Best gaming monitor under $400 -our top picks

Alienware are no strangers when it comes to designing some of the bet monitor’s the market has to offer. This is one of their smaller offerings, equipped with all the high-end specifications you might expect from one of their more premium offerings.

The AW2521HF has a brilliant design that makes use of the new Alienware branding. The stand offers good ergonomics and viewing angles shouldn’t be a problem thanks to that speedy IPS panel that sits at the heart of this monitor.

Despite this monitor only offering a 24.5″ screen size, it’s still incredibly immersive to use. Thanks to the 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and low input lag, you get a connected feel with your gameplay which is hard to replicate. This monitor is absolutely ideal for individuals that want to get the edge over their competition. It will offer a smooth gaming experience with little to no ghosting. Halong can be a little problematic, as can gaming in bright rooms. But apart from that, this monitor doesn’t really put a foot wrong.

Unlike our top pick (which is more geared towards the competitive player) the LG 27GL83A has a more balanced mix of specifications – making it ideal for the everyday gamer.

The LG offers a stylish design that is accentuated by subtle curves and a red-on-black color theme. Build quality of the 27GL83A monitor is pretty good – usually the case with most LG offerings.

Looking at specifications, LG has equipped this monitor with a careful balance of responsiveness and picture quality. At it’s heart, users will find an impressive ISP monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms (GTG) response time, and 99% sRGB color coverage. It offers variable refresh rate technology in the shape of both G-Sync and FreeSync – with the former only being to a ‘compatible’ standard.

Overall, there’s a lot to like about this monitor. Whilst it may not be as fast as our top pick, it does offer better picture quality and greater screen real-estate – factors some users prioritize over raw speed.

• Best 144Hz gaming monitor 

I haven’t always been a huge fan of Acer’s Nitro lineup of monitors – however, their latest arrivals have surprised me in both value and performance. Despite it not being the best monitor in this guide, it is the most well-rounded in terms of performance and price.

As far as aesthetics go, the XV340CK does look pretty nice. It comes with a wide 34″ panel that contrasts nicely against the cylindrical stand. Speaking of the stand, I incredibly happy with the way this one performed – offering very little wobble during our robustness tests. The same can be said for the general build quality of this monitor though.

Looking at specifications, this monitor really does offer you an excellent experience – especially when you consider the price of it. At its heart, the XV340CK comes equipped with an IPS panel offering a 144Hz refresh rate and low 1ms response time (when VRB is enabled). Furthermore, the 1440p screen resolution helps with image clarity and general gameplay – albeit with a knock-on effect on your internal hardware.

Overall, the XV340CK is a nice balance between gaming and everyday performance.

• Best ultrawide gaming monitor

For the esports enthusiast out there, the VG259QM seems like the perfect fit – providing quick response alongside a well-optimized 24.5″ IPS panel. The VG259QM falls within the TUF Gaming family, a lineup of ASUS monitors that is well known for its excellent value for money. This is the smaller version of the VG279QM – a top-tier monitor that got our Editor’s Pick for best gaming monitor under $500.

Aesthetically, the VG259QM looks pretty much identical to most other monitors within the TUF Gaming range – literally. A fairly uncharacteristic panel offers medium single-stage bezels, anti-glare matte coating, and solid viewing angles. The base is identical to other monitors in this range, offering good stability and robustness – albeit basic. The stand provides excellent versatility and strength, giving users height, tilt, swivel, and pivot functionality.

Performance-wise, it’s hard to knock this monitor from a response standpoint. ASUS have equipped the VG259QM with a fast IPS panel that showcases a 280Hz refresh rate (via overclock), 1ms GTG response time, and very good input lag. The monitor supports G-Sync compatibility, helping to reduce any annoying screen tear problems that may occur during usage. Gaming features include ASUS’ ELMB feature, a tonne of game presets, and a low blue light filter.

If you’re into esports titles, this monitor will most certainly serve you well. The small screen size will allow you to visualize the battlefield in its entirety, pinpointing enemies with relative ease. Furthermore, the 1080p screen resolution isn’t too taxing on your system – allowing you to comfortably reach the higher end of the 280hz refresh rate.

• Best 240Hz gaming monitor

Last, but not least, is the ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q – a decent 4K gaming monitor that isn’t going to break the bank.

The TUF Gaming laptop looks almost identical to every other monitor within the lineup, offering a subtle design that could fit into both gaming or office spaces.

Aesthetics aside, the VG289Q is an excellent all-round 4K monitor that will serve players of story-based immersive titles well. The 60hz refresh rate is more than enough to achieve a smooth gaming experience, with the 5ms response time offering only minimal smearing or ghosting. The 4K screen resolution provides stunning image clarity, helping to immerse you in any virtual universe. It also pairs nicely with productivity-type users, resulting in a tonne of desktop real-estate which is great for multitasking scenarios.

The VG289Q also offers a 100% sRGB color gamut, 350 nits peak brightness, and IPS color accuracy and viewing angles.

Best 4K gaming monitor