Gaming is a billion-dollar business that serves consumers of all types. Whether you need a thin flat panel for casual games or a widescreen behemoth in the pro class, there are plenty of options to choose from. The best gaming monitors for fans of first-person shooters may not be the best choice for other genres, however. With that in mind, here are the buying guide and the top options whether you are gaming on a budget or want a top-tier machine.
Top Picks
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How to Choose the Best Gaming Monitor
When looking for the best gaming monitor, it may be tempting to opt for one with the highest resolution. That is definitely one way to go although you may quickly find yourself in a pickle once you settle into a session of WoW or Fortnite. If you want to get the most bang for your buck and top-tier performance, you will want to hone in on these key areas.
Resolution
Resolution is a major selling point for any consumer product sporting a display. That includes smartphones, television sets, and gaming monitors. It’s also easy to understand as the higher the resolution, the better the image quality. Unless you plan on running a retro machine, you will want to familiarize yourself with the resolutions below.
- FHD – Some gamers may be able to handle a 720p display, but FHD is the base level most gamers should shoot for. FHD stands for Full High-Definition and tops out at a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080. Before the rise of the next two standards, it was the best route to go and still looks great today. FHD monitors are generally more affordable as well if you are gaming on a budget.
- QHD – When you’re ready to kick things up a notch, QHD is the next step up. While the pixels don’t quite double at 2,560 x 1,440, there will be a noticeable increase in sharpness and overall clarity. Whenever you see a “W” in front of the QHD, it stands for widescreen which tends to be a popular option at this level.
- UHD – Consumers that want the best monitor for gaming have to seriously consider UHD. It is top of the line and provides 4K resolution at 3,840 x 2,160. The only drawback to a monitor of this caliber is the fact you need a strong GPU if you want to take full advantage of what it brings to the table. They are generally twice the price of an FHD monitor, but well worth it if you truly want the best.
While there are a few other oddball resolutions, these are the ones to keep on your radar. Just keep in mind any hardware limitations that may arise with your rig if you plan on jumping from an HD or FHD monitor to a 4K Ultra Widescreen display.
Panel Types
While resolution is easy to understand, the technology behind that glass panel can be a little more difficult. Manufacturers sometimes put their own on twist on things, but for the most part, these are the main types of displays you’ll encounter when looking for the best gaming monitor.
- TN – Twisted Nematic displays are a common option in the gaming and quite affordable. They tend to have the best response times out of the box which generally ranges from 1ms to 4ms at the high end. They don’t have the best viewing angles or contrast ratio however when compared to their counterparts.
- IPS – IPS is a popular tech found in television sets and monitors. It stands for in-plane switching and is ideal for gamers that appreciate bold colors and want better viewing angles. While the responsiveness isn’t as good as you’ll find on TN panels, plenty of high-end models allow for higher rates.
- VA – A vertical alignment panel isn’t the best choice for gaming in any particular area as it falls somewhere in the middle between IPS and TN. They have good low latency, responsiveness, and better color than TN panels. They can also have issues with ghosting and blurring compared to the others panels but are still a great option if you need a solid all-around monitor.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate is measured in Hz and can range anywhere from 60Hz to 240Hz in the gaming world. It measures how many times a monitor can “refresh” the image on the screen and is a key element in first-person shooters and other styles of games. The faster the rate, the smoother the action generally is on screen.
This number fluxgates depending on the type of panel you choose although some manufacturers have found ways to increase those numbers through overclocking. Do you need a monitor clocked at 240Hz? Not necessarily as it comes down to your needs, and the types of games you plan to play. Unless you’re a Pro, anything over 144Hz might be an overkill.
Response Time
Response time is another critical factor whether you need the best budget monitor for gaming or a curved gaming monitor. Measured in ms or milliseconds, the response time tells you how long it takes a pixel to change from one color to the next.
In this case, the lower the number, the better as 1ms is the best while 4ms is about average. Again, the number will vary from panel to panel, with TN being the most responsive by a relatively wide margin. In a nutshell, the quicker the response time, the less chance for smearing, ghosting or other issues during gameplay.
Other things to consider
The response time, refresh rate and panel type are just a few areas you should consider, but by far the most important. Aside from choosing between a matte or glossy display, the next thing to think about would be the ports.
While USB-C ports are common in the mobile world, they are not quite as popular on desktops. Every monitor will have USB 3.0 ports, but keep an eye out for USB-C if speed is important to you. Dual HDMI ports are another features that should be more common but can be hard to find in the mid to budget class.
