If you’ve been poking around Amazon or Newegg looking for a cheap gaming monitor, you’ve probably seen Crua pop up with prices that look too good to be true. A 27” curved 165Hz gaming screen for less than a night out with friends? It’s tempting. But is Crua one of those “hidden gem” brands or the kind you end up regretting when it arrives on your doorstep?
At Best Monitor Radar, we’ve tested enough budget monitors to know what’s worth it and what’s not, so we decided to take a closer look at Crua to help you figure out if it’s the right choice for your setup.
What is Crua?
Crua isn’t a big brand like LG or Dell, but they’ve carved out a niche online by selling affordable monitors aimed at gamers, students, and home offices. Their lineup focuses on high-refresh screens and curved panels without the premium price tag, making them an option if you’re looking to level up from an old 60Hz office monitor without spending too much.
You won’t get top-tier color calibration or HDR that’ll blow your mind, but Crua is aiming to give you more screen for less money and for many people, that’s enough.
A Look at Popular Crua Monitor Models
You’ll find a few Crua models floating around online:
- Crua 24” FHD 75Hz: A simple, flat screen that’s fine for work, browsing, or basic console gaming.
- Crua 27” 165Hz Curved: Probably their most popular model, this one targets budget gamers who want smoother gameplay.
- Crua 32” QHD 75Hz: A bigger option for those who want more space for multitasking or a more immersive movie setup.
They’re usually slim, VESA-compatible, and easy to set up, which makes them appealing if you just want to unbox and go.
Using a Crua Monitor: What It’s Really Like
When we tested the Crua 27” 165Hz curved model in the Best Monitor Radar test room, we had it up and running in under 10 minutes. The stand is basic but functional, the screen is bright enough for most rooms, and colors looked fine out of the box.
I fired up a few rounds of Rocket League and Fortnite on it, and while it doesn’t feel like a premium gaming monitor, it’s definitely smoother than the old 60Hz screens many of us started on. For work tasks like writing, spreadsheets, or Zoom calls it’s more than capable, and the curve actually makes it feel a bit more immersive, even for everyday tasks.
Movies and YouTube look solid too. If you’re used to higher-end monitors, you’ll notice the difference in color richness and black levels, but if you’re coming from an older monitor, you’ll probably just be happy to have a bigger and smoother screen.
The Good Stuff People Notice
Across forums and Reddit, you’ll find people mentioning that Crua monitors are cheap, easy to set up, and good enough for casual gaming or as a second screen.
One Reddit user said:
“Picked up the Crua 27” 165Hz for my kid’s gaming setup, and it’s actually pretty solid for the price.” – Reddit
Another person noted:
“I use it for work and some light gaming. Colors aren’t perfect, but for under $150, it’s hard to complain.” – Reddit
People like that they’re lightweight and VESA-mountable, making them easy to use in a dual or triple monitor setup without needing a heavy-duty mount.
The Downsides You Should Know
Here’s the straight talk: Crua is a budget monitor brand, and with budget monitors, you get what you pay for. Colors can look a bit washed out, and you won’t get fine-tuned calibration controls to fix it. HDR is often listed, but don’t expect “real” HDR that transforms your gaming or movie experience.
Backlight bleed can happen, especially around the corners, and while 165Hz sounds great, you might notice a bit of ghosting if you play fast-paced shooters like Valorant or Apex Legends.
Warranty support is hit-or-miss depending on the seller, so if you’re picking one up, buy from a seller with a clear return policy just in case you need to swap it out.
Crua vs Other Budget Brands
When we compare Crua with other budget brands like Sceptre, Z-Edge, AOC, or GTEK here at Best Monitor Radar, Crua often wins on price, especially with its curved 165Hz options.
Sceptre sometimes offers similar pricing but with slightly better build quality or colors, while AOC often has the best out-of-box color but costs more. If your goal is to spend the least amount possible for a decent gaming experience, Crua is worth considering. If you can stretch your budget a bit, you might find something with better color or build quality elsewhere.
Who Should Consider Crua Monitors?
Crua might be a good fit if you are:
- A student needing a cheap monitor for schoolwork and classes.
- A casual gamer looking to upgrade from 60Hz without breaking the bank.
- A remote worker wanting a second screen for productivity tasks.
Who Should Avoid Crua Monitors?
Skip Crua if you are:
- A creative professional who needs color accuracy for design or video editing.
- A competitive gamer chasing the lowest input lag and flawless visuals.
- Someone who wants reliable, long-term warranty support from a well-known brand
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, Crua monitors are exactly what they claim to be: budget-friendly screens for everyday use and casual gaming. They’re not perfect, but for the price, they often deliver a good experience for students, work-from-home setups, and gamers who don’t need pro-level color or performance.
If you’re looking for something cheap, functional, and easy to set up, Crua is worth considering especially if you buy from a seller with a good return policy. But if you’re looking for perfect colors, HDR, or ultra-low input lag, it’s worth saving up for a higher-end model.
We at Best Monitor Radar see Crua as a good pick for budget buyers needing a screen that “just works.” Just set your expectations, and you’ll probably be happy with what you get for the money.
FAQ
Are Crua monitors reliable?
They’re reliable for everyday use, but there can be unit-to-unit differences in quality.
Is Crua good for gaming?
They’re fine for casual gaming and older games, but serious gamers might want something faster and more color-accurate.
Do Crua monitors support consoles?
Yes, you can use them with PS5, Xbox, or Switch, but expect 60–75Hz performance on most models.
What warranty comes with Crua monitors?
Usually a one-year warranty, but support can vary, so buy from a seller with an easy return policy.