Best 4k Monitor Under 500

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I personally have been dying to upgrade to a 4k monitor for a while now. The only reason behind this is that if I’m going to sit in front of a monitor all day, I might as well buy something that’s going to make sitting in front of a monitor “better looking?”

Anyways, everyone knows how hard it is to find a good monitor in today’s world. It’s not like there are not enough monitors. It’s that there are too many monitors and too many companies to choose from. To be honest, I like to be helpful sometimes, so I’ve written this article which consists of the 9 best 4k monitors under 500 dollars that I narrowed down from hundreds of their counterparts. I’ve also written a Quick Buyer’s guide so that you know what to look for in a 4k monitor under 500 dollars

1. ASUS VP32UQ

The ASUS VP32UQ is our first monitor on the list of best 4k monitors under 500 dollars. It is a 32-inch monitor with an IPS panel. This monitor has an Ultra HD display. This monitor also features HDR 10 technology. 

HDR stands for high dynamic range, which in layman’s terms means that this technology brings out a broader spectrum of colors and contrasts that elevate your viewing experience. Primarily, this monitor uses an authentic HDR10. The difference between a standard monitor before and after using the HDR 10 technology is astonishing. This ASUS Monitor also has seperate HDR modes for gaming, cinema, and more.

The bezels are ultra-thin to make the viewing experience even better. The stand, however, is not the most ergonomic stand you might find. The stand can is tilt-adjustable only, and it also has a VESA Mount of 100*100mm dimensions.

The features to enhance your display are endless. It has a wide color gamut of 100%sRGB ensures uniform color distribution all over the monitor to improve the image quality even more. It also has the AdaptiveSync system to avoid tearing in the display. It also is FreeSync certified by AMD. The 

All of this together makes this monitor one of the strongest contenders to be the best 32 inch monitor under 500 dollars. The pros of this monitor outweigh the cons when you look at it really. Despite the fantastic picture quality of the ASUS VP32UQ, it only has a refresh rate of 60Hz, which doesn’t make this monitor suitable for gaming. However, it still is decent for color-critical work, media consumption, video editing, etc.

Pros

• HDR 10 technology
• Different HDR modes for different type of media
• AMD FreeSync
• 100% sRGB
• Ultra thin bezels

Cons

• 60 Hz Refresh Rate
• Tilt-only stand
• Poor Quality In-Built Speakers

 

2. Dell 2721QS

I’ve always preferred a 27-inch monitor. It gives you the right balance as it’s not too big be a work monitor and not too small to be a gaming monitor at the same time. This is one of the most integral reasons we’ve picked the Dell 2721QS as one of the top contenders to be the best 4k monitor under 500 dollars.

The Dell 2721QS is a 60Hz monitor with an IPS panel with a resolution of 3840*2160p. This resolution and specifications make the monitor an ideal jack of all trades of sorts. It has a crisp image, making it decent for work like coding, writing, and similar tasks. It has an IPS panel, a 350 nit brightness, and a wide color gamut to give you accurate and bright colors, making it ideal for watching movies or editing photos and videos. The versatality of this monitor is why I consider this monitor to be one of the 4k monitors under 500 dollars.

The 2721QS is not for a professional gamer, but at the same time, it isn’t too bad for a casual gamer. It has a 60Hz refresh rate which is pretty decent. It also has AMD FreeSync technology to let the monitor operate at a variable refresh rate.

The build of this monitor is what I love the most. It is a slim monitor and has thin bezels, which makes the monitor look amazing. The stand is completely ergonomic, making it adjustable for all tilt, swivel, and height. Connectivity options are standard, including a Display Port 1.2 port and two HDMI 2.0 ports.

Pros

• Ergonomic Stand
• AMD FreeSync
• Flicker-free Backlight 
• ComfortView to adjust blue light levels
• 350 nit brightness

Cons

• 60 Hz Refresh Rate
• Inconvenient On-Screen Display
• HDR technology doesn’t make a noticeable difference 

 

3. BenQ EL2870U

The BenQ EL2870U is one of the top challengers to be the best 4k monitor under 500 dollars. This monitor has tried to lean more towards the consumers who want a more gaming-oriented monitor. This choice of targetting this niche with their 4k resolution monitor has led to some disadvantages for this monitor.

