Best Gaming Monitor Under $500 – Ultimate Buying Guide
Are you looking for the best gaming monitor under 500 dollars… look no further. For many people shopping online, anything that’s over 500 bucks may seem a bit too expensive, and we honestly get that. We also completely understand that everyone’s needs and wants can vary. Perhaps someone desires a large screen, or high resolution, maybe gaming features, built in speakers, or a curved screen. We’ve taken all of that into consideration (and more) and created a helpful list of reviews for the best gaming monitor under $500 below.
- Best Gaming Monitor Under $500 – Ultimate Buying Guide
- Best Gaming Monitor Under $500 – Quick List
- Best Gaming Monitor Under $500 – Reviews
- 1. LG 27GL850-B – Best Overall
- 2. ASUS VG248QE – Best 24 inch
- 3. AOC G2590FX – Best 25 Inch
- 4. LG 32GK650F-B – Best 32 inch
- 5. Sceptre C345W-2560UN – Best 34 Inch
- 6. MSI OPTIX G27C4 – Best 165Hz
- 7. Acer Predator XB271HU – Best GSYNC
- 8. Sceptre C275B-144R – Best FreeSync
- 9. Samsung CFG73 – Best Curved
- 10. SAMSUNG Odyssey G5 – Best QHD
- Best Gaming Monitor Under $500 Evaluation
- Monitor Parameters
Best Gaming Monitor Under $500 – Quick List
- LG 27GL850-B – Best Overall
- ASUS VG248QE – Best 24 inch
- AOC G2590FX – Best 25 Inch
- LG 32GK650F-B – Best 32 inch
- Sceptre C345W-2560UN – Best 34 Inch
- MSI OPTIX MAG272C – Best 165Hz
- Acer Predator XB271HU – Best GSYNC
- Sceptre C275B-144R – Best FreeSync
- Samsung CFG73 – Best Curved
- SAMSUNG Odyssey G5 – Best QHD
Best Gaming Monitor Under $500 – Reviews
1. LG 27GL850-B – Best Overall
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Resolution | QHD/2K | 2560 x 1440p |
| Display Technology | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Connectivity Ports | 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 2x USB 3.0 |
| VESA Compatible | Yes |
If you want to get one of the best possible gaming monitors under $500, the LG 27GL850-B will not disappoint. The LG 27GL850-B includes a lightning fast 144hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. The bezels are nice and small, and we love that the stand is highly adjustable including the ability to manually switch from horizontal to vertical. This monitor would be awesome in a multi-monitor setup.
2. ASUS VG248QE – Best 24 inch
| Screen Size | 24 inch |
| Resolution | FHD | 1920 x 1080p |
| Display Technology | TN |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Connectivity Ports | 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x DVI-D |
| VESA Compatible | Yes |
The ASUS VG248QE is a gaming beast that is fully stacked with specs and features specifically geared for gaming. It has a 144Hz refresh with a 1ms response time, and displays 16.7 million colors with 4 temperature modes for accurate and adjustable color calibration.
Something very unique and actually proprietary is the integration of ASUS GamePlus. ASUS GamePlus provides visual tools for aspiring and experienced gamers to hone their skills with custom crosshairs, custom timers, FPS (frames per second) display, and Display Alignment.
The features keep on coming with incredible adjustability to: tilt, swivel, pivot, adjust the height, mounting options, and even the ability to physically switch to a vertical portrait mode.
It currently has over 3000 reviews with an average rating of 4.5/5 on Amazon, which essentially guarantees a high quality gaming display. If you’re a serious gamer and want a feature packed monitor, this one’s a steal for less than $500.
3. AOC G2590FX – Best 25 Inch
| Screen Size | 25 inch |
| Resolution | FHD | 1920 x 1080p |
| Display Technology | TN |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Connectivity Ports | 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x VGA |
| VESA Compatible | Yes |
The G2590FX can elevate your gaming experience to the next level with its 25 inch Full HD screen and lightning-fast response times. This monitor offers extra-slim bezels and borderless design on three sides for more immersion.
