Buying Guide
The Best Monitors Under $350
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the CU34G4H has the largest screen size, and the MAG 274QF costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
From $150 to $350 monitors reach 27 to 34 inch screens, 1440p resolution and ultrawide shapes. Every monitor cost 150 to 350 when we checked and lists its size, resolution and refresh rate.
We ranked these monitors on refresh rate, resolution and size using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and where a maker leaves out refresh rate, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Screen Size
AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide
The largest screen size here (34 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
LG UltraGear 32GS60QC-B
A 1000R curved screen.
Best for: Buyers who want 1000R curved screen.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 32GS60QC-B (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 32-inch 4K IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a 32-inch 4K IPS panel and can spend more than the VG32WQ3B costs.
Our take Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B
A 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen.
Best for: Buyers who want 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MSI MAG 274QF E20
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p for the least money.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 274QF E20 (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Screen Size1 of 5
AOC CU34G4H Curved Ultrawide on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's CU34G4H is a 34-inch 3440x1440 VA ultrawide at 200Hz on a height, tilt and swivel stand.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
It is the lowest-priced ultrawide here at the time of writing. It matches the MAG 274QF on refresh rate (200Hz). On screen size it leads this guide at 34 inches, ahead of the 32GS60QC (32 inches).
It is the only pick here with a 3440x1440 resolution; the 32GS60QC has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution instead. Like the VG32WQ3B, it has a VA panel, while the ViewFinity S7 32 uses an IPS panel. An adaptive-Sync is unique to it among these picks, while the VG32WQ3B uses a FreeSync. Its price falls between the MAG 274QF and the 32GS60QC, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 3440x1440
- Size: 34 inches
- Panel: VA
- Response: 0.3ms
- HDR: HDR
- Adaptive sync: Adaptive-Sync
- Stand: height, tilt and swivel
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- Adaptive-Sync to reduce screen tearing
- a stand with height, tilt and swivel
- 34-inch 1500R ultrawide
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Costs more than the MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
LG UltraGear 32GS60QC-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LG's 32GS60QC is a 32-inch 1440p screen at 180Hz with a tight 1000R curve.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1000R curved screen.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification is a problem.
Why we like it
It costs a fraction of the 4K models and asks far less of the graphics card. On refresh rate it ties with the VG32WQ3B at 180Hz. It matches the ViewFinity S7 32 on screen size (32 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the VG32WQ3B and MAG 274QF; the ViewFinity S7 32 goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. Like the VG32WQ3B, it has a FreeSync, while the CU34G4H uses an adaptive-Sync. You also get two HDMI inputs and one DisplayPort.
Another plus: 99% sRGB colour coverage. It was priced above the CU34G4H and below the VG32WQ3B at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 32 inches
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR10
- 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
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Costs more than the MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 5
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 32-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 32-inch ViewFinity S7 gives 4K on a larger IPS panel for spreadsheets and video.
Best for
- Buyers who want a 32-inch 4K IPS panel and can spend more than the VG32WQ3B costs.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification is a problem.
Why we like it
TÜV-certified Eye Saver mode cuts blue light and flicker, and Game Mode adjusts colour and contrast. It matches the 32GS60QC on screen size (32 inches). You get a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution here, which sets it apart from the MAG 274QF and its a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
You get an IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the CU34G4H and its a VA panel. It shares an HDR10 with the 32GS60QC; the CU34G4H goes with an HDR. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy.
Only the VG32WQ3B came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. There is no published refresh rate figure, whereas the CU34G4H offers 200Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: IPS
- HDR: HDR10
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 32-inch 4K IPS panel
- Screen size of 32 inches, ahead of the VG32WQ3B
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- No published refresh rate
- Costs more than the MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's VG32WQ3B is a curved 31.5-inch 1440p VA screen at 180Hz.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
VA contrast and the large size suit slower single-player games. On refresh rate it ties with the 32GS60QC at 180Hz. Its 31.5 inches screen size ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the CU34G4H (34 inches) and ahead of the MAG 274QF (27 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the 32GS60QC and MAG 274QF; the ViewFinity S7 32 goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. It shares a VA panel with the CU34G4H; the MAG 274QF goes with a rapid IPS panel. Like the 32GS60QC, it has a FreeSync, while the CU34G4H uses an adaptive-Sync.
It also comes with a 3-year warranty and 90% DCI-P3 coverage. It was priced above the 32GS60QC and below the ViewFinity S7 32 at the time of writing. It gives ground on refresh rate, where the CU34G4H offers 200Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: VA
- Color gamut: 90% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 90% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Refresh rate trails the CU34G4H (200Hz)
- Costs more than the MAG 274QF at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
MSI MAG 274QF E20 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MAG 274QF runs 1440p at 200Hz on a Rapid IPS panel with FreeSync Premium.
