Choosing the best monitor under $300 means deciding which gaming advantage matters more: a wider curved screen or a high refresh rate on a conventional 27-inch panel. This guide compares two QHD gaming displays and explains how screen format, motion features, panel type, and connection details affect fit.
Both listings describe gaming-focused monitors, but their strengths differ. The Samsung prioritizes an immersive ultrawide view and 165Hz refresh rate; the ASUS pairs a 27-inch QHD display with a listed 300Hz refresh rate. Check your computer or console’s output capabilities and the monitor’s connection details before choosing.
Pros
- 34-inch WQHD ultrawide display
- 1000R curved screen
- 165Hz refresh rate
- FreeSync Premium support
Cons
- Skip if you prefer a flat, standard-width display
Pros
- 27-inch QHD Fast IPS display
- 300Hz refresh rate
- ELMB Sync motion features
- Built-in speakers
Cons
- Console refresh-rate support not specified
- Who should skip it: shoppers needing confirmed port details
The Best Monitors by Use Case
Best for Immersive Ultrawide Gaming: Samsung 34′ Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor
The Samsung 34′ Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor suits players who want a broad, curved view for games that support ultrawide layouts. Its listing specifies a WQHD resolution, a 1000R curve, 165Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync Premium. That combination makes it the more format-focused choice here, though you should check game and computer support for the display’s resolution and aspect ratio. Our external monitor guide for MacBook Air offers more context for buyers comparing desktop display needs.
Reasons to buy:
- 34-inch ultrawide format and 1000R curve are designed to fill more of your field of view.
- 165Hz refresh rate and listed 1ms MPRT response time target smooth motion in fast games.
- AMD FreeSync Premium includes adaptive sync features intended to reduce tearing and stutter.
Reasons to avoid:
- Ultrawide game support can vary, so confirm that your most-played titles handle the format as you expect.
- The published information does not specify port types or stand adjustments; verify both against your setup needs.
Skip it if you want a standard 27-inch screen or prioritize the highest listed refresh rate in this comparison.
Best for Wide Field of View: Samsung 34′ Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor
The same Samsung model is also the clearest fit for gamers who value peripheral immersion more than a compact footprint. Its 1000R curve and ultrawide WQHD panel are specified as a way to create a broad, enveloping view, while HDR10 is listed for supported content. Those specifications describe intended features, not a guarantee that every game or video will use the full screen or produce the same visual result.
Reasons to buy:
- Curved ultrawide layout can make supported games feel more expansive than a standard-width display.
- WQHD resolution gives you more horizontal desktop space than a typical Full HD display, subject to software support.
- HDR10 support is listed for compatible content.
Reasons to avoid:
- Its width and curve may not suit a shallow or narrow desk; confirm available space before buying.
- The listing does not provide specific HDR brightness figures or connectivity details, so verify requirements for your devices.
Skip it if your desk setup needs a conventional screen shape or your preferred games do not support ultrawide presentation.
Best for Very High Refresh Gaming: ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A 27 Inch 1440p 300Hz
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A 27 Inch 1440p 300Hz is the stronger match on paper for players seeking the highest listed refresh rate among these two options. Its 27-inch QHD Fast IPS display specifies 300Hz and a 0.3ms GTG response time, while ELMB Sync is described as working alongside variable refresh rate features. Reaching high refresh rates depends on the connected device, game, settings, and connection, so check those details before treating 300Hz as a practical target.
Reasons to buy:
- 300Hz is the highest refresh rate listed in this comparison.
- Fast IPS and ELMB Sync are aimed at reducing visible motion blur and ghosting.
- Shadow Boost is listed to brighten dark areas without overexposing brighter parts of a scene.
Reasons to avoid:
- A 300Hz refresh rate only helps when the source device and game can deliver a sufficiently high frame rate.
- The listing does not identify port specifications here; confirm supported resolution and refresh rate over your intended connection.
Skip it if you would rather have a 34-inch ultrawide display than prioritize very high refresh rates.
Best for QHD Gaming and Color Range: ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQM5A 27 Inch 1440p 300Hz
The ASUS also suits buyers who want a standard-size QHD monitor that can serve gaming and some content-creation tasks. Its listing specifies 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, a 27-inch 2560 x 1440 display, and built-in speakers. Color coverage alone does not establish calibration or color accuracy, and integrated speakers may not replace dedicated audio, so consider these features as conveniences rather than guarantees.
Reasons to buy:
- QHD resolution offers more detail than Full HD at this 27-inch screen size.
- Listed 95% DCI-P3 coverage may appeal to users who want a wider color gamut for compatible work and media.
- Integrated speakers provide an audio output option without requiring separate desktop speakers.
Reasons to avoid:
- Gamut coverage does not tell you whether the display is factory calibrated or appropriate for color-critical work.
- Built-in audio is convenient, but the listing does not provide speaker output details.
Skip it if you need verified color calibration or a larger ultrawide workspace.
How to Choose the Best Monitor Under $300
Choose screen format and resolution for your desk and games
The Samsung’s 34-inch ultrawide format and 1000R curve put screen coverage first. The ASUS uses a 27-inch 16:9-style format with 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution, which may fit more naturally on a standard desk or in games designed around conventional screens. Neither shape is automatically better: compare the monitor’s physical footprint with your desk and check whether your games support the aspect ratio you want.
