Pull up your preferred search engine and type in ‘the best gaming monitor’ and you’ll be bombarded with an assortment of advertisements for sales, expensive monitors with the latest (but ultimately useless) features such as extra USB ports, etc… Really, who’s looking for a top quality gaming monitor and doesn’t have an equally nice case with plenty of USB 2 and 3?
Sure the little extra features can be nice to have just in case, but they aren’t what you should be basing your purchase on. Picking out a top-notch gaming monitor takes a bit of research and time. After all, there’s a lot to consider.
Gamer’s typically find that their monitor needs are quite different from the other computer enthusiast’s. If you’re like most gamers, you’ve got a few hundred to a few thousand invested in your case components already. But even if you’ve built the best gaming PC, it isn’t enough without a monitor.
A subpart gaming monitor makes all of this fancy tech practically useless. If the screen can’t keep up with the processors, refresh rate, etc… then your experience will be severely limited.
We’ve put together this guide to help you navigate your way through the sea of seemingly endless monitor models. So if you’re ready to jump straight into a list of the absolute best gaming monitors available right now, read on! We’ll even explain the differences in features so that you can decide which one is the perfect monitor for you!
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Last update on 2023-10-02 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Gaming Monitor?
It’s a common misconception that when it comes to gaming, bigger means better. This isn’t necessarily true, however. A large monitor without the appropriate specs to run heavy duty game software will be a huge disappointment for gamers. This situation typically results in flickering, ghosting, graphic tears, etc… It is important to check out each of the following specs and features before making your purchase. This will ensure that you get the most out of your gaming monitor, for years to come!
Monitor Size
Gaming monitors between 19 inches and 24 inches are considered the sweet spot for gaming. That doesn’t necessarily mean that a larger monitor won’t work well. Part of the problem in choosing a size is technical, but it’s also a matter of personal preference.
A lot of gamers make the mistake of going as big as they can afford to, however; thinking that it will create a more immersive experience. Rather, it can make it difficult to keep track of motion along the screen sides (such as enemy flanking) and can cause a host of other complications such as flickering or resolution problems.
Consider how much power your system itself has before buying a new monitor. This is the best way to gauge whether or not your new gaming monitor will work optimally with the rest of your gear.
Gaming Monitor Resolution
When it comes to resolution considerations, you can always count on it that monitors with higher resolution (or higher density of pixels on the screen display) will provide you with higher definition. Assuming that you have the right PC gear to run it.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that anything labeled High Definition will get the job done. High Definition offers a pixel count of 1920 x 1080 (aka 1080p). The number of pixels does not change based upon the increase or decrease of screen size. They simply become smaller/larger as appropriate to fit.
So smaller HD screens provide greater clarity than larger ones. However, if you’re interested in the 25”+ size gaming monitors you can always go with QHD which offers a pixel count of 2560 x 1440 (aka 1440p). Most gamers prefer to stick with the QHD resolution, even for monitors smaller than 25” because of the depth of detail that it provides.
There are other forms of HD available as well, such as UHD which provides 3840 x 2160 pixels. While 4K UHD, QHD, WQHD, etc. are less common amongst computer monitors, they are becoming increasingly easier to find. These display resolutions are fantastic for larger monitors, so long as you ensure that your PC itself is powerful enough to handle the task.
To learn more on how to decode HD-speak, check out this great guide on the differences.
LED vs LCD
Choosing between an LED and an LCD monitor is mainly a matter of user preference. It basically boils down to a matter of the difference in color quality, and the range of contrast. Most gamers prefer an LED; but if you’re on a budget an LCD can still definitely get the job done. There are a surprising number of technologies that go into LCD panels, which you can read more about here.
If you predominantly play colorful, vibrant games on your PC, an LCD will do the job nicely, in fact. However, if you play a wide range of games with varying contrast and color temperatures, you’ll be much happier with an LED.
What’s the actual difference? Not much. An LED monitor is an LCD with additional backlighting. When you’re playing a dark palette game with high density shadows, shading, etc. however, this small difference can mean a lot.
Response Rates of a Gaming Monitor
You’re jamming through your favorite platformer, everything is going according to plan – and suddenly you’re dead. And you have no idea what happened. Sound familiar?
