Best gaming monitor 2024: our top 10 picks for gamers this April
From hundreds of reviews, here are our best gaming monitors this year
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Looking for the best gaming monitor in 2024? We’ve tested many of the market’s best gaming monitors to bring you our top picks. As with all of our detailed buying guides, we keep this page updated with the latest information to ensure you can buy with confidence.
New monitor technology is being worked on and improved regularly, with Mini-LED, OLED, and QD-OLED displays now widely available. As with every monitor, you’ll get what you pay for – but there are some fantastic options available whatever your budget. You also have to consider your GPU when something like the new RTX 4080 Super is capable of 4K gaming. Whether you’re looking for a highly responsive esports monitor, an ultrawide immersive display with great HDR, or a top-of-the-line console monitor for PS5, Xbox and the latest graphics cards, this guide will recommend a panel that suits your needs.
Right now, the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 is our best choice for gaming – scoring top marks. We’d also have to recommend the ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX for high-end 4K gaming. There are plenty of great monitors on the market these days, so you can sometimes be spoilt for choice. Worry not though, as we keep our top picks relevant with regular updates, so you know exactly where to look.
Today’s best monitor deals
- LG 49″ UltraGear Curved gaming monitor – Save 35% NOW!
- SAMSUNG 32″ Odyssey Neo G8 – Save 23% now!
- INNOCN 49″ Curved Monitor Ultrawide Gaming – Save 26% NOW!
- Acer Nitro XZ306C Curved Gaming Monitor – Save 37% NOW!
- ViewSonic Omni VX2418C 24 Inch Curved Gaming Monitor – Save 38% NOW!
- SAMSUNG 43-Inch Odyssey Neo G7 – Save $500 NOW!
- Corsair XENEON 27QHD240 27-Inch OLED Gaming Monitor – Save $100 now!
- Alienware AW3423DW Curved Gaming Monitor – Save 8% NOW!
- Acer Nitro XFA243Y Sbiipr 23.8” Full HD (1920 x 1080) VA Gaming Monitor – Save 44% NOW!
- BenQ Mobiuz EX2710U – Save 24%
Best gaming monitor in 2024: in-depth reviews
Whether you’re building the perfect gaming setup, have just purchased a new gaming PC, or just want to take your competitive gaming to the next level with a new keyboard, mouse, and monitor, this article will help you find a display that is right for you. Below you’ll find our more in-depth reviews for each monitor we recommend.
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Response time: 0.03ms GtG
- Screen size: 27″
- Resolution : 2560 x 1440
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Type: OLED
- Brightness: 1000 nits (peak)
- Contrast ratio: Infinite
- Viewing angles : 178/178
- Color gamut: 100% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3
The Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 is one of the best for gaming thanks to its stunning OLED panel. The quick response time and high refresh rate makes it hard to beat. The main downside would be its brightness levels, but this is not a problem in the right environment. That being said, 2024 looks like the year of OLED, so it has some strong competition.
- Super quick 240Hz refresh rate
- Rapid 0.03ms GTG response time
- Beautiful OLED visuals
- AMD FreeSync Premium & Nvidia G-Sync compatible
- OLED panel has potential risk of burn-in
- Brightness levels inferior to LED or Mini-LED
Looking for pure gaming performance at its finest? Well, then you can’t really go wrong with the 27QHD240. This is a stunning OLED gaming monitor which we had the pleasure of reviewing recently. Our Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 review will talk you through everything you need to know in detail if you want to learn more. But for a slightly smaller summary, we were impressed by its super smooth 240Hz refresh rate (with both FreeSync and G-Sync support available to you), rapid 0.03ms response time, and crisp 1440p resolution.
OLED monitors have become a gold-standard for many gamers that want to benefit from the stunning visuals this kind of panel will get you. Likewise, these panels are ultra responsive and really help you immerse yourself in your game of choice. This monitor is ultra-slim and features a thin-bezel design which looks great in any setting. While the OLED display won’t get as bright as a conventional LED screen, it does have a peak brightness of 1000 nits for HDR, while the 98.5% DCI-P3 color gamut ensures color accuracy is hard to beat.
