Do you have a budget of 400 dollars for a new gaming monitors? Here are our top picks for what is the best gaming monitor under 400 USD. In this guide, you’ll find all the display spec combinations available in this price range as well as the best monitors currently available.
Today you can even get 4K monitors for under $400, and that’s pretty good. Keep in mind, however, that to play 4K you will need a powerful PC to run new games with decent settings and frame rates.
Also See: Gaming Monitors Under $300 – HDMI 2.1 Monitors
List Of Best Gaming Monitor Under 400
Here is our roundup for the best monitors under 400 USD in 2021, these are 4K, Ultrawide, Curved, FreeSync monitor for $400.
- LG 27UL500: The best 4K gaming monitor under 400
- AOC CQ32G1: The best 32″ curved monitor for gaming under $400
- LG 32UK550: 4K 32″ monitor with FeeSync for 400
- Acer XF252Q: the best 240Hz gaming monitor for under 400 dollars
- ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q: the best ultrawide monitor under $400
1. LG 27UL500: the best 4K monitor under 400
If you’re after a 4K display, the LG 27UL500 is the best IPS monitor under $400. Keep in mind that it only costs less than $350 when on sale. In case it doesn’t, we recommend the Philips 276E8VJSB as an alternative, although it does not support some features such as compatibility with FreeSync , HDR, or VESA mounts .
We highly recommend saving an additional ~ $70 for the ASUS VG289Q with a wide color gamut, HDR, FreeSync, and fully adjustable stand as the best budget 4K IPS monitor.
Image quality
4K Ultra HD resolution delivers incredible picture quality with maximum detail. The LG 27UL500 is equipped with an IPS panel with 10-bit color support (8-bit + FRC ), 1000: 1 contrast ratio, 300-bit maximum brightness and color space coverage Factory calibrated 98% sRGB .
So not only will the image be crisp and vivid, but it will have vibrant and crisp colors suitable for budding designers.
Unfortunately, PC gaming in 4K is quite demanding, so you need to have a powerful computer or lower the picture settings in some games. A good thing is that due to the high resolution, you won’t need to use anti-aliasing , which will help you improve frame rate performance.
As the LG 27UL500 supports FreeSync, the monitor is better suited for RX Vega 56/64 and Radeon VII cards, as the variable refresh rate can also greatly contribute to performance, although the dynamic refresh rate range is only 40Hz. -60Hz. Other functions such as black stabilizer and dynamic action synchronization are also available.
The display also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range). However, if it can accept HDR signal and display it, it lacks display capabilities like wider color gamut, higher contrast and higher brightness to actually improve the quality of the video, picture. So the HDR image will look washed out most of the time.
This software support for HDR doesn’t really impact the price of the monitor, so it’s more of a gimmick bonus feature than a real reason to buy this display.
Scaling
As the LG 27UL500 is 27″ in size, the 4K resolution will result in a very high pixel density of around 163 PPI. So everything will be tiny, and you’ll have to scale everything to make the text readable.
Unfortunately, some applications (including some video games) are not to scale, although this is mostly the case with outdated software.
Design and connectivity
The LG 27UL500 4K monitor has a fairly thick frame and is compatible with VESA mounts, but only tilted. Connectivity includes two HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 ports. FreeSync is supported on both DisplayPort and HDMI ports with a range of 40-60Hz. With NVIDIA cards, however, G-SYNC seems to only work in the basic FreeSync range which is 48-60Hz.
2. AOC CQ32G1: The best 32″ curved monitor for gaming under $400
Want a large 32″ gaming monitor? The AOC CQ32G1 offers exceptional value for money. Note that there is no 32″ 1440p 144Hz model with TN or IPS models, so you’ll have to settle for a VA display if you want a 32″ display.
Image quality
Now, since the 2560 × 1440 resolution is displayed on a larger screen in this case, you won’t have as much space and detail as on a 27″ 1440p monitor.
However, you get a bigger screen which can make the gaming experience more immersive for some users. Keep in mind that a 32″ monitor is large enough and you will need to sit a little further away from the screen.
Other specs related to the display include a 3,000: 1 contrast ratio, 300-bit peak brightness, and a color gamut of around 125% sRGB.
Although the colors of the CQ32G1 are not as precise and consistent as those of the IPS panels, they are rich and vivid, much better than those of any TN model.
The monitor’s 3,000: 1 static contrast ratio results in deep blacks as well as a more vivid relationship between darker and lighter tones.
