Top Gaming Monitors Under $300 - 144hz, 1080p, 4k, 120hz and More!


Choosing the perfect monitor that’s going to bring the most out of your gaming hardware is crucial. Small oversights can result in missing out on a ton of extra performance, believe it or not. 

In addition to being your window into your world of gaming, the monitor needs to be able to keep up with the framerates and resolutions that  your hardware is outputting – otherwise, what’s the point? You end up in one of those “If a tree falls in the woods…” type of scenarios if your monitor can’t keep up with your hardware.

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Our Top Pick 2021

LG 27UD58-B

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2nd Pick

Asus VG278Q

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Budget Pick

Samsung LC32F391FWNXZA

In this price range, you can get a decent size, a nice resolution, and all the other specs that matter most for gaming. Granted, you’re not going to be looking at a 27 inch 4K monitor with all the bells and whistles, but you can still get some REALLY great screens for under $300, so we’re excited to show you what we came up with.


Top Pick - LG 27UD58-B 27-Inch 4K

It’s our top pick for this category because you manage to hit 4K resolution in the $300 price range, and also have a full 27 inches of real estate to really take advantage of all of those extra pixels. 

NamePanel TypeScreen SizeResolution Hz & msCheck Price
LG27UD58-B IPS27”3840x2160 (4K UHD)5ms
ASUS VG278HVTN27”1920xx1080144Hz, 1ms
MSI Optix G27C2 VA27”1920x1080144Hz, 1ms
BenQ 2706PQTN27”2K QHD (1440p)60Hz, 1ms
Samsung LC32F391VA32"1920 x 108060Hz, 4ms
ASUS VG278QTN27"1920 x 1080144Hz, 1ms

Top picks for Gaming Monitors under $300 for 2021

1. LG 27UD58-B 27-Inch (4K)

The LG 27UD58-B usually runs slightly more than $300, but you might catch it on sale.

 It’s our top pick for this category because you manage to hit 4K resolution in the $300 price range, and also have a full 27 inches of real estate to really take advantage of all of those extra pixels.

The response time is higher than the other options on this list at 5ms, but that’s still totally servicable when it comes to gaming, and in most cases, for most people, it’s not going to hold you back.

The refresh rate on this monitor is 60Hz, which once again, isn’t ideal. But it’s more excuseable with this particular monitor than the giant Samsung we just looked it, because the LG 27UD58-B has AMD’s Radeon Freesync technology. Also, at 4K, you would need a very powerful GPU to even push things up to 144Hz. So, if you fall into the category of someone who wants to run 4K resolution at 144Hz, you probabally already know you’ll have to spend a lot more than this.

All in all, for 4K at (just over) $300, this is a great option.

2. ASUS 27-Inch VG278 Full HD 1080p Gaming Monitor

Extreme gaming requires monitors with the right specs for that immersive experience. ASUS 27-inch VG278 is just the right monitor where speed in gaming comes first. The ASUS gaming monitor packs a punch.

VG278 gaming monitor has a 27 inches display, which is more than enough for professional gamers like yourself. The monitor is Full HD 1920x1080p and while it may not match 2K or 4K display, the visuals are still crisp enough for excellent gaming and entertainment.

Featuring an ultra-high 1ms response time and high 144Hz refresh rate, ASUS VG278 gaming monitor is a deal almost too good for its price. And to top it up, the monitor employs the ASUS exclusive GamePlus Input Technology as well as FreeSync/Adaptive Sync.

The GamePlus hotkey will provide you with unique game enhancements making every millisecond of your gaming time count. Use the pro-gamer input to practice more and more to sharpen your gaming skills.

ASUS VG278 features an ergonomic design for your comfort especially if you game for long hours. It comes with an ergonomically designed stand that allows you swivel, tilt, and rotate to adjust the angle and height for your preferred viewing position. If you have limited space or are looking to clear the desk a little, this monitor can be VESA mounted.

Besides, Asus VG278 gaming monitor features Eye Care Technology. Its Flicker-Free Technology helps eliminate flickers which significantly reduces eyestrain for comfortable gaming marathons. What’s more, the ASUS Ultra-Low Blue Light Technology serves to reduce the amount of blue light landing into your eyes, further reducing eyestrain.

