Buying Guide
The Best Monitors Under $400
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the XG27AQMR has the highest refresh rate; the LG 27GR83Q is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Between $300 and $400, monitors reach fast 1440p IPS and entry 4K panels. Every pick sits in that range, ordered by refresh rate.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; if a maker skips response, the guide says 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
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMRThe highest refresh rate here (300Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLEDAn AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the LG 27GR83Q costs less.
Check price for GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-BThe lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz for the least money.
Check price for LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
W-OLED Panel
GIGABYTE GO27Q24GA W-OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a W-OLED panel.
Check price for GIGABYTE GO27Q24G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
OLED Panel
LG UltraGear 27GX704A-BAn OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an OLED panel.
Check price for LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQMR
The XG27AQMR runs a Fast IPS panel at 300Hz with DisplayHDR 600, a strong HDR rating for IPS.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the LG 27GR83Q cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED's burn-in concerns for desktop-heavy use. Nothing else here matches its 300Hz refresh rate; the Gigabyte MO27Q2A comes closest at 280Hz. A fast IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the LG 27GR83Q uses an IPS panel.
A DisplayHDR 600 is unique to it among these picks, while the 27GX704A uses a DisplayHDR True Black 400. It also offers DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. To see 300Hz 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. When we checked, only the GO27Q24G and cheaper picks cost less, and the 27GX704A cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 300Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR 600
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 300Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Costs more than the LG 27GR83Q at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED
What the Gigabyte MO27Q2A brings to the table is an AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the LG 27GR83Q 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 280Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 280Hz: the XG27AQMR offers 300Hz, and the 27GX704A comes in at 240Hz. A QD-OLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the LG 27GR83Q uses an IPS panel.
To see 280Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. At our last price check it topped the group, with the 27GX704A the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 280Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium Pro
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the LG 27GR83Q at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B
The LG 27GR83Q is built around HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz, with a 4-pole headphone output with DTS Headphone:X on top.
Best for
- Getting HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz for the least money.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the XG27AQMR (300Hz) is a problem.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 240Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. An IPS panel is unique to it among these picks, while the Gigabyte MO27Q2A uses a QD-OLED panel. A DisplayHDR 400 is unique to it among these picks, while the 27GX704A uses a DisplayHDR True Black 400.
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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the GO27Q24G was closest.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR 400
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
- Stand
- tilt, height and pivot
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, FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the XG27AQMR (300Hz)
The catch
What it gives up: refresh rate of 240Hz, behind the XG27AQMR (300Hz); by contrast, the XG27AQMR offers 300Hz.
W-OLED Panel4 of 5
GIGABYTE GO27Q24G
The GO27Q24G is the cheapest way to a 240Hz OLED panel here.
Best for
- Buyers who want a W-OLED panel.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements is a problem.
Why we like it
The maker publishes few details on ports and stand. It has a zero-bezel design on all four edges for multi-monitor rows, and a glossy WOLED coating keeps blacks deep in bright rooms. It matches the LG 27GR83Q and the 27GX704A on refresh rate (240Hz).
It is the only pick here with a W-OLED panel; the XG27AQMR has a fast IPS panel instead. It also comes with a 240Hz OLED panel at an entry-level OLED price at the time of writing. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. Its price falls between the LG 27GR83Q and the XG27AQMR, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- W-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a W-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 240Hz OLED panel at an entry-level OLED price at the time of writing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the LG 27GR83Q at the time of writing
OLED Panel5 of 5
LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B
The 27GX704A brings a 240Hz OLED panel to 1440p with near-instant response and True Black 400 HDR.
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
For most gaming PCs it is the best balance of motion clarity, contrast and price. It matches the LG 27GR83Q and the GO27Q24G on refresh rate (240Hz). No other pick in this guide offers an OLED panel; compare the LG 27GR83Q, which has an IPS panel.
