8 Best HDMI 2.1 Monitors for Gaming in 2024

With the rising popularity of next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, 4K gaming, and high-refresh-rate titles, it’s no secret that your current monitor is probably going to need an upgrade too. If you’re still gaming on a 1080p 60hz display, then this is your sign to finally get the upgrade your console and/or PC deserves.

Enter HDMI 2.1 Monitors: the newest and hottest monitors for high-end gaming. Compared to your current monitor, HDMI 2.1 can display up to 8K resolution and 120 FPS which simply means you will be able to see more details in smoother frames. Hence, in this article, we will be discussing the 8 Best HDMI 2.1 Monitors for Gaming in 2024 while covering every budget and spec needs that you may have for your specific setup.

How to Choose a Good HDMI 2.1 Monitor

Before we do a deep dive, let us first explore the 3 factors to consider when choosing an HDMI 2.1 monitor

Display Resolution

One of the main selling points of an HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor is its capability to display beyond full HD (1080p). This means that once you get yourself an HMDI 2.1 monitor and as long as your device can handle resolutions beyond 1080p, you will be able to game in ultra HD resolutions such as 4K and even 8K—yes, that’s 8K: 7680 × 4320 in pixels. 

But what do these numbers mean in-game? Well, it’s simple: the higher your display resolution is, the sharper and crisper your game will look. If your current 1080p monitor already looks sharp and crisp to you, then your mind will probably be blown away by what 4K and 8K can offer in terms of enhanced graphics, fidelity, and overall visual experience it will provide.

High Refresh Rate

Another appeal of an HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor is its high refresh rate capabilities. Although most HDMI 2.0 monitors are also capable of displaying up to 144 Hz, HDMI 2.1 monitors can display up to 240 Hz with some newer and higher-end monitors even capable of displaying up to 360 Hz—that’s 360 fps each second which will translate into the smoothest gameplay you will ever see with your device. Of course, your console and PC’s specs will still be at play here, but if you have the latest and greatest, then you’re in for a ride with an HDMI 2.1 monitor.

Brand

Of course, you can’t forget about the brand. Although there are a plethora of budget monitors out there with nameless brands or relatively unknown brands, it’s important to always choose a reputable brand from a well-known gaming company. Some popular and good monitor brands that you can trust are ASUS (specifically their ROG lineup), Samsung, Gigabyte, BENQ, and more which we will talk about on our list below.

The 8 Best HDMI 2.1 Monitors for Gaming in 2024

1. The Best for PS5 Gaming: Gigabyte AORUS FV43

The Best for PS5 Gaming

Gigabyte AORUS FV43U 43″ 144Hz 2160p HBR3, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, Exclusive Built-in ANC, 3840×2160 Display, 1ms Response Time, HDR, 96% DCI-P3, 1 DisplayPort 1.4, 2 HDMI 2.1, 2 USB 3.0, 1 USB C

Gigabyte AORUS FV43

• 144 Hz refresh rate with 4K UHD resolution
• NVIDIA GSync ready
• Color accurate enough for professional work
• The perfect monitor for PS5 gamers

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Starting off our list strong is the Gigabyte AORUS FV43, a 43-inch powerhouse that is packed to the brim with features for your PS5. I chose this monitor specifically for the PS5 as it has all the features that take advantage of the PS5’s next-gen capabilities.

These features include the aforementioned 43-inch VA panel which will sit perfectly on your desktop or living room, a fast 144Hz display for buttery smooth gameplay, and crystal sharp 4K UHD resolution for high-fidelity gaming. As of writing, I am still using this monitor for my PS5 and even after weeks of owning and playing with it, I still get blown away by its clarity, vividness of colors, and quick response times. Whether it be playing single-player games like God of War: Ragnarok or multiplayer titles like Call of Duty: Warzone 2, the AORUS FV43U never failed to impress me with how sharp the images looked and how smooth each frame was. 