This Corsair monitor really does have everything covered for gaming. The 1440p resolution makes the 240Hz refresh rate an achievable benchmark for those of you with a powerful gaming PC, while the gaming-focused specs and comprehensive on-screen display make it easy to setup to your liking.
- Refresh Rate: 144hz
- Response time: 4ms GTG
- Screen size: 32”
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Panel type: IPS
- Brightness: 500cd/m2, 1,400cd/m2 (HDR Peak)
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1
- Color Depth: 10 bits
- Viewing angle: 178°/178°
- Color Gamut: 160% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3
- Backlight technology: W-LED
- Panel Coating: Anti-Glare/Matte (3H)
- Curvature: Flat
- VESA: 100 x 100mm
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 726 x 504 x 305 mm with stand
- Weigth: 10.9 Kg
- Inputs: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 DSC, 3 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x 3.5 mm Audio Input, 1 x USB 2.0 (Type-B; upstream), 2 x USB 3.1 (Type-A; downstream)
Even though it’s a few years old now, the PG32UQX still offers an excellent gaming experience if you have the luxury of targeting 4K. It’s a high-performance display that boasts the ‘World’s first Mini-LED gaming monitor’ title, remaining one of the best for HDR content.
- Impressive 4K picture clarity is ideal for content consumption and high-end gaming
- Solid 144Hz refresh rate
- Excellent aesthetic design
- Great gaming performance for both console and PC gamers
- Expensive price point puts it out of reach for many
- Slower response time than rival gaming monitors
ASUS has impressed us over the years by creating some of the best gaming monitors the market has to offer. At the top of that pile lies the ASUS ROG SWIFT PG32UQX, a powerful 4K gaming monitor that pairs a high screen resolution with a rapid 144Hz refresh rate. Aesthetically, the 32-inch gaming monitor from ASUS offers everything you could expect from a high-end monitor – characterized by sharp ‘gamey’ edges with a premium finish. It follows the previous ROG SWIFT design trend which would suit most gaming or office settings.
Looking at performance, this is one of the best monitors on the market, bringing rapid response times and refresh rates to stunning 4K picture clarity. For me, this is the perfect balance of specifications when it comes to gaming – non-competitive anyway. It provides levels of immersion that really are head and shoulders above lesser resolution panels. Furthermore, it also has HDR support, specifically VESA DisplayHDR1400 – one of the highest we’ve had the pleasure of testing.
For HDR gaming, we’d say this is up there with the very best. Pairing this with the monitor’s mini-LED backlight technology, the PG32UQX really does offer some of the most stunning 4K HDR content on the market. This allows the panel to display brighter whites and darker blacks, giving the panel a greater contrast ratio and more realistic colors right out the box. The only downside to this monitor is the price tag – an expensive investment, even compared to many other 4K 144Hz monitors.
- Refresh Rate: 360hz
- Response time: Up to 0.3ms GTG
- Screen size: 24.5″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Panel type: IPS
- Brightness: 400d/m2
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1
- Color Depth: 8 bits
- Viewing angle: 178°/178°
- Color Gamut: 99% sRGB
- Backlight technology: W-LED
- Panel Coating: Anti-Glare/Matte (3H)
- Curvature: Flat
- VESA: 100 x 100mm
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 557 x 411 x 236 mm with stand
- Inputs: 1 x USB 2.0, 3 x USB 3.2, (Type-A; Gen 1; downstream), 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x 3.5mm Audio Out
For the best in-game performance, you should consider sticking with the tried-and-tested 1080p resolution. This remains popular for competitive gamers, and the Acer Predator X25 is a great option if that’s your niche. The 360Hz refresh rate and 0.3ms response time ensures you gain a competitive edge.
- Esports-ready 360Hz refresh rate
- Rapid 0.03ms GTG response time
- Solid build quality, design, and ergonomics
- IPS panel looks great from all angles
- Smaller 24.5″ screen size
- Lower 1080p resolution not ideal for productivity scenarios
The Acer Predator X25 is one of the best 360Hz gaming monitors currently on the market, with plenty of specs geared for esports-level gaming on fast-paced games like your average competitive FPS. For those of you looking for a monitor more akin to what the pros use, then the Predator X25 is a solid choice. Despite higher resolutions being widely available, 1080p monitors still remain popular for anyone focusing on best performance first and foremost. This monitor is supported by Nvidia G-Sync to make sure that screen tearing is no issue at all, especially if you aren’t taking full advantage of the 360Hz in more demanding titles.
