The 5 Best Gaming Monitors Under $300 in 2025: High-Performance, Low Price

Don't Break the Bank: Find Your Perfect Budget Gaming Monitor Today

In the world of PC gaming, it's easy to believe that top-tier performance demands a top-tier price. But in 2025, that's simply not true. The market for budget-friendly gaming monitors has exploded, bringing high-refresh rates, low response times, and vibrant colors to a price point that was once unimaginable. For under $300, you can get a display that will not only keep up with the latest AAA titles but also give you a competitive edge in esports.

This guide will walk you through the absolute best gaming monitors available for under $300 right now. We'll break down what specs truly matter and give you our top picks to help you make the perfect choice for your setup.

What to Look For in a Sub-$300 Gaming Monitor

Navigating the specs sheet can be confusing. Here’s what you should prioritize in this budget category:

• Resolution (1080p vs. 1440p): At this price point, 1080p (1920 x 1080) is the sweet spot. It allows manufacturers to pack in higher refresh rates and better panel technology while keeping costs down. More importantly, it's less demanding on your GPU, making it easier to achieve high frame rates.
• Refresh Rate (144Hz or Higher): This is non-negotiable for a gaming monitor. A 144Hz or 165Hz refresh rate provides a dramatically smoother and more responsive experience compared to standard 60Hz displays.
• Response Time (1ms): A low response time, ideally 1ms (GTG), is crucial for minimizing motion blur and ghosting, especially in fast-paced shooters.
• Panel Type (IPS): While TN panels were once the kings of speed, modern IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels offer the best of all worlds: fast response times, excellent color accuracy, and wide viewing angles.
• Adaptive Sync (FreeSync/G-Sync Compatible): This technology synchronizes the monitor's refresh rate with your GPU's frame rate, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for buttery-smooth gameplay. Look for AMD FreeSync Premium or G-Sync Compatibility.

Our Top 5 Gaming Monitors Under $300 for 2025

1. Acer Nitro XF243Y - Best Overall

The Acer Nitro XF243Y consistently punches above its weight class, making it our top pick. It delivers a flawless blend of speed, color, and features that are hard to beat for the price. Its 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time create an incredibly fluid gaming experience, while its IPS panel ensures that games look vibrant and immersive.

• Specs: 23.8-inch, 1080p, 165Hz, 1ms, IPS, AMD FreeSync Premium
• Pros: Excellent motion handling, great color accuracy out of the box, fully adjustable stand.
• Cons: HDR performance is basic, like most monitors in this class.

2. Gigabyte G24F 2 - The Value King

Gigabyte has a reputation for packing premium features into affordable packages, and the G24F 2 is a prime example. It boasts a speedy 165Hz (overclockable to 180Hz) refresh rate and a rich, colorful IPS display. It also includes unique features like a built-in OSD Sidekick for easy settings adjustment via your mouse and keyboard.

• Specs: 23.8-inch, 1080p, 165Hz/180Hz (OC), 1ms, IPS, AMD FreeSync Premium
• Pros: Superb value, high refresh rate, useful gaming-centric software features.
• Cons: The stand only offers tilt and height adjustment.

3. AOC 24G2SP - The Esports Champion

If you primarily play competitive titles like Valorant, CS:GO, or Apex Legends, the AOC 24G2SP is a fantastic choice. It's renowned for its exceptionally low input lag and crisp motion clarity. The colors are punchy, and its frameless design makes it a great option for dual-monitor setups.

• Specs: 23.8-inch, 1080p, 165Hz, 1ms, IPS, AMD FreeSync Premium
• Pros: Minimal motion blur, low input lag, great for competitive gaming.
• Cons: Brightness could be higher for very bright rooms.

4. ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A - Built to Last

ASUS's TUF lineup is known for its durability and gaming-focused features. The VG249Q1A offers a solid 165Hz IPS panel with ASUS's Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology. It's a reliable workhorse that delivers consistent performance across all game genres.

• Specs: 23.8-inch, 1080p, 165Hz, 1ms, IPS, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible
• Pros: Robust build quality, G-Sync compatibility, effective motion blur reduction.
• Cons: Color accuracy needs some tweaking for professional work.

5. ViewSonic Omni VX2428 - The Hidden Gem

Often overlooked, the ViewSonic Omni VX2428 is a serious contender. It combines a 180Hz refresh rate with a fast IPS panel, offering some of the best motion performance in its class. It's a no-frills monitor that puts all its focus on delivering a smooth, responsive gaming experience.

• Specs: 24-inch, 1080p, 180Hz, 0.5ms (MPRT), IPS, AMD FreeSync Premium
• Pros: Ultra-smooth 180Hz refresh rate, excellent response time.
• Cons: Basic stand with limited adjustability.

Conclusion

You no longer need to spend a fortune to get a fantastic gaming experience. For under $300, you can get a monitor with a high refresh rate, lightning-fast response time, and beautiful colors. Our top pick, the Acer Nitro XF243Y, offers the best overall package, but any of the monitors on this list will serve you well. Choose the one that best fits your specific needs, and get ready to elevate your game.