Best Monitors for Gaming Under $400 With 1440p Speed and HDR (2026)

A 1440p screen at 165Hz changes what a mid-range graphics card can show, because sharper detail and faster motion arrive together. The best monitors for gaming under 400 in this guide cover seven 27-inch models with 1440p panels, fast refresh rates, and stronger HDR than the tier below, so you can pick the panel that fits your games.

Quick verdict on the best monitors for gaming under 400

If you want one starting point, choose the Gigabyte M27Q, because it pairs a 27-inch 1440p Super Speed IPS panel with a 170Hz refresh rate, a KVM switch, and a USB-C input in one practical package. The LG UltraGear 27GP850-B is the closest rival for color and speed.

For wide color and a bright room, choose the Dell S2721DGF or the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD, because both list 98 percent DCI-P3 coverage or a Quantum Dot layer for rich game worlds. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ suits motion clarity with ELMB Sync, the Acer Nitro XV272U V suits speed at 170Hz, and the Samsung Odyssey G5 G55C suits curved VA contrast for dark games.

Quick comparison table

Use this table to narrow the list before you read the detailed sections. It compares panel size and type, refresh rate and response time, the main strength of each model, and the buyer each monitor fits best. All seven models use a 27-inch 1440p panel, and five of the seven use an IPS panel.

How we selected these monitors

This guide started with the limits in the search itself: a real gaming monitor, a 27-inch 1440p panel, a refresh rate of 165Hz or higher, and a design positioned in the under-400-dollar tier. Every monitor in the main list meets those limits, and each one adds a different strength, such as a KVM switch, wider color, or a curved VA panel.

What 1440p at 165Hz buys over a 1080p panel

A 1440p panel shows far more detail than a 1080p panel at the same 27-inch size, because the extra pixels sharpen text, distant enemies, and fine textures in open worlds. At 165Hz or higher, that detail stays clear during fast turns, so the step up from the 300-dollar tier is visible in both still images and motion.

The gain is clearest in games with distant targets and busy scenes, where a 1080p panel can blur small shapes at range. A 1440p screen also gives more room for work, video, and chat windows beside a game, so the same monitor serves a full desk instead of gaming alone.

Why HDR and USB-C matter more at this tier

HDR matters more at this tier because most models here carry DisplayHDR 400 or HDR10 support, which adds brighter highlights in games and video that carry HDR data. The gain is modest without local dimming, so treat HDR400 as a useful lift for bright scenes rather than a cinema-grade effect, and put panel quality first.

USB-C matters because a single cable can carry video from a laptop and connect a keyboard and mouse through the monitor hub on models that support it. That setup suits a desk shared by a desktop and a laptop, and it removes one more cable swap from a daily routine that already has enough friction.

How refresh rate and adaptive sync work together

Refresh rate and adaptive sync work together to keep motion smooth when frame rates rise and fall during play. A high refresh rate shows more frames per second, while FreeSync or G-Sync Compatible support matches the monitor to the graphics card output, so tearing stays out of the way in shooters and racing games.

The 1ms and 0.5ms figures are measured in different ways across brands, so MPRT and GTG numbers do not compare directly with each other. Treat the rating as a sign that the panel is built for speed, and put more weight on the refresh rate, the panel type, and the ports when two models look close on paper.

The seven monitors in detail

Each section below follows the same pattern, so you can compare the monitors side by side. It starts with who the monitor fits best, then covers the panel, the refresh rate, the ports, and the main trade-offs. Each profile also notes when to buy it and when to skip it.

Gigabyte M27Q

This monitor fits buyers who want a 1440p gaming screen that also works as a hub for a laptop and a desktop. The Gigabyte M27Q uses a 27-inch Super Speed IPS panel with 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 170Hz refresh rate, and a 0.5ms MPRT response time for quick turns and tracking.

The panel also lists 92 percent DCI-P3 coverage, which keeps colors rich in games and video, and FreeSync Premium support helps prevent tearing when frame rates move up and down. DisplayHDR 400 certification adds brighter highlights in HDR content, while the published brightness of 350 nits suits a bright room as well as evening play.

