Looking for the best gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1 under $400? You don’t have to spend a premium price to enjoy smooth, responsive gaming. Whether you play on PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC, a good HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor can offer features like high refresh rates, sharp visuals, and smoother gameplay.
In this article, I’ve selected the best gaming monitors with HDMI 2.1 under $400 based on performance, display quality, refresh rate, and overall value for money. Let’s find the right monitor for your gaming setup.
1. Hikers 34 Inch Curved Gaming Monitor – Best Ultrawide HDMI 2.1 Monitor Under $400
34″ | UWQHD (3440 × 1440) | Curved VA | 240Hz | 1ms MPRT | 2× HDMI 2.1
If you want a large ultrawide gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1 under $400, the Hikers 34-inch curved monitor offers a lot for the price. The 21:9 ultrawide screen gives you a more immersive view than a standard monitor, especially for racing, RPG, and open-world games.
The 3440 × 1440 UWQHD resolution keeps games looking sharp, while the 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT make this a strong option for fast-paced and competitive gaming. FreeSync also helps keep gameplay smooth and reduce screen tearing.
Another big advantage is the connectivity. You get 2 HDMI 2.1 ports and 2 DisplayPort 1.4 ports, making it easier to connect multiple gaming devices. The fast VA panel also delivers strong contrast and vibrant colors.
Who This Is For
- Gamers who want a 34-inch ultrawide gaming monitor
- Players who enjoy fast and competitive games
- Anyone looking for HDMI 2.1 and 240Hz under $400
Who Should Skip It
- If you specifically want a 4K gaming monitor
- If you prefer a smaller 27-inch display
My Take
This is a solid choice if you want a big, immersive ultrawide gaming monitor without spending a lot. The combination of UWQHD resolution, 240Hz performance, and HDMI 2.1 connectivity makes it one of the more interesting gaming monitors in this price range.
2. ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A – Best 4K HDMI 2.1 Gaming Monitor Under $400
27″ | 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) | Fast IPS | 160Hz | 1ms | HDMI 2.1 | G-SYNC Compatible
If you want a 4K gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1 under $400, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A is one of the strongest options in this price range. You get a sharp 27-inch 4K display, a fast 160Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms response time, making it suitable for both detailed single-player games and fast-paced competitive gaming.
For PS5 and Xbox Series X players, the HDMI 2.1 connection supports up to 4K at 120Hz, so you can take advantage of high-resolution console gaming without sacrificing smoothness. The Fast IPS panel also provides good viewing angles and vibrant colors with 95% DCI-P3 coverage.
What I especially like here is the combination of G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium, and ELMB Sync. These features are designed to keep gameplay smoother and reduce tearing and motion blur during fast scenes.
Who This Is For
- You want a 4K HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor under $400
- You play on PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC
- You want both high refresh rates and sharp 4K visuals
Who Should Skip It
- If you prefer a larger ultrawide screen
- If you don’t need 4K resolution and want to save money
My Take
This is a great all-around choice for gamers who want 4K resolution, HDMI 2.1, and fast refresh rate performance in one monitor. If you’re looking for a strong monitor for both PC and console gaming, the ASUS TUF VG27UQ1A offers a very balanced combination of speed, image quality, and gaming features for under $400.
3. FYHXele 27 Inch White 4K Gaming Monitor – Best Budget 4K HDMI 2.1 Monitor
27″ | 4K UHD | IPS | 120Hz | 1ms | HDMI 2.1 | HDR400 | Built-in Speakers
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 4K gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1, this FYHXele 27-inch model offers some impressive specs for the price. You get a 4K IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, which is a great combination for both console and PC gaming.
The HDMI 2.1 port supports 4K at 120Hz, making it a good option for PS5 and Xbox Series X players who want sharp visuals and smooth gameplay. It also supports FreeSync and G-SYNC Compatible technology to help reduce screen tearing.