With an IPS panel and zero-frame design, this monitor is a joy to look at wherever you are thanks to the wide viewing angle. The Our Acer Predator X25 review is a good place to go if you want to see how our in-house testing went. While it’s not the brightest display money can buy, the DisplayHDR 400 rating is decent enough for entry-level HDR performance. The responsiveness and smooth visuals are what your money gets you here, and this monitor is hard to beat if that’s what you value most. Decent value for money too!
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response time: 6ms
- Screen size: 31.5″
- Resolution: 7680 x 4320
While an 8K monitor isn’t what we’d choose for gaming specifically, this is a beast for productivity workflows. If you want the highest resolution currently available for consumers, then the UP3218K remains the number one – especially since the 8K monitor market isn’t making much progress as of late.
- 8K screen resolution offers a ton of screen real estate
- World’s first 31.5″ 8K monitor that holds up today
- Stunning image quality, superior to the rest of the field
- Excellent colors – ideal for designers
- Extremely expensive
- 60Hz refresh rate & 6ms response time limits gaming potential
Dell’s innovation has brought about the world’s first 8K monitor, simply named the Ultrasharp 8K. While this monitor no longer stands alone in its uniqueness, it still manages to offer an excellent overall experience when compared to other alternatives in this guide.
In terms of gaming performance, the UltraSharp monitor might not offer the best performance in this guide – however, it does offer the a futureproof design and stunning image clarity. It is equipped with an IPS 60Hz panel, offering a peak brightness of 400 nits. However, its response time is 8ms (out of the box) or 6ms in fast mode, making it susceptible to motion blur and smearing. It is important to note that this monitor was not primarily designed for gaming, but rather tailored towards editors and creative professionals.
One area where the UP3218K excels is in color reproduction, thanks to Dell’s Premiercolor technology. It boasts 100% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709, and 98% DCI-P3 color coverage, ensuring excellent color accuracy. Additionally, each panel is factory calibrated, providing an average deltaE of less than 2 right out of the box.
- Screen size: 27”
- Refresh rate: 144Hz (165Hz OC)
- Response time: 1ms
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Panel Type: IPS
- Curved?: No
The VG27AQ belongs to the ASUS TUF brand and is a fantastic 1440p gaming monitor which doesn’t break the bank. It runs at a smooth 144Hz and can even be overclocked to 165Hz, which is ideal if you have a decent PC which can push higher framerates. Now that it has been out for some time, it offers excellent value.
- Highly responsive panel, ideal for gaming
- Excellent picture quality
- Ergonomic stand ideal for multi-monitor setups
- 1440p IPS display with great colors
- G-Sync compatibility
- Blacks levels look a little off in dark rooms
- Lacks HDMI 2.1 support
- Highly responsive Panel
- Excellent picture quality
- G-Sync support
- Ergonomic stand
- 1440p IPS display
- Bordering on the expensive
- Blacks look a little off in dark rooms
As far as 144Hz monitors go, the ASUS VG27AQ sits firmly at the top of the list, even offering up to 165Hz. With an excellent variety of specs paired with a ‘value for money’ price tag, it’s hard to find any real negatives with this great gaming monitor.
As you’d expect, the VG27AQ comes with the classic TUF Gaming styling we’ve come to expect over the years. Whilst this isn’t flashy in any way, it still offers just enough gaming aesthetics to please most individuals. Design aside, however, specifications are where this monitor truly comes into its own. With an IPS panel that offers a high refresh rate, this monitor packs the perfect balance of high-response and vibrant colors needed for a great gaming experience. The 1440p screen resolution also means image clarity is also excellent.
Like always, the stand on this TUF Gaming monitor is extremely versatile, offering height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments. Alongside great adjustments, the stand also offers fantastic robustness with very little wobble (if any) during usage. For us, if you’re in the market for a good 144Hz monitor that offers great picture clarity alongside high responsiveness, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ should definitely be high on your list of recommendations.