For connections, the monitor lists two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2 port, one USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode, two USB 3.0 ports, and a headphone jack. The KVM switch lets one keyboard and mouse control two connected computers, so a desktop and a laptop can share the same desk without extra hardware.

The M27Q also suits a work desk, because the 1440p panel keeps text sharp and the wide color gamut suits photo viewing and video after gaming. Use DisplayPort for the full 170Hz refresh rate, because HDMI can limit the rate on some setups, and pair the screen with a graphics card that can push high frame rates at 1440p.

Pros: A 170Hz Super Speed IPS panel with a 0.5ms MPRT response time, 92 percent DCI-P3 coverage, FreeSync Premium, a KVM switch, and a USB-C input with a USB hub.

Cons: DisplayHDR 400 brings no local dimming, a USB-C port with modest power delivery for a laptop, and a 170Hz refresh rate that needs a capable graphics card to use fully.

Buy it for a mixed gaming and work desk where a KVM switch and USB-C save space and cable swaps. Skip it if you want a height-adjustable stand out of the box or a brighter HDR panel with local dimming.

LG UltraGear 27GP850-B

This monitor fits buyers who want wide color and fast Nano IPS speed in one proven 1440p screen. The LG UltraGear 27GP850-B uses a 27-inch Nano IPS panel with 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate that overclocks to 180Hz, and a 1ms GTG response time.

The panel lists 98 percent DCI-P3 coverage, which is the widest color gamut in this group alongside the Dell, so games and video look rich and vivid. FreeSync Premium support and G-Sync Compatible validation keep frame delivery smooth with AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards, and DisplayHDR 400 adds brighter highlights in HDR content.

For connections, the monitor lists two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, two USB 3.0 downstream ports, one USB upstream port, and a headphone jack. The stand adjusts for height, pivot, and tilt, which helps set the screen at eye level, and the 350-nit brightness suits a bright room as well as evening play.

The 27GP850-B also works well as a daily screen, because the Nano IPS panel keeps text clear and colors steady for work, study, and video after gaming. The 180Hz overclock needs a graphics card that supports DisplayPort 1.4, so set the refresh rate in the display settings after connecting and use DisplayPort to reach the top rate.

Pros: A 165Hz Nano IPS panel that overclocks to 180Hz, a 1ms GTG response time, 98 percent DCI-P3 coverage, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible validation, and a height, pivot, and tilt stand.

Cons: The 180Hz rate needs overclocking and a DisplayPort 1.4 graphics card, no USB-C input for a laptop, and a 165Hz refresh rate that needs a capable graphics card to use fully at 1440p.

Buy it for color-rich competitive play with a stand that adjusts to your desk. Skip it if you want a USB-C input, a native 180Hz panel without overclocking, or a curved screen.

Dell S2721DGF

This monitor fits buyers who want wide color, a strong USB hub, and a fully adjustable stand at this tier. The Dell S2721DGF uses a 27-inch Fast IPS panel with 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate over DisplayPort, and a 1ms GTG response time in extreme mode.

The panel lists 98 percent DCI-P3 and 133 percent sRGB coverage, which keeps game worlds vivid without oversaturation, and the published brightness of 400 nits is the highest typical brightness in this group. FreeSync Premium Pro support and G-Sync Compatible validation keep frame delivery smooth, and DisplayHDR 400 adds brighter highlights in HDR content.

For connections, the monitor lists two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, one USB 3.0 upstream port, four USB 3.0 downstream ports, a headphone jack, and an audio line out. The stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot, which is the most flexible stand in this group, and the 1000:1 contrast ratio suits bright rooms and evening play alike.

The S2721DGF also suits a desk that mixes gaming and work, because the Fast IPS panel keeps text sharp and colors accurate for documents, video calls, and photo viewing. HDMI caps the refresh rate at 144Hz, so use DisplayPort for the full 165Hz rate, and pair the screen with a graphics card that holds high frame rates at 1440p.

