Best gaming monitors 2023: Latest news and releases (144Hz, 4K, 27 inch, 1ms)
From hundreds of reviews, here are our best gaming monitors for 2022
- Samsung – 27″ Odyssey G40B FHD IPS 240Hz – Was $399 now $249
- Samsung – Odyssey G7 28″ IPS 1ms 4K UHD FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible Gaming Monitor – was $799 now $579
- LG – 27” UltraGear UHD Nano IPS 1ms 144Hz Monitor – Was $899 now $699
- GIGABYTE G34WQC A 34″ LED Curved WQHD FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitor – Was $449 now $369
- GIGABYTE M28U 28″ LED 4K UHD FreeSync Premium Pro SS IPS Gaming Monitor – Was $649 now $529
In 2023, buying the best gaming monitor can be easier said than done. New monitor technology is being worked on and released almost monthly, with Mini-LED, OLED, and QD-OLED all released within the last year.
Additionally, monitors can vary dramatically from one display to another, with panel specifications (such as refresh rates, response times, screen resolution, and panel type) having a huge effect on the overall performance (and price) they offer. For this reason, it’s critical that you pick a gaming monitor that offers a balance of features and specifications that actually benefits your needs. If not, you could end up with a monitor that simply doesn’t suit your performance or budgetary requirements.
As this can be quite a daunting task, we’ve decided to hand-select only the best gaming monitors the market has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a highly responsive 360Hz esports monitor, an ultrawide immersive display with great HDR, or a great console monitor for PS5 or Xbox, this guide will recommend a panel that suits your needs.
Last gaming monitor news
We’re definitely thrilled to see that Samsung are on their way to introducing a premium 8K ultrawide gaming monitor, perhaps sooner than you think. An early Christmas present – as much as an announcement can be, anyway. It isn’t just RDNA 3 GPUs to get excited about following AMD’s event, thankfully we’ve also seen some exciting reveals to take that smooth gaming experience to the next level with new high-end displays and highly-anticipated DisplayPort 2.1 technology news.
- Samsung tease 8K monitor
- Samsung launch OLED G8 official introduction trailer
- NVIDIA unveil 500Hz gaming monitor
- AOC announces PD32M 144Hz 4K HDMI 2.1 monitor
- LG C2 range announced
- CES 2022 showcase flurry of high-end 360Hz gaming monitors
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Black Friday deal
- Samsung Release Odyssey Neo G9 HDMI 2.1 monitor
- Acer release a large, 4K, HDMI 2.1 monitor that targets both console and PC gamers
- Gigabyte’s affordable HDMI 2.1 monitor released
- Large-screen 48-inch HDMI 2.1 panel challenges LG’s popular OLED display
- FV43U details announced
- MMD announce ‘world’s first’ Designed for Xbox HDMI 2.1 monitor
List of best gaming monitors in 2023
- Alienware AW2721D Gaming Monitor: Best all-round gaming monitor
- ASUS ROG SWIFT PG32UQX: Best 4K gaming mini LED monitor
- ASUS TUF Gaming VG27A: Best 144Hz gaming monitor
- LG UltraGear 27GP950: Best 4K 144Hz gaming monitor
- LG 34GN850-B: Best ultrawide gaming monitor
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G9: Best super ultrawide gaming monitor
- ASUS VG278Q: Best gaming monitor under $300
- BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P: Best gaming monitor under $200
- Acer VG220Q: Best monitor under $100
- Acer Nitro XV282K: Best HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor
Best gaming monitor video
Best gaming monitor: our top picks
Gaming monitor: worthy mentions
- 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 cut 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: The 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 OLED48CXPUB: 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.
- Gigabyte M28U: A brand new affordable HDMI 2.1 monitor that doesn’t really put a foot wrong. Granted, it isn’t as good as the Acer Nitro XV282K, but it certainly provides great performance in UHD screen resolution.
- LG 27GN950-B: An extremely efficient 4K 144Hz gaming monitor that falls slightly short of the ASUS PG32UQX on performance. That said, it is much more affordable.
- 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.
