From the eye-watering 360Hz refresh rates of the Dell Alienware AW2523HF and Asus ROG Swift PG259QN to the mind-boggling 0.5ms response time of the LG UltraGear 27GP850, each of these products packs a serious punch and costs less than $500 (at the time of publishing)!
TL;DR – Best Gaming Monitors Under 500 USD
● Dell Alienware AW2523HF: The best monitor under $500 with a blazing fast 360Hz refresh rate at 1080p and a 1ms response time.
● AOC CQ27G2: A 27” curved 1440p monitor with VA LCD technology, a 3000:1 contrast ratio, and a 144Hz refresh rate.
● Dell S2722QC: A great, budget-friendly 4K 60Hz monitor with a high 163 PPI pixel density and 350 nits peak brightness.
● Asus ROG Swift PG259QN: The best G-Sync compatible gaming monitors under $500 with a 1080p 24.5” AHVA LCD.
● GIGABYTE G34WQC A: An ultrawide 1440p gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and a fantastic 4000:1 peak contrast ratio.
● LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B: A 27” 144Hz 1440p monitor with 350 nits peak brightness and a W-LED backlight.
● Razer Raptor 27″ Gaming Monitor: A cool and stylish RGB monitor from Razer that supports Razer Chroma RGB and HDR400.
● ViewSonic OMNI XG2431: A cheap and cheerful 1080p gaming monitor with a blazing fast 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.
● Sony INZONE M3: An HDR-centric monitor for HTPC users that supports HDR400 and HDR10 standards.
● Gigabyte M27Q: A 27” 1440p 170Hz monitor best suited to PlayStation 5 users.
● LG UltraGear 27GP850: Our top pick for Xbox Series X users with a 27” 1440p 165Hz display and 400 nits peak brightness.
But before digging any deeper, we’d like to have a moment to explain and simplify all the technical terms related to gaming monitors, as we’ll be using them throughout this article.
- TL;DR – Best Gaming Monitors Under 500 USD
- Simplifying Technical Terms Related to Gaming Monitors
- How We Reviewed the Best Monitors Under $500, First-Hand!
- Dell Alienware AW2523HF – The Best Gaming Monitor Under $500 in 2023
- AOC CQ27G2 – Best Curved Gaming Monitor Under $500
- Dell S2722QC – Best 4K Gaming Monitor Under $500
- Asus ROG Swift PG259QN – Best GSync Monitor for Gaming Under $500
- GIGABYTE G34WQC A – Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitor Under $500
- LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B – Best 144Hz Gaming Monitor Under $500
- Razer Raptor 27″ Gaming Monitor – Best RGB Gaming Monitor Under $500
- ViewSonic OMNI XG2431 – Best Budget PC Gaming Monitor Under $500
- Sony INZONE M3 – Best HDR Gaming Monitor Under $500
- Gigabyte M27Q – Best Gaming Monitor for PS5 Under $500
- LG UltraGear 27GP850 – Best Gaming Monitor for Xbox Series X Under $500
- Comparing Good Gaming Monitors Under $500
- FAQ’s
- Conclusion
Simplifying Technical Terms Related to Gaming Monitors
● Refresh Rate refers to the amount of time a monitor screen displays a new image each second. It’s measured in hertz (Hz).
● Response Time refers to the time it takes for a monitor’s pixels to shift from one color to another. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms).
● Screen Resolution refers to the number of pixels a monitor can display. Common resolutions are 1080p (FHD), 1440p (QHD), and 2160p (UHD or 4K).
● Display Size refers to the diagonal measurement of a monitor’s screen, measured in inches, from one corner of the screen to the other.
● Frames Per Second, or FPS, refers to the number of images a graphics card can render and relay to the monitor each second.
● G-Sync is a proprietary adaptive sync technology from Nvidia that synchronizes a monitor’s refresh rate with the FPS output of a compatible Nvidia graphics card for a smooth, lag-free gaming experience.
