Buying Guide
The Best Monitors Under $500
From the MAG 274UPF to the AG276QZD2: 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 $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 panel, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Fastest Refresh
MSI MPG 274URDFW E16MThe highest refresh rate here (320Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Check price for MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2A 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand.
Best for: Buyers who want 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand.
Check price for MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line.
Best for: Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line and can spend more than the MPG 274URDFW costs.
Check price for AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-ResolutionAn IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Check price for Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MSI MAG 274UPF E2The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the AW2725QF.
Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (320Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line. | Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line and can spend more than the MPG 274URDFW costs. | Check price for AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the AW2725QF. | Check price for MSI MAG 274UPF E2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 5
MSI MPG 274URDFW E16M
The MPG 274URDFW is built around a Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones, with an AI Dual Mode that switches resolution and refresh rate automatically on top.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the MAG 274UPF, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 320Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. Nothing else here matches its 320Hz refresh rate; the MAG 271QPX comes closest at 240Hz. It matches the MAG 271QPX, the AW2725QF and the MAG 274UPF on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the AW2725QF and MAG 274UPF; the AG276QZD2 goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. A mini LED HDR is unique to it among these picks, while the AG276QZD2 uses an HDR10. It also offers a white finish.
Reaching 320Hz 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. When we checked, only the MAG 271QPX and cheaper picks cost less, and the AG276QZD2 cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 320Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Response
- 0.5ms
- HDR
- Mini LED HDR
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 320Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
- Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones
Cons
- Costs more than the MAG 274UPF at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2
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 elements 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 at 240Hz. It matches the MPG 274URDFW, the AW2725QF and the MAG 274UPF on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the AG276QZD2; 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 MPG 274URDFW at the time of writing.
Key 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
Premium Pick3 of 5
AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD2
The AG276QZD2 is AOC's 240Hz QD-OLED in its AGON PRO line.
Best for
- Buyers who want a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line and can spend more than the MPG 274URDFW costs.
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 matches the MAG 271QPX on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 26.5 inches, while the MPG 274URDFW comes in at 27 inches. Like the MAG 271QPX, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the MPG 274URDFW uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
Like the MAG 271QPX, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the AW2725QF uses an IPS panel. It is the only pick here with an HDR10; the MPG 274URDFW has a mini LED HDR 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MPG 274URDFW.
Key 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 MPG 274URDFW (27 inches)
The catch
If screen size is your priority, the MPG 274URDFW (27 inches) is the stronger choice.
IPS Panel4 of 5
Alienware AW2725QF Dual-Resolution
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 MPG 274URDFW offers 320Hz, and the MAG 274UPF comes in at 160Hz. It matches the MPG 274URDFW, the MAG 271QPX and the MAG 274UPF on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the MPG 274URDFW and MAG 274UPF; the AG276QZD2 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 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
The MAG 274UPF gives 4K at 160Hz with a fully adjustable stand.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the AW2725QF.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MPG 274URDFW offers 320Hz.
Why we like it
It is a straightforward, well-equipped IPS choice. Its 160Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the MPG 274URDFW leads at 320Hz. On screen size it ties with the MPG 274URDFW, the MAG 271QPX and the AW2725QF at 27 inches.
Like the MPG 274URDFW and 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 AW2725QF, which has an IPS panel. Like the MAG 271QPX, it has an HDR 400, while the AG276QZD2 uses an HDR10.
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 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 MPG 274URDFW (320Hz)
The catch
The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the MPG 274URDFW offers 320Hz.
How We Chose These Monitors Under $500
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 compared five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 8 fields compared are stated for every pick, while panel and response have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the MPG 274URDFW to the MAG 274UPF, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MPG 274URDFW gives no panel; the MAG 274UPF gives no response.
- Price range
- From the MAG 274UPF to the AG276QZD2, 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
Across these 5 picks refresh rate spans 160Hz (the MAG 274UPF) to 320Hz (the MPG 274URDFW). For less, the MAG 271QPX is the runner-up at 240Hz.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 26.5 inches on the AG276QZD2 to 27 inches on the MPG 274URDFW, a 2% spread. The MAG 271QPX comes second at 27 inches, in the same price tier as the MPG 274URDFW.
A white desk with two monitors and a laptop Panel
The MAG 271QPX and the AG276QZD2 list QD-OLED; the AW2725QF lists IPS; the MAG 274UPF lists Rapid IPS. Settling panel first narrows 4 picks to 2 or 1 or 1.
Response
The MPG 274URDFW and the AW2725QF list 0.5ms; the MAG 271QPX and the AG276QZD2 list 0.03ms.
A monitor showing a desktop app in a dim room Features beyond the spec table
The AG276QZD2: a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line. The AW2725QF: Dolby Vision support. The MAG 274UPF: a 160Hz refresh rate at 4K.
How to Choose a Monitor Under $500
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | MPG 274URDFW | The highest refresh rate here (320Hz) |
| 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 a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line and can spend more than the MPG 274URDFW costs | AG276QZD2 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | AW2725QF | An IPS panel |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the AW2725QF | MAG 274UPF | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MPG 274URDFW leads on refresh rate at 320Hz, ahead of the MAG 271QPX at 240Hz. "Not listed" marks panel where the MPG 274URDFW leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG 274URDFW | 320Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Not listed |
| MAG 271QPX | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| AG276QZD2 | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | QD-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
How does the MAG 271QPX compare with the MPG 274URDFW on refresh rate?
Between the top two, it is 320Hz on the MPG 274URDFW against 240Hz on the MAG 271QPX, a 33% difference. The MAG 274UPF closes the ranking at 160Hz.
Is the AG276QZD2 worth paying more than the MAG 274UPF?
The spec sheets show refresh rate (240Hz against 160Hz) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the MAG 274UPF still leads on screen size (27 inches). Both sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, so the gains in refresh rate cost little extra by tier.
What makes the MPG 274URDFW the Fastest Refresh?
It carries the badge for the highest refresh rate here (320Hz). The MAG 271QPX is next on refresh rate at 240Hz, so this pick's 320Hz is 33% further out. It makes sense for competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Do the MPG 274URDFW and the MAG 271QPX differ on resolution?
The MPG 274URDFW, the AW2725QF and the MAG 274UPF use 3840x2160 (4K); the MAG 271QPX and the AG276QZD2 use 2560x1440 (1440p).
Beyond the specs, what sets the MPG 274URDFW and the MAG 271QPX apart?
The MPG 274URDFW: a Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones. 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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MPG 274URDFW. Look at the MAG 271QPX for a 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a height-adjustable stand, the AG276QZD2 for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a QD-OLED panel in AOC's AGON PRO line and the AW2725QF for an IPS panel if those matter more to you.
Check the ports match your GPU for the highest refresh.
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 $400
- Higher budgetThe Best Monitors Under $600
- 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 USB-C Monitors Under $500
- 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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