Best Gaming Monitor Under 300 in 2020 Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

We’ve prepared this best gaming monitor under 300 reviews and buyer’s guide after doing an extensive research on many gaming forums and communities to identify the best gaming monitor under 300 to purchase.

The gaming monitor is the last item that people think of after buying other gaming parts. The gaming monitor is an important aspect and you must ensure to get one that has great specs. Note that you are not looking for the best small or large gaming monitor; you want to buy a best budget gaming monitor that is worthwhile when it comes to specs and price. We’ve shared this article with reviews and buyer’s guide and at the end, you will find buying FAQs to help you pick the best gaming monitor.

You know computer games are very complicated and require more attention to details. For that reason, only a particularly designed gaming monitor is capable of offering the required performance and reliability. The gaming monitor market is awash with a plethora of models, types, and brands. Someone without the skills and expertise required when buying these monitors would find it difficult to make the right purchasing decision.

This is the reason we’ve decided to step in and help you. We will first discuss the factors to consider when choosing the best monitor under 300. We’ve also reviewed the five best gaming monitors and we hope at the end, you shall have obtained everything you require to get started.

Just continue reading.

Best Gaming Monitors – Comparison Table

ASUS VG248QEAcer G257HUASUS MX259HBenQ RL2755Acer GN246HL
Size 24" 25“ 25“ 27” 24”
Resolution 1920 x 1080 Full HD 2560 x 1440 WQHD 1920 x 1080 Full HD 1920 x 1080 Full HD 1920 x 1080 Full HD
Panel TN IPS AH-IPS TN TN
Refresh Rate 144Hz 60Hz 60Hz 60Hz 144Hz
Display LCD LCD LCD LCD LCD

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Gaming Monitors

There has been a misconception that when it comes to gaming, the bigger the screen the better the performance. This is just but a myth, however. A larger monitor is of no use if it will lack the specs required to display heavy duty games. The result of a bigger screen without great specs is ghosting and flickering. Note that there are numerous gaming monitors on the market today. It can be difficult for a person like you to get the best. Read the factors below to help you pick the right monitor for your needs.

Panel Type
First things first: You need to identify which panel type best suits your gaming needs. Gaming monitors are designed with different panel types. The entry-level gaming monitors have TN panels and have a high response time but the color quality is poor.  VA panels are better than TN panels; however, IPS beats all the two panels when it comes to color accuracy and can be viewed from different angles.
Refresh Rate
Many people mistake refresh rate for response rate. These two are completely different. The refresh rate is the number of times the monitor screen update to display a new image. Some monitors have 60HZ refresh rates which means that an image updates 60 times in a second while others have 120 or 144HZ and some have higher refresh rates. When it comes to gaming, you need to pick a monitor with a higher refresh rate, possibly 120 or 144HZ.

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How We’ve Picked the Top 5 Best Gaming Monitors Under 300

As mentioned above that having a gaming monitor that lacks great specs is frustrating to a gamer, we’ve picked the best monitors on the basis of numerous factors such as panel type, resolution, image accuracy and quality, size, durability, aesthetic and more. We tested them by playing games, watching films and watching music videos. During all this time, we were observing the quality of the screens.

Note that screens tend to look great when you start to play games, music videos and other stuff but after a prolonged period of usage, they start to get choppy. All the listed gaming monitors here were great when it comes to playing games, music videos, and watching films.

5 Best Gaming Monitors Under 300 Reviews

01. ASUS VG248QE – Full HD Ergonomic Gaming Monitor (Best Overall)

Best Gaming Monitor Under 300 - ASUS VG248QEIf you want to enhance your gaming performance with the best gaming monitor under 300 then the VG248QE is the monitor you should consider picking.  This Full HD monitor comes with a refresh rate of 144HZ and features 3D vision technology with 1ms response rate.

The monitor features an ergonomically designed stand with tilt swivel and height adjustment to allow comfortable viewing.  You can tilt the monitor at different viewing positions. The greatest thing about this gaming monitor is that it comes with 2-watts inbuilt speakers. You can control the contrast, brightness, color saturation and other viewing modes of the monitor easily using the bezel in the front side of the monitor. This is in fact, the reason why the Asus VG248QE is rated the best gaming monitors under 300 with multi-display configuration.

When it comes to connectivity, this monitor takes care of that; it is designed with multiple connectivity ports. It has HDMI, Display, and Dual-link ports. This means that the monitor does not only connect to a CPU but can also act as a display for various types of devices provided the devices can connect via the available ports.