● FreeSync is another adaptive sync technology developed by AMD, which is an open standard and hence works with both AMD and Nvidia GPUs.
How We Reviewed the Best Monitors Under $500, First-Hand!
To find the best gaming monitors under the $500 mark, we relied on a combination of first-hand testing and online research. First, we scoured the best gaming monitor under $500 Reddit threads to understand what specs and features buyers value within this price category.
Then, we compiled a comprehensive list of popular monitors frequently recommended by Redditors on subs such as r/Monitors, r/BuildaPC, r/BuildaPCMonitors, r/PCMasterRace, as well as r/UltrawideMasterRace, among others.
After further research and consideration, we narrowed our list to 23 gaming monitors our team of experts deemed the best.
Because buying nearly two dozen monitors for testing purposes is enough to break the bank, we contacted various local computer shops, manufacturers, and distributors, for review units.
(Thank God for networking!)
We proceeded to test each monitor hands-on in our testing lab to evaluate their color accuracy, peak brightness, response time, input lag, contrast ratio, viewing angles, dynamic range, and gradient handling; you name it. Long story short, no stone was left unturned!
And lastly, the fun part: We tested these monitors across different types of games, including e-sports first-person shooters, racing games, and RPGs, to get a sense of their input latency, response time, adaptive sync, and overall gaming chops in real-world scenarios, outside the scope of a controlled testing environment.
With that out of the way, let’s get on to the reviews!
Dell Alienware AW2523HF – The Best Gaming Monitor Under $500 in 2023
The Dell Alienware AW2523HF comfortably secures its spot as the best gaming monitor under 500 USD in our test.
For starters, the AW2523HF has a blazing-fast 360Hz refresh rate. While another monitor in this review runs at 360Hz (namely the Asus ROG Swift), the key takeaway is that the Alienware features an IPS panel that offers superior color reproduction and viewing angles than a comparable VA panel.
This monitor’s resolution is 1080p, and a 24.5-inch screen size equates to a pixel density of 89 PPI, which, unfortunately, is the second lowest in this test (only behind Sony’s Inzone M3). However, although the pixel density is lacking, Alienware makes up for it with its impressive color reproduction and gamut.
The Alienware AW2523HF has a peak brightness of 450 nits (well above average), a response time of 1 ms, and a wide 178-degree viewing angle. Despite its underwhelming pixel density, it still makes for a fantastic display.
For connectivity, you can choose dual HDMI 2.0 ports with a solo DisplayPort 1.4.
It is a gaming-centric monitor and supports AMD’s FreeSync Premium Pro with LFC or Low Framerate Compensation. As a bonus, it’s also HDR10 compliant, which pairs nicely with the 450 nits brightness.
The Alienware AW2523HF offers a thoroughly enjoyable gaming experience. It excelled in our Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 test; everything felt smooth, fluid, and lag-free, and FreeSync Premium Pro meant no judders or screen tearing, even during high-action sequences.
- Lightning-fast performance: With a 360Hz variable refresh rate and blazingfast 0.5ms* GtG (Gray to Gray) response time, you’ll experience unbelievably smooth gameplay while being able to view fast-moving graphics with incredible clarity for a quicker ingame reaction time.
- Optimize your gaming experience: A revamped OSD layout with centralized joystick allows for easy navigation of the monitor’s settings and features. And the ComfortViewsoftware solution decreases harmful blue light emissions to help reduce eye fatigue for marathon gaming sessions.
- Designed for esports: For those aspiring to triumph at the highest levels of gaming competition, look no further. The all-new base has been redesigned after listening to feedback from pro gamers. The result is our revamped Legend 2.0 design now featuring a hexagonal base for an optimized footprint and free and easy movement of the mouse and keyboard for the ideal esports setup.
AOC CQ27G2 – Best Curved Gaming Monitor Under $500
The AOC CQ27G2 is our top pick for curved gaming monitors under $500.
Let’s begin with the curves: The AOC CQ27G2 has a curvature of 1500R, which is quite aggressive. In addition, the display size is 27 inches with a resolution of 1440p, which equates to a pixel density of 108 PPI, typical for 1440p monitors.
