In the world of digital technology, a high-quality monitor is a game-changer. Whether you’re a professional graphic designer, a competitive gamer, or a movie enthusiast, the right monitor can significantly enhance your experience. However, finding the best monitor under $300 can be a challenging task given the vast array of options available in the market. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify your search and help you find the perfect monitor that fits your needs and budget.
Why Opt for a Best Monitor Under $300?
Best monitor under $300 strike a perfect balance between affordability and performance. They offer impressive gaming performance with low input lag and are increasingly featuring high refresh rates, a significant advantage for competitive gamers. While they may not offer the same features as higher-end displays, such as higher resolutions or HDMI 2.1 bandwidth for console gaming, they deliver excellent value for money.
1. Best Monitor Under $300 for Overall Gaming: ViewSonic XG2431
The ViewSonic XG2431 is a gaming powerhouse that delivers top-tier performance without breaking the bank. It’s the perfect choice for gamers who want to enjoy a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
Features
The ViewSonic XG2431 stands out as the best gaming monitor under $300. This impressive gaming display boasts a fast 240Hz refresh rate, making it an ideal choice for serious gamers. The 1080p resolution allows you to achieve high frame rates without overtaxing your graphics card.
The ViewSonic XG2431 supports FreeSync variable refresh rate (VRR) technology to reduce screen tearing. If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, G-SYNC compatibility also works with it. The monitor has an incredible response time across its entire refresh rate range, resulting in exceptional motion handling.
A unique feature of the ViewSonic XG2431 is its customizable backlight strobing feature. You can fine-tune the settings, like the intensity and frequency of the backlight flicker, to find a configuration that enhances your gaming experience.
| PROS | CONS |
| + High refresh rate of 240Hz + Supports FreeSync and G-SYNC compatibility + Excellent motion handling + Customizable backlight strobing feature | – Limited to 1080p resolution – No HDMI 2.1 support |
Points to Consider
When purchasing the ViewSonic XG2431, consider your gaming needs. If you’re a serious gamer who values high refresh rates and low input lag, this monitor is an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking for higher resolutions or HDMI 2.1 support, you might need to consider other options.
2. Best 27-Inch Gaming Monitor Under $300: Gigabyte M27Q
The Gigabyte M27Q is a testament to the fact that size does matter. With a large 27-inch screen and a fast response time, this monitor is perfect for gamers who want a larger view of the battlefield.
Features
The Gigabyte M27Q is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a larger screen. This 27-inch monitor offers a lower 170Hz refresh rate than the ViewSonic XG2431, but it still provides a fast response time across its entire refresh rate range, leading to excellent overall motion handling.
The Gigabyte M27Q supports FreeSync VRR with G-SYNC compatibility, ensuring a nearly tear-free gaming experience. It also features gaming overlays, such as an FPS counter and a virtual crosshair, to give you a competitive edge.
| PROS | CONS |
| + Large 27-inch screen + Supports FreeSync and G-SYNC compatibility + Gaming overlays for a competitive edge | – Lower refresh rate than the ViewSonic XG2431 – Some users may find the 170Hz refresh rate – insufficient for competitive gaming |
Points to Consider
When considering the Gigabyte M27Q, think about your screen size preferences and gaming needs. If you prefer larger screens and don’t mind a slightly lower refresh rate, this monitor is a great choice. However, if you’re a competitive gamer who values higher refresh rates, you might want to consider other options.
3. Best 32-Inch Gaming Monitor Under $300: LG 32GN650-B/32GN63T-B
The LG 32GN650-B is a monitor that proves bigger is indeed better. With a large 32-inch screen and a high native contrast ratio, this monitor is perfect for gamers who want a more immersive gaming experience.
Features
The LG 32GN650-B (also sold as the 32GN63T-B at certain retailers) is a great choice for those who prefer larger screens. This 32-inch monitor has a 1440p resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. It supports FreeSync VRR with G-SYNC compatibility, reducing screen tearing.
The LG 32GN650-B has a higher native contrast ratio than the Gigabyte M27Q, making it a better choice for dark rooms as it displays deeper blacks. Its decent peak brightness and reflection handling make it suitable for use in a dim or moderately-lit room.
| PROS | CONS |
| + Large 32-inch screen + High native contrast ratio + Supports FreeSync and G-SYNC compatibility | – Lower refresh rate than the ViewSonic XG2431 – Lower pixel density due to larger screen size and same resolution |
Points to Consider
When considering the LG 32GN650-B, think about your screen size preferences and gaming needs. If you prefer larger screens and don’t mind a slightly lower refresh rate, this monitor is a great choice. However, if you’re a competitive gamer who values higher refresh rates, you might want to consider other options.
4. Best Budget Gaming Monitor Under $300: Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx
The Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx is proof that you don’t have to break the bank for a good gaming monitor. With a high refresh rate and FreeSync support, this monitor delivers a smooth and immersive gaming experience without a hefty price tag.
