Acer XF252Q
- Best for competitive gaming
- 240Hz 0.3ms
- FreeSync and MBR
Viotek GN34CB
- Best for immersive gameplay
- 3440x1440 100Hz
- FreeSync
LG 27GL83A
- Best for mixed use
- 1440p 144Hz 1ms IPS
- FreeSync
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 monitors currently available.
Top 7 Gaming Monitors Under $400 In 2020
| Type | Monitor | Size | Resolution | Panel | Refresh Rate | VRR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best 240Hz Gaming Monitors | 25” | 1920×1080 | TN | 240Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable) | ||
| 27” | 1920×1080 | IPS | 240Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Compatible) | |||
| Best 1440p 144Hz Gaming Monitors | 27” | 2560×1440 | IPS | 144Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Compatible) | ||
| 32” | 2560×1440 | VA | 144Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable) | |||
| Best UltraWide Gaming Monitor | 34” | 3440×1440 | VA | 100Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable) | ||
| Best 4K Gaming Monitors | 27” | 3840×2160 | IPS | 60Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Unstable) | ||
| 32” | 3840×2160 | VA | 60Hz | FreeSync (G-SYNC Unstable) |
If you’re on a different budget, you may want to visit our other buyer’s guides:
- Best Gaming Monitor Under 100 USD
- Best Gaming Monitor Under 150 USD
- Best Gaming Monitor Under 200 USD
- Best Gaming Monitor Under 300 USD
- Best Gaming Monitor Under 500 USD
- Best Gaming Monitors Overall
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.
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’ under the ‘VRR’ column in the table.
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, though 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.
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.
Acer XF252Q – Best Value 240Hz Gaming Monitor
About the Monitor
The Acer XF252Q is the best 240Hz gaming monitor for the money. 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. As long as you’re sitting directly in front of the screen though, 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!
It’s 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 definitely 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 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), Aim Point (customizable crosshair overlays), pre-calibrated and customizable picture profiles, and advanced picture adjustments such as 6-axis hue/saturation and gamma/grayscale.
The Acer XF252Q also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range). It can accept the HDR10 signal, but 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.
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 headphones 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.
The Pros
- FreeSync and MBR up to 240Hz
- Quick response time speed
- Ergonomic design and rich connectivity options
The Cons
- Narrow viewing angles
- Inferior image quality to IPS and VA panels
Dell AW2720HF - Affordable 240Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
About the Monitor
The Dell Alienware AW2720HF is the cheapest 1080p 240Hz gaming monitor with an IPS panel.
It doesn’t offer quite as fast response time as the XF252Q, but it has a lot better color reproduction and wider viewing angles.
It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s often on sale for $350.
Image Quality
Thanks to its IPS panel, the Dell AW2720HF delivers vivid and accurate colors that make the colors on the XF252Q look washed out in comparison.
Additionally, 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.
Unfortunately, 240Hz IPS monitors are currently only available as 27″ variants.
Update: We’re keeping our eyes on the newly released MSI MAG251RX 24.5″ 1080p 240Hz IPS model.
1080p results in a rather low pixel per inch ratio on 27″ sized monitors, so the picture won’t be particularly sharp or crisp – but rather a bit pixely.
To make the picture less pixelated, you can just sit a bit further from the screen which will make individual pixels less noticeable – or you can apply some anti-aliasing to improve the image quality.
Now, the Dell AW2720HF has a 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 240Hz.
This means that in some scenarios, particularly where dark pixels need to change to lighter pixels, some ghosting will be noticeable. However, this only occurs in rare cases and it’s mostly negligible.
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 AW2720HF will provide you with almost as responsive gaming experience, plus a more immersive image quality with gorgeous colors and wide viewing angles.
Features
The Dell AW2720HF supports AMD FreeSync with a 48-240Hz VRR range and it’s certified by NVIDIA as G-SYNC compatible. Other useful features include Dark Stabilizer, pre-calibrated picture modes (FPS, RPG, Sports, etc), an on-screen timer, and an FPS counter.