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Response time: 1ms
- Screen size: 32″
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Samsung is known for pushing their display technology to new heights each year, and the Odyssey Neo G8 is a good example of this. It boasts the title of the first 4K 240Hz gaming monitor, backed up by mini-LED tech to deliver exceptional HDR performance. The large 32-inch curved panel makes it a winner for blockbuster games.
- Fast 240Hz refresh rate is more than enough at 4K
- UHD image clarity – great for gaming and productivity
- Mini LED technology for high brightness levels in any setting
- Finally dropping in price
- VA panel limitations compared to newer OLED tech
- Curved panels aren’t preferred by everyone
Samsung’s Odyssey Neo G8 earns its place on this list for good reason. Not only is it one of the fastest monitors in this guide, but it’s also the first 4K display with a 240Hz refresh rate. Yes, it’s a couple years old now, but it will always hold on to that title.
Samsung has continued to use its tried and tested Odyssey styling for the new G8. It features the fan-favourite vortex on the rear, alongside a fully white exterior. A wide, black V-shape stand holds the 32-inch 1000R curved display in place firmly. The same G9 cable management system has also been utilized here.
As for performance, the Samsung Neo G8 really does offer some of the best gaming in this guide. The 240Hz refresh rate it uses is a world-first for the 4K screen resolution, providing liquidy smooth gaming which is great for both competitive and casual gaming. A 1ms response time can be expected from this monitor, alongside a 1000 nit peak brightness and mini-LED backlight technology.
That’s right, this will also be the first time Samsung has utilized mini-LED technology in a monitor as well – allowing the G8 to hit DisplayHDR 2000, respectively. All being said, the Samsung G8 is a superb all-round panel. Keep in mind, however, that the G8 does retail for well over $1,000, making it one of the most expensive panels in this guide.
- Refresh rate: 175Hz
- Response time: 0.1ms GtG
- Screen size: 34″
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Aspect ratio: 21:9
- Panel type: IPS
- Brightness: 350cd/m2
- Contrast ratio: 1,000,000:1
- Color depth: 8 bits
- Viewing angle: 178°/178°
- Color gamut: 135% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3, 100% Adobe RGB
- Backlight technology: W-LED
- Panel coating: Anti-Glare/Matte (3H)
- Curvature: 1800R
- VESA: 100 x 100mm
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 813 x 364 x 117.9mm (without stand) 813 x 560 x 273mm (Stand at max height) 813 x 429 x 273mm (Stand at lowest height)
- Inputs: 3 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 3.0 (downstream; BC 1.2), 1 x USB 3.0 (Type-B), 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x 3.5 mm audio jack (line out), 1 x 3.5mm audio jack (headphone)
When Dell introduced the AW3423DW, it became an instant hit. The sleek Alienware branding looks just as good as the crisp QD-OLED panel and the ultrawide 34″ display allows for a more immersive gaming experience. On top of that, it offers more screen space to work with for day to day use. Color accuracy is top-notch, especially thanks this OLED’s true blacks.
- High refresh rate and rapid response time ideal for gaming
- Stunning 34-inch QD-OLED panel
- Excellent color accuracy and high contrast ratio
- Visually-appealing aesthetics
- Potentially higher risk of burn-in with QD-OLED
- Lower refresh rate than some newer 240Hz models
If you’re in the market for a highly responsive ultrawide gaming monitor, look no further, the guys at Dell have you well and truly covered with their Alienware brand. The AW3423DW really does offer a stunning visual experience from start to finish. From the moment you unbox this monitor, you won’t be disappointed. It offers a ton of style that would suit almost any scenario – characterized by sharp edges that are cut with a futuristic curve that finishes things off nicely.
Whilst design is a big plus, the real positives come from the performance this monitor provides. With a 175Hz refresh rate and a QD-OLED panel, you really do get the one of the best visual experiences possible. Alongside great colors and excellent responsiveness, it also offers Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate to ensure a smooth gaming experience at all times.