The EL2870U has a decent build and a 3840*2160 Ultra HD display. This monitor has a 28-inch display. The group of ports includes two HDMI 2.0 inputs and one Display Port 1.2. These ports are placed rather in not a very good place which has made connectivity and cable management a problematic task. The stand, unfortunately, is a tilt-only stand. Overall the build is pretty decent for a 4k monitor under 500 dollars.

This monitor, too, has a 60hz refresh rate which might be a disadvantage for fast-paced competitive games. Still, at the same time, this monitor also has features to make it a suitable gaming monitor for such games. The first is the 1ms pixel response rate which makes this monitor a possible choice to be the best 4k gaming monitor under 500 dollars.  The monitor functions on a TN panel which stands for Twisted Nematic. The Twisted Nematic panel is ideal for gaming, but the compromise that needs to be made is on the color performance of the monitor.

Yet, the HDR technology is also well handled by this monitor and has picture modes too. The picture modes include a Standard HDR, a Cinema HDR, and a Low Blue Light Mode, which is less harmful to your eyes. The monitor’s feature when considered in context of the price is impressive making the BenQ EL2870U a possible choice to be the best 4k monitor for gaming under 500 dollars. 

Pros

• 1ms Response Rate
• AMD FreeSync compatible
• Low Blue Light Mode
• HDRi technology
• 2W speakers

Cons

• Tilt-only Stand
• Poor color performance
• Thick Bezels

4. LG 27UL850-W

The is one of the best 4k monitor under 500 dollars when it comes to design. It is a beautiful white monitor which is ultra-slim and has a stylish stand. The stand is a slight semicircle that is astonishingly sturdy. The brand name LG obviously adds the factor of trust to the build quality. The stand is also surprisingly ergonomic and can be adjusted by tilt, height, and pivot. The pivot adjustment lets you use this 4k resolution powerful monitor in portrait mode too. The monitor looks even better because of the three bezel-less borders.

There are several connectivity options, including the Display Port 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a seperate audio input-output line, and a USB-C port. The USB-C port is a unique feature as it enables this monitor to have the DP Alt mode enabled, which supports 60 watts of charging power. There are no clumsy hotkeys on this monitor. This monitor features the LG On-Screen Control feature. Instead of reaching out to the hotkeys, you can adjust the monitor settings with just a few clicks of the mouse.

This 27-inch monitor also has an anti-glare coating that minimizes the reflections on the monitor and reduces the harm done to you by a significant margin. The 27UL850-W is a VESA certified Display HDR400. It has a 60Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync that makes the monitor decent for various uses. The wide color gamut adds to the quality of the color accuracy and the brightness, making the LG 27UL850-W a possible choice for the best 4k monitor for photo editing under 500 dollars.

Pros

• Aesthetic and stylish design
• VESA Display HDR400
• 99% sRGB
• USB-C port
• DP Alt mode

Cons

• 60 Hz refresh rate
• No swivel adjustment
• Average speaker Quality.

5. ViewSonic VX2376

The ViewSonic VX2376 4K MHD is a solid contender for the best 32 inch 4k monitor under 500 dollars. It is the first monitor on our list which has VA panels. VA panels are known for their relatively bright colors and a decent response time compared to IPS and TN panels. Apart from the 4k resolution, This panel has a wide color gamut and supports a true 8-bit color depth.

The VA panel has a relatively high contrast ratio of 2500:1 and has a 300 nit brightness, which is just right for this 32-inch monitor. The colors stand out from each other, which makes the picture look amazing. The 3180*2160p resolution is obviously just something else, and the refresh rate is 60hz. A 60Hz refresh rate is something we’ll have to settle within this price range, which isn’t bad when you’re getting a 4k resolution monitor at such a budget. The bigger size of the monitor and the colors and contrast thanks to the VA panel make and several other factors make the ViewSonic VX2376-4k-MHD the best 4k monitor for photo editing under 500 dollars.

The monitor alone is slim and looks stylish on itself without the stand as well. The stand adds to the look and the build of the monitor. The stand has a triangular bottom and a top that attaches to the monitor. The monitor’s tilt can be changed, but the height, pivot, and swivel cannot. What’s unique is the VX2376 has a pretty decent in-built webcam.

