Building a professional-level desktop gaming rig isn’t cheap. Similarly, getting your hands on a high-performance gaming laptop means that you have to keep your budget relatively high. While many gamers focus the most on core hardware components, including CPU, GPU, and RAM, spending money on a high-performance gaming monitor may not be their top priority. This leads to one important question: Do gamers really need a gaming monitor?
The answer is yes. A proper gaming monitor is just as important as other components such as the GPU, CPU, and RAM. In fact, using a high-performance gaming monitor is the only way to get the best performance out of your desktop or gaming laptop’s powerful GPU. But adding a high-performance gaming monitor to your gaming rig doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to shell out a high budget. In this guide, you can explore some of the best gaming monitors under $300 and choose the model that best suits your gaming requirements.
Minimum requirements for best gaming monitor under $300
If you are new to buying a gaming monitor and want more information in order to make an informed decision, we’ve got your back. This minimum requirement spec sheet should give you a basic understanding of what to look for in a gaming monitor.
- Full HD resolution – Modern PC games are designed for higher resolution gaming, with HD and Full HD resolution being the most basic resolutions. A full HD resolution is a must-have in a gaming monitor for enjoying immersive gaming experience.
- Fast refresh rate – The faster the refresh rate of the display, the smoother the visual transitions, and the more realistic the gaming experience. A gaming monitor with a minimum of 144 Hz refresh rate will ensure that you don’t miss out on even the most subtle actions in the matches.
- Fast response time – Similar to refresh rate, a fast response time helps deliver smooth, life-like visuals by ensuring highly-fast color changes. A minimum of 5 MS response time is good to have to play most modern PC games.
- Adaptive sync technology – This feature in a gaming monitor helps you avoid issues such as ghosting and tearing by syncing the frame rate of the GPU and refresh rate of the monitor. Look for either NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD Radeon FreeSync in a gaming monitor as these two are the most popular adaptive sync technologies available.
Review of best gaming monitors under $300
Acer Nitro VG271 – best overall
Acer makes some of the best affordable gaming PCs and laptops, and there is no doubt about it. The brand has a pretty strong lineup of affordable yet high-performance gaming monitors as well. Acer Nitro VG271 is the brand’s one of the best gaming monitors under $300 as it comes equipped with all the features that would have been conventionally reserved for high-end gaming monitors.
Acer Nitro VG271 is one of the few affordable gaming monitors in the 27 inch display size territory to offer one of the clearest visuals as it has a Full HD resolution. The Full HD resolution of this monitor is backed by a stunning 144 Hz refresh rate and a fast 1 MS response time. This high-end refresh rate and response time combo helps you reign over most modern titles such as Call of Duty series, Half Life series, Halo series, Doom series, F1 series, and Fall guys.
Whether you plan on using this model as a single monitor or want to sync it with another gaming monitor, its 178° viewing angle helps you get the best viewing experience when playing your favorite games.
Setting up this monitor with your desktop or laptop’s graphics settings becomes hassle-free with the availability of AMD Radeon FreeSync Technology.
Acer Nitro VG271’s IPS panel works wonders in ensuring color richness and balanced contrast ratio. This monitor has a sleek and minimalist design which not only makes it power-efficient but also plays a major part in lowering the price. Also, this monitor is perfect for gaming for long hours as it includes Acer VisionCare technology which lowers blue light to deliver a comfortable viewing experience. Two HDMI ports, one display port, and an audio jack are the ports included in this monitor.
Pros:
- Good Full HD and 27-inch display size combo for the price
- 1 MS response time and 144 Hz refresh rate deliver impressive visuals
- Thin bezel design
- Acer VisionCare lowers eye strain and fatigue risk
- IPS panel ensures accurate color reproduction
Cons:
- Average audio performance
- Average build quality
- Stand doesn’t include swivel function
MSI OPTIX G241 – best 144 Hz refresh rate for stutter-free gaming
Gaming on a high-performance monitor with 144 Hz refresh rate is now no more far-fetched. This is because there are several affordable gaming monitors, including the MSI OPTIX G241, that has a 144 Hz refresh rate calibration. Apart from the ultra-fast refresh rate, this monitor also exceeds expectations with its overall smooth and stutter-free visual performance.