The 99% sRGB color coverage and HDR400 add more vibrant colors, while the built-in dual speakers are a useful bonus if you want a simple setup without extra speakers.
Who This Is For
- Gamers looking for an affordable 4K HDMI 2.1 monitor
- PS5 and Xbox Series X players who want 4K at 120Hz
- Anyone who likes the clean look of a white gaming monitor
Who Should Skip It
- If you want a refresh rate higher than 120Hz
- If you prefer a larger screen
My Take
For the price, this is a solid choice if your priority is getting 4K, HDMI 2.1, and 120Hz gaming performance without spending close to $400. The IPS panel, HDR support, and built-in speakers make it a practical all-around option for both gaming and everyday use.
4. Acer Nitro VG270K V4 – Best Value 4K HDMI 2.1 Gaming Monitor
27″ | 4K UHD | IPS | 160Hz / 320Hz DFR | 0.5ms | 2× HDMI 2.1
If you want a 4K gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1 without spending close to $400, the Acer Nitro VG270K V4 offers excellent value. You get a 27-inch 4K IPS display, a fast 160Hz refresh rate, and an impressive 0.5ms response time for smooth and responsive gaming.
What makes this monitor especially interesting is its DFR technology, which lets you choose between higher resolution or a higher refresh rate depending on what you’re playing. That makes it a flexible option for gamers who enjoy both detailed single-player games and fast-paced competitive titles.
With two HDMI 2.1 ports, it also gives you more flexibility for connecting consoles and other devices. FreeSync Premium helps reduce screen tearing, while HDR support and the IPS panel provide sharp visuals and good color.
Who This Is For
- Gamers looking for a budget 4K HDMI 2.1 monitor
- Players who want both 4K detail and high refresh rates
- Anyone who wants a flexible monitor for gaming and everyday use
Who Should Skip It
- If you want a larger ultrawide display
- If you only need a simple 4K monitor for casual use
My Take
For the price, the Acer Nitro VG270K V4 is a strong value pick. The combination of 4K resolution, HDMI 2.1, fast IPS performance, and DFR technology makes it a good choice for gamers who want more flexibility from their monitor without overspending.
5. Z-Edge AG34P 34 Inch Curved Gaming Monitor – Best Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitor
34″ | WQHD (3440 × 1440) | 1500R Curved | 240Hz | 1ms MPRT | HDMI 2.1 | FreeSync
If you want a large ultrawide gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1 under $400, the Z-Edge AG34P is a strong budget-friendly option. The 34-inch curved 21:9 screen gives you much more space than a regular monitor and makes racing, FPS, and open-world games feel more immersive.
The 3440 × 1440 WQHD resolution keeps the image sharp, while the 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time are great for fast-paced gaming. FreeSync also helps keep gameplay smooth by reducing screen tearing and stuttering.
One feature I really like is the height-adjustable stand, which is useful if you spend long hours gaming or working. It also supports PIP and PBP, allowing you to view two different input sources on the same screen.
Who This Is For
- Gamers who want a 34-inch ultrawide gaming monitor
- Players who prefer a fast 240Hz curved display
- Anyone who wants more screen space for gaming and multitasking
Who Should Skip It
- If you specifically want a 4K gaming monitor
- If you prefer a smaller 27-inch screen
My Take
This is a good choice if you want a big, fast, and immersive ultrawide gaming monitor without spending too much. The combination of WQHD resolution, 240Hz performance, a curved screen, and HDMI connectivity makes it a solid option for both gaming and everyday multitasking.
6. FYHXele 27 Inch White 4K Gaming Monitor – Great Budget Pick for PS5 and Xbox
27″ | 4K UHD | IPS | 120Hz | 1ms | HDMI 2.1 | HDR400 | Built-in Speakers
If you want a budget 4K gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1, this FYHXele model gives you the important features without pushing the price too high. The 27-inch 4K IPS display looks sharp, while the 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time help keep gameplay smooth and responsive.