When it comes to image quality, the monitor delivers accurate images so you will never see blur images as the refresh rate is fast which decreases ghosting or flickering of the screen. The response time of 1ms is meant to ensure fluid crystal clear video display.

To keep you healthy the Asus is ergonomically designed, so you can tilt swivel and pivot the screen to your preferred height for your eyes. If you are running short on desks, this monitor is for you since you can just fix it to your wall.

PROS
  • It is ergonomically designed with an adjustable stand
  • 3D display
  • It features 2-watts inbuilt speakers
  • It comes with a refresh rate of 144HZ and response time of 1ms
  • Can be attached to the wall
  • It accepts multiple connections
  • Can be used with numerous devices as a display.
  • G-Sync enabled
  • It features multiple display setups.
CONS
  • The 2-watts inbuilt speakers are not loud enough
  • It’s a TN panel gaming monitor
OUR VERDICT
If you are looking for a monitor that is primarily designed for gaming applications then the VG248QE is for you. This gaming monitor is designed to deliver high-quality responsive experience especially when it comes to rapid games. With 144HZ refresh rate, this monitor will do away with blur images and display accurate images. If you want to connect it with other devices, the monitor allows multiple connections.

02. Acer G257HU– The Ideal Ultra-Slim 1440p IPS Gaming Monitor Under 300

Best Gaming Monitor Under 300 - Acer G257HUIf you are looking for the best gaming monitors, you also want to ensure to choose one that saves energy and great in terms of eco-friendly consumption. This is why we have selected the Acer G257HU gaming monitor as our second of the best gaming monitor under 300. This super-slim monitor saves your energy and can be placed in a desk conveniently.

This stylishly designed 25-inch monitor comes with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 and delivers excellent display and is ideal for widescreen Full HD gaming, productivity applications, and multimedia applications

The Acer smidpx gaming monitor features an appealing design but that’s not all, it also offers you a unique gaming experience with a great performance. When it comes to aesthetics, the monitor comes in a sleek design, ultra-slim profile and the X-shaped stand created on the unit makes it fit in any place.

This LCD monitor accepts DVI and HDMI input so you rest assured of a versatile gadget once you buy it. In our list of the best gaming monitors, we have considered those with high response time, great refresh rate but this monitor also features a high-quality IPS panel which makes it the best monitor out there.

With this monitor, you will get crystal clear images and also view 16:9, HD digital content without flickering of images as it features a contrast ratio of 100 Million: 1.

This monitor is no doubt the best for your gaming experience, since it gives you vibrant color production and the fact that it is a 1440p gaming monitor makes it a great choice for its price.

PROS
  • IPS panel
  • It is an energy saver gaming monitor
  • Eco-friendly consumption
  • Vibrant color production
  • Allows multiple connections
  • No ghosting or flickering of images
  • Affordable gaming monitor with a 60Hz refresh rate
  • Full HD technology
  • It comes with DV, HDMI, and DisplayPort connectivity options.
  • No color calibration required
  • It features a fast response rate for sharper images
CONS
  • The monitor is only designed with a tilt adjustment
  • Not G-sync enabled
  • Its refresh rate may be low.
OUR VERDICT
The Acer G257HU is not only the best gaming monitor under 300 but also the best 1440p monitor out there. Coming from Acer, a reputable and a consistent company when it comes to the manufacture of outstanding monitors for decades, this monitor is no doubt the best gaming monitors for your gaming needs.

03. ASUS MX259H – Best 1920 x 1080 Full HD AH-IPS Frameless Gaming Monitor

Best Gaming Monitor Under 300 - ASUS MX259HThe Asus MX259H is also another best gaming monitor under 300 that combines elegance, affordability, and performance for your gaming needs. This frameless gaming monitor is aesthetic with a supper-slim profile. The monitor is designed with an appealing look and is also packed with great and superior performance specs. It features the modern IPS panel technology and delivers an aspect ratio of 16:9.

When it comes to color shift on the screen, the MX259H provides a 178 degrees widescreen angle. It delivers unique color accuracy and great energy efficiency. With this monitor, you will never worry about flickering images; you will never strain or feel fatigue when playing games or when watching music videos.

The monitor is solidly constructed with one strong screw that is meant to attach the silver base. This makes the unit to remain firm even if you accidentally push your desk or even if your desk shakes. The greatest and most sought-after feature of this monitor is the ultra-slim profile. The monitor won’t eat up your space.

It comes with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 Full HD and AH-IPS technology which allows you to view clear images even if you are sitting some meters away from the screen. It is conveniently designed with HDMI, DVI, and VGA cables.

