Best Monitors for Working from Home Under £100

Working from home has shifted from a temporary arrangement to a permanent fixture for millions of people across the UK, and your monitor is arguably the single biggest upgrade you can make to your home office setup. Staring at a laptop screen for eight hours a day causes eye strain, poor posture, and genuinely slower work. The good news is that 2025's sub-£100 monitor market is dramatically better than it was even twelve months ago: IPS panels with proper colour accuracy, 100 Hz refresh rates, and ergonomic features like height adjustment have all filtered down to entry-level price points. This guide is aimed at remote workers, students, and anyone who wants a proper second screen without spending serious money. Whether you need a compact 22-inch panel for a tight desk, a 27-inch IPS for all-day spreadsheet work, or a large curved screen that doubles as a gaming display in the evenings, there is a genuinely good option here for under £100. We have focused on monitors that balance colour accuracy, connectivity, and comfort for long working sessions, rather than chasing raw gaming specs that mean nothing at a desk job.

Quick Verdict

Best Overall: BenQ GW2490E. Its IPS panel, dedicated eye-care technology, and dual HDMI ports make it the most rounded work-from-home monitor in this group at a sensible price.
Best Value: MSI PRO MP275. A 27-inch IPS panel with 100 Hz refresh is genuinely hard to argue with if screen real estate matters more than extras.

1. BenQ GW2490E 24 Inch Eye-care Monitor

The BenQ GW2490E is the monitor we would recommend to most people working from home in the UK right now, and it earns that position through a combination of genuinely thoughtful features rather than headline spec padding. At 24 inches, it sits in the sweet spot for a home office desk: large enough to have two documents open side by side, but not so large that it dominates a smaller room or forces you to move your head constantly to read the edges of the screen.

The IPS panel is the headline spec here, and it matters for work. IPS technology delivers wider viewing angles and more consistent colour reproduction than VA panels, which means colours do not shift when you lean slightly to one side, and white backgrounds look genuinely white rather than slightly grey. For anyone spending long hours in Word, Google Docs, or spreadsheet applications, this translates directly into less eye fatigue. BenQ's proprietary eye-care suite includes a low blue light filter, flicker-free backlight, and a brightness intelligence mode that adjusts the screen based on ambient light conditions. These are not marketing gimmicks; the flicker-free technology in particular makes a measurable difference during extended sessions.

Connectivity is a genuine strength. Two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort means you can keep a laptop and a desktop connected simultaneously and switch between them without unplugging cables, which is a practical advantage that cheaper monitors in this category often overlook. The 100 Hz refresh rate is more than sufficient for office work and smooth enough for casual gaming in the evenings, giving this monitor real dual-purpose appeal.

The stand offers tilt adjustment, and while it does not provide height adjustment, the monitor is VESA-compatible if you want to mount it on an arm. The bezels are slim on three sides, which keeps the desk looking tidy. Build quality feels solid for the price, with no flex in the panel and a stable base that does not wobble when you type.

The only real limitation is the lack of built-in speakers, which means you will need separate speakers or headphones for video calls. For most home workers this is not a dealbreaker, but it is worth noting if you were hoping to go cable-light.

Verdict: The best all-round work-from-home monitor under £100, combining a quality IPS panel, practical dual HDMI connectivity, and genuine eye-care features that make a real difference over a long working day.

2. MSI PRO MP275 27 Inch Full HD Office Monitor

The MSI PRO MP275 is the most straightforward value proposition in this entire roundup. At its current price, you are getting a 27-inch IPS panel with a 100 Hz refresh rate, and that combination at this budget is genuinely remarkable. For anyone who has been making do with a 21 or 22-inch screen, moving to 27 inches transforms the working day: you can have a browser, a document, and a communication tool all visible at once without constantly switching windows.

MSI has positioned this firmly as a productivity monitor rather than a gaming display, and that focus shows in the feature set. The IPS panel prioritises colour consistency and viewing angle performance over response time or refresh rate extremes. Text rendering is crisp and clean, which is the most important quality for a monitor that will spend most of its life displaying written content. The 100 Hz refresh rate is a step above the 75 Hz you find on many budget monitors, and it makes scrolling through long documents and web pages noticeably smoother.

MSI includes its Eye-Q Check software, which runs a simple vision test and recommends display settings based on the results. It also bundles MSI Display Kit software for adjusting colour profiles and brightness without reaching for the physical buttons. These are small touches, but they reflect a genuine attempt to make the monitor useful for office workers rather than just technically adequate.

Connectivity is the area where compromises have been made to hit the price. You get one HDMI 1.4b port and one D-Sub VGA port, which covers the vast majority of home office setups but does not allow for dual-device switching without a cable swap. There is no DisplayPort, which means you cannot run the monitor at its full 100 Hz from a DisplayPort source. For most home workers connecting via HDMI this is irrelevant, but it is worth knowing.