Latest Page Updates
- Added Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 as ‘best 4K 240Hz gaming monitor”
- Added LG UltraGear 27GP950 to replace Acer Predator X27 as 4K 144Hz pick
- Added ASUS ROG SWIFT PG32UQX as high-end 4K option
- Swapped AW2720HF for AW2721D
- Added best HDMI 2.1 option
- Swapped LG 27GN950-B for ASUS ROG SWIFT PG32UQX
- Some light formatting changes
Quick Tips For Buying A Gaming Monitor
Here is a short list outlining some of the most important specifications that come with a gaming monitor. This should help you decide which monitor is best for your needs:
- Higher refresh rates are better for fast-paced games
- Quicker response times reduce screen artifacts like ghosting
- Higher screen resolutions will require more powerful PC components
- TN for speed, IPS for color accuracy, VA in the middle
- Larger displays are more immersive
- Curved monitors are better for single-player titles
- Budget monitors start at around $100
- Mid-range monitors start at around $250
- High-end monitor are anything over $350
What To Expect When Purchasing A Gaming Monitor
Choosing the right gaming monitor for your setup can be a tricky old process, even more so when you consider the amount of value for money options that currently flood today’s market. So, before deciding which is the best for you, make sure you ask yourself the following questions:
Is Higher Refresh Rate Better?
The refresh rate of your gaming monitor is a unit of measurement that lets you know how many times the monitor physically refreshes the image it’s displaying. It’s measured in hertz (Hz) and can have a serious impact on the overall gaming experience the monitor provides.
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It goes without saying that a higher refresh rate provides a smoother gameplay experience. If you primarily play FPS games, you’ll want a monitor with a higher refresh rate (at least 144Hz) for a smoother, more immersive experience. On the other hand, casual gamers are usually fine with a 60Hz monitor.
If you are a serious gamer then we definitely recommend a 240Hz monitor, you can check out our best 240Hz monitor gaming monitor recommendations.
Check out our guide on screen tearing here.
Which Gaming Monitor Resolution Is Best?
The resolution represents the number of pixels displayed on the screen. A monitor with a higher resolution provides sharper pictures and better visuals when gaming – just keep in mind that this is also more taxing on your graphics card.
In today’s market, these are three of the most popular monitor resolutions you can choose from:
- Full HD (1080p)
- 2K / QuadHD (1440p)
- 4K / UltraHD (2160p)
Your selection should be based on the type of graphics card you have and what types of games you like to play. Most of the modern GPUs can handle 1080p resolution, but only higher-end graphics cards can handle 4K resolution gaming.
You can read our guide to finding the best 4K gaming monitor, and best 1440p 300Hz monitor here.
If you play competitive games, then you’ll likely want a higher refresh rate instead of a higher resolution. That means you’ll either want a 144Hz monitor or higher.
If you only care about graphics, then you might as well get a monitor with a higher resolution.
Picking the right monitor is a balancing act between your build and what you want to do with your system. You can also browse our best graphics card article to learn which graphics card is best for your needs.
Best gaming monitor for Xbox Series X
What Screen Size Do I Need?
Monitors come in different screen sizes, all tailored to address different needs and requirements.
Today, a 27” gaming monitor is the sweet spot if you wish to play games at 1080p resolution, although there are some brilliant higher resolution monitors out there.
If you want a full rundown on other monitor sizes, then check out our complete guide to the best monitor sizes.
What Aspect Ratio Do I Need For Gaming?
The aspect ratio is the monitor’s width and height. Older monitors, like the square CRTs, have an aspect ratio of 4:3 while most widescreen monitors these days have an aspect ratio of 16:9. On the other hand, ultrawide monitors have aspect ratios of 21:9.
Monitors with a 4:3 aspect ratio will likely look outdated in 2021 as monitors with a 16:9 aspect ratio are recognized as the standard in the gaming industry. Ultrawide monitors or displays with an aspect ratio of 21:9 are quickly gaining popularity because of the wide view when playing games.
Check out our comprehensive guide to G-sync vs G-sync compatible.
What is the latest backlight technology?
Backlight technology has come a long way in the last 12-16 months, with brand-new technologies now fully incorporated in the marketplace.
The latest in a line of backlight technologies is mini-LED – a more efficient version of LED that utilizes smaller LEDs to help generate better contrast and peak brightness.
