You’ve invested in the ultimate gaming PC, but your budget for a monitor is tight. Don’t worry, you don’t have to sacrifice an immersive experience. While affordable 4K gaming monitors may require minor trade-offs, there are plenty of options under $400 that still deliver impressive visuals and performance. Let’s dive into the top 5 budget-friendly 4K gaming monitors that won’t break the bank:
1. LG 27UK650-W 27” UltraFine 4K UHD Monitor
Specifications:
| Price (Amazon) | $373.99 |
| Screen Display Size | 27 Inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
| Brand | LG |
| Series | LG27UK650W |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Max Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | 1x DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, 1x USB-B |
| Dimensions | 24.1 x 9.1 x 22.3 Inches |
| Weight | 13.70 Pounds |
Pros
- HDR 10
- sRGB 99% Gamut color space
- AMD FreeSync
Cons
- Maximum 60Hz Refresh Rate
- Display lacking outside of HDR mode
The LG LG27UK650-W offers a lot of the features that gamers are looking for in the latest monitors, including HDR support, sRGB, and AMD FreeSync. And while this LG budget 4K gaming monitor offers those options, some of them cannot be used in conjunction. Regardless, the on-screen controls and monitor head adjustments make this monitor a friendlier pick for someone looking for accessibility. Additionally, there is an option for an “HDR Effect” even for gaming hardware that does not support HDR.
2. ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A 28” HDR Monitor, 4K UHD
Specifications:
| Price (Amazon) | $285.99 |
| Screen Display Size | 28 Inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
| Brand | Asus |
| Series | TUF Gaming Series VG289Q1A |
| Display Type | LED |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Max Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x Audio Out |
| Dimensions | 25.18 x 18.13 x 8.42 Inches |
| Weight | 12.57 Pounds |
Pros
- IPS Display
- Adaptive Sync/AMD FreeSync
- HDR 10
- Beneficial to designers as well as gamers
- 90% DCI-P3 color space
- sRGB mode
- No backlight bleeding
- Great black levels
- VESA mounting
Cons
- Maximum 60Hz Refresh Rate
- Buttons are hard to access
- Display options are lacking
- No direct volume buttons
- No direct input change buttons
The Asus TUF VG289Q1A budget 4K gaming monitor offers many of the same features as the LG LG27UK650-W, but with some additional gems that are not found in entry-level monitors. In addition to the common sRGB, the Asus TUF gaming also provides the option for 90% DCI-P3 color space. The overall viewing experience and color range is very positive. Conversely, the lack of accessibility with menu controls on the hardware make it more difficult to make adjustments on the fly.
3. Philips 276E8VJSB 27″ Monitor, 4K UHD
Specifications:
| Price (Amazon) | $269.99 |
| Screen Display Size | 27 Inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
| Brand | Philips |
| Series | 276E8VJSB |
| Display Type | LED |
| Response Time | 5 ms |
| Max Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x Audio Out |
| Dimensions | 24.13 x 7.44 x 18.35 Inches |
| Weight | 10.67 Pounds |
Pros
- Multiview setting – simultaneous dual connect and view
- sRGB
Cons
- No adaptive sync
- Maximum 60 Hz refresh rate
The Philips 276E8VJSB budget 4K gaming monitor is great for those looking to get the most out of their viewing experience. The monitor supports a multiview setting that allows multiple sources to be fed consecutively to the monitor in a split-view. Unfortunately, the lack of adaptive sync may make it more difficult to view content as smoothly as some of the other monitors on this list.
4. SAMSUNG UR59 Series 32-Inch 4K UHD Computer Monitor
Specifications:
| Price (Amazon) | $399.99 |
| Screen Display Size | 31.5 Inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
| Brand | Samsung |
| Series | LU32R590CWNXZA |
| Display Type | LED |
| Response Time | 4 ms |
| Max Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x HDMI 2.0 |
| Dimensions | 3.3 x 28 x 16.5 Inches |
| Weight | 12.3 Pounds |
Pros
- Split-screen functions
- Curved monitor for comfortability
- Good for color reproduction and glare reduction
Cons
- No native VESA mounting
- Maximum 60 Hz refresh rate
- No internal speakers
- Cables do not fit securely in monitor
- Stand has limited adjustment
The 32” curved Samsung UR59 Series budget 4K gaming monitor offers the most real estate of all the monitors on this list, making it an easy choice for the gamers preferring to go bigger. Complimenting its size, the Samsung UR59 is able to provide strong color reproduction and glare reduction, but does lack some glaring hardware features, such as the lack of the common VESA mounting, built-in speakers, and stand flexibility. Additionally, there have been some complaints about cables not plugging in securely, causing them to be knocked out more easily.
5. Dell S2722QS 27 Inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Ultra-Thin Bezel Monitor
Specifications:
| Price (Amazon) | $368.99 |
| Screen Display Size | 27 Inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
| Brand | Dell |
| Series | S2721QS |
| Display Type | LED |
| Response Time | 4 ms |
| Max Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort, 1x Audio Out |
| Dimensions | 24.08 x 6.88 x 20.08 Inches |
| Weight | 10.36 Pounds |
Pros
- VESA Mounting
- AMD FreeSync
- Good native stand
- Good brightness and contrast
Cons
- Maximum 60 Hz refresh rate
- Lacking HDR support
Dell’s S2722QS budget 4K gaming monitor offers a very well-rounded experience, while only sacrificing a few gaming features that are often found in more expensive monitors. The hardware and display settings provide a lot for a budget gamer to work with, but it is important to keep in mind that HDR support could be better for this monitor, in comparison to other models with full HDR. The lack of HDR10 certification could mislead consumers thinking they’ll get the same dynamic range of higher-end monitors.
Top 5 Budget 4K Gaming Monitors Comparison Table
| Product Name | LG 27UK650-W 27” UltraFine 4K UHD Monitor | ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A 28” HDR Monitor, 4K UHD | Philips 276E8VJSB 27″ Monitor, 4K UHD | SAMSUNG UR59 Series 32-Inch 4K UHD (3840×2160) Computer Monitor | Dell S2722QS 27 Inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Ultra-Thin Bezel Monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Amazon) | $429.99 | $329.00 | $329.99 | $449.99 | $319.99 |
| Screen Display Size | 27 Inches | 28 Inches | 27 Inches | 31.5 Inches | 27 Inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 Pixels | 3840 x 2160 Pixels | 3840 x 2160 Pixels | 3840 x 2160 Pixels | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
| Brand | LG | Asus | Philips | Samsung | Dell |
| Series | LG27UK650W | TUF Gaming Series VG289Q1A | 276E8VJSB | LU32R590CWNXZA | S2721QS |
| Display Type | LCD | LED | LED | LED | LED |
| Response Time | 5 ms | 5 ms | 5 ms | 4 ms | 4 ms |
| Max Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Ports | 1x DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, 1x USB-B | 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x Audio Out | 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x Audio Out | 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x HDMI 2.0 | 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort, 1x Audio Out |
| Dimensions | 24.1 x 9.1 x 22.3 Inches | 25.18 x 18.13 x 8.42 Inches | 24.13 x 7.44 x 18.35 Inches | 3.3 x 28 x 16.5 Inches | 24.08 x 6.88 x 20.08 Inches |
| Weight | 13.70 Pounds | 12.57 Pounds | 10.67 Pounds | 12.3 Pounds | 10.36 Pounds |
Ratings – Budget 4K Gaming Monitors
