Best Gaming Monitor Under $300 to Buy of 2023

Gaming monitors are quite different from regular ones, they have multiple added features to make them more suitable for gaming. For this reason, many people may start to think that in order to have a decent gaming monitor, one will have to pay a huge sum of money.

However, that’s not always the case. There are still several models that cost you a reasonable amount yet still deliver outstanding performances. And they are exactly the target of our article today. In this post, we’re focusing on the best gaming monitor under 300. Let’s get started!

First thing first, before actually talking about the best under $300 gaming monitors, we think it will be of great help to show you what you should look for in a unit. It’s better to have some basic knowledge of what make up a great monitor before looking into different names and their specifications. This section is put together to give you some necessary information about the key factors that you should keep in mind when you’re on the hunt for the best gaming monitor under 300.

1. Resolution & Screen Size

The first factor, or factors, that you should pay attention to is resolution, screen size and the relationship between them.

To begin with, let’s look at the screen size. Monitors come in several sizes, but not all are suitable for gaming. In fact, for the optimal results when it comes to competitive gaming, a monitor between 24 inches and 27 inches is the top choice. Going below or above this range is completely fine as long as you find it comfortable, however remember that the size of the screen is also interrelated with viewing distance and viewing angle, and the range of size that we suggest is the best for the wellbeing of your eyesight.

As for resolution, this is probably the most significant element determining whether a monitor can function well for gaming or not. The higher the resolution is, the more pixels there are, which means that the higher the visual quality will be.

A budget gaming monitor tends to have its resolution at 1080p, a telling example is the Acer Nitro VG240Y, a monitor that has received thousands of positive reviews worldwide. Nevertheless, if you have more to spend and your desire is to have the best quality possible, you can also opt for a 4K gaming monitor, one like the BenQ EL2870U.

It’s useful to keep in mind that you need to balance these two factors when on the hunt for the best under $300 gaming monitor. A resolution that’s great on a smaller screen might not work as well on a larger screen, taking into consideration the difference in the pixel density.

Besides, since we’re shopping under a certain price point, we cannot just aim for the highest numbers. A perfect choice that has everything in calculation is the Gigabyte G27Q. This model is a 27-inch monitor whose resolution is an impressive 1440p, surely will bring you phenomenal performance for your gaming. 

2. PPI (Pixels Per Inch)

Now we move on to the next important factor, pixels per inch, commonly referred to as PPI. PPI is what we mean when we mention pixel density. When you have resolution and screen size, you’ll know the monitor’s PPI. Every monitor has this number listed in its specification, and PPI is a more direct indicator of monitor clarity and sharpness than resolution. The PPI should be enough so that when the monitor is in use, you can have a clear view of the screen from a distance of 6 feet.

3. Refresh Rate

The refresh rate refers to the number of times a monitor refreshes an image within a second, and it’s measured in Hertz. To put it more simply, it’s the maximum number of frames per second.

Although a basic monitor can function just fine on a refresh rate of 60Hz, this number is considered a bit too low for gaming monitors and can result in lagging, especially for fast-paced games. The recommended refresh rate for gaming is 144Hz, and you can work your way up from there to an impressive 280Hz.

The model that we want to introduce is a 280-Hertz monitor, it’s the ASUS TUF Gaming VG258QM. With a refresh rate that’s higher than any competitor in the same price range, this unit can easily satisfy even the pickiest gamers.

4. Response Time

Response time is pretty straight forward, it’s the amount of time that a monitor takes to respond to the inputs. Therefore, the lower the response time, the better and more suitable a monitor is for gaming.

Normally, anything below 5ms is amazing, a monitor with response time in this range works perfectly, but for some higher quality games, a response time as extreme as 1ms is preferred to avoid delay.

If you’re a gamer who usually get engaged in more competitive gaming, find yourself a monitor with a response time of 1ms like the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 Gaming Monitor.

Now that we’ve covered the key factors in buying a decent gaming monitor, let’s get to the most anticipated section of the article, the list of the best gaming monitors that cost less than $300. In this list we’ll discuss 5 models, along with their most significant factors that we think make them the most suitable choices for gamers. 