Alongside this, we also have OLED monitors which are becoming more available to the masses thanks to a reduction in pricing. Even more exciting, however, is the QD-OLED technology that has only just come out this year, featuring the benefits of both OLED and Quantum Dot technology.
Of course, monitors that use this new backlight technology are more likely to feature in the higher end of the price spectrum.
Which Panel Technology Is Best?
A monitor’s screen is referred to as a panel. The three main panel types offer a variety of different pros and cons which allow them to cater to different scenarios. The three main panel technologies are as follows:
- TN (Twisted Nematic)
- IPS Monitor (In-panel Switching)
- VA (Vertical Alignment)
TN panels have high refresh rates, but worse color reproduction than IPS panels. TN panels also have worse viewing angles, although this should rarely be an issue so long as you are sitting at your desk. IPS panels may have surreal color reproduction and image quality, but they have lower refresh rates. VA panels are sort of a jack of all trades. They are a little faster than IPS panels and a little nicer looking than TN panels, broadly speaking. Having said that, that doesn’t make them the best of the bunch.
If you play FPS games primarily, TN panel monitors are the way to go. But if graphics matter more than performance, IPS will give you stellar visuals.
We compared the three different types of panels in a separate article you can check out for further information.
Does A Fast Response Time Matter For Gaming?
Last but not least, response time. This is the rate that a monitor changes colors, and it’s measured in milliseconds (ms).
It’s hard to notice the difference between a 5ms monitor and a 1ms monitor, but competitive players and their trained-eyes will know. If you’re an FPS player, you’ll want a monitor with a 1ms response time to stay ahead. Casual gamers will usually be fine with monitors with 5ms response time.
Putting Theory Into Practise
So, now you know most of the important aspects that come with buying a gaming monitor, it’s time to see what our best gaming monitor guide has to offer.
Please note: every monitor on this list has its own unique category that it adheres to. Also, all the monitors have been judged on a predetermined set of criteria to make sure the results are as unbiased as possible. We will touch upon the criteria after our reviews.
How We Test & Choose
Whether it’s a best-of guide or a single product review, we ensure every monitor we recommend has been through a strict testing process. We don’t just search Amazon for the top sellers, we hand-pick the market’s best monitors, and each one is tested with the same meticulous care and attention as the last. This ensures that we can present you with the best products the market has to offer and gives our readers confidence that they can trust any gaming monitor we do recommend as having been through the same impartial review process.
As part of the monitor review process, we like to test each for color accuracy, responsiveness, panel uniformity, build quality, and overall gaming performance. We use a number of specifically designed tools to capture the data for each monitor, ensuring only the highest levels of accuracy are recorded during testing. This process allows us to hand-select the best gaming monitors from both a performance and value standpoint, whilst also enabling us to compare the latest models with last season’s best sellers.
Click here if you want to see our in-depth explanation of how we test each and every monitor.
Best gaming monitor: in-depth reviews
Alienware AW2721D Gaming Monitor
Refresh Rate
240Hz (DisplayPort) Or 144Hz (HDMI)
Response time
1ms (GTG)
Screen size
27″
Resolution
2560 x 1440
- Accurate color recreation
- Futuristic design
- Excellent gaming performance
- High end price tag
The Alienware AW27201D is a monitor that comes equipped with the perfect balance of high-end features and specifications – making it an easy choice for our Editor’s pick and the best gaming monitor in today’s market. With a high refresh rate, low response, and G-sync support, any gamer using an Nvidia GPU will fall in love with the performance this panel provides.
It’s an IPS panel with a base refresh rate of 240Hz, making it one of the fastest monitors in this guide. Furthermore, it also comes equipped with an extremely low 1ms response time and fantastic colors right out of the box. The G-sync compatibility this monitor offers also provides gamers using one of Nvidia’s GPUs a silky smooth gaming experience – ranging from 1Hz to 240Hz, respectively.
The design of this monitor is, as you’d expect from Alienware, absolutely fantastic. Utilizing Alienware’s new Legend design language, the AW2721D offers stunning aesthetics from front to back – including some nicely placed RGB that adds additional ambiance if placed near a wall.
In terms of adjustment, you can do all four: height adjustment, swivel, pivot, and tilt. And if you’re concerned about connectivity, you should have no worries as it comes with: 1 x USB 3.2 (Type-B; Gen 1; upstream), 4 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 (headphones), 1 x 3.5mm audio out (line-out for speakers).