12 Best Gaming Monitors
Alienware AW3418DW Monitor
The Best 4K IPS Monitor
If you have an ample desktop at your disposal, you will be thrilled with what Alienware brings to the table with the AW341DW. It’s a widescreen monitor built for gamers that want the best and comes with some interesting features to go along with a speedy 4-millisecond response time.
Before we get to the specs, let’s talk about the design. This monitor lives up to the Alienware moniker with its funky design which features a swivel-hinge setup that quickly adjusts to suit your needs. The 34-inch screen has a 3-sided bezel and is curved with a 21:9 aspect ratio. It comes with six game modes as well to go along with a handy OSD.
Concerned about screen tearing as you’re racing around tracks or dodging bullets while running for cover? That won’t be an issue thanks to G-Sync and the overall speed of the panel. It’s listed at 100Hz out of the box, but can be overclocked to 120Hz. While it’s not cheap, it is well worth the money if you need a serious monitor for your rig.
Pros:
- WQHD Resolution
- IPS Widescreen Panel
- AlienFX lighting system
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Price
Best Value FHD Gaming Monitor
A Curved Beauty
AOC AGON AG271FZ2 is 27” professional gaming monitor with Full HD (1920 x 1080p) resolution. It works at 240Hz, meaning that its refresh rate is insanely fast. With that comes 0.5ms (MPRT) response time, which will give you completely lag-free gaming experience.
As for its available ports, it has HDMI 2.0, HDMI-MHL, as well as DVI-D and VGA inputs, which will give you multiple options to connect to your GPUs or outside devices and allow you to see more detailed picture, in order to improve your response in games.
It comes with 4 USB 3.0 hubs with 1 fast-charging port and already built-in speakers to enhance your experience.
Another very useful feature is the Quick Switch Game Mode controller, which allows you to adjust your screen much faster than with usual monitors. You can also adjust the height, due to the adjustable stand that can turn, tilt and rotate according to your desires.
Pros:
- Excellent refresh rate and response time
- Multiple connectivity features
- Quick Switch Game Mode controller
- Completely adjustable position
Cons:
- Built-in speakers are not very good
BenQ ZOWIE RL2755T
A Quick Display for Consoles
When you game competitively, it pays to invest in gear that suits your needs, not necessarily something flashy. While the BenQ ZOWIE RL2755T won’t blow you away with its design, you’re going to be impressed by the tech specs if you need speed.
The RL2755T is a 27-inch monitor with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080. The picture gets a boost with a black equalizer and some color enhancing tech, and the refresh rate is 75 Hz. As it’s a TN panel, the response time is excellent at 1ms which makes it ideal for competitive gamers looking to gain an edge in their favorite titles.
No matter which games you play, this is one of the more comfortable displays we’ve come across. The stand adjusts to alleviate strain, and the bezels are designed to cut back on reflections and glare. We’re fans of the flicker-free tech as well, and the connectivity options are solid as well with dual HDMI ports and DVI-D.
This monitor may not be as slick as some panels built for PCs, but it performs as you’d expect, and we feel it’s priced right for what it brings to the table. It’s also more adjustable than other monitors in this class, a perk if you’ve got neck issues or game from a recliner. The BenQ ZOWIE RL2755T comes with a 3-year warranty.
Pros:
- Adjustable stand
- Dual HDMI ports
- Reasonable price tag
Cons:
- Nothing major
ASUS ROG Strix XG25VQ
A Great Ultrawide Gaming Monitor
ASUS has made quite the name for themselves in the gaming world, and that’s partly due to their ROG lineup of products. The ROG Strix GL503VS is a popular option with gaming laptop enthusiasts, and the XG25VQ is the ideal companion for any desktop rig.
The ASUS ROG Strix XG25VQ is in the UWQHD class with an eye-blistering resolution of 3,440 x 1,440. It’s an “Ultra Wide” monitor listed at 1800R with a 178-degree viewing angle on its sleek, curved VA panel. The grey-to-grey response time is listed at 4ms, which is par for the course with this type of display. It’s certainly not bad by any means, but far from the 1ms response time you’ll find on different panels.
ASUS packed plenty of tech into this monitor so you’ll get features like Eye Care, Low Motion Blur, and the nifty Aura Sync lightning system. The company also carries the Strix with a higher refresh rate of 240Hz or 144Hz if you prefer a smaller panel between 24 and 31-inches.
Pros:
- ASUS Eye Care tech
- GamerPlus & GamerVisual
- Aura Sync RGG Lighting
- Freesync
Cons:
- Customer Support
ViewSonic XG2760
An Excellent 2K Monitor
ViewSonic isn’t a name we generally rush towards when it comes to pricey tech, but they have produced some excellent monitors in recent years. You can add the ViewSonic XG2760 to that list, and we feel it’s a great all-around panel for gamers.
