Best Gaming Monitor Under 300 Featured Image

Best Gaming Monitor Under 300 [Updated 2023]

Looking for the best gaming monitor under 300 dollars? Our list of gaming monitors includes the best choices available in the $201 – $300 price range.

When it comes to gaming monitors, though, one size does NOT fit all. Your best match depends upon the processing power of your CPU, graphics card, the type of games you like to play, and of course, other personal preferences. Whether you are an avid gamer or a casual newcomer, you need to consider the significant details before swiping your credit card. Therefore, we have evaluated the toughest monitors in today’s industry to help you choose the perfect match at a reasonable price.

From 2K resolutions to Freesync/G-Sync capabilities, you can enjoy the full ride of modern gaming without overstepping the 300 dollar line.

Without further ado, let’s dive into our picks for the best gaming monitors under 300 dollars!

On a different budget? Read our article on recommended gaming monitors under 150 dollars

Best Gaming Monitors Under 300 at a glance

  1. ViewSonic OMNI XG2431
  2. Sceptre C305B-200UN
  3. ASUS VG278Q
  4. MSI Optix G27C2
  5. Acer Nitro VG271
  6. Benq EL2870U

1. ViewSonic OMNI  XG2431

Best 240Hz Gaming Monitor Under 300

Screen size: 24-inch | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution:  1920x 1080p | Refresh rate: 240Hz | Brightness: 350cd/m2 | Response time (mprt) : 0.5ms | FreeSync: Premium|  Color SRGB coverage 104% | Aspect Ratio: 16:9
pro-gray-icon-compressed 240Hz refresh rate
pro-gray-icon-compressed Excellent Ergonomics
pro-gray-icon-compressed 0.5ms Response Time

cons-gray-icon-compressed Low resolution

ViewSonic OMNI XG2431

The ViewSonic OMNI XG2431 is part of Viewsonic’s OMNI series and is the only 240Hz monitor in the series. It tops our list due to its ability to deliver a memorable gaming experience under a budget. The monitor boasts Freesync premium along with G-sync compatibility. In addition the display offers Low Framerate Compensation, which ensures a near tear-free gaming session. Viewsonic promises a response time of 0.5ms, which is nothing less than luxury even among the best gaming monitors under 300.

Moreover, the display has amazing ergonomics (height adjustment, swivel, tilt and pivot), an anti-glare screen to help you work any distracting glare, blue light filter to protect your pupils from harmful light and a handful of other useful features. The IPS panel delivers amazing contrast, wide viewing angles and high color accuracy.

The XG2431 has a pristine, frameless design, which makes it a great choice for multi-monitor setup. Viewsonic has also added a customizable strobing backlight feature. The intensity and flicker frequency can be adjusted according to the user’s preferences and helps give the monitor the finishing look it deserves.

However the monitor does come with downsides of its own. The major being the FHD resolution, while such a low resolution does help to ensure that the user experiences a great gaming session with putting the graphics card under a lot of pressure, the resolution does take away the clarity and charm of playing at a higher resolution. Additionally the monitor isn’t great for HDR content as it doesn’t have the required range of colors needed for HDR, moreover there is no local dimming feature to help with the contrast.


2. Sceptre C305B-200UN

Best 2k Ultrawide Gaming Monitor Under 300

Screen size: 30-inch | Panel Type: VA | Resolution:  2560x 1080p | Refresh rate: 200Hz | Brightness(max): 270cd/m2 | Response time (gtg) : 5ms | FreeSync: Yes |  Color SRGB coverage 90% | Aspect Ratio: 21:9
pro-gray-icon-compressed AMD FreeSync Capability
pro-gray-icon-compressed 200 Hz Display Port
pro-gray-icon-compressed 30-inch ultrawide curved screen

cons-gray-icon-compressed Non-RGB Backlight

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Sceptre C305B-200UN Gaming Monitor

Read the full: Sceptre C305B-200UN Review

Sceptre’s C305B-200UN monitor is undoubtedly one of the best Ultra-wide monitors under 300. Stretching out over the spacious 30 inch curved-screen is the monitor’s display resolution of 2560 x 1080. If that wasn’t enough to entice any gamer, the DisplayPort of C305B-200UN maxes out at a magnificent 200Hz refresh rate, while the HDMI port supports up to 165Hz. Needless to say, such extravagant refresh rates require a towering PC to be fully utilized, but if you happen to possess a powerful setup, this Sceptre masterpiece is well worth the investment!

For gamers who lack a satisfying sound system, the C305B-200UN monitor comes equipped with a fantastic built-in speaker. Moreover, if you seek to play games that do not support ultra-wide resolutions, the C305B-200UN monitor extends a Picture by Picture capability through which you can overlay the image from multiple sources. This allows you to make use of unused monitor space without having to shift through display sources.

Sceptre made sure this monitor can look after its frames with the AMD FreeSync capability, which actively wipes out the annoying image stutters due to the monitor and graphic card’s unmatched frame rates. Even more convenient is the monitor’s built-in display settings, which comprise an assortment of gamer-centric modules including First Person Shooting mode and Real-time Shooting. When combined with the tall refresh rate and ultra-wide screen, such settings promise to unleash the true potential of modern gaming right at your desktop. 


3. ASUS VG278Q

Best 1080p Gaming monitor under 300

Screen size: 27-inch | Panel Type: TN | Resolution:  1920 x 1080p | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Brightness: 400cd/m2 | Response time (gtg) : 1ms | FreeSync: 40 – 144Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9
pro-gray-icon-compressed Equipped with DVI port
pro-gray-icon-compressed Eye care technology for marathon gaming

cons-gray-icon-compressed Limited viewing angles

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ASUS VG278Q Gaming Monitor

Read the full: ASUS VG278Q Review

The Asus VG278Q boasts a range of exclusive features which land it high amongst the best gaming monitors under 300. Supporting a 27-inch screen, the Asus VG278Q enjoys a supersonic 144Hz refresh rate to accelerate your gaming reflexes. It is also G-SYNC compatible, which truly boosts the monitor’s gaming performance by polishing the rough image fluttering and stutters in ill-matched graphics cards.

Asus VG278Q is equipped with a variety of tools especially to make it ideal for gamers who seek long-term gaming sessions. First up is ASUS’s iconic Eye Care technology, which employs an advanced blue light shift and flicker free backlight to ensure your eyes do not overstrain from excessive use. Also, the included stand supports 180 degree tilts and swivels that can align the monitor perfectly according to your posture.

Furthermore, the monitor possesses 2W in-built speakers that surround you with an awesome resonance during your gaming sprees. Apart from ladling out a splendid sound quality, the speakers also eliminate the need for external speakers so you can save up some cash on that front! Moreover, the Asus VG278Q is a true match for new gamers due to its GamePlus hotkey technology which, we must mention, is an ASUS-exclusive designed with the help of pro gamers. You might be wondering how such an advanced monitor could be priced so low, but fret not, for ASUS did not cut any corners when it comes to the VG278Q. Aside from a TN-panel with limited viewing angles, the monitor is loaded with unparalleled features in the price range, including a rare DVI port. Such eccentricities make the VG278Q surpass the best gaming monitors under 300.  


4. MSI Optix G27C2

Best 1080p VA Gaming monitor under 300

Screen size: 27-inch | Panel Type: VA | Resolution:  1920 x 1080p | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Brightness: 300cd/m2 | Response time : 1ms |  Color SRGB coverage 110% | Aspect Ratio: 16:9
pro-gray-icon-compressed 1800R curved screen
pro-gray-icon-compressed MSI exclusive OSD with improved Interface

cons-gray-icon-compressed Tilt only stand

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MSI Optix G27C2 Gaming Monitor

Read the full: MSI OPTIX G27C2 REVIEW

MSI shines out against the competition with the Optix G27C2. Bearing a 27-inch curved display canvas and a 1 ms 144Hz refresh rate, it is no surprise that the Optix G27C2 is turning heads within the gaming industry. Its most impressive features, however, clip around the imposing MSI OSD that resides within the monitor, offering an unprecedented control over its display settings while making the interface simple and straightforward – an astoundingly rare feat even among the best gaming monitors under 300!

Optix G27C2 is FreeSync compatible, so folks with the AMD graphic cards can expect a fluid, untethered gaming session. Apart from the standard display ports, the Optix G27C2 also offers a surprising DVI port and audio combo jack for optimal game sounds.

While some may be turned away by the Optix G27C2’s VA panel, which lowers color accuracy, the MSI OSD ensures that you can tweak the gamma settings freely, even employing a blue light filter if you desire. Not only that, the extensive color gamut of Optix G27C2 boasts 110% sRGB and 85% NTSC, rounding out with a 250 cd/m2 brightness module, all of which integrate into stunningly realistic images.

Gamers can easily set up a multi-monitor display with the Optix G27C2. Owing to the curved screen and frameless design, it promises to construct a seamless display with hyper-immersion whereas conventional monitors fail to induce full immersion due to their noticeable bezels.

5. Acer Nitro VG271 Pbmiipx

Best 1080p IPS Gaming monitor under 300

Screen size: 27-inch | Panel Type: IPS | Resolution:  1920 x 1080p | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Brightness: 400cd/m2 | Response time : 1ms VRB |  Aspect Ratio: 16:9
pro-gray-icon-compressed IPS panel with extended viewing angles
pro-gray-icon-compressed Integrated Acer Visioncare technology
pro-gray-icon-compressed Negligible Input Lag

cons-gray-icon-compressed Tilt only stand
cons-gray-icon-compressed May suffer from IPS edge glow

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Acer Nitro VG271 Gaming Monitor

Read the full : Acer Nitro VG271 Review

Acer’s Nitro VG271 monitor is an intimidating contender within the low-budget gaming industry, eclipsing the competition with a fantastic 27-inch IPS panel, a technology you would not expect to pay less than 400 dollars for. The Nitro VG271 lives well up to its name with an unflinching 144Hz refresh rate and a ridiculously swift 1ms response time. Coupled with the FreeSync technology, it renders out super smooth frame rates and breathtakingly accurate images.