VG278 monitor offers flexible connectivity. The monitor features several ports that include HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2 and DVI-D that you can use to connect a broad array of multimedia devices to get the most out of your monitor.

For ardent gamers, ASUS VG278 is among the few budget monitors designed specifically for gaming purposes. It’s gone to great heights to feature gaming functions and enhancements that other monitors would kill to have and still remain outstandingly affordable. And with the impressive refresh rate and response time, the monitor won’t disappoint in speed and visuals.

3. Samsung C32F391 32-Inch (Curved)

If you care more about a larger screen size than anything else, this curved 32 inch monitor by Samsung is a gem.

You’ll lose a little ground in the response time, at 4ms, and you’re giving up having a higher resolution in exchange for the add size, since this monitor runs at 1080p. 

If you’re sitting really close to it, 32 inches at 1080p can leave the pixels feeling a little large in some cases. Also, the biggest sacrifice is the 60Hz refresh rate (Can be bumped up to 70Hz via DisplayPort).

You shouldn’t have any issues with input lag, but if you’re pushing this above 60Hz it’s very likely you’ll have some screen tearing issues depending on what games you’re playing and at what settings, so it comes down to what type of performance you’re expecting from your games, and whether you’re playing the latest and greatest games, or you’re more of a casual player who isn’t looking to max all of the graphic settings. If you’re into all the latest first person shooters or other very fast-paced games, this monitor isn’t going to be the best choice.

If simply having a big screen is the most important thing to you, this is a good pick, but frankly it’s not the best option for gaming. We included it to illustrate some of the sacrifices that need to be made in certain price ranges, where you just can’t have your cake and eat it too.

This monitor helps to highlight where our top choice really shines. But what if you care more about a high resolution than the overall size of the screen? Check this one out…


4. MSI Optix 27-Inch G27C2 Full HD Curved Gaming Monitor

Playing video games contributes to remarkable cognitive benefits. And who’s more qualified to attest to that statement than a guy who’s obsessed with computers and loves playing games when free?

If you have only $300 and are looking for a budget gaming monitor will a couple of impressive specs, then we have you covered. MSI Optix G27C2 27-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor will help you fulfill your gaming fantasies. For slightly less than your budget, this gaming monitor carries with it several remarkable features usually found in premium models.

First off, Optix G27C2 27-Inch monitor is curved and that alone is a unique feature you won’t find in just any monitor. The 1800R curvature provides a more immersive gaming experience. Even for those who perform general computing tasks, the curvature offers a more comfortable view of work.

Also, for such a small budget, you’re a step away from grabbing a VA panel monitor with an ultra-fast 1ms response time plus a high 144Hz refresh rate. With this monitor as your arsenal, you’ll be king in the extreme gaming genres. It also possesses a wide viewing angle of 178° which contributes significantly to your visual however you look at the screen.

Optix G27C2 monitor is set to take your gameplay a level up. The gaming monitor features AMD FreeSync adaptive sync technology which helps deliver the smoothest, and steadiest visuals for your games. It accomplishes that by syncing the 144Hz refresh rate to your AMD GPU to help prevent screen tearing and stuttering. The result is smooth, crisp and lag-free visuals.

In the gaming world, visual realism is integral if you’re to immerse yourself in the action. Optix G27C2 has something to offer on this front. Compared to the general monitors, MSI Optix G27C2 features not less than 20% more gamut. When gaming, you’re guaranteed the colors will appear more realistic and defined for an immersive gaming experience.

MSI Optix G27C2 is an excellent option for gamers and general users who value curved monitors. If you’re looking for a monitor with a higher resolution, then BenQ GL2706PQ (reviewed) is your alternative.


5. ASUS VG278HV 27 inch Full HD (1080p) – Top Pick

  • 27 Inches? Check.
  • 144Hz refresh rate? Check.
  • 1ms response time? Check.
  • Tons of inputs? Check.

This monitor has a lot going for it. The one feature we wish we could have squeezed into the budget would be a 1440p resolution, but we’d rather have the 144Hz refresh rate instead. 

With the blazing fast 144Hz refresh rate, when you get picked off in a game, you’ll know it’s because they actually did a better job than you, and not because they had an advantage of a split second because their monitor refreshes more quickly.

This monitor has plenty of inputs, including HDMI, DVI, and VGA. It’s got a pair of built in speakers, too. You’ll probabally want to get a set of external speakers either way, but it’s still nice to have the option of on-board ones if you’re going to a LAN party or don’t want to wake up any sleeping family members.