This monitor sports a 27-inch TN panel with a viewing angle of 170 degrees and an aspect ratio of 16:9. It’s in the QHD class with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 and a contrast ratio of 1000:1. The color range is good and it’s rated at 350 nits, but you will want to tune this one up out of the box. As for the refresh rate, it’s listed at 165Hz and the response time is 5ms GTG.
Connectivity options for the ViewSonic XG2760 include a DisplayPort, HDMI port, audio jack, and x3 USB 3.0 ports. Everything is easy to access, and the cable management system is a nice touch as well. The stand swivels tilts and rotates with the best of them, so it’s not difficult to find the ideal angle. There’s also a headphone hook up top for convenience along with a row of hotkeys with presets for various modes.
The refresh rate and pixel count are the selling points of this monitor, and it doesn’t disappoint in either of those areas given the price. It’s easy to adjust although the settings can be a little tricky to navigate until you become accustomed to the layout. The ViewSonic XG2760 is backed by a 3-year warranty.
Pros:
- Responsive QHD panel
- NVIDIA G-Sync
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Quality control
Acer Predator XB271HU
A Pint-sized Powerhouse
At first glance, the Acer Predator XB271HU may seem familiar. There’s a good reason for that as it’s essentially a smaller version of the XB321HK. It’s a nice alternative for consumers in need of a smaller display and one with plenty of speed.
There is a lot to like with the Predator XB271HU, but it all starts with the IPS panel. It supports a resolution of 2K at 2,560 x 1,440 and is five inches smaller than its larger sibling at 27-inches. It has the same style, stand and basic tech although this one clocks in at 144Hz with a response time of 4ms. That’s impressive, and so are its overclocking capabilities.
You can set this monitor to 165Hz when overclocking through the display port if you decide to kick things up a notch. It’s a little light in the input department but comes packed with tech to ensure a smooth gaming experience across the board.
Pros:
- Price
- Overclocking
- 3-year warranty
- 4ms response time
Cons:
- Inputs
AORUS KD25F
A Gaming Monitor with Exclusive Built-in ANC
AORUS KD25F comes with a 24.5” Full HD display, which has a pretty good refresh rate of 240Hz and the response time of 0.5ms, which is capable of letting you see the picture more clearly and is capable of producing pixels in a faster rate, making you always be ready for that next shot.
Along with that comes FreeSync support and tactical display with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation). Apart from that, there are some very distinctive AORUS features, such as game assist, OSD sidekick and dashboard.
Its ergonomic design gives it a beautiful look. It is also customizable a bit. You can adjust height, tilt, swivel and even rotate it to be to your likings. It is compatible with NVIDIA G-Sync, so it works very well with NVIDIA GPUs.
To make things even prettier, there is a built-in digital RGB LED backlighting. As for the connectivity, it has 1 Display Port 1.2, as well as 2 HDMI 2.0 ports.
Pros:
- Excellent refresh rate and response time
- Tactical Display with Active Noise Cancellation
- Extra AORUS Features
- Digital RGB LED Lighting
- Compatibility with NVIDIA G-Sync
Cons:
- You can notice a bit of ghosting when moving through bright areas in a game
ASUS VG279Q
An Ergonomic Alternative from ASUS
FHD monitors are a dime a dozen, but if you want a responsive IPS panel, the field narrows considerably. The ASUS VG279Q is a great alternative if you prefer IPS to TN or VA panels and ready to roll with AMD GPU’s out of the box.
This monitor is packed full of tech to bring the most out of the panel and make those long gaming sessions comfortable. Shadow Boost allows you to gain an edge in dark areas and take out your enemies with ease while FreeSync ensures tear-free gaming if you have an AMD GPU. The VG279Q is also “marathon ready” with an adjustable stand and the company’s Eye Care tech built-in.
Like most of the best gaming monitors, the ASUS VG279Q is 27 inches, and it has a 178-degree viewing angle. It has a refresh rate of 144Hz and a response time of 3ms GTG. As it’s an IPS panel, the contrast ratio is great at 1000:1 and it’s bright with a rating of 400 nits. Other perks of this monitor include a couple of 2w stereo speakers, GamePlus modes and a dual-link DVI port.
While this one doesn’t have the response time of a TN panel, it’s vivid and quick enough to suit most folks needs unless you game competitively. It’s also a well-built display with a solid warranty of 3 years from ASUS in case you hit any trouble down the road.