The stand is both solid and adjustable, offering more than you’d expect from a monitor in the 34″ ultrawide category. It just feels rock-solid which, when compared to others in this size bracket, isn’t something you always get. That said, immersion is probably the number one selling point of this monitor. With a 34″ panel, your entire vision is filled by the virtual reality you’re viewing (well, for the most part). For us, whilst it is expensive, the Alienware AW3423DW is one of the best monitors you can buy in this category.
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Response time: 1ms GTG
- Screen size: 48.8″
- Resolution: 5120 x 1440
- Aspect ratio: 32:9
- Panel type: VA (CSOT)
- Brightness: 2000cd/m2
- Color Depth: 10-bit
- Viewing angle: 178°/178°
- Color Gamut: 125% sRGB / 95% DCI-P3
- Backlight technology: Mini LED (2048 dimming zones)
- Panel Coating: Anti-Glare (Matte)
- Curvature: 1000R
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 1147.6 x 363.5 x 291mm (without stand) 1147.6 x 550 x 416mm (Stand at max height) 1147.6 x 423 x 416mm (Stand at lowest height)
The Neo G9 scored top marks in our review for good reason – it offers one of the best ultrawide experiences money can buy. It has since overtaken by the larger 57″ model, but the 49″ Neo G9 still earns its spot here.
- Mini LED backlight technology looks great in any environment
- Immersive 1000R curvature
- Extremely accurate colors and stunning picture clarity
- Stunning futuristic design
- HDR2000 certification unlocks top-tier HDR gaming/content
- Stand is not as supportive as we’d like
- High-end price tag – plus you need ample desk space
In the super ultrawide monitor spectrum, it’s hard to look at anything other than the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9. At 49 inches, this monitor is a beast in every way. If you’re looking for a monitor that provides the highest levels of immersion, look no further, Samsung’s Odyssey G9 is a stand-out performer.
The futuristic design of this high-end 49 inch gaming monitor is nothing short of sublime. The 1000R curvature of the panel really sets this monitor apart from its rivals, providing a more ‘hunkered’ feel that just adds to the immersive nature of this display. With a bunch of RGB and some cool extra design features, this mini LED monitor ticks all the right boxes when it comes to design.
From a performance standpoint, it’s hard to say anything too negative towards this monitor – it’s utterly superb. We’ve seen plenty of ultrawide gaming monitors over the years, however, what we haven’t seen is one that brings the lightning-quick refresh rates that this one offers. With a 240Hz refresh rate, this monitor isn’t only one of the biggest in this guide, but it’s one of the fastest too.
Furthermore, the Neo G9 also comes boasting mini LED backlight technology which helps deliver a true HDR experience. That’s right, this thing now has over 2000 local dimming zones and provides a high peak brightness for a superb visual experience. It’s for reasons like this that the Samsung Neo G9 is one of the most expensive displays in today’s market. However, if you have the money to splash, you’ll be confident in the knowledge that you have purchased one of the best monitors money can buy.
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Response time: 0.03ms GtG
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Screen size: 45″
The Corsair Xeneon Flex is a lot of fun to play around with if you want a curved gaming monitor with exactly right curvature for you; though it is a strange thing to get used to without the fear of breaking something. Regardless, the Flex offers high-end gaming specs and a stunning OLED panel that makes for a gaming monitor which almost feels ahead of its time.
- Bendable design is a unique selling point
- 240Hz refresh rate allows for smooth gaming
- 45″ display is bigger than most 21:9 monitors
- Infinite contrast levels with deep blacks
- Rapid 0.03ms response time for excellent motion control
- Unique selling point adds to the cost
- Bendable design can be seen as a gimmick
- Not VESA mountable
The Corsair Xeneon Flex is one of the best OLED monitors on the market and one that features a careful balance of features and specifications. The monitor is well-tailored towards gaming and entertainment usage thanks to its wide 45″ OLED display, excelling in gaming thanks to a 240Hz refresh rate and low 0.1ms response time.
From a design standpoint, Corsair has knocked it out of the park with this monitor. Not only does it have a super-addictive bendable panel, it also features inputs on the front of the stand – removing the annoyance that can occur when trying to input cables at the rear.
As far as ports are concerned, the Flex is a sea of available options, ranging from USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPorts – allowing you to hook multiple devices up to the display. We got a quick review of the Flex, detailing our first impressions and experience.
