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We’re in a golden age of gaming monitors. From massive ultra-widescreen displays to 1440p models with lightning-fast refresh rates, there’s an option for every gamer. But with so many great monitors available, selecting the perfect one for your setup and budget can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, though — I’ve got you covered. Whether you want the latest cutting-edge tech or prioritize affordability, you can find a monitor that delivers a high-end gaming experience, no matter your budget. The best gaming monitors will elevate your gameplay with smooth animations, sharp details and a level of visual fidelity that will make you feel like you’re part of the action.
The type of display you buy can impact your gaming experience. There are three main types: IPS (In-Plane Switching), VA (Vertical Alignment) and TN (Twisted Nematic). IPS offers great colors but weaker contrast, while VA boasts deep blacks but might have slower response times. TN displays, on the other hand, have the fastest response times and lowest input lag, but they can suffer from poor color accuracy.
These differences are narrowing, though, with faster VA panels and high-contrast IPS options becoming more readily available. Nevertheless, understanding IPS and VA is a good starting point for choosing a monitor. New technologies like OLED offer perfect blacks and fast response times, but they are expensive and susceptible to burn-in. QD-OLED is another emerging technology in the gaming monitor space that combines OLED with Quantum Dots for potentially better brightness, color accuracy and reduced burn-in risk.
Choosing a monitor’s resolution depends on your graphics card’s capabilities and desired performance. Full HD (1920 x 1080) is the most affordable option, ideal for ensuring smooth gameplay on less powerful hardware. Quad HD (2560 x 1440) offers a sharper picture for mid-range and high-end PCs, striking a balance between visuals and performance. UHD (3840 x 2160), also known as 4K, displays the highest visual fidelity but can be taxing on underpowered hardware. While 4K gaming is becoming more common as prices for high-end graphic cards come down, Quad HD is generally preferred for its balance of affordability and performance, making it the current sweet spot for most gamers.
Choosing the right monitor size depends on your viewing distance and budget. Most users sit 1-3 feet from the screen, with 24-32 inches being common sizes that offer plenty of space. While a bigger gaming monitor sounds enticing, finding a balance is key. For example, a 24-inch 4K display packs the same pixels as a larger 32-inch 4K display, but the smaller screen makes text and icons harder to see. I recommend 1080p for 24-inch monitors, 1440p for 27-inch and 4K for 32-inch or larger. You should also ensure the monitor fits your desk, leaving room for peripherals like the best gaming mice for your needs and your keyboard. These are starting points, though, as great monitors exist in all combinations.
A monitor’s refresh rate refers to how often the screen updates per second. Higher refresh rates lead to smoother visuals, especially in fast-paced games. Basic monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, but PC gamers generally go for 144Hz or higher. For esports and competitive online titles, even faster refresh rates like 240Hz or 360Hz are ideal. These will allow you to react more quickly than someone who owns a 60Hz monitor. You’ll also want to consider whether your monitor supports variable refresh rate (VRR) technology, which scales your monitor’s target refresh rate to match your PC’s performance. Most modern displays support either Nvidia G-sync or AMD Freesync.
Finally, pay attention to the monitor’s ports. HDMI 2.1 is the gold standard, supporting high resolutions (4K and beyond) at fast refresh rates with features like VRR and auto-low latency mode (ALLM). If you have multiple gaming machines (e.g. a PC and a console), look for a monitor with multiple HDMI ports. USB-C is a versatile port for all the best gaming laptops, handling data, video and power with a single cable. DisplayPort version 1.4 is another powerful option for high resolutions and refresh rates. Extra USB ports on the monitor can be a bonus for connecting peripherals but don’t prioritize them over core features. If a monitor lacks ports but has USB-C, a powered USB hub can expand its connectivity.
Thanks to its 240Hz refresh rate, the ViewSonic XG2431 is an excellent option for budget-minded gamers. It delivers incredibly smooth motion, especially in fast-paced games like online first-person shooters. VRR support further enhances the experience, and it’s G-Sync compatible. For added comfort, the XG2431 boasts an adjustable stand that lets you find the perfect viewing position from your best gaming chair.
The ViewSonic XG2431 is proof you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a powerful, high refresh-rate monitor.
Get it here: ViewSonic XG2431
Gamers who want maximum value for their purchase will love the Alienware AW2724DM. The versatile 27-inch monitor boasts a high 180Hz refresh rate for smooth, tear-free visuals in fast-paced games, while VRR support further eliminates stuttering and tearing. It also features wide viewing angles, making it a good option for watching movies and videos.