The monitor is VESA certified for DisplayHDR 400 standards, which means you can extract the full graphic brilliance of AAA games without stretching over for an unreasonably expensive monitor. As an immersive bonus, the monitor comes with latched dual-speakers, both of which operate at 2W to emit a powerful gaming ambience.

Furthermore, Acer’s brilliant VisionCare technologies are integrated into the monitor. From enhanced blue light management to efficient flicker reduction, the VG271 screen is well-prepared to service your eyes during lengthy gaming sessions. The IPS panel is improved with advanced liquid crystal formula, which serves not only to improve color performance but also extend the viewing range up to 178 degrees. Although you may see a common translucent glow around the edges, the IPS panel is bound to dish out graphics unmatched by any monitor in our list. 

A notable aspect of the Nitro VG271, for those who often mishandle their PC, is Acer’s 1 year warranty that accompanies the monitor. If you seek brand recognition with a trustworthy guarantee to alleviate your worries, then you just hit the gold mine with the Nitro VG271.


6. BENQ EL2870U

Best 4K Gaming Monitor Under 300

Screen size: 28-inch | Panel Type: TN | Resolution:  3840x2160p | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Brightness: 400cd/m2 | Response time : 1ms |  Aspect Ratio: 16:9 |  Freesync: Yes | Inputs:  2 x HDMI 2.0; 1 x DP 1.4
pro-gray-icon-compressed supports HDR
pro-gray-icon-compressed 1ms response time
pro-gray-icon-compressed Competent 4k gaming monitor

cons-gray-icon-compressed Tilt only stand

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BENQ EL2870U 4K Gaming Monitor

The BenQ EL2870U might not have the flashiest design but it is one of the best entry level 4K gaming monitors that deserves a spot on this list. The only consideration for a prospective buyer has to be whether the setup has the GPU horsepower to match the monitor’s pixel requirements. The TN panel maybe another concern, but the HDR support alongwith 4k resolution more than make up for the shortcomings of the monitor in this department. The panel lights up to vibrant HDR colors that produce crisp life like visuals with stunning details, thanks to the 4K resolution.

The monitor is equipped with plenty of gaming centric features that include a 1ms response time and FreeSync to make the gaming experience worthwhile. For those looking to venture into 4K gaming , the Benq EL2870U is not a monitor to miss at this price point.

If you are looking for a budget graphics card to pair with your monitor then our Best Low Profile Graphics Card article can help you in your search.


What to expect from a gaming monitor under 300

While you can undoubtedly find some amazing monitors under 300 dollars, there are certain trade-offs, in the form of production quality or features, which you must accept when budget-buying. Lurking beneath flashy titles and gadgets is the simple truth that manufacturers have to cut corners in order to reduce the cost of their products. However, this does not necessarily mean your monitor is bound to be defective or less durable. In fact, for the given price boundary, you can actually expect some excellent features from your monitor.

We have determined that most monitors under 300 dollars offer at least the following specifications: a Full HD (1080p) resolution, 75-144Hz refresh rate, 25” – 27” displays, and either FreeSync or G-Sync support to stabilize the high refresh rates. While not being exceptional, these features are enough to grant you worthwhile experiences with the latest games. Moreover, you won’t be confined to conventional TN panels within a 300 dollar budget. VA panels are more prevalent in this price range, and you can even find some worthwhile monitors bearing IPS displays. If you desire a taste of the latest gaming technologies, however, you will have to make certain compromises in one or more areas.

Depending on your personal preference, you can choose to max out in certain departments, like resolution and frame rate, or simply opt for a balanced all-rounder monitor. In terms of image quality, you can go as far as 4K of resolution, like in the LG 27UL500 monitor, or have your pick from a few splendid 2K monitors. Keep in mind, though, that greater resolutions generally translate to heavily reduced frame rates. Monitors with 200-240Hz refresh rates will offer no more than Full HD resolutions.

Screen size is another limitation you might face, as Ultra-wide monitors often dwell above the 300 dollar range. The maximum you can hope for is a 30-inch display without making severe compromises in quality and brand name.  

Also, it is not uncommon for such low-priced monitors to develop blocked pixels/lines after a few months of usage. We advise that you place greater significance on company warranty before purchasing to avoid such nasty complications later on. Despite these downsides, however, there is no denying you can find some incredibly exciting monitors within this price range, especially with ambitious elements like 4K resolutions and IPS displays. Just remember the freedoms and limitations of a 300 dollar budget so you can make the most out of your monitor