Best Gaming Monitor Under $300 – Ultimate Buying Guide
Many shoppers online like to save as much money as possible and have a specific budget in mind, and we honestly get it. The most common price buyers allocate for a new monitor is around 300 dollars. Thankfully, you can actually get a lot for your money when purchasing a monitor under 300 dollars nowadays.
- Best Gaming Monitor Under $300 – Ultimate Buying Guide
- What Can You Get with a Monitor Under $300?
- Best Gaming Monitor Under $300 – Quick List
- Best Gaming Monitor Under $300 – Reviews
- 1. ASUS VG278QR – Best Overall
- 2. Dell S2421HGF – Best Dell 24 inch
- 3. AOC CQ27G2 – Best AOC 27 inch 2K
- 4. Pixio PX277 – Best Pixio 27 inch
- 5. GTEK F2740C – Best GTEK 27 inch
- 6. ASUS VP28UQG – Best ASUS 28 inch 4K
- 7. BenQ EL2870U – Best BenQ 28 inch 4K
- 8. Sceptre C305W-2560UN – Best Sceptre 30 inch
- 9. ASUS TUF VG32H1B – Best ASUS 32 inch
- 10. AOC CQ32G1 – Best AOC 32 inch 2K
What Can You Get with a Monitor Under $300?
Screen Size
Monitors under 300 dollars typically have a 19 inch to 32 inch screen, with the majority being 24 and 27 inches. 19-32 inch monitors will get the job done for all of your daily tasks and fit most areas allocated for computer use.
Resolution
Most monitors under 300 dollars have a 1920 x 1080, Full HD (FHD) screen resolution. FHD works perfectly with the 19 to 27 inch screen range, because the pixels are not as widely distributed, and produce a sharper more detailed image. If you’re looking for a 32 inch display, you should get a monitor with a QHD (2560 x 1440) or 4K (3840 x 2160) screen resolution.
Refresh Rate & Response Time
Refresh rates and response times are key factors for display imaging speed and for games. Most of the monitors under 300 dollars come with a 60Hz-70hz refresh rate and a 5ms response time. This will get the job done for most of your daily tasks and standard gaming. However the majority of the gaming monitors that we hand-picked for this list range from 144Hz and up refresh rate and approximately 1ms response time.
Display Technology
The best monitors under 300 dollars mostly utilize IPS technology. IPS or In-Plane Switching displays, are more vibrant in color and have increased viewing angles compared to TN panels. TN panels appear to be dull when viewed from sides, while IPS displays do not fade.
Note: Prices can fluctuate on a daily basis, and may go somewhat over 300 dollars depending on supply and demand.
Best Gaming Monitor Under $300 – Quick List
- ASUS VG278QR – Best Overall
- Dell S2421HGF – Best Dell 24 inch
- AOC CQ27G2 – Best AOC 27 inch 2K
- Pixio PX277 – Best Pixio 27 inch
- GTEK F2740C – Best GTEK 27 inch
- ASUS VP28UQG – Best ASUS 28 inch 4K
- BenQ EL2870U – Best BenQ 28 inch 4K
- Sceptre C305W-2560UN – Best Sceptre 30 inch
- ASUS TUF VG328H1B – Best ASUS 32 inch
- AOC CQ32G1 – Best AOC 32 inch 2K
Best Gaming Monitor Under $300 – Reviews
1. ASUS VG278QR – Best Overall
ASUS is a big player in the pc gaming space, so it should be no surprise to see the ASUS VG278QR as our “Best Gaming” pick. ASUS has managed to include essentially everything you could want as a gamer with the ASUS VG278QR, all for less than 300 smackaroos. It has an impressive 165Hz refresh rate with a 0.5ms (GTG) response time, which of course is great for speedy and fluid gameplay. The Adaptive-Sync/FreeSync additionally helps reduce screen tearing and choppy frame rates. ASUS even takes it a step further by considering your eye health, with flicker-free and ultra-low blue light technology. Perfect for all day/all night gaming sessions.
2. Dell S2421HGF – Best Dell 24 inch
For many gamers, a more compact screen can be ideal, especially if you have limited desktop space. The Dell S2421HGF packs quite a punch, in it’s somewhat smaller 24 inch frame. It has a lightning fast 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. That’s plenty of speed to keep your framerates high and compete with some of the best pc gamers. It’s all kept under control and seamless thanks to the AMD FreeSync Premium.
3. AOC CQ27G2 – Best AOC 27 inch 2K
AOC might not be as well known as HP and ASUS, but AOC provides comparable computer products with very competitive prices. The AOC CQ27G2 is a great testament to AOC’s high quality/low price product line. The 1500R curved screen pulls you into whatever you’re working on or being entertained with, such as movies and games. In fact it’s actually a strong contender for the best gaming monitor under 300 dollars.
4. Pixio PX277 – Best Pixio 27 inch
Pixio may not be quite the household name as Dell and ASUS, but the Pixio PX277 is currently a best seller. It’s not surprising when you consider the very competitive gaming features such as: 165Hz refresh rate, WQHD resolution, FreeSync, and VESA support.
5. GTEK F2740C – Best GTEK 27 inch
Another not as well known name is GTEK, but nonetheless the produce high quality monitors and the GTEK F2740C is a great example of that. Similar to the Pixio PX277 it competes with the best monitors available thanks to it’s curved VA display that delivers an astonishing 240hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. It doesn’t hurt that it has decent built-in speakers as well.
6. ASUS VP28UQG – Best ASUS 28 inch 4K
ASUS continues to be one of the industry leaders for gaming monitors, and the ASUS VP28UQG is solid proof. If you want one of ASUS’ renowned monitors combined with a 4K resolution, this is it. The 28 inch UHD display has a 1ms response time, Adaptive Sync/FreeSync, eye care tech, and a proprietary 5-way OSD joystick to adjust the screen on the fly. What more do you want?
7. BenQ EL2870U – Best BenQ 28 inch 4K
If want another 4K gaming option, the BenQ EL2870U may be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s somewhat similar to the ASUS VP28UQG, but the BenQ EL2870U comes with built-in speakers and HDR support. It also has a 1ms response time, eye care tech, and AMD Free Sync. Of course with the 3840 x 2160 screen, you will be just as enterained with pc games as you will your favorite movies and tv shows.
8. Sceptre C305W-2560UN – Best Sceptre 30 inch
The C305W-2560UN by Sceptre is a huge, ultrawide “beast”. With it’s 30 inch curved display, 85Hz refresh rate, built-in speakers, and 1ms response time, the C305W-2560UN is great for gaming and streaming your favorite video content online.
9. ASUS TUF VG32H1B – Best ASUS 32 inch
The ASUS TUF VG32H1B has a FHD 32 inch display, that is targeted for the more serious gamers. The curved screen pulls you in, and with rapid speed churns out a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. There’s plenty of features to to keep all the action smooth and tear-free including ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur), and Adaptive-Sync & FreeSync Premium. No need for external speakers, thanks to the built-in ones. The VESA support makes it possible for a dual monitor or triple monitor stand.
10. AOC CQ32G1 – Best AOC 32 inch 2K
AOC CQ32G1 is a fantastic curved, 32 inch, 1440p, 2K monitor under $300 with an impressive 144Hz refresh rate. This combination will impress even the most demanding gamer.
It is similar to other 32-inch curved displays we tested ‒ the curvature is 1800R and it features a VA panel. The curved screen really does “pull you” in, we love it.