Pros: A 165Hz Fast IPS panel with a 1ms GTG response time, 98 percent DCI-P3 coverage, 400-nit brightness, FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync Compatible validation, and four USB downstream ports.

Cons: HDMI caps the refresh rate at 144Hz, DisplayHDR 400 brings no local dimming, and the 165Hz refresh rate needs a capable graphics card to use fully at 1440p.

Buy it for a bright room where wide color, a USB hub, and a flexible stand matter every day. Skip it if you want a USB-C input or a curved VA panel for dark games.

MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD

This monitor fits buyers who want Quantum Dot color and a USB-C input on a fast 1440p panel. The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD uses a 27-inch Rapid IPS panel with Quantum Dot technology, 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms GTG response time.

The Quantum Dot layer widens the color gamut, so games and video look rich and saturated. G-Sync Compatible support and FreeSync Premium support keep frame delivery smooth with NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards, and the HDR-ready design accepts HDR signals for brighter highlights in supported content.

For connections, the monitor lists two HDMI 2.0b ports, one DisplayPort port, one USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode, two USB 2.0 ports, and a headphone jack. The USB-C port carries video from a laptop and supports power delivery for light charging, so a laptop can join the same desk without a separate dock.

The MAG274QRF-QD also suits a shared desk, because the slim bezels and compact 27-inch size leave room for a second screen or a laptop beside it. The published brightness of 300 nits suits indoor play in a room without harsh direct light, and the Rapid IPS panel keeps colors steady from wide viewing angles.

Pros: A 165Hz Rapid IPS panel with Quantum Dot color, a 1ms GTG response time, G-Sync Compatible support, FreeSync Premium, and a USB-C input with a USB hub.

Cons: A 300-nit brightness that trails the brighter models here, a USB hub with USB 2.0 ports only, and a 165Hz refresh rate that needs a capable graphics card to use fully at 1440p.

Buy it for vivid single-player games with a USB-C laptop connection on the same desk. Skip it if you want the brightest panel in this group or a faster USB hub for accessories.

ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ

This monitor fits buyers who want motion clarity above all else on a 1440p IPS screen. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ uses a 27-inch IPS panel with 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 144Hz native refresh rate that reaches 165Hz over DisplayPort, and a 1ms MPRT response time.

The panel lists 99 percent sRGB coverage, which keeps colors natural in games and everyday use. ELMB Sync pairs motion-blur reduction with adaptive sync at the same time, so fast motion stays clear without giving up tear-free play, and HDR10 support adds brighter highlights in HDR content.

For connections, the monitor lists one DisplayPort 1.2 port, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and an earphone jack, plus two built-in 2W speakers for sound without extra hardware. The stand adjusts for height, swivel, pivot, and tilt, which helps set the screen at eye level, and the published brightness of 350 nits suits a bright room as well as evening play.

The VG27AQ also suits long sessions, because the matte screen limits glare and the on-screen display keeps refresh rate, adaptive sync, and game modes within reach. Use DisplayPort for the full 165Hz refresh rate, because HDMI caps the rate at 144Hz, and pair the screen with a graphics card that can push high frame rates at 1440p.

Pros: A 165Hz IPS panel over DisplayPort with a 1ms MPRT response time, ELMB Sync motion clarity, G-Sync Compatible support, HDR10, built-in speakers, and a height, swivel, pivot, and tilt stand.

Cons: The 165Hz rate needs DisplayPort and overclocking, no USB hub or USB-C input, and the MPRT response figure does not compare directly with GTG figures.

Buy it for fast shooters and racing games where motion clarity matters most. Skip it if you want a USB hub, a USB-C input, or a native 165Hz panel without overclocking.

Acer Nitro XV272U Vbmiiprx

This monitor fits buyers who want 170Hz speed and wide color on a bright 1440p panel. The Acer Nitro XV272U Vbmiiprx uses a 27-inch Agile-Splendor IPS panel with 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 144Hz native refresh rate that overclocks to 170Hz over DisplayPort, and a 0.5ms response time.

