Do you know that with just $500, you can get the right monitor with a large screen size that will be perfect for your favorite game? Playing games on a small screen can be quite stressful and hardly enjoyable. And if you are into other heavy computing tasks like design and editing videos, then you will need to get a very well-rounded monitor that has all that you will ever need.
The end-goal of this article is to give you a list of best gaming monitors under 500 dollars that you can pick from so that you can select the perfect monitor for you. There are different requirements for different games. Each of these monitors has its unique specifications. No matter the attributes that you are looking for, we’ve made a list of the best monitors that are available right now.
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Best gaming monitors under 500 dollars
1. BenQ ZOWIE 27 inch 144Hz
This is the first monitor and the best model in our list, and the reasons are clear. It comes with a lot of popular traits that you should look for in a gaming monitor, especially for the price. It’s definitely not the cheapest among its contemporaries, but it’s quite an exciting one when you look at the specifications.
Although, the ZOWIE 27 inch by BenQ is not 1080p and you should also know that the resolution is not up to 4k. However, this monitor is between these two extremes. This means that you will be getting a resolution that is higher than 1080p, which will be quite okay for a lot of popular games.
It has been proven that 27 inches work perfectly with a resolution of 1440p, and with the ZOWIE 27 inch; you will be getting a vibrant picture quality even if you are sitting a bit far from the monitor. This monitor takes a satisfactory position between performance and incredible picture quality. Other attributes include a 1ms response time with a refresh rate that is around 144Hz.
It comes with a low blue light feature and is flicker-free. This implies that it will not take its toll on your eyes if you love playing games for many hours. It also comes with an S-switch that you can use to alternate between different settings and exciting inputs like D-sub, and the popular DVI-DL, 2X HDMI. To make it more appealing, you will be getting jacks for your headphones and mic, which are perfect for playing most of the popular games right now.
Let me also add that the ZOWIE 27 inch by BenQ is a wise choice if you prefer the 1080p screen resolution, and you want to use it for some time before upgrading. It will make it easier to assemble your next gaming PC build. Similarly, it will be more reasonable than buying a cheaper monitor now and having to replace it again when you are ready for the upgrade. You can always use this monitor for your next upgrade and get a comfortable performance and picture quality.
In conclusion, if you are interested in getting this gaming monitor and you are not looking to upgrade to a 4k resolution (which means you won’t need something more expensive and more sophisticated), then this is arguably the top choice considering the specifications and the price. But if you are looking for something high-end, then continue reading!
2. LG 34UC79G-B (Curved)
In terms of screen size, this is one of the top gaming monitors that you can find right now. At an ultra-wide 34 inches with a screen resolution of 2560×1080, you will agree with me that the LG 34UC79G-B is an impressive one. And not forgetting that the monitor is curved, which is the perfect shape for a monitor that is this large.
I can assure you that the LG 34UC79G-B is quite a sight to behold when positioned on your gaming desk, and you will enjoy any type of game that you play on it. With a refresh rate of 144Hz that is quite impressive and super fast and 1ms Motion Blur Reduction for gaming, you will agree with me that this monitor is a beast.
Other exciting attributes include an IPS panel that makes it perfect for gaming and other purposes and also not forgetting that the shape of the monitor makes it possible to have more windows on each side (an advantage that you will not get from a ‘regular monitor’).
You will also be getting a DPI cable, so its game time ready as soon as it is delivered to your doorstep. The LG 34UC79G-B also comes with 2x HDMI, DisplayPort version 1.2, two USB 3.0 ports, and an impressive USB 3.0 Quick Charge. The only significant drawback is that the screen resolution is in 1080, one would expect it t be able to run at 1440p or even 4k (although that will make it more expensive).
Overall, the monitor is a good one, and it all comes down to what you need and how much you care about your gaming monitor. If you feel like you do not need a 4k resolution, but you are a fan of large curved screens, maybe for other purposes like researching and writing papers, this monitor is quite impressive, and you should seriously consider it.
3. ASUS 27-Inch MG278Q 2K Gaming Monitor
The third one of our list is the ASUS 27-Inch MG278Q gaming monitor, and we are gradually moving to the more sophisticated ones with 2K and 4K resolutions that make everything more exciting to view. If you like some of the attributes of our top choice, which is the LG34UC79-G Curved, but you are not totally impressed, then you should seriously consider this one. The Asus MG278Q has a lot of important attributes, including an outstandingly high resolution.
I’m sure you will like to know that the Asus MG278Q gaming monitor has a screen resolution of 2560×1440, which is quite higher than the ‘normal’ 1920x1080p. Considering the fact the price of this monitor is below $500, you will agree with me that the Asus MG278Q is an impressive 2k monitor that will be perfect for your gaming requirements.
It boasts of a super-fast 1ms response time and an impressive refresh rate of 144Hz, these specifications make it possible for anyone to engage in fast-gaming without experiencing the annoying effects like screen blurring.
To make it better, you will be getting the new AMD FreeSync Technology, which is very useful in making sure that the picture quality is clean and smooth, this latest innovation works with the DisplayPort 1.2a which enhances the frames per second to ensure that every game frame is crisp and more detailed. You will be getting GamePlus and GameVisual technologies that are perfect for high-end games.
If you love playing games for hours, then you will need to be careful about the kind of monitor that you use because of eye-strain. Thanks to the ASUS exclusive Eye Care Technology that comes with the ASUS MG278Q, you can be sure that your eyes won’t have any issue.