Features
The Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx is a great budget-friendly option for gamers. This 24-inch monitor offers a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1080p resolution. It supports FreeSync VRR to reduce screen tearing and has a fast response time for smooth motion handling.
| PROS | CONS |
| + Budget-friendly + High refresh rate of 165Hz + Supports FreeSync VRR | – Limited to 1080p resolution – Smaller screen size |
Points to Consider
When considering the Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx, think about your budget and gaming needs. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly gaming monitor that still offers a high refresh rate and good performance, this monitor is an excellent choice.
5. Best Versatile Monitor Under $300: ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV
The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is a versatile monitor that’s great for both gaming and professional use. With excellent color accuracy and a 1440p resolution, this monitor is perfect for professionals who also enjoy gaming in their free time.
Features
The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is a versatile monitor that’s great for both gaming and professional use. This 27-inch monitor offers a 1440p resolution and a 75Hz refresh rate. It has excellent color accuracy out of the box, making it suitable for professional photo and video editing.
| PROS | CONS |
| + Excellent color accuracy + 1440p resolution + Versatile for both gaming and professional use | – Lower refresh rate than other options |
Points to Consider
When considering the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV, think about your usage needs. If you’re looking for a monitor that’s great for both gaming and professional use, this monitor is an excellent choice. However, if you’re a competitive gamer who values higher refresh rates, you might want to consider other options.
6. Best Monitor Under $300 for Console Gaming: BenQ EW3270U
The BenQ EW3270U is a console gamer’s dream. With a 4K resolution and FreeSync support, this monitor delivers a smooth and immersive gaming experience for console gamers.
Features
The BenQ EW3270U is a great choice for console gamers. This 32-inch monitor offers a 4K resolution, providing a crisp and detailed image. It supports FreeSync VRR to reduce screen tearing and has a fast response time for smooth motion handling.
| PROS | CONS |
| + 4K resolutionLarge + 32-inch screen + Supports FreeSync VRR | – Lower refresh rate than other options – No HDMI 2.1 support |
Points to Consider
When considering the BenQ EW3270U, think about your gaming needs. If you’re a console gamer who values high resolution, this monitor is an excellent choice. However, if you’re a competitive gamer who values higher refresh rates, you might want to consider other options.
7. Best Monitor Under $300 for Graphic Design: Dell Ultrasharp U2415
The Dell Ultrasharp U2415 is a graphic designer’s best friend. With excellent color accuracy and extra vertical space, this monitor is perfect for graphic designers who need a monitor that can accurately represent their designs.
Features
The Dell Ultrasharp U2415 is a great choice for graphic designers. This 24-inch monitor offers a 1920×1200 resolution, providing extra vertical space that can be useful for graphic design. It has excellent color accuracy out of the box, making it suitable for professional photo and video editing.
| PROS | CONS |
| + Excellent color accuracy + Extra vertical space + Versatile for both graphic design and casual gaming | – Lower refresh rate than other options – Smaller screen size |
Points to Consider
When considering the Dell Ultrasharp U2415, think about your usage needs. If you’re a graphic designer who values color accuracy and extra vertical space, this monitor is an excellent choice. However, if you’re a competitive gamer who values higher refresh rates, you might want to consider other options.
8. Best Monitor Under $300 for Office Use: HP VH240a
The HP VH240a is a reliable and affordable monitor for office use. With wide viewing angles and a clear image, this monitor is perfect for office workers who need a monitor that can easily share their screen with others.
Features
The HP VH240a is a great choice for office use. This 24-inch monitor offers a 1080p resolution, providing a clear and detailed image. It has an IPS panel that provides wide viewing angles, making it easy to share your screen with others.
| PROS | CONS |
| + Wide viewing angles + Suitable for office use + Affordable | – Lower refresh rate than other options – Limited to 1080p resolution |
Points to Consider
When considering the HP VH240a, think about your usage needs. If you’re looking for a monitor that’s suitable for office use and provides wide viewing angles, this monitor is an excellent choice. However, if you’re a competitive gamer who values higher refresh rates, you might want to consider other options.
9. Best Monitor Under $300 for Multimedia Consumption: LG 27UK850-W
The ASUS ProArt PA248Q is a photo editor’s dream. With excellent color accuracy and extra vertical space, this monitor is perfect for photo editors who need a monitor that can accurately represent their photos.
Features
The LG 27UK850-W is a great choice for multimedia consumption. This 27-inch monitor offers a 4K resolution, providing a crisp and detailed image. It has an IPS panel that provides wide viewing angles and excellent color accuracy, making it great for watching movies and videos.
| PROS | CONS |
| + 4K resolution + Wide viewing angles + Excellent color accuracy | – Lower refresh rate than other options – No HDMI 2.1 support |
Points to Consider
When considering the LG 27UK850-W, think about your usage needs. If you’re looking for a monitor that’s great for multimedia consumption and provides wide viewing angles and excellent color accuracy, this monitor is an excellent choice. However, if you’re a competitive gamer who values higher refresh rates, you might want to consider other options.
Conclusion
Choosing the best monitor under $300 depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re a competitive gamer seeking high refresh rates and low input lag, a professional looking for a monitor with excellent color accuracy and resolution, or a console gamer seeking high resolution, there’s a monitor out there for you. Remember, the best monitor is not always the most expensive one, but the one that best fits your needs.
