Best Gaming Monitor Under $400 – 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 400 dollars. Thankfully, you can actually get a lot for you money when purchasing a monitor under 400 dollars nowadays.
- Best Gaming Monitor Under $400 – Ultimate Buying Guide
- What Can You Get With a Monitor Under $400?
- Best Gaming Monitor Under $400 – Quick List
- Best Gaming Monitor Under $400 – Reviews
- 1. LG 32GK650F-B – Best Overall
- 2. LG 27GL83A-B – Best LG 27 inch
- 3. Samsung Odyssey G5 – Best Samsung 32 inch
- 4. BenQ EX2780Q – Best with Speakers
- 5. ASUS VG289Q – Best 4K
- 6. Sceptre C275B-144R – Best Budget
- 7. ViewSonic XG2431 – Best ViewSonic 240Hz
- 8. Acer Predator XB253Q – Best 240Hz
- 9. Acer Nitro XZ342CK – Best Ultrawide
- 10. AOC CQ32G1 – Best Curved
What Can You Get With a Monitor Under $400?
Screen Size
Monitors under 400 dollars typically have a 19 inch to 32 inch screen, with the majority being 24 inches. 24 inch monitors are currently the best selling size of all monitors, compared to every size at every price. 27 inch displays are also very popular, since they provide a larger screen to work with while still not taking up too much space. 32 inch monitors are quickly gaining in popularity, and literally could be the next standard at any time.
Resolution
Most monitors under 400 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 400 dollars come with a 60Hz refresh rate and a 5ms response time. This will get the job done for most of your daily tasks and standard gaming. There are some monitors with higher specs, that can range from a 75Hz to 240Hz refresh rate.
Display Technology
The best monitors under 400 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.
Best Gaming Monitor Under $400 – Quick List
- LG 32GK650F-B – Best Overall
- LG 27GL83A-B – Best LG 27 inch
- Samsung Odyssey G5 – Best Samsung 32 inch
- BenQ EX2780Q – Best with Speakers
- ASUS VG289Q – Best 4K
- Sceptre C275B-144R – Best Budget
- ViewSonic XG2431 – Best ViewSonic 240Hz
- Acer Predator XB253Q – Best Acer 240Hz
- Acer Nitro XZ342CK – Best Ultrawide
- AOC CQ32G1 – Best Curved
Best Gaming Monitor Under $400 – Reviews
1. LG 32GK650F-B – Best Overall
The LG 32GK650F-B exceeds expectations for a $400 budget. It may be categorized as a gaming monitor, but this LG monitor can literally do it all. From streaming your favorite movies and tv shows, browsing the web, reading and writing emails, creating spreadsheets, to gaming and more.
The LG 32GK650F-B packs a 1440p resolution with a 144 Hz refresh rate, so it falls into that golden zone for modern gaming. But on top of that, it uses VA technology which is popular with gamers and perhaps the best for this type of display.
It also has FreeSync support with low framerate compensation and it’s compatible with Nvidia GPUs. Some of the absolute cheapest monitors with these specs do not include adaptive sync, so having it here is not only welcome but a requirement for any modern gaming display.
Crucially, it’s also flat, which will please the curved display haters.
The LG’s QHD resolution of 2560×1440 will enable you to see every microscopic detail. Not only is your entertainment enhanced, but photo and video editing will be raised up a significant notch as well. You may never want to leave your pc.
What tops it all off is the massive 32 inch display. Your movies and games will be bigger and better, and you can also get more work done with multiple windows open simultaneously. It’s a game changer.
2. LG 27GL83A-B – Best LG 27 inch
How does a 27 inch, 2K monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and G Sync sound? It should be music to your ears, especially when it comes from a reputable brand such as LG. This literally is a monitor geared for gamers, and it has the tech to back it up.
You will be light years ahead of most of your competitors with the integrated technologies. The 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate will provide an essentially instantaneous response to your environment. Incredibly useful for first person shooters and other high speed action games.
The high color coverage of sRGB 99% ensures that you experience the game the way it was meant to be, with accurate vibrant colors. The integration of NVIDIA G Sync removes and reduces screen tearing and stuttering to ensure that you don’t miss a beat whilst in the heat of battle. The incredible contrasts give you an edge in areas with low light, where some enemies may literally not be able to see you, but you can see them.
If you are serious about gaming, you need a serious gaming monitor, and this is one of the best.