1. Acer Nitro VG271 Pbmiipx

The first model that shows up on our list is one from Acer, a well-known brand with products of excellent quality. This 27-inch, 1080p monitor is designed with gaming in mind, delivering exceptional performance while being incredibly budget-friendly. The first glance at this unit will appeal to you immediately, as it has a unique frameless design with a great stand that offers amazing stability.

The 144Hz refresh rate is pretty common for monitors of this price range, this may make you think that this model is like any other ones on the market, which cannot be further from the truth. Acknowledging the ubiquity of 144Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution, Acer has made sure that their product will stand out by incorporating in it a superior color support system. With a vibrant color scheme and bright image, this model is a dream come true for any gamer.

It’s also worth mentioning that this monitor comes with two 2-watt speakers, both featuring Acer’s supreme technology to supply users with the best audio quality possible. Audio, undoubtedly, plays a pivotal role in gaming experience, and the two speakers on the Acer Nitro VG271 Pbmiipx are promised to never let you down.

2. ViewSonic XG2705

In most cases, lower price means fewer features and decreased functionality. Nevertheless, this is not the case with the ViewSonic XG2705.

This unit is a 27-inch monitor with full HD 1080p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, suitable for most levels of gaming. It comes packed with cool features that makes it a wise choice for anyone that’s passionate about gaming, which include response time of 1 millisecond that guarantees smooth gaming, an IPS panel that promises extraordinary image quality regardless of viewing angle, and AMD FreeSync Premium technology that ensures your gaming will go on without any tear.

Furthermore, the ViewSonic XG2705 features special technology from the brand to balance black and other dark colors, which is extremely helpful in gaming scenes that are high in contrast. For a model that is under $300, this product is superior.

3. Sceptre C248W-1920R

The Sceptre C248W-1920R is one of the few gaming monitors with a curved screen that’s available at this price range. With 1800R curvature and a 24-inch viewable screen, this monitor offers immersive viewing experience no matter where your vantage point is.

For audio, this monitor has two built-in speakers, as well as extra ports for audio, to present you with improved audio quality. When it comes to connection ports, the product from Sceptre is a real powerhouse with one display port and multiple ones for HDMI, VGA and PC.

With a refresh rate of 75Hz and a 5ms response time, the C248W-1920R from Sceptre may come across as an average model for many customers, but that’s not entirely accurate. It’s true that the numbers in these two aspects of this model are lower than other models available, but it has several other redeeming features that we’ve mentioned above. If you’re looking for a decent yet budget choice, don’t forget to check this unit out!

4. AOC CQ34G2

For those who are searching high and low for an ultrawide gaming monitor that’s not money-consuming, we highly recommend the AOC CQ34G2. This monitor is on the higher end of the price scale compared to its counterparts in the list today, but the discrepancy in the price can easily be explained by the difference in quality.

You may be surprised by the monitor’s 34-inch screen, but this is completely understandable because an ultrawide screen requires extra size. You can find a smaller ultrawide that costs you less but bear in mind that what’s important is not actually the size, but the ratio. The CG34G2 provides a 21:9 format that does wonders for gamers, and this ratio is something that cannot be found on other ultrawide monitors of smaller screen sizes. Thus, we believe it’s safe to say that the product from AOC is the best ultrawide gaming monitor under $300.

Now let’s take a look at the model’s specifications. This monitor comes with a refresh rate of 75Hz, a response time of 1ms and FreeSync support on a VA panel, sounds pretty promising doesn’t it? All these features work together to offer you super smooth gaming no matter which type of game you’re playing. The screen utilizes state-of-the-art technology to always deliver images in a colorful, lively and vibrant way. For gamers that place a lot of emphasis on visual quality and special effects, this monitor is made for you!

5. Dell Gaming S2721HGF

When it comes to the best gaming monitors under 300, it would be such a huge mistake not to mention the Dell Gaming S2721HGF. With a full HD screen, a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1-millisecond response time, this model is probably the best 27-inch unit that you can find out there. You can easily play demanding games with a fast speed with minimal lagging, fast-moving objects can easily be seen with maximum clarity and sharpness, and motion blur is nowhere to be seen.

