Buying Guide
The Best Monitors Under $1,000
From the PG32UCDM to the XG32UCWMG: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Between $800 and $1,000, monitors reach 4K OLED and high-end ultrawides. Every pick sits in that range, ordered by refresh rate.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: refresh rate, resolution and size come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing response is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Fastest Refresh
BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566XThe highest refresh rate here (360Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Check price for BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDMA lower price than the MPG 321CURX and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MPG 321CURX.
Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI MPG 321CURX QD-OLEDA 1700R curve.
Best for: Buyers who want 1700R curve.
Check price for MSI MPG 321CURX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
OLED Panel
LG UltraGear 32GX870A-B OLED 4KAn OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an OLED panel.
Check price for LG UltraGear 32GX870A-B OLED 4K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS ROG XG32UCWMGA dual mode with 4K at 240Hz or 1080p at 480Hz at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the PG32UCDM costs less.
Check price for ASUS ROG XG32UCWMG on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X
The XQ2566X uses a Fast TN panel at 1440p with BenQ's DyAc 3 blur reduction, aimed purely at esports.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the PG32UCDM offers 32 inches.
Why we like it
Its 360Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the PG32UCDM comes next at 240Hz. Its 24.1 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the PG32UCDM leads at 32 inches. You get a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution here, which sets it apart from the XG32UCWMG and its a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
You get a fast TN panel here, which sets it apart from the XG32UCWMG and its a WOLED panel. To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. It was priced above the LG 32GX870A and below the XG32UCWMG at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 360Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 24.1 inches
- Panel
- Fast TN
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports
- Fast TN panel, the only one here
Cons
- Screen size trails the PG32UCDM (32 inches)
- Costs more than the PG32UCDM at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 of 5
ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM
The ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM pairs a 32-inch 4K QD-OLED panel at 240Hz with a 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MPG 321CURX.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It also carries 90W USB-C power delivery for a laptop. It matches the MPG 321CURX, the LG 32GX870A and the XG32UCWMG on refresh rate (240Hz). Like the MPG 321CURX, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the LG 32GX870A uses an OLED panel.
It shares a G-SYNC Compatible with the MPG 321CURX; the XG32UCWMG goes with a G-SYNC. Reaching 240Hz 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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the MPG 321CURX was the next step up.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 32 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C
- Yes
- Warranty
- 3-year
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the XQ2566X (360Hz)
The catch
The main gap: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the XQ2566X (360Hz). If that matters, the XQ2566X offers 360Hz.
Also Consider3 of 5
MSI MPG 321CURX QD-OLED
The MPG 321CURX stands out for a 1700R curve, and it adds a 98W USB-C port and KVM switch.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1700R curve.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also offers a 240Hz refresh rate and offers a 32 inches screen size. Like the PG32UCDM, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the XG32UCWMG uses a WOLED panel. It shares a G-SYNC Compatible with the PG32UCDM; the XG32UCWMG goes with a G-SYNC.
Reaching 240Hz 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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper PG32UCDM and the pricier LG 32GX870A, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 32 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the PG32UCDM at the time of writing
OLED Panel4 of 5
LG UltraGear 32GX870A-B OLED 4K
What the LG 32GX870A brings to the table is a dual mode with 4K at 240Hz or 1080p at 480Hz, plus DisplayPort 2.1 input.
Best for
- Buyers who want an OLED panel.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It also offers a 240Hz refresh rate and offers a 32 inches screen size. It matches the PG32UCDM, the MPG 321CURX and the XG32UCWMG on refresh rate (240Hz). No other pick in this guide offers an OLED panel; compare the MPG 321CURX, which has a QD-OLED panel.
Reaching 240Hz 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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper MPG 321CURX and the pricier XQ2566X, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 32 inches
- Panel
- OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the PG32UCDM at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS ROG XG32UCWMG
What the XG32UCWMG brings to the table is a dual mode with 4K at 240Hz or 1080p at 480Hz, plus a glossy TrueBlack panel with a proximity-sensor burn-in guard.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the PG32UCDM costs less.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It also offers a 240Hz refresh rate and offers a 32 inches screen size. It matches the PG32UCDM, the MPG 321CURX and the LG 32GX870A on refresh rate (240Hz). No other pick in this guide offers a WOLED panel; compare the MPG 321CURX, which has a QD-OLED panel.