This is what happens when your monitor doesn’t have a fast enough response rate. The time that it took to render the images of your attackers was greater than the amount of time that it took them to kill you. There practically is no greater frustration in gaming.
Avoid tech rage by checking the response rate of the monitor your considering, before you buy. Ideally, you want a range of 5 milliseconds or less; with 1 millisecond being the best.
Refresh Rates
Although they are frequently confused with response rates, refresh rates are completely different. The refresh rate is the rate at which frames update while you are playing. While you won’t ‘lose’ any time in the game if your frame rates are low, you will likely experience graphic tears.
You’ve probably seen this before on a standard 60Hz monitor. The graphics appear to have rifts; or missing sections. As a result, graphics appear in ‘chunks’.
For gaming, you’ll want to avoid 60Hz completely. Consider something in the 120Hz or 144Hz range (or higher) instead.
14 Best Gaming Monitors
ASUS ROG Strix XG279Q
Great Looks and Performance in One
ASUS ROG Strix XG279Q is a feature-rich, high-performing 27”, 1440p monitor that presents a great option for every mainstream gamer, due to its fast 1ms response time (GtG) and excellent 170Hz refresh rate.
This monitor provides a very sharp and detailed image, thanks to its good pixel density of 108 PPI, as well as good color and contrast performance that comes as a result of its good color gamut characteristics (95% DCI-P3 color gamut). Its long list of features includes both G Sync and FreeSync compatibility, ELMB and HDR support, Shadow Boost, GamePlus, GameVisual, and much more.
When talking about connectivity, ASUS ROG Strix XG279Q comes fitted with two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, as well as a headphone jack and two USB3.0 ports. Also, it comes equipped with two 2W speakers, it offers full VESA compatibility, and more importantly, it comes with a reasonable three-year warranty.
This monitor’s AHVA IPS panel offers 178° viewing angles and 400 nit brightness, while it’s a low lag time of only 4ms makes this device an exceptional choice for the gamers looking for a premium gaming experience. All in all, if you are after one of the most handsome gaming monitors out there, that is offering exceptional performance, worth the best gaming monitors at the same time, ASUS ROG Strix XG279Q is certainly the choice that won’t disappoint you.
- excellent image quality
- excellent response time
- very good color balance
- feature-rich
- good connectivity
- pricey
- not that great ELMB-Sync performance
Acer Predator XB273K Gpbmiipprzx
An Excellent Multitasking 4K Monitor
If you are looking for a perfect 4K monitor, for both your professional work and gaming, Acer Predator XB273K Gpbmiipprzx is definitely a great choice. This is a monitor that gives you a very good mixture of performance and features and overall provides more than pleasant user experience, especially because of its great picture quality and good color accuracy.
Simply, this monitor has every characteristic that is expected from the best gaming monitor. It has low input lag, the response time (GtG) of only 4ms, a nice refresh rate of 120Hz that can be raised to 144Hz with the help of overclocking, and much more.
This is a G Sync-compatible unit, with a solid DCI-P3 90% color gamut, Quantum Dot feature, and overall very good HDR performance, that unfortunately isn’t that great for watching movies, because of this monitor’s only modest contrast ratio and black levels.
On the other hand, this IPS monitor provides good viewing angles and offers good connectivity that involves two DisplayPorts, two HDMI ports, and four USB3.0 ports. Acer Predator XB273K Gpbmiipprzx is a VESA-compatible device and overall, it provides a very good value for its price.
In other words, if the best 4K gaming monitor is your target, you should seriously consider Acer Predator XB273K Gpbmiipprzx, and you surely won’t be disappointed if you pick it.
- low input lag
- good color accuracy
- excellent picture quality
- very good refresh rate
- wide color gamut
- not the best contrast ratio and black uniformity
- pricey
GIGABYTE G27FC A
Good Value Gaming Monitor
If you’re shopping for a curved full HD gaming monitor, but you have budget constraints, the GIGABYTE G27FC A may be the answer to your prayers. For a little bit over $200, you’ll get a 27″ 165Hz 1080P Curved Gaming Monitor from Gigabyte, with a VA panel (nice black levels) and compatible with FreeSync Premium Pro.