3. Samsung Odyssey G5 – Best Samsung 32 inch
The Samsung Odyssey G5 features a 32 inch curved screen with a 2560×1440 Quad HD resolution, that truly pulls you into the action. The fast pace never stops thanks to the 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. The AMD FreeSync Premium makes sure everything is effortlessly smooth throughout. The HDR10 brings true to life deep blacks and bright whites.
All said and done, the Samsung Odyssey G5 is a very affordable option for the serious gamer looking for an edge over the competition.
4. BenQ EX2780Q – Best with Speakers
The BenQ EX2780Q is fairly similar to the LG 27GL83A-B, except the BenQ includes built in speakers. It’s the same size at 27 inches, has a 144Hz refresh rate, but the response time is not quite as good as the LG.
The BenQ has a unique feature of a HDRi sensor that optimizes your color, contrast, and image clarity. The sensor can automatically determine the ambient light and adjust the monitor’s screen for optimal performance.
The built in 2.1 channel speakers are pretty darn good for a monitor. It features 2x 2w speakers, a 5w subwoofer, and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) which allows you to select the best audio mode for your game. It even comes with a remote to control it all.
5. ASUS VG289Q – Best 4K
If you want a 4K gaming monitor with an IPS panel, the ASUS VG289Q is the best option in this price range.
Image quality
This 28″ monitor delivers vivid clarity and detail with its rich pixel density of 157 PPI.
Additionally, it supports 10-bit (8-bit + 2-bit FRC) color depth and 90% DCI-P3 wide color gamut for vibrant, consistent colors. For more accurate color output, you can simply use the provided sRGB emulation mode.
Its stunning colors and 4K UHD resolution make this monitor ideal for creating and consuming content, especially for jobs where color is essential, watching movies, gaming and other multimedia activities.
Characteristics
It supports AMD FreeSync over HDMI and DisplayPort with a VRR range of 40-60Hz, making it ideal for PC and console gaming. The VRR works fine with compatible NVIDIA cards, but your mileage may vary here as the monitor is not certified by NVIDIA as “G-SYNC Compatible”.
Other features include Shadow Boost (which changes the gamma curvature for better visibility of objects in shadow), a customizable reticle, pre-calibrated image presets, and on-screen timers.
HDR is also supported, but with a maximum brightness of 350-bit, it is not quality for VESA’s entry-level HDR support. Anyway, thanks to its wide color gamut, the colors will look a bit nicer on some HDR content, which is actually more than what some VESA HDR400 certified displays offer!
Design and connectivity
You can adjust the screen height up to 150mm, rotate the screen 90 °, tilt -5 ° / 20 °, rotate – / + 62 ° and mount it in VESA ( 100 × 100 mm).
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, a single DisplayPort 1.2 input, two integrated 2W speakers, and a headphone jack. The monitor also supports HDCP 2.2, allowing you to watch copy-protected content in native 4K UHD resolution on streaming services such as Netflix.
6. Sceptre C275B-144R – Best Budget
If you’re a serious gamer that is looking for a low priced, high quality gaming monitor, look no further.
The Sceptre C275B-144R is currently one of the highest rated & best selling gaming monitors on amazon right now. This is largely because it packs as many features as it can into a display that is now priced under $300.
The Sceptre C275B-144R has a substantial 27 inch curved screen that will definitely pull you into the action. It has a solid 144Hz refresh rate and AMD Freesync to ensure there is no tearing or stuttering gameplay. Just smooth, high paced graphics and motion.
This is another monitor that would be great in a multiple monitor setup. Due to it’s small bezels, VESA compatibility, and low price. It’s a winner.
7. ViewSonic XG2431 – Best ViewSonic 240Hz
The ViewSonic XG2431 is easily one of the the best 240Hz gaming monitors.
It’s equipped with 240Hz, 1ms GtG response time, FreeSync and the impeccable PureXP+ backlight strobing implementation with Blur Busters 2.0 Approved certification.
Moreover, it offers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles!
Image Quality
Thanks to its IPS panel, the XG2431 delivers vivid and accurate colors that make the colors on TN panels look washed out in comparison.
IPS monitors also have 178° wide viewing angles both horizontally and vertically, so the image quality won’t degrade regardless of the angle you’re looking at the screen.
Further, its rapid 1ms GtG pixel response time speed eliminates any prominent trailing behind fast-moving objects.
Keep in mind that the jump from 144Hz to 240Hz isn’t as noticeable as going from 60Hz to 144Hz, but the difference is there, and it can be crucial for competitive gaming.
