Key takeaways
- Excellent sale-season value for 1080p panels.
- Higher refresh options up to 144Hz for casual gaming.
- Eye-comfort features like flicker-free and low blue light.
- VESA mounting for aftermarket arms and better ergonomics.
Memorial Day weekend is one of the best times of the year to buy a monitor, with retailers slashing prices on everything from budget office panels to gaming displays. If you’ve been eyeing an upgrade, the savings can be substantial, but only if you know which specs matter and which deals are genuinely worth grabbing before the sale ends.
This review focuses on the value-packed monitors that typically headline Memorial Day sales, spanning affordable 1080p panels ideal for home offices and light gaming. We reference popular options from Sceptre, Philips, AOC, and Acer to help you find a reliable, budget-friendly display without falling for a deal that only looks good on paper.
Our top picks
Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor- 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the…
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and…
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures…
Philips 22 Inch Computer Monitor FHD 100Hz- This 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V…
- 100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games…
- Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid…
AOC 22B30HM2 21.5" Gaming Monitor Full HD- VA Panel - VA Panels (Vertical Alignment) display…
- Fast 120Hz Refresh Rate - Equip yourself with…
- VESA Mount - AOC’s Ergo Base stands bring…
| Product | Key specs | |
|---|---|---|
| Sceptre New 22-Inch Gaming Monitor | 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the… 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and… 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures… | Check price |
| Philips 22 Inch Computer Monitor FHD 100Hz | This 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V… 100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games… Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid… | Check price |
| AOC 22B30HM2 21.5" Gaming Monitor Full HD | VA Panel - VA Panels (Vertical Alignment) display… Fast 120Hz Refresh Rate - Equip yourself with… VESA Mount - AOC’s Ergo Base stands bring… | Check price |
 Philips 22 Inch Computer Monitor FHD 120Hz | Full HD IPS Display with Wide Viewing Angles:… Smooth Performance with 120Hz & 1ms MPRT: Experience… Adaptive-Sync for Tear-Free Gaming: Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid,… | Check price |
 Acer KB220Q H2bi 21.5" Full HD | Vibrant Images: Crisp, true-to-life colors come alive in… Adaptive-Sync Support: Get fast refresh rates thanks to… Up 100Hz Refresh Rate: The 100Hz refresh rate… | Check price |
 Samsung 27" S3 | Experience stunning colors across the entire display with… Stay in the action when playing games, watching… Gain a competitive edge with optimizable game settings.²… | Check price |
 msi PRO MP225 E12VL | MSI's 21.45-inch Full HD VA gaming monitor (1920×1080)… TÜV Rheinland certified Flicker Free and Low Blue… 120Hz high refresh rate delivers noticeably smoother motion… | Check price |
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Watch: Memorial Day Monitor Sale: Review & Buyer’s Guide — Video Review
Design & Build
Sale-season monitors in this bracket favor clean, practical design over flashy aesthetics. The Acer KB220Q and Philips 22E2N1100 sport zero-frame or slim-bezel looks that suit tidy desks, while the Sceptre 22-inch gaming monitor adds a subtly sporty finish. Stands are mostly basic tilt-only affairs at these prices, though all include VESA mounting so you can attach an arm for better ergonomics. Build quality is dependable for the money, with sturdy bases and matte anti-glare coatings on several models that reduce reflections in bright rooms. These are honest, no-frills panels built to a price.
Performance
For everyday productivity and casual gaming, these monitors punch above their sale price. The Sceptre 22-inch pushes up to 144Hz for surprisingly smooth gameplay, while the Philips 22E2N1100 and AOC 22B30HM2 offer 100Hz to 120Hz refresh with adaptive sync and flicker-free, low-blue-light comfort features for long work sessions. IPS models like the Acer KB220Q deliver better color and viewing angles, while VA panels trade some of that for deeper contrast. All run at Full HD 1080p, which is the sweet spot for 22 to 24-inch screens, keeping text crisp and games easy to drive on modest hardware.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent sale-season value for 1080p panels.
- Higher refresh options up to 144Hz for casual gaming.
- Eye-comfort features like flicker-free and low blue light.
- VESA mounting for aftermarket arms and better ergonomics.
- Basic tilt-only stands on most models.
- 1080p resolution limits sharpness on larger screens.
- Entry-level panels lack HDR and premium color coverage.
Alternatives to Consider
If you want sharper text and more screen real estate, a QHD monitor is worth stretching for even during a sale. Gamers chasing high frame rates should prioritize the 144Hz Sceptre over the slower office panels. And anyone who values ergonomics can pair any VESA-compatible model here with an inexpensive monitor arm to gain height and swivel adjustment the basic stands lack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Memorial Day monitor deals actually good?
Yes, the holiday weekend brings some of the year’s best monitor discounts. Just compare the sale price to recent history to ensure you’re getting a genuine markdown rather than an inflated list price.
Is 1080p enough for a monitor today?
For 22 to 24-inch screens, 1080p keeps text sharp and games easy to run. Step up to QHD if you want more desktop space or a larger 27-inch panel.
Do I need a high refresh rate?
For office work, 60 to 100Hz is fine. If you game, a 120Hz or 144Hz panel like the Sceptre delivers noticeably smoother motion for a small premium.
Can I improve the stand?
Yes. All these monitors include VESA mounting points, so you can attach an affordable monitor arm to add height, tilt, and swivel adjustment.
Verdict
Memorial Day is a smart time to grab an affordable monitor, and these picks deliver real value. The Sceptre 22-inch stands out for casual gamers with its 144Hz refresh, while the Philips 22E2N1100 and Acer KB220Q are excellent, comfortable choices for home-office use. Compare the discount to recent prices, add a monitor arm if you want better ergonomics, and you’ll come away with a solid display for less.
