Quality at a mid-range price
Unfortunately, the well-known saying “quality has its price” has too much truth in it, which is why you have to dig deeper into your pocket for certain demands. Especially if you want to do image and video editing relatively professionally or if you want to have a high-quality picture when gaming, you should reach for a more expensive screen that provides you with the corresponding values. We’ll show you which monitors are of high quality, but still under the $500 limit here.
Finding the best monitor under $500 is not that easy and there are many good screens that do not appear in this top three. Our decision therefore fell on the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV, which is a strong all-rounder in the field of office and graphics applications. In second place is the ASUS VG279QM, which can be overclocked up to 280 Hz and is a strong gaming monitor. Close behind, but still in third place, is the Gigabyte M27Q, which is particularly suitable for content creators and has a strong color gamut.
Best Monitor under 500 Dollar: ASUS ProArt PA278CV
You can get really good monitors for 500 Dollars, but our favorite here is the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV. It can function as a good all-rounder, which already starts with its 27 inches. The size offers enough space for better multitasking and thanks to the IPS panel, the ProArt Display has a wide viewing angle. This makes it much easier to share content without color loss. It is the color accuracy that makes the screen so interesting for all people who work in the field of design or simply pursue creative activities. The screen also covers the entire sRGB color space.
The display also offers various gadgets that make life easier: a USB hub with four USB 3.0 inputs as well as a USB C port that can be used as a DisplayPort or for charging other devices.
Unfortunately, those who value HDR will be disappointed with the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV, as the screen does not support the format. However, with a low response time and VRR support, it even has room for casual gamers who don’t even need a headset, as integrated speakers deliver solid sound.
Fast gameplay in 1080p: ASUS VG279QM
- Overclockable to 280Hz
- Good ergonomics
- Strong response time
- No HDMI 2.1
- Low contrast
- High input lag at 60 Hz
The best 240 Hz gaming monitor with a 1080p resolution is the ASUS VG279QM – and that for under 500 Dollar. The 27-inch screen allows for numerous ergonomic settings, handles reflections well, and gets bright enough. The response time is excellent and the 240 Hz can even be overclocked up to 280 Hz, which allows for even faster gameplay. The Asus supports FreeSync out of the box and is certified as G-Sync compatible. Input lag is low, but increases significantly when gaming at 60 Hz. All in all, however, it is a good monitor that should please both casual gamers and hardcore gamers.
For all content creators: Gigabyte M27Q
- 170 Hz
- Wide viewing angles
- Good visibility in bright rooms
- Exceptional SDR color gamut
- Black looks gray in dark environments
- Poor ergonomics
Another all-rounder under 500 Dollars is the Gigabyte M27Q, which cuts a good figure in various PC activities. Especially content creators will get their money’s worth, since the 27-inch monitor offers enough space for multitasking and the wide viewing angle allows sharing content without problems.
Creative minds will also be happy with the monitor, as it covers almost the entire sRGB as well as Adobe RGB color space. This allows the monitor to cover a large color space, even if it struggles a bit with weaknesses in the HDR area. Only the use of the BGR subpixel layout can be a problem here, as it can lead to blurred letters and texts in exceptions.
Furthermore, the monitor offers 170Hz, an incredibly low response time, and two USB 3.0 ports.
Monitors under 500 Dollars in comparison
| Best Monitor under 500 Dollar  ASUS ProArt PA278CV |  ASUS VG279QM |  Gigabyte M27Q | |
| Size | 27 Inch | 27 Inch | 27 Inch |
| Resolution | WQHD (2560 x 1440px) | FHD (1920 x 1080px) | QHD (2560x1440px) |
| Format | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Panel | IPS | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 75Hz | 240Hz | 60Hz |
| Response time | 5ms | 1ms | 1ms |
| Display type | Flat | Flat | Flat |
| HDR | |||
| G Sync | |||
| FreeSync | |||
| Contrast | 1,078 : 1 | 1000:1 | 1000: 1 |
| Jack 3.5mm | |||