Alas, when pixels need to switch between colors, they can’t quite keep up with the refresh rate of the monitor. This results in visible drag from fast moving objects, especially noticeable in dark scenes where dark pixels are involved.
Some people can tolerate this phenomenon because in return you get excellent picture quality, but others, who play fast games in competition, will not be able to stand it.
So if you are a casual gamer this shouldn’t be a problem.
Features
The AOC CQ32G1 monitor features motion blur reduction technology which can be activated by setting the Overdrive parameter to “Boost”.
You can also adjust the frequency of the backlight strobes via the “MBR” parameter. This can go a long way in eliminating motion blur, but this feature cannot be enabled at the same time as FreeSync.
FreeSync is supported on both HDMI and DP with 48-144Hz dynamic refresh rate range with stable G-SYNC performance.
Plus, you’ll find pre-calibrated picture presets (FPS, RTS, Racing, and three customizable player profiles) as well as Shadow Control and Game Control for gamma / saturation adjustments.
Design and connectivity
The AOC CQ32G1 has a tilt mount only but it can be mounted to a third party mount via the VESA 100x100mm model. On the back of the monitor you will find HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 inputs as well as an audio jack. The HDMI 1.4 port is limited to 75Hz at 1440p.
Alternatives
The AOC CQ32G1 is the best 32″ 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor you can get for under $400. If you want a similar monitor but with a flat screen instead, check out the LG 32GK650F.
If you are looking for a 27″ 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor with a VA panel, check out the detailed overview of the AOC CQ27G1 which is essentially a 27″ variant of the CQ32G1. It has an ergonomic design and costs only 250 dollars.
You can also get a 27″ 1440p 144Hz VA gaming monitor with a flat screen, the MSI MAG272QR .
Finally, if you want a good HDR gaming monitor, consider investing a little over $400 for the Samsung CHG70 with DisplayHDR 600, which means localized dimming, a wide color gamut, and a peak brightness of 600 bits for HDR content.
3. LG 32UK550: 4K 32″ monitor with FeeSync
Today you can even get a 4K monitor for under $400 on 32″, but with a VA panel, not IPS, which has both pros and cons.
Image quality
The LG 32UK550 is equipped with a VA panel with a static contrast ratio of 3000: 1 and a wide color gamut DCI-P3 at 95%. So its colors might not be as accurate and consistent as those of IPS models, but you still get immersive picture quality with rich colors and vivid shades of black.
The problem is, the response time is slower, which means there will be more drag and motion blur in fast-paced video games. However, unless you’re playing first-person shooter games, the ghost count is tolerable.
Characteristics
As for the features, you will find all the standard LG functions such as black stabilizer, screen splitting, on screen control, etc.
The monitor also supports HDR, and while it has no local dimming, its wide color gamut, high contrast ratio, and peak 400-bit brightness can dramatically improve the quality of the screen. image for HDR content, which makes it a great gaming monitor for PS5 and Xbox Series X.
AMD FreeSync is also supported by HDMI and DP systems with dynamic range 40-60Hz, but VRR with NVIDIA cards only works in basic mode (range 48-60Hz).
Design and connectivity
LG 32UK550 monitor stand can be elevated up to 120mm, tilted and VESA mounted. Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, a headphone jack and two built-in 5W speakers.
Alternative
Samsung U32J590 : more affordable 32″ 4K monitor without the wide color gamut and HDR.
4. Acer XF252Q: the best 240Hz monitor for under 400 dollars
The Acer XF252Q is the best 240Hz gaming monitor for serious gamers. It is equipped with 240Hz technology, less than 1ms response time, FreeSync function and backlight strobe technology with strobe frequency up to 240Hz.
Image quality
Since it is based on a TN panel, the Acer XF252Q has narrow viewing angles, which means the image will change color, contrast, and brightness when viewed from oblique angles. But as long as you’re sitting directly in front of the screen, that’s okay with you.
You also won’t get as vivid picture quality as the other gaming monitors included in this guide, which have higher resolutions and IPS or VA panels that offer wider viewing angles and better colors. and better contrast.
But the Acer XF252Q isn’t about image quality, it’s about performance and thanks to its 240Hz refresh rate paired with ~ 0.3ms response time, you’ll get a most responsive gaming experience!
It is based on a new 240Hz TN panel with a native GtG response time of ~ 0.5ms, compared to 1ms for slightly older models. Visit our Acer XF252Q overview for more information.
