5 Best Budget PC Cases Under $150: Ranked and Reviewed

Building a new PC on a budget? Your PC case is one of the most important purchases. The right budget PC case keeps your components cool, fits your hardware, matches your style, and doesn‘t bust your wallet.

In this expert guide, we reveal the 5 best budget PC cases under $150 for 2023. We extensively researched over 25 affordable cases and narrowed it down to the top options based on value, quality, size, aesthetics and more.

Below we provide detailed reviews of each budget pick ranked from #1 to #5. We also include a handy comparison chart summarizing the key specs.

Let‘s dive in to find your perfect cheap PC case!

Ranking the 5 Best Cheap PC Cases Under $150

#1: Montech Sky One Lite (Best Overall)

Price: $104.98

If we had to crown one budget case the winner, we‘d choose the Montech Sky One Lite. This mid-tower case ticks all the right boxes to claim our Best Overall spot.

The Sky One Lite features a spacious but compact 18 x 8.2 x 16.8 inch frame made from robust steel. It supports mini-ITX, micro-ATX and standard ATX motherboards with room for expansion cards up to 350mm.

Builders will appreciate the hinged tempered glass side panel. It provides quick, tool-free access to your components without needing to remove the entire glass pane. The mesh front panel also optimizes airflow.

Inside you‘ll find three vibrant ARGB intake fans along with dedicated cut outs and velcro straps that make cable management a breeze. Thermals stay cool thanks to the mesh and fans creating active airflow over components.

We also appreciate small touches like the magnetic dust filters and headphone/USB hanger under the power supply shroud adding convenience.

For just over $100, the Montech Sky One Lite punches well above its weight. The quality and features rival cases double the price. If you want the best value pick, look no further.

Pros

• Hinged tempered glass side panel for easy access
• Mesh front panel optimizes airflow
• Three vibrant ARGB intake fans
• Generous cable routing with velcro straps
• Convenient dust filters and headset hanger

Cons

• Only two USB ports on front I/O
• Limited RGB/ARGB customization

#2: DarkFlash DLM21 Mesh (Best Micro-ATX)

Price: $69.99

The DarkFlash DLM21 Mesh is a stylish, compact micro-ATX case perfect for small form factor builds.

At 15 x 8 x 15.6 inches, the DLM21 won‘t dominate your desk space. But inside offers ample room for micro-ATX and mini-ITX motherboards, GPUs up to 340mm long and CPU coolers up to 160mm tall.

Airflow is fantastic thanks to the ventilated mesh front panel and two included 120mm ARGB fans with 13 lighting modes. Further cooling comes from the perforated PSU shroud, mesh top panel and rear exhaust fan.

A tempered glass side makes your hardware pop. Cable grommets built into the steel frame paired with the PSU shroud enable clean wiring. Some may find the older USB 2.0 ports on the front I/O outdated however.

For under $70, the DarkFlash DLM21 Mesh delivers premium features that belie its budget price. If you want the best micro-ATX case that won‘t break the bank, it‘s hard to beat.

Pros

• Compact 15 inch tall frame
• Mesh front panel for max airflow
• Tempered glass side panel
• Two vibrant ARGB intake fans
• PSU shroud hides cables

Cons

• Only USB 2.0 front ports
• Limited drive bays

#3: Phanteks Eclipse P300A (Best Airflow)

Price: $69.99

The Phanteks Eclipse P300A earns our Best Airflow award. This affordable mid-tower case uses an open mesh front panel and metalized gear ventilation to keep your components chilly.

It measures 18.5 x 8.3 x 16.8 inches and supports E-ATX, ATX, micro-ATX and mini-ITX motherboards. The case accommodates lengthy GPUs (up to 400mm) and tall CPU coolers making the P300A extremely upgrade friendly.

The steel frame delivers stability while allowing you to show off gear through the tempered glass side panel. Phanteks built in their specialty Velcro cable ties enabling pro-level cable management through discrete cutouts. There‘s even RGB lighting around the PSU cover you can sync for a clean, uniform look.

Our one complaint is the lack of included case fans. But at just $70, the Phanteks Eclipse P300A remains a stellar choice balancing airflow, aesthetics and flexibility in a budget package.

