The Best Computer Monitors (2023 Reviews)

Want a new monitor for your PC?

Don’t need any fancy features such as a lightning-fast pixel response time speed for competitive gaming or professional-grade color accuracy for editing and design?

If all you’re looking for is a budget-friendly and reliable monitor for everyday use such as web surfing, light gaming, and watching movies – your quest has come to an end!

We have gathered a list of the best and most cost-efficient monitors for home computer use available!

We’ll go over everything you need to know about each monitor in the simplest way possible without skipping any important details.

Continue reading the monitor reviews below, and as long as you stick with our guidelines and tips, we guarantee that you will be satisfied with your new monitor for the money paid.

Additionally, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comment section below! You can view our changelogs for this guide here.

Best Computer Monitors Under $200

You don’t need an expensive monitor to get crisp image quality with vibrant colors and smooth performance! The following are the best budget monitors currently available.

About The Monitor

If you just want the cheapest monitor that actually works well, you should get the Philips 226E9QDSB.

Image Quality

This 22″ monitor (21.5″ viewable screen) features an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel, which is the most popular and preferred panel technology among gamers as well as designers.

IPS monitors feature impeccable 178° viewing angles meaning that the picture will be flawless no matter the angle you’re looking at the screen.

Further, IPS ensures accurate, consistent, and vivid colors, which is why professional designers stand by this type of panel technology, but we all like pretty colors, right?

Gamers love IPS displays because of their quick pixel response time speed, which leaves no visible trailing behind fast-moving objects making for smooth motion clarity in fast-paced games.

While these budget IPS panels are not quite as fast as TN (Twisted Nematic) or high-end IPS and VA panels, they’re more than quick enough for casual gaming. Besides, TN monitors have awful image quality and viewing angles in comparison.

TN panel monitors used to be a lot more affordable than the IPS models, but nowadays, they cost pretty much the same, which is why TN displays are slowly becoming obsolete.

Now:

No panel type is perfect.

IPS monitors suffer from IPS glow, which is described as visible ‘glowing’ around the corners of the screen, which is particularly noticeable in dark rooms with dark content displayed on the screen.

In truth, this drawback is entirely tolerable and manageable as all LED-backlit monitors have at least some light leakage.

Just don’t max out the monitor’s brightness when using it in a pitch-dark room. If you notice some glowing around the corners, that’s supposed to happen.

To reduce this, you can lower the brightness or add some ambient lighting (lamp, LEDs, and such) to your room.

Lastly, IPS and TN monitors usually have a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1.

So, blacks won’t be quite as deep as that of VA (Vertical Alignment) panel displays, which have a contrast ratio of 3,000:1, but they have disadvantages of their own, which we’ll get into a bit later.

Turning back to the monitor, the Philips 226E9QDSB has a screen resolution of 1920×1080 pixels.

Although 1080p may seem low by today’s standards, it’s still the most popular resolution.

What’s more, on the 21.5″ viewable screen of the 226E9QDSB, it offers an excellent pixel density of 102 PPI (pixels per inch). So, you get plenty of screen space and sharp text/details!

Another upside is that it won’t be too demanding on your graphics card, so you’ll be able to easily maintain high frame rates in video games, provided you have a decent GPU.

Features

The Philips 226E9QDSB supports AMD FreeSync over HDMI, which allows the monitor to change its refresh rate according to GPU’s frame rates if you have a compatible Radeon graphics card.

As a result, all screen tearing and stuttering is eliminated with virtually no input lag penalty as long as your FPS is within the monitor’s variable refresh rate (VRR) range of 48-75Hz/FPS.

Because the monitor doesn’t have a DisplayPort input, you won’t be able to use FreeSync with NVIDIA cards, but you can set the monitor to 75Hz for a slight kick in motion clarity.

Keep in mind that FreeSync doesn’t increase the monitor’s price. So, you’re not losing anything if you don’t have a compatible graphics card or don’t play video games.