MSI OPTIX G241 packs a Full HD resolution in a 24 inch display size. The monitor’s 16:9 aspect ratio perfectly complements its 24 inch display size and offers a spacious viewing in a compact footprint. The fact that the response time is calibrated at 1 MS makes this model one of the best 144 Hz monitors under $300.
With MSI OPTIX G241, enjoying long hours of gaming spree isn’t an issue as a trio of features, including blue light reduction, anti-flicker technology, and anti glare IPS panel, help ensure easiness on the eyes.
Together with 144 Hz refresh rate, the fast 1 MS response time helps you perfect every single gunshot, track every enemy movement, and get every single update on your racing cars console to gain a leading position. The wide 178° viewing angle helps you get an optimal viewing experience regardless of the way you set up the monitor in your gaming rig. Also, you can easily set up the monitor and make it work in conjunction with your graphics card performance settings using the AMD FreeSync adaptive sync technology.
This monitor adds value to its price tag with its modern-looking design as well. Three ports, including one display port, and one HDMI port open up connectivity options in this monitor.
Pros:
- 1 MS response time complements 144 Hz refresh rate
- Gaming OSD app eases graphics setup
- Wide 178° viewing angle
- Wide color gamut coverage
- Blue light reduction
Cons:
- No built-in speakers
- AMD FreeSync isn’t default
- No gaming-themed RGB lighting
LG 27GL65OF-B – best value under $300
LG has had a long-standing reputation in the monitor, display, and TV markets with its high-value products. What is interesting to know is that the brand has a pretty good reputation in the gaming monitor territory as well. LG 27GL65OF-B is one of the most affordable gaming monitors from the brand. It is amazing to see the myriad of features that this monitor has to offer at a considerably low price tag.
LG 27GL65OF-B comes on par with some of the best monitors under $300 with its Full HD resolution that it packs in a 27 inch footprint. This monitor is well-suited for gamers who prefer fast action game genres such as FPS, RTS, and MOBA as it packs a punch with its fast 1 MS response time. The monitor’s 144 Hz refresh rate also works to your victory advantage by delivering a highly-smooth viewing experience.
With a large RGB gamut coverage and accurate colour reproduction, your experience playing games stays true as intended by the developers. Setting up this monitor to be a part of your gaming rig is made simple and quick by the monitor’s NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility. LG has also included HDR 10 compatibility in this monitor.
LG 27GL65OF-B packs a premium-like modern-looking aesthetics that is well-complemented by its thin bezel design.
Also, this model is one of the few gaming monitors under $300 to sport a gaming-themed design.
Adjusting this monitor in the angle of your preference becomes easy with the stand that supports pivot, height, and tilt adjustment. For connectivity, this monitor includes two HDMI ports, one display port, and one audio jack.
Pros:
- 144 refresh rate in 27 inch panel offers crisp and dynamic visuals
- IPS panel supports outstanding color reproduction
- Stand supports height, pivot, and tilt adjustment
- Gaming-themed design backed by RED LED lighting
- Sleek yet sturdy build
Cons:
- Average audio performance
- No USB ports
- Default display settings may require changes
Acer ED273 – best 27 inch gaming monitor under 300
Curved gaming monitors are in a league of their own as the viewing angles they offer are simply the best. High-performance curved gaming monitors such as the Acer ED273 are a great choice for gamers who prefer to have a couple of synced monitors in their gaming rig. There’s no doubt that this model is one of the best-curved gaming monitors under $300 as it does a lot more than just offer good viewing angles.
A Full HD resolution is where the crisp and high-quality visuals of Acer ED273 lies. The Full HD curved VA panel of this monitor helps you get immersed in your gameplay with its spacious 27 inch footprint. Adding a more realistic experience to your gameplay is the ultra-fast frame rate changes that the monitor’s 144 Hz refresh rate offers.
From subtle enemy movement to fast-action scenes, the super-fast refresh rate helps ensure that you do not miss out on any details.
Colors on this monitor stay true to the original colors of the game, thanks to the fast 4 MS response time. Regardless of the GPU performance settings you prefer for playing your favorite games, the NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility of this monitor helps you effortlessly sync graphics performance and enjoy a lag-free gaming experience.