The monitor has a VA panel with a W-LED backlight and a gaming-standard 144Hz refresh rate. Unfortunately, the peak brightness of the AOC CQ27G2 is a bit lackluster (at 250 nits), but since it doesn’t support HDR and is SDR only, it’s not a massive downside.
On the upside, the VA panel of this monitor offers a contrast ratio of 3000:1 (above average) and comes second to the Gigabyte G34WQC-A ultrawide in this test. The response time and wide viewing angle are nothing to scoff at, coming in at 1 ms and 178 degrees, respectively.
In the connectivity department, the AOC CQ27G2 features dual HDMI 2.0 ports and a single DisplayPort 1.4. There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack for the internal speakers. Speaking of which, the sound is decent, though they hardly compare with budget PC speakers. So be careful when considering this as a bonus feature.
As for the gaming performance, we had an absolute blast playing on this curved gaming monitor. Despite its large screen real-estate, the display feels surprisingly compact, thanks to its aggressive 1500R curve. Everything worked flawlessly; overall, we had a really good time gaming on the AOC CQ27G2.
- 27" AOC G2 series gaming monitor with QHD 2K 2560x1440 Resolution
- 1500R Super curved monitor wrapping around you for an immersive gaming experience
- Brilliant colors producing over 120% area coverage for sRGB color gamut
Dell S2722QC – Best 4K Gaming Monitor Under $500
If 1080p and 1440p resolutions don’t cut it, then we’ve got just the thing: the Dell S2722QC.
The Dell S2722QC is a 4K gaming monitor under $500 with 27-inch screen size. This combination means the monitor has a pixel density of 163 PPI, precisely 54 PPI higher than the second ‘densest’ monitor in this test.
The pixel density comes at a cost; the Dell S2722QC can only manage a peak 75Hz. We used ‘peak’ because the actual 4K resolution is limited to just 60Hz. So you’ll have to lower the resolution to 1080p or 1440p to enjoy the ‘full’ 75Hz experience.
As for the display, the Dell S2722QC has an IPS panel with a W-LED backlight, resulting in a peak brightness of 350 nits and a contrast ratio of 1000:1. The response time of the monitor is 4ms, which is decent, but still slower than some other monitors in this test.
The S2722QC has dual HDMI 2.0 ports at the back but lacks a DisplayPort socket. But we didn’t take points off for that because you can always use an HDMI to DisplayPort converter cable to get the job done.
Lastly, the Dell S2722QC supports FreeSync with a sync range of 24Hz to 75Hz, which is quite wide for a 60Hz monitor and great for watching 24 FPS content. As for gaming, we went further and hooked it up with our PlayStation 5 to see it perform from a console gamer’s perspective.
We ran Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 at dynamic 4K, 60FPS on the PS5, and the result was a screen-tear-free, unique, and fun experience.
All in all, the Dell S2722QC is a remarkable 4K monitor for PS5 and PC, albeit with some ‘quirks.’
- A SUPERIOR SCREEN: High functionality meets superb style with a three-sided ultrathin bezel design that allows you to see more with less distraction on this 27-inch 4k monitor.
- Viewing Angle (L/R) (CR>=10) is 178°/178°; Brightness (typ.) is 350nits; Aspect Ratio is 16:9
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY: Easily charge and connect your laptop on this USB-C monitor. This single-cable solution reduces clutter on your desktop and transmits power, video, audio and data—all at once.
Asus ROG Swift PG259QN – Best GSync Monitor for Gaming Under $500
Let’s face it, as good as AMD’s FreeSync is, it’s not entirely up to par with Nvidia’s proprietary G-Sync. Moreover, we feel that FreeSync has little room for improvement in specific departments, namely when it comes to wild fluctuations in frame times – G-Sync fares better in those challenging situations.