Just like all monitors in this guide, the 226E9QDSB has a flicker-free backlight and a low-blue light filter. These two technologies prevent eye strain and headaches caused by the prolonged use of a monitor.

Design & Connectivity

Yet another selling point of the Philips 226E9QDSB is its slim design with ultra-thin bezels, which make it ideal for multi-monitor setups.

While the stand of the monitor is tilt-only, you can easily mount the screen on a third-party stand using the 75x75mm VESA pattern.

As you can see in the picture above, though, the bottom VESA holes are very close to the inputs. So, if you have a VESA plate that supports both 75x75mm and 100x100mm patterns, you won’t be able to use it as it will black out the ports. You need a VESA plate that’s 75x75mm only.

Connectivity options include HDMI 1.4, VGA, DVI-D, and an audio line-out port for headphones.

Alternatives

There are two more similar monitors that use the same IPS panel as the Philips 226E9QDSB and offer essentially identical specifications and features such as FreeSync up to 75Hz:

• Acer SB220Q – different design (without VESA mount, headphone jack, and DVI port)
• AOC 22V2H – different design (without VESA mount and DVI port)

These three monitors offer pretty much identical picture quality, performance, and features.

So, you can pick whichever is cheaper or according to your preference, though Philips’ model offers the best value for the price as it has VESA mount compatibility and extra connectivity ports at the same price.

If you’re interested in a 22″ 1080p monitor with a VA panel for a higher contrast ratio and no IPS glow, check out the Aopen 22CV1Q. However, keep in mind that it has a slower response time speed, narrower viewing angles, no FreeSync and a lower 60Hz refresh rate.

About The Monitor

The Philips 246E9QDSB is the 24″ version of the previously mentioned 226E9QDSB model. It offers the same design, connectivity options, and features, but it also has a bit wider color gamut!

Image Quality

The 24″ screen (23.8″ viewable) of the Philips 246E9QDSB results in a bit lower pixel-per-inch ratio (92 PPI) than that of the 22″ variant, but the picture is still sharp with plenty of screen real estate.

Although the difference is only around 2″, it’s actually rather noticeable, and most people prefer 24″ sized monitors.

For ~$25 extra, you could also get the 27″ version of this monitor.

However, we don’t recommend 27″ displays with 1080p resolution as they have a low pixel density (81 PPI), meaning that text and fine details won’t be as clear.

So, while you do get a bigger monitor, the image quality won’t be as good, yet you are going to pay more.

Some people don’t mind the low pixel density as the individual pixels aren’t distinguishable if you’re sitting a bit further from the screen (~3.5 ft), in which case you should visit our best 27″ monitors guide.

Moving on, the Philips 246E9QDSB supports a wide color gamut. Unlike the 22″ model which has the standard ~99% sRGB color gamut, the 24″ version covers colors beyond that with 129% coverage.

This will make colors even more vibrant and lifelike as they are more saturated.

Some users don’t prefer this as most content uses the sRGB color space, which leads to over-saturation.

Luckily, you can simply use the monitor’s emulated sRGB color mode if you want more accurate colors.

Most monitors at this price range only cover the standard sRGB color space, but with the Philips 246E9QDSB, you get the ability to choose.

For instance, you can use the sRGB mode for web surfing and switch to the wide gamut for movies and games.

Features

Everything else is identical to the Philips 226E9QDSB, including the same features, such as AMD FreeSync up to 75Hz over HDMI, the same design (ultra-thin bezels, -5°/20° tilt, 75x75mm VESA mount), and the same connectivity options (HDMI, VGA, DVI-D, and audio line-out).

Visit our Philips 246E9QDSB review for more information.

