Buying Guide
The Best 4K Gaming Monitors Under $500
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the MPG 274URDFW has the highest refresh rate; the CUNPU 4K is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Under $500, 4K monitors differ most in refresh rate. Every pick is 4K and cost $500 or less, ordered by refresh rate.
We ranked these monitors on refresh rate, resolution and size using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out panel, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Fastest Refresh
MSI MPG 274URDFW E16MThe highest refresh rate here (320Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Check price for MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-ResolutionA dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Check price for Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
G-SYNC Adaptive Sync
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-WA G-SYNC.
Best for: Buyers who want a G-SYNC.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160HzA lower price than the XG27UCGR-W and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the XG27UCGR-W the next step up.
Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGA dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M
The MPG 274URDFW is built around a Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones, with an AI Dual Mode that switches resolution and refresh rate automatically on top.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the CUNPU 4K cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 320Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. Nothing else here matches its 320Hz refresh rate; the AW2725QF comes closest at 180Hz. No other pick in this guide offers a mini LED HDR; compare the AW2725QF, which has a DisplayHDR 600.
It also offers a white finish. Reaching 320Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the XG27UCG and the rest.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 320Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Response
- 0.5ms
- HDR
- Mini LED HDR
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
- Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones
Cons
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution
Alienware's AW2725QF is a 27-inch 4K IPS screen at 180Hz with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the CUNPU 4K cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED burn-in concerns while keeping 4K sharpness. Its 180Hz refresh rate ranks second of 5 here, behind the MPG 274URDFW (320Hz) and ahead of the XG27UCG (160Hz). Like the XG27UCG, it has an IPS panel, while the XG27UCGR-W uses a fast IPS panel.
It is the only pick here with a DisplayHDR 600; the MPG 274URDFW has a mini LED HDR instead. Like the XG27UCG, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the CUNPU 4K uses a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. You also get a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz and Dolby Vision support.
Reaching 180Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Its price falls between the XG27UCGR-W and the XG27UCG, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 180Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 0.5ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR 600
- Color gamut
- 95% DCI-P3
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
G-SYNC Adaptive Sync3 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR-W
What the XG27UCGR-W brings to the table is a white finish, plus a dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want a G-SYNC.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the CUNPU 4K, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 162Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 162Hz: the MPG 274URDFW offers 320Hz, and the XG27UCG comes in at 160Hz. It shares a fast IPS panel with the CUNPU 4K; the XG27UCG goes with an IPS panel.
It is the only pick here with a G-SYNC; the XG27UCG has a G-SYNC Compatible instead. Reaching 162Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was priced above the CUNPU 4K and below the AW2725QF at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 162Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 0.3ms
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- 162Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz
CUNPU's 27-inch 4K screen runs at 160Hz with an HDMI 2.1 input and 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the XG27UCGR-W the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the MPG 274URDFW (320Hz).
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 4K high-refresh monitors here. It matches the XG27UCG on refresh rate (160Hz). Like the XG27UCGR-W, it has a fast IPS panel, while the AW2725QF uses an IPS panel.
No other pick in this guide offers an HDR400; compare the MPG 274URDFW, which has a mini LED HDR. No other pick in this guide offers a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the AW2725QF, which has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles, a factory calibration of Delta E under 2 and 4K at a budget price tier.
Reaching 160Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It undercut the XG27UCGR-W and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 160Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- HDR400
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the MPG 274URDFW (320Hz)
The catch
The main gap: refresh rate of 160Hz, behind the MPG 274URDFW (320Hz). If that matters, the MPG 274URDFW offers 320Hz.
Strong Alternative5 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG
The XG27UCG is a 4K 160Hz monitor that can switch to 1080p at 320Hz for shooters, and adds USB-C for a laptop.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MPG 274URDFW offers 320Hz.
Why we like it
It matches the CUNPU 4K on refresh rate (160Hz). Like the AW2725QF, it has an IPS panel, while the XG27UCGR-W uses a fast IPS panel. Like the AW2725QF, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the CUNPU 4K uses a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
You get a G-SYNC Compatible here, which sets it apart from the XG27UCGR-W and its a G-SYNC. Reaching 160Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper AW2725QF and the pricier MPG 274URDFW, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 160Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Color gamut
- 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C
- Yes
- Warranty
- 3-year
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 274URDFW (320Hz)
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the MPG 274URDFW offers 320Hz.
