQ 27" 4K 3840x2160 UHD Frameless IPS Monitor

When it comes to the best monitors for photo editing under $300, remember that they have to offer a certain percentage of industry-standard colors. This one delivers by giving you 99% sRGB and 90% NTSC coverage of the color gamut. It also comes with a 20,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio to ensure you see every little detail of your work.

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Display Size: 27 inches | Refresh Rate:  60 Hertz | Resolution: 4K UHD 3840×2160 UHD | Response Time (GTG): 5 ms | Panel Type: IPS

What Stands Out For Us

This monitor is also a 4K ultra HD resolution monitor, so images are taken to a whole new level of clarity when projected onto this screen.

There are no frames on three sides of this monitor, again ensuring that you see every bit of your work to make it look as brilliant as possible. It also has a low blue light mode and FlickerFree technology to protect your eyes when working for long hours on your projects.

The monitor is equipped with a DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.4. It also has a refresh rate of 5 ms, as well as a brightness level of 350 cd/m2.

You can either mount it to a wall or place it on a quick-remove stand — whichever option works best for you!

Cooler Master 27 Inch 16:9 Curved PC Gaming Monitor

The curve of this monitor makes it one of the best monitors for photo editing because it reduces distortion, while also giving you a larger field of view. It also has a 3,000:1 static contrast ratio, which means your whites will be bright and your blacks will be deep. The low blue light mode also ensures you can work on this monitor for hours and experience little discomfort.

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Display Size: 27 inches | Refresh Rate:  165 Hertz | Resolution: FHD 1920×1080 | Response Time (GTG): 3 ms | Panel Type: LED

What Stands Out For Us

With a 165 Hz refresh rate and a response time of 3 ms, the image on this screen refreshes in lightning-fast fashion. It is also equipped with built-in speakers. If you enjoy listening to music while you work, you can play your favorite songs on your computer while your work. It might be a good way to keep you inspired while you edit your photos for the world.

The monitor comes with a stand that has a 30-degree swivel range, a 15-degree tilt range and an adjustable height range up to 110 mm. You’ll be able to adjust the screen to the most comfortable working position and create art that will awe and inspire others.

Pixio PX279 Prime 27 inch 240Hz Fast IPS 1ms GTG HDR FHD

This monitor is one of the best monitors for photo editing under $300 because it comes equipped with HDR support to ensure colors are bright and dark areas are detailed. You’ll know exactly what’s going on with your photos due to the richness of color that’s available with this monitor.

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Display Size: 27 inches | Refresh Rate:  240 Hertz | Resolution: FHD 1920x1080p | Response Time (GTG): 1 ms | Panel Type: IPS

What Stands Out For Us

Since it comes with technology that reduces flicker and blue light, you can work comfortably editing your photos for hours on end. The stand can also be tilted to further increase your comfort level.

The refresh rate is 240 Hz, with a response time of 1 ms. It is compatible with PC platforms and a variety of game consoles, giving you the ability to work on pictures from a variety of different places that can be edited and shared with the world.

ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD (2560 x 1440) Monitor

To meet industry standards, this monitor is equipped with 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 color gamut. All of your photos will look vivid, pristine, and life-like when displayed on this screen. The color has been calibrated in the factory and Calman Verified, so from the moment you take it out of the box, you can be sure that you’re getting one of the best monitors for photo editing under $300 with color accuracy.

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Display Size: 27 inches | Refresh Rate:  75 Hertz | Resolution: WQHD 2560×1440 | Response Time (GTG): 5 ms | Panel Type: IPS

What Stands Out For Us

Another feature you’ll find with this monitor is that it has a QuickFit Virtual Scale. A grid on the screen gives you the ability to align and preview your art at actual size before printing.

With various ports, you can connect a variety of different devices to download and store your work. The connections include a Mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort, audio in to connect a music player, a jack for headphones, dual-link DVI-D, HDMI and four USB 3.0 ports.

To ensure your comfort while working on this monitor, it comes with an anti-glare screen and the ability to tilt, pivot, swivel and adjust the height of the stand that it’s placed on.

BenQ BL2420PT 24 inch QHD 1440p IPS Monitor

If you are asking, “what type of monitor is best for photo editing,” you need to check out what this one has to offer. With this monitor, you’ll get 100% sRGB and Rec. 709 color space to ensure that editing your photos is done accurately and with the right color schemes. With more than 1 billion colors that can be reproduced on the screen, your photos will have life-like qualities that will make editing easier and more enjoyable.

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Display Size: 24 inches | Refresh Rate:  60 Hertz | Resolution: 2560×1440 2K/QHD resolution | Response Time (GTG): 5 ms | Panel Type: IPS

What Stands Out For Us

The 2K/QHD resolution gives you 75% more work space when compared to other 1920 x 1080 full HD monitors. The details in your photos will be clear and easy to see.