Alternatives​

• Acer CB242Y – Another good option. It has a fully ergonomic stand, but no DisplayPort, wide color gamut, or audio ports
• ASUS VA24DQ – Another 24″ 1080p 75Hz IPS gaming monitor with FreeSync. This model also has a DisplayPort input, allowing you to use VRR with compatible NVIDIA cards, but there’s no wide color gamut support

Now, there is the Philips 246E9QDJAB variant of this monitor which does have a DisplayPort input, but in the US, it’s only available for an overpriced ~$300 price.

So, if you want to use FreeSync with your NVIDIA card (GTX 10-series or newer), get the VA24DQ – and in case you have an AMD card or don’t care about VRR, get the Philips 246E9QDSB since it has a wider color gamut.

In case you’re interested in a 1080p monitor with a VA panel, check out the Sceptre E248W-19203R, the BenQ EW277HDR, or the AOC C24G1A with 144Hz.

About the Monitor

High refresh rate gaming monitors aren’t as expensive as they used to be. What’s more, you no longer need to sacrifice image quality for speed as you can now get a great 144Hz IPS gaming display such as the AOC 24G2 for under $200!

Image Quality

With a 60Hz monitor, you can make use of 60FPS (Frames Per Second) maximum. Even if your frame rate was higher, the monitor could still only display 60FPS, they’d just be torn up.

Technically, you would get lower input lag at 60Hz with 60FPS+, but this would only be noticeable in competitive gaming, in which case you’d undoubtedly want a high refresh rate display anyway.

With 144Hz, you can get over twice as many FPS (provided that your GPU can render them), which results in significantly smoother motion.

Whether you’re playing a competitive shooter such as CS: GO or a few rounds of Crimsonland, everything will simply fly! Even moving your mouse across your desktop will be more fluid.

Keep in mind that some video games are locked to 60FPS, in which case you won’t be able to see any benefits at 144Hz.

The best part about the AOC 24G2 is that it’s not expensive and that it offers a vibrant picture quality thanks to its IPS panel.

You get wide 178° viewing angles as well as an extended 126% sRGB color gamut support for gorgeous colors. Just like with the Philips 246E9, an emulated sRGB profile is provided in case you want to restrict the colors for better accuracy.

Features

The AOC 24G2 supports AMD FreeSync with a wide 48-144Hz VRR range, and it works with compatible NVIDIA cards without any issues.

Thanks to its wide range, AMD LFC (Low Framerate Compensation) is also supported, which allows FreeSync to work even below 48FPS by framerate doubling/tripling (47FPS -> 94Hz).

Other useful features include custom crosshair overlays, Shadow Control (improves visibility of objects in shadows), and Game Color (color saturation presets).

The monitor also supports MBR (Motion Blur Reduction), which provides better motion clarity by backlight strobing.

Even though the IPS panel of the AOC 24G2 doesn’t have as fast pixel response time as some TN panels or certain more expensive IPS panels, it’s more than fast enough for competitive gaming.

For more information, check out our AOC 24G2 review.

Design & Connectivity

The AOC 24G2 offers a fully ergonomic stand with up to 130mm height adjustment, 90° pivot, -5°/22° tilt, +/- 30° swivel, and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 1.4 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, VGA, and a headphone jack. Both HDMI and DisplayPort inputs support FreeSync and 144Hz at 1920×1080.

There’s the AOC 24G2U model, which also offers a quad-USB 3.0 hub and built-in speakers, but it’s not available in the US. Other specifications and features are identical.

Alternatives​

If the AOC 24G2 is not available or overpriced in your country check out the ASUS VP249QGR or the ViewSonic XG2405 which use the same panel – or the AOC C24G1A with a curved VA panel that offers a higher contrast ratio, but a bit slower response time.

Best Computer Monitors Under $300

Can afford something a bit pricier? These are the best PC monitors available for around $250 – $300.

About the Monitor

The AOC CQ27G2 is not only the best value 1440p monitor, it’s also the most cost-efficient 1440p 144Hz model! So, you’re essentially getting the 144Hz refresh rate gratis!

