Buying Guide
The Best Monitors Under $600
We weighed five monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the MPG 271QRX has the highest refresh rate, and the AW2725Q costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Between $500 and $600, you can pick larger OLEDs or fast 4K panels. Every pick sits in that range, ordered by size.
The order reflects refresh rate, resolution and size from maker specifications; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and a missing refresh rate is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Screen Size
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch
The largest screen size here (37 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASUS ProArt PA329CRV
96W USB-C power delivery.
Best for: Buyers who want 96W USB-C power delivery.
Our take Check price for ASUS ProArt PA329CRV (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED
The highest refresh rate here (360Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
LG UltraGear 27G810A-B
The top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G810A-B (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest screen size here (37 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch (opens in a new tab) |
| 96W USB-C power delivery. | Buyers who want 96W USB-C power delivery. | Check price for ASUS ProArt PA329CRV (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (360Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G810A-B (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Screen Size1 of 5
Samsung Odyssey G7 (G75F) 37-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's Odyssey G7 37 is a 37-inch 4K screen at 165Hz with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Skip it if refresh rate matters most to you; the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
Why we like it
It sits between a 32-inch monitor and a TV in size. On refresh rate it trails the group at 165Hz, while the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz. Nothing else here matches its 37 inches screen size; the PA329CRV comes closest at 31.5 inches.
A DisplayHDR 600 is unique to it among these picks, while the MPG 271QRX uses a DisplayHDR True Black 400. It also offers a 37-inch 1000R curve. Reaching 165Hz 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. When we checked, only the AW2725Q cost less, and the MPG 271QRX cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 165Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 37 inches
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
- 37-inch 1000R curve
Cons
- Refresh rate trails the MPG 271QRX (360Hz)
- Costs more than the AW2725Q at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
ASUS ProArt PA329CRV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's ProArt PA329CRV is a 31.5-inch 4K IPS screen listing 98% DCI-P3 and DisplayHDR 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want 96W USB-C power delivery.
Skip if
- Its refresh rate is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
Its 96W USB-C port can power a larger laptop over one cable. On screen size it sits mid-pack at 31.5 inches: the Odyssey G7 37 comes in at 37 inches, and the AW2725Q comes in at 26.7 inches. Like the 27G810A, it has an IPS panel, while the MPG 271QRX uses a QD-OLED panel.
Like the 27G810A, it has a DisplayHDR 400, while the MPG 271QRX uses a DisplayHDR True Black 400. No other pick in this guide offers a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the 27G810A, which has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with Calman Verified with Delta E below 2 and DisplayPort MST output for a second screen.
On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper MPG 271QRX and the pricier 27G810A, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its refresh rate; if that figure matters, the MPG 271QRX offers 360Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: IPS
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 98% DCI-P3
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 98% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- No published refresh rate
- Costs more than the AW2725Q at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh3 of 5
MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MPG 271QRX adds a KVM switch to a 360Hz QD-OLED panel with True Black 400.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element is a problem.
Why we like it
Its built-in KVM switches a keyboard and mouse between two computers, and the stand adjusts for ergonomics. Nothing else here matches its 360Hz refresh rate; the AW2725Q comes closest at 240Hz. On screen size it ties with the 27G810A at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution; compare the 27G810A, which has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. Like the AW2725Q, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the PA329CRV uses an IPS panel. Like the AW2725Q, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the Odyssey G7 37 uses a DisplayHDR 600.
It also offers HDMI 2.1 inputs and an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Odyssey G7 37 and the pricier PA329CRV, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 360Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
Pros
- a 360Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 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 AW2725Q at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G810A-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 27G810A runs 4K at 180Hz and switches to 1080p at 360Hz for shooters, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayHDR 400.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the AW2725Q, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It covers both uses on one screen. Its 180Hz refresh rate ranks third of 4 here, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz) and ahead of the Odyssey G7 37 (165Hz). On screen size it ties with the MPG 271QRX at 27 inches.
Like the PA329CRV, it has an IPS panel, while the MPG 271QRX uses a QD-OLED panel. Like the PA329CRV, it has a DisplayHDR 400, while the AW2725Q uses a DisplayHDR True Black 400. No other pick in this guide offers a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the PA329CRV, which has a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut.
