Best Gaming Monitors for Under $350

There’s a frustrating gap between budget monitors that barely keep up and premium models that cost more than your GPU. For me, it hit during a ranked match: enemies flicking at 144Hz while my 60Hz screen dragged behind like a tired runner. I wasn’t just losing fights I was losing confidence.

That’s the problem many gamers face. You want a responsive, smooth, and clear monitor without torching your bank account. The good news? With careful testing and some trial-and-error (and yes, a couple disapointing returns), I’ve found the best gaming monitors under $350 that actually deliver.

Detailed Product Reviews

1. Gigabyte M27Q Overall Best

During testing, the Gigabyte M27Q impressed me with its mix of speed and clarity. Running Cyberpunk 2077 in QHD, the 170Hz refresh rate made fast turns smooth, while its color accuracy surprised me for the price.

Key Features:

27-inch QHD (2560x1440) IPS panel

170Hz refresh rate

0.5ms response time

FreeSync Premium support

Pros:

Crisp 1440p resolution

Excellent color reproduction for gaming + creative work

High refresh rate feels buttery smooth

Cons:

HDR isn’t true HDR (a bit flat)

Stand is basic and not super adjustable

Final Verdict:

Ideal for gamers who want the best overall balance under $350. Great for competitive play and content creators alike.

2. ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ Editor’s Choice

ASUS’s TUF series has a rep for being reliable, and the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ didn’t disappoint. I tested it with both esports titles and RPGs, and its G-Sync compatibility kept frames consistent without tearing.

Key Features:

27-inch QHD IPS panel

165Hz refresh rate

ELMB Sync (low motion blur tech)

G-Sync compatible

Pros:

Solid build quality

Smooth adaptive sync performance

Good ergonomics with tilt/swivel

Cons:

Colors need tweaking out of the box

Slightly pricier than other 1440p models

Final Verdict:

Best for players who want competitive reliability without surprises. Worth it if you play both fast shooters and immersive single-player titles.

3. AOC 24G2 Budget Pick

The AOC 24G2 has almost cult status among budget gamers, and after testing, I get why. It nails the basics: smooth refresh, responsive gameplay, and surprisingly accurate colors for the price.

Key Features:

24-inch Full HD IPS panel

144Hz refresh rate

1ms response time

FreeSync support

Pros:

Affordable entry-level price

Smooth for esports titles

Good color performance at 1080p

Cons:

Limited to 1080p resolution

Not as immersive for cinematic games

Final Verdict:

Perfect if you’re building a budget setup or upgrading from a 60Hz office screen. A true “bang for your buck” monitor.

Why You Should Trust Us

I’ve tested gaming monitors the way they’re actually used late nights grinding in Apex, fast camera sweeps in Valorant, and long hours editing content during the day. Some models promised 165Hz but felt sluggish, others claimed “HDR” but looked like someone turned on a flashlight behind the screen. After hands-on trials and side-by-side comparisons, I’ve narrowed this list to the monitors that truly balance performance and priceno sponsor sugarcoating, just real feedback.

How It Works

Gaming monitors stand apart because of refresh rates, response times, and sync technologies. Unlike standard office displays, these screens can push 120Hz, 144Hz, or even 170Hz—showing more frames per second for smoother motion. Pair that with adaptive sync (FreeSync or G-Sync) and low input lag, and you get gameplay that feels sharp and connected rather than stuttery and delayed.

At this price range, the real trick is finding models that deliver these features without cutting too many corners and trust me, some cheap “gaming” monitors are just office displays in disguise.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Monitor Under $350

When you’re on a budget, every dollar matters. Here’s what to prioritize:

Resolution: 1080p is cheapest, but 1440p (QHD) offers sharper visuals for the price.

Refresh Rate: Look for at least 120Hz; 144Hz+ is the sweet spot for smooth play.

Panel Type: IPS = best color and viewing angles, VA = deeper contrast, TN = fastest but weaker visuals.

Adaptive Sync: FreeSync or G-Sync helps prevent tearing don’t skip it.

Size & Ergonomics: 24–27 inches works best for most desks; adjustable stands are a plus.

FAQs

Q1: Is 4K possible under $350?

Not really for gaming. At this price, 1440p monitors give the best balance of quality and performance.

Q2: Should I prioritize refresh rate or resolution?

For competitive games, refresh rate (144Hz+) is more important. For cinematic games, 1440p resolution adds immersion.

Q3: Are budget monitors reliable for long-term use?

Yes, if you choose proven models. Brands like ASUS, Gigabyte, and AOC have strong durability reputations.

Q4: Can these monitors work with consoles like Xbox Series X or PS5?

Yes many support 120Hz at 1080p or 1440p. Just make sure they have HDMI 2.0 or above.

Q5: What’s the best size for gaming monitors?

24–27 inches is the sweet spot for most gamers, offering clarity without eye strain.

Amazon Disclaimer

“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Conclusion

You don’t need a $1,000 display to enjoy smooth, immersive gaming. Under $350, you can find monitors that handle fast shooters, cinematic adventures, and even multitasking with ease.

Go with the Gigabyte M27Q if you want the best all-rounder at this price.

Pick the ASUS TUF VG27AQ for reliability and competitive performance.

Choose the AOC 24G2 if you’re gaming on a budget but still want 144Hz smoothness.

With the right pick, your monitor won’t hold you back and you’ll finally feel every frame your system can deliver.