How easy is it to choose the best among the hundreds of gaming monitors on the market today? Especially if it is choosing the best gaming monitor under 300? No, never easy. It’s a conundrum that we really do not like to dip our heads onto. There are words that are too technical and are giving us the hard time to understand and absorb. Relying on just the basic ‘know-hows’ can make all the difference when weighing your choices. However, they are not really enough. With most games, a set of required hardware features is listed on the packaging. There is also a listing of supported attributes and additions. If you stick with your monitor’s basic gaming quality, in return it will present the games on lower quality settings.
What do we look for in a quality gaming monitor?
As technology continually changes into greater headways, so as the industry standards. High-quality panels are suddenly dropping their pricing notch reaching more casual gamers and those who are on a tight budget. Starting from the basics, we want a display with acceptable refresh rate. Aside from that, we want a monitor that is simple but with a hardcore performance. Enabling us to view our games in clear, sharp detail minus any disturbing screen delays. A display that can keep up with fast-action motions such as DOTA and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim etc. Ghosting is an ugly concern on most PC game monitors. It is very important to ditch that problem by carefully choosing what exactly to buy. When building a house, we want to make sure that it can withstand the tough and rough weather. We are looking for the same in gaming monitors.
Investing in versatility goes a long way
Great quality gaming monitors under 300 are highly important if you want an overall satisfying gaming experience. The truth is, it doesn’t make sense to build a high-performance rig, yet hook it up to a low-quality display. Let’s put it this way, to put your expensive hardware’s high-end PC power in its core purpose you should pick a monitor that balances that equation. Meaning, get a monitor that can support your hardware’s top-line capability and has multiple uses. It can be a monitor that can work with photo and video editing for work, as well as an entertainment after work. But, with a price that will not chew your credit card. We have gone into numerous research from the expert and casual gamer reviews, readables and YouTube channels. We have pretty much dug into satisfying results. There are so many high-quality performing gaming monitors under 300. But we are very much aware that it is so difficult to make a single choice among the many good ones, especially with brands marketing their products. Let’s make our lives easier here. We are going to list down the best picks for your 300 bucks. We actually listed 10 of the best gaming monitors for 2017.
AOC G2460PF 24″ Free Sync Gaming LED Monitor
A decent 24-inch size, full HD 1920 x 1080 screen resolution, a 1ms (GTG) response rate and a spanking 144 HZ refresh rate. That itself is quite impressive for gaming monitor under 300 because it rids off blurring and ghosting and will not delay on you. These key specs have sent this gaming monitor to the top of the list. What’s on-point about the AOC G2460PF is that it is built for speed. I am talking about how well the specs support fast and responsive games such (RTS) real-time strategy and (FPS) first-person shooter games.
With that as a conjunction of features, you won’t miss a single frame smooth motion. The unit is pretty much plug and play, equipped with TN panel, plus it has all the major inputs D-Sub, DVI, HDMI, and Displayport. AOC G2460PF highlights its AMD FreeSync™. What it does is synchronize your monitor and GPU refresh rates preventing stuttering and input lag. If you both have AMD Radeon™ graphics card and the latest AMD Catalyst™ driver.
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Nixeus Vue 24″ 144Hz Gaming Monitor
The 24-inch TN panel Nixeus Vue NX-VUE24 is the very first to give birth of the Full HD 144Hz gaming monitor certified with AMD FreeSync™ technology. The AMD FreeSync works in enabling an AMD Catalyst™ Software and AMD Radeon graphics cards in helping to smooth out the communication issues between the processor and monitor. This results from a minimal to nothing of video stuttering and tearing. What it does is putting an end to choppy gameplay and broken frames, giving an entirely artifact-free performance.
This 1920 x 1080 FULL HD widescreen has the perks of an ergonomic stand giving this gaming monitor under 300 a cool look. The pivot turns 90-degree for portrait mode, tilts, and swivels from left to right. However, the viewing angle of the monitor is just 170°/160 with a contrast ratio of 1000:1. Nixeus Vue NX-VUE24 also has Dual-Link DVI, HDMI, VGA 15-Pin, and DisplayPort all up to 144Hz. It has a fast response time of 1ms (GTG), has Vesa mounts, and built-in stereo speakers.