Speaking of gaming and something on the side (like work), this gaming monitor can be also used for productivity tasks that include photography and video editing, because it features Studio Grade 127% sRGB and 91% DCI-P3 Color Gamut, and it’s well calibrated from the factory.
Speaking of color reproduction, this monitor has a 27” VA Panel at a 1500R curvature, edge-type backlighting (expect a little bleeding) and a matte coating for reducing glare. Another cool things is that the panel is capable of covering 90% of the DCI-P3 color space in laymen’s terms, and supports refresh rates up to 165Hz with a response time of 1ms, which is kind of awesome for gamers.
Connectivity is top notch, as you’ll get 2x HDMI 1.4 and 1x Display Port 1.2, an Earphone jack, plus 2x USB 3.0, and we must mention that the power supply is built-in, so you won’t have to deal with ugly and annoying power bricks taking space on the floor.
Setup is pretty easy, there are also a couple of 2 watt speakers built into the monitor, and finally, the “cinematic” experience from the curved VA panel far exceeds the money asked for the GIGABYTE G27FC A. Before you ask, a VA panel is a hybrid of sorts, whereas it takes the best of both TN and IPS varieties and puts it together at an affordable price.
- Excellent image quality
- Very bright
- Buttery smooth 165 Hz
- No ghosting
- Solid stand
- Ergonomic design
- Amazing value for money
- Some QC issues reported
BenQ MOBIUZ EX3415R
The Perfect Gaming and Business Battlestation
The BenQ MOBIUZ EX3415R is a massive 34’’ IPS curved SimRacing monitor, with 144 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms latency. What does that means for you? Well, this beast is the best of both worlds, i.e. you can play hard and also work hard.
In terms of value, the BenQ easily beats Alienware’s best, as it offers stellar image quality at a fraction of the price, not to mention the huge list of features, that include 3440 x 1440p resolution, Vesa HDR400, Adaptive-Sync and an impressive 144Hz refresh rate that will make both games and work look amazing.
Another thing worth contemplating about this BenQ Mobiuz is the fact that it makes for a 34-inch 21:9 ultrawide gaming display, so you won’t have to worry about multi-screen setups. Again, you will be able to save a lot of money that may be invested in other gear.
On top of that, you’ll get AMD FreeSync Premium certification, and that means you can use this beast on both 20 series and newer Nvidia cards, as well as AMD GPUs, for a screen tear free gaming experience.
Color accuracy is almost perfect in normal viewing modes, and the monitor is also great for professional editing specs, so it can be used by professionals, even if you will lose a little bit in terms of fidelity when gaming at high refresh rates.
We must also mention the 2.1 channel 2W speakers, and a 5W sub in a front facing soundbar at the bottom edge of the screen, plus the latest DisplayPort 1.4 inputs that enables you to play games at 144Hz in WQHD.
- Huge color gamut
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Impressive image quality
- Comes with remote control
- Gorgeous design
- Vesa HDR400 certified
- 98% DCI-P3 color coverage
- No G-Sync or HDMI 2.1 support
- Low peak brightness
Alienware AW3420DW
An Attractive, Super-Fast Gaming Monitor
Alienware AW3420DW is a top-class, curved (1900R) 34” IPS monitor that delivers exactly what every gamer needs, and that is: very good 120Hz refresh rate, 2ms response time (GtG), low input lag, and before anything else, exceptional image quality.
However, that isn’t all. There is also unrealistically good color accuracy, very good pixel density (109 PPI), as well as an excellent 98% DCI-P3 color gamut, and those are among the key reasons for its great user experience. Alienware AW3420DW provides a very sharp 1440p image, with decent viewing angles, as well as excellent gray uniformity that is followed with very good gradient performance. Also, it offers G Sync compatibility, 350 nits’ brightness, and very good connectivity that include: one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, four USB3.0 ports, and two 3.5mm jacks.
The point being, this monitor has everything you need for an exceptional gaming experience. It is fast, beautiful, it offers great responsiveness, and overall delivers a pretty good value that certainly makes it one of the more desirable gaming monitors out there.
