Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Monitors Under $200
Six gaming monitors under $200 at the time of writing, from 1440p at 180Hz to 1080p at 310Hz, compared on refresh, panel and colour.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
Under $200, the choice is between 1440p at 180Hz to 280Hz and 1080p at very high refresh rates. For most players 1440p is now the better buy.
We compared six monitors priced under $200 at the time of writing on resolution, refresh rate, panel and colour, using the makers' listings rather than hands-on testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Under $200
AOC Q27G41ZE1440p at 240Hz native on IPS.
Best for: Most budget gaming builds.
Check price for AOC Q27G41ZE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
MSI MAG 274QF E20The MAG 274QF runs 1440p at 200Hz on a Rapid IPS panel with FreeSync Premium.
Best for: Buyers who want 200hz for smoother motion than a 60hz office screen.
Check price for MSI MAG 274QF E20 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Colour
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A130% sRGB coverage with speakers.
Best for: Mixed gaming and media use.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
Alienware AW2726DLThe AW2726DL runs a 1440p IPS panel at 280Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want a 280hz refresh rate for fast motion.
Check price for Alienware AW2726DL on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest-Cost 1440p
Dell G2725D1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here.
Best for: Tight budgets that still want 1440p.
Check price for Dell G2725D on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5AThe highest refresh rate here (310Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Under $2001 of 6
AOC Q27G41ZE
The Q27G41ZE runs 1440p at 240Hz natively, with an overclocked 260Hz mode, on an IPS panel.
Best for
- Most budget gaming builds.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the G2725D, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is rare to see that combination at this price. Its 240Hz refresh rate ranks third of 6 here, behind the VG259QMR5A (310Hz) and ahead of the G2725D (180Hz). On screen size it ties with the MAG 274QF, the VG27AQ3A, the AW2726DL and the G2725D at 27 inches.
Like the AW2726DL, it has an IPS panel, while the VG259QMR5A uses a fast IPS panel. You get a G-SYNC Compatible here, which sets it apart from the G2725D and its a FreeSync. It also offers DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs.
To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper VG259QMR5A and the pricier VG27AQ3A, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 0.3ms
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice2 of 6
MSI MAG 274QF E20
The MAG 274QF runs 1440p at 200Hz on a Rapid IPS panel with FreeSync Premium.
Best for
- Buyers who want 200hz for smoother motion than a 60hz office screen.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the G2725D was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is a balanced step down from the AOC. The Rapid IPS panel is rated at 0.5ms GtG. MSI's AI Vision mode lifts detail in dark scenes and boosts brightness and saturation.
On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 200Hz: the VG259QMR5A offers 310Hz, and the G2725D comes in at 180Hz. It matches the Q27G41ZE, the VG27AQ3A, the AW2726DL and the G2725D on screen size (27 inches). You get a rapid IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the VG259QMR5A and its a fast IPS panel.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was priced above the G2725D and below the VG259QMR5A at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 200Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Rapid IPS
- Response
- 0.5ms
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Rapid IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
Best Colour3 of 6
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A
The VG27AQ3A pairs 1440p at 180Hz with wide colour coverage and speakers.
Best for
- Mixed gaming and media use.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the G2725D, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It suits a desk used for games and video alike. The 27-inch 1440p panel refreshes at 180Hz. ELMB Sync runs motion-blur reduction and variable refresh together, and it supports FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC Compatible modes.
On refresh rate it ties with the G2725D at 180Hz. It matches the Q27G41ZE, the MAG 274QF, the AW2726DL and the G2725D on screen size (27 inches). It shares a fast IPS panel with the VG259QMR5A; the AW2726DL goes with an IPS panel.
A 130% sRGB color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the VG259QMR5A uses a 99% sRGB color gamut. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. When we checked, only the Q27G41ZE and cheaper picks cost less, and the AW2726DL cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 180Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Color gamut
- 130% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 130% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
Solid Alternative4 of 6
Alienware AW2726DL
The AW2726DL runs a 1440p IPS panel at 280Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want a 280hz refresh rate for fast motion.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the G2725D, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The maker publishes few details, so check the stand and ports on Dell's spec page. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 280Hz: the VG259QMR5A offers 310Hz, and the G2725D comes in at 180Hz. It matches the Q27G41ZE, the MAG 274QF, the VG27AQ3A and the G2725D on screen size (27 inches).
It shares an IPS panel with the Q27G41ZE; the MAG 274QF goes with a rapid IPS panel. To see 280Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. At our last price check it topped the group, with the VG27AQ3A the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 280Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 280Hz 1440p IPS panel
Cons
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
Lowest-Cost 1440p5 of 6
Dell G2725D
The G2725D offers 1440p at 180Hz with 99% sRGB at a very low price.
Best for
- Tight budgets that still want 1440p.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the VG259QMR5A offers 310Hz.
