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Regardless of your streaming platform, for new streamers, using two monitors is an obvious must. That second screen lets you keep tabs on OBS, watch for any new alerts, and read chat. Even nesting your Twitch chat into a dock inside of OBS is a great feature, but it often fights for screen space against other docks. So having a second screen specifically for Twitch chat is a game changer. You can split a monitor vertically, with OBS studio on one half and chat on the other. Making chat easy to read while being able to still monitor OBS or alerts. All the best monitors for reading Twitch chat don’t need to be super expensive or conventional, just practical for reading viewer comments. So we’ve put a list together of some of the best monitors for reading Twitch chat, ranging in budget and practicality.
YOU WILL ONLY FIND REASONABLE MONITORS ON THIS LIST. No cheap brand knock offs or insanely expensive monitors with specs too high for something as simple as reading chat. We always aim to show a decent price range, difference in specs, and trusted brands.
In this list you’ll be finding three different types of monitors:
- Portable PC monitors
- Standard 16:9 monitors – Under $150
- Gaming Monitors – Under $200
We decided not to include ultrawide monitors on this list, as they tend to not work as well for a secondary screen since they’re huge!
Portable PC Monitors
These style of monitors are a really cool alternative to the more traditional second screens used to read Twitch chat. Small and compact, you can have an external monitor setup on your desk that could be used for a whole bunch of cool stuff outside of streaming too!
AOC e1659Fwu 15.6-Inch 720p Portable LED Monitor
Spec’s:
- Screen size: 15.6″
- Resolution: 1366 x 768
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Screen Panel: TN
- Response time: 12ms
- 1x USB C port (Power & Video)
- Viewing angle: 90/60
- VESA 75 x 75 mm Mount Compliant
This entry level AOC monitor is the text book affordable, bare bones, entry level portable monitor. While this small screen may only be a 720p resolution, its the perfect screen resolution for reading stream chat and nothing else. But given the price, if you’re looking for a cheap single purpose portable monitor, look no further. The E1659FWU has you covered!
ViewSonic VA1655 16 Inch 1080p Portable IPS Monitor
Spec’s:
- Screen size: 15.6″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Screen Panel: IPS
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Response time: 7ms
- 2x 0.8W Speakers
- 2x USB C ports (Power & Video)
- 1x Mini HDMI 1.4
- 3.5mm Audio out
Coming in right at the $150, the ViewSonic VA1655 is an insanely good value compared to other name brand portable monitors at this price point. With its Full HD IPS panel and high dynamic range, you’ll get solid color accuracy with minimal response times. This portable monitor comes stocked two built in speakers, 2 USB C ports, and a 1.4 mini HDMI port. This is a solid entry level 1080p, 60hz display that will compliment your live streams setup without taking too much real estate on your desk!
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Check out our “Best Budget USB Mic’s for Streaming – Under $100”
ViewSonic – 17″ IPS FHD 144Hz 1ms FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitor
Spec’s:
- Screen size: 17.2″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Screen Panel: IPS
- Response time: 5ms
- 2x USB C ports
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- 1x Mini HDMI port
- 2x 0.8W Speakers
- 1x 3.5mm out
- Built-in kick stand
- Comes with USB C power supply
The Viewsonic VX1755 is the cream of the crop when it comes to the higher end of portable monitors. With a high refresh rate and beautiful IPS panel, the VX1755 is versatile for either reading your Twitch Streams chat or playing games.
This is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an easy dual monitor setup but might also need a gaming monitor on the go.
Standard 16:9 Monitors
Now we transition into traditional 16.9 monitors, as they make the best second monitors. In this list we’ll provide a range of both budget and good, mid range monitors so you’ll get a good idea of what specs you’ll find common at certain price points. If you plan on using this in your dual monitor setup specifically for reading chat or OBS, the best option would be getting a good mid range screen.
We’ve saved gaming monitors for last, so if that’s what you’re in the market for feel free to skip this section!
Acer SB220Q 21.5 Inch FHD IPS Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Monitor
Spec’s:
- Screen size: 21.5″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz
- Screen Panel: IPS
- Response time: 4ms
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- 1x HDMI & 1x VGA (No DP Port)
- *No VESA mount
The Acer SB220Q is a great example of a monitor that comes with a decent refresh rate and colorful screen with over 16.7 million colors. With its only two downsides being its smaller 21.5″ screen and lack of VESA mount compatibility. Still a good little monitor for a new streamer on a budget who just needs something to read chat or monitor OBS. Perfect for a streamer on tight budget looking to upgrade to a dual-monitor setup!
BenQ GW2283 22 Inch IPS 1080P FHD Computer Monitor
Spec’s:
- Screen size: 21.5″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh Rate: 60hz
- Screen Panel: IPS
- Response time: 5ms
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Viewing angle: 178/178
- Built In Speakers
- 2x HDMI 1x VGA
- VESA compatible
BenQ is widely known for their quality gaming monitors, but its not just their gaming focused screens that deserve attention. The GW2283 leans on the smaller side compared to its bigger 24″ brother but is still a quality monitor that would be perfect for reading chat. With over 16.7 million colors wide viewing angles this picture is going to pop from any perspective. The GW2283 would great as a vertical monitor too, making it super easy to read your Twitch chat overlay. Overall a solid screen at an affordable price from one of the most reputable brands out there.
Would definitely wait for this thing to go on sale, as it can drop to just above $100 range which is ridiculously excellent value for a monitor of this quality.