It’s also got HDR1000, a 1 ms response time, and a color-accurate display which makes it also a viable option for gamers who do professional work on the side. Besides these specs, it’s also got 1 DisplayPort, 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports, and 1 USB C port which again, makes it a perfect tool for gamers and professionals who are balancing work and play time and need this much ports for their specific uses. With these ports, it also has a keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) switch which essentially enables the monitor to switch around devices seamlessly using its multiple ports. 

My only gripe with this monitor is its rather steep asking price. For brand new, the FV43U comes with a $900 price tag, which for many, maybe too much for a monitor. There is also the fact that the monitor literally costs more than the PS5 itself which again, for many, may sound absurd. It’s also quite big coming at 43 inches which makes it quite difficult to use for PC gaming. I tried to use a for 3 days while hooked up to my PC and I unfortunately experienced a mild stiff neck after some time.

However, I can attest that despite its cons, this Gigabyte AORUS monitor is very much worth it for the price you are paying thanks to its top-of-the-line features and spec list that will spoil any other monitor for you.

2. The best for Xbox Series X and S Gaming – SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G

The best for Xbox Series X and S Gaming

SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G8 4K UHD 240Hz 1ms G-Sync 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor, Quantum HDR2000, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Matte Display, Ultrawide Game View, DisplayPort, Black & White, 2022

SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G

• Sharp 4K resolution display
• Ultra-fast 240hz refresh rate
• HDR2000 for vibrant and saturated colors
• G-sync AMD Freesync Premium ready for stutter-free gaming

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Next up is my pick for the best monitor for the Xbox Series S and X: the SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G. As this is a Samsung monitor, I already knew before I even ordered and tested it that it would deliver and surpass my expectations. In recent years, Samsung has been known to be at the forefront of gaming monitors thanks to their Odyssey lineup, and this year, with the SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G, they have once again proved that they mean business when it comes to gaming monitors.

I specifically chose the SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G monitor for the Xbox Series X and S since it ticks all the boxes required for an Xbox Series X monitor. It’s got 4K resolution for one the sharpest image quality around, its insane HDR 2000 which can boost colors and dynamic range through the roof, an impressive 240Hz panel that is one of the most responsive for the Xbox, and an Ultrawide aspect ratio that will put immersion to new heights.

During my time with the SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G, I tested games such as CoD: Warzone 2, Halo Infinite, and Forza Horizon 5 which all looked spectacular. In both CoD: Warzone 2 and Halo Infinite, everything flowed more smoothly than my previous monitor thanks to the Odyssey’s industry-leading 240Hz panel. Although the difference from 144Hz to 240Hz isn’t as noticeable as say 60Hz to 144Hz is, it’s still a jump in refresh rate that I noticed (thanks to my years of gaming) and ultimately appreciated. The micro stutters that I experienced with 144Hz were finally gone and my games just felt better and smoother to play which of course, translated to more kills. 

Similar to the FV43U though, my main issue with the SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G is its very expensive price tag. Once again, it literally doubles the price of the console that I picked for it, coming in at $1000 brand new (the Xbox Series X is $500). However, I will have to say that it is still worth the price as it really did make my gaming experience with the Xbox Series X even better thanks to its 4K UHD resolution and 240Hz refresh rate. Regarding its size, 32 inches didn’t matter to me at first but whenever I go back to my PS5 and the FV43U, I can’t help but feel like it’s a tad too small for a living room console.

Nevertheless, I will still recommend the SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G for Xbox Series X and S gamers who want nothing but the absolute premium and best gaming experience.

