10 Best Monitors under $500 (Tested) 2023

1. Dell S2719DGF

I sought the best monitor for under $500 as someone who enjoys playing games on their PC. After some research, I came across the Dell S2719DGF, and I must say, I’m quite impressed with it. Let me share my experience with you.

First, let’s talk about the features that caught my attention. The Dell S2719DGF has a refresh rate of up to 155 Hz, which is overclocked, ensuring that I experience sharp, tear-free graphics.

Coupled with AMD FreeSync, the monitor delivers super smooth visuals that are truly a treat to the eyes. The input lag is minimal, and with a 1ms response time, I experience blazing fast and responsive gameplay.

The QHD resolution of 2560 x 1440 ensures that I enjoy vivid edge-to-edge gameplay, and with almost 3.68 million pixels, I get lost in the game’s world.

The monitor’s design is sleek and minimalistic, and it has a premium feel. The stand is sturdy and adjustable, allowing me to adjust the monitor’s height, tilt, and swivel.

The bezels are slim, which enhances the viewing experience and makes it ideal for multi-monitor setups.

The Dell S2719DGF has a brightness of 350 cd/m², ensuring the colors are vibrant and pop out. The monitor has a pixel pitch of 0.2331 mm, which means that the pixels are densely packed, and the images are sharp and crisp. The monitor has a 27-inch display, which is measured diagonally.

2. ViewSonic VX2758-2KP-MHD

As a PC gamer, finding the best monitor under $500 is crucial for a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

After trying different monitors, I came across the ViewSonic VX2758-2KP-MHD, my go-to monitors ever since. Let me share my experience with you.

The ViewSonic VX2758-2KP-MHD has a WQHD resolution 2560x1440p, which delivers stunning visuals and exceptional clarity.

The monitor also boasts an ultra-fast 1ms response time (MPRT) and an amazing 144Hz refresh rate, giving me the edge in all my gaming quests. I have never experienced ghosting or motion blur with these features, which is a big plus.

The monitor comes with AMD FreeSync technology, which enables smooth frame rates and eliminates image tearing, resulting in an even more immersive gaming experience.

Additionally, the monitor has an IPS panel, ensuring stunning views no matter your vantage point and accurate and vibrant colors.

One of the things I appreciate about the ViewSonic VX2758-2KP-MHD is the comfort it provides during extended gaming sessions.

The monitor features Flicker-Free technology and a Blue Light Filter that reduce eye strain and fatigue, making it comfortable to use all day.

The monitor also has an arsenal of pre-set customizable visual modes that keep me ready for any FPS, RTS, or MOBA games.

The monitor is compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, PCs, and Macs, and it supports both HDMI and Display Port inputs, making it easy to connect to any device.

3. AOC CQ32G1

The AOC CQ32G1 is an affordable gaming monitor with some impressive features. With its 32″ class size and 31.5″ viewable display, this monitor provides a widescreen experience that is perfect for gaming. The 1800R curved monitor wraps around you, making the gaming experience more immersive.

The rapid 1ms (MPRT) response time and 144Hz refresh rate make this monitor perfect for competitive gaming.

The AMD FreeSync technology ensures smooth frame rates without tearing or stuttering, providing an edge in fast-paced games. The monitor has various pre-set customizable visual modes to suit your gaming preferences.

One of the standout features of the AOC CQ32G1 is its 3-sided frameless design, which allows for the ultimate multi-monitor setup.

With ultra-narrow borders, you can seamlessly connect multiple monitors to create a larger, more immersive display.

The monitor also includes AOC’s low Blue mode and flicker-free technology to reduce eye strain during extended gaming sessions. The monitor is also VESA-compatible, making it easy to mount on the wall.

4. Acer Nitro VG271U

The Acer Nitro VG271U is a great monitor for gamers looking for a budget-friendly option that still provides an immersive gaming experience.

The 27-inch IPS panel offers a WQHD resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, which provides a sharp and clear image quality with accurate colors and wide viewing angles of 178 degrees. The monitor also supports AMD Radeon FreeSync technology, which ensures smooth and tear-free gameplay with a low input lag.

One of the key features of this monitor is its 144Hz refresh rate, which allows for incredibly smooth and fluid gameplay.

The 1ms VRB response time also ensures no motion blur or ghosting, making it perfect for fast-paced games. The monitor also has a high brightness level of 350cd/m², which can go up to 400cd/m² in HDR mode, making it great for bright rooms or environments.

The Acer Nitro VG271U has a sleek and modern design with a zero-frame bezel, allowing seamless multi-monitor setups.

The monitor also has VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, which ensures high contrast and vibrant colors in HDR content. Additionally, the monitor has integrated speakers at 2 watts per speaker, which is a nice bonus.

On the downside, some users have reported issues with the monitor’s stand, which may wobble or feel unstable. The monitor’s HDR implementation could be better, as it doesn’t have local dimming, so the HDR content may not be as impactful as on other HDR monitors.

5. LG 27GL83A-B

The IPS 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate of the LG 27GL83A-B make it an excellent gaming monitor, with fast and responsive visuals that help you stay competitive in fast-paced games.

The NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility ensures the monitor can work seamlessly with NVIDIA graphics cards to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering.

The monitor features a 3-side, virtually borderless design that offers an immersive viewing experience. The tilt, height, and pivot adjustable stand allow you to find the perfect viewing angle, making it comfortable for extended gaming sessions. The monitor is also VESA mountable.