Those who feel the same way and want to own a G-Sync monitor should consider the Asus ROG Swift PG259QN. But before we get into the thick of things, let’s discuss the basics first:
The ROG Swift is a 24.5” 1080p monitor with a 360 Hz refresh rate and a pixel density of 89 PPI. If these numbers sound familiar, that’s because the Dell Alienware AW2523HF features the same specs.
The key difference is that while the Alienware has an IPS panel, the Asus ROG Swift has an AHVA panel. Without going into much detail, AHVA is the middle ground between IPS and VA and aims to solve some of the drawbacks of both LCD technologies for a ‘best of both worlds’ experience.
The Asus ROG Swift’s hardware makeup makes it capable of going down to just 1Hz. That’s just a single frame per second! For comparison, the Alienware AW2523HF bottoms out at 48Hz, and even the best IPS panels can’t go below 20Hz and rely on LFC or Low Framerate Compensation.
True to its label, the Asus ROG Swift excels in gaming. No matter what game we played, the monitor performed without hiccups or stutters. However, its output and color reproduction was lacking compared to other IPS monitors in this test.
But, then again, we can’t have it all when dealing with sub-$500 monitors.
To sum it up, you can’t go wrong with the Asus ROG Swift.
- 24.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Fast IPS panel and the world’s first 360Hz gaming monitor
- ASUS Fast IPS technology enables a 1 ms response time (GTG) for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates.
- NVIDIA G-SYNC processor provides smooth, tear-free gaming at refresh rates up to 360Hz
GIGABYTE G34WQC A – Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitor Under $500
The Gigabyte G34WQC A (not a typo, there’s indeed a space in the model number) enters as a wild card in this test. Unlike most other monitors, this is an ultrawide with an aspect ratio of 21:9 (as opposed to the more ‘traditional’ 16:9). We heard so many good things about it that we had to squeeze it in, one way or another!
Let’s talk business first: The Gigabyte G34WQC A (don’t forget the ‘A’) is a 34-inch ultrawide with a 3440 x 1440 resolution and a pixel density of 109 PPI. There are 4.9 megapixels at play here, compared to just 3.2 megapixels of the ‘vanilla’ 2560 x 1440p at 16:9. So basically, this monitor falls between a 1440p and 4K monitor in terms of raw pixel count.
Moving on, the monitor has a VA LCD panel with 144Hz refresh rate functionality. There’s a W-LED backlight, which is suitable for 350 nits. The contrast ratio is above average at 4000:1, but the response time is lackluster at 4ms. Not a deal breaker, but it’s worth mentioning.
All the usual suspects are present when it comes to connectivity. The monitor comes with dual HDMI 2.0 ports, accompanied by another duo of DisplayPort 1.4. Come to think of it; this is the only monitor in this test that offers four ports in total! Not a huge win, but again, it’s something worth mentioning.
As for the Gigabyte G34WQC A’s gaming chops, the right word is ‘fantastic’. It’s a great monitor to game on, and if you are into racing sims, this is the one to get, period!
A wide 21:9 aspect ratio really makes it a joy to putter around in a virtual Ferrari and take in the scenery.
That said, the Gigabyte G34WQC A is by far the best ultrawide monitor you can get under $500.
- 34” 3440x1440 VA Display Gaming Monitor.Viewing Angle is 178° (H) / 178° (V)
- 144Hz Refresh Rate, 1ms (MPRT) Response Time, Supports Freesync Premium
- Immersive Ultrawide Aspect Ratio 21:9
LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B – Best 144Hz Gaming Monitor Under $500
The LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B is the cheapest 144Hz monitor with the biggest bang for its buck.
For starters, the LG UltraGear has a 1440p 27-inch display that peaks at 144Hz and offers a pixel density of 109 PPI. In addition, there’s an IPS panel out front with W-LED backlight with a peak brightness of 350 nits and a contrast ratio of 1000:1.
While the specs may seem ordinary, keep in mind this is an affordable monitor that doesn’t break the bank and offers a 1440p display resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate.
Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the LG UltraGear offers decent image quality with a good color gamut, minimal light bleeding, and a good contrast ratio.
In terms of connectivity, the monitor has dual HDMI 2.0 at the back, as well as a DisplayPort 1.4. However, what surprised us the most was that despite its budget-friendly price tag, the UltraGear doesn’t compromise on gaming features and comes standard with AMD FreeSync technology with a response time of just 1 ms.
As for the gaming performance, the UltraGear did quite well; the gameplay was silky smooth, with no hitches or frame rate hiccups. No matter what we threw at it, everything ran smoothly, and we didn’t experience screen tearing.
All in all, the LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B is well worth the money, especially for those who enjoy playing competitive multiplayer FPS titles.
- Designed for gaming, this monitor with a 1-millisecond (GtG) response time delivers all of the benefits of IPS (In-Plane Switching), delivering responsive, crisp visuals with sharp clarity to immerse you in gameplay
- Color accuracy with sRGB 99% and wide viewing angles (up to 178° horizontal / 178° vertical) from IPS reproduce colors with high fidelity to being vivid scenes to life
- A high native 144Hz refresh rate with 1-millisecond Motion Blur Reduction keeps you firmly in the action while reducing blur and ghosting, rendering screen objects more clearly
Razer Raptor 27″ Gaming Monitor – Best RGB Gaming Monitor Under $500
Are you an RGB enthusiast looking for a cool gaming monitor with dazzling lighting effects in under half a stack? Your search ends with the Razer Raptor 27” Gaming Monitor.
The Raptor is a hefty 27 incher with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1440p resolution. These numbers add up to a pixel density of 109 PPI, which is typical as far as 1440p monitors go. The screen has an IPS LCD with a W-LED backlight that gets pretty bright at 360 nits (peak).
You can connect this monitor to your rig using an HDMI 2.0 port or a DisplayPort 1.4. Also, it has a unique and stylish aluminum base with support for Razer’s now signature Chroma RGB lighting effects, allowing users to adjust the RGB colors and rhythm according to their preferences.
When it comes to gaming, the monitor supports both FreeSync and Nvidia’s G-Sync adaptive sync technologies with a response time of 4ms. As a bonus, the Razer Raptor also supports the HDR400 standard.
The Razer Raptor’s test results were impressive; we didn’t come across lurches or stutters while gaming, and there wasn’t any screen tearing or frame judder due to uneven frame pacing.
The verdict: the Razer Raptor 27” Gaming Monitor is a compelling piece of hardware that performs great and has the looks to match.
- 27” WQHD (2560x1440) IPS-Grade Display for incredible detail and picture clarity
- 1) 1 ms(MPRT) with Ultra Low Motion Blur and 4 ms(Typical GTG). * Response time is calculated by measuring the time it takes for a pixel's luminance to transition from 10% to 90%. 2) 27" QHD (2560 x 1440px) resolution Non-Glare IPS Display with up to 178° wide viewing angles
- Fast 165Hz refresh rate for a smooth and crisp image
ViewSonic OMNI XG2431 – Best Budget PC Gaming Monitor Under $500
The ViewSonic Omni is undoubtedly one of the best cheap gaming monitors that punch way above its weight. The specs are so good for the price; they almost seem ridiculous. Here’s what we mean:
The XG2431 has a 23.8” 1080p display with a pixel density of 92 PPI. That seems pretty average as far as budget monitors go. But here’s the crazy part: The refresh rate is 240Hz! If that’s not enough, the display is an IPS LCD with 350 nits peak brightness and a response time of just 1 ms.
We’re not sure how ViewSonic is making money selling such a high-speed monitor at such a rock-bottom price!
At such price points, it’s common to see cheap TN or VA panels with 120 to 144Hz refresh rates at most.
However, there’s one caveat: The ViewSonic Omni has dual HDMI 1.4 ports at the back, and they only support up to 1080p at 120Hz. So to harness the full power of the monitor, you’ll have to utilize the DisplayPort 1.2 at the back.