- very low input lag
- very good responsiveness
- excellent multitasking performance
- great color accuracy
- excellent image quality
- great design
- not that great contrast ratio and black uniformity
- no HDR support
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM
A Blazing-Fast Gaming Monitor
If you are looking for the fastest gaming IPS monitor out there, and full HD resolution isn’t a limiting factor, ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM is a device as made for you.
To begin with, this is a device that offers a 240Hz refresh rate that can rise to the even more impressive 280Hz, when overclocked. There is also a very low 1.7 ms input lag, 1ms response time (GtG), VRR (variable refresh rate) feature, G Sync, and FreeSync compatibility, ELMB SYNC, and much more that altogether makes a significant difference and fully explains why this device is among the best gaming monitors out there.
There are good viewing angles, HDR10 support, excellent gray uniformity, and decent black uniformity. Also, its color accuracy and gradient levels are of the highest standards. In other words, everything needed for an amazing gaming experience is there.
On top of that, ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM is a VESA-compatible device; it offers good connectivity, (there are two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, one USB3.0 port, and one 3.5mm jack), as well as sturdy construction.
In other words, if you are after the best possible gaming experience, ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM is a sure thing.
- 280Hz refresh rate, when overclocked
- sturdy
- great responsiveness
- excellent ergonomics
- not that great pixel density
- low contrast
- high input lag at 60Hz refresh rate
BenQ ZOWIE XL2731
A Budget-Friendly Esports Ruler
BenQ ZOWIE XL2731 is an affordable, high-performing Full HD monitor that offers exceptional gaming performance and presents an ideal setup for Esports, thanks to its excellent 144Hz refresh rate and extremely low 1ms response time (GtG).
Moreover, it provides very good connectivity that includes two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and one DVI-DL port, as well as a headphone jack; however, it lacks USB connectivity, which is a real pity, since that is sort of a standard these days.
On the other hand, BenQ ZOWIE XL2731 comes with numerous handy, performance-enhancing features, that involve Smart Scaling, Display Modes, FreeSync compatibility, as well as flicker-free technology and ULMB (ultra-low motion blur) that altogether do make a serious difference.
When talking about other aspects of this monitor, you should know that it is fully adjustable (it can be tilted, swiveled, etc.), that it is VESA-compatible, and that it comes fitted with a three-year warranty.
Unfortunately, its panel is a TN type and not a VA or IPS one; however, for this price and level of performance, a compromise had to be made. Luckily, that doesn’t much affect its overall performance and the experience that it provides to the customer; therefore, if you are after the best gaming monitor in the budget-friendly segment, BenQ ZOWIE XL2731 is definitely a great deal.
- very good connectivity
- easy to use
- great adjustability
- excellent performance
- no USB ports
- TN panel
Samsung Odyssey G5 Ultra WQHD
Great Gaming Monitor
Samsung is one of the best companies out there when it comes to LCD/OLED/AMOLED panels, and the Samsung Odyssey G5 Ultra is proof of concept. For something like $600, give or take, you’ll get 34 inches of screen real estate, 165Hz refresh rate for flawlessly smooth action, an 1000R DISPLAY with 1ms latency, FreeSync Premium and WQHD resolution, and, on top of that, impressive build quality which is a given when it comes to Samsung-made products.
In terms of picture quality, Samsung did a good job with the Odyssey G5 Ultra, especially black levels in dark rooms, due to the VA panel, and the curve is absolutely fantastic, and it will make it hard to go back to any flat screen anytime soon. This thing is additive, and setup is incredibly easy, as your computer will recognized the monitor’s capabilities right out of the box, setting the correct resolution and refresh rate and automatically enabling Freesync.
On-screen controls are also easy to use, and there are cool features available, such as crosshair overlays. HDR looks great too, and color reproduction is very nice for the price asked.
The stand though is pretty bad, as it’s very short and you can’t raise it higher, so the best thing to do is to install the monitor on a wall mount or something similar.
Bottom line, this monitor is a gem for gaming in its price class, with amazing colors for a VA panel, and a few corners cut to keep the price down.
