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03Best gaming monitor for Xbox Series S|X and PS5 under $500
If you’re in the market for the best gaming monitor for under $500, then we’ve got you covered. If you’re serious about gaming, you’ll know that the best gaming monitor can make all the difference to your performance, as can other peripheral products like the best gaming mouse and the best gaming headset, regardless of your game or platform of choice.
It must be admitted that there’s an abundance of gaming monitors on the market right now, from the best ultrawide monitors to the best OLED monitors, and there’s lots of specs to consider too, so it can be tricky finding the one that’s right for your needs. But we’ve got you covered: we present to you our top picks for the best gaming monitor under $500 available right now. Let’s dive in.
Best gaming monitor under $500
Best gaming monitor under $500 – LG 32GP850-B
LG 32GP850-B
Screen Size
32-inch
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Resolution
1440p
Refresh Rate
165hz
Response Time
1ms
Inputs
2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x USB
- Speedy refresh rate
- Great color reproduction
- Very adjustable
- Low brightness
First off we have the LG 32GP850-B, which is brilliant: it has a speedy 165hz refresh rate, great 1ms response time and low input lag. It supports AMD’s FreeSync Premium technology, as well as being compatible with G-Sync on newer NVIDIA graphics cards too, meaning reduced screen tearing.
It’s also pretty versatile: the wide viewing angles, impressive HDR10 brightness, and anti-glare make it a great choice for everyday use too. For example, the broad DCI-P3 98% color gamut and fantastic gradient detail make it a great choice for digital content creation. However, it should be said that the IPS panel isn’t exactly catered to dark rooms, and some people might find the pixel density a bit low for office work.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have built-in speakers, but it’s decent height adjustability that allows it to pivot and tilt, and its slim bezel design means that the focus with this monitor is all in the display and gamers’ needs in particular.
Best curved gaming monitor under $500 – AOC CU34G2X
AOC CU34G2X
Screen Size
34-inch
Aspect Ratio
21:9
Resolution
1440p
Refresh Rate
144hz
Response Time
1ms
Inputs
2x HDMI 2.0, 2x DisplayPort
- Immersive gaming experience
- Stylish design
- Very reasonably priced
- VA panel
Next up, the AOC CU34G2X, a fantastic ultrawide, curved gaming monitor, which is up there with the best 1440p gaming monitors right now. It has a good 144hz refresh rate panel, also with native AMD FreeSync support and G-Sync compatibility to reduce screen tearing. It’s also got a quick 1ms response time and low input lag, although the panel is VA, not IPS, so whilst there is overall fantastic contrast, depth to the visuals and accurate, broad color depiction, there may be some smearing on occasion.
Further, the high contrast ratio means it has slightly narrower viewing angles, but considering it’s curved this shouldn’t be much of an issue for most users’ needs anyway. The 34 inch display and 1440p resolution also help deliver an immersive gaming experience, and the 1500mm curve radius means the edges of the screen will be within your field of vision.
Although this thing is pretty bulky, it’s stylish and height adjustable. All in all, it provides stunning visuals and all-round great performance – we’d say this is a great option, certainly for the price point.
Best gaming monitor for Xbox Series S|X and PS5 under $500 – Acer Nitro XV282K
Acer Nitro XV282K
Screen Size
28-inch
Aspect Ratio
21:9
Resolution
4K
Refresh Rate
144hz
Response Time
1ms
Inputs
2x HDMI 2.1, 1x Display Port 1.2, 4x USB Ports
- Multi-platform capabilities
- Great IPS display
- Stylish design
- Adjustability could be better
- Pricy
The Acer Nitro XV282K is one of a few ideal companions to your Xbox Series S|X, for your PS5 or PC. Acer are known for producing great tech, especially for gamers, and this 4k 144hz gaming monitor certainly gets our recommendation. It supports HDMI 2.1, so a connected next-gen console can output 4k at 120hz where supported.
This is a pretty future-proof monitor, not only with good connectivity, but with a nice IPS display capable of a decent DCI-P3 90% color coverage, and a 1ms response time for lag-free gaming at high visual settings.
It’s got other high-spec essentials, like AMD FreeSync Premium, it meets Eyesafe requirements, and its relatively compact 28 inch screen size ties it all together as a great option for more serious, multi-platform gamers. And, it’s got a nice sleek, slim-bezelled design you can’t disagree with.
Read More: Best HDMI 2.1 monitor
Frequently Asked Questions
Because of how complex monitor jargon can be, it can cause a lot of confusion. We’ve answered some of the most common questions that come up regarding gaming monitors under $500 here.
Can you get a good gaming monitor for under $500?
Absolutely! Whilst you might think shopping on a budget has limitations, this list has three great options for gamers with different needs.
How much should you expect to pay for a good gaming monitor?
Good gaming monitors can be priced anywhere roughly between $300 to $1000 and above. Specs to keep in mind are resolution, brightness, refresh rate and response time.
