Looking for a budget gaming monitor with terrific performance? You’re in luck! The 2025 market of gaming monitors has some fantastic choices under $400 that provide a perfect blend of performance, graphics, and gamer-focused features.
Having performed a lot of testing and research, I’ve compiled this guide to help you find the perfect monitor for your game and your wallet. Whether you’re an in-your-face competitive player or a hardcore single-player enthusiast, there is something within your price range to take your gaming experience to the next level.
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Best Gaming Monitor Picks For Under $400
- AOC Q27G3XMN
- AOC C27G2Z
- BenQ MOBIUZ EX2510S
AOC Q27G3XMN
The AOC Q27G3XMN earns our highest endorsement for bringing high-end features at an affordable mid-range cost. Now offered for $299.99, the 27-inch monitor has technology found in more expensive models.
Key features that set it apart:
- Mini LED tech for better contrast and brightness
- QHD (2560×1440) resolution for sharp, clear visuals
- 180Hz refresh rate for silky-smooth gaming
- Compatibility with consoles Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch
- 3-year zero-bright-dot warranty for worry-free usage
The QHD resolution is the sweet spot for gaming – much sharper than 1080p without the high-end GPU that 4K gaming requires. The Mini LED backlighting offers contrast levels almost up to OLED quality but with much superior brightness, making this display outstanding for dark and light game worlds.
For players who desire the best overall monitor within a budget of $400, the Q27G3XMN takes the top spot with excellent visual quality coupled with competitive performance capabilities.
Customer Reviews from Amazon
AOC C27G2Z
For competitive gamers who value sheer speed over anything else, the AOC C27G2Z is the undisputed king in this price segment. The monitor is designed specifically for esports and high-speed competitive games.
Key features that set it apart:
- Stunning 240Hz refresh rate for silky-smooth motion
- 0.5ms response time for immediate visual feedback
- 1800R curved VA panel for fully immersive gaming experience
- FreeSync Premium for tear-free, lag-free gaming
- Frameless design for distraction-free gaming
Although it has 1080p resolution instead of 1440p, that means more systems can take full advantage of the fantastic 240Hz refresh rate without needing premium graphics cards. The VA panel also provides deeper blacks and greater contrast than standard IPS panels, with darker games feeling particularly immersive.
For competitive gamers of games like CS2, Valorant, or Apex Legends where every millisecond counts, the C27G2Z offers a true competitive edge at a good price point.
Customer Reviews from Amazon
BenQ MOBIUZ EX2510S
The BenQ MOBIUZ EX2510S is a testament that incredible gaming performance doesn’t have to be expensive. Its current sale prices of as low as $139.99 offer this monitor incredible features for such a price like no other.
Key features that set it apart:
- 165Hz refresh rate for smooth competitive gaming
- 1ms response time to eliminate motion blur
- IPS panel with 99% sRGB for rich color
- HDRi technology dynamically adjusts
- HDR performance according to ambient light
- Eye-care features to sustain long gaming sessions
Don’t be misled by the price tag – the EX2510S offers true gaming performance that would have cost twice as much to make just a few years ago. Its 1080p screen on a 25-inch display gives great pixel density for incredibly detailed images, and the IPS panel gives rich, subtle color.
For the budget gamer or for occasional gaming use as a secondary monitor, the MOBIUZ EX2510S is great value without sacrificing the key capabilities of a genuine gaming monitor.
Customer Reviews from Amazon
Panel Types: What's Best for Gaming?
When you buy a gaming monitor for less than $400, you will be presented with three principal panel types, each with its benefits:
IPS Panels
The BenQ MOBIUZ EX2510S possesses IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels with the following benefits:
- Improved color accuracy and broader viewing angles
- Improved overall visual quality for games of different genres
- More contemporary gaming IPS panels already compete with response times with other technologies
Best for: Gamers who play multiple games and are concerned about color accuracy as well as performance.
VA Panels
Employed in the AOC C27G2Z, VA (Vertical Alignment) panels offer:
- Improved contrast ratio with darker blacks
- Richer experience in a dimly lit environment
- Substantial compromise in response time (though new VA panels reduce it to the bare minimum)
Best for: Gamers who appreciate atmosphere-based games with dark rooms or gamers playing games in rooms with poor lighting.
Mini LED
The AOC Q27G3XMN uses Mini LED backlighting, which brings along:
- A far improved contrast than typical LCD monitors
- Better local dimming precision for enhanced HDR performance
- Brighter highlights with no compromise in black levels
Best for: Gamers who want best-in-class visual quality at near-OLED levels but without the latter’s cost or burn-in issues.
Resolution: Discovering Your Sweet Spot
Monitors within our selection are split into two resolution groups:
1080p (FHD)
Both BenQ MOBIUZ EX2510S and AOC C27G2Z have 1080p resolution, which
- Needs less GPU power to power high frame rates
- Excels on 24-25 inch monitors with decent pixel density
- Optimal for high-end gaming in which the priority is performance over visual quality
1440p (QHD)
AOC Q27G3XMN has 1440p resolution, providing:
- Considerably sharper image quality (78% more pixels compared to 1080p)
- Additional screen real estate for productivity and content creation
- Optimal balance of visual quality and performance for the majority of modern gaming PCs
Conclusion
The budget gaming monitor category under $400 in 2025 has some gorgeous models to share with all gamers:
- Top all-around value: The AOC Q27G3XMN provides great visual quality through its Mini LED technology and 180Hz refresh rate
- Best for competitive gamers: The AOC C27G2Z offers a scorching 240Hz refresh rate for a competitive edge
- Best budget pick: The BenQ MOBIUZ EX2510S delivers true gaming performance at an unbeatable price
All of these monitors are the sweetspot of gaming performance without paying top-of-the-line display prices. Being cognizant of the flagship features and your own taste in gaming, you can choose the best monitor that will serve you well in the long run.
