What does a pro gamer need in the gaming setup? A good gaming PC powered with the best graphics card and especially the best gaming monitor. Buying the right gaming monitor doesn’t mean that you have to spend a large bundle of dollars. Getting a gaming monitor while keeping the budget in mind will never let you go out of track. If you buy an expensive monitor, you have to compromise on other essential gadgets that will badly affect the gameplay. The best option for never losing the budget and getting the best features is the best gaming monitor under 500 2023. Keep in mind that it’s not necessary to spend precisely the exact amount to get the best product while saving some more cash.
You can call one of the best gaming monitors if there is a better refresh rate, response time, etc. Now there are two options if you want to drop some cash on a monitor, then buy the expensive one. Otherwise, you can get all these specifications at their best level in the budget option. For under $500, you can get the best screen for power-hungry games.
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Editor’s Top 3 Picks

AOC CU34G2X

LG 27GL850-B

Acer ED273
Gaming Monitor under 500 Buyer’s Guide
Screen Size
Since you are going to buy a monitor for playing games. FPS games need the gamers to be wholly immersed in the gaming to fully enjoy the gaming experience. A small screen size will not give you an outstanding experience. The aspect ratio of the screen matters a lot. There are different monitors with different aspect ratios. You should know that gaming monitors have different aspect ratios compared to work monitors. Most people like to buy a wide monitor for gaming. Screen sizes range from as small as 18 inches and as big as more than 49 inches. For gaming, a 32-inch monitor will be the best choice. It’s not too wide and let you better focus on your gaming. You don’t need a 49-inch monitor for gaming because of its aspect ratio. It is hard to concentrate on such a wide monitor, especially while playing games.
Screen resolution
Screen resolution is a significant factor in a gaming monitor. The higher the resolution, the crispier the result of the video. Suppose you are playing games like assassin creeds and GTA Vice City. In that case, a higher resolution is the most important thing to give you a more realistic and better experience. However, if you are someone that plays FPS games like PUBG and Call of duty. You will not need a 4K monitor because the high resolution will clearly affect your FPS. Although, resolution can be changed from the setting, so the higher, the better, and you can change it as per your needs.
HDR
HDR is an extra topping that can make take your experience to another level. It actually brightens the screen, is more colorful and even better contrast. So, if you are a professional gamer, it’s a must feature.
Refresh rate
Refresh rate is the most crucial thing in a gaming monitor. The higher refresh rate means more rapid image updates per second. This is very crucial for a gamer to help in getting the accurate movements of the enemy player. This will not only result in a better experience but also improving your gaming skills. The refresh rate is measure in Hz, and you can find a monitor from 60Hz to 240Hz. However, higher refresh rate monitors are expensive and will surely cost you a lot of money.
Response time
Response time is an entirely different thing from a refresh rate. In refresh rate, you want more, but the lowest response rate is the best in response time. It explains how quickly an active screen from white can go to an inactive black screen and return. You should look for the monitor with the lowest response time. Suppose a monitor has a 1ms response time than the other monitor with a 5ms response time. In that case, the 1ms monitor quality and performance will be way better.
Ports
Ports are vital in any tech product, whether it’s a pc, monitor or television. You should look for a monitor with all the latest ports like VGA, HDMI, DVI, Display port, USB-C and more. However, some monitors have limited ports, you can always look at them, and if the available ports can fulfil your needs, you don’t need to look for more. The most important thing is that you keep in mind your needs and not just look for more because that will cost you money.
Best Gaming Monitor under 500 Reviews
1. AOC CU34G2X
Ultrawide.Curved.Immersive
SPECIFICATIONS
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
WHY BUY?
- FreeSync 2
- Best refresh rate
- HDR
WHY AVOID?
- Lacks USB-C
AOC CU34G2X is powered with the best features, so it holds the top position in the list of the best gaming monitors under 500. The design is just excellent as you get ergonomic adjustments so the screen can be adjusted in the way you want. The 34-inch curved screen provides a prominent and clear display to detect an enemy on battlegrounds ideally. Moreover, through a 3440×1440 resolution display, you can experience the joy of playing games. The weight is only 10.32 lbs, so you will never feel awkward while carrying it from one room to another. Besides all other factors, the design of this monitor increases the beauty of your gaming setup.