The product has a max refresh rate of 144 Hz and Adaptive-Sync support that provides extra-smooth and responsive gameplay while ensuring that all possible screen tears, stutters and input lag stay at the minimum.
The AOC flicker-free technology is another inclusion that helps ensure you experience video games the way they’re meant to be experienced. It reduces eye fatigue and helps you have long gaming sessions without feeling exhausted at the end.
This 25 inch monitor is also G-Sync compatible as long as your PC has NVidia’s latest GPU updates installed.
4. LG 32GK650F-B – Best 32 inch
| Screen Size | 32 inch |
| Resolution | QHD | 2560 x 1440p |
| Display Technology | VA |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Connectivity Ports | 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort |
| VESA Compatible | Yes |
This top rated gaming monitor offers impressively low input lag, 1440p resolution and a 32-inch display that allows you to enjoy the latest games in full detail. Its overall response times are quite quick.
The offered 1440 resolution is backed up by a refresh rate of 144Hz, which is currently the sweet spot for gaming.
Moreover, the monitor is built on a high-quality VA panel, which is very popular among video game enthusiasts.
5. Sceptre C345W-2560UN – Best 34 Inch
| Screen Size | 34 inch |
| Resolution | FHD | 2560 x 1080p |
| Display Technology | VA |
| Refresh Rate | 100Hz |
| Response Time | 6ms |
| Connectivity Ports | 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort |
| VESA Compatible | Yes |
If you’re looking for a FreeSync monitor under $500, then this 34-inch ultra-wide curved LED model might be the best option for you. It has a resolution of 2560 by 1080 and a max refresh rate of 100Hz.
The 21:9 aspect ratio allows you to immerse yourself in the action. The 34” size is perfect for the contours of your eyes. Meanwhile, the 1500R design offers a nice curve for seeing more of the action without turning your head.
This Sceptre product is powered by Adaptive-Sync, which takes care of the difference between the GPU’s and the monitor’s refresh rates and prevents screen tears and stutters.
Thanks to the enhanced contrast, this display offers rich accurate colors and produces a lifelike image that will satisfy even the most demanding gamers.
6. MSI OPTIX G27C4 – Best 165Hz
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Resolution | FHD | 1920 x 1080p |
| Display Technology | VA |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Connectivity Ports | 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort |
| VESA Compatible | Yes |
This 27-inch MSI monitor offers a 16:9 aspect ratio and 165Hz refresh rate. It is designed on a VA panel, making it a great choice for action-packed games. Other gaming-friendly features include a 1ms response time and FreeSync support.
The screen has a native resolution of 1920×1080. It is surrounded by slim bezels and offers a 3000:1 contrast ratio, 300cd/m2 brightness, and support of over 1 billion colors.
Connecting the monitor is simple due to the availability of HDMI, DP and USB Type-C ports.
Other than the mediocre pre-calibration, there’s no reason why this model can’t be considered for the title of the best gaming monitor under 500.
7. Acer Predator XB271HU – Best GSYNC
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Resolution | WQHD | 2560 x 1440p |
| Display Technology | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 4ms |
| Connectivity Ports | 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 4x USB 3.0 |
| VESA Compatible | Yes |
The XB271HU is among the best 1440p gaming monitors under $500 as it offers a great refresh rate, broad viewing angles and barely noticeable input lag, while its stand has top-notch ergonomics.
Even though this Acer monitor offers great specs for gaming, the response time is a bit disappointing. Additionally, the contrast ratio could have been higher as the blacks look greyish in dark workspaces, which is a common problem among IPS models.
The examination of the monitor didn’t locate any backlight bleeding or dead pixels. Overall, the XB271HU can be considered a great monitor for any purpose.
The terrific ergonomics and peak brightness make it suitable for office usage, while the minimum input lag is exactly what you need from a gaming display.
