Samsung Odyssey LS27DG302ENXZA 27" Black 2024

A 180Hz gaming monitor with a great stand for under $200? Yeah, it's as good as it sounds. Just don't expect it to light up a room.

The 180Hz refresh rate is the star of the show, and it's backed by a 1ms response time that keeps motion blur to a minimum. FreeSync support means no screen tearing if you're running an AMD card. The VA panel gives you decent contrast, but the 250 nits brightness is a weak spot, especially in bright rooms. Minor ghosting in dark scenes is a real thing, but it's the kind of trade-off you accept at this price. The ergonomic stand is a pleasant surprise, with height adjust, swivel, tilt, and even pivot for portrait mode.

The LG UltraGear 27G810A-B is a direct competitor with similar specs, but it typically costs more and doesn't offer the same ergonomic flexibility. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL1B is a different beast entirely, with a 34-inch ultrawide panel and higher resolution, but it's also significantly more expensive. If you want the best bang for your buck in 1080p gaming, the G30D is the pick. If you need more screen real estate or higher resolution, the ASUS or the Acer Nitro XV272U are worth a look, but you'll pay for the privilege.

This monitor is a no-brainer if you're on a budget. Prices in the US range from $130 to $220, and the best deal we found is at the lower end of that spread. Even at the higher end, you're getting a 180Hz gaming monitor with a solid stand for less than most competitors charge for 144Hz. The value proposition here is hard to beat.

The Samsung Odyssey G30D is a 27-inch 1080p gaming monitor that punches way above its price tag. The headline here is the 180Hz refresh rate paired with a 1ms response time, which is the kind of spec you'd expect to pay a lot more for. It's not the brightest or most color-accurate panel on the market, but for fast-paced gaming on a budget, this thing delivers where it counts.

If you're looking for a monitor with built-in speakers or one that gets bright enough for a sunlit room, this isn't it. Go grab something with at least 350 nits and integrated audio instead. And if you're doing color-critical work, the 95% sRGB coverage and 8-bit panel won't cut it, look at a higher-end IPS display.

The Samsung Odyssey G30D is the budget gaming monitor to beat right now. It's not perfect, the brightness is mediocre and the lack of speakers is annoying, but the 180Hz refresh rate, solid build quality, and ergonomic stand make it an easy recommendation for anyone who wants smooth gameplay without breaking the bank. Buy it, set the brightness to your liking, and enjoy.