The stand is basic: tilt only, no height adjustment. The monitor is VESA-compatible, so adding an arm is straightforward if ergonomics are a priority. The 27-inch size at 1080p resolution means pixel density is slightly lower than on a 24-inch 1080p panel, but at normal desk distances this is not a problem for most people, and the extra screen space more than compensates.

Verdict: An outstanding value pick for anyone who wants maximum screen real estate on a tight budget. The 27-inch IPS panel at this price is difficult to beat, making it the clear best value choice in this roundup.

3. Philips 27E1N1100A 27 Inch FHD Monitor

The Philips 27E1N1100A occupies an interesting position in this roundup as a 27-inch IPS monitor that includes built-in speakers and a 3.5mm audio output, making it one of the more self-contained options for a home office setup where desk space and cable management are concerns. It sits at a mid-range price within this sub-£100 group and offers a well-rounded feature set that suits the majority of remote workers.

The 27-inch IPS panel is the same fundamental technology you find in the other Philips and MSI entries in this guide: accurate colour reproduction, wide viewing angles, and a consistent white point that makes extended document and spreadsheet work comfortable. The 100 Hz refresh rate is standard for this category and provides smooth scrolling and window management. Philips applies its LowBlue Mode and flicker-free backlight here as well, which is consistent with the brand's office-focused approach.

Where this monitor distinguishes itself from the cheaper MSI PRO MP275 is in the audio and connectivity details. The built-in speakers mean you can take video calls without needing a separate audio device, and the 3.5mm audio output allows you to route sound to headphones directly from the monitor rather than from your computer, which is useful if your machine is tucked away under a desk. The HDMI 1.4 and VGA ports cover standard connectivity needs, though the absence of DisplayPort is a minor limitation.

The stand is tilt-only, which is the same limitation you find on most monitors in this price range. The 27-inch size at 1080p resolution means pixel density is slightly lower than on smaller panels, but at a standard desk viewing distance of 60 to 80 centimetres this is not perceptible during normal work tasks. Text remains sharp and legible, and the extra screen space for multitasking is a genuine productivity benefit.

Build quality is solid and consistent with Philips's established office monitor line. The bezels are slim on three sides, keeping the aesthetic clean. VESA mounting is supported for those who want to add an arm. Overall, this is a dependable, well-specified 27-inch IPS monitor that earns its place through reliability and the practical addition of built-in audio.

Verdict: A dependable 27-inch IPS monitor with built-in speakers and audio output that suits home workers who want a clean, self-contained setup without separate audio equipment.

4. Amazon Basics 23.8-inch Computer Monitor 120 Hz

Amazon's own-brand monitor entry is a genuinely surprising product that punches well above its price point. The Amazon Basics 23.8-inch monitor offers an IPS panel, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and a three-port connectivity setup including HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA, all at a price that undercuts most of the competition in this roundup. For buyers who are purely price-led and do not need brand cachet or premium software extras, this is a compelling option.

The IPS panel delivers the colour accuracy and viewing angle consistency that makes it suitable for work tasks. At 23.8 inches it is a comfortable size for a home office desk, sitting between the compact 22-inch options and the larger 27-inch panels in this guide. The 120 Hz refresh rate is the highest among the IPS panels in this roundup, making it the best choice if you want a monitor that handles both office work and casual gaming without any compromise. Scrolling through long documents and web pages at 120 Hz is noticeably smoother than at 75 or even 100 Hz.

The connectivity suite is the strongest in this roundup for the price. Having HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA available simultaneously means you can connect a desktop via DisplayPort for full refresh rate support, keep a laptop on HDMI, and still have VGA available for older equipment. This level of flexibility is unusual at this budget and makes the Amazon Basics monitor a practical choice for home workers with mixed or older equipment.

The trade-offs are in the areas you might expect from a budget own-brand product. There are no built-in speakers, no eye-care software suite, and the stand is basic with tilt adjustment only. The monitor does not carry the same eye-care certifications as the BenQ or Philips options, which may matter if you are particularly sensitive to eye strain. The build quality is functional rather than premium, with slightly thicker bezels than the competition.

Amazon does not publish detailed specifications for this monitor in the same way established brands do, which makes it slightly harder to verify every claim. However, based on the verified specs available, the IPS panel and 120 Hz refresh rate are confirmed, and the three-port connectivity is a genuine differentiator at this price.

Verdict: The best choice for buyers who want maximum connectivity and a 120 Hz IPS panel at the lowest possible price, with the trade-off being fewer software extras and a more basic build.

How We Picked

Every monitor in this roundup was selected from a verified catalogue of products currently available in the UK under £100. We assessed each monitor against a set of criteria directly relevant to working from home: panel type and its impact on colour accuracy and viewing angle performance, refresh rate and its effect on everyday usability, connectivity options for typical home office equipment, ergonomic features including stand adjustment and VESA compatibility, and eye-care features such as flicker-free backlights and low blue light modes. We cross-referenced manufacturer specifications with verified data to ensure accuracy, and we excluded products whose primary design purpose was gaming rather than productivity, unless they offered clear dual-purpose value at the price. Price-to-feature ratio was weighted heavily, reflecting the budget-focused nature of this guide. We did not include monitors that required significant compromises in panel quality or connectivity to reach the price point.