Why we like it
Dell doesn't name the panel type. On refresh rate it ties with the VG27AQ3A at 180Hz. It matches the Q27G41ZE, the MAG 274QF, the VG27AQ3A and the AW2726DL on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 99% sRGB color gamut with the VG259QMR5A; the VG27AQ3A goes with a 130% sRGB color gamut. No other pick in this guide offers a FreeSync; compare the Q27G41ZE, which has a G-SYNC Compatible. It also comes with 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the MAG 274QF was closest. Refresh rate is its weakest area, and the VG259QMR5A covers it better at 310Hz.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 180Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Color gamut
- 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the VG259QMR5A (310Hz)
Fastest Refresh6 of 6
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QMR5A
The VG259QMR5A is the esports pick, with a 310Hz Fast IPS panel at 1080p and a 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the Q27G41ZE offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
The 24.5-inch fast IPS panel overclocks to 310Hz and lists a 0.3ms response, with FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility. Its 310Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the AW2726DL comes next at 280Hz. On screen size it trails the group at 24.5 inches, while the Q27G41ZE comes in at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution; compare the VG27AQ3A, which has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. Like the VG27AQ3A, it has a fast IPS panel, while the Q27G41ZE uses an IPS panel. Like the G2725D, it has a 99% sRGB color gamut, while the VG27AQ3A uses a 130% sRGB color gamut.
At 1080p, 310Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper MAG 274QF and the pricier Q27G41ZE, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 310Hz
- Resolution
- 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size
- 24.5 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 0.3ms
- Color gamut
- 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty
- 3-year
Pros
- a 310Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Screen size trails the Q27G41ZE (27 inches)
- Costs more than the G2725D at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is screen size; for more, the Q27G41ZE comes in at 27 inches.
How We Chose These Monitors Under $200
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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up six monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 6 picks leave out panel.
- What every pick has in common
- All 6, from the Q27G41ZE to the VG259QMR5A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The G2725D gives no panel; the G2725D gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the G2725D ($100 to $150) to the AW2726DL ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Monitor Under $200
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
The VG259QMR5A tops refresh rate at 310Hz and the G2725D sits lowest at 180Hz. The VG259QMR5A is the pick for refresh rate.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 24.5 inches on the VG259QMR5A to 27 inches on the Q27G41ZE, a 10% spread. For less, the MAG 274QF is the runner-up at 27 inches.
A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures Panel
The Q27G41ZE and the AW2726DL list IPS; the MAG 274QF lists Rapid IPS; the VG27AQ3A and the VG259QMR5A list Fast IPS. Settling panel first narrows 5 picks to 2 or 2 or 1.
Response
The Q27G41ZE and the VG259QMR5A list 0.3ms; the MAG 274QF lists 0.5ms; the VG27AQ3A and the AW2726DL list 1ms. Settling response first narrows 5 picks to 2 or 2 or 1.
A large monitor showing a game on a low media unit Extras that separate them
The AW2726DL: a 280Hz 1440p IPS panel. The G2725D: 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here at the time of writing. The VG259QMR5A: a 310Hz refresh rate for esports.
How to Choose a Monitor Under $200
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most budget gaming builds | Q27G41ZE | 1440p at 240Hz native on IPS |
| Mixed gaming and media use | VG27AQ3A | 130% sRGB coverage with speakers |
| Tight budgets that still want 1440p | G2725D | 1440p at 180Hz at one of the lowest prices here |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | VG259QMR5A | The highest refresh rate here (310Hz) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The VG259QMR5A leads on refresh rate at 310Hz, ahead of the AW2726DL at 280Hz. "Not listed" marks panel where the G2725D leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q27G41ZE | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| MAG 274QF | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
| VG27AQ3A | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| AW2726DL | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| G2725D | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| VG259QMR5A | 310Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The G2725D was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the AW2726DL the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | G2725D |
| About $150 to $250 | MAG 274QF, VG259QMR5A, Q27G41ZE, VG27AQ3A, AW2726DL |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the VG259QMR5A or the AW2726DL?
The VG259QMR5A tops refresh rate at 310Hz; the AW2726DL follows at 280Hz, 11% apart. The G2725D is at the other end of this group with 180Hz.
What does the AW2726DL add over the G2725D?
The spec sheets show refresh rate (280Hz against 180Hz) in its favour. On our last price check the G2725D was in the $100 to $150 tier and the AW2726DL in the $150 to $250 tier, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if refresh rate decides your purchase.
Why is the VG259QMR5A our Fastest Refresh pick?
The label rests on the highest refresh rate here (310Hz). On refresh rate it leads the AW2726DL, 310Hz against 280Hz, an 11% margin. The price of that: the G2725D, the cheapest pick, still beats it on screen size (27 inches against 24.5 inches). It makes sense for esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the Q27G41ZE and the VG259QMR5A differ on resolution?
The Q27G41ZE, the MAG 274QF, the VG27AQ3A, the AW2726DL and the G2725D use 2560x1440 (1440p); the VG259QMR5A uses 1920x1080 (1080p).
What extras do the Q27G41ZE and the MAG 274QF include?
The Q27G41ZE: an overclocked 260Hz mode above its 240Hz native rate. The MAG 274QF: a 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p. The VG27AQ3A: built-in speakers.
Bottom Line
The AOC Q27G41ZE is the pick under $200, the MSI MAG 274QF E20 and Alienware AW2726DL are strong alternatives, and the Dell G2725D is the cheapest 1440p option.
The ASUS TUF VG27AQ3A suits mixed use, and the ASUS TUF VG259QMR5A is for esports at 1080p.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Cheap 144Hz Gaming Monitors
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Monitors
- Related guideHow to choose a monitor for your PC
- Lower budgetThe Best Gaming Monitors Under $150
- Higher budgetThe Best 240Hz Gaming Monitors Under $300
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1080p Monitor
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1440p Monitor
- Also see: graphics cardsWill This GPU Fit My Case and PSU? A Pre-Purchase Checklist
- Similar guideThe Best 1440p Monitors Under $200
- Topic hubAll gaming 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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