One of the downsides of the LG 27GL83A-B is that it does not have built-in speakers. However, it comes with a headphone jack for audio output. Additionally, the monitor has a surface treatment of Haze 25% and 3H, which might be better for some.

6. MSI Optix MAG271CQR

The MSI Optix MAG271CQR curved display offers an immersive gaming experience. The 1800R curvature provides excellent gameplay immersion, allowing you to immerse yourself in your favorite games fully.

The WQHD resolution displays more details, making game titles look even better and providing a more enjoyable gaming experience.

The monitor boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth gaming, and a 1ms response time, eliminating screen tearing and choppy frame rates. The monitor can handle it all, whether you’re playing fast-paced action games or slow strategy games.

One of the best features of the MSI Optix MAG271CQR is the Mystic Light RGB lighting, which provides the ultimate gaming finish.

The lighting is customizable, allowing you to set the perfect mood for your gaming sessions. You can choose from various lighting effects and colors to match your style.

The monitor is also VESA compatible, allowing you to easily mount it on a wall or monitor arm for a cleaner and more organized desk setup.

The monitor stand is also adjustable, with tilt and height adjustment options, making it easy to find the perfect viewing angle.

7. BenQ EX2780Q

The BenQ EX2780Q is a great gaming monitor with several unique features. It has a 27-inch QHD IPS display with a 2560 x 1440 pixels resolution, providing users with crisp and clear images. The 144Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time make it an ideal choice for fast-paced games.

One of the most significant features of this monitor is the built-in speakers. The 2.1 channel amplifier and 5W subwoofer produce vibrant sound quality, so you don’t need to invest in separate speakers. It frees up desk space and enhances your gaming experience.

Another remarkable feature is the USB-C connectivity option. You can use an all-in-one cable to synchronize images, videos, and data and charge your mobile devices. It makes it easier to manage and reduces cable clutter.

The BenQ EX2780Q also features exclusive Eye-Care technology, which reduces eye fatigue and strain. It provides optimal comfort and productivity, even if you’re working for extended periods.

One downside of this monitor is its 5ms response time, which is slower than some of its competitors. However, it’s still a decent response time for casual gaming.

8. ASUS TUF VG27AQ

The ASUS TUF VG27AQ is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a 2560×1440 WQHD resolution, a 1ms (MPRT) response time, and a 165Hz refresh rate (with support for 144Hz). It is also G-SYNC compatible, ensuring a tear-free gaming experience.

The monitor also features ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB Sync) technology, which enables a 1ms response time (MPRT) together with Adaptive-Sync, eliminating ghosting and tearing for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates.

The monitor is built with marathon gaming in mind, featuring ASUS Eye Care technology that minimizes eye fatigue and an ergonomic stand that allows for full height/tilt/swivel/pivot adjustments to accommodate any desk.

Additionally, the monitor is compatible with industry-standard HDR10 High Dynamic Range for color and brightness levels that exceed the capabilities of ordinary monitors.

The ASUS TUF VG27AQ also comes with a range of next-gen connectivity options, including dual PCIe 4.0 M.2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A/Type-C.

Its AMD AM4 socket is ready for 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors, allowing maximum connectivity and speed with up to two M.2 drives, USB 3.2 Gen2, and AMD StoreMI.

9. HP VH240a

The HP VH240a is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable monitor. As a certified refurbished product, it comes with a 90-day limited hardware warranty, and the manufacturer has ensured that the monitor looks and functions like new.

One of the most impressive features of this monitor is its response time of 5ms with overdrive. This ensures a smooth and crisp picture without any motion blur, making it perfect for gamers and those who watch a lot of fast-paced content.

Additionally, the built-in speakers provide excellent sound quality with 2 watts per channel, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing external speakers.

The VH240a also has a thin, bezel-less frame that provides a seamless multi-monitor setup with 3-sided narrow bezels. This feature makes the monitor look sleek and modern and helps reduce distractions when working on multiple screens.

The HP VH240a is an excellent monitor for its price range and impressive features. However, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind.

The refresh rate is limited to 60 Hz, which might not be suitable for gamers who require a higher refresh rate for smoother gameplay.

Additionally, the monitor’s color accuracy could be improved, making it less ideal for professional photo and video editing.

10. Philips 346B1C

The monitor can display up to 119% sRGB, 100% NTSC, or 90% Adobe RGB color gamuts, which means it can deliver accurate and vivid colors.

The USB-C docking feature supports power delivery charging up to 90 watts. It can charge compatible laptops and phones, making it perfect for profemusts who need to keep their devices charged while working.

The built-in KVM switch allows users to connect multiple devices and easily switch between them, and the display supports PIP/PBP modes, which is handy when working with multiple applications. The monitor also includes built-in speakers and a convenient Gigabit Ethernet LAN port.

The monitor supports adaptive sync, which makes it ideal for gamers looking for a stutter-free experience. The 100Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time ensure smooth and responsive gameplay.

The monitor comes with a 4-year advance replacement warranty in the United States, giving users peace of mind. However, the monitor does have a few drawbacks.

While the monitor has good color accuracy, it has relatively low peak brightness compared to other monitors in its price range. The monitor also lacks flexible stand options, with only tilt and height adjustments.