Alas, there are no customizable crosshairs, gamma presets, nor Motion Blur Reduction features available. Visit our Dell AW2720HF review for more information.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the Dell AW2720HF boasts premium quality and versatile ergonomics with up to 130mm height adjustment, -5°/21° tilt, +/- 20° swivel, 90° pivot, and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 inputs, a headphones jack, integrated speakers, and a quad-USB 3.0 hub. The monitor also features RGB lighting at the back of the monitor (the back of the stand and the logo in the upper right corner, pictured above).
Alternatives
The Dell AW2720HF is an excellent 240Hz gaming monitor for the price ($350). However, we don’t recommend it when it’s over $400. At that price range, you should get the ViewSonic XG270 instead.
It’s based on the same 1080p 240Hz IPS panel, but it offers plenty of additional features including MBR up to 240Hz, sight shields, custom crosshairs, gamma presets, and more.
The Pros
- FreeSync up to 240Hz
- Quick response time speed
- Ergonomic design and rich connectivity options
- Vibrant colors and wide viewing angles
The Cons
- Low pixel density
- No MBR
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.
LG 27GL83A – Smooth Motion And Striking Colors
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.
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 vibrant colors, sharp details, fast response time, 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 headphones 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 all the way 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.
The LG 27GL83A is also available with a wide color gamut backlight (98% DCI-P3) and a USB hub for around $500 as the LG 27GL850.
The Pros
- Precise and accurate colors
- Quick response time speed
- AMD FreeSync up to 144Hz
- Ergonomic design
The Cons
- Limited FreeSync range over HDMI
- Design lacks swivel option
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
AOC CQ32G1 – Best 32" Curved Gaming Monitor
About the Monitor
Want a big 32″ gaming monitor? The AOC CQ32G1 offers an exceptional value for the money. Note that there are no 32″ 1440p 144Hz models with TN or IPS models, 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 300-nit peak brightness, and ~125% sRGB color gamut.
While the colors on the CQ32G1 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 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’s particularly noticeable in dark scenes where dark pixels are involved.
Some people can tolerable this as 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
The AOC CQ32G1 monitor has a motion blur reduction technology that can be enabled by setting the Overdrive setting to ‘Boost’.
You can also adjust the frequency of the backlight strobing via the ‘MBR’ setting. This can greatly help clear up the motion blur, but this feature cannot be active at the same time as FreeSync.
FreeSync is supported over both HDMI and DP with a 48-144Hz dynamic refresh rate range with a stable G-SYNC performance.
In addition, you will find pre-calibrated picture presets (FPS, RTS, Racing, and three customizable Gamer profiles) as well as Shadow Control and Game Control for gamma/saturation adjustments.
Design & Connectivity
The AOC CQ32G1 has a tilt-only design but it can be mounted to a third-party stand via the 100x100mm VESA pattern. At 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 under $400. If you want a similar monitor but with a flat screen instead, check out the LG 32GK650F.
If you’re looking for a 27″ 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor with a VA panel, check out the AOC CQ27G1 which is essentially a 27″ variant of the CQ32G1. It has an ergonomic design and goes for ~$250.
Finally, in case you want a good HDR gaming monitor, consider investing a bit extra over $400 for the Samsung CHG70 with DisplayHDR 600 which implies localized dimming, wide color gamut, and a peak brightness of 600-nits for HDR content.
The Pros
- Big 32″ curved screen
- AMD FreeSync & MBR
- High contrast ratio and wide color gamut
The Cons
- Tilt-only stand
- Moderate ghosting in fast-paced games, mostly in darker scenes
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.
Viotek GN34CB - Best UltraWide Gaming Monitor Under $400
About the Monitor
The Viotek GN34CB/W is available in two colors: black (Viotek GN34CB) and white (Viotek GN34CW). It’s the best value for money ultrawide monitor under $400 as it offers both a high resolution and a fast refresh rate.
Both the Viotek GN34CB and the Viotek GN34CW are upgraded models of the original Viotek GN34C.
