The Best Gaming Monitors Under 400 USD (2021 Reviews)

Got a budget of $300-$400 for a new gaming monitor?

In this guide, you will find all the available combinations of display specifications within this price range, allowing you to pick the best gaming monitor under 400 USD for you!

Now, since you have quite a diverse selection at this price range, it’s important that you pick the right panel type, screen size, resolution and refresh rate according to your preference.

Visit our dedicated monitor buyer’s guide for more information.

We’ll cover everything in the monitor summaries below, so as long as you stick to our guidelines and tips, we guarantee that you’ll be satisfied with your new gaming monitor.

However, ensure that your PC system will be able to properly run video games at the resolution and refresh rate you want.

A variable refresh rate (VRR) technology such as AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC can greatly improve performance by synchronizing monitor’s refresh rates to GPU’s frame rates, thus eliminating screen tearing and stuttering with virtually no input lag penalty.

So, for G-SYNC, you will need a compatible NVIDIA graphics card, while FreeSync works with both AMD and select NVIDIA (GTX 10-series or newer) graphics cards.

While most FreeSync monitors we’ve included aren’t officially G-SYNC compatible, some of them offer smooth VRR performance without issues. These are marked as ‘G-SYNC Stable’ for the ‘VRR’ specification in each product box.

VRR on FreeSync monitors marked as ‘Unstable’ work with compatible AMD cards, but won’t have a stable performance. Note that these monitors will otherwise work with NVIDIA cards without issues, except when using FreeSync.

If you want to view our changelogs for this particular buying guide, you can do so at the end of this article.

Best 240Hz Gaming Monitor

If you’re looking for a 1080p gaming monitor, you can head over to our best gaming monitors under $200/$300 guide.

The only 1080p displays that are worth over $300 nowadays are the 240Hz+ models and the following monitor offers the best value for the money in that category.

About The Monitor

The ASUS VG259QM is the best 240Hz gaming monitor for serious gamers.

It’s equipped with 240Hz (overclocks to 280Hz), 1ms GtG response time, FreeSync and a backlight strobing technology that can work at the same time as VRR and up to 280Hz!

Moreover, it offers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles.

Image Quality

Thanks to its IPS panel, the ASUS VG259QM 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 ASUS VG259QM supports AMD FreeSync with a 48-280Hz VRR range, and NVIDIA certifies it as G-SYNC compatible.

Alternatively, you can use its backlight strobing technology called ELMB-Sync which, unlike most implementations, can operate at the same time as VRR. However, unless you can maintain a constant 200FPS+, there will be noticeable inverse ghosting.

Other useful features include Shadow Boost (for better visibility in darker games), pre-calibrated picture modes (FPS, RTS, RGB, etc.), customizable crosshairs and a refresh rate tracker.

For more information, visit our ASUS VG259QM review.

Design & Connectivity

The stand of the ASUS VG259QM monitors offers height adjustment up to 130mm, tilt by -5°/33°, +/- 90° swivel and pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 inputs, a headphone jack and two 2W built-in speakers.

Alternatives

If you want a 240Hz gaming monitor that offers a buttery-smooth fast-paced gaming experience but don’t want to sacrifice image quality and viewing angles, the ASUS VG259QM is for you.

Since it has an IPS panel with accurate and consistent colors, it’s also the ideal display for those who want a single monitor for both work and gaming.

In case the VG259QM is not available, check out the MSI MAG251RX or the Dell AW2521HF as alternative 240Hz IPS models.

Best 1440p Gaming Monitors

2560×1440 WQHD resolution provides the perfect pixel-per-inch ratio on 27″ screens. You get plenty of screen space and crystal-clear details without any scaling necessary.

1440p on a 32″ screen offers the same pixel density as 1080p on 24″ displays; you just get a lot bigger screen. Keep in mind that 1440p is also more taxing on your GPU/CPU.

Visit our best 1440p 144Hz gaming monitors buyer’s guide for a more diverse selection.

About The Monitor

Not a fan of narrow viewing angles and inferior color quality of TN panels, but would like a rapid response time speed as well as a high screen resolution?

The LG 27GL83A is an affordable 27″ 1440p 144Hz 1ms model with an IPS panel!

Image Quality

The LG 27GL83A features an IPS panel with 99% sRGB gamut, so the colors are vibrant, precise and consistent.

Now, when HDR signal is detected, it can also produce a wider ~98% DCI-P3 color gamut for more saturated colors.

Here’s the kicker: it’s also one of the fastest 1440p IPS displays with a rapid 1ms GtG response time speed, meaning that you won’t get any prominent ghosting or motion blur in fast-paced games.

Overall, the LG 27GL83A offers the perfect balance between image quality and performance. You get gorgeous colors, sharp details, a fast response time speed and a high refresh rate.