ViewSonic also takes precautions for your eyes which include the anti-glare coating on the screen to minimize reflections, a blue light filter that controls the blue light at a level that will not hurt your eyes as much, and it also has a flicker-free backlight.
Pros

• Anti-Glare Coating
• Built-in webcam
• 300 nit Brightness
• 2500:1 Contrast Ratio
• Flicker-Free Backlight

Cons

• Tilt-only stand
• 60Hz refresh rate
• HDR10 doesn’t show a noticeable change
• No Adaptive Sync or Free Sync

6. BenQ EW3270U

It’s extremely difficult to find a decent 4k monitor under 500 dollars. Yet, BenQ has managed to put up another strong contender to be the best 4k monitor under 500 dollars. It is very astonishing to see how BenQ has managed to develop such a monitor in this low a price range for a 4k resolution monitor.

The build and the design of this monitor are excellent 32-inch monitors. The Ultra HD display, with the help of the VA panel, gives impressive color and sharp, vivid images. The response rate is 4ms which is decent for a 4k gaming monitor under 500 dollars. The brightness of 300 nitt is very impressive and can work perfectly function in a well-lit room too. The contrast ratio is 3000:1. The monitor is also featured with the entry-level HDR, HDR 10. True HDR content looks genuinely out of the world on this monitor.

The EW3270U has thin bezels on the top and side edges which look fantastic. It also has two 2w speakers, which fire downwards and are pretty decent compared to most in-built speakers. The stand is simple and offers tilt-only adjustment. The colors, too, are simplistic finished in matte black.

The connectivity options are plenty, including the two HDMI 2.0 ports, a single Display Port 1.2, and a USB-C port. The USB-C port does not enable DP Alt mode, resulting in no 60W power transfer. The BenQ EW3270U has a good size, decent in-built speakers, and USB-C connectivity which is a decent contender for the best 32-inch monitor under 500 dollars.

Pros

• 3000:1 Contrast Ratio
• USB-C port
• Two 2W built-in speakers
• 4ms response rate
• HDR 10

Cons

• Tilt-only stand
• Narrow viewing angles
• Connectivity ports are out of reach

7.  AOC CU32V3

The CU32V3 is possibly the best 32-inch monitor under 500 dollars. This masterpiece of a monitor by AOC has a curved monitor with a 4k resolution. This is a fantastic deal for a monitor that has so many features at this price range. This purchase of this computer might be the most value-for-money purchase you’ve ever made.

The 4k resolution is accompanied by a VA-super curve panel, which is a big step up for this series’s resolution and color detail. The curvature is 1500R. This monitor is impressive, yes. But it does not have the specifications to be a serious gaming monitor. It has a 4ms response rate, a 60Hz refresh rate, and no Nvidia Gsync or AMD FreeSync. The color accuracy is immaculate and is very useful for photo and video editing.

The build is fascinating when it comes to the CU32V3. The CU32V3 has one button to control the On-Screen Display instead of clumsy hotkeys or even a joystick. This might be a boon or a bane depending on your preference. Connectivity options include a Display Port 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, seperate audio input and output ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The stand has a round base and is limited offers only tilt-adjust only. The tilt adjust varies between 20 degrees.

There are also precautions taken for your eyes. The CUV323V does not have an anti-glare coating but has a Low Blue light mode and a flicker-free panel.

 Pros

• 1500R Curvature
• VA Super Curve Panel
• Low Blue Light mode
• Flicker-Free panel
• Modern look

Cons

• No Nvidia Gsync or AMD Free Sync
• Limited connectivity options
• One Button Control for On-Screen Display

8. Philips 226E9QDSB

The Philips 226E9QDSB is Philip’s first addition to our list of the best 4k gaming monitors under 500 dollars. It is a 32 inch monitor with a pixel density of 140 PPI. The panel equipped by this Philips monitor is a VA panel. it also has wide color gamut of 122%. The E-line monitor offers a very immersive experience with a stellar 4K Ultra HD picture quality. 

The image is crisp and the VA panel brings out the perfect amount of brightness to the monitor making it very versatile for use. This monitor will give you a clear image when you’re designing something on a software like 3DSMax and the next minute it will give you an even clearer image when you’re tuning in for a chill gaming session. This monitor also has AMD FreeSync to attain a variable refresh rate and avoid any tears in your gameplay.