3. The best OLED Gaming Monitor: ASUS ROG Swift 41.5” 4K OLED Gaming Monitor (PG42UQ)

The Best OLED Gaming Monitor

ASUS ROG Swift 41.5” 4K OLED Gaming Monitor (PG42UQ) – UHD (3840 x 2160), 138Hz, 0.1ms, HDMI2.1, True 10 bit, DCI-P3 98%, G-SYNC Compatible, DisplayPort, USB, Console Ready, Remote Control, Anti-Glare

ASUS ROG Swift 41.5” 4K OLED Gaming Monitor (PG42UQ)

• Stunning OLED display for true blacks and vivid colors
• 138hz refresh rate for smooth gaming
• UHD 4K resolution for sharp images
• Also perfect for professional work like video editing

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Next on our list of the best HDMI 2.1 Monitors for Gaming in 2024 is from one of the best monitor manufacturers in the market: ASUS ROG Swift 41.5” 4K OLED Gaming Monitor (PG42UQ) (and their ROG lineup) which debuted the world’s first 42-inch OLED gaming monitor in 2022. For the uninitiated, OLED gaming monitors are a big deal since OLED monitors (organic light-emitting diode) have an infinite contrast ratio which translates to deep, true blacks, vivid colors, lower power consumption, and a fuller viewing angle. If you have a high-end smartphone (e.g. any iPhone from the iPhone 12 series and above), then chances are that you already know what an OLED screen looks like. Now, with the PG42UQ, think of the same display quality, but bigger and brighter.

As of writing, I am still using the PG42UQ as my daily driver and honestly, it’s hard to go back to my old monitor. I’ve had it for about a month and have been using it for both professional work and heavy gaming thanks to its beefy specs. It’s got the usual HDMI 2.1 monitor specs list like a 4K resolution display, a 138hz refresh rate, 0.1ms response time, and the whole deal. 

But, as mentioned earlier, what separates this from other displays that we have discussed so far is its beautiful and vivid OLED display that comes in at about 42 inches in size (roughly as big as the AORUS FV43U). This turned my PC gaming experience into an even richer and immersive one as games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield looked breathtaking. Colors popped out and there were no pixels visible no matter how hard I looked for it. In short, it was just a different experience than gaming on a traditional LED display. I also used it for competitive games like VALORANT and Fortnite since the PG42UQ also boasts a high refresh rate display, although it is odd why ASUS ROG Swift 41.5” 4K OLED Gaming Monitor (PG42UQ) chose to go for 138hz instead of the typical 144hz. Nevertheless, it was also an enjoyable experience using it for these competitive shooters since there were no stutters whatsoever thanks to G-SYNC and its 0.1ms response time.

However, since I used this primarily for PC gaming, one thing that I will have to note is that it’s just simply too big for it. This meant that I needed to make some adjustments to my table to make sure that this monitor had the space it needed for its 42-inch display. I also had to sit further from it since sitting too close meant that I could only see a portion of my monitor. I can’t forget to mention that since it’s too big, I also had a hard time locating where my cursor was at times and that juggling between tabs and applications proved to be a task for my eyes and neck. 

With that said, I do still enjoy using this monitor despite its growing pains. If you’re looking to use this for console gaming, this monitor is also a perfect choice because of its size and built-in features that make it solid for both the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S alike. Just keep in mind that this is the most expensive monitor on this list which starts at a jaw-droppingly price tag of $1600. Yes, $1600, which means that with its price, you can buy a PS5, an Xbox Series X, and a Nintendo Switch (or even a high-end PC). Regardless of how expensive it is though, if money isn’t an issue, then I can vouch that the ASUS ROG PG42UQ is indeed one of the best monitors in the market to date.

4. The best for budget gamers: GIGABYTE M28U

The best for budget gamers

GIGABYTE M28U 28″ 144Hz Gaming Monitor, 3840 x 2160 SS IPS Display, 2ms (MPRT) Response Time, 9‎4% DCI-P3, VESA Display HDR400, FreeSync Premium Pro, 1x Display Port 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1

GIGABYTE M28U

• Sharp images thanks to 4K resolution
• Low 0.1 response time for a stutter-free experience
• AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for zero tearing
• KVM for seamless switching between devices

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This next one is for gamers who don’t want to break the bank but still want a solid HDMI 2.1 monitor to game on. Enter the GIGABYTE M28U: an incredible 28-inch monitor for PC gaming that is equipped with features that we also discussed with the premium monitors above.