You get a lot of great features for not a lot of money, making the Alienware AW2724DM an excellent value.
Get it here: Dell Alienware AW2724DM
The Alienware AW3225QF is a high-end 4K gaming monitor with a large 31.5-inch curved QD-OLED display. This cutting-edge panel offers a beautiful picture, a super fast 240Hz refresh rate for competitive gamers and excellent brightness (1,000 nits with HDR) for well-lit rooms. It also supports various features like variable refresh rate, G-Sync and Dolby Vision for enhanced visuals. While the monitor boasts a good selection of ports, it lacks speakers, so you’ll need external speakers or to simply rely on the best gaming headset you can find, or a good set of noise-canceling headphones.
The Alienware AW3225QF has an exceptional QD-OLED display while offering many of the best features for a high-end gaming experience.
Get it here: Dell Alienware 32 QD-OLED AW3225QF
The Inzone M9 from Sony is tailor-made for the brand’s PlayStation 5. The 27-inch 4K monitor boasts an impressive combination of features, including full array local dimming for deep blacks and bright highlights, G-Sync compatibility for smooth visuals, auto low-latency mode and PS5-specific HDR features. Plus, with two HDMI 2.1 ports, you can enjoy high-resolution 4K gaming at a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
This monitor was designed specifically to complement the PlayStation 5, offering features that enhance the console’s capabilities.
Get it here: Sony Inzone M9
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 is a powerhouse with a 32-inch curved 4K display and a super-fast 240Hz refresh rate. What sets it apart is its mini-LED backlighting with 1,196 dimming zones for excellent contrast, ensuring deep blacks and bright highlights. Plus, it offers a lightning-fast one-millisecond response time for blur-free visuals, even in the most fast-paced games. The display also has a subtle 1,000R curvature for a more immersive gaming experience, tying together a fantastic 4K gaming monitor.
The Odyssey Neo G8 is a fantastic 4K gaming monitor with a powerful combination of high resolution, a superfast refresh rate and a subtle curve for an immersive experience.
Get it here: Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
The Gigabyte M28U is a versatile and relatively affordable monitor well suited for gaming. Its 28-inch 4K IPS display offers low input lag, fast response time and support for 4K at 120Hz on next-generation gaming consoles thanks to its HDMI 2.1 ports. It’s also great as an office monitor, making text look razor-sharp thanks to its high pixel density.
The Gigabyte M28U excels at both gaming and office work, offering a crisp display, smooth visuals and compatibility with next-gen consoles.
Get it here: Gigabyte M28U
The LG UltraGear QHD Gaming Monitor offers a high 240Hz refresh rate that works over DisplayPort or HDMI, ensuring tear-free gameplay regardless of your setup. It supports all forms of VRR and has HDMI 2.1 to take full advantage of modern graphics cards and consoles. The 1440p resolution offers excellent image quality with bright, colorful visuals and decent SDR and HDR performance.
The LG UltraGear QHD is a high-performance option for gamers seeking a smooth, tear-free experience with vibrant visuals at 1440p resolution.
Get it here: LG UltraGear QHD Gaming Monitor (27GR83Q-B)
Gamers who want a lightning-fast refresh rate will love the Dell Alienware AW2523HF. It boasts a stellar 360Hz refresh rate for super-smooth visuals, especially with fast-paced multiplayer titles. While the 1080p won’t blow you away, it’s still sharp for its size. The focus, though, is on the monitor’s minimal motion blur and rapid response time, giving gamers a competitive edge.
For competitive gamers seeking the ultimate edge, the Alienware AW2523HF delivers a blistering 360Hz refresh rate for silky smooth visuals.
Get it here: Dell Alienware AW2523HF
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is a premium 49-inch curved gaming monitor boasting a cutting-edge QD-OLED display. It features an ultrawide 5120 x 1440 resolution, a speedy 240Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and connections like DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1. Meanwhile, it features compatibility with FreeSync and G-Sync. Plus, it offers excellent HDR performance, making it a powerhouse for gamers.
The Odyssey OLED G9 is a top-of-the-line curved gaming monitor with a massive, high-resolution OLED display.
Get it here: Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
There are a lot of great curved gaming monitors available, including our best OLED pick. Corsair’s Xeneon Flex Bendable OLED stands out, though, for its ability to bend. Yes, you heard that right. The display can go from completely flat to 800R, which refers to the radius of a circle that the curved screen could fit into. The 45-inch OLED display also looks stunning with rich, vibrant colors and inky blacks. As far as curved gaming monitors go, it doesn’t get any better.