Not only that, but this monitor also has a CAD/CAM and Animation Mode, which is fantastic for working with animation, 3D drawings, graphic art design and industrial design. This mode may also be beneficial when it comes to your photo editing as well.

It’s not the largest monitor on the list, but it’s one of the best monitors for photo editing under $300 because you’ll be shocked and amazed at the photo quality when using this monitor for all of your editing needs.

It also comes with a height adjustable stand, ensuring that your screen is always at the right level while you work.

Q&A Part 1

The Best monitors for photo editing under $300

Which monitor is best for color correction?

When it comes to correcting the color in your photos to be published online, you need to make sure your monitor has the industry-standard color schemes that are found in the sRGB. As long as your monitor has 90% of these colors, then it will be a good monitor for color correction.

Of course, when it comes to the best monitors for photo editing under $300, the higher the percentage, the better option they will be, but you’ll need to find what works best for you.

Curved or flat monitor for photo editing?

One of the benefits of a curved monitor is that it creates immersive viewing, which might be what you’re looking for in an HDR monitor for photo editing.

When it comes to photo editing, a curved monitor will make you feel like you are part of the scene and ensure you are viewing the image the way you would view it in real life, so they are one of the best monitors for photo editing under $300.

What’s the difference between an FHD and a QHD monitor?

A QHD monitor offers four times the definition of a standard high-definition monitor, which means the image will be clearer and more pristine than what you would see on a full HD monitor. However, QHD monitors can be more expensive than FHD, so they may or may not be one of the best monitors for photo editing under $300, depending on your budget.

Acer SB270 Bbix 27" Full HD IPS Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Monitor with AMD Radeon

This monitor offers full HD resolution so that you can see your projects in all of their colorful glory. The widescreen ensures that no details are missed during the editing process. With added technology, you can also ensure that when working on this monitor, it will be comfortable for your eyes.

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Display Size: 27 inches | Refresh Rate:  75 Hertz | Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) | Response Time (GTG): 1 ms | Panel Type: IPS

What Stands Out For Us

Since this IPS monitor is ultrathin, you may find that it fits well in smaller work areas. Without a frame around the monitor, you’ll be able to have maximum visibility while preparing your photos to be viewed by a wider audience.

When it comes to the frame rate of this monitor, it’s a bit different than other options you’ll find on the market. It’s equipped with AMD Radeon FreeSync technology, so the graphics card determines the rate of refresh, which can give you an edge when it comes to online gaming.

Even with the added technology, the monitor still has a refresh rate of 75 Hz. It also has a response time of 1 ms, so the transitions between images are smooth and you won’t experience any ghosting or smearing.

Acer R240HY bidx 23.8-Inch IPS HDMI DVI VGA, Widescreen Monitor

This monitor is on the smaller side, but it’s still one of the best monitors for photo editing under $300 that you should consider if you have a small desk or work area. You can adjust the brightness and contrast to ensure you are viewing your work as close to natural as possible.

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Display Size: 23.8 inches | Refresh Rate:  60 Hertz | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Response Time (GTG): 4 ms | Panel Type: IPS

What Stands Out For Us

With more than 16.7 million display colors and a pixel pitch of 0.2745 mm, the image you see on the screen will be true to what you see with your naked eye. It is equipped with HDMI, DVI (with HDCP 1.4) and VGA inputs, and it has a refresh rate of 60 Hz and a response time of 4 ms.

When it comes to power consumption, this monitor runs at 25 watts, making this a great option if you work long hours and are worried about how much energy you are using.

It comes with a stand that can be adjusted from 5 to 15 degrees, ensuring your comfort as you work on your art. With Flicker-less technology and a blue light filter, you’re able to further increase your comfort and reduce eye strain and fatigue when using this monitor.

ASUS VP279HE 27” Monitor, 1080P Full HD, 75Hz, IPS, Adaptive-Sync/FreeSync

No matter what type of device you use to take photos, you’ll be able to connect it to this monitor, making it one of the best monitors for photo editing. It also comes with technologies that reduce flicker and blue light exposure that have been certified by the TUV Rheinland.

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Display Size: 27 inches | Refresh Rate:  75 Hertz | Resolution: HD (1920×1080) | Response Time (GTG): 1 ms | Panel Type: IPS

What Stands Out For Us

The frameless design also ensures that you see more of your work so that it can be edited to perfection. It also comes with a LED backlight display.

The QuickFit feature of this monitor allows you to preview your photos in actual size, ensuring that everything you want to include in the picture is there and looks fantastic before you send it to the printer. It comes with an optional grid function to help you line up the photo to further ensure it looks perfect before you finalize your work.

The refresh rate is 75 Hz, and the monitor includes Adaptive-Sync/FreeSync technology, which has the ability to eliminate tracing to give you clear, crisp video playback. This can also ensure that your photos are as bright and pristine as possible while doing edits.

