Best Gaming Monitors For Under $300 In 2025
Here are the best gaming monitors for under $300 in 2025. As gaming grows, so does our demand for monitors that can keep up without draining our bank accounts. No matter if you’re shooting your way through Counter-Strike 2 or trekking through massive open worlds, the right monitor can make all the difference in your gaming experience. I reviewed dozens of models during 2025, and I’m pleased to present the three top gaming monitors for under $300 that offer remarkable value in 2025.
The Quick Comparison
Here is the quick comparison between the Best Gaming Monitors For Under $300 In 2025:
| Monitor | Best For | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Panel Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI Optix G271CP | Immersive Gaming | 1080p | 165Hz | VA (Curved) | $230 |
| Gigabyte M27Q | All-Around Use | 1440p | 165Hz | IPS | $299 |
| Acer Nitro XV272U | Competitive Esports | 1440p | 240Hz | IPS | $299 |
MSI Optix G271CP: Curved Gaming on a Budget
Why It’s Amazing:
The MSI Optix G271CP offers an engaging gaming experience that draws you directly into the action. Having played multiple hours of open-world games on this 27-inch curved monitor, I was truly amazed at how the 1000R curve improved my peripheral vision and delivered a more immersive experience.
Major Specifications:
- Panel Type: 27″ VA with 1000R curve
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 1ms MPRT
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync Premium
- Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
- Price Range: $230
Who Should Buy This:
If you like racing simulations, flight simulators, or highly immersive RPGs, the curvature provides a depth dimension that flat panels just can’t compete with. The VA panel provides deep blacks that make dark areas in horror games, such as Resident Evil, especially impactful.
The 165Hz refresh rate offers buttery-smooth performance, particularly in action games. During my testing of Apex Legends, the smooth handling of motion provided a noticeable advantage in quickfire duels.
Considerations:
The 1080p resolution is the biggest compromise here. On a 27-inch display, you will see some pixelation if you get up close, particularly when viewing text or using it for productivity. But the pixel density is good enough for most gaming conditions, and the lower resolution has the advantage that you don’t require a high-end graphics card to achieve those higher frame rates.
Customer Reviews from Amazon
Gigabyte M27Q: The All-Rounder
Why It’s Amazing:
The Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 1.0) would be what I’d get friends if they want one monitor that can do everything. When we put it to the test, it was extremely versatile, providing top-notch gaming performance while also being an incredible work and content creation monitor.
Major Specifications:
- Panel Type: 27″ IPS
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 0.5ms MPRT
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync Premium
- Color Coverage: 92% DCI-P3, 140% sRGB
- Price Range: $299
Who Should Buy This:
If you’re a gamer who streams, works from home, or uses your PC for anything other than gaming, the M27Q is your best option. QHD resolution has 77% more pixels than 1080p, displaying sharper text and more image detail, yet frame rates are still high enough for competitive gaming.
What truly makes this monitor stand out from the competition is the KVM switch integrated within, which enables you to manage several devices using a single set of keyboard and mouse. I put it to the test by hooking up my gaming PC and work laptop and switching between them effortlessly—a perfect productivity enhancer.
Considerations:
The M27Q occupies a spot just at the border of our $300 budget, often drifting into it with the holiday shopping season. Though the USB-C port is a nice touch, be aware that it will not receive video input—it’s intended for the KVM and device charging applications.
Customer Reviews from Amazon
Acer Nitro XV272U
Why It’s Amazing:
The Acer Nitro XV272U is for the competitive gamer who will take any edge they can get. While playing Counter-Strike 2, I felt the difference of 170Hz refresh rate and super-responsive response time immediately in my gameplay.
Major Specifications:
- Panel Type: 27″ IPS
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Response Time: 0.5ms
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
- Color Coverage: 95% DCI-P3
- HDR: HDR10 (400 nits)
- Price: $299
Who Should Buy This:
If you game mostly with competitive first-person shooters, MOBAs, and racing games where reaction time is important, this monitor performs well.
QHD resolution with a high refresh rate means you don’t have to compromise visual detail in the interest of speed.
AdaptiveLight was a welcome surprise during gaming late into the night, drastically cutting eye strain by automatically adjusting brightness according to your surroundings.
Considerations:
Although HDR10 is supported in the XV272U, 400-nit peak brightness will rob you of the full HDR experience you may see on more expensive premium monitors that cost twice as much. However, color accuracy and contrast remain excellent for the money.
Customer Reviews from Amazon
How to Choose the Best Gaming Monitors?
When you choose between these three great options, remember:
- Your GPU’s performance: You require a good GPU to take full advantage of a QHD 170Hz display. If you own an older or budget graphics card, the MSI’s 1080p resolution may be better suited for you.
- Your gaming needs:
–Competitive first-person shooters → Acer Nitro XV272U
–Immersive single-player games → MSI Optix G271CP
–Work and gaming mix → Gigabyte M27Q - Your workspace: MSI curved monitor needs to be located in its ideal position for optimal experience, whereas Gigabyte and Acer, employing IPS panels, tend to be more flexible with broader viewing angles.
Conclusion
It’s amazing how far monitor technology has come, with features that were once premium only a few years ago finding their way into the sub-$300 price bracket. All of these monitors provide great value for various levels of gamers:
- MSI Optix G271CP: Top budget option with an immersive curved experience
- Gigabyte M27Q: All-rounder best in mixed use
- Acer Nitro XV272U: Ideal for competitive gaming performance
What’s your current gaming monitor configuration? Are you looking to upgrade this year? Let us know in our reddit community!
Don’t forget to explore our detailed articles on Gaming PCs and other monitors for even more great options:
