Our editors evaluated 12 Monitor options against the criteria readers actually weigh up: price, real-world performance, build quality, warranty, and UK availability. Picks lean toward what we'd recommend to a friend buying today, not specs-on-paper winners.
Hands-on contextEditor notes from individual reviews, not press releases.
Live UK pricingRefreshed from Amazon UK twice daily.
No paid placementsAffiliate commission doesn't change what wins.
Finding the best monitors for video calls under £200 is trickier than it sounds. The market is flooded with gaming monitors dressed up as office screens, and plenty of them look great on paper but fall flat when you actually sit down for a two-hour Zoom session. What you actually need is a panel with decent colour accuracy, comfortable viewing angles, good eye-care features, and ideally enough screen space to keep your call window open alongside your notes or documents. We've looked at 12 options across the full price range to help you find the right fit, whether you're working from home every day or just need something reliable for the occasional Teams meeting.
Product
Best For
Key Spec
Price
Rating
AOC Gaming CU34G2XPD - 34 inch WQHD curved monitor, 180 Hz, 1ms, FreeSync Premium (3440x1440, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB Hub) black/red
Amazon Basics 23.8-inch Computer Monitor 120 Hz, FHD 1080P, HDMI, DP, VGA, VESA Compatible for Office,Home, Black
Best Under £50
23.8" 1080p 120Hz
£86.99
Acer SB242Y H1bi Professional Home Office Monitor 23.8" Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Ultra-Slim | Frameless | Up to 100Hz | 4ms (G to G) | Tilt | HDMI & VGA Ports | SB242Y H1bi
BenQ has been making eye-care monitors for years, and the GW2490E shows exactly why that reputation holds up. For video calls specifically, this is probably the most thoughtfully designed monitor in this entire roundup. The IPS panel gives you accurate, consistent colours from wide angles, so your shared screen looks the same to you as it does to your colleagues. The adaptive brightness feature adjusts the backlight based on ambient light conditions, which sounds gimmicky but genuinely reduces fatigue during long call sessions.
The built-in speakers are a real differentiator at this price. They're not going to replace a proper audio setup, but for quick calls where you don't want to faff with headphones, they do the job without sounding tinny and awful. Two HDMI ports plus DisplayPort means you can connect a laptop and a desktop simultaneously and switch between them, handy if you work from home but also use a personal machine.
BenQ's low blue light and flicker-free tech is properly implemented here, not just a marketing badge. If you're doing four or five hours of video calls daily, that matters more than you'd think. The thin bezel keeps the desk looking clean, and wall mount support means you can free up desk space entirely if needed.
At 100Hz and 1080p, it's not a gaming powerhouse. But that's not what you're buying it for. For video calls, it's close to ideal. The only real gripe is the stand, which only tilts. No height adjustment, no swivel. For a monitor aimed at office use, that's a bit of an oversight.
Pros
Purpose-built eye-care features that actually work
Built-in speakers good enough for casual calls
Dual HDMI plus DisplayPort for flexible connectivity
Sometimes you just need a screen that works. The Amazon Basics 23.8-inch doesn't try to be anything more than that, and honestly, for video calls on a tight budget, that's fine. At this price, you're getting a 1080p panel with HDMI, DisplayPort, and even VGA for older laptops. The 120Hz refresh rate is a nice bonus that makes general desktop use feel smooth.
For video calls, the 1080p resolution is all you need. Your webcam almost certainly outputs at 1080p or lower, so you're not missing anything by not having a 4K screen. The 23.8-inch size is comfortable for a single call window with a bit of space for notes alongside. Colour accuracy is decent for the price, though don't expect the wide colour gamut you'd get from a BenQ or Alienware panel.
VESA compatibility means you can mount it if needed. The build feels a touch plasticky up close, but it's solid enough for everyday use. There are no built-in speakers, no eye-care features worth writing home about, and the stand is basic. But at this price point, those are expected compromises. If your budget is genuinely tight and you need something reliable for calls, this delivers.
If you're setting up your first proper home office monitor and don't want to overthink it, the Acer SB242Y H1bi is a solid starting point. The ultra-slim, frameless design looks genuinely tidy on a desk, and setup is straightforward enough that you won't be hunting for a manual. For video calls, the 1080p IPS panel gives you clean, accurate colours and wide enough viewing angles that your screen looks consistent from wherever you're sitting.
The frameless design is particularly nice for video calls because it reduces visual clutter. Your call window sits cleanly on screen without a chunky bezel pulling your eye. At 100Hz, it's not a gaming monitor, but everything feels smooth and responsive for everyday use. The 4ms response time is perfectly adequate for video conferencing.
Connectivity is HDMI and VGA only, which is a limitation if your laptop only has USB-C or DisplayPort. Worth checking before you buy. There are no built-in speakers, and the stand only tilts. But for a beginner who wants a clean, no-fuss monitor for calls and general work, this hits the mark without asking you to spend more than necessary.
The Alienware AW2725DM sits right at the top of this budget, and it earns its place. The build quality is noticeably better than anything else in this roundup. The stand is sturdy, the chassis feels premium, and the overall finish is proper quality rather than budget plastic. Alienware backs it with a 3-year warranty, which is rare at this price and genuinely reassuring.
For video calls, the 27-inch QHD panel at 2560x1440 is a real step up. Text is sharper, shared documents look cleaner, and the 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage means your screen is showing colours accurately. That matters when you're presenting work or reviewing designs on a call. The Fast IPS panel delivers wide viewing angles with no colour shift, so colleagues watching your shared screen see exactly what you see.
Three USB ports on the monitor itself make it easy to keep your webcam, headset, and other peripherals tidy. Two HDMI ports plus DisplayPort covers most connection scenarios. The HDR400 support adds some pop to content when you're not on calls. It's a genuinely well-rounded monitor that happens to be excellent for video calls as well as everything else.
The honest caveat: it's a gaming monitor at heart, and the price reflects that. If you only ever use it for calls and documents, you're paying for specs you won't fully use. But the build quality and warranty make it a long-term investment that cheaper options can't match.
A 4K monitor at this price is genuinely surprising, and the Philips Evnia 27M2N3800A deserves credit for that. For video calls specifically, 4K is honestly more than you need. Your webcam outputs at 1080p, so the call itself won't look sharper. But where 4K earns its keep is in everything around the call. Shared documents look razor sharp, text is crisp, and if you're reviewing design work or detailed visuals on screen, the extra resolution is a real benefit.
The height-adjustable stand is a proper standout feature at this price. Being able to set the monitor at the right height for your eye level makes a real difference to posture during long call sessions. The built-in speakers are a bonus for quick calls. Two HDMI 2.1 ports future-proof your connectivity for newer devices.
The honest truth is that if video calls are your primary use case, the 4K resolution is somewhat wasted. You'd be better served by a QHD or 1080p panel with better eye-care features. But if you also use your monitor for content creation, photo editing, or just want something that'll stay relevant for years, this is a smart buy.
AOC's 27G2ZNE is a well-established gaming monitor that crosses over nicely into home office territory. At 27 inches, you get a comfortable amount of screen space for video calls without the desk footprint of an ultrawide. The Fast IPS panel delivers solid colour accuracy and wide viewing angles, both important for calls where you're sharing your screen or reviewing documents with colleagues.
AOC is a brand with a proper track record, and the build quality here reflects that. The stand is more adjustable than many rivals at this price, which helps you get the ergonomics right for long call days. The thin bezels keep things looking clean and professional on camera if your monitor is visible in your video feed.
For video calls, it's a solid choice without being exceptional in any one area. It doesn't have built-in speakers, and the eye-care features are fairly standard. But it's a reliable, well-built 27-inch IPS monitor from a brand you can trust, and that counts for something when you're spending close to £170.
The MSI MAG 274CXF is primarily a gaming monitor, and it doesn't pretend otherwise. But for video calls, the 27-inch curved panel at 1500R curvature actually works well. The curve draws your eye to the centre of the screen, which is where your call window typically sits, and reduces the sense of eye movement across a large flat panel. For long call sessions, some people find curved screens more comfortable.
The Rapid VA panel has decent contrast for a budget screen, making text and faces on video calls look punchy and clear. The 280Hz refresh rate is completely unnecessary for video calls, but it means the desktop experience is incredibly smooth. The 0.5ms response time is similarly overkill, but it doesn't hurt anything.
Where it falls short for video call use is colour accuracy. VA panels don't match IPS for colour consistency, and the viewing angles are narrower. If you share your screen with someone sitting beside you, they may notice colours look different from their angle. Also, no built-in speakers and no USB hub. It's a gaming monitor doing office duty, and that shows in the feature set.
Pros
Curved panel comfortable for long sessions
Good contrast from VA panel
MSI brand reliability
Cons
VA panel has narrower viewing angles than IPS
No speakers or USB hub
Gaming-focused feature set not ideal for office use
If you want a big screen for video calls without breaking the budget, the AOC C32G2ZE delivers 32 inches of curved display for under £100. That's a lot of screen. For video calls, the extra size means you can comfortably run your call window at a decent size while keeping other apps open alongside. It's particularly good if you're presenting or screen-sharing, as everything is large and easy to read.
The trade-off is resolution. At 1920x1080 on a 32-inch panel, pixel density is noticeably lower than on a 24-inch 1080p screen. Text looks slightly softer, and fine details in documents aren't as crisp. For video calls themselves this is fine, but if you're reading a lot of small text during the day, it can feel a bit fuzzy. A 1440p panel at this size would be ideal, but that costs more.