Ultimately, what we have here is the complete gaming package. This monitor is absolutely fantastic for individuals looking to take their competitive gaming to the next level. And whilst it isn’t the cheapest on offer, it certainly brings great value for money to the table.
See the complete Alienware AW2721D review here.
ASUS ROG SWIFT PG32UQX
Refresh Rate
144hz
Response time
4ms GTG
Screen size
32”
Resolution
3840 x 2160
- Impressive 4K picture clarity
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Excellent aesthetic design
- Great gaming performance for both console and PC gamers
- Expensive price point
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 supports VESA DisplayHDR1400 – one of the highest we’ve had the pleasure of testing. 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. That being said, when compared to other 4K 144Hz monitors, it’s actually considered a bargain.
Check the complete ASUS ROG SWIFT PG32UQX review here.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ
Screen size
27”
Refresh Rate
144Hz (165Hz OC)
Response Time
1ms
Panel Type
IPS
Resolution
2560 x1440
Curved?
No
- 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. 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 me, 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.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
Refresh Rate
240Hz
Response time
1ms
Screen size
32″
Resolution
3840 x 2160
- 240Hz refresh rate
- UHD image clarity
- Mini LED technology
- VA panel limitations
Samsung’s new Odyssey Neo G8 gets our third spot for best HDMI 2.1 monitor and for good reason. Not only is it the fasted monitor in this guide, but it’s also the first 4K display with a 240Hz refresh rate.
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.
LG 34GN850-B
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Response Time
1ms
Screen Size
34″
Resolution
3440 x 1440
Panel Type
IPS
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Large 34 inch IPS display
- Excellent adjustment options
- Curved display that adds immersion
- Sub par contrast ratio
- High price point
If you’re in the market for a highly responsive ultrawide gaming monitor, look no further, the guys at LG have you well and truly covered. The LG 34GN850-B 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 tonne 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 144Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 160Hz) and an IPS panel, you really do get the best of both worlds. Alongside great colors and excellent responsiveness, it also offers FreeSync support 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″ IPS panel, your entire vision is filled by the virtual reality you’re viewing. For me, whilst it is expensive, the LG 34GN850-B is one of the best monitors you can buy.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 (S49AG95NC)
Refresh Rate
240Hz
Response time
1ms GTG
Screen size
48.8″
Resolution
5120 x 1440
Panel Type
VA (CSOT)
- Mini LED backlight technology
- Immersive 1000R Curvature
- Extremely accurate colors and stunning picture clarity
- Stunning futuristic design
- HDR2000 certification
- Stand is not as supportive as you’d like
- Extremely high-end price tag
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 super ultrawide 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 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.
Check our best mini LED monitor guide here.
ASUS VG278Q
Size
27″
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Response Time
1ms
Panel Type
TN
Resolution
1920 x 1080
- Variable refresh rate support
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Decent input lag for the price
- Affordable price tag
- Small color gamut
- Peak brightness isn’t fantastic
The best gaming monitor for under $300 comes in the shape of ASUS’s VG278Q. This monitor is the perfect balance between price and performance, giving entry-level gamers a great platform to start their career on.
Gone are the days of struggling to find a monitor under $300 that had a 144Hz refresh rate – today’s market offers a bunch of gaming monitors that come equipped with this technology and the VG278Q is up there with the very best.
Like it’s predecessor, the VG278Q showcases a premium feel at a fraction of the price. It has exceptional build quality for its price range and comes with a design that is both sleek and stylish. The speakers that come with this monitor are by no means the greatest, however, they do the job if you haven’t got a decent headset.
It’s a 27-inch gaming monitor and comes with a 1080p resolution. Even though that isn’t the highest we’ve ever seen, it is considered as one of the best for competitive gaming. Pairing the resolution with the refresh rate and low response time has given this monitor fantastic in-game performance.
The stand is super versatile and has 4-directional adjustability. Whether you want to swivel, tilt, adjust the height, or pivot this thing 90 degrees, rest assured that this monitor will be able to find the absolute perfect viewing angle, no matter how bizarre.