Despite being a budget option, the GIGABYTE M28U still boasts a plethora of features such as a crispy 4K UHD display, a beautiful IPS display that will give OLEDs competition, a 165hz refresh rate, a swift 0.1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. With this feature set, I had fun with my short time with the M28U. While I had it, I mainly used it for eSports titles like VALORANT and Dota 2 since 28 inches is what I find the perfect size for these competitive games. I also gave triple-A titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Diablo IV a shot and also enjoyed those as well thanks to the GIGABYTE M28U’s vibrant IPS display which made sceneries pop out even more. Its 4K resolution display also made it a joy to work on content and watch movies and videos on it since images look sharp and clear. 

I can’t forget to mention that it is also equipped with the KVM feature which is similarly found on the FV43U. This means that you can hook up multiple devices on it and switch between them on the fly which made juggling work and play even more fun and seamless to me.  

Overall, the M28U is the perfect HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor to get if you’re on a tight budget and can’t spend upwards of $500 for a monitor. It’s a solid package for only $450 and offers features that you can also find in the expensive monitors that I previously discussed and tested. With that being said, there isn’t really much to hate about this monitor besides its lackluster HDR. Although it is HDR400 certified, I and many others who have used this monitor noticed that all it really did was boost the brightness slightly which makes it not the best implementation of HDR out there, but this didn’t really bother me in the first place since I don’t use HDR that much altogether. So, if you’re looking for an HDMI 2.1 monitor that won’t cost more than your console and/or PC, then going for the GIGABYTE M28U is the perfect way to go.

5. The best ultrawide gaming monitor: SAMSUNG 34-Inch Odyssey G85SB

The Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

SAMSUNG 34″ Odyssey G85SB Series QD-OLED Ultra WQHD Curved Gaming Monitor, 175Hz, 0.03ms, DisplayHDR True Black 400, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Advanced Game Streaming, LS34BG850SNXZA, 2023

SAMSUNG 34-Inch Odyssey G85SB

• WQHD resolution (crisper and sharper than 4K)
• 175hz refresh rate for buttery smooth gaming
• Fastest response time at 0.03 ms
• OLED technology for true blacks and vivid colors
• HDR400 
• Perfect for movies and videos
• Can also be used for professional work and tasks
• AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for a stutter-free experience
• Easy-to-use monitor software 

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For those who want to join the world of ultrawide and OLED, the SAMSUNG 34-Inch Odyssey G85SB is going to be your best bet. So far, I’ve only discussed flat monitors and the 32-inch SAMSUNG 34-Inch Odyssey G85SB which is only slightly curved, so for a change of pace and to cater for ultrawide lovers, let’s talk about the 34-inch Odyssey G8.

As expected, it features a beefy spec list: a WQHD resolution that is higher than 4K, a breathtaking quantum-dot OLED display that outshines ASUS’ offering, HDR, AMD Freesync Premium Pro, a 0.03 response time for instantaneous key presses and actions, and finally a fast 175hz display. All of these features translate into a beautifully packaged 34-inch monitor that transforms your games into an immersion machine. Being ultrawide means that the aspect ratio of your games will fit into the ultrawide aspect. Basically, you’ll see more content than you would expect versus an average 16:9/flat monitor. This meant that games like Red Dead Redemption 2, God of War, and Starfield all looked beautiful and stunning. Before experiencing gaming on this monitor, I initially thought that the OLED ASUS ROG Swift would be the best gaming experience I would have on a monitor. However, after gaming on the 34-inch SAMSUNG 34-Inch Odyssey G85SB and getting immersed for hours on end, I can confidently say that this goes beyond any gaming experience that you will get. As an OLED display, blacks are true blacks, the contrast ratio is solid, and colors pop out as if they’re paintings on the screen, and as an ultrawide, exploring lush green sceneries in-game and staring at sunsets has never been more relaxing than ever. It is as if I was really a part of the game instead of just playing it. 