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Response time: 1ms MPRT
- Screen size: 27″
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Panel type: SVA
- Panel: SVA
- Peak Brightness: 600cd/m2
- Contrast ratio: 2500:1
- Color Depth: 10-bits (8-bit + FRC)
- Viewing angle: 178°/178°
- Color Gamut: 125% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3
- Backlight technology: W-LED
- Dynamic Range: HDR600
- Panel Coating: Anti-Glare(Matte)
- Curvature: 1000R
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 614.6 x 382.8 x 171mm (without stand) 614.6 x 560 x 305.9mm (Stand at max height) 1147.6 x 456 x 305.9mm (Stand at lowest height)
- Inputs: 2 X USB 3.0, 1 x HMDI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x 3.5mm Audio Jack
- VESA: 100 x 100mm
- Stunning design with immersive curved panel
- 1440p resolution ideal for mid-high end PCs
- 240Hz refresh rate is a great target at this resolution
- VESA compatible and solid ergonomics
- Eye-Care technology nice for long sessions
- Large stand compared to some alternatives
- Limited by the VA panel in terms of colors & HDR specs
Next up is one of the best curved monitors which comes in the shape of Samsung’s Odyssey G7 – a display that is popular amongst consumers. The G7 offers an extremely sleek design thanks to a well-thought-out stand that sets the scene nicely. The thin bezels of this monitor work nicely with the curved panel, and the metallic style of the stand finishes the premium look off. Additionally, Samsung has equipped the G7 with RGB on the front and back – both of which can be customized within the OSD.
Like other curved displays, the Samsung comes with a VA panel that offers a 240Hz high refresh rate, 1ms (MPRT) response time, and a max resolution of 1440p. That means this thing is going to be more than equipped to handle both single-player and competitive esports titles alike. Alongside great gaming performance, the G7 also excels in editing-type scenarios – providing great colors and HDR performance right out of the box.
Samsung has also equipped the G7 with both HDR support and quantum dot technology for increased levels of accuracy in the color department. Pair the high-end colors with the 1440p screen real-estate and you have a really efficient monitor that creatives are sure to love.
Best gaming monitor 2024: honorable mentions
| Monitor | Description | Our review |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS TUF GAMING VG279QM | Fell just short of the best gaming monitor ‘spot’. With a 280Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, this monitor is a great option for budding gamers who choose competitive titles over story-based alternatives | ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM review |
| Alienware AW2720HF | A great gaming monitor that offers many of the same qualities as our top pick. However, with a lesser 1080p screen resolution, the AW2720HF doesn’t quite make our list. | Alienware AW2720HF review |
| Gigabyte F127Q-X | A high-performance 1440p 240Hz gaming monitor that looks as good as it performs. This monitor has a steeper price tag than our top pick, leaving it short of our top picks. | Gigabyte F127Q-X review |
| ASUS PG259QN | This 360Hz esports monitor from ASUS is a fantastic option that is definitely worth considering if you have the cash to spend. It is fairly expensive for a 25-inch panel though | ASUS PG259QN review |
| Acer Nitro XV340CK | A budget-tailored 34-inch panel that, regardless of its price, still provides plenty for gamers that want the ultrawide viewing experience. | Acer Nitro XV340CK review |
| LG C2 OLED | Strictly speaking, not a gaming monitor. However, if you are looking for a big-screen gaming experience for your next-gen console, this TV ticks all the right boxes. | LG C2 OLED TV review |
| Gigabyte M32U | An excellent HDMI 2.1 monitor that doesn’t really put a foot wrong. It certainly provides great performance in UHD screen resolution. | Gigabyte M32U review |
| Alienware AW3821DW | It was tough not giving this our best ultrawide gaming monitor spot. However, after everything is considered, it falls just short. This monitor still offers excellent performance, nonetheless | Alienware AW3821DW review |
| ASUS VG289Q | This budget 4K gaming monitor showcases excellent value for money. With a 60Hz refresh rate and sluggish response times, it isn’t suited towards competitive gaming titles. | ASUS VG289Q review |
| Acer XB273GX | An excellent 240hz 1080p gaming monitor that is perfect for budding gamers that are trying to get an edge over their competition. | Acer XB273GX review |
Best gaming monitor pages by price
Working with a limited budget? Then our dedicated guides sorted by price are just what you’re looking for. We maintain these as much as we can, just consider that prices can fluctuate and deals can help your budget stretch further.