The VA panel has decent contrast but narrower viewing angles than IPS. The 240Hz refresh rate is gaming territory, not video call territory. But the sheer screen size and the AOC brand reliability make this a reasonable pick if you prioritise workspace over pixel density.
Pros
32 inches gives loads of space for multitasking on calls
Under £100 for this screen size is impressive
AOC brand reliability
Cons
1080p on 32 inches means lower pixel density
VA panel viewing angles not ideal for shared viewing
The KOORUI E2212H is the smallest screen in this roundup at 22 inches, and that's both its strength and its limitation for video calls. If desk space is genuinely tight, a 22-inch monitor is much easier to fit in. And at 1080p, the pixel density is actually quite good on a smaller panel, so text and faces on calls look sharp and clear.
The VA panel offers decent contrast, and the eye care features help during long sessions. HDMI and VGA connectivity covers most setups, and VESA mounting means you can put it on an arm to save even more desk space. At this price, it's a reasonable entry point.
The honest limitation for video calls is the size. At 22 inches, running a call window alongside other apps starts to feel cramped. You'll find yourself constantly resizing windows or alt-tabbing, which interrupts the flow of a meeting. If you can stretch to 24 inches, you'll thank yourself. But if 22 inches is what fits your space and budget, this does the job.
Z-Edge isn't a name most people know, and that's worth acknowledging upfront. But the specs on this 27-inch QHD IPS monitor are genuinely impressive for the price. QHD at 2560x1440 on a 27-inch IPS panel means sharp, clear text and accurate colours, both useful for video calls where you're reading documents or sharing your screen.
The 400cd/m² brightness is higher than most rivals here, which helps in brighter rooms. FlickerFree backlight reduces eye strain during long call sessions. Two DisplayPort and two HDMI connections give you plenty of flexibility. The IPS panel delivers wide viewing angles, so colleagues sitting beside you see consistent colours from your shared screen.
The concern with Z-Edge is longevity and support. If something goes wrong after a year, getting it sorted may be harder than with an established brand. For video calls, where reliability matters, that's a genuine consideration. If you're comfortable with the brand risk, the specs are hard to argue with at this price. If you want peace of mind, the Alienware or AOC options are safer bets.
The MSI MAG 275CQRF is a bit of a chameleon. Yes, it's marketed as a gaming monitor with 165Hz and 1ms response times, but for video calls it's genuinely excellent value. The 27-inch WQHD panel (2560x1440) gives you noticeably more screen space than standard 1080p monitors without the pixel density becoming so dense that text looks tiny. That means you can comfortably fit your video call window alongside a browser, spreadsheet, or email without constant window shuffling.
The curved 1500R design is a real asset during long call sessions. It wraps around your field of vision just enough to reduce eye strain without feeling gimmicky. The VA panel delivers punchy contrast and deep blacks, which sounds like gaming talk but actually matters for call fatigue. When you're staring at faces on screen for hours, richer colour and better contrast make the experience less draining. Brightness is solid even in moderately lit offices, and the 165Hz refresh rate means scrolling through documents or switching between apps feels smooth and responsive.
The USB hub on the back is genuinely useful for keeping your desk tidy. Plug your webcam and USB headset directly into the monitor rather than stretching cables to your PC tower. Connectivity includes both HDMI and DisplayPort, so you're covered whether you're using a laptop or desktop. The stand offers tilt and swivel adjustment, which helps you dial in the right viewing angle for your desk height.
The trade-off? VA panels have narrower viewing angles than IPS, so if you're sitting off-centre or have someone looking over your shoulder during a call, colours shift noticeably. The stand doesn't offer height adjustment either, so you may need a monitor arm if your desk is particularly high or low. Also, the 1ms response time and 165Hz are genuinely wasted on video calls, so you're paying a bit extra for gaming features you won't use in this context.
Pros
WQHD resolution gives plenty of screen real estate for multitasking
Curved panel reduces eye strain during long call sessions
VA panel delivers excellent contrast and colour depth
USB hub keeps peripherals neatly connected
Smooth 165Hz refresh rate for responsive scrolling and navigation
Cons
VA panel has narrow viewing angles, colours shift off-centre
Stand lacks height adjustment
Gaming-focused specs (165Hz, 1ms) add cost you won't use for calls
Smaller than ultrawide alternatives at the same price point
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best Monitors for Video Calls Under £200
Shopping for the best monitors for video calls under £200 means making some real trade-offs. Here's what actually matters and what you can safely ignore.
Panel type matters more than refresh rate. For video calls, IPS is the clear winner. IPS panels deliver accurate colours and wide viewing angles, so your shared screen looks consistent from any angle and skin tones appear natural. VA panels have better contrast but narrower viewing angles, which can be an issue if colleagues sit beside you. TN panels are rare in this category now, and that's no bad thing.
