Buying Guide
The Best Monitors Under $800
Five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, where the Alienware AW3426DW has the largest screen size; the MAG 271QPX is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Between $500 and $800 you can choose between fast OLED gaming panels and sharp 4K IPS screens. Every pick sits in that range at the time of writing, ordered by refresh rate.
We ranked these monitors on refresh rate, resolution and size using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out HDR, we say 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.
Also Consider
INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500HzA 500Hz refresh rate.
Best for: Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate.
Check price for INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Best for: Buyers who want DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Check price for MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLEDThe cheapest way into this group, below the INNOCN GA27M1Q.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the INNOCN GA27M1Q the next step up.
Check price for MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNGA 3-year warranty on an OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want 3-year warranty on an OLED panel.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Alienware 34 AW3426DW QD-OLEDThe largest screen size here (34 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Check price for Alienware 34 AW3426DW QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
INNOCN GA27M1Q 27-inch QD-OLED 500Hz
The INNOCN GA27M1Q is built around a 500Hz refresh rate, with a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it ties with the MPG 271QR X50 at 500Hz. It matches the MPG 271QR X50 and the MAG 271QPX on screen size (27 inches).
Like the XG27ACDNG, it has a G-SYNC Compatible, while the Alienware AW3426DW uses a G-SYNC. To see 500Hz 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.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 500Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- a 500Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MAG 271QPX at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50
The MPG 271QR X50 stands out for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs, and it adds a 98W USB-C port.
Best for
- Buyers who want DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs.
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 also offers a 500Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the INNOCN GA27M1Q on refresh rate (500Hz). On screen size it ties with the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MAG 271QPX at 27 inches.
It is the only pick here with a DisplayHDR True Black 500; the MAG 271QPX has a DisplayHDR True Black 400 instead. To see 500Hz 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. Its price falls between the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the XG27ACDNG, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 500Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 500
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- a 500Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the MAG 271QPX at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED
The MAG 271QPX stands out for a console mode with HDMI 2.1 at 1440p and 360Hz, and it adds OLED Care 2.0.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the INNOCN GA27M1Q the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It also offers a 360Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On screen size it ties with the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 at 27 inches. Like the XG27ACDNG, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the MPG 271QR X50 uses a DisplayHDR True Black 500.
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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the INNOCN GA27M1Q was the next step up.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 360Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- USB-C
- Yes
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
- Refresh rate of 360Hz, behind the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz)
The catch
The main gap: refresh rate of 360Hz, behind the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz). If that matters, the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 500Hz.
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG
The XG27ACDNG runs a QD-OLED panel at 360Hz with True Black 400 HDR and a 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want 3-year warranty on an OLED panel.
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 is the balanced pick for competitive play. It matches the MAG 271QPX on refresh rate (360Hz). On screen size it trails the group at 26.5 inches, while the Alienware AW3426DW comes in at 34 inches.
Like the MAG 271QPX, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the MPG 271QR X50 uses a DisplayHDR True Black 500. It shares a G-SYNC Compatible with the INNOCN GA27M1Q; the Alienware AW3426DW goes with a G-SYNC. 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. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper MPG 271QR X50 and the pricier Alienware AW3426DW, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 360Hz
- Resolution
- 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size
- 26.5 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty
- 3-year
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
- Screen size trails the Alienware AW3426DW (34 inches)
- Costs more than the MAG 271QPX at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is screen size; for more, the Alienware AW3426DW comes in at 34 inches.
Largest Screen Size5 of 5
Alienware 34 AW3426DW QD-OLED
The Alienware AW3426DW is built around an ultrawide QD-OLED panel.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 280Hz refresh rate and offers a 34 inches screen size. Its 280Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the INNOCN GA27M1Q leads at 500Hz. Nothing else here matches its 34 inches screen size; the INNOCN GA27M1Q comes closest at 27 inches.
No other pick in this guide offers a 3440x1440 resolution; compare the MAG 271QPX, which has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. You get a G-SYNC here, which sets it apart from the XG27ACDNG and its a G-SYNC Compatible. 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. 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 XG27ACDNG and the rest.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 280Hz
- Resolution
- 3440x1440
- Size
- 34 inches
- Panel
- QD-OLED
- Response
- 0.03ms
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC
Pros
- a 280Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- G-SYNC to reduce screen tearing
- Largest screen size of the picks (34 inches)
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate trails the INNOCN GA27M1Q (500Hz)
- Costs more than the MAG 271QPX at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the INNOCN GA27M1Q offers 500Hz.
