Best Gaming Monitor Under £300 UK
The under-£300 gaming monitor segment in the UK has become genuinely competitive, with 1440p 165Hz panels now available at prices that were 1080p territory two years ago. Whether you're playing competitive FPS games or open-world titles, this price bracket delivers excellent value. This guide covers monitors with at least 144Hz refresh rates that are widely available on Amazon UK.
What to Look For
- 1At this budget, 27-inch 1440p 165Hz is the sweet spot — you get sharper visuals than 1080p without needing a top-tier GPU to drive it.
- 2IPS panels offer the best colour accuracy and viewing angles; VA panels have deeper blacks and higher contrast but slower response times that can cause ghosting in fast-paced games.
- 3Check your GPU supports the monitor's adaptive sync — AMD FreeSync monitors are cheaper, but most modern Nvidia cards work with FreeSync via G-Sync Compatible mode.
- 4VESA mount compatibility (75x75 or 100x100) matters if you plan to use a monitor arm — check this before buying as some budget monitors skip VESA holes.
- 5HDR400 certification at this price is largely marketing — real HDR requires local dimming which starts at HDR600+. Don't pay extra for HDR400 alone.
Our Top Picks
Samsung Odyssey G5 27-Inch 1440p 165Hz
Pros
- 1440p resolution at 165Hz delivers sharp, smooth visuals for the price
- VA panel with 2500:1 contrast ratio produces deep blacks for immersive gaming
- 1000R curve reduces eye strain during long sessions
- FreeSync Premium with G-Sync Compatible certification
Cons
- VA panel has slightly slower response times than IPS — noticeable in competitive FPS
- Curved screen can distort straight lines in productivity work
Best all-round pick at this price with a vibrant VA panel, 165Hz, and Samsung's adaptive sync across both GPU brands.
LG 27GP850-B UltraGear 27-Inch 1440p 165Hz IPS
Pros
- Nano IPS panel covers 98% DCI-P3 for excellent colour accuracy
- 1ms GtG response time — genuine fast pixel transitions, not just MPRT marketing
- Overclockable to 180Hz for extra smoothness
- Height-adjustable stand with pivot, tilt, and swivel
Cons
- IPS glow visible in dark room corners — less of an issue with lights on
- Sits near the top of the £300 budget — often £270-£290
Premium IPS panel with the fastest response times in this price range — ideal for competitive play.
ASUS VG27AQ1A TUF Gaming 27-Inch 1440p 170Hz
Pros
- 170Hz refresh rate — slightly above the standard 165Hz
- ELMB Sync allows motion blur reduction and adaptive sync simultaneously
- Sturdy stand with full ergonomic adjustment out of the box
- Built-in speakers are passable for casual use
Cons
- Slightly washed-out blacks compared to VA alternatives
- OSD menu navigation is clunky with physical buttons rather than a joystick
Reliable mid-range option from ASUS with ELMB Sync for blur-free motion in fast games.
AOC 24G2SP 24-Inch 1080p 165Hz IPS
Pros
- Fast IPS panel with genuine low input lag — excellent for Valorant and CS2
- 24-inch 1080p is the competitive standard used in esports tournaments
- Frameless design works well in dual-monitor setups
- Excellent value — typically under £150
Cons
- 1080p at 24 inches looks noticeably less sharp than 1440p at 27 inches
- Stand is basic — no height adjustment without a VESA arm
Best budget option for competitive FPS players who prioritise frame rate and response time over resolution.
Gigabyte M27Q 27-Inch 1440p 170Hz IPS
Pros
- Built-in KVM switch lets you toggle between PC and laptop with one button
- 170Hz IPS panel with 92% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- USB-C input supports 15W charging for connected laptops
- Competitive pricing — often under £260 on Amazon UK
Cons
- BGR subpixel layout can cause slight text fringing — less ideal for productivity
- Stand wobbles slightly on desks that aren't perfectly level
Feature-packed with a built-in KVM switch for gamers who also use their monitor with a work laptop.
Editor's Note
The UK market under £300 has shifted decisively toward 1440p 165Hz IPS panels in 2026. Samsung's Odyssey line and LG's UltraGear range consistently lead Amazon UK bestseller lists in this bracket. For competitive FPS players, response time matters more than resolution — a 1080p 240Hz panel like the AOC 24G2SP outperforms a 1440p 60Hz screen in games like Valorant and CS2.