So, if you’re a hardcore FPS gamer, this is the monitor for you. However, if you’d rather have a smooth performance as well as a good image quality, there are better options included in this guide.
Features
The ViewSonic XG2431 supports AMD FreeSync with a 48-240Hz VRR range, and it offers stable G-SYNC Compatible performance.
Alternatively, you can use its backlight strobing technology called PureXP+ that offers exceptional motion clarity at a cost of picture brightness. Tuned by Blur Busters, this implementation allows for advanced customization and comes with well-optimized presets from 60Hz to 240Hz.
Other useful features include Black Stabilization (for better visibility in darker games), pre-calibrated picture modes (FPS, RTS, RGB, etc.) and a refresh rate tracker.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the XG2431 monitor offers height adjustment up to 120mm, tilt by -5°/15°, +/- 90° swivel, 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 inputs, a headphone jack, two 3W built-in speakers and a dual-USB 3.0 hub.
8. Acer Predator XB253Q – Best 240Hz
Picture Quality:
The 24.5 inches screen combined with Full-HD resolution can easily give a respectable pixel density of 90 PPI (pixels per inch). It is just right for the text and graphics to appear sharp and easily visible. It is a very distinctive gaming monitor because there are not many monitors in the market with the advantages of having an IPS panel and still able to achieve such right refresh rate and low response time.
Moreover, Acer Predators XB253Q’s IPS panel can offer wide viewing angles of 178°. It means no color shift when gaming or using the monitor at any other viewing angle. If this is not impressive enough, you will definitely love the vivid, accurate, and consistent color produced by its IPS panel which will provide an advantage when gaming. It’s 99% sRGB gamut and 8-bit color depth produces 16.7 million colors which are impressive.
Besides, the panel has a standard contrast ratio of 1000:1 and peak brightness of 400 nits. It is VESA HDR400 certified meaning it can perform screen level local dimming. it increases the dynamic contrast of the screen.
Performance:
The performance of Acer Predators XB253Q is impressive. It is that rare monitor that has the advantages of an IPS panel and still manages to produce a refresh rate of 240 Hz and an amazingly low response time of up to 0.5 ms. The high refresh rates offer a smooth gaming experience and low pixel response time ensures no ghosting or trailing when objects are moving fast while playing games.
Besides, it supports VRR(Variable refresh rate) with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-SYNC technology. It enables the capability of changing its refresh rate dynamically according to fps, which helps in eliminating screen tearing and stuttering.
What more you can ask. This is the reason it is the best monitor in terms of both performance and image quality. It is the perfect balance that is expected from an ideal gaming monitor.
Design:
The monitor stands on a tripod-like stand which gives a solid base to the monitor. The stand is quite flexible offering a Tilt of -5° to 25°, an overall height adjustment range of 4.7 inches, a swivel range of +/-20°, and a Pivot motion of +/-90°. The look of the monitor is aggressive and surely gives the vibe of a gaming monitor. The monitor is made of high-quality plastic painted all in black.
The Acer logo is on the left side at the back and also you will find a predator logo on the tip of the stand. It also has accent lines near the top of the stand which adds up to the overall look of the monitor. The bezels around the monitors are very slim which makes it more favorable for a multi-monitor setup. Also, reflection handling is on point all because of its low-haze anti-glare coating on the screen.
To sum up, it is the best gaming monitor you can get at this price point currently. The refresh rate of 240 Hz, Low response time of 0.5 ms, VESA HDR400 certification, and on-point color accuracy and consistency of the IPS panel does it all.
9. Acer Nitro XZ342CK – Best Ultrawide
Acer Nitro XV340CK is a monitor that does not excel at all the criteria like gaming, editing, or watching movies in particular. Rather it is a monitor that combines the characteristics of all other monitors into one at a moderate level. This makes it the best monitors under 400 overall.
Picture Quality:
Acer XV340CK’s 3440×1440 resolution, 34-inch huge screen translates to a pixel density of about 110 PPI (pixels per inch). This makes everything sharper and immersive whether it is high res gaming, or QHD movie watching experience, or editing photos or videos.
It has an IPS panel which means colors are accurate, consistent, and vivid. Color coverage on this monitor is pretty decent, with 99% sRGB coverage it has enough variety of color. It has a true color depth of 8 bit producing 16.7 million colors. It supports HDR10 which will provide a more dynamic range, bright, and vibrant colors. The viewing angles are great on this monitor. No distortion visible even though it has a flat ultrawide display.
