Buying Guide
The Best OLED Monitors Under $500
We weighed four monitors on refresh rate and screen size; the Gigabyte MO27Q2A has the highest refresh rate, and the PRO MAX 271QPX14G costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
OLED monitors under $500 are mostly 27-inch 1440p models, and the question is how much refresh rate and brightness the budget buys. Every monitor here uses an OLED panel and cost $500 or less when we checked.
Rankings weigh refresh rate, resolution and size as the makers state them; we did not test these monitors ourselves, and if a maker skips response, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
MSI PRO MAX 271QPX14G QD-OLED
A lower price than the GO27Q24G and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 3-year burn-in warranty for the least money.
Our take Check price for MSI PRO MAX 271QPX14G QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
W-OLED Panel
GIGABYTE GO27Q24G
A W-OLED panel.
Best for: Buyers who want a W-OLED panel.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE GO27Q24G (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor
HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Best for: Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Our take Check price for AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED
The highest refresh rate here (280Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the GO27Q24G and the rest when we checked. | Getting 3-year burn-in warranty for the least money. | Check price for MSI PRO MAX 271QPX14G QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A W-OLED panel. | Buyers who want a W-OLED panel. | Check price for GIGABYTE GO27Q24G (opens in a new tab) |
| HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X. | Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X. | Check price for AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (280Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
MSI PRO MAX 271QPX14G QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PRO MAX 271QPX14G is built around a 3-year burn-in warranty, with built-in speakers and Pantone validation on top.
Best for
- Getting 3-year burn-in warranty for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. On refresh rate it trails the group at 144Hz, while the Gigabyte MO27Q2A offers 280Hz. It shares a QD-OLED panel with the Q27GAZDV and Gigabyte MO27Q2A; the GO27Q24G goes with a W-OLED panel.
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. Worth noting: 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. It cost the least of the 4 picks at the time of writing, with the GO27Q24G the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Refresh rate trails the Gigabyte MO27Q2A (280Hz)
W-OLED Panel2 of 4
GIGABYTE GO27Q24G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The GO27Q24G is the cheapest way to a 240Hz OLED panel here.
Best for
- Buyers who want a W-OLED panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
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 Q27GAZDV on refresh rate (240Hz).
No other pick in this guide offers a W-OLED panel; compare the Q27GAZDV, which has a QD-OLED panel. It also offers 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. On price it sat second of 4, between the cheaper PRO MAX 271QPX14G and the pricier Q27GAZDV, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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 PRO MAX 271QPX14G at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 4
AOC Q27GAZDV 27-inch QD-OLED Gaming Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's Q27GAZDV pairs a 240Hz QD-OLED panel with a 0.03ms response time and a stand that adjusts for height, tilt, swivel and pivot.
Best for
- Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs cover a PC and a current console on one screen, and a USB 3.2 hub sits in the monitor. On refresh rate it ties with the GO27Q24G at 240Hz. It shares a QD-OLED panel with the PRO MAX 271QPX14G and Gigabyte MO27Q2A; the GO27Q24G goes with a W-OLED panel.
No other pick in this guide offers a G-SYNC Compatible; compare the Gigabyte MO27Q2A, which has a FreeSync Premium Pro. It also comes with a USB 3.2 hub and VESA mount compatibility. 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. When we checked, only the GO27Q24G and cheaper picks cost less, and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- Color gamut: 110% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- 110% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the PRO MAX 271QPX14G at the time of writing
Fastest Refresh4 of 4
GIGABYTE MO27Q2A QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Gigabyte MO27Q2A brings to the table is an AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 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. Its 280Hz refresh rate is the highest here; the GO27Q24G comes next at 240Hz. It shares a QD-OLED panel with the PRO MAX 271QPX14G and Q27GAZDV; the GO27Q24G goes with a W-OLED panel.
It is the only pick here with a FreeSync Premium Pro; the Q27GAZDV has a G-SYNC Compatible instead. 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.
Only the Q27GAZDV came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks. It gives ground on screen size, where the PRO MAX 271QPX14G comes in at 27 inches.
Key dimensions & 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 PRO MAX 271QPX14G at the time of writing
How We Chose These OLED Monitors Under $500
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side four monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and response and adaptive sync are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the PRO MAX 271QPX14G to the Gigabyte MO27Q2A, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The PRO MAX 271QPX14G and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A give no response; the GO27Q24G gives no adaptive sync.
- Price range
- From the PRO MAX 271QPX14G to the Gigabyte MO27Q2A, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in an OLED Monitor Under $500
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much refresh rate you need
The Gigabyte MO27Q2A tops refresh rate at 280Hz and the PRO MAX 271QPX14G sits lowest at 144Hz. The GO27Q24G comes second at 240Hz, in the same price tier as the Gigabyte MO27Q2A.
Extras that separate them
The GO27Q24G: a 240Hz OLED panel at an entry-level OLED price at the time of writing. The Q27GAZDV: a USB 3.2 hub. The Gigabyte MO27Q2A: an AI-based OLED Care suite against burn-in.
Where your budget lands
All 4 sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, from the PRO MAX 271QPX14G at the low end to the Gigabyte MO27Q2A at the top, so decide on features first.
Start from what matters most
Getting 3-year burn-in warranty for the least money: the PRO MAX 271QPX14G. Buyers who want a W-OLED panel: the GO27Q24G. Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates: the Gigabyte MO27Q2A.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
How to Choose an OLED Monitor Under $500
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting 3-year burn-in warranty for the least money | PRO MAX 271QPX14G | A lower price than the GO27Q24G and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want a W-OLED panel | GO27Q24G | A W-OLED panel |
| Buyers who want HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X | Q27GAZDV | HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X |
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | Gigabyte MO27Q2A | The highest refresh rate here (280Hz) |
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Key specs side by side
The Gigabyte MO27Q2A leads on refresh rate at 280Hz, ahead of the GO27Q24G at 240Hz.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRO MAX 271QPX14G | 144Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| GO27Q24G | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | W-OLED |
| Q27GAZDV | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
| Gigabyte MO27Q2A | 280Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gigabyte MO27Q2A ahead of the GO27Q24G on refresh rate?
The Gigabyte MO27Q2A tops refresh rate at 280Hz; the GO27Q24G follows at 240Hz, 17% apart. The PRO MAX 271QPX14G is at the other end of this group with 144Hz.
What does the Gigabyte MO27Q2A add over the PRO MAX 271QPX14G?
The spec sheets show refresh rate (280Hz against 144Hz) in its favour. 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 Gigabyte MO27Q2A our Fastest Refresh pick?
It earns the label for the highest refresh rate here (280Hz). On refresh rate it leads the GO27Q24G, 280Hz against 240Hz, a 17% margin. It is aimed at esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Do the PRO MAX 271QPX14G and the GO27Q24G differ on panel?
The PRO MAX 271QPX14G, the Q27GAZDV and the Gigabyte MO27Q2A use QD-OLED; the GO27Q24G uses W-OLED.
What extras do the PRO MAX 271QPX14G and the GO27Q24G include?
The PRO MAX 271QPX14G: a 3-year burn-in warranty. The GO27Q24G: a 240Hz OLED panel at an entry-level OLED price at the time of writing. The Q27GAZDV: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the PRO MAX 271QPX14G, chosen for a lower price than the GO27Q24G and the rest when we checked. Look at the GO27Q24G for a W-OLED panel and the Q27GAZDV for HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X if those matter more to you.
Look at the warranty terms for burn-in cover, and turn on the panel-care features the maker provides.