How We Chose These Monitors Under $800
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 lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 9 fields compared are stated for every pick, while HDR and color gamut have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the INNOCN GA27M1Q to the Alienware AW3426DW, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share QD-OLED panel and 0.03ms response.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The INNOCN GA27M1Q and the Alienware AW3426DW give no HDR; the MAG 271QPX and the Alienware AW3426DW give no color gamut.
- Price range
- From the MAG 271QPX to the Alienware AW3426DW, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Monitor Under $800
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
The INNOCN GA27M1Q tops refresh rate at 500Hz and the Alienware AW3426DW sits lowest at 280Hz; 2 picks share the top figure. Start with the INNOCN GA27M1Q if refresh rate decides it.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 26.5 inches on the XG27ACDNG to 34 inches on the Alienware AW3426DW, a 28% spread. For less, the INNOCN GA27M1Q is the runner-up at 27 inches.
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop Extras that separate them
The MAG 271QPX: OLED Care 2.0. The XG27ACDNG: a 3-year warranty on an OLED panel. The Alienware AW3426DW: an ultrawide QD-OLED panel.
Budget
All 5 sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, from the MAG 271QPX at the low end to the Alienware AW3426DW at the top, so decide on features first.
A white desk with two monitors and a laptop Start from what matters most
Spending as little as possible, with the INNOCN GA27M1Q the next step up: the MAG 271QPX. Buyers who put screen size first: the Alienware AW3426DW.
How to Choose a Monitor Under $800
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 500Hz refresh rate | INNOCN GA27M1Q | A 500Hz refresh rate |
| Buyers who want DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs | MPG 271QR X50 | DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs |
| Spending as little as possible, with the INNOCN GA27M1Q the next step up | MAG 271QPX | The cheapest way into this group, below the INNOCN GA27M1Q |
| Buyers who want 3-year warranty on an OLED panel | XG27ACDNG | A 3-year warranty on an OLED panel |
| Buyers who put screen size first | Alienware AW3426DW | The largest screen size here (34 inches) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The INNOCN GA27M1Q leads on refresh rate at 500Hz, ahead of the MPG 271QR X50 at 500Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INNOCN GA27M1Q | 500Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| MPG 271QR X50 | 500Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| MAG 271QPX | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| XG27ACDNG | 360Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 26.5 inches | QD-OLED |
| Alienware AW3426DW | 280Hz | 3440x1440 | 34 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest screen size: the Alienware AW3426DW or the INNOCN GA27M1Q?
Between the top two, it is 34 inches on the Alienware AW3426DW against 27 inches on the INNOCN GA27M1Q, a 26% difference. The XG27ACDNG is at the other end of this group with 26.5 inches.
What does the Alienware AW3426DW add over the MAG 271QPX?
On paper it adds screen size (34 inches against 27 inches). It does not win everywhere: the MAG 271QPX still leads on refresh rate (360Hz). Both sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, so the gains in screen size cost little extra by tier.
Why is the Alienware AW3426DW our Largest Screen Size pick?
It earns the label for the largest screen size here (34 inches). On screen size it leads the INNOCN GA27M1Q, 34 inches against 27 inches, a 26% margin. The price of that: the MAG 271QPX, the cheapest pick, still beats it on refresh rate (360Hz against 280Hz). It suits anyone who puts screen size first.
Do the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the Alienware AW3426DW differ on resolution?
The INNOCN GA27M1Q, the MPG 271QR X50, the MAG 271QPX and the XG27ACDNG use 2560x1440 (1440p); the Alienware AW3426DW uses 3440x1440.
What extras do the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the MPG 271QR X50 include?
The INNOCN GA27M1Q: a 500Hz refresh rate. The MPG 271QR X50: DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs. The MAG 271QPX: a console mode with HDMI 2.1 at 1440p and 360Hz.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the INNOCN GA27M1Q, chosen for a 500Hz refresh rate. Look at the MPG 271QR X50 for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 inputs, the MAG 271QPX for the cheapest way into this group, below the INNOCN GA27M1Q and the XG27ACDNG for a 3-year warranty on an OLED panel if those matter more to you.
Check the GPU's outputs for the refresh rate you want.
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 $600
- Higher budgetThe Best Monitors Under $1,000
- ExplainerHow to choose a monitor for your PC
- Explainer24 vs 27 vs 32-Inch Monitor
- Also see: monitor arms and accessoriesThe Best Monitor Stand Risers
- Similar guideThe Best Monitors Under $80
- 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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