As a fan of computer games, we sometimes play games for hours without standing up. The ASUS MG278Q comes with an ergonomically designed stand that is constructed in a way that makes it possible to tilt, adjust, and rotate to make it as comfortable as you want. The monitor also comes with several connectivity options, which include an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and USB 3.0 that you can easily use to connect to other devices.
The ASUS MG278Q is one of the amazing monitors that you can get for under $500. However, if you want a gaming monitor with a larger screen, then you can check the next one on our list.
4. VIOTEK 32-Inch GN32Q Gaming Monitor, Curved
Every gamer wants a monitor with a large screen, and it’s one of the important factors that you should always consider before buying a gaming monitor. If you are looking for a monitor with a massive screen (32-inch curved display) size that is under $500, you can check out the VIOTEK GN32Q.
This ultra-slim monitor will put you above the regular full HD 1080p, comes with a 2560×1440 QH resolution that makes everything clearer and more colorful. The VIOTEK GN32Q also comes with a simple control panel that you can always modify as you want. You will be getting different modes, which include movie mode, FPS game mode. Similarly, there is a Eye Saver mode that will help reduce eye-strain for gamers who spend many hours enjoying their favorite games.
To make it more appealing, the VIOTEK GN32Q comes with a borderless design, which makes it a sight to behold. You can expect to always enjoy an incredible gaming experience anytime you switch on your game. With a refresh rate of 144Hz, which is quite high, and considering the reasonable price of the monitor, the VIOTEK GN32Q provides an exemplary performance.
In terms of graphics, this fantastic machine boasts of a high 20M:1 contrast ratio. You will also be getting up to 16.7 million colors, which will make for an overall beautiful gaming experience with an impressive level of picture quality.
It’s also important to point out that the VIOTEK GN32Q is very energy efficient. This means that it does not consume a lot of power. Other exciting features of the VIOTEK GN32Q include a DVI, HDMI for your devices, and DisplayPort ports that are effective.
Overall, this monitor is the perfect one if you are a fan of a large curved display. The screen resolution is impressive, and considering other important features that come with it; you should definitely consider it.
5. Acer Predator XB241H 1080p Gaming Monitor
If you are an avid gamer, then this is the right monitor for you. The Acer Predator XB241H has a lot of eye-catching features that any gamer will fall in love with. Although the screen does not belong to the large display family, the remarkable properties are more than enough to compensate for the screen.
The Acer Predator XB241H is quite small with just a 24-inch display, which is still capable of giving every gamer the needed immersive gaming experience. The monitor comes with a Full HD 1920×1080, which is a bit disappointing because that’s quite ‘old-fashioned.’ However, even with the resolution, the Acer Predator XB241H still delivers a smooth and steady picture quality that will keep you glued to your game.
It also comes with a super-fast 1ms response time that enhances the gaming experience. There is also the Ultra-Low Motion Blur technology, which optimizes the monitor and works with fast gaming actions to ensure that fast-moving objects are displayed without smearing.
Also, the XB241H has an impressive 144Hz refresh rate that ensures that you always have an exciting gaming experience. It is also equipped with G-SYNC technology from NVIDIA. This tech works with the refresh rate to consistently deliver a smooth and sharp picture quality. To make it better, if you decide to jazz up the clock rate, the monitor can work at a refresh rate of 180Hz, which will give a better and smoother picture quality.
The Acer Predator XB241H comes with two inbuilt 2W speakers that will enhance the audio effects of any game to deliver a more realistic experience. And if you love playing games for hours, you do not need to worry about your eyes getting stressed because the monitor comes with the EyeProtect’s Flicker-less technology, so you can enjoy your favorite game as long as you want. To make it more comfortable, the monitor comes with a modifiable ergonomic stand that you can adjust as you want to make it easier for you to use.
Other important features include DisplayPort and HDMI ports. There is also a TN panel monitor that you can use to connect your devices if you like to do high-level data transfers.
Overall, the Acer Predator XB241H is a beast that you will easily fall in love with. The refresh rate that can be optimized to 180Hz ensures that you get better graphics and the NVIDIA G-SYNC tech is definitely another eye-popping feature which prevents screen tearing and also reduces input lag. Considering other factors like the 1ms response time, I’m sure you will agree with me that the Acer Predator XB241H is one of the top ones for gaming right now.
Factors You Need to Consider When Shopping for a Gaming Monitor Under $500
To start with, you have to consider is the specifications of the monitor and how it matches what you are looking for. If the monitor does not meet the requirements that you are looking for right now, then there is no point in going for it even if the price is appealing, especially if you are on a tight budget.
The second important factor is the price, the cheaper the monitor, the more sacrifices you will need to make in terms of choosing the specifications that are important to you. You can buy an expensive monitor that will not be necessary for your gaming requirements.
And it’s nice to know that there are a lot of excellent monitors under the $500 range, so you don’t really need to cut corners. It’s possible to save a bit of cash and still get a fantastic monitor. You can use your money for something else, like upgrading your GPU or getting a bigger SSD.
Final Thoughts
If you are interested in assembling a high-end gaming system, you will have to drop some real money on a good monitor. You do not want to have a monitor that will not be able to bring out the superb gaming experience that you so much crave. Getting the right monitor that will represent the true value for money can be quite stressful.
Still, if you are aware of the important factors that you need to look out for, you will easily get it right. You can procure a lot of great monitors with a budget under 500 that will give you that immersive gaming experience that you want.