The monitor features a fast 5ms response rate with a superior color reproduction. Another good thing about this monitor is that you can access the touch controls at the bottom of the edge and the controls are very receptive and you can get used to them easily. The Asus is a highly recommended monitor but has some drawbacks since it lacks the DisplayPort input and also, you will have to buy an extra adapter to make it VESA compatible.

PROS
  • Frameless design
  • Super-slim design
  • Firm stand
  • Superior color reproduction
  • Delivers good color accuracy
  • Features 2 inbuilt speakers plus 5W×2 amplifier
  • An energy saver monitor
  • Designed with the latest AH-IPS technology
  • Accepts HDMI and VGA connections
CONS
  • It lacks Display Port input
OUR VERDICT
The ASUS MX259H is a gaming monitor that brings elegance and great performance when it comes to gaming at an affordable price. If you are looking for a stunning monitor that is also packed with excellent features for superior performance, then this monitor would be the best option for you. Although it lacks Display port input connectivity, its overall features make it the best gaming monitor out there.

04. BenQ ZOWIE RL2755 – Best 27-Inch Console Gaming Monitor

Best Gaming Monitor Under 300 - BenQ ZOWIE RL2755The ZOWIE RL2755 is also another gaming monitor with high resolution, good image quality and customized LCD panels for high-graphics gaming. With a dual input for console games and desktop games, this monitor makes it great for all kind of gamers. Its great response time gives you lag-free games and this makes it great for advanced graphics games.

What’s more? The monitor offers superior refresh rate and fantastic display which prevents ghosting that is experienced in lesser quality monitors. If you are thirsty for a monitor that is primarily made for a gaming console, then you will never go wrong with the RL2755. Another greatest thing about this gaming monitor is that is compatible with a range of consoles such as PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox One and more.

The ZOWIE is one of the modern and superior gaming monitors under 300 with a 27inch display which is what gamers yearn for. Its response time of 1ms is extremely fast and has been used by various professional gamers for watching FIFA, COD and HALO games.

On matters of native resolution, the monitor comes with a resolution of 1920×1080 and the TN panel makes the refresh rate to remain consistent no matter what. The bezel is skillfully placed to reflect annoying glare from the screen to make sure there are no distractions from the screen. Additionally, the monitor allows you to set the display mode based on the genre of games you are playing. The monitor is designed with different modes for RTS games, FPS games, Fighting and other gaming genres.

PROS
  • It comes with custom gaming modes
  • Ultra-fast 1ms response time for lag free gaming
  • Designed with speakers and headphone jack
  • 2 HDMI ports
  • It comes with integrated speakers
CONS
  • Color may need calibration
  • Speakers may not produce good sound
OUR VERDICT
If you want a monitor for console gaming, the ZOWIE RL2755 is for you. This gaming monitor is packed with great features. The black eQualizer technology enables you to see details even in poor lighting areas. The preset modes allow you to adjust the monitor’s display according to your preference.

05. Acer GN246HL– Best Budget 3D 144Hz Gaming Monitor Under 300

Best Gaming Monitor Under 300 - Acer GN246HL If you are looking for the best gaming monitor with a 3D display, elegant design with incredible features, then the GN246HL would be the best option for you.  Its design is appealing you will love this monitor at the first glance. It comes with an X-shaped stand that is uniquely designed.  The stand is designed to fit on any space.

The monitor also features an incredible Fill HD display with a 1ms response time and a refresh rate of 144Hz. The Acer GN246HL is packed with all the necessary features of a gaming monitor. With this monitor, you can play any rapid games such as racing games or FPS games without flickering since the refresh rate is faster.

The good thing is that this monitor allows you to plug your mobile phone and play any multimedia content without any configurations. For crystal clear view of content, the monitor comes with a contrast ratio of 100 Million: 1.

At the back are three ports: HDMI, DVI port, and VGA. But we would recommend you to use NVIDIA graphics card because the monitor is NVIDIA 3D enabled. This monitor has some drawbacks as it only comes with a tilt adjustment so, you will have to adjust the whole unit plus the stand to get a better view from different angles.

Note that once you take the monitor out of the box, you will find it too bright, but you can adjust it accordingly. General, if you are thirsty for a gaming monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz and a display resolution of 1920 by 1080 then we would recommend this monitor for your gaming needs.

PROS
  • It is NVIDIA 3D ready
  • Has a solid construction
  • Affordable 144Hz gaming monitor
  • Ultra-fast 1ms response time
  • Features a DVI cable
  • Lag-free gaming
  • Clear image display
  • Full HD display
CONS
  • It does not come with speakers nor USB port
  • Lacks other adjustment capabilities
OUR VERDICT
With all the incredible features the monitor comes with, its price is under 300. The GN246HL is no doubt the best gaming monitor out there with a refresh rate of 144Hs and an ultra-fast response time of 1ms. This is, in fact, the best gaming monitor for competitive gaming as it allows you to make fast reactions and aim accurately.

Our Top Pick Among the 5 Best Gaming Monitors

We understand that the ultimate choice is up to you but from our research and testing, we’ve identified the ASUS VG248QE as the best overall gaming monitor under 300. When it comes to gaming, the speed matters, especially for hardcore gaming and if a monitor cannot display accurate images, even if it costs nothing it won’t help you.

The ASUS VG248QE gaming monitor is packed with great features and is ergonomically designed so you rest assured your health is taken care of. In addition, this monitor comes with a refresh rate of 144Hz and an ultra-fast response time of 1ms so, no ghosting of images.  If you are looking for the best gaming monitor, with incredible features, we would recommend the VG248QE as the best overall from the list.

How to Choose the Best Gaming Monitors – Ultimate Buying Guide

It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for the best gaming monitor under 300 or whatever else, what matters is, knowing how to make the right selection. A good gaming monitor will make a great gaming experience. We’ve done enough research, tested and compiled the list of the best gaming monitors for 2020 but we will not stop there. We’ve still shared a guide to help you pick the best out of the available options. Continue reading to know how to pick the right gaming monitor.

Connectivity
While you are looking for the best gaming monitor, you need also to think of the time when you will need to use the monitor with other multimedia devices. For that reason, you need to choose a monitor that allows multiple connections.
Resolution
Most popular and latest monitors are designed with 3 screen resolutions:

  • 4K/UltraHD

For high-end gaming, 4K monitors are great. But you will need graphics that can support this resolution. Note that these monitors are costly. Thankfully, there are monitors with less resolution and with greater performance.

  • 2K/QaudHD

The 2K monitors are becoming popular nowadays. However, these monitors require powerful graphics.

  • Full HD

The average monitors are designed with a Full HD resolution. These are the monitors you will get at an affordable price. The good thing about Full HD monitors is that they deliver accurate images and the overall performance is great. For your gaming needs, these are the best monitors you should be buying.

Panel technology
The panel technology is also another important thing that makes up a good gaming monitor. Overall, there are 3 main types of panels.

  • Twisted Nematic or TN Panels

Most popular gaming monitors use the TN panels. TN panel monitors are cheaper and come with a great refresh rate and an ultra-fast response time.

  • In-Plane Switching –IPS panels

The IPS panels offer the best color consistency than the other panel technologies.

  • Vertical Alignment – VA Panels

The VA panels are known for their high native contrast ratio and better color. The only drawback with PA Panel monitors is that they tend to deliver a ghosting effect.

Best Gaming Monitors Under 300 Buying FAQs

Is It a Must to Get a Gaming Monitor Even If You Have a Laptop?
Yes! In fact, if you get a gaming monitor, you will boost your gaming experience. Although a laptop has a screen that can support gaming, a monitor will make a huge difference.
What Kind of Monitor Should I Buy for My Gaming Needs?
For you to enjoy a wide range of games from different multimedia devices, you will need to choose a monitor that is compatible with a range of devices and especially one with numerous ports to all for multiple connections.
My Monitor Has the Audio out Port, Can I Use Headphones?
Absolutely, you can use headphones. But in this case, you will need to use an HDMI cable as your video input so that it can convey the audio signal to the monitor as well.
Do All the Gaming Monitors Come with Speakers?
No! Some come with inbuilt speakers but some do not come with. However, those that do not come with inbuilt speakers are sometimes designed with ports to allow connection of outside speakers.
What Panel Is Ideal for My Gaming Needs?
Most gaming monitors feature 3 types of panel technology. There are those with IPS others with TN and others with VA panels. Both panels are great but for high-end gaming, you may consider the IPS. However, most modern gaming can be done with monitors that have TN panels.

Final Verdict

Picking the best gaming monitor under 300 is never easy. Note that different people have different preferences when it comes to the choice of gaming monitors. There are thousands of brands, models, and type of gaming monitors out there and knowing which one to pick is the best thing for a gamer.

Going through our best gaming monitor under 300 reviews and buyer’s guide and knowing what makes the right purchase at the end of the day is the most important thing we can advise you to do. With all the gaming monitors we’ve listed here, we hope you will be able to pick one that is best suitable for your money and needs.


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