On top of that, it’s also perhaps the best monitor for working professionals who are heavy on multitasking. Since this is an ultrawide, you can put 3 to 5 windows side-by-side and effortlessly switch between tasks without feeling overwhelmed or dizzy. Finally, watching movies and videos is also something that this monitor enhances since again, it’s an OLED and ultrawide—the perfect combo for a solid viewing experience on a monitor. 

Despite these praises, I do have to mention its asking price of $1159 which again, might just be too much for most gamers. Yes, the 34-inch SAMSUNG 34-Inch Odyssey G85SB is undoubtedly one of the best HDMI 2.1 monitors or even one of the best monitors in general in the market currently, but for that price, you may want to consider what you really need versus want on a gaming monitor.

6. The best for eSports gaming: MSI MAG281UR

The Best for eSports gaming

MSI MAG281URF, 28″ Gaming Monitor, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), Rapid IPS, 1ms, 144Hz, G-Sync Compatible, HDR 400, HDMI, Displayport, USB Type-C, Tilt, Swivel, Height Adjustable, Pivot,Black

MSI MAG281UR

• Superior image quality with 4K resolution
• Smooth gaming experience with 144hz
• Enjoyable viewing experience thanks to IPS
• 28-inch size is perfect for eSports titles

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If you only play eSports titles like VALORANT, League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike 2, then the MSI MAG281UR may entice you as it is a wallet-friendly option that is catered towards gamers who play competitive titles. 

To start with the basics, it features an impressive spec list for its price: a 4K resolution display, IPS technology for saturated colors, 144hz refresh rate for the best eSports gaming experience, a 1ms response time, and G-Sync compatibility for tear-free gaming. As an eSports-centered monitor, it does everything it needs to do flawlessly. Having tried it with VALORANT and Counter-Strike 2, I had no problem seeing enemies, incoming bullets, and abilities thanks to the MSI MAG281UR’s 4K display which makes every image sharp and detailed. There’s also its high refresh rate of 144hz that makes everything feel buttery smooth. I also took advantage of its G-Sync compatibility which turned my gaming experience even smoother since there was no image tearing or ghosting visible.

However, since it is a budget option and eSports-oriented, it is really just an average HDMI 2.1 monitor outside of eSports titles. Its 28-inch display is still great for movies and videos, but since the inception of OLED displays, it’s really hard to appreciate IPS displays such as the MSI MAG281UR’s. Don’t worry though since for gaming, it’s still an amazing monitor thanks to its high refresh rate and 4K resolution which will make any game you throw at it an enjoyable experience. But, if you’re looking for a monitor that you can also use for work or for other hobbies like binge-watching videos, then you may want to look at other options on this list which feature bigger screens and/or better display technologies like OLED.

7. The best 1080p HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor: Sony 27” INZONE M3

The best 1080p HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor

Sony 27” INZONE M3 Full HD HDR 240Hz Gaming Monitor with NVIDIA G-SYNC and HDMI 2.1 VRR, Black

Sony 27” INZONE M3

• 1080p resolution makes it friendly for budget PCs
• Ultra-fast 240hz refresh rate 
• Sharp and crispy images with IPS technology
• Fast 1ms response time for quick flicks
• G-Sync ready
• HDR400 for even higher brightness and better colors
• Exclusive features for PS5 to enhance gaming experience
• Has a number of ports for your other devices
• Sleek and modern design
• Cheap compared to other monitors on this list

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Let’s dial things down by discussing the best 1080p HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor in the market right now. So far, we’ve only talked about 4K resolution options and ignored 1080p, but for gamers out there who don’t have powerful PCs to game on 4K, this is the monitor for you. The Sony 27” INZONE M3 is a 1080p powerhouse with a spec list similar to that of the 4K monitors we discussed earlier. 