The features don’t end there either. This monitor comes with a decent amount of connectivity, Eyecare technology, Freesync support, and exclusive GameVisual & GAME plus functions to enhance color performance.
As far as monitors under $300 go, this is easily one of the best in today’s market.
Check out our full review of the ASUS VG278Q here
BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P
Size
24″
Refresh Rate
144Hz
Response Time
1ms
Panel Type
TN
Maximum Resolution
1920×1080
- Features tailored towards esports
- Very low response time
- Fully adjustable stand
- Great overall gaming performance
- TN Panel
- Poor color accuracy
This lightning-fast gaming monitor comes with a 144Hz refresh rate that provides a smooth gaming experience for people on a budget. Its 1ms response time pairs nicely with the refresh rate to ensure no screen artifacts are experienced during the heat of battle – like ghosting for example. Despite the price being on the low side (just under $200) we still feel this is one of the best monitors for older esports titles – such as CS:GO and Rainbow Six Seige.
From a design standpoint, this monitor isn’t really that impressive. It has a boxed design that doesn’t really offer anything in terms of gaming aesthetics. However, it does have a fully adjustable stand that gives you full control over the positioning of the monitor itself. Whether you’re looking to adjust the height, the swivel, the tilt, or the pivot, you’ll be able to do so with ease and rigidity.
The BenQ XL2411P has been hugely successful over the years, being many people’s number one pick when it comes to budget-oriented panels. It’s easy to see why though – with a fast 144hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and a low input lag, the XL2411P really does tick a lot of the right boxes.
Check our full review of the BenQ ZOWIE XL2411p here.
Acer-VG220Q
Size
21.5”
Refresh Rate
75Hz
Response Time
1ms
Panel
IPS
Resolution
1920 x 1080
- Small and compact design
- Affordable price tag
- Poor color recreation
- Panel size lacks immersion
- Peak brightness is below average
The Acer VG220Q may not be the best gaming monitor on this list, however, it’s certainly the cheapest. Don’t worry though, we haven’t just chucked any old affordable monitor into our best gaming monitor guide. The VG220Q also comes with some cool, gamer specific features as well.
When you consider this monitor comes to shelves for under $100, you start to realize what good value for money it displays. The features include a 75hz refresh rate, a speedy 1ms response time, FreeSync technology, and eye care technology too.
The FreeSync technology works perfectly to optimize the smoothness of your in-game playing experience. It does this by matching your monitor’s refresh rate to your graphical FPS output. You also get Acer’s zero-frame design which only further adds to the styling and immersion of this panel.
Acer makes use of an IPS panel here so the responsiveness naturally won’t be as good as the TN alternatives That being said, the benefits are found in color accuracy and picture quality, with the VG220Q providing both in abundance.
Overall, for under $100 you are getting one of the best monitors in its price range. It offers great in-game performance and also comes with the peace of mind that buying from Acer gives you.
Acer Nitro XV282K
Refresh Rate
144hz
Response time
1ms GTG
Screen size
27″
Resolution
3840 x 2160
- Immersive 4K 144Hz gaming experience
- Sleek design
- Agile-splendor IPS panel
- Fully versatile stand
- HDR content is poor
- Bottom bezel is a little on the flimsy side
Acer are no strangers when it comes to high-quality gaming monitors – with their ever-growing collection being some of the most popular the market has to offer. Our last pick in this guide falls to the hugely anticipated Acer XV282K – an HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor that supports 120Hz gameplay in 4K UHD screen resolution. Console gamers rejoice.
The monitor comes to shelves boasting a very attractive design that is characterized by a sleek front panel that contrasts nicely against the circular base of the stand. The rear of the monitor doesn’t really offer anything too outlandish, keeping a subtle design that is great for any gaming or office-type environment. The stand is cylindrical and offers decent versatility and functionality – including height, tilt, swivel, and pivot options.
Moving onto the performance, the XV282K offers up pretty much everything you could want from a console or PC standpoint. The main specifications include a 4K screen resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms GTG response time, and 1000:1 contrast ratio. For many gamers, if you have the rig to game at 4K, there really isn’t any better combination of specs available right now. The IPS panel offers not only superb viewing angles but excellent colors too – with 90% DCI-P3 coverage, respectively.
Overall, you really can’t knock this monitor from a gaming standpoint. It really does tick all the right boxes.