- Low input lag
- High contrast ratio
- Quick response time
- 165 Hz refresh rate
- Deep blacks
- Ghosting and motion blur reported
Alienware 25 AW2521HF
A Sleek-Looking Gaming Excellence
Alienware 25 AW2521HF is an excellent Full HD IPS monitor that is primarily designed for premium-class gaming, and all of its features and overall performance are addressed to that goal, to provide a one-of-a-kind gaming experience.
Therefore, it is no surprise that its response time (GtG) is only 1ms, refresh rate is impressive at 240Hz, that there is an excellent 99% sRGB color gamut, and so on. In other words, every important gaming aspect of this monitor is at the best possible level. On top of that, this monitor provides a very good pixel density (88 PPI); it is both FreeSync and G Sync compatible and equally important, it provides very good connectivity that includes: one DisplayPort, two HDMI ports, four USB3.0 ports, and 3.5mm jack.
Moreover, Alienware 25 AW2521HF offers very good viewing angles and brightness levels, as well as excellent gray uniformity, which, on the other hand, cannot be said about its contrast levels and black uniformity that are the least mediocre; however, they don’t influence its undoubtedly impressive gaming performance that much.
The point being, if you are seeking the best gaming monitor there is and you are not bothered by its 1080p resolution, Alienware 25 AW2521HF is without a doubt a great choice and a device that will let you experience fast-paced gaming in the best possible way.
- 1ms response time
- great color gamut
- 240Hz refresh rate
- great build quality
- good viewing angles
- sleek design
- no HDR
- mediocre contrast ratio
- not that great black levels
AOC C27G2Z
Affordable Curved 240Hz Gaming Monitor
If you’re on a tight budget, and we mean really tight, like let’s say $350, and you still want to play games in style, the AOC C27 would definitely fit the bill.
So, here’s what you get for “three fiddy”: first, 27″ of screen real estate, in an elegant curved frameless design. Despite its low price, the AOC features FHD 1080p resolution, which is great for gaming (it doesn’t stress your GPU like a 4K), 0.5 ms latency, 240 Hz refresh rate, and take a load of this: 3-Year Zero Dead Pixel Guarantee.
For that kind of money, it’s hard to beat the AOC C27G27, don’t you think? The panel is a VA variety with 300 cd/m² brightness and 3000:1 contrast ratio, which are pretty good specs for the money. Connectivity options are also sufficient, with HDMI 2.0 x 2, DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, and 3.5mm Jack x 2.
You’ll definitely love the matte black chassis with red streaks and the bezel free display (on 3 sides), and also appreciate the monitor’s modest footprint despite its size. Build quality is impressive, even if the AOC is entirely made of plastic. Everything feels sturdy and there’s zero wobble after the monitor is fully assembled.
Speaking of the latter, you’ll get a flexible stand with height, swivel, and tilt adjustments, VESA mountable of course.
The full HD 27″ VA panel is pretty good for a budget monitor, and has a default accuracy of DeltaE 1.69, i.e. it’s perfectly calibrated from factory and that’s fantastic for a gaming monitor. Panel uniformity is very good also; the pixel response time is impressive for a VA panel, and that’s due to the flabbergasting 240 Hz refresh rate.
Bottom line, yes, there are better (and more expensive) options out there in terms of image quality and features, but it’s hard to beat the AOC C27G2Z in the $300 range.
- Awesome gaming performance
- FreeSync monitor
- Nvidia’s G-Sync compatible
- Factory calibrated
- Deep contrast
- Wide color coverage
- Amazing value for money
- None really at this price
ViewSonic Elite XG270QG
A High-Performing Gaming Monitor
ViewSonic Elite XG270QG is a good multipurpose monitor that delivers great value for the money and overall provides solid performance that is the most beneficial in the gaming department.
Simply, its excellent 144Hz refresh rate (it can rise to 165Hz when OC) and 1ms (GtG) response time are best shown and used in fast-paced games. Therefore, if you are looking for the best 1440p gaming monitor, ViewSonic Elite XG270QG is definitely the device to consider.
Also, have in mind that this monitor offers a great 98% DCI-P3 color gamut; that it is fully adjustable, and that it provides solid connectivity that includes one HDMI, three USB3.0 ports, and one DisplayPort, which should be enough for the majority of users.