Resolution affects detail and the graphics load placed on your computer. QHD offers more pixels than Full HD, but driving more pixels can make high frame rates harder for some systems to reach. Look for the monitor’s resolution in the listing, then compare it with your graphics hardware and the resolution settings you intend to use.
Match refresh rate to your device and games
Refresh rate, measured in hertz, describes how often the display can refresh its image. The ASUS lists 300Hz, while the Samsung lists 165Hz. A higher ceiling can benefit fast games when the computer or console can supply enough frames, but it does not make every game run at that rate. Check the device’s video output, supported resolution and refresh rate, and the game settings you plan to use.
Do not treat a monitor’s maximum refresh rate as a system-wide performance promise. Graphics performance varies by game and settings. If your current device cannot approach the panel’s maximum rate, prioritize the screen format, resolution, and features you will use now.
Understand response-time and adaptive-sync claims
Response-time figures are not interchangeable. Samsung lists 1ms MPRT, while ASUS lists 0.3ms GTG; MPRT and GTG use different measurement approaches, so comparing the numbers directly can mislead. Treat them as manufacturer-listed specifications and consider the full feature set rather than assuming the lower number guarantees a visibly faster picture.
Adaptive sync can help coordinate display refresh with a compatible graphics source. Samsung lists AMD FreeSync Premium, including low frame-rate compensation; ASUS lists ELMB Sync, which combines its blur-reduction feature with variable refresh rate technology. Confirm your graphics device and connection support the features you want, and check whether enabling a blur-reduction mode changes other display settings.
Check panel type, color, and HDR needs
The Samsung is listed as a VA panel with HDR10, while the ASUS uses Fast IPS and lists 95% DCI-P3 coverage. These labels describe different aspects of the displays; they do not establish overall image quality. Consider whether you value the Samsung’s curved ultrawide presentation or the ASUS’s stated color-gamut coverage, and verify any color-critical requirements against independent calibration information before purchase.
HDR support also needs context. The Samsung listing names HDR10 but does not supply brightness figures in the provided information. If HDR performance is a priority, check the complete manufacturer specifications for brightness and other relevant details, and confirm your content source supports the format.
Verify ports, ergonomics, and included features
The published product details do not spell out port types, stand adjustments, or cable inclusions for either monitor. Before ordering, check the full listing and manufacturer specifications for the inputs your computer or console needs, supported refresh rates over each input, and whether the stand suits your viewing position. Do not assume two monitors with similar resolutions offer the same connectivity.
The ASUS listing mentions built-in speakers, DisplayWidget Center, a three-year manufacturer warranty, and a complimentary Adobe Creative Cloud subscription offer with a stated end date. Verify current offer terms and warranty coverage with the manufacturer. Samsung’s published features emphasize the curve, refresh rate, adaptive sync, and HDR10; do not assume accessories or software beyond the listing details.
For a work-focused display, also consider how your monitor will connect to a laptop and whether you need a dock. Our guides to monitors for working from home and USB-C docks for two laptops cover those adjacent setup decisions.
How We Compared
This comparison uses the published product specifications and feature descriptions, including screen size, resolution, panel type, refresh rate, response-time method, adaptive-sync features, and stated extras. The provided data lists no customer review details that support recurring owner experiences, so the recommendations focus on listed features and the needs they may suit. Confirm exact connectivity, stand details, compatibility, warranty terms, and current offer conditions in the full manufacturer or retailer listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 300Hz monitor worth choosing over a 165Hz monitor?
It can make sense if your computer, games, and connection can deliver high frame rates and you value very smooth motion. The ASUS lists 300Hz and the Samsung lists 165Hz, but the higher figure alone does not establish which monitor suits you better. Consider screen format and graphics performance along with refresh rate.
Will either monitor work with a gaming console?
The ASUS listing says it is for PS5 and Xbox, but the published information does not state detailed console modes or port capabilities. Check the console’s supported output, the monitor’s full input specifications, and supported refresh rates at your intended resolution. The Samsung’s published details do not establish specific console compatibility.
Is an ultrawide monitor suitable for every game?
No. Game support can differ, and some titles may not use an ultrawide view as you expect. The Samsung’s 34-inch curved screen is intended for an immersive wide presentation, so check support for your regular games before choosing it over the ASUS’s 27-inch format.
Does QHD mean the monitor will look sharper?
QHD specifies more pixels than Full HD, but perceived sharpness also depends on screen size, viewing distance, content, and scaling. Both monitors list WQHD or QHD resolution, though their screen sizes and formats differ. Match resolution to your desk distance and your computer’s ability to render games at that resolution.
Can I use either display for work as well as gaming?
Both can serve as computer displays, but your work needs matter. Samsung’s ultrawide layout may provide broad horizontal space for supported workflows; ASUS lists a 95% DCI-P3 gamut and built-in speakers. Neither listing alone establishes color calibration, ergonomic fit, or laptop connectivity, so verify those details for your work setup.
What should I verify before buying?
Check the exact ports, supported resolution and refresh rate for each input, stand adjustments, desk fit, and compatibility with your computer or console. Also confirm warranty terms and any time-limited software offer directly in the current listing. These details are not fully specified in the product information available for this guide.
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