Acer ED273 packs a punch with its overall look as well. It sports a curved panel in a thin bezel design which gives it a modern appeal. Acer hasn’t given this monitor a typical gaming-themed design, neither has the brand included RGB lighting. This move from the brands comes as a way to keep the monitor’s price under the $300 mark. However, no compromises have been made on the connectivity department as this monitor includes one DVI port, one HDMI port, one display port, and one audio jack.
Pros:
- Full HD resolution is good for the price
- 144 Hz refresh rate is one of the biggest highlights
- Curved panel has a decent curve radius
- Acer EyeProtect offers a comfortable viewing experience
- Sleek and sturdy stand
Cons:
- Average audio quality
- Stand doesn’t support right and left swivel
- Color adjustments may be required for personal preferences
Sceptre 30 inch C305B-200UN – best ultrawide monitor under 300
breathtaking ultra-wide viewing experience
Gone are the days of having no option but to shell out a high budget for buying a gaming monitor that offers an immersive viewing experience. With affordable gaming monitors such as the Sceptre 30 inch C305B-200UN, you don’t have to break the bank to set up a pro-level gaming rig. It goes without saying that this model is one of the very few gaming monitors under the $300 price tag to sport a curved panel and other high-end features and that too in 30-inch display size.
Sceptre 30 inch C305B-200UN totally deserves the moniker of the best ultra wide monitor under $300 as it has a 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio in its 30 inch Full HD curved panel. The stunning 200 Hz refresh rate of this monitor, which can be achieved through the display port, works in favor of the ultra wide viewing experience of this monitor. With the HDMI port, you can achieve up to 120 Hz of refresh rate.
Blurred visuals come nowhere close to being an issue in this monitor as Sceptre has calibrated the response time to a fast 5 MS GTG.
Whether you play strategy games or are more interested in action-packed games, you can set the visual performance of this monitor to your liking by choosing between the custom set display settings, including RTS, and FPS. AMD FreeSync compatibility further eases the process of syncing the monitor do your gaming rig
It is amazing to see how Sceptre has used a thin-bezel design in this panel despite the large-sized footprint, and that too at an affordable price. Gaming for long hours in this monitor isn’t an issue as you get the option to reduce the monitor’s blue light and steer clear from eye strains and irritation. This monitor also comes with a wide array of ports, including three HDMI ports, one display port, and one audio jack.
Pros:
- 30 inch curved panel opens up ultra wide viewing estate
- Display port supports up to 200 Hz
- 90% sRGB coverage
- Red LED lighting at the back panel
- Sleek and ultra-modern design
Cons:
- HDMI ports don’t support 200 Hz refresh rate
- Average-quality built-in speakers
- LED lighting color can’t be changed
AOC 24G2 – best budget 24 inch monitor
AOC 24G2 is undoubtedly one of the most affordable gaming monitors on this list. Despite its competitively-low price tag, it comes on par with other high-performance gaming monitors with a wide range of features that it packs in a 24 inch footprint. This model is perfect for those who want a compact gaming monitor that offers crystal clarity and color-rich visuals.
AOC 24G2 helps you get the best experience out of your favorite PC games with its Full HD resolution. To make sure that you don’t experience issues such as ghosting and lags when gaming, AOC has calibrated this monitor with a fast 1 MS response time. The monitor’s fast 144 Hz refresh rate also plays an important role in ensuring that every visual transition is rendered quick and smooth.
Colors come to life as the IPS panel of this monitor has over 126% of sRGB gamut coverage.
The high-quality IPS panel also makes sure that vibrancy on this monitor isn’t compromised. Whatever the graphics settings on your desktop or laptop’s GPU, you can make this monitor work to your gaming advantage by simply letting the AMD FreeSync do the adaptive syncing work.
AOC 24G2 is one of the best 24 inch monitors under $300 to sport an ultra-thin bezel design. AOC has perfectly matched the narrow bezel design and sleek footprint of this monitor with a sophisticated gaming-themed look. For eye protection, this monitor includes AOC LowBlue Mode technology and a flicker-free feature. One VGA input, one display port, and two HDMI ports offer connectivity options in this gaming monitor.