Image Quality

This monitor is based on a curved VA panel meaning that it has a notably higher static contrast ratio of 3,000:1!

As a result, blacks are much deeper, whites are brighter, and the overall relation between the darkest and the brightest tones is more pronounced.

Colors are not as striking and accurate as they are on IPS monitors, but they are very good nonetheless.

In fact, the AOC CQ27G2 supports a wide 120% sRGB color gamut, which closes the gap a bit between the color quality. You also get an emulated sRGB color profile.

2560×1440 resolution is perfect for 27″ sized screens as you get a pixel density of 108 PPI meaning that you get plenty of screen space as well as crystal-clear details without any scaling necessary.

1440p is also considerably more demanding than 1080p, especially if you wish to get higher frame rates in video games, so make sure your PC rig will be able to handle it.

The main issue with VA panels, at least at this price range, is the pixel response time.

Because you get such deep blacks, dark pixels also take longer to change into brighter shades, which results in visible black smearing of fast-moving objects.

Luckily, this is mainly noticeable in darker scenes, and it’s actually negligible unless you play FPS games very competitively.

Features

Just like the AOC 24G2, the CQ27G2 offers plenty of gaming features, including AMD FreeSync up to 144Hz, MBR, custom crosshairs, various picture presets, Shadow Control, and Game Color.

Sadly, some units of the AOC CQ27G2 (and most other monitors based on Samsung’s VA panels) are affected by the brightness flickering issue when FreeSync is enabled.

This brightness flickering is mostly visible when your FPS fluctuates a lot or when it gets below 48FPS and triggers LFC. It doesn’t affect all units of the monitor, and it’s not visible in all video games.

You can learn more about the monitor in our AOC CQ27G2 review.

Design & Connectivity

The design quality of the AOC CQ27G2 is also very good considering its price. You get a sturdy stand with height adjustment up to 130mm, swivel by +/- 30°, tilt by -5°/20°, and VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 inputs, DisplayPort 1.2, and an audio line-out port for the headphones. All display connectors support FreeSync and 144Hz at 2560×1440.

Alternatives​

If the AOC CQ27G2 is not available or overpriced in your country, check out the Samsung C27JG50/56, which is another budget-friendly alternative.

The AOC CQ27G1 is the older version of this monitor with all the same features, but it has a more subtle 1800R curvature as opposed to the steeper 1500R curve of the CQ27G2.

The difference in screen curvature isn’t particularly noticeable, and since the image quality and performance are basically identical, you can just choose whichever is available or cheaper.

Another model worth considering is the Gigabyte G27QC.

About the Monitor

If you think your PC won’t be able to handle 1440p 144Hz and/or would rather have an ultrawide display for a more immersive viewing experience, the LG 29WP60G is for you! 

Image Quality

Ultrawide monitors have an aspect ratio of 21:9 as opposed to the standard widescreen ratio of 16:9.

This provides you with extra horizontal space, which is great for productivity use as well as gaming as it increases your field of view. It’s also fantastic for watching movies shot at the ~21:9 ratio!

Further, the LG 29WP60G uses an IPS panel, so colors will be accurate and consistent, while its 2560×1080 resolution results in a decent pixel density of 95 PPI.

Keep in mind that due to the wider aspect ratio, this 29″ sized monitor is as tall as a regular 23″ 16:9 display – just wider, which may take some time getting used to.

If you want a larger ultrawide monitor, there’s the LG 34WK650, which is the 34″ model that’s as tall as a regular 27″ display. However, the 34WK650 also has a lower pixel density due to the same resolution.

2560×1080 on 34″ sized monitors has a pixel density of 81 PPI (same as 1080p on 27″), so the details won’t be as sharp.

Features

The LG 29WP60G supports AMD FreeSync with a 40-75Hz VRR range (no LFC support), and it works well with NVIDIA cards. So, you get a smooth and tear-free gaming performance too!