It has the basics down like a lightning-fast 240hz refresh rate, G-Sync for tear-free gaming, a good implementation of HDR400, and a 1ms response time. For PS5 gamers out there, the Sony 27” INZONE M3 also has exclusive features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode which further adjusts the colors and image fidelity of the monitor to enhance your gaming experience.

For PC gamers who have budget to midrange setups, the Sony 27” INZONE M3’s 1080p resolution will be a perfect fit for you as your PC won’t have to do much heavy lifting just to achieve over 60 fps. Since the INZONE M3 also features a 240hz refresh rate, you’ll also have a much easier time hitting near 240 FPS and utilizing its high refresh rate in all of its glory. During my time with it, games like GTA V, Fortnite, VALORANT, and Dota 2 had no problems hitting 200 FPS+ at 1080p which meant they all played like butter. If you’re stressing over the fact that it’s only 1080p and that image quality might be too compromised, then don’t worry as the Sony 27” INZONE M3 is still able to display sharp and detailed images. I was still able to see the small details and high-resolution textures of my games with the high fidelity, and I honestly didn’t even notice much difference versus 4K gaming until I actually started to look for it. It’s also worth noting that its design and aesthetic are sleek and lowkey, making it easy to blend with any setup.

However, if you’re going to use this for both the PS5 and Xbox Series X, do note you won’t be able to utilize 100% of these consoles’ power as these both need at least a 4K display to play games in the resolution they’re meant to be played. Overall though, the Sony 27” INZONE M3 is an excellent HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor that’s both affordable and packed to the brim with features. It’s only 1080p, but it will have no problem giving you the image quality and smooth gameplay you need for your games.

8. The popular option for most gamers: ASUS TUF Gaming 28” Gaming Monitor

The Popular Option for Most Gamers

ASUS TUF Gaming 28” 4K 144HZ DSC HDMI 2.1, Monitor (VG28UQL1A) – UHD (3840 x 2160), Fast IPS, 1ms, Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync, G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium, Eye Care, DCI-P3 90%,BLACK

ASUS TUF Gaming 28” Gaming Monitor

• 4K UHD resolution
• 144hz refresh rate for high pace gaming
• Wide color gamut for professional and creative work
• Has Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync which eliminates any ghosting and motion blur

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For our next monitor, we have a fan-favorite and one of the highest-rated monitors across different websites, the ASUS TUF GAMING 28’’. Since it has received many praises and good reviews from many gamers, I decided to bite the bullet and try it out for myself. I mainly used the TUF Gaming for my PC and I immediately knew why it was everybody’s favorite. First, it’s got the basic spec list you’d expect from an HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor: a 4K UHD display, a 144hz refresh rate, G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, a solid IPS panel, a low response time of 1ms, and a wide color gamut that makes it a viable option for creative and professional work too. While using the TUF Gaming 28’’, I played a variety of games like CoD: Warzone 2, Diablo IV, and Starfield, and during my gameplay, I can say that it does deliver the hype. As expected, the image quality was superb, the colors popped and were saturated, and both the refresh rate and response time made my games feel smooth with zero stutters on sight. I also took advantage of its Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync feature which got rid of any unnecessary motion blurs that ruined some games’ image quality. Furthermore, I was also able to do some Photoshop and other creative work with this monitor as again, it has a wide color gamut that made colors look accurate.

It’s also got an HDR400 feature that transforms HDR content into an even richer experience. Unlike some of the other monitors on this list, it doesn’t only boost brightness and colors but actually analyzes each image and frame and optimizes them accordingly. This feature is also available for HDR games and made green like grass, for example, to look life-like and real. In simpler terms, it made immersion easy for anything that I did with the monitor. 

Finally, let’s talk about pricing. The TUF GAMING 28’’ starts at $600 which I believe is a fair price for what you’re getting. It’s got the latest and greatest display technologies (though not OLED) which is more than enough for an average gamer’s need. However, it is worth mentioning that most of the features listed here can also be found in monitors like the MSI MAG281URF and GIGABYTE M28U which are both under $500, so choose wisely!