Resolution: 1080p is fine, 1440p is better. Your webcam outputs at 1080p at best, so the call itself won't look sharper on a 4K screen. But higher resolution helps with everything around the call: reading documents, reviewing shared screens, keeping multiple windows open. If you can get QHD (2560x1440) within budget, it's worth it. If not, 1080p is perfectly adequate.
Screen size and multitasking. For video calls specifically, 24 to 27 inches is the sweet spot. Anything smaller than 23 inches starts to feel cramped when you're running a call window alongside notes or documents. Ultrawide monitors (like the AOC CU34G2XPD) are genuinely brilliant for this use case if you can stretch the budget.
Eye-care features are worth paying for. If you're on calls for several hours a day, flicker-free backlights and low blue light modes make a real difference to how your eyes feel by the end of the day. BenQ's implementation is particularly good. Don't dismiss these as marketing fluff.
Built-in speakers: useful but not essential. A few monitors here include speakers. They're convenient for quick calls but rarely sound great. If you're on calls all day, a decent headset will serve you far better. But for occasional use, built-in speakers save you one more thing to plug in.
Connectivity to check. Make sure the monitor has the right ports for your laptop or desktop. HDMI is standard, but some newer laptops only have USB-C or Thunderbolt. Check before you buy. A USB hub built into the monitor (like the AOC CU34G2XPD has) is a genuine quality-of-life improvement for keeping your desk tidy.
Stand adjustability. This is often overlooked but matters a lot for video calls. Being able to set the monitor at the right height keeps your posture correct and means your webcam (usually mounted on top of the monitor) is at a natural eye level. If the stand only tilts, budget for a monitor arm.
We assessed each monitor against the specific demands of video calling: colour accuracy for natural skin tones and shared screen legibility, viewing angle consistency, eye-care feature effectiveness, and connectivity for typical home office setups. We also considered build quality, stand adjustability, and real owner feedback from verified UK buyers. Refresh rate and gaming performance were noted but weighted lower, since they're largely irrelevant for video call use. Price-to-value ratio was assessed across the full range, from the sub-£70 basics to the £200 ceiling.
Best Overall
AOC Gaming CU34G2XPD
The ultrawide 3440x1440 panel transforms video call multitasking, and the USB hub keeps your desk tidy. Outstanding value at this price.
Final Verdict: Best Monitors for Video Calls Under £200
The best monitors for video calls under £200 cover a surprisingly wide range of quality and capability. For most people, the AOC Gaming CU34G2XPD is the standout pick: the ultrawide screen genuinely changes how you work during calls, and the USB hub is a practical bonus that cheaper monitors skip. If your budget is tighter, the BenQ GW2490E is the most video-call-specific option in the group, with proper eye-care features, built-in speakers, and an IPS panel that handles colour accurately without costing a fortune. And if you're on a really tight budget, the Amazon Basics 23.8-inch just works, which is sometimes all you need. Whatever you pick from this list of the best monitors for video calls under £200, you're getting a meaningful upgrade over a laptop screen, and your colleagues will notice the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
24-inch monitors represent the practical sweet spot for most video calling, offering adequate screen space without consuming excessive desk room. 27-inch displays prove superior for managing multiple simultaneous call windows or extensive screen sharing. Portable 18.5-inch monitors suit frequent travellers willing to trade screen space for portability, though comfort suffers during extended use.
Refresh rates above 60Hz provide smoother desktop navigation and more comfortable viewing during extended calls, but the difference becomes diminishing above 100Hz. For pure video calling, 100-120Hz suffices, whilst 180Hz represents overkill that unnecessarily increases power consumption and cost without practical benefit.
IPS panels deliver accurate colours and consistent brightness across wide viewing angles, ensuring you appear professional from various camera positions and allowing you to view multiple call participants clearly regardless of screen positioning. VA panels offer superior contrast but suffer from narrower vertical viewing angles that complicate group viewing scenarios common in video calling.
Most office environments require 250 nits of brightness for comfortable video calling without eye strain or harsh glare. Brighter workspaces or window-adjacent desks benefit from 300+ nits to maintain visibility and comfort throughout lengthy call sessions.
Gaming monitors offer excellent panel quality and modern connectivity at competitive prices, making them suitable for video calling despite unnecessary performance specifications. Avoid models prioritising aesthetics or extreme refresh rates over practical colour accuracy and ergonomic features essential for comfortable extended video conference sessions.
1Our top pickKOORUI E2212H 22 Inch FHD Monitor, Gaming 120Hz, VA Computer Monitors, 1080P Pc Screen, Adaptive Sync, 5ms, VESA 100x100mm, Eye Care, HDMI, VGAScored 4.5/10Compare all →Buy on Amazon →