Best for
- Getting 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the CU34G4H offers 34 inches.
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 ties with the CU34G4H at 200Hz. Its 27 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the CU34G4H leads at 34 inches. It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the 32GS60QC and VG32WQ3B; the ViewFinity S7 32 goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
A rapid IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the ViewFinity S7 32 uses an IPS panel. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the CU34G4H was closest.
Key dimensions & 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
- Screen size trails the CU34G4H (34 inches)
How We Chose These Monitors Under $350
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out refresh rate.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the CU34G4H to the MAG 274QF, state resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The ViewFinity S7 32 gives no refresh rate; the 32GS60QC gives no panel.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the MAG 274QF ($150 to $250) to the ViewFinity S7 32 ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Monitor Under $350
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size across these picks
Across these 5 picks screen size spans 27 inches (the MAG 274QF) to 34 inches (the CU34G4H). If screen size is your first filter, the CU34G4H sets the ceiling at 34 inches.
How much refresh rate you need
The CU34G4H tops refresh rate at 200Hz and the VG32WQ3B sits lowest at 180Hz; 2 picks share the top figure. For less, the MAG 274QF is the runner-up at 200Hz. The ViewFinity S7 32 gives no refresh rate figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Panel
The CU34G4H and the VG32WQ3B list VA; the ViewFinity S7 32 lists IPS; the MAG 274QF lists Rapid IPS. Settling panel first narrows 4 picks to 2 or 1 or 1.
Response
The CU34G4H lists 0.3ms; the 32GS60QC lists 1ms; the MAG 274QF lists 0.5ms. Settling response first narrows 3 picks to 1 or 1 or 1.
Extras that separate them
The ViewFinity S7 32: a 32-inch 4K IPS panel. The VG32WQ3B: a 3-year warranty. The MAG 274QF: a 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p.
How to Choose a Monitor Under $350
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put screen size first | CU34G4H | The largest screen size here (34 inches) |
| Buyers who want 1000R curved screen | 32GS60QC | A 1000R curved screen |
| Buyers who want a 32-inch 4K IPS panel and can spend more than the VG32WQ3B costs | ViewFinity S7 32 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 32-inch 4K IPS panel |
| Buyers who want 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen | VG32WQ3B | A 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen |
| Getting 200Hz refresh rate at 1440p for the least money | MAG 274QF | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The CU34G4H leads on screen size at 34 inches, ahead of the 32GS60QC at 32 inches. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the ViewFinity S7 32 leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CU34G4H | 200Hz | 3440x1440 | 34 inches | VA |
| 32GS60QC | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 32 inches | Not listed |
| ViewFinity S7 32 | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | IPS |
| VG32WQ3B | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 31.5 inches | VA |
| MAG 274QF | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The MAG 274QF was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the ViewFinity S7 32 the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | MAG 274QF, CU34G4H, 32GS60QC, VG32WQ3B |
| About $250 to $500 | ViewFinity S7 32 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CU34G4H ahead of the 32GS60QC on screen size?
The CU34G4H leads at 34 inches, with the 32GS60QC at 32 inches. The spread runs down to the MAG 274QF at 27 inches.
What does the ViewFinity S7 32 add over the MAG 274QF?
The spec sheets show screen size (32 inches against 27 inches) in its favour. On our last price check the MAG 274QF was in the $150 to $250 tier and the ViewFinity S7 32 in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size decides your purchase.
Why is the CU34G4H our Largest Screen Size pick?
The label rests on the largest screen size here (34 inches). On screen size it leads the 32GS60QC, 34 inches against 32 inches, a 6% margin. It is aimed at anyone who puts screen size first.
Do the CU34G4H and the 32GS60QC differ on resolution?
The CU34G4H uses 3440x1440; the 32GS60QC, the VG32WQ3B and the MAG 274QF use 2560x1440 (1440p); the ViewFinity S7 32 uses 3840x2160 (4K).
What extras do the CU34G4H and the 32GS60QC include?
The CU34G4H: a 34-inch 1500R ultrawide. The 32GS60QC: a 1000R curved screen. The ViewFinity S7 32: a 32-inch 4K IPS panel.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the CU34G4H, chosen for the largest screen size here (34 inches). Look at the 32GS60QC for a 1000R curved screen, the ViewFinity S7 32 for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 32-inch 4K IPS panel and the VG32WQ3B for a 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen if those matter more to you.
Check the resolution against your graphics card; 1440p asks more of it than 1080p.