Pros:
- 1 MS response time and 144 Hz refresh rate
- 126% sRGB profile coverage
- Accurate color reproduction
- Optimum viewing comfort with blue light reduction
- Stand supports swivel, tilt, and height adjustment
- Re-spawned warranty included
Cons:
- Contrast and color profiles may need adjustment for personal preferences
- No built-in speaker
- Not the best build quality
GIGABYTE G27QC – packs one of the best values
GIGABYTE is one of the several brands popular for delivering unbounded gaming performance in their gaming products. In the gaming monitor category, the brand offers a good selection of models in its fairly extensive catalog. GIGABYTE G27QC is one of the best gaming monitors from the brand that is available under $300. If you want an immersive gaming experience in a gaming monitor that isn’t overly large-sized, you cannot go wrong with this model.
GIGABYTE G27QC leads the pack of some of the best 27 inch gaming monitors under $300 with its stunning Quad HD resolution. GIGABYTE hasn’t stopped here as it has paired the Quad HD resolution with a super-fast 165 Hz refresh rate. What’s more interesting to know is the monitor also includes a fast 1 MS response time.
Whether you want to land your sniper shot, perfect the drag to conquer the sharp turn, or quickly shift between your arsenals, the 1 MS response time makes it all possible to effortlessly execute your gaming skills. Colors in this monitor are life-like, thanks to its 120% sRGB profile coverage.
What’s most fascinating to see in a $300 price point is that the monitor includes support for studio grade HDR, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and NVIDIA G-Sync.
GIGABYTE G27QC offers the best of wide viewing as well as immersive viewing with its curved VA panel that has a curvature rate of 1500R. If you are someone who likes to switch between different games of different genres, the OSD feature of the monitor makes it easy for you to nail all types of gaming visuals settings. This gaming monitor also comes with a host of ports, including two HDMI ports, one display port, two USB 3.0 Type A ports, and one audio jack.
Pros:
- Quad HD resolution is a steal for the price
- 144 Hz refresh rate and curved panel offers immersive viewing
- Support for both Radeon FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-Sync
- Stand supports height and tilt adjustments
- OSD feature included
Cons:
- Average-quality built-in speakers
- Default settings may require adjustments
- Stand doesn’t support swivel adjustments
Sceptre E275B – immersive yet affordable
Another Sceptre gaming monitor that we have on this list is Sceptre E275B. Gaming monitors from the brand pack a punch with the design factor, and this model is no different. This monitor steals the show with its stunning-looking edgeless design which is usually reserved for premium gaming monitors. Also, this monitor is one of the models that perform as good as it looks.
Similar to some of the best gaming monitors under $300, Sceptre E275B elevates your overall gaming experience with its Full HD resolution. This gaming monitor goes beyond the standard 144 Hz refresh rate and offers a highly-fast 165 Hz refresh rate to make sure that you don’t miss out on even a millisecond of action in order to achieve victory.
Spectre has paired the 165 Hz refresh rate of the monitor with a fast 2 MS response time which helps you steer clear of issues such as ghosting and blurred visuals.
Viewing angles, clarity, and color reproduction on this monitor is simply one of the best, thanks to its high-quality IPS panel. Also, you are assured not to face any issues when syncing this gaming monitor with your laptop or desktop’s GPU as AMD Radeon FreeSync adaptive sync feature comes included.
Sceptre E275B doesn’t fail to immerse you in your favourite games with its bezel-less design and get the best spacious viewing experience in a 27 inch display size. Playing your favorite games for long hours isn’t an issue as this monitor comes included with a blue light reduction feature. Three HDMI ports, one display port, and one audio jack are the ports included in this monitor.
Pros:
- One of the best-looking bezel-less designs
- 165 Hz refresh rate and 2 MS response time
- Three HDMI ports available
- Blue light reduction improves viewing comfort
- VESA mount support included
Cons:
- Average audio performance
- Stand doesn’t support height and swivel adjustment
- Default display settings may not be favorable for some
ASUS VP28UQG – the magic of 4K resolution under $300
Playing your favorite games on a 4K gaming monitor is a different experience altogether. Whether the matches you play are static-like or fast-moving, the ultra-smooth performance of a 4K resolution helps you get the best of clarity and smoothness. If you want to add a high-performance 4K gaming monitor to your gaming rig but don’t want to spend much, there is no reason why you shouldn’t choose ASUS VP28UQG.
ASUS VP28UQG offers a high-quality 4K viewing experience in a 28 inch footprint. Every fine visual detail of your favorite games is perfectly accentuated by the monitor’s 1 MS response time and 60 Hz refresh rate. Although the 60 Hz refresh rate seems a bit low compared to the 144 Hz refresh rate that is standard in many affordable gaming monitors, the 4K resolution, combined with AMD Radeon FreeSync adaptive sync technology, does a pretty good job of keeping up with many modern MOBA, RTS, and FPS titles.
