Key Points
- The Montech Sky One Lite Case is the best overall budget PC case under $150, with a hinged glass panel and three high-airflow fans.
- The Aerocool Cyclon RGB Case is the most affordable option on the list, but it is mostly made of plastic and lacks a USB Type-C port.
- The Lian Li PC-O11 Air Mini Case is the smallest PC case, measuring 15.1 inches in height and supporting multiple motherboard sizes.
- The Thermaltake V200 ATX Mid Tower Computer Case is the best looking case with a tempered glass side panel and customizable RGB lighting.
- The Antec NX Series NX800 Case is the largest case on the list, measuring 19.6 inches in height and featuring three pre-installed fans with RGB lights.
Never before has there been such a wide range and variety of PC case options. No matter your budget, you can find a decent option to fit your needs. You’ll want to choose a case that will allow plenty of storage, cooling, and cable management, as well as the right chassis to accommodate your components like your motherboard. We typically recommend a case that is larger, so you have more flexibility. If you have limited desk space, however, we have a small case that’s space-friendly.
After reviewing the options, here are our top picks for the best budget PC cases, all under $150:
- Best Overall Budget PC Case Under $150: Montech Sky One Lite Case
- Best Budget PC Case Under $50: Aerocool Cyclon RGB Case
- Smallest PC Case: Lian Li PC-O11 Air Mini Case
- Best-Looking PC Case: Thermaltake V200 ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
- Largest PC Case: Antec NX Series NX800 Case
#1 Best Overall Budget PC Case Under $150: Montech Sky One Lite Case
- Accommodates ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX motherboards
- Three pre-installed 120mm high airflow fans
- Fine mesh front panel and tempered glass side panel
- ARGB LED front strip
- Supports high-end components, including clearance for GPUs up to 350mm
- Seven expansion bays
The #1 Best Overall budget PC case under $150, in our opinion, is the Montech Sky One Lite Case. This case has a hinged glass panel, an ARGB strip, and a fine mesh front panel to prevent dust buildup.
The glass panel swings out from the hinge so you can easily access the interior. The inside of the case has a traditional layout, where all computer components are on one side and you can see the top of your GPU. Montech includes three 120mm high-airflow fans as well to keep your new build cool.
This case is a mid-tower, and it can fit a mini-ITX, micro-ATX, or standard ATX motherboard. All seven expansion slots in the case come with reusable brackets, and there are grommets on the sides where the motherboard would be to help keep everything in place.
The max CPU cooler height is 170mm and the max GPU length is 350mm. This is a solid PC case option for under $150 and can fit most standard components like two SSDs along with a PSU, GPU, and motherboard. Even with everything inside, the case has built-in cable management to make it look sleek and professional.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The case can fit up to a standard ATX motherboard. | Three fans may not be enough if you run intensive programs. |
| The glass panel swings out for easy access inside. | |
| The RGB strip offers color and personality to your case. |
Check out the Montech Sky One Lite Case on Amazon.
Best Budget PC Case Under $50: Aerocool Cyclon RGB Case
- LED front panel has 13 lighting modes
- Accommodates ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX motherboards
- Acrylic side window panel
- Supports high-end graphics cards up to 371mm
- Supports liquid cooling with room for a 120mm front radiator
- Pre-installed 120mm rear fan
Another mid-tower option that we like is the Aerocool Cylon RGB, and the best part about this case is that it’s usually under $50. This black-and-white case can fit standard ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX motherboards. It’s 18.07 inches in height, so it’s a bit large for a mid-tower PC case, but that also means it can fit quite a few components. The case has seven expansion slots, accommodates high-end graphics cards up to 371mm, and supports liquid cooling with room for a 120mm radiator. Larger cases also make it easier to customize your computer components and usually have an increase in airflow.
The RGB LED panel that comes with the case displays 13 different lighting modes. The front panel includes one USB 3.0 port and two USB 2.0 ports. It also has an HD audio jack and a slot for an SD Card Reader. The case does lack a USB Type-C port, which may be important to some builders. Aerocool also added a pre-installed 120mm rear fan for additional airflow.