Moreover, the Acer XV340CK has a peak brightness of 250 nits. It is okay for normal conditions, unless in very bright rooms or under direct sunlight as glare would overcome the screen visibility. Also, you might see some backlight bleeding. It is normal with IPS panel and the bleed is not bothering.
Overall it is a good viewing experience on this ultrawide monitor.
Performance:
The Acer XV340CK delivers a very low pixel response time of 1 ms with VRB(Visual Response Boost ) enabled and a lower input lag of about 5 ms. That is extraordinary and improves overall gaming performance.
It packs FreeSync support, which improves gaming performance by eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. FreeSync changes the refresh rate of the monitor on the go to match the fps without compromising much of the input lag.
The AMD FreeSynch works in the range of 48-144Hz. If fps goes below 48, the frames rates are multiplied to give you smoother performance. This is cool. Although Acer XV340CK does not support G-Sync automatically, it can be enabled manually.
Design:
The monitor stands on a circular based stand which provides firm support to this huge ultrawide monitor with minimal wobble. The stands look standard and it is painted black. The stand only offers -5°/35° tilt adjustments. Thankfully, it is VESA compatible mount.
Moving on to the monitor itself, it looks nice overall. It has thinner look with super-thin bezels all around except for than big chin. Both monitor and stand are made of high-quality plastic material and doesn’t feel cheap.
Connectivity options on Acer XV340CK includes 2 x HDMI 2.0 ports, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4, a headphones jack, 3 x USB 3.0 (1 upstream and 2 down), and a dual 3W integrated speakers.
10. AOC CQ32G1 – Best Curved
Want a large 32″ gaming monitor? The AOC CQ32G1 offers exceptional value for money. Note that there is no 32″ 1440p 144Hz model with TN or IPS models, so you’ll have to settle for a VA display if you want a 32″ display.
Image quality
Now, since the 2560 × 1440 resolution is displayed on a larger screen in this case, you won’t have as much space and detail as on a 27″ 1440p monitor.
However, you get a bigger screen which can make the gaming experience more immersive for some users. Keep in mind that a 32″ monitor is large enough and you will need to sit a little further away from the screen.
Other specs related to the display include a 3,000: 1 contrast ratio, 300-bit peak brightness, and a color gamut of around 125% sRGB.
Although the colors of the CQ32G1 are not as precise and consistent as those of the IPS panels, they are rich and vivid, much better than those of any TN model.
The monitor’s 3,000: 1 static contrast ratio results in deep blacks as well as a more vivid relationship between darker and lighter tones.
Alas, when pixels need to switch between colors, they can’t quite keep up with the refresh rate of the monitor. This results in visible drag from fast moving objects, especially noticeable in dark scenes where dark pixels are involved.
Some people can tolerate this phenomenon because in return you get excellent picture quality, but others, who play fast games in competition, will not be able to stand it.
So if you are a casual gamer this shouldn’t be a problem.
Features
The AOC CQ32G1 monitor features motion blur reduction technology which can be activated by setting the Overdrive parameter to “Boost”.
You can also adjust the frequency of the backlight strobes via the “MBR” parameter. This can go a long way in eliminating motion blur, but this feature cannot be enabled at the same time as FreeSync.
FreeSync is supported on both HDMI and DP with 48-144Hz dynamic refresh rate range with stable G-SYNC performance.
Plus, you’ll find pre-calibrated picture presets (FPS, RTS, Racing, and three customizable player profiles) as well as Shadow Control and Game Control for gamma / saturation adjustments.
Design and connectivity
The AOC CQ32G1 has a tilt mount only but it can be mounted to a third party mount via the VESA 100x100mm model. On the back of the monitor you will find HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 inputs as well as an audio jack. The HDMI 1.4 port is limited to 75Hz at 1440p.
Alternatives
The AOC CQ32G1 is the best 32″ 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor you can get for under $400. If you want a similar monitor but with a flat screen instead, check out the LG 32GK650F.
If you are looking for a 27″ 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor with a VA panel, check out the detailed overview of the AOC CQ27G1 which is essentially a 27″ variant of the CQ32G1. It has an ergonomic design and costs only 250 dollars.
You can also get a 27″ 1440p 144Hz VA gaming monitor with a flat screen, the MSI MAG272QR .
Finally, if you want a good HDR gaming monitor, consider investing a little over $400 for the Samsung CHG70 with DisplayHDR 600, which means localized dimming, a wide color gamut, and a peak brightness of 600 bits for HDR content.