Pros

• Ventilated mesh front panel for cooling
• Fits GPUs up to 400mm long
• Tempered glass side panel
• Cable management features
• RGB case lighting

Cons

• No included case fans
• Drive trays limit airflow

#4: Montech Air X ARGB (Best RGB Lighting)

Price: $84.99

RGB enthusiasts needing an affordable case should check out the stylish, feature-packed Montech Air X ARGB.

This mid-tower measures 18 x 8.6 x 16.8 inches and comes loaded with three 120mm ARGB intake fans. They shine through the mesh front panel providing 16.8 million color combinations to match your style using the included controller.

The perforated steel frame combined with mesh top and rear offers great airflow to keep temperatures down. Features like dust filters, bundled cable combs and a PSU cover supporting bottom or side mounts check all the right boxes. There‘s room for tall air coolers, lengthy GPUs, multiple drives and standard ATX power supplies.

Builders wanting an RGB showcase on a budget should shortlist the Montech Air X. It brings premium lighting and features at a wallet-friendly price.

Pros

• Three 120mm ARGB intake fans
• 16.8 million RGB color modes
• Mesh front, top and rear for airflow
• Filters, cable combs and PSU cover
• Fits extended GPUs and tall coolers

Cons

• Acrylic (not glass) side panel
• Rear fan uses older blue LEDs

#5: DIYPC S2-RGB (Best Features for Under $50)

Price: $47.97

If you only have $50 for a new budget case, look no further than the feature-rich DIYPC S2-RGB.

This micro-ATX chassis measures 14.2 x 7 x 15.3 inches supporting smaller boards. But inside you still get room for lengthy GPUs (325mm), multiple drives, water cooling radiators and standard ATX PSUs.

The DIYPC S2 impresses with premium touches like smoked tempered glass, RGB fans and an ARGB controller usually missing from sub $50 cases. Together they create a vivid customizable light show shining through the mesh front panel sure to catch eyes.

Builders will also appreciate conveniences like the multifunction cover hiding drives and cables as well as the magnetic dust filters. Just note the cheaper build quality typical of lower cost cases.

Overall if your budget maxes out at $50, no other case packs as many usable features as the DIYPC S2-RGB making it our value leader.

Pros

• Three vibrant RGB LED fans included
• Smoked tempered glass side panel
• Mesh front panel for airflow
• Multifunction cover hides drives/cables
• Magnetic dust filters

Cons

• Cheaper plastic construction
• Cramped micro-ATX size

How to Choose the Best Cheap PC Case – Buyer‘s Guide

Now that you‘ve seen the top budget cases, how do you pick the right one for your needs and budget? This buyer‘s guide explains what to consider when choosing an affordable PC case.

Size/Clearances

First determine what PC case size fits your space limitations and hardware. The three main sizes are:

• Full towers – Over 20 inch cases fitting EATX boards and lengthy components with the most expansion room. Best for custom liquid cooling, multi-GPU setups.
• Mid towers – Around 18 inch cases fitting standard ATX hardware and some micro-ATX boards. The most popular size balancing space and compactness.
• Micro-ATX/Mini-ITX – Compact 14-16 inch cases for smaller motherboards. Limit future expandability but ideal for desks with little surface area.

Then check your component sizes – graphics cards, CPU coolers, etc – to ensure your case has adequate clearance. Most budget cases support:

• GPUs up to 320-370mm long
• CPU coolers around 160mm tall
• PSUs up to 220mm long

Factor in some growth room too. The last thing you want is buying a new case in a year because your upgraded GPU doesn‘t fit!

Cooling Performance

Cooling is critical to prevent PC component throttling and crashes. Prioritize cases with:

• Mesh front panels – Improves airflow over solid fronts
• 3+ fans – More fans equal better active cooling
• Water cooling radiator mounts – Supports better heat dissipation
• Proper ventilation – Mesh tops, rears and base inlets all help

Ideally get a case with space to add extra fans down the line too.

Cable Management

Nobody wants a rat nest of cables choking components and airflow. Clean cable management makes builds easier plus helps showcase your gear.