Pros:
- Bright and colorful IPS panel
- FreeSync
- Slim-bezel design
Cons:
- None
Acer Predator X27 bmpiphzx
The Best 4K Gaming Monitor
Acer’s Predator lineup carries a high price tag, but they always produce products with high tech specs that turn heads. The Acer Predator X27 bmiphzx is no different, as this 27-inch beauty has an eye-blistering resolution of 3,840 x 2,160.
Whether you’re gaming or working with apps that need accurate color, the Predator X27 is a fine choice. The 27-inch IPS panel covers 99% of the Adobe RGB color gamut and has 10-bit color with quantum dot tech. It’s 120Hz out of the box, but overclockable up to 144Hz with the DisplayPort and has a response time of 4ms GTG. You’re also getting HDR and 600 native nits out of this one along with a contrast ratio of 1000:1.
NVIDIA’s G-Sync is supported on this monitor, but it’s far from the only extra included. Game Mode brings 8 presets to the table, and we’re never going to complain about a monitor with removable blinds. The Acer Predator X27 also has two 4w speakers, x4 USB 3.0 ports and VisionCare to keep your peepers fresh. We also like the OSD which lets you dive deep into the settings although it may be tricky for beginners to deal with.
The one big drawback of the Predator X27 is the price as it’s expensive, even for a 4K monitor. That said, if you have graphics cards and a rig capable of using this monitor… that probably isn’t going to be a major factor. The X27 has a 3-year warranty, but you’ll want to opt for an extended plan for this one considering the price tag.
Pros:
- 4K with HDR
- 144Hz and G-Sync
- Excellent OSD
- Privacy hood
Cons:
- It’s expensive
- Hardware requirements
Samsung LC49RG90SSNXZA CRG90
A Huge Display with Amazing Color
Most companies produce gaming monitors in the 30-inch range, but Samsung tends to do things differently. They went big for this monitor from the CHG90 series as the monstrosity has been deemed “Super Ultra-Wide” measuring a whopping 49-inches.
This monitor could easily double as a mini-movie screen consider its size and the aspect ratio of 32:9. Despite its size, it only consumes 113-watts and delivers a refresh rate of 144Hz. That is very nice, and you can easily dial it down to 60 or 120Hz as needed. Throw in features like FreeSync 2, Eye-Saver mode and Audio-Aligned Arena Lighting, and you’ve got yourself an option for the best 144Hz gaming monitor.
It’s safe to say this monitor will not be for everyone. The size alone will rule out it for some, but it’s one to consider if you have enough space and dig Sammy’s QLED displays. You won’t be disappointed by the speed, and HDR technology is the icing on the cake.
Pros:
- 3,840 x 1,080
- 1.07 Billion Colors
- 144Hz w/ 1ms MPRT
Cons:
- Short warranty
- Quality control
Acer Nitro XF252Q Xbmiiprzx
Amazing HD Gaming PC with Interesting Design
This 24.5” Full HD widescreen monitor features AMD Radeon FreeSync technology, which works perfectly well combined with AMD Radeon graphic cards, both older and newer models, so you will be able to enjoy your favorite games.
The response time is very good, around 0.3ms, which is pretty decent for gaming monitors. It also has an amazing refresh rate of 240Hz, as well as Zero frame Design, with HDR Ready option. With that come, two speakers, both working at 2W.
As for connectivity, Acer Nitro XF252Q has 1 Display port, 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, and 4 USB 3.0 ports. Apart from that, in the package you will also get HDMI and USB cables, meaning that you won’t have to buy anything for yourself.
Pros:
- Comes with AMD Radeon FreeSync technology
- Excellent response time of 0.3ms
- Perfect refresh rate 240Hz
- HDR Ready feature
- Very nice design
Cons:
- 1ms advertised time is only available on Extreme OverDrive (so you can’t use G-Sync and have 1ms at the same time)
LG 34UC79G-B
An Accurate and Speedy Panel
LG produces plenty of consumer tech and is known for their big, bold OLED panels. While the LG 34UC79G-B doesn’t have one of those, this IPS monitor will bring your games to life with vivid colors and has an excellent refresh rate to boot.
The LG 34UC79G-B measures 34-inches and is curved with an aspect ratio of 21:9. It has a clean design that’s easy on the eyes, and it’s extremely fast as well. LG went with a 144Hz refresh rate for this one and a response time clocking in at 1ms. There is no need to worry about motion blur between the tech specs and FreeSync.
The usual bells & whistles are present on this model including a Black Stabilizer and Dynamic Action Sync. The company’s “crosshair” feature is unique however as it’s said to increase your accuracy in FPS games.
Pros:
- Affordable Ultra-Wide monitor
- Very responsive
- Gaming crosshair feature
Cons:
- Warranty & Support