A monitor with a better refresh rate is the best choice for playing resource-hungry games. So here in this budget monitor, you will get a 144Hz refresh rate. There will be no kind of lag during the gameplay. Moreover, there is a 1ms response time that adds more perfection to the performance of this monitor. For wide viewing angles and the best color reproduction, it is equipped with a VA panel. Furthermore, AOC CU34G2X has the best I/O connections, there are 2 DisplayPorts, HDMI, and USB 3. Finally, if you search for the best screen in the list of best monitors under 500, you can’t find a better product.
2. LG 27GL850-B
A budget QHD Gaming Monitor
SPECIFICATIONS
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
WHY BUY?
- Ergonomic design
- Best motion handling
WHY AVOID?
- Limited Freesync range
LG 27GL850 comes with an elegant design attracting users towards itself. There is 27 inches minimal bezel screen that provides an extensive and clear view to the users, especially for games and movies. Moreover, there is a 2560 x 1440 resolution display that possibly never let you miss any single detail of an image on it. The weight is only 14.11 pounds, so it’s easy to adjust it where you want. LG also offers some adjustments options in this model that are tilt, height, and pivot. So you can adjust the screen according to your comfort and usage. For almost all kinds of users, the I/O connections matter a lot. Here on this screen, there is HDMI, USB 3.0, DisplayPort, and headphone jack also.
LG 27GL850 also offers some cool features for gamers and other users. There is a 144Hz refresh rate that reduces the risks of lags during the gameplay. For further smooth gameplay, there is a 1ms response time. The main issue faced by gamers most of the time is screen tearing. This monitor is equipped with G-Sync technology to ignore this problem and provide the user with the best gaming experience. About the sound quality, there is a need for external speakers as there are no built-in ones. Finally, calling it the best gaming monitor under 500 will not be wrong. It provides the best specifications at an affordable price.
3. Acer ED273
High Refresh Rate, G-Sync Compatible
SPECIFICATIONS
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 4ms
WHY BUY?
- Best color accuracy
- Perfect sound system
WHY AVOID?
- Lacks DisplayPort
If you want a widescreen, here is ED273 powered by Acer. It comes with 27 inches minimal bezel screen providing a big view as compared to other 27 inches screens. The 1920 x 1080 resolution adds more perfection to its display. Also, there is 250 nits brightness that makes its display brighter. There is a stand that provides a tilt-only feature to adjust the screen according to your choice and nature of use. Also, there are best I/O connections such as DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI for better connectivity. Furthermore, this monitor supports 16.7 million colors, and there is a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Most of the time, the main problem faced by most gamers is screen tearing that affects the gameplay badly. So to overcome this problem, this monitor is equipped with both G-Sync and FreeSync technologies. Moreover, there is a 144Hz refresh rate for better gameplay that never lets you face any kind of lag while playing the game. If you don’t want to miss a single shot on the battlegrounds, don’t worry. This will be the right product for you as there is a 4ms response time. At last, if there is a need for an accurate gaming monitor under 500 in your gaming setup, buy this screen without any second thought.
4. Samsung CFG73
An under $500 super monitor
SPECIFICATIONS
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
WHY BUY?
- Best image quality
WHY AVOID?
- Price
Samsung never disappointed its users with all the products. The same is the case here in CFG73. It comes with an elegant design and the best features. There is a 27-inch display that would be the perfect one for all kinds of users. The 1920 x 1080 resolution adds more fantasy to the display of this best gaming monitor under 500. Also, there are Ergonomic adjustments that let you adjust the height of the screen, and many more if you want to be according to your usage nature. Moreover, a Quantum dot technology supports 125% sRGB for a wide range of accurate colors. Due to its perfect display, you will feel awesome while playing games on it.
The excellence of CFG73 doesn’t stop with its design and display. Some cool features need your attention. A superfast response time of 1ms never lets you get shot by the enemy if you are a pro gamer. Furthermore, there is a 144Hz screen refresh rate that updates the images quickly, and you will experience the speed of the fast sports car while playing games on it. Calling Samsung’s this screen a super gaming monitor at an affordable price will not be wrong as per its best gaming mode and arena lighting. At the end of the discussion, if you want a master gaming monitor in your setup, you can’t just ignore this one after checking all its features.
5. Acer Nitro XZ342CK
A true ultrawide gaming monitor
SPECIFICATIONS
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
WHY BUY?
- Ultra-wide
WHY AVOID?