- Best under $1000
- Best under $800
- Best under $500
- Best under $400
- Best under $300
- Best under $200
- Best under $150
- Best under $100
Things to consider
There are plenty of things to consider before you buy a gaming monitor. As we’re talking about gaming monitors here, we’ve put together a quick rundown on everything worth looking.
Refresh rate
If you’re searching far and wide for a gaming monitor, then refresh rate is one of the first things to consider in terms of specifications. Monitor refresh rate is how many times per second your monitor refreshes the pixels on screen – the higher the refresh rate, the smoother the visuals. For gaming, we’d recommend a monitor which has a 144Hz refresh rate at the very least. We can forgive using something as basic as 60Hz though if you want a great-value 4K monitor and don’t necessarily have the best gaming rig to get really high framerates anyway. Anyone serious about competitive gaming or esports may want to go as high as 240Hz or 360Hz.
Related to refresh rate, we have to mention variable refresh rate (VRR) tech. Most gaming monitors these days will come with either AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync support. Look out for these, as they are essential for eliminating screen tearing or stuttering while gaming.
Response time
Response time is another thing which is highly important for gaming, as a quick response time goes hand-in-hand with a high refresh rate to deliver top-notch gaming performance. For modern gaming, a 1ms response time is what you want to target. The quicker the better here, and we’ve even seen some displays drop as low as 0.03ms (OLED is a good example of this). To explain how it works, the response time is how long it takes for pixels on your screen to change color. Which a quicker response time, you don’t have to worry about any annoying smudging or motion blur effects while gaming – highly important for any fast-moving visuals.
Resolution
One of the most obvious things to talk about here is your screen resolution. Higher resolutions like 4K give you crisper image quality and more space to work with (which is great for work or media consumption), but it’s much more taxing on your system. 1080p vs 4K gaming is a big debate, but a good middle-ground is 1440p if you want the best of great visuals and solid performance.
Many competitive gamers stick to 1080p for best performance, whereas 4K gaming is exceptional for singleplayer games where you can take in every detail. Like we said, 1440p sort of gives you the best of both worlds, just make sure your gaming PC can handle a higher refresh rate if you’re upgrading from 1080p.
| Also known as | Screen resolution | |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p | Full HD | 1920 x 1080 |
| 1440p | Quad HD, 2K | 2560 x 1440 |
| 2160p | Ultra HD, 4K | 3840 x 2160 |
What screen size is the best for gaming?
Monitors come in different screen sizes, all tailored to address different needs and requirements. If you want a full rundown of all monitor sizes, then check out our complete guide to the best monitor size for gaming. If you want a quick summary, then screen size is generally linked to the screen resolution (to a certain extent, and it’s best to stick to these ranges).
- 1080p screens are generally smaller, usually between 24″ to 27″.
- At 1440p, the most common size is 27″ – though you can find some as high as 32″.
- When you head up to 4K, 27″ is the minimum, and many sit at the 32″ mark.
- Any bigger than 32-inch and you’re often looking at ultrawide monitors, which are commonly 34″ for 21:9 aspect ratios and 49″ for 32:9 aspect ratios. However, there are also large 16:9 4K displays often between 42-48″ which are great alternatives to a gaming TV.
Best gaming monitor FAQs
Are gaming monitors worth it?
While regular monitors do the job, they have a far lower response time and refresh rate. Given this, they are not the best option for gaming, especially if you are looking to take your gaming to the next level.
Are gaming monitors better than TVs?
On the whole, for gaming, a gaming monitor is likely the better option in comparison to a TV. This is due to a number of different reasons. The main reason is that monitors have a lower input lag. This will ensure that the PC and monitor connect quicker, and you are not waiting for the monitor to catch up.
Final word
So, there you have it, our comprehensive guide to the best gaming monitors the market has to offer. It was a difficult process compiling this list because there are so many options to choose from – however, by using previous knowledge and a new streamlined testing process, we have managed to come up with what we believe are the best out there.