Other features include Black Stabilizer (improves visibility in darker games), pre-calibrated picture presets and Screen Split (for multitasking).

HDR (High Dynamic Range) is also supported, but since the monitor lacks proper color gamut, brightness and local dimming, ‘HDR’ is just software-emulated.

In other words, you can ignore its HDR support as it won’t improve the picture quality of HDR content, nor does it increase the monitor’s price. The monitor just has the capability to accept the HDR signal.

You can learn more about HDR and its marketing shenanigans here.

Design & Connectivity

The LG 29WP60G has a tilt-only stand, but the screen is VESA mount compatible. Connectivity options include HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, USB-C (DP Alt Mode, 7.5W PD) and a headphone jack.

Alternatives​

If you want a similar monitor but with a higher refresh rate, check out the LG 29WQ600 with 100Hz or the MSI MAG301RF – it has a 29.5″ 2560×1080 IPS panel with a rapid 1ms response time speed and a high 200Hz refresh rate; its price ranges from $270 to $330.

About the Monitor

The Philips 278E1A is, simply put, the cheapest 4K monitor that’s actually good!

Image Quality

With 4K UHD resolution of 3840×2160 pixels on a 27″ screen, you’re getting an incredible pixel density of 163 PPI! Such high pixel density will make everything tiny, though, so you will need to use scaling.

Scaling will decrease the amount of available screen real estate, but it will also make everything extra sharp and crisp!

The Philips 278E1A features an IPS panel with 10-bit color depth support (1.07 billion colors) and a slight extension over the standard sRGB color gamut with 109% coverage.

You also get an emulated sRGB color profile if you wish to do some color-critical work.

Overall, we recommend this monitor for designers, watching movies, and console gaming.

For PC gaming and general productivity use, we recommend going with a lower resolution display with a higher refresh rate as 4K UHD is quite demanding on GPU when it comes to video games.

Features

The monitor supports Picture in Picture and Picture by Picture and offers pre-calibrated picture profiles, five gamma presets, and a low-blue light filter with four different levels.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t support AMD FreeSync. If you want a 4K monitor with FreeSync, we recommend checking out the ASUS VG289Q.

However, keep in mind that all budget 4K FreeSync monitors have a narrow VRR range of 40-60Hz, which makes it useless for the Xbox games limited to 30FPS.

If your favorite Xbox One/Series games are limited to 60FPS and/or if you have a high-end AMD graphics card, then it’s worth it to invest in a 4K FreeSync monitor.

Design & Connectivity

The stand of the Philips 278E1A 4K monitor is tilt-only, but you can mount it on a third-party stand via the 100x100mm VESA pattern.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, and a headphone jack.

HDCP 2.2 is supported, meaning that you will be able to stream copy-protected content in native 4K UHD resolution from streaming services such as Netflix.

This monitor is also available with a slightly different design without the VESA mount as the Philips 276E8VJSB.

Alternatives​

• ASUS VG289Q – A 28″ 4K IPS monitor with a fully ergonomic stand, 90% DCI-P3 wide color gamut, HDR, and AMD FreeSync priced around $330
• Dell S2721QS – A 27″ 4K IPS monitor with an ergonomic stand, FreeSync, and the standard sRGB color gamut

About the Monitor

The Acer XV272UP is the best value/money 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor with an IPS panel.

Image Quality

Just like the AOC CQ27G2, the Acer XV272UP is a 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor, so you get that ideal combo of high pixel density and gaming responsiveness!

However, the Acer XV272UP has a flat-screen IPS display with a wide 95% DCI-P3 color gamut; you won’t get as high contrast as you would with a VA monitor, but the colors will be punchier and more accurate.

What’s more, you won’t get any black smearing in fast-paced games as the ViewSonic has a considerably faster response time – but it’s also a bit more expensive.

There is no ‘better’ option here, though.

Some people prefer higher contrast and deeper blacks; others prefer better colors.