The panel lists 95 percent DCI-P3 coverage, which gives games a vivid look, and the published brightness of 400 nits suits a bright room. FreeSync Premium support helps prevent tearing when frame rates change, and DisplayHDR 400 certification adds brighter highlights in HDR content, while the Zero-Frame design keeps the bezels slim.

For connections, the monitor lists one DisplayPort 1.2 port, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and a headphone jack, plus two built-in 2W speakers. The stand adjusts for height and tilt, and the screen supports VESA 100 x 100 mounting, so a monitor arm is an easy upgrade for buyers who want a different desk setup.

The XV272U V also suits a multi-monitor desk, because the slim bezels and compact footprint leave room for a second screen. Set the refresh rate in the display settings after connecting, because the 170Hz rate runs through DisplayPort overclocking, and use a DisplayPort cable to reach the top rate rather than HDMI.

Pros: A 170Hz panel over DisplayPort with a 0.5ms response time, 95 percent DCI-P3 coverage, 400-nit brightness, FreeSync Premium, DisplayHDR 400, and built-in speakers.

Cons: The 170Hz rate needs DisplayPort overclocking, no USB hub or USB-C input, and the 170Hz refresh rate needs a capable graphics card to use fully at 1440p.

Buy it for esports speed with wide color on a bright panel. Skip it if you want a USB hub, a USB-C input, or a native 170Hz panel without overclocking.

Samsung Odyssey G5 G55C

This monitor fits buyers who want a curved VA panel with deep contrast for dark games and movies. The Samsung Odyssey G5 G55C uses a 27-inch curved VA panel with 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms MPRT response time, plus a 1000R curve that wraps the screen around the viewer.

The VA panel is the main reason to choose this model, because it renders dark scenes with more depth than an IPS panel, which suits horror games, night driving, and movies after dark. The published contrast ratio of 2500:1 is the strongest in this group, and FreeSync support keeps frame delivery smooth when frame rates shift.

For connections, the monitor lists one DisplayPort 1.4 port, one HDMI 2.0 port, and a headphone jack for a headset or speakers. The stand adjusts for tilt, and the screen supports VESA mounting, so a monitor arm is an easy upgrade for buyers who want more adjustment.

The G55C also suits a living room or a shared bedroom, because the VA panel holds contrast in dim light and the slim frame fits a small stand or a wall mount. The 300-nit brightness suits indoor play in a room without harsh direct light, and the curved screen suits a single viewer sitting straight in front of the display.

Pros: A 165Hz curved VA panel with a 1000R curve, a 1ms MPRT response time, a 2500:1 contrast ratio, FreeSync support, and HDR10 for brighter highlights in supported content.

Cons: VA viewing angles are narrower than IPS, only one HDMI port for a second device, and no USB hub or USB-C input for a laptop.

Buy it for dark games and movies where contrast matters more than viewing angles. Skip it if you share the screen from the side or want a USB hub and a flat IPS panel.

Buying guide for best monitors for gaming under 400

Start with the refresh rate and the panel, because those two specs decide how games look and feel every day. Then match the ports to your graphics card and console, check the stand against your desk, and leave room for the games you plan to play next, not just the ones you play now.

Matching the best monitors for gaming under 400 to your graphics card

Match the monitor to the graphics card by checking the frame rates your card reaches in the games you play most. A card that holds 144 frames per second or more at 1440p suits any panel here, while a card that stays near 60 frames per second gains little from a 165Hz or 170Hz screen.

At 1440p, a mid-range graphics card reaches high frame rates in competitive titles, which is why this tier pairs so well with 165Hz and 170Hz panels. If your card struggles in demanding single-player games, a model with strong color and a good stand gives more value than a faster panel your card cannot feed.

