High-Tech & Gaming · 4 products compared
Best Budget Gaming Monitor: ASUS vs Acer vs Samsung vs Dell
Best budget gaming monitor comparison: ASUS TUF 300Hz vs Acer Nitro, Samsung Odyssey G55C and Dell 240Hz. Which one is worth it for your PC or console?
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At a glance
- 1US$199See at Amazon
- 2
US$159.99See at Amazon - 3
US$189.99See at Amazon - 4
US$149.99See at Amazon
Prices and availability as of 17 Oct 2026 and subject to change. The price shown on the store at the time of purchase applies.
Our top pick is the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A. It suits PC players who want a sharp 1440p picture and a very high 300Hz refresh rate on one screen. If you want the safest buy for less money, the Acer Nitro KG271U is the best value. It gives you 1440p and 180Hz with more than a thousand owner reviews behind it.
All four monitors hold the same 4.4-star Amazon average, and all are sold by Amazon.com. So the choice comes down to resolution, refresh rate, screen size and how much review history you want to rely on.
The quick picks
- Best overall: ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A, a 27-inch 1440p Fast IPS panel at 300Hz.
- Best value: Acer Nitro KG271U, a 27-inch 1440p IPS panel at 180Hz.
- Best for immersion: Samsung Odyssey G55C, a 32-inch 1440p screen with a 1000R curve and a 165Hz refresh rate.
- Cheapest high-refresh option: Dell SE2726HG, a 27-inch 1080p IPS panel at 240Hz.
Why the ASUS leads
It is rare to find 300Hz at 2560x1440 in this price bracket. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A pairs that refresh rate with a Fast IPS panel rated at 0.3ms GTG. It also has ELMB Sync, which combines motion-blur reduction with variable refresh, and it is G-SYNC compatible. For competitive shooters, that spec sheet is hard to beat.
There are two caveats. First, you need a powerful graphics card to get anywhere near 300fps at 1440p, so in demanding games many owners won't use the full refresh rate. Second, it has only 305 reviews, far fewer than the Samsung or Acer. That gives you less evidence about long-term reliability.
Acer Nitro: the sensible middle
The Acer Nitro KG271U has the same 1440p resolution and IPS panel type as the ASUS, but at 180Hz. That is a refresh rate mid-range GPUs can actually reach in many games. It adds two HDMI ports, DisplayPort, built-in speakers and a zero-frame design, which helps if you plan to run two monitors side by side.
It costs $159.99 against $199 for the ASUS, and its 1,176 reviews make it the better-proven choice. What you give up is the extra smoothness above 180Hz.
Samsung Odyssey G55C: bigger and curved
The Samsung Odyssey G55C is the only 32-inch and the only curved model here. Its 1000R curve wraps the image around your view, which suits racing, open-world and single-player games. It also has the largest review base, with 2,125 ratings, and it is currently 22% below its typical price at $189.99.
The trade-offs are real. Stretching 1440p across 32 inches gives a lower pixel density than the same resolution on 27 inches. The 165Hz refresh rate is the lowest of the group. The 1ms figure is an MPRT rating, a different measurement from the GTG numbers the other brands quote, so the response times can't be compared directly. HDR10 support on a budget monitor should not be expected to match premium HDR displays.
Dell SE2726HG: fast but only 1080p
The Dell SE2726HG is the cheapest model at $149.99 and offers 240Hz on an IPS panel. It also brings FreeSync Premium, HDMI VRR, 99% sRGB coverage and TÜV 3-Star eye-comfort certification. The HDMI VRR support makes it a reasonable match for current consoles, and 1080p is easy for modest GPUs to drive at high frame rates.
The weakness is resolution. 1080p on a 27-inch screen looks noticeably softer than 1440p, especially for text. The stand also only tilts. For just $10 more, the Acer gives you a much sharper image.
How to choose
- You play competitive shooters and have a strong GPU: get the ASUS.
- You want the best balance of sharpness, smoothness and proven reviews: get the Acer.
- You want a large, immersive screen for slower-paced games: get the Samsung.
- You have an older GPU or a console and want high refresh rates cheaply: consider the Dell.
Side by side
| Spec | Best overallASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A 27 Inch 1440p 300Hz G-SYNC Gaming Monitor | Best valueAcer Nitro 27in QHD 2560x1440 IPS 180Hz Gaming Monitor KG271U N3bmiipx | Best for immersionSamsung 32" Odyssey (G55C) Series QHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor | Dell 27 240Hz Gaming Monitor - SE2726HG - 27-inch FHD (1920x1080) Display, in-Plane Switching (IPS) Technology, AMD FreeSync Premium, TÜV 3-Star, 2X HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, Tilt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Adaptive sync | G-SYNC compatible, ELMB Sync | AMD FreeSync | AMD FreeSync | FreeSync Premium, HDMI VRR |
| Panel | Fast IPS | IPS | Not specified | IPS |
| Price | $199.00 (list $269.00) | $159.99 | $189.99 (typical $242.08) | $149.99 |
| Refresh rate | 300Hz | 180Hz | 165Hz | 240Hz |
| Resolution | 2560x1440 (QHD) | 2560x1440 (QHD) | 2560x1440 (QHD) | 1920x1080 (FHD) |
| Response time | 0.3ms GTG | 0.5ms | 1ms MPRT | 0.5ms |
| Screen size | 27 in, flat | 27 in, flat | 32 in, 1000R curved | 27 in, flat |
| Price | US$199 | US$159.99 | US$189.99 | US$149.99 |
Prices and availability as of 17 Oct 2026 and subject to change. The price shown on the store at the time of purchase applies.