Aerocool did skimp on the build quality a bit, which is to be expected with a $50 and under case. The case is mostly plastic, but has some metallic parts as well, although those are fairly thin. The transparent acrylic panel was also a money-saving build option, but unlike tempered glass, it’s easier to scratch up. Keep all of that in mind if you’re buying this budget option.
While the case is built with cheaper materials, it’s still sleek looking. It has a front panel with a cool triangular design. The RGB panel is fun and can add a pop of color to your desk setup, and it has decent space on the back of the chassis. This makes cable management easier and more streamlined.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The space in the back of the tower offers decent cable management. | The case is mostly plastic, which may pose a problem for clumsy or heavy-handed builders. |
| The Aerocool case is the most affordable option on this list. | The acrylic panel is easily scratched. |
| The case is larger and has space for more computer parts if needed. | There is no USB Type-C port. |
Check out the Aerocool Cyclon RGB Case on Amazon.
Smallest PC Case: Lian Li PC-O11 Air Mini Case
- Mesh panels on the top, front, and rear
- Supports mini-ITX up to E-ATX motherboards
- Two pre-installed 140mm front fans and one pre-installed 120mm rear fan
- Supports liquid cooling via radiator up to 280mm
- Accommodates GPUs up to 360mm
The Lian Li’s PC-O11 Air Mini is technically a mid-tower case, and it is great for buyers looking for a small and lightweight case. It only measures 15.1 inches in height and can support mini-ITX, micro-ATX, standard-ATX, and E-ATX motherboards.
The chassis has a side-by-side chambered design and has a steel mesh panel at the front. The case also has a glass side panel and an aluminum strip at the front. The Air Mini comes with three fans, two USB 3.0 ports, a USB Type-C port, and a headphone jack. The fans are two 140mm front fans and one 120mm rear fan.
A con to this case is the airflow quality. The filter, which you can find at the bottom, has a plastic handle which you can find on the side. The mesh top, front, and side panels are supposed to help with filtration since the mesh is fine, but some builders have reported that they still have dust issues.
The Air Mini has seven expansion slots, and the rear I/O can be adjusted to fit different boards. Some users complain that the top and bottom fan mounts don’t work as well when you install a standard ATX board though. Remember that this is a small but wide tower, so configuration can be tricky. Even with it being small, the tower can accommodate a standard-sized ATX power supply, GPUs up to 362mm, and it supports liquid cooling via a radiator, which is nice!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The case is extremely lightweight and easy to carry if needed. | The filter is at the bottom which can compromise airflow. |
| There are seven expansion slots for different-sized motherboards. | |
| This case includes a USB Type-C port. |
Check out the Lian Li PC-O11 Air Mini Case on Amazon.
Best-Looking PC Case: Thermaltake V200 ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
- Supports mini-ITX, micro-ATX, and ATX motherboards
- 3 pre-installed 120mm 12V RGB fans, plus one pre-installed black fan at the rear
- Control the 16 LED light modes via I/O port
- Lights sync with ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, Asrock, and BIOSTAR 12V header motherboards
- Supports a wide range of air and liquid cooling components
- Max GPU clearance 380mm
For users who want a beautiful and eye-catching case, we recommend the Thermaltake V200 Tempered Glass Edition. It has three 120mm RGB fans with 16 LED modes, including single color options for red, yellow, green, blue, cyan, purple, and white. You can use the RGB button to change the colors to whatever you want or turn them off altogether. There is also a regular 120mm black fan in the back.
The .15-inch thick tempered glass side panel is beautiful and is hard to scratch. This is a great choice for heavy-handed builders. It can accommodate GPUs up to 380mm. The case also has a built-in PSU cover so your cables inside aren’t as noticeable. It can support mini-ITX, micro-ATX, and standard ATX motherboards too, making it a great choice for many different builders.
It’s important to note that temperature can be an issue because of the solid acrylic front, which reduces airflow. If you’re heavy into gaming or intensive work like editing videos, we suggest adding additional cooling with fans (the case can fit six in total) or a liquid cooling radiator.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The side panel is made of tempered glass and is scratch-resistant. | The acrylic front may reduce airflow. |
| The case includes four fans, with three being RGB light-up fans. | |
| The case can support mini-ITX, micro-ATX, and standard ATX motherboards. |
Check on the Thermaltake V200 ATX Mid Tower Computer Case on Amazon.
Largest PC Case: Antec NX Series NX800 Case
- Tempered glass side panel
- Supports radiators of 360mm on the front, 280mm on top, and 120mm on rear for liquid cooling
- Built-in LED Controller
- Two 200mm ARGB fans in the front and one 120mm ARGB fan in the rear
- Supports GPUs up to 350mm
The Antec NX Series NX800 is considered a mid-tower case, but it can still fit an extended-ATX motherboard. This is due to the fact that it measures 19.6 inches in height. It also has three fans pre-installed, and the fans have RGB lights that can be controlled with a button on the case. There are two 200mm ARGB fans in the front and one 120mm ARGB fan in the rear.
The I/O panel is on the top of the case and includes the LED control button, two USB 2.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, a headphone jack/microphone jack, the power button, and a reset button. The side panel is made with tempered glass so you can see inside the case, and the front and back panels have a fine mesh for airflow.
The NX800 comes in three colors, including black, white, and pink. It has a GPU clearance of 350mm, which is enough to fit many of the GPUs currently on the market. There are three vertical expansion slots if you’d like to install your GPU vertically as well.
The case comes with Velcro and zip ties for cable management, and plenty of space for air and water cooling. You can easily install up to three extra fans, or add a water cooling system with up to three radiators. The radiators can be 360mm in the front, 280mm on top, and 140mm in the back.
The only main con is that the case lacks a USB Type-C port and dust filters on the front panel. While the mesh on the front and back can help a bit with filtering, some users noted that dust accumulates quicker than in some other cases. The lack of a USB Type-C port can also be an issue since more people are switching to that type.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This case comes in three different colors so you can choose what you prefer. | The case does not have a USB Type-C port. |
| The case offers an option to install your GPU vertically. | There is no dust filter at the front, which may compromise airflow quality. |
| The case comes with Velcro and zip ties to make cable management easy. |
Check out the Antec NX Series NX800 Case on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Budget PC Cases Under $150: Step by Step
While looking for a new budget PC case, keep these considerations in mind.
- Size
- Price
- Aesthetics
- Cable Management
- Airflow
Let’s discuss why these components are so important.
©Om.Nom.Nom/Shutterstock.com
Size
PC cases come in different sizes, with the most popular options including full-tower, mid-tower, and mini-ITX. Full-tower cases fit standard ATX motherboards and micro-ATX motherboards. Full-tower cases are huge — often measuring at least 20 inches in height. If you’d prefer a large case and have room for it, full-tower options are a great option. Full-towers can also handle extended-ATX motherboards, which are the largest motherboards available.
Mid-tower cases seem to be the most popular choice, since they fit standard and micro-ATX motherboards like full-tower cases, but are slightly smaller, usually no more than 18 inches in height. They also have enough room to fit your CPU cooler, a couple of graphics cards, and more.
Mini-ITX cases are the smallest out of the three major options. These can only fit mini-ITX motherboards. The appeal of these cases is that they’re easy to store and some are compact enough to travel with. They don’t offer the ability to store much though, so don’t grab a mini option if you want to use liquid-cooling or full-length graphics cards. You’ll be fairly limited to just the basic computer configuration.
Price
While all of the cases on this list are under $150, some are cheaper than others. Keep in mind that if you’re spending less than $50, you’re most likely going to have a bare-bones case. If you can spend between $75 and $150, you have more options, and you should be able to find cases with better construction and more modern designs. No matter which case you choose, be sure it can fit all of your hardware, or the price point won’t matter.
