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 you can find in this price range as well as the best gaming monitor under 400 USD currently available.

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, GTX 16-series, RTX-20 series, or newer) graphics cards.

While the FreeSync monitors we’ve included aren’t officially G-SYNC compatible, most of them offer a 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 with NVIDIA GPUs out of the box. However, you will likely be able to get them to work by tinkering with the drivers and using third-party software.

Note that these monitors will 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 Monitors

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 Acer XF252Q is the best 240Hz gaming monitor for serious gamers. It’s equipped with 240Hz, sub-1ms response time, FreeSync and a backlight strobing technology with up to 240Hz strobing frequency.

Image Quality

Since it’s based on a TN panel, the Acer XF252Q has narrow viewing angles meaning that the picture will shift in color, contrast, and brightness when you look at it from skewed angles.

However, as long as you’re sitting directly in front of the screen this won’t be an issue.

You also won’t get as vibrant picture quality as that of the other gaming monitors included in this guide, which have higher resolutions and IPS or VA panels, which offer wider viewing angles and better colors and contrast.

But the Acer XF252Q is not about image quality, it’s all about performance and thanks to its 240Hz refresh rate paired with a ~0.3ms response time speed, you will get the most responsive gaming experience possible!

Here’s why: the monitor is based on a newer 240Hz TN panel with a ~0.5ms native GtG response time speed as opposed to 1ms of the slightly older models. Visit our Acer XF252Q review for more information.

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.

Feature

The Acer XF252Q supports AMD FreeSync with a 48-240Hz VRR range, and it will work with compatible NVIDIA cards without any issues.

Alternatively, you can use its backlight strobing technology called VRB (Visual Response Boost), which can operate at 120Hz, 144Hz and 240Hz; most 240Hz models with MBR can only strobe at 144Hz maximum!

You cannot use MBR and VRR at the same time, and using backlight strobing reduces the monitor’s brightness. However, the amount of sacrificed brightness for motion clarity on the XF252Q is minimal.

What’s more, the monitor offers additional useful gaming features, including Black Boost (improves visibility in darker games) and Aim Point (customizable crosshair overlays).

Additionally, you also get pre-calibrated and customizable picture profiles and advanced picture adjustment tools such as 6-axis hue/saturation and gamma/grayscale.

Further, the Acer XF252Q supports HDR (High Dynamic Range). 

While it can accept the HDR10 signal, the image enhancement is done via software emulation as the display lacks proper color gamut, contrast and brightness for a noteworthy HDR viewing experience.

So, you can basically ignore HDR on this monitor. It won’t improve the image quality of HDR content, but it also doesn’t increase the monitor’s price.

Design & Connectivity

The Acer XF252Q features a fully ergonomic design with -5°/20° tilt, +/- 360° swivel, up to 120mm height adjustment, 90° pivot and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, a quad-USB 3.0 hub (four downstream ports plus one upstream port), a headphone jack and two 2W built-in speakers.

Alternatives

For more alternatives, visit our dedicated buyer’s guide on best monitors for FPS games, though the Acer XF252Q offers the best value/price by far if all you want is the fastest 240Hz display.

About The Monitor

The ASUS VG259QM doesn’t offer quite as fast response time as the XF252Q, but it’s quick enough for casual to semi-serious gamers who want more vibrant colors and wider viewing angles.

Image Quality

Thanks to its IPS panel, the ASUS VG259QM delivers vivid and accurate colors that make the colors on the XF252Q look washed out in comparison.

As if that’s not enough, IPS monitors 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.

Now, the ASUS VG259QM has a specified pixel response time speed of 1ms GtG, so it’s not as fast as the XF252Q, but it’s fast enough for most pixel transitions at 280Hz.

This means that in some scenarios, particularly where dark pixels need to change to lighter pixels, some ghosting and minor overshoot will be noticeable.

However, this only occurs in rare cases, and it isn’t very important.

So, if you’re a really serious FPS gamer, the XF252Q is still the best option for you.

If you can let some motion blur slide, the ASUS VG259QM will provide you with almost as responsive gaming experience, plus a more immersive image quality with gorgeous colors and wide viewing angles.

Features

The ASUS VG259QM supports AMD FreeSync with a 48-280Hz VRR range, and NVIDIA certifies it as G-SYNC compatible.

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.