What sets this product apart is the fact that it’s compatible with G-Sync and certified for FreeSync Premium technology at the same time. Usually you can only find either one of them on a monitor, but this one gives you both, making it tear-free and always supplies users with the highest quality no matter which graphics card you choose to use.

1. What are TN, VA, and IPS?

If you have scrolled through different model names, you may have encountered either some or all of the three terms TN, VA, and IPS. So what do these terms mean exactly?

Generally speaking, TN, VA and IPS are the three types of panel technology. The characteristics of each of them are listed as follows:

• TN panel is highly regarded for its amazing response time, which is often paired with a high refresh rate for an affordable price. Consequently, TN panels are among the cheaper, more budget-oriented ones. However, it does have some certain setbacks, one of which is its poor viewing angle. If this aspect does not concern you and your priority is price, then TN panel is your way to go.
• VA panel is a nice balance between price and performance. It’s certainly not the best in all aspects, but it does fix the problem of viewing angles that you encounter on a TN panel.
• IPS panel is deemed the best when it comes to panel technology. Exceptional image quality, wonderful viewing angle, phenomenal response time, and so on, IPS is a must-have. Sure, this type of panel may cost you a bit more, but you’ll definitely be satisfied by 

2. How do I know which screen size is the best for me?

Generally speaking, the bigger the screen is, the better your gaming results will turn out to be. That being said, which screen size to choose depends 100% on your preference and your conditions.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more and you have quite a spacious gaming corner, go for the largest monitor you can possibly find. On the other hand, if for some reasons you want to settle for a smaller screen monitor, then there are still various worthy choices for you to select from.

3. Should I invest in a compatible graphics card?

There are many added, enhanced features that you can enjoy when having a compatible graphics card to work with your monitor. But don’t forget that they are all added features, which means you can do perfectly fine without them. You just need an up-to-date graphics card for your gaming monitor to function well. If you want to save up some money, there’s no need to go out and purchase a compatible graphics card.

4. Should I invest in a 4K gaming monitor under $300?

4K is the best resolution you can ask for in this day and age, and it’s usually available on high-end monitors. There are under $300 4K gaming monitors of course, but in most cases there’s some sacrifice being made, for example response time. The response time is still great overall, but it can be a bit slower in comparison with models of lower resolution.

In the end, it all comes down to which you prioritize. If you want the best resolution and optimal image quality, a 4K monitor should definitely be on the top of your list, albeit with some tiny disadvantages.

5. I’ve found a 75Hz monitor, should I purchase it?

75Hz is not a bad choice for gaming, especially when you’re shopping on a budget. For most games, it sure can suffice. However, as you spend more time playing more competitive games, you’ll soon find out that 75Hz is not enough. It’s obvious that a 75Hz monitor is really cheap, but there are plenty of affordable models that offer you way better refresh rate, some have been presented throughout our article.

Finding a suitable gaming monitor is by no means a piece of cake, even when you have limited the choices to those under a certain price point, in this case under $300. In our article today, we’ve listed multiple models that we think will enrich your gaming experience and boost your performance to a new level, and to make it easier for you to follow, we’ve put together a list of all the best gaming monitors under $300 and the aspect that they excel at. Look at the list to keep track of all our suggestions!

• Best gaming monitor under 300 for overall: Acer Nitro VG271 Pbmiipx
• The Runner-Up: Dell Gaming S2721HGF
• Best 1080p: Acer Nitro VG240Y
• Best 1440p: Gigabyte G27Q
• Best 4K: BenQ EL2870U
• Best Refresh Rate: ASUS TUF Gaming VG258QM
• Best Response Time: Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 Gaming Monitor
• Best Ultrawide: AOC CQ34G2 

And that wraps up our article on the best gaming monitor under 300. Hopefully you’ve found this post useful, don’t forget to leave a comment to tell us which model we suggested has caught your eye. Thank you and see you in our next updates!