We wish ViewSonic had added at least one HDMI 2.0 port, but with these specs at that price point, you can’t complain!
- BE THE DIFFERENCE: Full HD 1080p resolution, ultra-fast 0.5ms response time, and amazing 240Hz refresh rate give you the edge in all your gaming quests
- SMOOTH GAMING: AMD FreeSync Premium technology enables smooth frame rates to aid you in battle
- IN IT TO WIN IT: A fully adjustable ergonomic stand delivers the comfort you need for marathon gaming sessions
Sony INZONE M3 – Best HDR Gaming Monitor Under $500
The Sony INZONE M3 is a highly versatile gaming monitor that’s as good for multimedia as it is for gaming.
The M3 is a 27” gaming monitor with a peak 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p. The 1080p resolution is a stand-out feature for a monitor of this size. The tradeoff, however, is poor pixel density at just 81 PPI. So we aren’t sure why Sony didn’t go with a 1440p resolution here.
Fortunately, the INZONE M3 is the brightest monitor in this test and goes up to 500 nits at peak with a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and a response time of just 1 ms.
And the reason for this eye-squinting brightness is that the INZONE M3 supports both HDR400 and HDR10 standards and, as a result, does a great job of displaying HDR content. The gaming performance is equally impressive, with a FreeSync range of 24Hz to 240Hz.
The Sony INZONE M3 is a great monitor if you frequently watch Blu-ray HDR content on your PC or perhaps HTPC.
- Get the split-second advantage that makes all the difference with lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate.
- Virtually eliminate screen tearing and stuttering with compatibility for Nvidia G-SYNC and HDMI 2.1 VRR
- DisplayHDR 400 certification allows you to experience all your content in vivid HDR contrast with peak brightness of 400 nits.
Gigabyte M27Q – Best Gaming Monitor for PS5 Under $500
The Gigabyte M27Q is the best option for PlayStation 5 users looking for an affordable 1440p monitor for $500. Out front is a 27” 1440p IPS LCD with a pixel density of 109 PPI and a 170Hz refresh rate. Also, the panel has a W-LED backlight that’s good for 350 nits peak brightness and a contrast ratio of 1000:1.
The best thing about this monitor is its response time of just 0.5ms MPRT (Motion Picture Response Time), which is the lowest in this test, with support for AMD FreeSync technology.
There are dual HDMI 2.0 ports at the back for connectivity and a single DisplayPort 1.2. The HDMI 2.0 is good enough for 1440p at 120Hz.
Sadly, you won’t be able to harness this monitor’s full potential on a PlayStation 5 as the console only supports a peak refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
In testing, the monitor performed remarkably well. The gaming performance was nice and smooth; the input latency was practically non-existent thanks to 0.5ms response time, and overall, the Gigabyte M27Q is the best 1440p gaming monitor for PS5.
- 27" 2560x1440 SS IPS Display
- Viewing Angle is 178º (H) / 178º (V)
- 170Hz Refresh Rate, 0.5ms (MPRT) Response Time
LG UltraGear 27GP850 – Best Gaming Monitor for Xbox Series X Under $500
The LG UltraGear 27GP850 is our top pick for Xbox Series X users. The monitor features a 27” 1440p IPS LCD with a maximum refresh rate of 165Hz and a pixel density of 109 PPI.
What’s more, it’s powered by a W-LED backlight with a peak brightness of 400 nits and a contrast ratio of 1000:1.
The Ultragear 27GP850 supports AMD FreeSync technology that’s also natively supported by the Xbox Series X and S consoles. There are dual HDMI 2.0 ports at the back as well as a customary DisplayPort 1.4.
Similar to the PlayStation 5, you won’t be able to run games at 165Hz and must play at 120Hz due to the console’s inherent restrictions.
Gaming performance is the LG UltraGear 27GP850’s strongest suit. With a 1 ms response time, each title felt buttery smooth with no noticeable lurches or stutters.
Xbox Series X users looking for a performant yet affordable gaming monitor should invest in this product.
