Buying Guide
The Best Monitors Under $500
From the MAG 274UPF to the 27GS93QE: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Between $400 and $500, monitors reach entry OLED and 4K high-refresh panels. Every pick sits in that range, ordered by refresh rate.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out response, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2
A 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand.
Best for: Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2
A QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line.
Best for: Buyers who want QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line.
Our take Check price for AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2 (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
LG UltraGear 27GS93QE OLED
An anti-glare low-reflection OLED coating at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27GS93QE OLED (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MSI MAG 274UPF E2
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand. | Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand. | Check price for MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 (opens in a new tab) |
| A QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line. | Buyers who want QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line. | Check price for AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2 (opens in a new tab) |
| An anti-glare low-reflection OLED coating at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27GS93QE OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MAG 271QPX pairs a 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
It is the complete OLED option at this refresh rate. On refresh rate it ties with the AG276QZD2 and the 27GS93QE at 240Hz. It matches the 27GS93QE, the AW2725QF and the MAG 274UPF on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the AG276QZD2 and 27GS93QE; the MAG 274UPF goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. It shares an HDR 400 with the MAG 274UPF; the AW2725QF goes with a DisplayHDR 600. 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. It was priced above the AW2725QF and below the AG276QZD2 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: HDR 400
- Stand: height adjustment
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- a stand with height adjustment
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MAG 274UPF at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AG276QZD2 is AOC's 240Hz QD-OLED in its AGON PRO line.
Best for
- Buyers who want QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It matches the MAG 271QPX and the 27GS93QE on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 26.5 inches, while the MAG 271QPX comes in at 27 inches. Like the MAG 271QPX and 27GS93QE, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2725QF uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
It is the only pick here with an HDR10; the MAG 271QPX has an HDR 400 instead. 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 MAG 271QPX and the 27GS93QE, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 26.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: HDR10
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Screen size trails the MAG 271QPX (27 inches)
Premium Pick3 of 5
LG UltraGear 27GS93QE OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LG's 27GS93QE is a 27-inch 1440p OLED at 240Hz with DisplayHDR True Black 400.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
It is a lower-priced LG OLED with a two-year warranty. It is DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified with a 1.5 million to 1 contrast ratio, and the stand adjusts for height, tilt and pivot. Gamer, FPS and RTS modes tune the picture.
Its virtually borderless design saves space on a crowded desk. On refresh rate it ties with the MAG 271QPX and the AG276QZD2 at 240Hz. It matches the MAG 271QPX, the AW2725QF and the MAG 274UPF on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the MAG 271QPX and AG276QZD2; the MAG 274UPF goes with a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. You get an OLED panel here, which sets it apart from the MAG 274UPF and its a rapid IPS panel. Only the AG276QZD2 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
- Warranty: 2-year
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
- Costs more than the MAG 274UPF at the time of writing
IPS Panel4 of 5
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2725QF is a 27-inch 4K IPS screen at 180Hz with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the MAG 274UPF cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It avoids OLED burn-in concerns while keeping 4K sharpness. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 180Hz: the MAG 271QPX offers 240Hz, and the MAG 274UPF comes in at 160Hz. It matches the MAG 271QPX, the 27GS93QE and the MAG 274UPF on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the MAG 274UPF; the MAG 271QPX goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. You get an IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the MAG 274UPF and its a rapid IPS panel. It also comes with 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. It was priced above the MAG 274UPF and below the MAG 271QPX at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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 MAG 274UPF at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
MSI MAG 274UPF E2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MAG 274UPF gives 4K at 160Hz with a fully adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MAG 271QPX offers 240Hz.
Why we like it
It is a straightforward, well-equipped IPS choice. Its 160Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the MAG 271QPX leads at 240Hz. On screen size it ties with the MAG 271QPX, the 27GS93QE and the AW2725QF at 27 inches.
Like the AW2725QF, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the MAG 271QPX uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. No other pick in this guide offers a rapid IPS panel; compare the 27GS93QE, which has an OLED panel. Like the MAG 271QPX, it has an HDR 400, while the 27GS93QE uses a DisplayHDR True Black 400.
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 AW2725QF and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 160Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: Rapid IPS
- HDR: HDR 400
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height, swivel and pivot adjustment
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Rapid IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the MAG 271QPX (240Hz)
How We Chose These Monitors Under $500
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the MAG 271QPX to the MAG 274UPF, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MAG 274UPF gives no response; the MAG 271QPX, the AG276QZD2 and the AW2725QF give no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- From the MAG 274UPF to the 27GS93QE, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Monitor Under $500
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 160Hz on the MAG 274UPF to 240Hz on the MAG 271QPX. The MAG 271QPX is the pick for refresh rate.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 26.5 inches on the AG276QZD2 to 27 inches on the MAG 271QPX. Start with the MAG 271QPX if screen size decides it.
Panel
The MAG 271QPX and the AG276QZD2 list QD-OLED; the 27GS93QE lists OLED; the AW2725QF lists IPS; the MAG 274UPF lists Rapid IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Response
The MAG 271QPX, the AG276QZD2 and the 27GS93QE list 0.03ms; the AW2725QF lists 0.5ms.
Fit and compatibility
To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. 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.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
How to Choose a Monitor Under $500
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand | MAG 271QPX | A 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand |
| Buyers who want QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line | AG276QZD2 | A QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | 27GS93QE | An anti-glare low-reflection OLED coating at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | AW2725QF | An IPS panel |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | MAG 274UPF | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MAG 271QPX leads on refresh rate at 240Hz, ahead of the AG276QZD2 at 240Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAG 271QPX | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| AG276QZD2 | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| 27GS93QE | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | OLED |
| AW2725QF | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| MAG 274UPF | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Rapid IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 27GS93QE worth paying more than the MAG 274UPF?
On paper it adds refresh rate (240Hz against 160Hz). The MAG 274UPF was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the AW2725QF the IPS Panel?
It earns the label for an IPS panel. It suits anyone who wants an IPS panel.
Do the MAG 271QPX and the AW2725QF differ on resolution?
The MAG 271QPX, the AG276QZD2 and the 27GS93QE use 2560x1440 (1440p); the AW2725QF and the MAG 274UPF use 3840x2160 (4K).
What should I check before buying the MAG 274UPF?
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. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
Beyond the specs, what sets the MAG 271QPX and the AG276QZD2 apart?
The MAG 271QPX: a 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand. The AG276QZD2: a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line. The 27GS93QE: an anti-glare low-reflection OLED coating.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MAG 271QPX, chosen for a 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand. Look at the AG276QZD2 for a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line, the 27GS93QE for an anti-glare low-reflection OLED coating at the highest price in the group and the AW2725QF for an IPS panel if those matter more to you.
Check the ports match your GPU for the highest refresh.