You get a G-SYNC here, which sets it apart from the MPG 321CURX and its a G-SYNC Compatible. Reaching 240Hz 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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk.
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 XQ2566X and the rest.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 32 inches
- Panel
- WOLED
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a WOLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- G-SYNC to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate trails the XQ2566X (360Hz)
- Costs more than the PG32UCDM at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the XQ2566X offers 360Hz.
How We Chose These Monitors Under $1,000
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 set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and response and HDR are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the XQ2566X to the XG32UCWMG, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The XQ2566X and the XG32UCWMG give no response; the XQ2566X and the XG32UCWMG give no HDR.
- Price range
- From the PG32UCDM to the XG32UCWMG, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Monitor Under $1,000
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the XG32UCWMG to 360Hz on the XQ2566X, a 50% spread. Start with the XQ2566X if refresh rate decides it.
How much screen size you need
The PG32UCDM tops screen size at 32 inches and the XQ2566X sits lowest at 24.1 inches; 4 picks share the top figure. The PG32UCDM is the pick for screen size.
A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop Panel
The XQ2566X lists Fast TN; the PG32UCDM and the MPG 321CURX list QD-OLED; the LG 32GX870A lists OLED; the XG32UCWMG lists WOLED. Sort out panel before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 2, 1, 1 and 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The MPG 321CURX: a 98W USB-C port and KVM switch. The LG 32GX870A: DisplayPort 2.1 input. The XG32UCWMG: a glossy TrueBlack panel with a proximity-sensor burn-in guard.
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop How much to spend
Price does little to separate these 5: the PG32UCDM through the XG32UCWMG all landed in the $500 to $1000 tier, which leaves refresh rate to decide it.
How to Choose a Monitor Under $1,000
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | XQ2566X | The highest refresh rate here (360Hz) |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MPG 321CURX | PG32UCDM | A lower price than the MPG 321CURX and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want 1700R curve | MPG 321CURX | A 1700R curve |
| Buyers who want an OLED panel | LG 32GX870A | An OLED panel |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the PG32UCDM costs less | XG32UCWMG | A dual mode with 4K at 240Hz or 1080p at 480Hz at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The XQ2566X leads on refresh rate at 360Hz, ahead of the PG32UCDM at 240Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XQ2566X | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 24.1 inches | Fast TN |
| PG32UCDM | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 321CURX | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| LG 32GX870A | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | OLED |
| XG32UCWMG | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | WOLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the PG32UCDM compare with the XQ2566X on refresh rate?
The XQ2566X leads at 360Hz, with the PG32UCDM at 240Hz.
What makes the XQ2566X the Fastest Refresh?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (360Hz). The PG32UCDM is next on refresh rate at 240Hz, so this pick's 360Hz is 50% further out. It gives up screen size (24.1 inches against 32 inches) to the PG32UCDM, the cheapest pick. It suits competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Do the XQ2566X and the PG32UCDM differ on resolution?
The XQ2566X uses 2560x1440 (1440p); the PG32UCDM, the MPG 321CURX, the LG 32GX870A and the XG32UCWMG use 3840x2160 (4K).
Beyond the specs, what sets the XQ2566X and the PG32UCDM apart?
The XQ2566X: DyAc 3 motion blur reduction for esports. The PG32UCDM: a 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage. The MPG 321CURX: a 1700R curve.
Who should choose the LG 32GX870A?
The LG 32GX870A carries our OLED Panel label for an OLED panel. It ranks fourth of 5 here and sat in the $500 to $1000 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who wants an OLED panel.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the XQ2566X. Look at the PG32UCDM for a lower price than the MPG 321CURX and the rest when we checked, the MPG 321CURX for a 1700R curve and the LG 32GX870A for an OLED panel if those matter more to you.
Check warranty coverage for burn-in on OLEDs.
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 Monitors Under $800
- Higher budgetThe Best Monitors Under $1,500
- ExplainerHow to choose a monitor for your PC
- Explainer24 vs 27 vs 32-Inch Monitor
- Also see: monitor arms and accessoriesThe Best Monitor Stand for Desk
- Similar guideThe Best Monitors Under $80
- Topic hubAll monitors for work and everyday use 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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