Moreover, its build quality is outstanding, its viewing angles are excellent, while there is also customizable RGB lighting on the back of the monitor, which is certainly a nice addition to the overall package. More importantly, ViewSonic Elite XG270QG is both G Sync and FreeSync-compatible device and its gray levels are top of the class. However, since this is the IPS monitor, its black levels are kinda mediocre. Nevertheless, that is expected from this type of panel, and as you may guess, it doesn’t affect this monitor’s excellent gaming performance.
To conclude, if the great gaming experience is your main goal when buying a new monitor, you may be sure that ViewSonic Elite XG270QG is the option that will bring a smile to your face.
- very good value for the money
- excellent 1ms response time
- great refresh rate
- low input lag
- pricey
- not that deep black levels
ViewSonic VX3418-2KPC
Ultra-Wide Master Race
We’re just being facetious here, but truth be told, the ViewSonic VX3418 is one of the best (as in most affordable) 34″ gaming monitors out there, playing in its own league in terms of value for money.
For something like $450 give or take, you’ll end up with a huge 34″ curved 21:9 UltraWide WQHD 1440p gaming monitor, with 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms latency.
Basically, that’s 2K resolution, and if you add into the mix the VESA Adaptive-Sync feature, that automatically calibrates frame rates and eliminates screen tearing for ultra-smooth gameplay, you’ll end up with out –of-this-world value for money.
The monitor has a VA panel, like all of its kind in the budget range, and boasts specs like 4000:1 static contrast ratio, 178°/178° viewing angles and 8-bit color (6-bit + FRC), plus 144Hz refresh rate alongside Adaptive-Sync – including AMD FreeSync with a 48 – 144Hz VRR range plus LFC.
Maximum luminance is 300 cd/m² via WLED backlight technology, and you’ll also get a ‘Blue Light Filter’ Low Blue Light (LBL) setting, and even HDR 10 support (even if it’s very basic).
- Solid build quality
- Decent image quality
- VA panel
- 2K resolution
- VESA Adaptive-Sync
- 3-year warranty
- Good value for money
- 6-bit panel
SAMSUNG S70A
All-in on HDR
The Samsung S70A is a 27-Inch 4K UHD monitor from the granddaddy of monitors, which means it’s hard to beat this baby in terms of image and build quality in its price range.
However, be advised that the S70A is an entry-level/budget monitor, so don’t expect miracles also. For less than $400, you’ll get an IPS (!) panel, HDR 10, 3840×2160 resolution, and TUV-Certified Intelligent Eye Care.
What does it mean? Well, the S70A is an excellent choice for editing photos, videos, and playing the occasional video game. Color reproduction and overall image quality is impressing, and the level of detail on ultra setting is absolutely amazing for the price range.
To make it real simple for our readers: for its price point you can’t beat the size, color, and clarity of the S70A. In terms of tech specs/design features, we must mention the slim-bezel design and tilt adjustment, HDR10 with 1.07 billion color (10-bit) support, and the
VA panel with 300 nits of brightness.
Bottom line, if you’re looking for bigger pictures and deeper details on a budget-oriented curved 4K monitor from Samsung, you’ve just found your soul mate.
- IPS panel
- Solid image quality
- 4K resolution
- HDR 10
- Eye care technology
- Not VESA mountable
- No USB C
In Conclusion
Whether you are on a budget or have all of the money in the world to blow, it is simple to find the right elements to put together a top-notch system that works for you. You just have to look in the right place!
While you’re in the market for a new gaming monitor, you might also consider checking out our lists of the best gaming mouse selection; as well as our list which covers top gaming keyboards currently available. These additional purchases are incredibly cheap in comparison to the purchase you’re already considering, and will exponentially amplify your gaming experience!
I think ASUS PG278QR/PG279Q should be among the options for “best gaming monitors 2018”. I own a 278QR myslef and i enjoy every moment i spend gaming 🙂
I got the BenQ.
You said “Fast refresh rate”, the monitor is running 100hz maximum, when the best for gaming (FPS) should be 244hz…
Ultrawide monitors have a lower refresh rate so everything 100+ on them can be considered as good.