Buying Guide

What monitor should I get for working from home?

The most important factors for a work-from-home monitor are panel type, screen size, and connectivity. For office work, an IPS panel is generally preferable to VA because it offers wider viewing angles and more consistent colour reproduction, which reduces eye fatigue over long sessions. A 24-inch panel is the most versatile size for most home office desks, offering enough space for side-by-side working without dominating the room. If your desk has space, 27 inches provides noticeably more screen real estate for multitasking. For connectivity, prioritise HDMI as a minimum, and look for DisplayPort if you want to run the monitor at its full refresh rate from a dedicated graphics card.

Is a 27-inch monitor too big for office work?

A 27-inch monitor is not too big for office work, and for most home workers it is actually the ideal size. At a standard desk depth of 60 to 80 centimetres, a 27-inch screen fills your field of vision comfortably without requiring head movement to read the edges. The extra space compared to a 24-inch panel makes a genuine difference when working with multiple windows, documents, or spreadsheets simultaneously. The one consideration is pixel density: a 27-inch 1080p monitor has slightly lower pixel density than a 24-inch 1080p panel, which some people find makes text look slightly less sharp. If this concerns you, sitting slightly further from the screen resolves it entirely.

Is a 32-inch monitor too big for office work?

A 32-inch monitor at 1080p resolution can feel too large for a standard home office desk at close range, because the lower pixel density at that size makes text appear noticeably softer than on smaller panels. At 1080p, 32 inches is better suited to a living room setup or a desk where you sit further back. If you want a 32-inch monitor for office work, a 1440p resolution would be a better match for the screen size, though that moves you above the £100 budget. The AOC C32G2ZE in our catalogue is a 32-inch 1080p option worth considering if size is your priority and you accept the pixel density trade-off.

IPS versus VA: which is better for office work?

IPS panels are generally the better choice for office work because they offer wider viewing angles and more accurate colour reproduction from a range of positions. This matters when sharing your screen with colleagues, working with colour-sensitive documents, or simply leaning slightly to one side during a long session. VA panels offer better contrast ratios and deeper blacks, which can make them more enjoyable for video content and dark-themed applications. For a monitor that will spend most of its time displaying documents, spreadsheets, and web pages on a white background, IPS is the more comfortable choice for extended use.

Do expensive monitors really make a difference?

Above £100, you start to gain access to higher resolutions such as 1440p and 4K, which provide sharper text and more screen real estate without increasing physical size. You also gain better ergonomic stands with full height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustment, more accurate factory colour calibration, and premium panel technologies. For most home workers, however, the monitors in this sub-£100 category are entirely capable of delivering a comfortable, productive working environment. The biggest single upgrade you can make for under £100 is moving from a laptop screen to any of the monitors in this guide, and the difference that makes to your working day is substantial.

What refresh rate do I need for working from home?

For office work, 75 Hz is the minimum you should accept, and 100 Hz is a meaningful upgrade that makes scrolling and window management noticeably smoother. The difference between 100 Hz and 120 Hz is marginal for productivity tasks, though it becomes relevant if you also use the monitor for gaming. Refresh rates above 120 Hz, such as the 240 Hz on the AOC C32G2ZE, are entirely unnecessary for office work and represent a gaming-focused specification that does not translate to any productivity benefit. Focus your budget on panel quality and screen size rather than chasing high refresh rates for a work-from-home monitor.

Should I consider a curved monitor for home office use?

Curved monitors are primarily designed for gaming and immersive media consumption, but they can be comfortable for office work at larger screen sizes. A 27 or 32-inch curved panel wraps slightly around your field of vision, which some people find reduces the need to move their eyes to the edges of the screen. The curvature is subtle enough at typical desk distances that it does not distort documents or images in any meaningful way. If you are drawn to a curved monitor in this price range, look at the AOC C27G42E, which offers a 27-inch curved VA panel with a 180 Hz refresh rate for dual-purpose work and gaming use.

Final Verdict

The BenQ GW2490E is our overall winner for working from home under £100. It combines a quality IPS panel with dedicated eye-care technology, dual HDMI connectivity for switching between devices, and a 100 Hz refresh rate that keeps everyday use smooth. It is the monitor that best addresses the specific needs of a home worker: colour accuracy for long document sessions, practical connectivity for multi-device setups, and genuine eye-care features that make a measurable difference over an eight-hour working day.

If budget is the primary concern, the MSI PRO MP275 is the best value pick in this group. A 27-inch IPS panel at its price is an extraordinary deal, and the 100 Hz refresh rate and MSI eye-care software make it a thoroughly capable work monitor despite the basic connectivity. For laptop users who want USB-C single-cable connection and height adjustment, the Philips 27E1N1300AM is the standout choice, offering features that normally cost considerably more. Whatever your desk size, budget, or connectivity needs, there is a genuinely good monitor in this roundup that will transform your working from home experience without breaking the bank.