- Contrast Ratio
Acer Nitro XZ342CK is a great gaming monitor under 500 that brings you an exceptional gaming experience with its unique features. The ultra-wide nature of Acer XZ342CK provides room for more superb multitasking and comfort while dealing with intensive gaming workloads at a time. The monitor offers you low-input lag and optimal refresh rates, making the gaming look smoother and immersive on thin bezels around the 34 inches display screen. You may criticize the Acer Nitro XZ342CK because of its second-rate performance in brighter areas. That is because most Acer monitors suffer from contrast ratio.
The Acer Nitro XZ342CK is built with a solid and compact design, having a solid round base with a metal bar mounted. The stand comes with minimal wobbling and holds the large 34 inches display firmly. The 1ms of response time makes fast-moving content on the screen look crispy. The Acer Nitro XZ342CK is compatible both with AMD Free-Sync and Nvidia G-Sync to tackle screen tearing. The monitor comes with picture-in-picture mode technology to help you deal with two input sources at a time. If you can slightly compromise the performance due to the contrast ratio, don’t look further, Acer Nitro XZ342CK is one of the best gaming monitor for gaming under 500.
6. Samsung U28E590D
A widely sold UHD monitor
SPECIFICATIONS
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
WHY BUY?
- AMD FreeSync
WHY AVOID?
- Lacks HDCP2.2 support
When there is a need for the best 4k gaming monitor under 500, a name comes to mind “Samsung U28E590D”. It comes with an elegant design. Its 28 inches minimal bezel screen with 3820 x 2160 resolution provides a perfect experience for enjoying movies and games. Also, there is a tilt-only adjustment feature to adjust the screen according to your choice. There are perfect I/O connections, including HMDI and DisplayPort. Furthermore, it delivers 1 billion colors, adding more details to the display, providing the user with a natural look of games and movies.
For avoiding screen tearing problems, Samsung U28E590D is housed with AMD FreeSync technology. There is (PIP) 20 technology through which you can perform multi-tasks on a single screen. Moreover, for minimizing the input latency and providing users with the best gaming experience, there is a 1ms response time. There is a 60Hz refresh rate that works better for you somehow. Finally, if you want the best 4k monitor under 500, this Samsung model will be a perfect choice for you as it fulfils all your gaming screen requirements.
7. HP VH240a
Low Specs but Cheap
SPECIFICATIONS
- Resolution: 1920 x 108
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 5ms
WHY BUY?
- Ergonomic Adjustments
WHY AVOID?
- Minor blurs
If you want a perfect gaming screen for under $500, have a look at VH240a powered by HP. It comes with a stunningly slim design. A 23.8 minimal bezel screen also provides a perfect big display for gamers and casual users. Moreover, there is a 1920 x 1080 resolution that adds more details and clarity to this monitor’s display. There are the best adjustments to adjust the screen according to your choice and nature of use. Besides all other features, a gamer also expects good sound from a gaming monitor under 500. On this screen, you will get built-in speakers that deliver loud and clear sound.
There are also some other nifty features of HP VH240a that needs a brief discussion. There is a 5ms response time through which you can face any kind of lag during the gameplay. Furthermore, there is a 60Hz refresh rate that enables users for playing less resource-hungry games perfectly. As concerned with connectivity, there are VGA, HDMI, and HDCP support. At last, if you want to go for a fully budgeted monitor with great design and good specs, HP VH240a best suits you.
8. Sceptre C305W-2560UN
a good package overall
SPECIFICATIONS
- Resolution: 2560 x 1080
- Refresh Rate: 85Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
WHY BUY?
- Price
WHY AVOID?
- Tilt-only adjustment
Sceptre C305W-2560UN is one of the best gaming monitors under 500 as per its slim design and 30 inches wide curved screen. The 2560 x 1080 resolution makes its widescreen more special for gamers. Also, you will get a tilt-only adjustment feature through which you can adjust the screen when there is a need for it. Its edgeless design just captures your attention and makes it love for you playing games or watching movies on it. Most of the time, it happens that your eyesight gets affected with continuous usage of the screen. But there is no need to be worried about your eyesight while using this screen as per its blue light shift feature that protects the eyes from harmful effects of the screen.
Better refresh rate means lag-free gameplay, so Sceptre kept an 85Hz refresh rate on this monitor. For the sake of clarity and ignoring the picture blur problems, it has a 1ms response time. Furthermore, for the enhanced gaming experience, this monitor has FPS, and RTS custom set display settings. Connectivity options are worth most gamers, so this screen is addressed with better I/O connections. There are two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort.
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