Image Quality
3440×1440 resolution hits the pixel density sweet spot on the 34″ screen of the Viotek GN34CB. 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 115% 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 48-100Hz VRR range and it works without any issues with compatible NVIDIA cards. Using CRU, you may be able to further extend the range to 40-100Hz depending on your particular unit.
Other features include Picture in Picture/Picture by Picture, customizable crosshair overlays, pre-calibrated picture presets (FPS, RTS, Game, Movie, Text, and Standard), and advanced picture adjustments including three gamma presets and 6-axis hue/saturation.
Design & Connectivity
The Viotek GN34CB has a tilt-only stand with ultra-thin bezels. You can also mount the screen on a third-party stand via the 100x100mm VESA pattern. Connectivity options include HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, DVI, and a headphones jack.
Alternatives
You may want to consider investing extra ~$50 for the AOC CU34G2X which has a higher 144Hz refresh rate, a more aggressive 1500R curvature, and a better design.
If the Viotek GN34CB/W and the CU34G2X are not available (or overpriced in your country), check out the Samsung S34J55W as an alternative, but it only goes up to 75Hz without overclocking.
For more ultrawide gaming monitors, visit our best ultrawide monitors buyer’s guide.
The Pros
- High resolution and contrast ratio
- AMD FreeSync up to 100Hz
The Cons
- Tilt-only stand
- Moderate ghosting in fast-paced games, mainly in dark scenes
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.
LG 27UL550 – Best 4K Monitor For Mixed Use
About the Monitor
If you want a 4K gaming monitor with an IPS panel, the LG 27UL550 is the best option in this price range.
Image Quality
This 27″ monitor provides striking detail clarity and sharpness thanks to its rich pixel density of 163 PPI. Further, it supports 10-bit color depth (8-bit + 2-bit FRC) and it is factory-calibrated, so you get 1.07 billion colors covering 98% of the sRGB color space!
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, so it’s great for both PC and console gaming.
FreeSync works with compatible NVIDIA cards as well, but only within the Basic mode which has a very narrow 48-60Hz range. For AMD cards and Xbox One, the VRR range is 40-60Hz.
Other features include On-Screen Control, Screen Split, Black Stabilizer, and pre-calibrated picture presets.
The LG 27UL550 also supports HDR, but it’s software-emulated only meaning that you won’t get a big improvement in picture quality. It’s just a ‘pseudo’ HDR marketing gimmick which doesn’t even affect the monitor’s price.
Design & Connectivity
You can adjust the height of the screen by up to 110mm, pivot the screen by 90°, tilt by -5°/15°, and VESA mount it (100x100mm), but you cannot swivel the stand to the left/right.
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, a single DisplayPort 1.2 input, and a headphones 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.
Alternatives
Alternatively, you may want to check out the LG 27UL500 which is the same monitor but without the ergonomic stand. If you want to save even more money, check out the Philips 276E8VJSB though it has no FreeSync nor VESA mount compatibility.
The Pros
- Vibrant and rich colors
- Affordable 4K IPS monitor
The Cons
- HDR is software-emulated only
LG 32UK550 – 32" 4K Monitor With Superior Contrast
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 32UK550 features a VA panel with a 3,000:1 static contrast ratio and 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 rich colors and vivid black shades.
The bad thing is that 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 32UK550 monitor can be elevated up to 120mm, tilted, and VESA mounted. Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, a headphones jack, and dual 5W integrated speakers.
Alternatives
- Samsung U32J590 – A more affordable 32″ 4K monitor without the wide color gamut and HDR
The Pros
- Affordable 32″ 4K monitor
- High contrast ratio and wide color gamut
- AMD FreeSync over HDMI
- Height-adjustable stand
The Cons
- Moderate ghosting in fast-paced games
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 Viotek GN34CB offers the best value/money under $400. If you don’t want an ultrawide display, the LG 27GL83A and the AOC CQ32G1 are excellent picks as well.
If you’re a competitive gamer, the Acer XF252Q offers the best performance whereas the Dell AW2720HF 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.