No other pick in this guide offers a DisplayHDR True Black 400; compare the XG27AQMR, which has a DisplayHDR 600. You also get HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
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 fourth of 5, between the cheaper XG27AQMR and the pricier Gigabyte MO27Q2A, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 240Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
- Stand
- swivel and pivot
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate trails the XG27AQMR (300Hz)
- Costs more than the LG 27GR83Q at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the XG27AQMR offers 300Hz.
How We Chose These Monitors Under $400
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 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 response.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the XG27AQMR to the 27GX704A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte MO27Q2A gives no response; the Gigabyte MO27Q2A and the GO27Q24G give no HDR.
- Price range
- From the LG 27GR83Q to the Gigabyte MO27Q2A, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Monitor Under $400
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 240Hz on the 27GX704A to 300Hz on the XG27AQMR, a 25% spread. If refresh rate is your first filter, the XG27AQMR sets the ceiling at 300Hz.
Response
The XG27AQMR and the LG 27GR83Q list 1ms; the GO27Q24G and the 27GX704A list 0.03ms.
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop Extras that separate them
The LG 27GR83Q: a 4-pole headphone output with DTS Headphone:X. The GO27Q24G: a 240Hz OLED panel at an entry-level OLED price at the time of writing. The 27GX704A: a 240Hz OLED panel at a mid-range price at the time of writing.
Where your budget lands
All 5 sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, from the LG 27GR83Q at the low end to the Gigabyte MO27Q2A at the top, so decide on features first.
A white desk with two monitors and a laptop Start from what matters most
Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates: the XG27AQMR. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the LG 27GR83Q costs less: the Gigabyte MO27Q2A. Getting HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz for the least money: the LG 27GR83Q.
How to Choose a Monitor Under $400
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | XG27AQMR | The highest refresh rate here (300Hz) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the LG 27GR83Q costs less | Gigabyte MO27Q2A | An AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in at the highest price in the group |
| Getting HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz for the least money | LG 27GR83Q | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want a W-OLED panel | GO27Q24G | A W-OLED panel |
| Buyers who want an OLED panel | 27GX704A | An OLED panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The XG27AQMR leads on refresh rate at 300Hz, ahead of the Gigabyte MO27Q2A at 280Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XG27AQMR | 300Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| Gigabyte MO27Q2A | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| LG 27GR83Q | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| GO27Q24G | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | W-OLED |
| 27GX704A | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the XG27AQMR or the Gigabyte MO27Q2A?
Between the top two, it is 300Hz on the XG27AQMR against 280Hz on the Gigabyte MO27Q2A, a 7% difference. The 27GX704A closes the ranking at 240Hz.
What does the Gigabyte MO27Q2A add over the LG 27GR83Q?
What it brings is refresh rate (280Hz against 240Hz). Both sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, so the gains in refresh rate cost little extra by tier.
Why is the GO27Q24G our W-OLED Panel pick?
It earns the label for a W-OLED panel. It suits anyone who wants a W-OLED panel.
Do the XG27AQMR and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A differ on panel?
The XG27AQMR uses Fast IPS; the Gigabyte MO27Q2A uses QD-OLED; the LG 27GR83Q uses IPS; the GO27Q24G uses W-OLED; the 27GX704A uses OLED.
What extras do the XG27AQMR and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A include?
The XG27AQMR: DCI-P3 wide colour coverage. The Gigabyte MO27Q2A: an AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in. The LG 27GR83Q: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 both reach 240Hz.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the XG27AQMR. Look at the Gigabyte MO27Q2A for an AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in at the highest price in the group, the LG 27GR83Q for the lowest price of the group at our last check and the GO27Q24G for a W-OLED panel if those matter more to you.
Pick the resolution your GPU can drive at high frame rates.
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 $350
- Higher budgetThe Best Monitors Under $500
- ExplainerHow to choose a monitor for your PC
- Explainer24 vs 27 vs 32-Inch Monitor
- Also see: monitor arms and accessoriesThe Best Monitor Mount for Desk
- Similar guideThe Best USB-C Monitors Under $400
- 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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