Keep in mind that the jump from 144Hz to 240Hz is not as noticeable as the jump from 60Hz to 144Hz, but the difference is definitely there and it can be crucial for competitive games.
So if you are an avid FPS gamer then this monitor is for you. However, if you prefer smooth performance and good image quality, you’ll find better options in this guide.
Characteristics
The Acer XF252Q supports AMD FreeSync with a 48-240Hz VRR range and will work seamlessly with compatible NVIDIA cards.
You can also use its backlight strobe technology called VRB (Visual Response Boost) which can operate at 120Hz, 144Hz and 240Hz; most 240Hz models with MBR can only strobe at 144Hz maximum!
You cannot use the MBR and VRR at the same time, and using the strobe reduces the brightness of the monitor. However, the amount of brightness sacrificed for clarity of movement on the XF252Q is minimal.
Additionally, the monitor offers additional useful gaming features including Black Boost (improves visibility in darker games) and Aim Point (customizable reticle overlay).
You also get pre-calibrated and customizable image profiles and advanced image adjustment tools such as 6-axis hue / saturation and gamma / grayscale.
In addition, the Acer XF252Q supports HDR (High Dynamic Range).
Although it can accept HDR10 signal, image enhancement is done through software emulation as the screen does not have the proper color gamut, contrast and brightness for a viewing experience. HDR viewing worthy of interest.
So you can ignore HDR on this screen. This will not improve the picture quality of HDR content, nor will it increase the price of the monitor.
Design and connectivity
The Acer XF252Q features a fully ergonomic design with -5 ° / 20 ° tilt, +/- 360 ° swivel, up to 120mm height adjustment, 90 ° swivel and compatibility with 100 × 100 mm VESA mounts.
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, a quad-USB 3.0 hub (four downstream ports plus one upstream port), a headphone jack, and two integrated 2W speakers.
Alternative
For other options, check out our buying guide on the best monitors for FPS gaming , although the Acer XF252Q offers by far the best value for money if all you want is the 240Hz display. the fastest.
5. ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q: the best ultrawide monitor Under under $400
If you want a 4K ultrawide gaming monitor with an IPS panel, the ASUS VG289Q is the best option in this price range.
Image quality
This 28″ monitor delivers vivid clarity and detail with its rich pixel density of 157 PPI.
Additionally, it supports 10-bit (8-bit + 2-bit FRC) color depth and 90% DCI-P3 wide color gamut for vibrant, consistent colors. For more accurate color output, you can simply use the provided sRGB emulation mode.
Its stunning colors and 4K UHD resolution make this monitor ideal for creating and consuming content, especially for jobs where color is essential, watching movies, gaming and other multimedia activities.
Characteristics
It supports AMD FreeSync over HDMI and DisplayPort with a VRR range of 40-60Hz, making it ideal for PC and console gaming. The VRR works fine with compatible NVIDIA cards, but your mileage may vary here as the monitor is not certified by NVIDIA as “G-SYNC Compatible”.
Other features include Shadow Boost (which changes the gamma curvature for better visibility of objects in shadow), a customizable reticle, pre-calibrated image presets, and on-screen timers.
HDR is also supported, but with a maximum brightness of 350-bit, it is not quality for VESA’s entry-level HDR support. Anyway, thanks to its wide color gamut, the colors will look a bit nicer on some HDR content, which is actually more than what some VESA HDR400 certified displays offer!
Design and connectivity
You can adjust the screen height up to 150mm, rotate the screen 90 °, tilt -5 ° / 20 °, rotate – / + 62 ° and mount it in VESA ( 100 × 100 mm).
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, a single DisplayPort 1.2 input, two integrated 2W speakers, and a headphone jack. The monitor also supports HDCP 2.2, allowing you to watch copy-protected content in native 4K UHD resolution on streaming services such as Netflix.
Also See: Monitors For RTX 3070
Conclusion
Found the best gaming monitor under $400?
If you don’t want an ultra-wide or VA screen, the AOC CQ32G1 is a great choice.
If you are a competitive gamer, the Acer XF252Q offers the best performance.
Finally, if you have a 4K compatible console or PC, you can simply choose one of the included 4K monitors based on your panel type and screen size preference.
Best Gaming Monitor Under 400 Black Friday Deals 2021
We have created a list of the most discounted cheap and best Gaming Monitor Under 400 Black Friday deals and Gaming Monitor Under 400 Cyber Monday deals for this year’s holiday season 2021.