Buzz
Regardless of whether you’re an Apple enthusiast or not, it’s hard to deny that their monitors are among the most aesthetically pleasing on the market—so much so that they even earned a spot in our top five picks for the best computer monitors. However, their premium price tag isn’t for everyone. Fortunately, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy high-quality displays. We’ve tested several alternatives that deliver excellent features without draining your finances.
Do large panels always come with a hefty price? Not always. If you’re okay with sacrificing some aesthetic frills but not image quality, Monoprice offers impressive 27" panels for around $400 (or even less during sales), and their 30" IPS panel is a bargain at $650. Additionally, there are affordable 27" displays from Korea, such as the Yamakasi Catleap, Achieva Shimian, and Auria EQ276W, all of which we’ve previously highlighted. These models typically retail between $350 and $450 and have received glowing reviews. However, selecting the ideal monitor involves more than just considering size and cost—let’s dive deeper.
What You Gain and Sacrifice with Budget-Friendly Monitors
Before you rush to purchase a 27"+ display at a bargain price, it’s crucial to understand what you’re getting—and what you might be missing. Knowing the trade-offs will help you set realistic expectations when unboxing and setting up your new monitor.
Why Are These Displays So Affordable?
When news spread about the availability of 27" displays imported from Korea, many wondered how these screens could be priced as low as $350-$400 (excluding shipping). One key reason is that these manufacturers utilize the same glass used by Apple, Samsung, and other premium display brands. The catch is that while high-end companies use top-grade glass (let’s call it A+), lower-grade glass (say, A) is sold to budget display manufacturers. These companies then produce monitors like the Yamakasi Catleap or Achieva Shimian, offering them at a fraction of the cost. Essentially, you’re getting nearly the same panel (with negligible differences most users won’t notice) in a more affordable package.
The Trade-Offs for Cost Savings
Beyond using lower-cost glass, budget displays often omit features that would increase their price. Here are some common features found in standard Dell or Acer monitors that you’ll likely miss in discount models:
Limited Input Options: While not always the case, many budget displays offer only a single DVI-D port (essential for high resolutions) and possibly a VGA port you’ll rarely use. Features like multiple DVI ports, DisplayPort, HDMI, or other connectivity options are usually absent. Most imported monitors come with just one input.
Basic Stands: Adjustable stands are rare in low-cost displays. You might get minimal vertical tilt, but features like height adjustment, swivel, or portrait mode rotation are typically unavailable without disassembling the monitor.
Manual Assembly: Unlike premium monitors with snap-together stands, budget displays often require tools like screwdrivers for assembly. The convenience of slide-and-click functionality is usually missing.
Lack of Extra Ports: USB ports, audio jacks, Thunderbolt, or other data connectors are uncommon in discount displays. If you rely on these features, you’ll need to find alternatives.
No SD Card Readers: High-end features like built-in SD card readers, common in Dell Ultrasharp models, are almost never found in budget displays.
Minimal Cable Management: Affordable stands rarely include cable management features like pass-throughs or brackets, so you’ll need your own solution for organizing cables.
A Few Budget-Friendly 27"+ Displays Worth Considering
While Monoprice provided us with several of their displays for testing, they aren’t the only option available. As previously mentioned, affordable 27" and larger screens can be easily imported from overseas via eBay. Having tested some Korean models in the past, along with three Monoprice displays over the past month, here’s our take and why these might be worth your attention:
Monoprice’s 27" IPS LCD Monitors
In the 27" category, I spent several weeks testing the 27" IPS-ZERO-G Slim Monitor #10509 ($390) and the 27" IPS-Glass Panel Pro LED Monitor #10489 ($460). Both are 16:9 LED-backlit IPS panels with 6ms response times and a native resolution of 2560x1440 (WQHD) at 60Hz. The #10509 includes a DVI-D and VGA input, while the #10489 offers Dual Link DVI-D, VGA, DisplayPort, and HDMI—an exceptional feature at this price point. Each has its quirks, such as the #10489’s rear-mounted controls or the #10509’s lack of an input selector button. Despite these minor issues, both deliver outstanding image quality at remarkably low prices. I used them extensively across OS X and Windows for gaming, work, web browsing, video streaming, and more, and found both to be highly satisfactory.
Monoprice’s Top-Tier 30" IPS LCD Display
Monoprice also provided their 30" IPS LCD Backlit LCD Panel #10734 ($654) for testing. This 16:10 display features an IPS panel with a 6ms response time and a native resolution of 2560x1600 (WQXGA) at 60Hz. It includes multiple inputs—Dual Link DVI-D, VGA, DisplayPort, and HDMI—and supports audio passthrough, with volume controls on the display. The screen has a matte, anti-glare coating, and while it lacks edge-to-edge glass, the bezel is slim. The Shimian-branded stand is height-adjustable, offers horizontal tilt, and supports portrait mode. Despite rear-mounted controls, this monitor is an excellent choice for those with the desk space and budget for a large, high-quality display.
Yamakasi, Achieva, Auria, and Other Imported Korean Models
Korean import models like the Yamakasi Catleap are often competitively priced on eBay. With some research, you can find a 27" panel with similar features to the Monoprice displays for around $350-450. However, these models typically come with limitations, such as a single DVI input and no adjustable stands or audio passthrough. While many eBay sellers offer free shipping, you’ll still need to account for international delivery times and potential challenges with overseas customer service or warranty claims.
During my previous experience with a Catleap, I was impressed by its ultra-thin 16:9 design, 2560x1440 resolution, and edge-to-edge glass. The stand’s 360-degree rotation added to its appeal. Similarly, the Auria model I tested delivered excellent gaming performance with no ghosting. However, importing these monitors carries risks, such as dealing with overseas companies, language barriers, and potential shipping hassles for returns. If budget is your priority and you’re willing to navigate these challenges, importing can be a cost-effective option.
All the panels we tested performed well at their regular prices, but discounts and sales can make them even more appealing. Monoprice displays often go in and out of stock, so keep an eye out for deals when they’re available. Additionally, Monoprice frequently updates their models, so newer versions may address some of the quirks we noted. The same applies to Korean imports—research the company websites and reviews to find models with the features you need, often available at discounted prices.
No matter which model you choose, if you’re willing to forgo some of the premium features found in Dell, Samsung, Acer, or other major brands, you can significantly expand your screen space without breaking the bank. While there are a few considerations to keep in mind before purchasing, overall, you’ll enjoy a substantial upgrade with essential features at a fraction of the cost.
Photos by sofi photo (Shutterstock),