Generally, IPS is more suited for content creators who rely on accurate colors and for gamers who play fast-paced titles, whereas VA is excellent for more graphically-oriented games and watching movies.

Features

Moving on, the Acer XV272UP supports AMD FreeSync with a 48-144Hz VRR range and it works well with compatible NVIDIA graphics cards.

Other useful features include pre-calibrated picture presets, Black Boost, the VRB backlight strobing technology, and an emulated sRGB color profile.

Design & Connectivity

The stand of the monitor is versatile with up to 120mm height adjustment, -5°/20° tilt, +/- 180° swivel, 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a headphone jack, dual 2W built-in speakers and a quad-USB 3.0 hub.

Alternatives​

If you play a lot of fast-paced games, check out the MSI G273QF 1440p 165Hz IPS monitor with a rapid 1ms GtG response time speed. Its price ranges from $300 to $350.

Nowadays, the price difference between 27″ 1440p 144Hz and 60Hz/75Hz models is minimal, but if you don’t need a high refresh rate, you can save some money by going with the LG 27QN600.

Best Computer Monitors Under $400

Want something even better? The following three monitors offer incredible value for the money and will be well worth the investment.

About The Monitor

If you want a 32″ monitor with a high refresh rate, we highly recommend the Gigabyte G32QC-A with a 1440p resolution. Avoid 1080p displays at this screen size as they have a very low pixel-per-inch ratio that results in a pixely picture.

Image Quality

The 1440p resolution looks great even on 32″ monitors. You get the same pixel density as you do with 24″ 1080p monitors, but since the screen is bigger, you’d be sitting a bit further from it, so individual pixels won’t be distinguishable at all.

Further, the G32QCA has a high contrast ratio of 3,000:1, a wide 94% DCI-P3 color gamut, and HDR support with up to 400-nits of peak brightness, so you get quite an immersive viewing experience.

At the same time, the 165Hz refresh rate and FreeSync support ensure buttery smooth performance. Sadly, as it’s the case with most VA monitors, there are many units affected by the brightness flickering issue.

Features

Instead of FreeSync, you can use the Aim Stabilizer technology, which reduces perceived motion blur by backlight strobing, though maximum brightness is reduced in the process.

Other useful features include Black Equalizer (for better visibility in dark scenes), PiP/PbP, a refresh rate tracker, custom crosshairs, and various picture modes.

Visit our Gigabyte G32QC review for more information.

Design & Connectivity

The stand of the monitor is quite sturdy and even offers height adjustment up to 100mm, as well as tilt by -5°/20° and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility, while the screen has a steep 1500R curvature for added immersion.

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a headphone jack, and 1 upstream + 2 downstream USB 3.0 ports.

Alternatives

• LG 32GN650 – A 32″ 1440p 165Hz gaming monitor with a flat-screen VA panel, but no wide color gamut
• Gigabyte M32Q – A 32″ 1440p 170Hz gaming monitor with a flat-screen IPS panel. It has smoother VRR performance and faster response time, but not as high contrast ratio. It goes for $500, but it’s often on sale for ~$400!

About the Monitor

Looking for a larger screen? The LG 32UL500 is the best 32″ 4K monitor you can get for the money. 

Image Quality

4K UHD resolution looks crisp and sharp even on 32″ monitors. You get a pixel density of 139 PPI, so you will still have to apply some scaling, but not as much as you would on a 27″ 4K display.

The LG 32UL500 features a VA panel with a high static contrast ratio of 3,000:1, a 300-nit peak brightness, and support for wide color gamut with 95% DCI-P3 coverage and 10-bit color depth.

Thanks to its big screen, high resolution, and gorgeous colors, the monitor is amazing for watching movies and console gaming, but it’s also suitable for any other PC use.

Features

AMD FreeSync is supported with a 40-60Hz VRR range, but it doesn’t work well with NVIDIA cards unless you select the Basic FreeSync mode, which has a more limited 48-60Hz range.