Setting up the refresh rate and ports correctly

Connect the monitor with DisplayPort when you can, because it carries the full refresh rate on every model in this guide, while HDMI can cap some models at 144Hz. After the cable is in place, open the display settings and select the highest refresh rate, because most monitors ship at 60Hz by default.

Also check the cable that comes in the box, because some models include an HDMI cable and some include a DisplayPort cable, and the wrong cable can hide the top refresh rate. Once the rate is set, turn on adaptive sync in the graphics driver so the monitor and the card stay in step during play.

Mistakes to avoid when choosing a monitor in this tier

The most common mistake is judging a monitor by one headline number, because a 170Hz refresh rate means little if the panel smears in dark scenes or the stand cannot adjust to eye level. Check the panel type, the response time, the ports, and the stand together before you decide.

Another common mistake is buying for a resolution the graphics card cannot drive, because a 1440p screen needs far more power than a 1080p panel at the same frame rate. A 1440p monitor in this tier keeps frame rates high on a mid-range card only when settings are tuned, so check your card first.

Frequently asked questions

The questions below cover the choices that cause the most confusion after buyers have read the product sections. They focus on resolution, refresh rate, and HDR, because those three points decide most purchases in this group and in the tier above it.

Do I need a 1440p monitor for gaming under 400 dollars?

Yes, a 1440p monitor is the main reason to shop in this tier, because it adds sharper detail over a 1080p screen at 27 inches without the graphics card demand of a 4K panel. At 27 inches, 1440p text and game detail stay sharp at a normal desk distance, and the panel pairs well with 165Hz to 180Hz refresh rates.

A higher resolution screen needs a stronger graphics card to hold the same frame rates, which pushes the build above this tier. Buyers who want sharper text for work can still use a 1440p gaming monitor, but they should sit a little farther back and scale text in the operating system.

The 1440p choice also keeps the rest of the build in balance, because the graphics card, the monitor, and the refresh rate all target the same frame rates. A buyer who upgrades the graphics card later can still use the same screen, since high refresh rates stay useful at 1440p for years.

Is 165Hz enough, or should I look for 180Hz?

Yes, 165Hz is enough for competitive gaming, because it shows more than twice as many frames per second as a 60Hz screen, and that jump is the one most players feel. The step from 165Hz to 180Hz is real but smaller, and it shows most in fast shooters where quick turns fill the screen with motion.

Choose 180Hz when your graphics card holds high frame rates in the shooters you play most, because the extra headroom only helps when the card can feed it. Choose 165Hz when your card sits closer to that rate, or when a 165Hz model offers a better panel, a better stand, or wider color for the same tier.

Refresh rate also works with adaptive sync, so a monitor that pairs 165Hz with FreeSync Premium can feel smoother than a faster screen without it. Set the refresh rate in the display settings either way, because a new monitor often ships at 60Hz and hides its speed until you change it.

What does HDR400 mean on a gaming monitor?

HDR400 means the monitor meets the VESA DisplayHDR 400 tier, which sets a peak brightness of 400 nits and support for HDR signals, but it does not require local dimming. That means bright highlights in games and video can look stronger, while dark scenes gain less than they would on a panel with many dimming zones.

In practice, HDR400 adds a modest lift for bright scenes, and it suits games and video that carry HDR data without turning the monitor into a cinema display. Buyers who want strong HDR should look at the 500-dollar tier for local dimming, a Mini LED backlight, or a higher HDR tier.

For this tier, put panel quality, refresh rate, and ports ahead of the HDR label, because those specs shape every game you play. Use HDR400 as a useful bonus on a monitor you already like, not as the main reason to choose one model over another.

Conclusion

Choose the Gigabyte M27Q for a KVM switch and USB-C, the LG 27GP850-B for Nano IPS color, the Dell S2721DGF for wide color and a USB hub, the MSI MAG274QRF-QD for Quantum Dot color, the ASUS VG27AQ for ELMB Sync clarity, the Acer XV272U V for 170Hz speed, or the Samsung Odyssey G5 G55C for curved VA contrast.