If you are planning on using this monitor for gaming in addition to editing your photos, it includes GamePlus technology, which was developed working with pro gamers, that offers in-game enhancements to help you get the most out of your playing experience.

GAOMON PD1161 11.6 Inches HD IPS Tilt Support Graphics Drawing Pen Display

What makes this option unique and one of the best monitors for photo editing under $300 is the fact that it was designed specifically with photo editing in mind. The stylus allows you to quickly and easily make changes to any photos you’re working on, and it can also be used on documents or to create graphic art.

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Display Size: 11.6 inches | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Panel Type: IPS

What Stands Out For Us

While the monitor is incredibly cool and can be transported practically anywhere, it does need to be connected to a computer to function. When you’re on the go, you can use your laptop to make this monitor work, but if you’re at home, you can connect it to your desktop computer.

The pen comes with 8,192 levels of pressure to ensure you can create accurate, smooth, neat lines during editing or digital creation. The pen doesn’t need to be charged or have batteries replaced, making it even easier and more convenient to use!

It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a professional, if you need to edit photos while on the go, this is the monitor for photo editing you need!

Philips 288E2E 28" Frameless Monitor, 4K UHD 3840x2160 IPS

Since color is the most important aspect of a monitor that needs to be considered, for us this is one of the best monitors for photo editing under $300 because it comes with 120% sRGB and 107% NTSC color gamut coverage that can be found in the Ultra Wide-Color Technology included with this monitor. It is also equipped with SmartContrast, which ensures your whites are as bright as possible and your blacks are rich and detailed.

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Display Size: 28 inches | Refresh Rate:  60 Hertz | Resolution: 4K UHD 3840×2160 | Response Time (GTG): 4 ms | Panel Type: IPS

What Stands Out For Us

The monitor was also designed with your health and wellbeing in mind, and the LowBlue and EasyRead modes can reduce eye fatigue and keep you productive for longer.

It also comes with a height-adjustable stand with tilt motion so that the screen can be positioned in a way that’s most comfortable for you.

Even though you are considering this monitor for its ability to help you edit photos, it does have a refresh rate of 60 Hz with a 4 ms response time. It is also equipped with AMD FreeSync technology that ensures the monitor is artifact-free and fluid when you play games or watch videos.

Q&A Part 2

The Best monitors for photo editing under $300

Which monitor setting is best for eyes?

There are many different factors that you’ll need to consider when it comes to the monitor setting that’s best for your eyes because everyone is different.

However, doing something about blue light emissions and monitor flicker can benefit everyone and reduce eye strain and fatigue.

Is IPS good for photo editing?

Yes, IPS, which stands for In Plane Switching, is good for photo editing because IPS panels create incredibly rich colors and the ability to view images on the screen clearly from a variety of different angles.

Since the viewing angle was one of the main factors you need to consider when it comes to finding the best monitors for photo editing under $300, all of the monitors we included on our list are IPS, so you don’t have to worry about looking for that specific feature when shopping for this item.

Are ultrawide monitors good for photo editing?

They could be; it depends on the type of photos you are working on.

It’s important to note that if you currently work on dual monitors, this could create inconsistencies when you move the photo from one monitor to another, so having an ultrawide HDR monitor for photo editing might be in your best interest.

Philips Computer Monitors 322E1C 32" Super-Curved Frameless Monitor

This is another one of the best monitors for photo editing that has a curve to make your editing experience more immersive. The accurate color reproduction capabilities ensure you get 102% sRGB on a Full HD monitor.

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Display Size: 32 inches | Refresh Rate:  75 Hertz | Resolution: Full HD 1920×1080 | Response Time (GTG): 4 ms | Panel Type: VA

What Stands Out For Us

It also comes equipped with SmartContrast to ensure that you get rich details in the darkest parts of your work. The LED display also incorporates multi-domain vertical alignment technology that is incredibly advanced and provides super-high static contrast ratios. This means that your images are incredibly vivid and bright.

The connectors on this monitor include HDMI, VGA and DisplayPort, as well as audio out options. The refresh rate is 75 Hz, and it can be mounted to the wall if that’s what you desire.

Sceptre 30-inch Curved Gaming Monitor 21:9 2560x1080 Ultra Wide Ultra Slim

What makes this one of the best monitors for photo editing under $300 is the fact that it has an edgeless design so that you can see every aspect of your photos. The screen is also curved, which was done on purpose to resemble the contours of the human eye so that you can see more.

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Display Size: 30 inches | Refresh Rate:  200 Hz | Resolution: LED Monitor 2560x1080p | Response Time (GTG): 5 ms | Panel Type: LED

What Stands Out For Us

The refresh rate for this monitor is 200 Hz, with a response time of 5 ms. When it comes to moving elements on your screen, you won’t have to worry about the image blurring or any ghosting occurring. This can be incredibly beneficial when editing your photos because you’ll be able to see changes quickly and easily.