8. Sceptre C275B-144R – Best FreeSync
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Resolution | FHD | 1920 x 1080p |
| Display Technology | TN |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Connectivity Ports | 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x DVI-D |
| VESA Compatible | Yes |
The C275B-144R offers everything you’d expect from the best monitor under 500 for video games. It has a 27-inch curved screen and a 144 Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth transitions and seamless gameplay without any blur.
That smoothness is further reinforced thanks to FreeSync support that is a must-have for competitive e-sports.
The anti-flickering function helps you enjoy a crisper image by minimizing backlight flickers. With fast response times and reduced ghosting and blurring – there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying a clear, accurate image.
9. Samsung CFG73 – Best Curved
| Screen Size | 27 inch |
| Resolution | FHD | 1920 x 1080p |
| Display Technology | VA |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Connectivity Ports | 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort |
| VESA Compatible | Yes |
The CFG73 is often considered the best 2K monitor for gaming due to its solid 1080p resolution, 144 Hz refresh rate and rich colors that were achieved thanks to the quantum-dot technology.
Meanwhile, the 1ms MPRT allows you to enjoy a smooth performance with minimum delay. The monitor is built on a VA panel that reduces light leakage and offers a terrific contrast ratio (3000:1).
Aimed primarily at gamers, the included dual-hinge stand offers sturdiness and accurate controls over how exactly you place and angle the screen, which is a commonly missing feature in other monitors.
10. SAMSUNG Odyssey G5 – Best QHD
| Screen Size | 32 inch |
| Resolution | QHD | 2560 x 1440p |
| Display Technology | VA |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Connectivity Ports | 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x USB |
| VESA Compatible | Yes |
This 32 inch model just might be the best QHD gaming monitor under $500 if you’re looking for curved design and a crisp, clear image.
The 1000R curvature provides a far more enjoyable experience and minimizes eye fatigue compared to traditional screens or models with a smaller curve.
The ultrawide design and high image resolution along with the 144 Hz refresh rate ensure you don’t suffer from blur and allow you to see more content on the screen without scrolling or having to move your head.
Best Gaming Monitor Under $500 Evaluation
We’ve gone over the following monitor performance parameters to make sure you get the best possible monitor under $500.
Monitor Parameters
- Luminance is measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m2 also called a Nit).
- Color depth is measured in bits per primary color or bits for all colors.
- Gamut is measured as coordinates in the CIE 1931 color space. The names sRGB or Adobe RGB are shorthand notations.
- Aspect ratio is the ratio of the horizontal length to the vertical length. Monitors usually have the aspect ratio 4:3, 5:4, 16:10 or 16:9.
- Viewable image size is usually measured diagonally, but the actual widths and heights are more informative since they are not affected by the aspect ratio in the same way. For CRTs, the viewable size is typically 1 in (25 mm) smaller than the tube itself.
- Display resolution is the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed. For a given display size, maximum resolution is limited by dot pitch.
- Dot pitch is the distance between sub-pixels of the same color in millimeters. In general, the smaller the dot pitch, the sharper the picture will appear.
- Refresh rate is the number of times in a second that a display is illuminated. Maximum refresh rate is limited by response time.
- Response time is the time a pixel in a monitor takes to go from active (white) to inactive (black) and back to active (white) again, measured in milliseconds. Lower numbers mean faster transitions and therefore fewer visible image artifacts.
- Contrast ratio is the ratio of the luminosity of the brightest color (white) to that of the darkest color (black) that the monitor is capable of producing.
- Power consumption is measured in watts.
- Delta-E: Color accuracy is measured in delta-E; the lower the delta-E, the more accurate the color representation. A delta-E of below 1 is imperceptible to the human eye. Delta-Es of 2 to 4 are considered good and require a sensitive eye to spot the difference.
- Viewing angle is the maximum angle at which images on the monitor can be viewed, without excessive degradation to the image. It is measured in degrees horizontally and vertically.