ViewSonic VA2447-MH 24 Inch Full HD 1080p Monitor
Spec’s:
- Screen size: 24″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh Rate: 75hz
- Screen Panel: MVA
- Response time: 5ms
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- 1x HDMI & 1x VGA
- Built in speakers
- VESA compatible
This screen is another good entry level and cost effective second monitor for JUST reading Twitch Chat or for casual everyday use. With the VA panel the colors might not pop as much as an IPS screen would, but this monitor still has every spec needed for a decent dual-monitor setup. Wouldn’t suggest this for playing games or doing any artwork with its MVA panel and 75hz refresh rate.
Pricing wise, I would wait for this to go on sale before purchasing since its dropped to near $100 instead the $140 it retails for.
Dell S2421H 24-Inch 1080p Full HD 1920 x 1080 Resolution 75Hz USB-C Monitor
Spec’s:
- Screen size: 24″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh Rate: 75hz
- Screen Panel: IPS
- Response time: 5 – 8ms
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- 2x HDMI inputs
- Viewing angle: 178/178
- Built in speakers
- VESA compatible
Weirdly enough Dell has some of the highest rated monitors, known for solid stands and excellent build quality. The S24221H is a great entry level Dell monitor that is reasonably priced. Its a beautiful IPS/thin bezel panel with a decent 5 ms response time, AMD Freesync, and 75 hz refresh rate make this one of the better options for reading Twitch chat or everyday use. Regarding standard monitors, this is about as good as its going to get for a decent budget.
When not on sale this monitor can hit above the $150 price tag, so would definitely wait for a good sale. If not the next section of gaming monitors might be what your looking for.
Gaming Monitors
Gaming monitors have a lot of range in both quality and price, minus the cheap Eastern knock off’s. Although some may be overkill for something as simple as reading Twitch chat, might be a better choice over a traditional screens for dual monitors. Due to all the bell’s and whistles these come with, the price ranges tend to be higher. These can also be used as vertical monitors as well, given you have the proper dual monitor mounts!
We’ll focus on some of the best gaming monitors with resolutions at 1080p sitting under the $200 price range, since this isn’t meant to be a primary monitor. Definitely limits our options but we want to provide a reasonable list that will meet every need without spending a lot.
ACER – ED270R Nitro – Full HD 1080P 165hz Curved Gaming Monitor
Spec’s:
- Screen size: 27″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh Rate: 165hz
- Screen Panel: Curved VA Panel
- Response time: 5 ms
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- 2x HDMI inputs 1x Display Port
- Viewing angle: 178/178
- Built in speakers
- 75mm VESA compatible
- FreeSync Compatible
This Acer gaming monitor is a perfect example of an entry level gaming monitor and would make a great second screen for chat. Since it’s a VA panel, it might require some color tuning but with its wide viewing angles and high refresh rate its still an amazing value.
This monitor stays under the $200 price tag, when on sale it can even hit right around $140. Especially with these specs and it being an Acer, you can’t go wrong!
Dell G2722HS IPS 27 Inch 165Hz Gaming Monitor – (FHD) Full HD 1920 x 1080p
Spec’s:
- Screen size: 27″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh Rate: 165hz
- Screen Panel: IPS
- Response time: 1 ms
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- 2x HDMI inputs 1x Display Port
- Viewing angle: 178/178
- 100mm VESA compatible
- G-SYNC & FreeSync Compatible
Dell making it on our list again with the G2722HS, a beautiful 27 inch gaming monitor that’s priced competitively. With its solid build quality and advanced venting for top notch cooing, this is a fantastic monitor that has every entry level requirement needed for a dual-monitor setup. The specs are impressive for a monitor under $200 (on sale) with a big 27 inch screen, insanely thin bezel, and 165hz refresh rate, this is more than enough for reading chat.
This monitor goes on sale just a bit under the $150 dollar mark, would definitely wait for a good sale since it can hit just above $200 at retail. With the list of specs this thing has, its insane it drops as low as it does. Wouldn’t sleep on this one!
ASUS VG248QG 24″ G-Sync Gaming Monitor 165Hz 1080p
Spec’s:
- Screen size: 24″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh Rate: 165hz
- Screen Panel: TN
- Response time: .5 ms
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- 2x HDMI inputs 1x Display Port 1x DVI
- Viewing angle: 170/160
- 2x Built-in speakers
- 100mm VESA compatible
- G-SYNC & FreeSync Compatible
Would be hard to have a gaming monitor on this list without including one of the Asus VG series screens. This monitor comes packed with tons of useful features, for either a secondary screen or even gaming. With the VG248QG being a TN panel, the colors won’t be as accurate compared to an IPS or VA screen but this thing is fast. With a 165hz refresh rate and fast response time, this monitor will be more than enough to read chat. It even has a rotating stand, so you can turn it a full 90 degrees to use as a vertical monitor setup.
This monitor retails close to $200 dollars, but on sale can hover around $150 which is what we recommend since that would be a steal!
What is the best panel type?
Panel
TN
VA
IPS
Resolution
Response Times (ms)
Viewing Angle
Color
Something to keep in mind is the different monitors panel types. Each with their own perks, none are inherently “better” than the other but is just a matter of preference. TN panels tend to have high refresh rate (frame rate) while IPS panels have amazing color accuracy and wider viewing angles, VA panels are an overall mix of the two.
There really is no “best” monitor, other than what is best for your situation. Think logically, be budget conscious, and enjoy your new second monitor!
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