The monitor can be tilted 10 degrees backward and 3 degrees forward, ensuring you are able to see your work from every angle, as well as work comfortably without straining your eyes or your body.

As an added bonus, this monitor also comes with a blue light shift so that you can reduce eye irritation, strain and fatigue. This will allow you to work on your photos for extended periods of time without discomfort.

Dell 27 LED Backlit LCD Monitor SE2719H IPS Full HD

When it comes to your eye comfort, this is one of the best monitors for photo editing under $300 you can consider. Not only does it come with a way to minimize blue light, but the screen is also anti-glare and flicker-free. The monitor can also be tilted in a variety of different ways to ensure you get the right viewing angle while working.

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Display Size: 27 inches | Refresh Rate:  60 Hertz | Resolution: Full HD 1920×1080 | Response Time (GTG): 8 ms | Panel Type: IPS

What Stands Out For Us

The screen is covered with a 3H hard coating, and it has an aspect ratio of 16:9, with a contrast ratio of 1,000:1. It also has a 60 Hz response rate. The input connectors include HDMI and VGA.

One of the other appealing things about this monitor is the fact that it’s so compact. It still offers enough space to see your work clearly, but it’s also small enough to fit in tiny workspaces. Even though it’s small, it’s still sturdy, and you won’t have to worry about this monitor falling apart.

LG 34UM69G-B 34-Inch 21:9 UltraWide IPS Monitor

The adjustable height stand makes this one of the best monitors for photo editing under $300 because it allows you to position it in a way that’s comfortable for you. The large size and aspect ratio also ensure that you can see your photos clearly.

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Display Size: 34 inches | Refresh Rate:  75 Hertz | Resolution: Full HD IPS 2560×1080 | Response Time (GTG): 1 ms | Panel Type: LED

What Stands Out For Us

In addition, the refresh rate ensures that your pictures are clear and pristine as well, and the image is refreshed every 1 ms. The monitor also comes with Motion Blur Reduction, which will impact videos more than your still photos, but this can still impact the clarity of your images on the screen.

The monitor also comes with a Black Stabilizer that senses dark aspects of your work and makes them brighter so that you can see every detail.

BenQ 24 Inch 1080P Monitor | 75 Hz for Gaming

The monitor may not come with a ton of bells and whistles, but it still might be one of the best monitors for photo editing under $300 that will fit into your budget. With the ability to reduce the blue light and technology that pretty much eliminates flicker, your eyes won’t feel strained or fatigued when you use this monitor to edit photos for extended periods of time.

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Display Size: 24 inches | Refresh Rate:  60 Hertz | Resolution: Full HD 1080p | Response Time (GTG): 1 ms | Panel Type: LED

What Stands Out For Us

It also has adaptive brightness, as well as a Color Weakness Mode, which helps individuals distinguish between red and green colors more easily.

The refresh rate of this monitor is 75 Hz, with a response time of 1 ms. This ensures that your gaming or video-watching experience is fluid and smooth, but it also makes your photos clearer and the edits more apparent.

There is also an optional Power Consumption mode on this monitor, which can help you reduce how much energy you are consuming if you use this monitor for long hours during the day. The bezel display is also incredibly thin at 16 mm, and it has a carbon fiber back that is patterned, making this an incredibly modern monitor for photo editing that will look fantastic in your home office.

Q&A Part 3

The Best monitors for photo editing under $300

Is LCD or LED better for photo editing?

Typically, LED monitors will offer brighter colors and sharper blacks, giving you the opportunity to see your work in better detail. Therefore, LED monitors are the best choice when it comes to digital photo editing.

Is IPS good for photography?

IPS is good for photography because it gives you the best viewing angles and the most precise colors. Even if you aren’t doing any editing, looking at your work on an IPS monitor will make the colors pop.

All of the best monitors for photo editing under $300 on our list are IPS monitors.

Which is better sRGB or ProPhoto RGB for photo editing?

The answer to this isn’t clear-cut. If you are editing photos to be posted on the web, then the sRBG is your best option.

If you are sending your work to others or you plan on printing them, then working with ProPhoto might be in your best interest.

Do curved monitors reduce eye strain?

A curved monitor offers less distortion, gives you a wider field of view and a variety of viewing angles, so they could reduce eye strain while you spend hours editing photos on your computer.

Conclusion

After checking out our list of the best monitors for photo editing under $300, you no longer have to ask, “what type of monitor is best for photo editing,” because you now have the answer.

Finding the best monitors for photo editing under $300 will depend on your wants and needs, workspace and budget, but with the variety of options we have on our list, you’re sure to find the exact monitor you’re looking for.

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