With AMD cards and the Xbox One/Series X, it works without any issues!

Further, the LG 32UL500 supports HDR, and thanks to its wide color gamut and high contrast ratio, HDR content will look a bit better.

However, it lacks a much higher brightness and local dimming for the ‘true’ HDR viewing experience. Such displays are, naturally, considerably more expensive, though.

There’s no dedicated sRGB color profile, but you can use the Rec.709 preset instead to clamp the gamut.

Other features include Black Stabilizer, On-Screen Control, and advanced image adjustment tools such as fine color temperature settings, four gamma presets, 6-axis hue/saturation, and more.

Design & Connectivity

The stand of the monitor offers tilt adjustment by -5°/15° and VESA mount compatibility via the 100x100mm pattern.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 inputs, DisplayPort 1.2, an audio line-out port, and two 5W built-in speakers. HDCP 2.2 is supported.

Alternatives​

• LG 32UN500 – a similar monitor (2020 model) with slightly different specifications (90% DCI-P3 gamut, 350-nit peak brightness)
• LG 32UK550 – the same monitor (2018 model), but with a height-adjustable stand

The LG 32UL500 is the 2019 model. All three displays are based on the same panel (or similar) and offer nearly identical image quality and performance. So, you can just choose whichever is cheaper or according to your preference. Any differences between these three displays can mostly be attributed to panel variance.

If you’re looking for a 32″ 4K monitor with a bit faster response time speed and smoother VRR performance with NVIDIA cards, check out the BenQ EW3270U.

32″ 4K IPS monitors are more expensive, the cheapest one being the LG 32UN650 at ~$500.

About the Monitor

Want a 34″ ultrawide monitor with a high resolution? The AOC CU34G2X is the most cost-effective option yet it also comes with a fast 144Hz refresh rate!

Image Quality

3440×1440 resolution hits the sweet spot when it comes to pixel density on 34″ sized screens. With 110 PPI, you get plenty of screen space and excellent detail clarity without any scaling necessary.

Add to that the extra horizontal workspace that the ultrawide format provides, and you get more screen real estate than you’ll likely need while games become extra immersive!

The monitor features a curved VA panel, which makes for deep blacks thanks to its high contrast ratio, and it also covers 90% of the DCI-P3 color space for more vibrant colors.

As expected, pixel response times are a bit slower, so some black smearing will be visible in fast-paced games and darker scenes, but to a tolerable degree.

Features

The AOC CU34G2X supports AMD FreeSync with a 48-144Hz VRR range (LFC is supported), and it works with compatible NVIDIA cards.

However, as it’s the case with all monitors based on VA panels, which are developed by Samsung, some units of the monitor suffer from brightness flickering when FreeSync is enabled.

Other gaming features include Picture in Picture and Picture by Picture, custom crosshairs, and various picture presets.

Design & Connectivity

The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers height adjustment up to 130mm, tilt by -5°/23°, swivel by +/- 30° and VESA mount compatibility via the 100x100mm pattern.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 sockets, a headphone jack and a quad-USB 3.0 hub.

Alternatives​

• Lenovo G34W-10 (sRGB gamut only)
• Gigabyte G34WQCA

Visit our best ultrawide monitors for more information and the best deals available. If you want a 34″ 3440×1440 monitor with an IPS panel and a flat screen, check out the Gigabyte M34WQ, which goes for ~$450.

Conclusion

If you need any further help picking the best monitor for you, let us know in the comments below!

Overall, if you’re on a tight budget, you can’t go wrong with Philips’ budget models or the AOC 24G2 in case you want a higher refresh rate.

For those with more powerful PC configurations, the AOC CQ27G2, the Gigabyte G32QC, and the Acer XV272UP offer exceptional value for the price, smooth performance, and awesome picture quality.

You won’t be disappointed by any of the 4K or ultrawide monitors included in the guide either. In fact, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the image quality they offer for the price.