- 27” QHD (2560 x 1440) Nano IPS Display.Mounting Type: Wall Mount
- Viewing Angle is 178˚(R/L), 178˚(U/D); Brightness is 320cd/m²; Aspect Ratio is 16:9
- IPS 1ms (GtG) Response Time and 165Hz Refresh Rate
Comparing Good Gaming Monitors Under $500
| Monitor | Size(Inches) | Refresh Rate (Hz) | Resolution(Vertical) | Rating(/10) |
| Dell Alienware AW2523HF | 27.5” | 360 | 1080p | 10 |
| AOC CQ27G2 | 27” | 144 | 1440p | 9.5 |
| Dell S2722QC | 27” | 60 | 2160p | 8.0 |
| Asus ROG Swift PG259QN | 24.5” | 360 | 1080p | 9.5 |
| GIGABYTE G34WQC A | 34” | 144 | 1440p | 9.5 |
| LG UltraGear 27GL83A-B | 27” | 144 | 1440p | 9.5 |
| Razer Raptor 27″ | 27” | 165 | 1440p | 9.0 |
| ViewSonic OMNI XG2431 | 23.8” | 240 | 1080 | 8.5 |
| 27″ Sony INZONE M3 | 27 | 240 | 1080p | 8.0 |
| Gigabyte M27Q | 27 | 170 | 1440p | 8.5 |
| LG UltraGear 27GP850 | 27 | 165 | 1440p | 8.5 |
Is 24 or 27 Better for Gaming?
A 24-inch monitor is better than a 27-inch gaming monitor for competitive, fast-paced games. The smaller size offers greater pixel density at any given resolution, requires less desk space, and allows for quick eye movements, which, in turn, may improve hand-eye coordination.
What Monitors Do Top Streamers Use?
Dell Alienware and Asus ROG Strix monitors are some of the most popular gaming monitors used by top streamers on YouTube and Twitch.
For instance, one of the most popular Twitch streamers ‘Ninja’ uses the Dell Alienware AW2518H, and its spiritual successor, the Alienware AW2523HF, is our top pick for the best gaming monitors under $500.
FAQ’s
Is 144hz or 165hz Better for Gaming?
Both 144Hz and 165Hz monitors are excellent for gaming. Technically, 165Hz monitors are better because of slightly lower frame times (6.06ms) than 144Hz monitors (6.94ms). However, a 0.88 ms difference is negligible, so you can’t go wrong with either.
Does a Bigger Monitor Affect FPS?
No. FPS depends on the monitor’s resolution, not the actual screen size. For example, a 22” 1080p monitor offers just as many FPS as a 28” 1080p monitor. Therefore, the larger display will not affect the gaming performance whatsoever.
What Monitor Is Best for 120 fps?
The LG UltraGear 27GL83AB is the perfect choice if you only want to play at 120FPS. With its lightning-fast 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate, it offers smooth gameplay with minimal input lag and motion blur thanks to AMD FreeSync adaptive sync technology.
What Monitors Do Pro Call of Duty Players Use?
Dell Alienware AW2523HF, Asus ROG PG259QN, and LG UltraGear 27GP850 gaming monitors are some of the most popular choices among professional Call of Duty players. All these monitors offer blazing-fast refresh rates with fast response times for a fantastic competitive gaming experience.
Are Curved Monitors Better for Gaming?
Yes, curved monitors are better for gaming because they provide a more engaging, immersive gaming experience. In addition, the screen’s curvature allows for a wider viewing angle, reduces eye strain, enhances depth perception, and makes locating enemies and line-up shots easier.
Conclusion
All the monitors we’ve reviewed offer top-of-the-line features with super-fast refresh rates, quick response times, and fantastic color reproduction.
To conclude, the gaming monitor market in 2023 is brimming with options, making it harder to pick the right monitor. But with the help of this buyer’s guide, you can pick out the best monitor in the sub $500 price bracket for your needs.
Enjoy!
