Best Gaming Monitors for Under $400 – Top Picks for Gamers on a Budget
To be specific, the quality of the monitor greatly influences the success of a game on the screen. Regardless of your preference on the side of the games, either first-person shooters, role-playing games, or even esports, having the correct display will help you and your game. Nevertheless, you must know that you do not have to spend too much money if you want to get yourself a high-quality gaming monitor. In a $400 budget, you can get gaming monitors that offer reasonable image quality, rapid refresh rate, and lag-free gaming.
In this article, I will take you through the top 5 gaming monitors costing less than $400 to ensure you get the best deal.
What should one pay attention to when picking a monitor for gaming?
Here are a few things that you will need to know before taking a look at the best gaming monitors:
1. Refresh Rate
– This is another aspect measured in Hz they determine the smooth motion of the game. Any refresh rate of 144 Hz or over is good for gaming purposes.
2. Response Time – Response rates ranging from 1 ms to 5 ms also enhance the elimination of blurring images, sometimes ghosting.
3. High-definition resolution setting of 1080p is plenty for most gamers, but for even sharper graphics and images, 1440p or QHD is a real possibility here, albeit for a slightly higher cost.
4. IPS-type panels are known to provide better color representation and viewing angle, whereas TN has the advantage of quicker response time. VA offers better black-on-gray and deep contrast images but is slower than the TN response rate.
5. Display Chip – HDMI, DisplayPort, G-Sync, and Freesync reduce screen tears on gaming and provide smooth gameplay.
6. Screen size and design – Playing games usually requires a screen size that ranges depending on the size, with 24 to 27 inches of screen suitable for most gamers. The curvature of the gaming monitors gives the users an immersive experience, while the flat monitors can be used as a general type of monitor.
Next in this list are the top gaming monitors can find for under $400!
1. ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ – Best gaming monitor for Xbox
Key Features:
– 27-inch QHD (2560×1440) IPS display
– 165Hz refresh rate
– 1ms response time
– G-Sync & FreeSync support
– ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur)
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ is a budget of under 400 dollars gaming monitors that has the best view of performances and visuals. Cooperating subheadings: With a 165Hz refresh rate, this monitor will impress fans of such games as Call of Duty, CS: GO, and others, as well as a 1ms response time. Thanks to the IPS panel, this monitor has excellent coloring and good viewing angles; G-Sync and FreeSync make it tear-free.
2. AOC CQ32G2S – Top Curved Gaming Monitor
Key Features:
– 31.5-inch QHD (2560×1440) VA panel
– 165Hz refresh rate
– 1ms response time
– FreeSync Premium support
– 1500R curvature
If you like some curves for the monitor to have something more cinematic, then do check out the AOC CQ32G2S. With a 1500R curvature, this is suitable for open-world and racing games as it will provide an immersive gaming experience. A refresh rate of 165Hz and a response time of 1 ms would provide smooth gaming, and with FreeSync Premium, one can have smooth gameplay without any stuttering or screen tearing.
3. Dell S2721DGF – Best for Competitive Gaming
Key Features:
– 27-inch QHD (2560×1440) IPS panel
– 165Hz refresh rate
– 1ms response time
– G-Sync & FreeSync support
– VESA DisplayHDR 400
Dell S2721DGF is perfect for competitive gamers who would wish to enjoy the speeding and some high refreshing rates. It has a one millisecond response time and 165 Hz refresh rate, which fully equips it for action-packed gameplay. Due to using an IPS panel, color richness is better, and with HDR 400, the contrast and brightness are superior.
4. MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD – Best for Color Accuracy
Key Features:
– 27-inch QHD (2560×1440) IPS panel
– 165Hz refresh rate
– 1ms response time
– Quantum Dot technology for vibrant colors
– G-Sync compatible
The best gaming monitor for video game enthusiasts while being accurate with colors is the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD. It has Quantum Dot technology, which delivers bright and sharp images, making it suitable for gaming and creating content. It has a refreshing rate of 165Hz with a response time of 1 ms to enhance fast and fluent gaming.
5. Gigabyte M27Q – Best Value for Money
Key Features:
– 27-inch QHD (2560×1440) IPS panel
– 170 Hz refresh rate
– 1ms response time
– FreeSync Premium
– KVM switch for multitasking
The Gigabyte M27Q is a versatile monitor with rich specifications and quite an affordable price. A refresh rate of 170 Hz, an input lag of 1 m,s and AMD FreeSync Premium means a gamer’s delight. PDP supports built-in KVM that enables the user to command the whole system with a single keyboard and mouse –perfect for multitasking.
6. LG 27GL83A-B – Best for FPS Games
Key Features:
– 27-inch QHD (2560×1440) IPS panel
– 144Hz refresh rate
– 1ms response time
– G-Sync & FreeSync support
– 99% sRGB color accuracy
For fans of first-person shooter FPS games such as Call of Duty, Battlefield, Valorant, or any similar games, the LG 27GL83A-B is highly recommended. Regarding the display, the NV314X has an outstanding refresh rate of 144Hz, and a response time of 1ms, and it’s also equipped with Nvidia’s G Sync technology, thus having almost no lag or screen tear. It boasts a 99% sRGB color accuracy and will be efficient for those who fancy gaming monitors and photo or video editions.
7. ViewSonic Elite XG270 – Best for Esports Players
Key Features:
– 27-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS panel
– 240Hz refresh rate
– 1ms response time
– G-Sync Compatible
– PureXP Motion Blur Reduction
It equally suffices for esports gamers’ fast frame rates to respond to each Gamestream while streaming high refresh rates. The 240Hz refresh rate ensures smooth FPS on games in CS: GO and Valorant experiences.
8. Samsung Odyssey G5 Best – 1440p gaming monitor.
Key Features:
– 27-inch QHD (2560×1440) VA panel
– 144Hz refresh rate
– 1ms response time
– FreeSync Premium
– 1000R curvature
If you are searching for an affordable monitor that can offer 1440P 1000R curvature for better immersion, then you can go for the Samsung Odyssey G5. Moreover, the 1000R curve, the design approach of the new gaming monitors, offers more immersive gameplay, especially when playing single-player and story-driven games.
Conclusion – Which Gaming Monitors To Get?
Therefore, when selecting a game monitor, the appropriate choice depends on the type of gamer you are and the kind of game. Here are the facts as follows, which will guide you in making up your mind :
Overall Rating: – The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ is the best among the lot.
Curved Monitor – AOC CQ32G2S
– Best for Competitive Gaming – Dell S2721DGF
– Best for Color Accuracy – MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD
– Best Value for Money – Gigabyte M27Q
– Best for FPS Games – LG 27GL83A-B
– Best for Esports Players – ViewSonic Elite XG270
– Best Budget 1440p Monitors – Samsung Odyssey G5
FAQs
What should I look for in gaming monitors under $400?
Focus on refresh rate (144Hz+), response time (1ms-5ms), resolution (1080p or 1440p), and panel type (IPS for colors, VA for contrast).
Can I get a 240Hz monitor for under $400?
Yes, a few 240Hz monitors, like the Alienware AW2523HF, are available in this price range.
Are curved monitors good for gaming?
Yes, curved monitors improve immersion, especially for larger screens (27”+).
What is the best monitor size for gaming?
24” to 27” is ideal for most gamers, balancing screen space and visibility.
Do budget gaming monitors have good color accuracy?
Some IPS panels offer excellent color accuracy, but VA panels may have better contrast.
