OLED monitors and the term affordable are not yet a reality, but we’re slowly getting there with the steady stream of new models. The latter means that there are older variants that are most likely on sale or discounted, making them easier to reach for the masses. Now, that doesn’t mean that these options are poor choices because they are still excellent performers.
Most of the OLED gaming monitors in circulation now use more or less the same panel, so you are guaranteed fantastic colors and contrast. The differences are mostly in the implementation, like when a budget model isn’t pre-calibrated while an expensive one is. However, we’re only after eye candy here so that each affordable OLED monitor will be an enjoyable treat.
However, we also recognize that these models aren’t truly affordable, considering they are all over half a grand. But if you think about it, OLEDs typically cost a thousand or more, and most of them never did become affordable despite the maturity of the tech. We think $500+ is reasonable and affordable for what you get this time around.
Affordable OLED Monitors 2024
LG 27GR95QE-B
The LG27GR95QE-B is a premium OLED gaming monitor with fantastic capabilities and features. It comes with all the good stuff, like its RGB-laden aesthetic and a dedicated remote for easy access to its OSD. It sold like hotcakes when it arrived, and it’s still very much available even if the brighter successor is widely available.
Its OLED panel pushes out inaccurate color, but it offers full gamut coverages for vibrant and bright images. This model was used to retail for almost a thousand dollars, but it now costs almost half of that. However, the fast and eye-popping visual performance is still there, so you aren’t losing out on it.
Alienware AW3423DWF
The Alienware AW3423DWF is a 1440p display, but what makes it unique is it’s a 3440 x 1440 ultrawide. Couple that with the gamut coverage and infinite contrast and you get superb immersion in visually stunning games like Starwars Outlaws. It only goes up to 165Hz, but that’s plenty even for some competitive titles.
It’s interesting to note that the Alienware AW3423DWF has a twin named the AW3423DW, which has a slightly higher 170Hz refresh rate. It also has G-Sync Ultimate versus the FreeSync Premium with this pick. However, that matters less since both models are compatible with both VRR solutions anyway.
Asus ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG
The Asus ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG comes from a brand notorious for higher price tags, but it’s surprisingly manageable. It belongs to the more affordable Strix line of products, which shave off all the shiny bits but still retain fantastic performance. It looks simpler than the PG variant, but it still looks gorgeous, especially for ROG fans.
What we like about this cheaper variant is that it’s more accurate than the previous one. Most users won’t need to calibrate it, so it’s ready to go right away. The biggest penalty for the lower price is its lack of HDMI 2.1, but 1440p isn’t the best for console gaming anyway.
KTC G27P6
The KTC G27P6 is a true budget monitor just like most of the brand’s valuable offerings. It’s a 240Hz 1440p OLED display, so it can toe to toe with the more expensive eyes above. Its designed to be a class above other KTC monitors, so it won’t look out of place in a setup with flagship pieces.
It also has valuable extra features like USB-C connectivity, which isn’t typically available in the premium OLED models above. You also don’t get picture-perfect color accuracy with it, but that’s fine since the extra vibrancy is what matters most.
AOC AGON Pro AG276QZD
The AOC AGON Pro AG276QZD started off as the more affordable alternative at the height of QD-OLED’s release. It offers the same level of performance in contrast and colors, and it’s fast enough for competitive play. It also departs from the brand’s aesthetic and becomes classier and more mature.
The only downsides are that it doesn’t include USB-C and HDMI 2.1 and is not accurate out of the box. However, considering what you get with the lower price, those are minor issues.
About the Author: Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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