The height is adjustible, and it can tilt and swivel, so you can get the perfect viewing angle. It has a standard 100x100mm VESA mount, too, so you can either have it sitting on a monitor arm or even mounted to the wall.


6. BenQ 27-Inch 2706PQ, QHD Gaming Monitor – 2K & Ultra-High Contrast

Contrast and resolution have a significant impact on how bright and clear the images will appear on any given monitor. After all, the visuals influence how much you’ll be immersed in the action.

BenQ 27-Inch Gaming Monitor has been designed with an emphasis on the two aspects. For a budget of 300 bucks only, you're set to experience premium view, something you'll find mostly on relatively expensive gaming monitors.

And just to provide a glimpse of what to expect, this 27-inch gaming monitor (an excellent screen size for gaming) has a resolution of 2560x1440 QHD or what you’d call 2K. Combined with the ultra-high 20M:1 constant ratio, the visuals will be in their finest details on such a budget monitor.

Besides, QHD monitors such as this one provide over 70% working space when compared to the 1080p models. As such, you can expect obscenely clear and crisp visuals for your games and videos.

Do you spend long hours in front of the screen gaming or working? Then BenQ 2706PQ Gaming Monitor has been designed with your eye safety in mind. Its Low Blue Light Technology and the ZenQ’s exclusive ZeroFlicker feature help to significantly reduce the light reflected into your eyes not only for enhanced visual views but also the comfort of your eyes.

This gaming monitor features a remarkably fast 1ms response time and an average 60Hz refresh rate. As you can tell, BenQ 2706PQ, gaming monitor sacrifices a little bit of its refresh rate for an ultra-fast response time. The rapid response is a guarantee that you’ll always be a few milliseconds ahead of your gaming competition in extreme gaming.

2706PQ gaming monitor comes with a couple of other incredible features that’ll also impact on your gaming experience. A fully adjustable stand will allow identify your best viewing angles for your comfort. Built-in speakers will amplify the game and video audio for immersion.

Also, BenQ 2706PQ provides flexible connectivity. The monitor features an HDMI, Display port, and DVI-DL ports. It’s also VESA mount compatible.


What kind of a monitor do you get for around $300?

There’s this strange idea among people who aren’t very knowledgeable about the topic that the monitor doesn’t really matter, and it couldn’t be further from the truth.

Thankfully, in the $300 price range, we’ve come up with some excellent solutions so that it won’t be your monitor holding you back. We believe we’ve found options that meet all of the needs of gamers, without costing a fortune, and without paying that extra tax for being on the cutting edge. By spending a bit less than the absolute most beastly monitors out right now, you’re getting tons of performance at a ridiculously nice price.

We’ve recently taken a look at some monitors in the very lowest price ranges, and it can be difficult because usually there are just too many corners you have to cut in certain areas to get a viable gaming monitor with a very small budget. This time around, however, we don’t really have to take any shortcuts becasue we’re looking at the best gaming monitor under 300, which opens up a lot more doors of possibility compared to looking at one for under $100 or under $150.

Your screen is your window to the digital world, and chances are you’re going to be spending a lot of time using it. The monitor is where a lot of newer PC gamers will underestimate the importance, and usually end up with something that might be lacking in certain areas.

For example, we’ve seen a lot of people who buy their first monitor for gaming, they spend a decent amount of cash on it and end up with a big screen, but they neglect things like refresh rate, so they end up with screen tearing in their games or simply a monitor that prevents them from taking full advantage of the rest of their expensive PC gaming hardware.

We’ve picked a handful of different monitors under $300 to show you, depending on what your priorities are:

  • Best Overall Gaming Monitor Under $300: This monitor represents the best balance between all of the important specs, and also the absolute best value we could find  you for under $300. If you care more about pushing a higher resolution, or having a bigger screen, we’ve picked a monitor for each of those categories, too.
  • Bigger Screen: If your biggest concern is screen real estate, while still having an excellent monitor for gaming, this is the way to go.
  • Higher Resolution: Finally, if you want to push those resolutions as high as  you can, and once again, still maintaining all of the other most important traits of a perfect monitor for playing games, this is the one for you.

Originally posted 2021-01-19 11:25:00.

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