It also supports backlight strobing up to 280Hz via its ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) technology!

You can even use ELMB and FreeSync/G-SYNC at the same time using the exclusive ELMB-Sync technology. However, unless you can maintain constant 200FPS+, there will be noticeable inverse ghosting.

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 fact, we highly recommend it even over certain $600+ models, which are based on the slower IPS panel by Innolux.

Looking for a cheaper 1440p 144Hz IPS display?

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

About The Monitor

Want a big 32″ gaming monitor?

The Gigabyte G32QC offers an exceptional value for the money. Note that there are no 32″ 1440p 144Hz models with IPS models available at this price range, so you’ll have to settle for a VA panel if you want a 32″ display.

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 3,000:1 contrast ratio, a 350-nit peak brightness (400-nits for HDR Content) and a wide 94% DCI-P3 color gamut.

While the colors on the Gigabyte G32QC aren’t as accurate and consistent as that of IPS panels, they are rich and vivid — much better than that of any TN model.

The 3,000:1 static contrast ratio of the monitor results in deep blacks as well as a more vivid relation between the darkest and the brightest shades.

Alas, when pixels need to change from one color to another, they can’t quite keep up with the monitor’s refresh rate. This leads to visible trailing of fast-moving objects that are particularly noticeable in dark scenes where dark pixels are involved.

Some people can tolerate it because, in return, you get a great image quality, but others who play fast-paced games competitively won’t be able to stand it.

So, if you’re a casual gamer, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Features

Moving on, the Gigabyte G32QC monitor has a backlight strobing technology that can be enabled by turning on the Aim Stabilizer feature. This can greatly help clear up the motion blur, but this feature cannot be active at the same time as FreeSync.

FreeSync is supported with a 48-144Hz VRR range. Sadly, some units are affected by the FreeSync brightness flickering issue, as is the case with most high refresh rate gaming monitors with VA panels.

In addition, you will find various pre-calibrated picture presets (FPS, RTS, etc) as well as Black Equalizer, which can improve visibility in darker games.

Design & Connectivity

The Gigabyte G32QC has a sturdy stand with up to 100mm height adjustment, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility, while the screen has thin bezels and a 1500R curvature for added immersion.

At the back of the monitor, you will two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, a headphone jack and a dual-USB 3.0 hub.

Alternatives

Want a 32″ 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor with an even steeper curvature?

Check out the Samsung Odyssey G5 with 1000R, though it doesn’t have wide color gamut.

If you’d rather have a flat-screen model, consider the LG 32GN650, but it doesn’t support wide color gamut either.

Interested in a smaller 27″ 1440p 144Hz VA gaming monitor?

Check out our best gaming monitors under $300 buyer’s guide.

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

LG’s 34UC79G and 34GL750 gaming monitors are also sometimes available under $400.

They feature IPS panels with 144Hz and faster response time for more vibrant colors and smoother motion clarity, but they have a lower 2560×1440 screen resolution, so the picture won’t be as sharp.

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 monitors. For a more thorough selection, visit our best 4K monitors and best 4K gaming monitors for Xbox One X and PS4 Pro 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 UHD 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 under 400 USD, but with a VA panel, not IPS — which has both its advantages and disadvantages.

Image Quality

The LG 32UL500 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

As far as the features are concerned, you will find all the standard LG features such as Black Stabilizer, Screen Split, On-Screen Control, etc.

The monitor also supports HDR, and even though it has no local dimming, its wide color gamut, high contrast ratio and decent 400-nit peak brightness provide a notable boost in image quality for HDR content, making it a great gaming monitor for PS4 Pro and Xbox One X.

AMD FreeSync is supported as well over both HDMI and DP with a 40-60Hz dynamic range, but VRR with NVIDIA cards will work only in the Basic mode (48-60Hz range).

Design & Connectivity

The stand of the LG 32UL500 monitor is tilt-only, but the screen is VESA mount compatible. Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, a headphone jack and dual 5W integrated speakers.

Alternatives

• LG 32UK550 – The same monitor, but with a height-adjustable stand.
• Samsung U32J590 – A more affordable 32″ 4K monitor without the wide color gamut and HDR

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 is for you.

If you’re a competitive gamer, the Acer XF252Q offers the best performance, whereas the ASUS VG259QM provides a good balance between fast-paced gaming performance and image quality.

Finally, if 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.