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ASUS VG278HV 27″ Full HD Gaming Monitor
In every gaming monitor, we all want that double per second, ultra-smooth speed to ensure we don’t get the annoying hiccups in the middle of the motion scenes. Enlisted on the 3rd spot for the best gaming monitors under 300 is the widescreen 27-inch ASUS VG278HV with Full HD 1920×1080, a refresh rate of 144Hz and runs in 1ms (GtG). The display holds 50000000:1 contrast ratio and viewing angles of 170/160. For a gaming monitor under 300, this is a steal!
This monitored isn’t crippled because it has the major ports needed such as the HDMI, Dual-link DVI-D, and D-Sub or VGA. It won’t be a limitless entertainment without stereo speakers and earphones jack. Luckily, you get both. This model boasts their Splendid™ Video Intelligence Technology that promises vivid color performance based on the nature of the user’s current task. It comes with 6 pre-set modes, sRGB, Scenery, Theater, Standard, Night View, Game. We like its Ergonomic design that provides the ease of swiveling, tilting and adjusting the monitor’s height. VESA wall mounting is also available.
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Acer G257HU smidpx 25″ WQHD Widescreen Monitor
Every savvy buyers always seek for a gaming monitor with these three features within my price range, it has to be slim chassis with Full HD, LED, and a minimum size of a 22-inch display. For a gaming monitor under 300, built with an IPS panel this model stands out. With just a high-speed HDMI or DVI cable you have no problem connecting blue-ray players, DisplayPort is also included. That itself cuts the hesitation if its worth the purchase. One freebie feature it has is its MHL port1 for connecting any compatible smartphone devices.
For serious PC gamers, what seals the deal includes a 2560 x 1440 screen resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, and a good contrast ratio of 100,000,000:1. Consequently, the response rate is 4ms. An adjustment may be advisable because its tilting capability doesn’t pop off well enough. An innovative monitor such G257HU can’t be without good audiovisuals, this has built-in speakers. With just 36 watts, this does not consume much power to whack up your utility bill.
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BenQ RL2755HM 27″ LED 1080p HD Gaming Monitor
Gaining praises from buyers and gamers due to its fantastic image quality, the BenQ 27-Inch Gaming Monitor makes it to the top 10. It is a TN panel type with an impressive fluid console eSports gaming to keep you up with no annoying lags. Runs with 60Hz refresh rate and 1ms (GTG) response time. According to numerous reviews, this model is indeed meant for hardcore PC gamers. Equipped with two HDMI ports, you have an extra input for another HDMI device apart from your gaming console.
It is also engineered with RTS mode by professional gamers, that gives a boost of confidence and reliability for gaming and entertainment.
Since most games require a different level of color vibrancy, BenQ’s 27-inch gaming monitor with 20-level color vibrancy settings. Another fun feature is the ability of the gamer to change the display’s viewing size scaling the display mode from 17 inch to 27 inch W.
This 27-inch gaming monitor under 300 is pretty much admired for its real-estate bezel-less expanded screen, simple button controls and ultra-thin and dynamic display. But is it just the sleek looks? No. The response time is 7ms with 60 Hz refresh rate. It is built with an IPS panel, holds 10,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, full HD with anti-glare and versatile viewing because it tilts well. Just so you have a much convenient gaming, its 1 VGA, and 2 HDMI input connectors are HDCP compatible.
Some customers who purchased this monitor even highlighted how easy it is to connect with other peripheral devices including an Apple Mac Mini. So pretty much get the best bang for your buck! It has more than just its beautiful vantage point and accessibility. Just to note, does not have speakers, and does not have VESA mounting. You can purchase a VESA adapter separately. You can also just hook up external speakers like the Satechi ST-WDS20 Dual Sonic Conical v2.0 Computer Speakers.