Features

Besides AMD FreeSync with certified G-SYNC compatibility and VRR range of 48-144Hz, the LG 27GL83A monitor offers plenty of additional features including Black Equalizer, custom crosshairs and pre-calibrated picture presets.

It also supports HDR, though only via software-emulation. For more information, visit our LG 27GL83A review.

Design & Connectivity

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports and a headphone jack. Note that FreeSync is limited to 100Hz over HDMI. With FreeSync disabled, you can get 144Hz at 1440p over HDMI, while DisplayPort supports FreeSync up to 144Hz at 1440p.

The stand of the monitor offers decent ergonomics with up to 110mm height adjustment, -5°/15° tilt, 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility, but there’s no swivel option. 

Alternatives

If you want a 27″ 1440p 144Hz IPS gaming monitor, the LG 27GL83A is hands-down the best option under $400.

In case you want something a bit better, we recommend the MSI MAG274QRF-QD. It goes for ~$450, but offers a wider Adobe RGB color gamut, MBR and a slightly higher contrast ratio.

Looking for a cheaper 1440p 144Hz IPS display?

Check out the Gigabyte G27Q. It has a slower response time speed, but it’s more than fast enough for casual gaming.

About The Monitor

Want a big 32″ gaming monitor?

The Gigabyte M32Q offers an exceptional value for the money. Its price ranges from $400 to $500, but it’s the cheapest 32″ 1440p 144Hz IPS monitor you can find, so we highly recommend investing in it.

Image Quality

Now, because the 2560×1440 resolution is displayed on a larger screen, in this case, you won’t get as much screen space and details as you would 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 quite big and that you will have to sit a bit further from the screen.

Other panel-related specifications include a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, a 350-nit peak brightness (400-nits for HDR Content) and a wide 94% DCI-P3 color gamut (with an sRGB emulation mode provided).

Features

While you can find many 32″ 1440p 144Hz VA monitors below $400, we highly recommend the Gigabyte M32Q instead.

Its 1ms GtG pixel response time speed will ensure you get no visible smearing in fast-paced games. Further, you get stable FreeSync/G-SYNC performance, whereas VRR brightness flickering is common for the VA models.

The Gigabyte M32Q also offers plenty of useful features, including Aim Stabilizer Sync (allows for simultaneous VRR and MBR operation up to 170Hz), various picture presets, Black Equalizer and crosshair overlays.

Design & Connectivity

The Gigabyte M32Q has a sturdy stand with up to 130mm height adjustment, +/- 30° swivel, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

At the back of the monitor, you will two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, a headphone jack, a quad-USB 3.0 hub, USB-C (DP 1.2 Alt Mode) and a built-in KVM switch.

Alternatives

If you’re not sensitive to ghosting and screen tearing and would rather have a higher contrast ratio, check out the Gigabyte G32QCA (curved) and the LG 32GN650 (flat-screen) with VA panels.

Best UltraWide Gaming Monitors

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

This provides you with extra horizontal space that (in games that support 21:9 natively) widens your field of view for a more immersive gaming experience.

About The Monitor

The Gigabyte G34WQC is the best value for money ultrawide monitor under $400 as it offers both a high resolution and a fast refresh rate.

Image Quality

3440×1440 resolution hits the pixel density sweet spot on the 34″ screen of the Gigabyte G34WQC.

What does this mean for you?

With roughly 110 pixels per inch, you get plenty of screen space as well as sharp and clear details, without any scaling necessary (roughly the same PPI as 1440p on 27″ monitors).

Further, the superior 3,000:1 contrast ratio ensures vivid black tones for an immersive viewing experience, especially in dark or dim-lit environments.

The color reproduction is not as precise as that of the IPS models, but the colors are rich and lifelike thanks to the 90% DCI-P3 (120% sRGB) color gamut.

Just like with all VA gaming monitors, pixel response time isn’t perfect.

So, you’ll get some noticeable ghosting of fast-moving objects, mainly in darker scenes, but it’s tolerable considering the image quality you get. 

Features

Moving on, the monitor supports AMD FreeSync with a 48-144Hz VRR range, and it works with compatible NVIDIA cards, but brightness flickering may affect some units.

Other features include Picture in Picture/Picture by Picture, crosshair overlays, pre-calibrated picture presets (FPS, RTS, etc.), Black Equalizer and Color Vibrance.

There’s also an sRGB mode, which allows you to restrict the color output to ~100% sRGB for more accurate colors.

Design & Connectivity

The Gigabyte G34WQC has a height-adjustable stand (up to 100mm). You can also tilt the screen by -5°/20° or VESA mount it via the 100x100mm VESA pattern.