The Corsair Xeneon Flex Bendable OLED redefines gaming with its innovative curved OLED display, offering a unique gaming experience.
Get it here: Corsair Xeneon Flex Bendable OLED Gaming Monitor
I’ve been writing about, testing and reviewing gaming monitors, TVs and computers for over a decade for sites like “Popular Science,” “Popular Mechanics” and “Best Products.” To pick the best gaming monitors, I consulted a variety of sources, including industry and customer reviews. My own experience using tech also helped me understand what to look for in a gaming monitor. During my search, I focused on key specs like resolution, display type, size, aspect ratio, refresh rate and connectivity to find the most powerful gaming monitors available. Since gaming monitors can vary so wildly in price, I ensured each model offered good value for gamers, whether they have an unlimited budget or are looking for the best bang for their buck.
PC gamers use a multi-step approach to get a complete picture of a monitor’s quality. First, real-world testing is crucial. This involves playing a variety of games, especially fast-paced multiplayer titles, to assess factors like responsiveness, motion clarity and how the monitor performs. They also directly evaluate aspects like brightness, contrast, panel uniformity and build quality.
There are a few different panel types represented in the gaming monitor space, all offering pros and cons. In-plane switching (IPS) panels are popular and provide a well-rounded solution, balancing response time, color accuracy and viewing angles. Vertical alignment (VA) delivers deep blacks, ideal for a more immersive experience. Twisted Nematic (TN) offers lightning-fast response times, critical for split-second reactions.
It’s worth noting there’s been a recent shift to OLED and QD-OLED technologies. These monitors offer deep blacks, superior contrast ratios and incredibly fast response times. However, while these technologies offer an excellent viewing experience, they often come with a premium price tag and concerns about burn-in, where faint ghost images can be permanently etched onto the display if static elements are shown for extended periods.
Gamers looking for a super responsive monitor should pay attention to pixel response, input lag and refresh rate.
Screen tearing — where your image suffers as a result of your video feed not being synchronized with the display’s refresh rate — can be a major issue when gaming, and that’s where FreeSync and G-Sync come in. Both technologies can dynamically adjust the refresh rate of your monitor to match the frame rate of your graphics card, creating a smoother gaming experience. FreeSync is an open-source AMD technology that works with a wide range of graphics cards and compatible monitors. G-Sync is Nvidia’s proprietary technology and requires a special G-Sync module built into the monitor. It’s limited to Nvidia graphics cards and can sometimes increase the monitor’s cost.
High dynamic range (HDR) is a display technology that enhances the visual experience by displaying greater detail in scenes with contrasting brightness levels. Picture a scene featuring an explosion. HDR amplifies the intensity of the flames while preserving the intricate details within deep, dark shadows. This expanded range of colors and contrast leads to more vivid, lifelike imagery across the entire spectrum. Subtle nuances in both shadowed areas and brightly lit highlights become discernible, contributing to a more captivating and immersive gaming experience.
However, it’s important to note that not all games are compatible with HDR technology, Additionally, utilizing HDR alongside high frame rates requires a more robust graphics card to ensure smooth performance. Furthermore, the quality of your monitor is important. Seek out models with high peak brightness, effective local dimming capabilities and precise color reproduction to fully capitalize on the benefits of HDR.
The classic 16:9 widescreen is affordable, universally supported and ideal for fast-paced games. However, this aspect ratio might be cramped for creative work, depending on the monitor’s size. If you crave an immersive cinematic feel and want more screen space for multitasking, consider a 21:9 ultrawide monitor. Not all games fully support ultrawide resolutions, so you’ll need to check compatibility. For the ultimate experience, 32:9 super ultrawide options give you tons of real estate for gaming and multitasking. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preferences and needs. For the broadest compatibility, go with 16:9.
The most essential ports are HDMI and DisplayPort. These ports enable connections to gaming consoles and PCs, with HDMI being the most widely adopted and accessible. Both can transmit audio and video signals, so you won’t need separate cables for separate things. While USB ports aren’t essential, they are useful for connecting peripherals like gaming mice, keyboards and external storage, potentially freeing up USB ports on your computer. Some monitors come with built-in USB hubs that provide additional ports for more connectivity.
wooden wall mounted wine rack AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.