Gamers who want to game at 4K resolution using an AMD GPU will benefit from this monitor the most.
Adjusting this monitor’s visual performance settings for different types of games becomes easy with the OSD feature that comes included. What’s interesting to know is that a five-way OSD navigation joystick is integrated at the back panel of this monitor
As one of the best 4K gaming monitors under $300, this model offers a wide viewing angle of 170° and excellent color reproduction with a wide RGB profile coverage. The stand has a minimal design and supports tilt adjustment of up to 5°.
Just like other ASUS gaming monitors, this model comes equipped with ASUS EyeCare technology which reduces blue light to offer a comfortable viewing experience and keep the risk of eyestrain and fatigue at bay. One HDMI port, one audio jack, and one display port provide connectivity options in this monitor.
Pros:
- 4K Ultra HD resolution delivers high-quality visuals
- 1 MS response time eliminates choppy color response
- Dedicated OSD joystick eases graphics setup
- ASUS EyeCare technology improves viewing comfort
- Excellent contrast ratio
Cons:
- 60 Hz refresh rate is lower than 144 Hz that other affordable gaming monitors have
- No thin-bezel display design
- Average audio performance
- Stand doesn’t support height adjustment
Samsung CJG56 – get immersed in your game
When it comes to all-things displays, Samsung is one of the most popular brand choices. The Samsung CJG56 is one of the best gaming-focused monitors from the brand as it offers several premium-grade features such as a curved panel, dedicated game mode, and fast frame rate. The best part is, the monitor is available at a price tag that is under $300.
The 1800R curvature of the VA panel immerses you in all your favorite games. The panel also ensures brighter whites and darker blacks with a contrast ratio of 3000:1. All the visual transitions in this monitor are flawless, courtesy of the fast 144 Hz refresh rate.
Samsung CJG56 offers an immersive and realistic gaming experience with a combination of Quad HD resolution and a curved 27 inch VA panel.
The fast 4 MS response time works great in bringing out the best of smooth and highly-detailed visuals that the fast frame rate maintains. This model also comes as one of the best gaming monitors under $300 with its multiple display modes. By switching between different modes, it becomes easy to automatically optimize display performance for different game genres such as RPG, AOS, FPS, and RTS. The availability of AMD Radeon FreeSync helps you easily sync the monitor with the GPU performance of your laptop or desktop.
Samsung CJG56 does not fail to elevate the overall look of your gaming rig with its thin-bezel design and overall sleek look. One of the unique highlights of this monitor is that OSD settings console and UI have a gaming-themed design. For connectivity, this monitor includes one display port, one HDMI port, and one audio jack.
Pros:
- Curved panel offers immersive viewing
- Stunning 144 Hz refresh rate
- Multiple game modes
- Modern and durable design
- Gaming-themed UI
Cons:
- Stand isn’t height-adjustable
- Not the best build quality
- Default color and contrast settings may require some changes
FAQs:
1) What does a monitor do for gaming?
A good gaming monitor does wonders for your gaming experience by delivering crisp and smooth visuals. The fast frame rate changes and accurate color reproduction of good gaming monitors help you get a competitive edge in your matches.
2) What is a good cheap monitor for gaming?
Sceptre E275B, AOC 24G2, and Acer ED273 are some of the good cheap monitors for gaming that you cannot go wrong with.
3) What’s the cheapest 144 Hz monitor?
MSI OPTIX G241 is one of the most affordable and high-performing 144 Hz gaming monitors.
4) Are gaming monitors worth it?
Yes. If you want an optimal gaming experience, a high-performance gaming monitor is worth the addition to your gaming rig.
5) Is a 1 MS monitor good for gaming?
Yes. Gaming monitors that have 1 MS response time maintain super-fast color changes. This, in turn, ensures life-like visuals and helps you get immersed into the game.
Conclusion
Affordable doesn’t always mean low performance and quality. From the gaming monitors that we have included in this list, it is evident that you can get a feature-packed model at a low price. As it is with all types of electronic gadgets, making the most out of the gaming monitor you choose is all about tweaking and fine tuning it to your personal preferences.