The 226E9QDSB is designed in a very easy to use manner. The ports are placed in such a way that cable management becomes a piece of cake. The monitor is framless which let’s it attain a Full Utra HD Display and adds to the sleek look of the monitor at the same time. The stand is also somewhat unique as it has a square base which gives rise to a rod which attaches to the monitor. You can tilt your monitor 20 degrees front and back but not adjust the height or swivel the monitor. Connectivity options include audio input output ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, one Display Port 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 ports. 

Some additional features are the Ultra-Wide Color technology, a Low Blue mode and a 3H anti-glare coating on the monitor. Also, it has 178 viewing degree angles thanks to the VA panel.

Pros

• Easy cable management
• Frameless monitor
• 122% sRGB
• AMD FreeSync
• 3H Anti-glare coating
• 140 PPI pixel density

Cons

• 60 hz refresh rate
• 4ms response rate
• Non-uniform color distribution

09. Samsung-LU28E570DS

Our last addition to this list of the best 4k monitor under 500 dollars is the Samsung-LU28E570DS. We kept this monitor as the last to assure that you will finalize which monitor you want even if you were undecided till now. The purchase of this monitor is an absolute no-brainer.

This monitor is everything you need it to be. It is 28 inches in size, which isn’t too big or too small. It has a metal bracket to add to the sleek design, but at the same time, it has slightly thick bezels. The stand adds to the modern look that the monitor has, and it also consumes less space than other monitors on this list. Connectivity options are limited to two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort.

The Samsung-LU28E570DS is also targeted at the gaming community. It has a fast response rate of 1ms, AMD FreeSync, and a TN panel. The 3840*2160p resolution does its best to salvage this monitor’s image quality. The TN panel limits the monitor’s ability to have a higher contrast ratio and a decent color accuracy. If you’re someone who isn’t doing color-critical work, don’t even think about it. Just get this monitor and get the best budget gaming monitor under 150 dollars.

 Pros

• 1ms response rate
• Eye protector to reduce harmful blue light emission
• Flicker-Free Backlight
• AMD Free Sync
• Sleek design

Cons

• Low Color Accuracy
• Tilt-Only design
• FreeSync compatible with Display Port Only

Things to Consider Before buying a 4k monitor under $500

After reading this whole list of the best 4k monitors under 500 dollars, you probably have figured out what an excellent 4k monitor consists of. Even if you didn’t, we’ve written a summary or rather a compilation of everything you need to consider before buying a 4k monitor under 500$

Stand

If you’re going to mount your monitor onto a wall, you don’t need to worry about this. If you plan to have on desk monitor, you need to look for an ergonomic stand. What I mean is if you don’t have a monitor already and don’t know how a new monitor will adjust to the workspace, you need to buy a monitor that is height, tilt and swivel adjustable.

Panel Technology

There are three types of panel technologies for 4k monitors in the market. The 3 Panels consist of the IPs panel, TN panel, and VA Panel.

The IPS panel stands for the InterPlane Switching panel, which focuses more on the colors and contrast monitor rather than the monitor’s speed.

The TN panel, which stands for the Twisted Nematic Panel, is completely opposite as it focuses on high response rates and compromises on the color accuracy.

The VA panel stands for the Vertical Alignment Panel. This panel, in some sort, is the best of both worlds. It has a high contrast ratio and color accuracy. You don’t need to compromise on the speed of the monitor as well. This is why I prefer the VA panel the most, as it is more versatile than the other two.

Size

The Size of the monitor is a factor that entirely depends on your choice. If you’re looking for a monitor that isn’t too small for gaming but, at the same time, not too big for a home workspace, you can always go with a 27-inch display as it fits both of your criteria.

Refresh Rate and Resolution

As this article is focused on 4k monitors under 500 dollars, the resolution will obviously be 3840*2160p resolution. Unfortunately, as you might’ve guessed, in a budget of 500 dollars, you probably aren’t going to be able to find a monitor with a refresh rate of 60Hz.

Verdict

Now that we’re through the best 4k monitors under 500 dollars and what you need to consider before buying a 4k monitor, we need to narrow down the best 4k gaming monitor under 500 dollars. In this list, we can’t have a seperate pick for a gaming monitor. In this price range, most 4k monitors in this price range aren’t suitable for professional gaming.

Anyways cutting right to the chase, our pick for the best gaming monitor under 150 dollars is the LG 27UL850-W. It is the most sleek and aesthetic looking, convenient to use. It is most superior in terms of color brightness and accuracy in this list too. It also has many extra features like the On-Screen control for the On-screen Display