Aesthetics
Some people consider their PC build as part of their decor. If you want to make your PC case a focal point for when people are visiting, aesthetics may be important for you. PC cases come in a variety of designs, materials, and even colors and finishes. You should be able to view each case from the front, back, and sides while shopping to see if it will work in your space.
For some users, RGB and ARGB lighting is fun and customizable. Many of the cases we’ve discussed already have some RGB or ARGB lighting, but the type you choose will depend on what you’re looking for. RGB lighting can only be set to a single color for each of the LEDs, while ARGB allows you to customize each individual LED and offers flashing, sound synching, and more.
Cable Management
Cable management is becoming a more common feature since many gamers want their builds to look professional and organized. If seeing too many cables crossing in your build bothers you, there are cases that you can purchase that can help you modify and hide them. This will leave a clean build but still make it easy for you to switch or handle the cables when needed.
Airflow
Plan on running intensive games or need powerful hardware for your work? If so, buying a case with fantastic airflow is extremely important. Decent airflow is essential for any PC. Limited airflow can cause overheating and damage to your computer in the long run if you’re not careful.
No matter which PC case you choose, make sure it offers enough space for you to install extra fans if needed, as well as all of your other components. If possible, you should also look into liquid cooling radiators, which are often quieter than fans and can keep your computer at lower temperatures.
What to Know Before Buying the Best Budget PC Cases Under $150
The PC case you decide to buy will need to fit your computer components, including your current CPU cooler, GPU, PSU, and more. If you plan on purchasing more items to make upgrades in the future, you’ll also want to account for their sizes. You’ll want to determine how much clearance you’ll need for each item before you jump into your purchase.
You’ll also want to choose a case that fits your lifestyle. Built-in RGB lighting can be fun, but some people think it’s tacky. You’ll also want to decide the type of material you want your case made of — whether that’s steel alloy, aluminum, plastic, or a combination of different materials. Tempered glass panels are beautiful, but can be damaged if you’re not a careful builder. Aluminum is often the most recommended because it’s modern and conducts heat well — but it’s also more expensive. Plastic can be cheap and break easily, but thick plastic is a great insulator, and the style often looks better than metal. Whatever your preferences, you’ll want to keep them in mind before buying a new case.
Using Best Budget PC Cases Under $150: What It’s Like
Cases have certainly improved over the years, and many are now great for both building and fitting your personal style. With RGB fans, glass panels, and mood lighting, they have much more to offer than their older counterparts when it comes to looks. Luckily, the increase in detail hasn’t meant an increase in costs, and you can still find some of the best budget PC cases for $150 or less. Whether you choose a more compact option or a full-tower PC case, it’s easy find one that accommodates your needs.
Summary Table
| Rank | PC Case | Key Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Montech Sky One Lite Case | Hinged glass panel, ARGB strip, fine mesh front panel, fits mini-ITX, micro-ATX, or standard ATX motherboard, max CPU cooler height is 170mm and the max GPU length is 350mm | Three fans may not be enough if you run intensive programs |
| #2 | Aerocool Cyclon RGB Case | Fits standard ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX motherboards, 18.07 inches in height, seven expansion slots, accommodates high-end graphics cards up to 371mm, supports liquid cooling with room for a 120mm radiator | Mostly plastic, acrylic panel is easily scratched, no USB Type-C port |
| #3 | Lian Li PC-O11 Air Mini Case | 15.1 inches in height, supports mini-ITX, micro-ATX, standard-ATX, and E-ATX motherboards, seven expansion slots, includes a USB Type-C port | Airflow quality can be compromised due to filter placement |
| #4 | Thermaltake V200 ATX Mid Tower Computer Case | Three 120mm RGB fans with 16 LED modes, .15-inch thick tempered glass side panel, fits mini-ITX, micro-ATX, and standard ATX motherboards | Temperature can be an issue due to the solid acrylic front |
| #5 | Antec NX Series NX800 Case | 19.6 inches in height, three fans pre-installed with RGB lights, tempered glass side panel, GPU clearance of 350mm, three vertical expansion slots | No USB Type-C port, no dust filter at the front |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Gabriele Maltinti/Shutterstock.com.