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ViewSonic VX2770SMH-LED 27″ Frameless LED Monitor
Just to sign up the thrill right away, this gaming monitor under 300 has over 30,000,000:1 MEGA dynamic contrast ratio. That is one strong and premium picture quality, which suits well with its glossy look and thin profile. This model is not without flaws. However, we want to point out a slight matter about its tendencies to have a glow around the edges and corners. So far, the model belts a high satisfaction rating overall. One special vantage of this gaming monitor favors serious graphics photographers, as it has a factory calibrated preset for the sRGB.
The ViewSonic’s VX2770Smh-LED monitor also holds an IPS technology, which is great for high pixel density smartphone screens. HDMI, DVI, and VGA inputs with HDCP support are available on this model. That ensures versatility on top of its efficacious performance. Given the fact that has an energy saving Eco mode it is excellent for an all-day gaming.
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Samsung SE370 Series LS27E370DS/ZA 27″ Screen LED-Lit Monitor
This 27-inch gaming monitor under 300 promising more immersive gaming and super clear PLS panel, (Samsung’s version of IPS.) The display is a convenient angle to angle 178/178 viewing angle, this model is pretty adaptive with fast-moving scenes. The chassis itself looks sleek and modern. Perhaps the most impressive technology the Samsung SE370 Series has is the eye saver mode. What it does is reduce the blue light emissions optimizing your viewing comfort and prevents eye fatigue.
Although this model does not have VESA mounting, the T-shape stand is a space-saving design and makes the base sturdy. The compromise of every person who spends so much time infront of the computer is the eye fatigue. The color reproduction is amicably suitable for all-day gamers. It may slightly wash washes out the blacks but barely noticeable, the vivid HDR-like colors is a standout. The model also belts AMD FreeSync technology with a fast refresh rate of 60 HZ and 4ms response time. Bonus, it has a port for charging a smartphone.
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ASUS MX279H (MX279 Series) 27″ Frameless Monitor
Asus monitors are always present in many well-performing gadgets listings, and the ASUS MX279H is another name. This gaming monitor under 300 has two remarkable audio system designed by the high-end Bang and Olufsen brand. Most of us tend to have multi-device connections, so its dual HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA ports simply save us the hassle. The minimalist sundial-inspired stand design is sturdy and looks elegant.
Although heavily marketed, many console gamers were concerned about the response time of this model, being at 5ms (GtG). But many gamers reviews who have tested its gaming capability has noted that the response time issue is barely noticeable. Calibrating the settings isn’t always as easy but doing it properly gets the job done. This model got an edge-to-edge Full HD AH-IPS LED display, the punchy colors are vastly more enjoyable. If the ASUS VG278HV has 6 pre-set modes, ASUS MX279H has 8. Adding the reading and darkroom modes.
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ViewSonic XG2401 24″ w/ AMD FreeSync Gaming Monitor
In mind of gaming, ViewSonic XG2401 is class-leading compared to nearly any monitor within the 300 price range. Professional reviews pointed out how well its color accuracy is in addition to its AMD FreeSync capability that ranges 48-144hz. This model is designed to meet most of the gaming needs of both amateur and professional gamers. Annoying tracers, motion blur, and ghosting are among the major pet peeves of gamers. The fast refresh rate plus an ultra-fast response time are two vital elements for PC games, especially FPS and RTS games.
If you play a lot of the arcade shoot-’em-up games, this model has very to no input lagging. That is pretty much stepping up the game for ViewSonic XG2401. The game mode function itself is dedicated with pre-calibrated FPS 1 and 2, RTS, and MOBA. Other than its built-in speakers, it has an integrated headphone hook at the back for functionality. It is pretty much packed with features for fast-paced PC games.
Conclusion
Straight up tech review, it is hard to tell which among the numerous monitors under 300 is an understatement. There are many factors to consider, with the deviation of the basic requisite specs of each. Most buyers want monitors for multiple uses apart from gaming, like video and photo editing. Nevertheless, these monitors have high-performance attributes that are well-worth of every buck.
img: amazon.com