The biggest reason to consider it is the HDMI 2.1 support for 4K at 120Hz, making it a practical choice for PS5, Xbox Series X, and gaming PC setups. FreeSync and G-SYNC Compatible support also help reduce screen tearing.
You also get HDR400, 99% sRGB color coverage, built-in speakers, and VESA mounting support, which makes this a convenient all-around monitor for gaming and everyday use.
Who This Is For
- PS5 and Xbox gamers wanting 4K 120Hz with HDMI 2.1
- Anyone looking for a budget-friendly 4K gaming monitor
- Gamers who prefer a clean white monitor setup
My Take
At its price, this is a solid option if your priority is 4K resolution, 120Hz gaming, and HDMI 2.1 connectivity. It may not have the extreme refresh rates of premium gaming monitors, but for console gaming and everyday PC use, it offers a lot of useful features for the money.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Gaming Monitor With HDMI 2.1 Under $400
Buying a gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1 under $400 can be confusing because not every monitor offers the same level of performance. Some are better for PS5 and Xbox Series X, while others focus more on high-refresh-rate PC gaming. Here are the main things I would look at before buying.
1. Check What the HDMI 2.1 Port Actually Supports
This is probably the most important thing to check. Don’t buy a monitor just because the listing says HDMI 2.1. Make sure it actually supports the resolution and refresh rate you need, especially 4K at 120Hz if you’re buying for a PS5 or Xbox Series X.
For console gaming, also check whether VRR works at 4K and 120Hz. HDMI 2.1 alone doesn’t guarantee that every monitor handles all features in the same way.
2. Choose Between 4K and 1440p
For PS5 and Xbox Series X, I would generally look for a 27-inch 4K 120Hz monitor if you want the sharpest image and full use of HDMI 2.1.
For PC gaming, however, a 1440p 240Hz monitor can be the better choice if you mainly play competitive games. It’s easier for your graphics card to push high frame rates at 1440p than at 4K.
3. Look for at Least a 120Hz Refresh Rate
If you’re specifically buying an HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor, I would avoid paying extra for one that doesn’t offer at least 120Hz. A higher refresh rate makes fast games feel smoother and more responsive.
For console gaming, 120Hz is the key target. For PC gaming, 144Hz, 160Hz, or 240Hz can be worth considering depending on your graphics card and the games you play.
4. Don’t Ignore VRR Support
Look for FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible, or HDMI VRR support. Variable Refresh Rate helps reduce screen tearing and keeps gameplay smoother when your frame rate changes.
This is especially useful in demanding games where your frame rate doesn’t stay perfectly consistent.
5. Pick the Right Panel Type
For most people, an IPS gaming monitor is the safest choice. IPS panels usually offer better viewing angles and more consistent colors.
A VA panel can be a good option if you prefer deeper blacks and stronger contrast, especially for immersive single-player games. The best choice really depends on whether you prioritize speed, colors, or contrast.
6. Don’t Overpay for HDR
HDR sounds great on paper, but budget monitors can vary a lot in real HDR performance. A basic DisplayHDR 400 label doesn’t automatically mean you will get a dramatic HDR experience.
For a gaming monitor under $400, I would prioritize resolution, refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 support, and VRR before paying extra mainly for HDR.
7. Check the Ports You Actually Need
If you’re connecting a PS5, Xbox, and gaming PC, having multiple HDMI 2.1 ports can make your setup much easier. Otherwise, you may need to constantly switch cables.
Also check for DisplayPort 1.4, especially if you’re a PC gamer who wants to take full advantage of higher refresh rates.
My Recommendation
If you’re mainly buying for PS5 or Xbox Series X, focus on a 4K 120Hz monitor with confirmed HDMI 2.1 and VRR support. If you’re a competitive PC gamer, a 1440p 240Hz monitor may give you a better gaming experience for the money.
The best gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1 under $400 is not simply the one with the highest specs on the box. Choose the one that matches your gaming platform, the games you play, and the performance your PC or console can actually deliver.