It also comes with an HDMI 2.1 input for consoles. 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 PA329CRV and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
- Stand: swivel and pivot
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the AW2725Q at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2725Q is a 26.7-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with USB-C and a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It has one of the most adjustable stands among the OLED models here. Its 240Hz refresh rate ranks second of 4 here, behind the MPG 271QRX (360Hz) and ahead of the Odyssey G7 37 (165Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 26.7 inches, while the Odyssey G7 37 comes in at 37 inches.
Like the MPG 271QRX, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the PA329CRV uses an IPS panel. Like the MPG 271QRX, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the PA329CRV uses a DisplayHDR 400. It is the only pick here with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut; the PA329CRV has a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut instead.
It also offers Dolby Vision support, 166 PPI at 4K and USB-C with 15W power delivery. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Odyssey G7 37 was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 26.7 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
- 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
- Screen size trails the Odyssey G7 37 (37 inches)
How We Chose These Monitors Under $600
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Odyssey G7 37 to the AW2725Q, state resolution, screen size and HDR.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The PA329CRV gives no refresh rate; the Odyssey G7 37 gives no panel.
- Price range
- From the AW2725Q to the 27G810A, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Monitor Under $600
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 26.7 inches on the AW2725Q to 37 inches on the Odyssey G7 37. Start with the Odyssey G7 37 if screen size decides it.
Refresh rate
Here refresh rate runs from 165Hz on the Odyssey G7 37 to 360Hz on the MPG 271QRX. For less, the AW2725Q is the runner-up at 240Hz. No figure for the PA329CRV.
Panel
The PA329CRV and the 27G810A list IPS; the MPG 271QRX and the AW2725Q list QD-OLED.
Response
The Odyssey G7 37 and the 27G810A list 1ms; the MPG 271QRX and the AW2725Q list 0.03ms. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Fit and compatibility
Reaching 165Hz 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. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. To see 360Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
Check ports and cables
High refresh rates at 1440p and 4K need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. Consoles need HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz.
How to Choose a Monitor Under $600
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put screen size first | Odyssey G7 37 | The largest screen size here (37 inches) |
| Buyers who want 96W USB-C power delivery | PA329CRV | 96W USB-C power delivery |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | MPG 271QRX | The highest refresh rate here (360Hz) |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | 27G810A | The top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz |
| Keeping the budget tight | AW2725Q | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Odyssey G7 37 leads on screen size at 37 inches, ahead of the PA329CRV at 31.5 inches. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey G7 37 | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 37 inches | Not listed |
| PA329CRV | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | IPS |
| MPG 271QRX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| 27G810A | 180Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| AW2725Q | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the PA329CRV compare with the Odyssey G7 37 on screen size?
The Odyssey G7 37 leads at 37 inches, with the PA329CRV at 31.5 inches. The AW2725Q is at the other end of this group with 26.7 inches.
Which has the highest refresh rate: the MPG 271QRX or the AW2725Q?
The MPG 271QRX leads at 360Hz, with the AW2725Q at 240Hz. The Odyssey G7 37 is at the other end of this group with 165Hz. The PA329CRV doesn't state a figure, so it sits outside this comparison.
What does the 27G810A add over the AW2725Q?
On paper it adds screen size (27 inches against 26.7 inches). It does not win everywhere: the AW2725Q still leads on refresh rate (240Hz). The AW2725Q was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the MPG 271QRX our Fastest Refresh pick?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (360Hz). It suits esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the Odyssey G7 37 and the MPG 271QRX differ on resolution?
The Odyssey G7 37, the PA329CRV, the 27G810A and the AW2725Q use 3840x2160 (4K); the MPG 271QRX uses 2560x1440 (1440p).
Will the MPG 271QRX work with my setup?
To see 360Hz 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. In this guide it ranks third of 5, as our Fastest Refresh pick.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Odyssey G7 37, chosen for the largest screen size here (37 inches). Look at the PA329CRV for 96W USB-C power delivery, the 27G810A for the top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 360Hz and the AW2725Q for the lowest price of the group at our last check if those matter more to you.
OLEDs at this price may be 1440p; check resolution.