The screen also has a steep 1500R curvature for added immersion.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports (max 100Hz), two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs, a headphone jack and two 2W speakers.

Alternatives

The Gigabyte G34WQC price ranges from $400 to $450, so you might want to check out the AOC CU34G2X or the Lenovo G34W-10 if the G34WQC is not available for $400.

If you want an IPS ultrawide monitor under $400, we recommend the MSI MAG301RF.

It’s a 30″ display with a lower 2560×1080 resolution, but a higher 200Hz refresh rate and a faster 1ms GtG response time speed. We included it in the table of this guide and a dedicated review section for it will be added soon.

If you want an IPS ultrawide with a higher 3440×1440 resolution, you can get the Acer CB342CK with a 75Hz flat-screen or invest ~$50 more for the Acer XV340CKP with a 144Hz flat-screen.

For more ultrawide gaming monitors, visit our best ultrawide monitors buyer’s guide.

Best 4K Gaming Monitors

Here, you will find the most affordable 4K UHD monitors. For a more thorough selection, visit our best 4K monitors and best 4K 144Hz monitors buyer’s guides.

Keep in mind that if you’re interested in a 4K monitor for PC gaming, you will need a high-end GPU in order to run newer games at steady ~60FPS at 4K with decent picture settings.

About The Monitor

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 provides striking detail clarity and sharpness thanks to its rich pixel density of 157 PPI.

As if that’s not enough, it supports 10-bit color depth (8-bit + 2-bit FRC) and a wide 90% DCI-P3 color gamut for vibrant and consistent colors. For more accurate color output, you can simply use the provided sRGB emulation mode.

As a result, its stunning colors, in addition to 4K UHD resolution, make this monitor great for content creation and consumption, including color-critical work, watching movies, gaming and other multimedia purposes.

Features

It supports AMD FreeSync over both HDMI and DisplayPort with a 40-60Hz VRR range, so it’s great for both PC and console gaming.

Additionally, VRR works with compatible NVIDIA cards without issues, but your mileage may vary here as the monitor is not certified by NVIDIA as ‘G-SYNC Compatible.’

Other features include Shadow Boost (alters the gamma curvature for better visibility of objects in shadows), customizable crosshairs, pre-calibrated picture presets and on-screen timers.

HDR is supported as well, but with a peak brightness of 350-nits, it doesn’t qualify for VESA’s entry-level HDR support.

Regardless, thanks to its wide color gamut, colors will look a bit better on some HDR content, which is actually more than what certain VESA HDR400-certified displays offer!

Design & Connectivity

You can adjust the height of the screen by up to 150mm, pivot the screen by 90°, tilt by -5°/20°, swivel by -/+ 62°  and VESA mount it (100x100mm).

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, a single DisplayPort 1.2 input, two 2W integrated speakers and a headphone jack.

The monitor also supports HDCP 2.2, so you’ll be able to watch copy-protected content in native 4K UHD resolution on streaming services such as Netflix.

About The Monitor

Nowadays, you can even get a 32″ 4K monitor with a VA panel under 400 USD.

Image Quality

The BenQ EW3270U features a VA panel with a 3,000:1 static contrast ratio and a wide 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.

So, its colors may not be accurate and consistent as that of the IPS models, but you still get an immersive picture quality with vibrant colors and vivid black shades.

But it’s not all good news: you get a slower response time speed, which means there’ll be more trailing and motion blur in fast-paced video games. However, unless you’re playing competitive first-person shooters, the amount of ghosting is tolerable.

Features

The monitor also supports HDR, and even though it has no local dimming, its wide color gamut and high contrast ratio provide a notable boost in image quality for HDR content.

AMD FreeSync is supported as well over both HDMI and DP with a 40-60Hz dynamic range, and it works well with NVIDIA cards.

Design & Connectivity

The stand of the BenQ EW3270U monitor is tilt-only, but the screen is VESA mount compatible. Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, a headphone jack, dual 2W integrated speakers, and USB-C (DP 1.4 Alt Mode).

Alternatives

• LG 32UL500 – A bit cheaper 32″ 4K monitor, but with a slower response time speed
• LG 32UN650 – A 32″ 4K monitor with an IPS panel, but it goes for ~$450 – $500

Conclusion

Did you find the best gaming monitor under 400 USD for you?

Feel free to leave any questions in the comment section below if you need further assistance. 

On balance, the Gigabyte G34WQC offers the best value/money under $400.

If you don’t want an ultrawide or VA-panel display, the LG 27GL83A or the Gigabyte M32Q are for you.

If you’re a competitive gamer, the ASUS VG259QM offers the best performance.

Finally, in case you have a 4K capable console or PC, you can simply pick one of the included 4K monitors according to your panel type and screen size preference.