Handy cable management features include:

• PSU shrouds – Hide drive and PSU cables
• Discrete routing holes – Creates paths for clean cable runs
• Velcro straps – Pre-mounted ties to group wires
• Basements/cellars – Extra space behind motherboards to stuff cables

Aesthetics & Lighting

Part of PC building is showing off your rig. Prioritize cases that display your gear while matching your style.

For lighting, RGB or ARGB included case fans create visual appeal. But ensure the case has room to add more down the line.

Also consider:

• Tempered glass panels – Clear views of your hardware
• PSU shrouds – streamline look hiding cables

And if you‘ll game or show off your PC, definitely get a case window!

Build Quality & Features

Just because a PC case is affordable doesn‘t mean it should feel cheap. Quality touches indicate cases built to last.

Look for:

• SECC steel or aluminum – Avoid thinner, cheaper feeling metals
• Tempered glass – Scratch resistant and durable
• Dust filters – Keep particles from gunking up fans and gear
• PSU basement – Streamline internal looks
• Radiator/reservoir mounts – Support liquid cooling upgrades
• Rubber grommets – Protect cables from sharp edges

That covers the key factors for picking the best budget PC case! Next we compare how the top 5 affordable cases stack up across these criteria.

Comparison Chart – How the Top 5 Budget PC Cases Compare

Here‘s a helpful comparison chart summarizing how the top 5 sub $150 PC cases stack up across key factors:

This covers the key criteria side-by-side. But there‘s more that separates the cases when it comes to real world use.

Using the Best Budget PC Cases – What It‘s Like

Affordable PC cases have come incredibly far in recent years when it comes to both features and looks.

Gone are the days when sub $100 buys you a flimsy plastic box more likely to snap than protect your expensive components. Modern budget options often rival premium cases in their capabilities – just minus some bells and whistles.

For example, all of our recommended cheap PC cases include conveniences like:

• Hinged or removable side glass panels for easy interior access
• Pre-mounted RGB or ARGB lighting for bright, vibrant visuals out of the box
• Integrated cable management with discrete routing holes and Velcro straps/clips keeping builds neat
• 360 degree ventilation from mesh front, top and rear panels sustaining healthy thermals
• Dust filters preventing particle build up on important fans and components

Little touches like these create premium experiences belying budget costs. And with sturdy steel construction coated in sleek finishes, the days of rattling plastic cases feeling fragile are fading.

Of course at under $150 trade offs remain around limited size options, fewer fan mounts and lighting modes compared to costly cases. You may need to get creative fitting radiators or lengthy GPUs too.

But for most mainstream to intermediate builders, modern budget options deliver everything needed for awesome gaming rigs, multimedia systems and more without emptying your wallet.

FAQ – Buyer‘s Questions About Budget PC Cases

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the best cheap PC cases under $150 to help you find the right pick.

What‘s the quietest budget PC case?

Cases using noise dampening foam in their front panels like the Deepcool Matrexx 50 tend to run quieter. Fractal Design and beQuiet! also make affordable options specifically engineered for lower noise.

What‘s the best budget PC case brand?

Top affordable case brands include Phanteks, Cooler Master, Montech, Thermaltake, Corsair and Fractal Design. They provide premium features on a budget.

Is a case with a glass panel better?

Tempered glass panels enable you to showcase your components while being very durable. But they add cost over cheaper acrylic windows. Glass also retains more heat. Ultimately personal preference.

Can I use an older case when upgrading my PC?

You can reuse older cases when upgrading. But newer budget options often have better cable management, airflow and space optimized for modern GPU/CPU coolers making builds much easier.

How many case fans do I need?

Most builders recommend at least 3-4 fans for adequate cooling – two front intakes and one rear exhaust. More fans optimize airflow over components. Aim for 1-2 fans per component needing cooling.

Bottom Line

While premium PC cases grab the glory, excellent budget options exist delivering solid performance at wallet-friendly prices. Modern conveniences like tempered glass windows and addressable RGB lighting also let you customize looks without breaking the bank.

Any of the top 5 sub $150 cases above make excellent picks providing ample clearance, cooling and cable management for worry-free builds. We especially like the Montech Sky One Lite as the Best Overall offering exceptional quality and features for just over $100.

Have you built systems using these or other cheap PC cases? We‘d love to hear which budget picks you recommend most in the comments section. Happy building!