You can check out the complete Acer Nitro XV282K review here.
Gaming monitor FAQs
Are gaming monitors worth it?
When it comes to gaming, the monitor you use definitely has an impact on the quality of your gameplay. We all know that PCs and consoles are not cheap to purchase, and you will want to get as much out of the console as you can.
If you are stuck using a regular monitor, even if your PC has the highest spec fps, this will be limited by the monitor itself. Ideally, the monitor that you use will have a very good refresh rate, so that it can keep up with fps of the PC or console.
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.
In addition to this, the refresh rates of a TV are not comparable to a gaming monitor. Refresh rates are important for gaming, as they will ensure that your game is running as smoothly as possible. While the refresh rates of a TV are still good, gaming monitors on the whole are better.
Tying both of these aspects together, the response times of monitors are better for gaming. This is because they are built with gaming in mind, whereas a TV is not. While there are some models of TV with lower input lag, generally speaking, gaming monitors are a better option.
Is VA or IPS better for gaming?
When it comes to choosing between a VA or IPS monitor, IPS is by far the superior choice. IPS monitors tend to be the top choice for gamers because their specifications are better than VA monitors.
The response times and specifications of IPS monitors are higher, and the color reproduction is impressive. The images produced are crisp, and the colors are vibrant.
While the response times for IPS monitors used to be a lot lower, over recent years they have improved significantly. The viewing angles tend to be a lot better than the VA too.
While VA monitors are reasonable if they are your only option, the older panels do have a lower refresh rate, and the newer ones are not as good as IPS. However, they both do provide good angles and color depth.
Why do pros use 24 inch gaming monitors?
Pros use 24-inch monitors because for tournaments, this is the monitor size that is used. In addition to this, the resolution used at tournaments is 1080p.
In tournaments, a standard size, resolution, and refresh rate is used in order to make it fair for all players. The last thing you would want in a tournament is for someone to be at an unfair advantage in comparison to someone else because they have a better monitor.
When you take into consideration practicing for tournaments, and gaming in general, it makes sense for pro gamers to use this size monitor on a general basis too.
While you may assume that a larger inch monitor would be a better option, this is not necessarily the case. On the whole, this size of monitor is optimal because it allows the gamer to see the screen clearly, without them having to move their heads to see all the screen.
Is 144hz worth it for casual gaming?
If you follow any pro gamers, it is likely that you have heard them discuss using a 144 Hz monitor. While these monitors are great if you are playing games at a professional or competitive level, on the whole it is not really needed.
You can use standard gaming monitors with little to no issues. Even shooter games can be played when using non 77 Hz monitors, for example. In general, the average person is unlikely to notice the improvements with 144 Hz monitors.
Given this, it is not necessarily worth the extra cost. While it does provide a better image, it is an investment, and one that is only really necessary if you want to take gaming more seriously.
Is 240Hz worth it over 144hz?
When it comes to choosing between 144 Hz and 240 Hz, they both have very good refresh rates. If you are looking for a monitor to use as a pro, they are both great options. However, the 240 Hz undeniably has a better refresh rate in comparison to the 144 Hz, though the 144 Hz is impressive to begin with.
While there is a difference between the two, and the 240 Hz is better, the differences are minimal and are not drastic, especially in comparison to the step-up from 60 or 70 Hz, to 144 Hz.
Given this, it is down to the individual about whether the increase in price for a relatively small difference is worth it. It is worth noting that the image will be more fluid when using 240 Hz, in comparison to the 144 Hz.
Is 75Hz enough for casual gaming?
If you are looking for a monitor to game on casually, rather than professionally, you do not necessarily need to purchase a monitor with the highest specs. Generally speaking, 75 Hz is more than enough to game on with no issues.
Even if you choose a gaming monitor that is only 60 Hz, this is still capable of displaying games well. The only reason why you would want to purchase a monitor with a higher Hz is if you are looking to take your gaming to the next level.
The majority of pro gamers will use a higher spec monitor while gaming, but for casual use, this is not really necessary.
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.
Let us know what your favorite gaming monitor is and which you are currently using by leaving us a comment in the section below.
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This is quite an informative piece, well researched and well segmented for easy reading. Keep up the good work Juzel.