Best overall
1. ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A 27 Inch 1440p 300Hz G-SYNC Gaming Monitor
4.5The highest refresh rate here at a sharp 1440p for $199, though it has far fewer reviews than its rivals.
Best for Competitive PC gamers
- A 300Hz refresh rate at 1440p gives very smooth motion in fast games, provided your GPU can deliver high frame rates.
- The Fast IPS panel is rated at 0.3ms GTG for quick pixel transitions.
- ELMB Sync combines motion-blur reduction with variable refresh rate.
- It is G-SYNC compatible, which helps prevent screen tearing with NVIDIA cards.
What we like
- 300Hz at 1440p is exceptional at this price
- Fast 0.3ms GTG IPS panel
- ELMB Sync for clearer motion
- 26% below list price
What could be better
- Only 305 reviews, so long-term reliability is less proven
- Needs a powerful GPU to use the full 300Hz at 1440p
- Most expensive model in this group
Best value
2. Acer Nitro 27in QHD 2560x1440 IPS 180Hz Gaming Monitor KG271U N3bmiipx
4.5The best balance of sharpness, smoothness and proven owner feedback for the money.
Best for Most gamers on a budget
- 1440p on a 27-inch IPS panel delivers a sharp image with wide viewing angles.
- The 180Hz refresh rate with a 0.5ms response time is realistic for mid-range GPUs to reach.
- Two HDMI ports, DisplayPort and built-in speakers cover most setups.
- The zero-frame design suits dual-monitor arrangements.
What we like
- 1440p IPS at a low price
- 1,176 reviews give solid confidence
- Built-in speakers and two HDMI ports
- Zero-frame design for multi-monitor setups
What could be better
- 180Hz is well below the ASUS's 300Hz
- No discount shown at the moment
- Built-in monitor speakers are rarely a substitute for headphones
Best for immersion
3. Samsung 32" Odyssey (G55C) Series QHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor
4.0A big curved screen with the most owner reviews, but less sharp and less fast than the 27-inch rivals.
Best for Immersive single-player gaming
- The 32-inch 1000R curved screen is the largest and most immersive in this group.
- A 165Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync keeps gameplay smooth and tear-free.
- HDR10 support accepts HDR content, though budget HDR is limited.
What we like
- Largest screen with an immersive 1000R curve
- Most reviews of the group (2,125)
- 22% below its typical price
- HDR10 support
What could be better
- Lower pixel density from 1440p stretched across 32 inches
- Lowest refresh rate here at 165Hz
- 1ms MPRT can't be compared directly with rivals' GTG figures
4. Dell 27 240Hz Gaming Monitor - SE2726HG - 27-inch FHD (1920x1080) Display, in-Plane Switching (IPS) Technology, AMD FreeSync Premium, TÜV 3-Star, 2X HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, Tilt
4.0The cheapest way to get 240Hz, but 1080p looks soft on a 27-inch screen.
Best for Consoles and older GPUs
- 240Hz with a 0.5ms response time is easy to reach at 1080p, even on modest GPUs.
- FreeSync Premium and HDMI VRR support make it a good fit for PCs and current consoles.
- 99% sRGB coverage and TÜV 3-Star eye-comfort certification are notable extras for the price.
What we like
- Lowest price in the group
- 240Hz is easy to drive at 1080p
- HDMI VRR suits consoles
- 99% sRGB and TÜV eye-comfort certification
What could be better
- 1080p is noticeably less sharp than 1440p at 27 inches
- Stand only tilts
- Only $10 cheaper than the 1440p Acer
The verdict
Buy the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A if you play fast competitive games on a capable PC; 300Hz at 1440p for $199 is exceptional, though its review history is thin. Most other buyers should pick the Acer Nitro KG271U, the best value with 1440p, 180Hz and a strong review base at $159.99. Choose the Samsung Odyssey G55C only if you specifically want a 32-inch curved screen and accept lower pixel density and 165Hz. Skip the Dell SE2726HG unless you need a cheap 240Hz screen for a modest GPU or console, because its 1080p resolution looks soft at 27 inches.
How we compared: We did not test these monitors in person. Our rankings are based on the specifications, current Amazon prices, average ratings and review counts supplied by our sourcing team, combined with general knowledge of how resolution, refresh rate and panel type affect gaming. Prices and ratings were accurate when we wrote this article and may change. Read our full method
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Questions people ask
Is a 300Hz monitor worth it?
A 300Hz monitor is worth it only if your PC can push very high frame rates, usually in competitive shooters with settings turned down. Otherwise a 165Hz to 180Hz monitor delivers most of the smoothness for less money.
Is 1440p or 1080p better on a 27-inch gaming monitor?
1440p is better on a 27-inch screen because it looks noticeably sharper, especially for text and fine detail. 1080p mainly makes sense if your graphics card is weak or you prioritize maximum frame rates.
Is a 32-inch 1440p monitor too big?
A 32-inch 1440p monitor is not too big for gaming, but it has lower pixel density than a 27-inch 1440p model, so it looks slightly less sharp up close. Many players accept that trade for the larger, more immersive image.
Does a G-SYNC compatible monitor work with AMD graphics cards?
Generally yes, because G-SYNC compatible monitors use standard adaptive sync, which AMD cards typically support as FreeSync. It is still worth checking the specific product listing for confirmation.
Which of these gaming monitors is best for PS5 or Xbox?
The Dell SE2726HG is the most console-friendly here because it lists HDMI VRR support. Its 1080p resolution is also easy for consoles to run at high frame rates.
What is the difference between 1ms MPRT and 0.5ms GTG?
They are different measurements: GTG measures how fast pixels change color, while MPRT measures perceived motion blur. The numbers cannot be compared directly across brands.