How We Chose These 4K Gaming Monitors Under $500
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and panel and HDR are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the MPG 274URDFW to the XG27UCG, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MPG 274URDFW gives no panel; the XG27UCGR-W and the XG27UCG give no HDR.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CUNPU 4K ($150 to $250) to the MPG 274URDFW ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a 4K Gaming Monitor Under $500
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Across these 5 picks refresh rate spans 160Hz (the XG27UCG) to 320Hz (the MPG 274URDFW). The AW2725QF comes second at 180Hz, in the same price tier as the MPG 274URDFW.
Response
The MPG 274URDFW and the AW2725QF list 0.5ms; the XG27UCGR-W lists 0.3ms; the CUNPU 4K and the XG27UCG list 1ms. Settling response first narrows 5 picks to 2 or 2 or 1.
A monitor showing a racing game above a compact keyboard Extras that separate them
The XG27UCGR-W: a dual mode with 4K at 162Hz or 1080p at 485Hz. The CUNPU 4K: a factory calibration of Delta E under 2. The XG27UCG: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
How much to spend
$150 to $250 buys the CUNPU 4K; $250 to $500 buys the XG27UCGR-W, the AW2725QF, the XG27UCG and the MPG 274URDFW at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates: the MPG 274URDFW. Buyers who want a G-SYNC: the XG27UCGR-W. Spending as little as possible, with the XG27UCGR-W the next step up: the CUNPU 4K.
How to Choose a 4K Gaming Monitor Under $500
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | MPG 274URDFW | The highest refresh rate here (320Hz) |
| Buyers who want dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz | AW2725QF | A dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz |
| Buyers who want a G-SYNC | XG27UCGR-W | A G-SYNC |
| Spending as little as possible, with the XG27UCGR-W the next step up | CUNPU 4K | A lower price than the XG27UCGR-W and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz | XG27UCG | A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MPG 274URDFW leads on refresh rate at 320Hz, ahead of the AW2725QF at 180Hz. "Not listed" marks panel where the MPG 274URDFW leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG 274URDFW | 320Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| AW2725QF | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| XG27UCGR-W | 162Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| CUNPU 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| XG27UCG | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The CUNPU 4K was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the MPG 274URDFW the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | CUNPU 4K |
| About $250 to $500 | XG27UCGR-W, AW2725QF, XG27UCG, MPG 274URDFW |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the MPG 274URDFW or the AW2725QF?
The MPG 274URDFW tops refresh rate at 320Hz; the AW2725QF follows at 180Hz, 78% apart. The spread runs down to the XG27UCG at 160Hz.
What does the MPG 274URDFW add over the CUNPU 4K?
What it brings is refresh rate (320Hz against 160Hz). On our last price check the CUNPU 4K was in the $150 to $250 tier and the MPG 274URDFW in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate decides your purchase.
Why is the XG27UCGR-W our G-SYNC Adaptive Sync pick?
It earns the label for a G-SYNC. The CUNPU 4K, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who wants a G-SYNC.
Do the AW2725QF and the XG27UCGR-W differ on panel?
The AW2725QF and the XG27UCG use IPS; the XG27UCGR-W and the CUNPU 4K use Fast IPS. The MPG 274URDFW has no panel listed, so 4 of 5 picks are covered here.
What extras do the MPG 274URDFW and the AW2725QF include?
The MPG 274URDFW: a Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones. The AW2725QF: a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz. The XG27UCGR-W: a white finish.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MPG 274URDFW. Look at the AW2725QF for a dual mode with 1080p at 360Hz, the XG27UCGR-W for a G-SYNC and the CUNPU 4K for a lower price than the XG27UCGR-W and the rest when we checked if those matter more to you.
Pair 4K with a GPU that can use upscaling.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Monitors to Buy Now
- Related guideThe Best 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best 4K Monitors Under $300
- Similar guideThe Best 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitors
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 4K Monitor
- Explainer1080p vs 1440p vs 4K Monitor
- Also see: graphics cardsHow to Choose a Graphics Card for 1080p Gaming
- Similar guideThe Best 4K Gaming PC Monitors
- Topic hubAll 4k monitors guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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