Nothing beats using one of the best gaming monitors around, whether you're rocking a cheap laptop or even the best gaming laptop. Gaming monitors come in all shapes and sizes, and they're really useful for providing more display real estate for games and freeing up your laptop screen for guides or Twitch chats.
However, there are a few things you should know before buying one of the best gaming monitors. You'll have to choose between 4K, which gives you sharper images but lower refresh rates, and 1080p, which favors responsiveness over resolution—everything in between lands in the middle of the spectrum. There's also High Dynamic Range (HDR), which nets you better color and brightness but at a higher cost.
Updates are coming as we have just gotten in some really cool gaming monitors to review. Stay tuned, faithful readers.
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You'll have to choose a panel type as well, which comes down to a choice between TN (twisted nematic) and IPS (in-plane switching). The former is cheaper and offers better response times, while the latter features better colors and contrast at the cost of response times and a hit to your wallet. Also, check if the monitor supports Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync, which is designed to sync up to your GPU for smoother frame rates (go with whichever branded GPU you have). We tested a 144Hz monitor and 360Hz monitor, then compared them to a 60Hz monitor to see what major differences we could spot. And we've also got you covered if you are unsure whether you want dual monitors vs. ultrawide monitors.
If you need a gaming monitor to make the most out of Xbox Series X games and PS5 games in the future, make sure the monitor you get has either a 4K or 1080p, 120Hz display. Check out our recent review of the Dell Ultrasharp 27 4K U2720Q, which offers gorgeous picture quality, a good range of ports, and a flexible design all for a great value at $539. Also, see our LG CX OLED TV (CX48OLED) review, which isn't necessarily a monitor, but it has some gaming monitor features.
Sony announced that it's bringing 1440p HDMI video output to PS5, meaning it will be worth considering getting a gaming monitor with 1440p resolution when it officially rolls out later this year. Samsung just released the Odyssey Ark’s 55-inch curved monitor and we should be getting a review unit shortly.
Check out our best cheap gaming monitor deals, best gaming deals, and best computer monitor deals pages to score a good gaming monitor for an affordable price.
What are the best gaming monitors?
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If you’re looking for the most well-rounded gaming monitor you can buy right now, then look no further than the Razer Raptor 27. It’s a decent size, at 27 inches, and it features a sharp 2560 x 1400 panel that’s super colorful and bright. It even supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync to reduce screen tearing when you're playing a fast-paced FPS.
However, if you have money to burn, you could invest in getting a huge 55-inch OLED monitor, aka the Alienware AW5520QF. Overlooking that price for a second, the AW5520QF has a lot to offer, including a stunning 4K OLED panel, a sleek yet practical design and plenty of useful and easily accessible ports. But as you might have guessed, the AW5520QF costs a pretty penny.
On the other hand, if you don't have the money to burn, we highly recommend the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG34, featuring a 34-inch 3440 x 1440-pixel panel, 165Hz refresh rate, and 1ms response time. It has great color depth that instantly transported me into the game's I was playing, and while it could be a tad brighter, it's an excellent choice for those on a budget.
The ViewSonic Elite XG270 gaming monitor comes in hot with all 27 inches of its colorful panel clocked at a 240Hz refresh rate topped off with numerous display settings. It's definitely a showpiece. That said, the Elite XG270's design is a little impractical if you have a small desk, and the speakers don't sound great. However, if you're looking to get into competitive gaming, the Elite XG270 is one of the best gaming monitors you can buy.
The Razer Raptor 27 sports a 27-inch, 2560 x 1400 panel that covers 162.1% of the sRGB color gamut and emits 295 nits of brightness, which was vibrant and vivid in person. In terms of performance, it has a refresh rate of 144 Hz and a 1-millisecond response time.
The IPS panel supports HDR400, and it comes with a few display presets, such as FPS Game, Racing Game, MMO Game, streaming and default. Razer packs bright green flat cables with the monitor, and those line up with grooves in the back that help with wire management. Top that off with its modern, sleek and glowing design with some subtle RGB flair, this is easily one of the best-looking monitors and among the best gaming monitors you can buy.
See our full Razer Raptor 27 review.
The Alienware 32-inch 4K QD-OLED (AW3225QF) gaming monitor is by far the best OLED model you can buy in its category, providing an immersive 1700R curvature, stunning 0.03 millisecond response time, and compatibility with Nvidia G-Sync. While our reviewer believed it was a bit dim at 240 nits, it should be bright enough to handle any office space that isn't caked in natural sunlight.
Otherwise, its impressive 128.8% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut means it's more than vibrant enough to satisfy you. And if you're a huge fan of deep, inky blacks turning every scene into a far more gripping version of itself, you'll fall in love with its Quantum Dot technology.
See our full Alienware 32-inch 4K QD-OLED (AW3225QF) review
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG34 monitor is perfect for individuals who are desperate for an ultra-wide gaming experience, but don't want to dish out a fortune. With a lovely 3440 x 1440-pixel panel, 165Hz refresh rate, and 1ms response time, it covers the basics well enough for most.
But how does it do in regards to the nitty gritty? Its color depth is especially impressive, as when kept at 50 contrast and 70 brightness, we were amazed by how in-depth the image could look while gaming. Its biggest flaw revolves around it looking a bit dim, and even if you push it past our recommended 70 nits of brightness, you're sacrificing the depth of its color.
So if you're not in too bright a room and can deal with a slightly dim display, we highly recommend the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG34 for anyone in need of a high quality ultrawide display. It's gorgeous and affordable.
See our full ASRock Phantom Gaming PG34 review
If you're on the lookout for a powerful OLED gaming monitor with a phenomenally high refresh rate, we recommend checking out the Alienware 27-inch 2K QD-OLED (AW2725DF). With its 2560 x 1440-pixel resolution, Quantum Dot OLED panel, 360Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. This makes it an ideal monitor for competitive games who need the highest refresh rates for their intense shooters and strategy titles.
It also comes with a stunning color profile, covering 130.6% of the DCI-P3 color range on standard mode, featuring stunning blacks that just suck you right in. And while its 242 nits on standard mode might put some off, it's a pretty good number if you're planning on playing in a dim room that isn't destroyed by sunlight.
See our full Alienware 27-inch 2K QD-OLED (AW2725DF) review
With the Xbox Series X and PS5 on their way, it’s hard not to think about what kind of monitor or TV will showcase the best of 4K or high-refresh-rate gaming, but let me introduce you to the Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ.
For $799, you get a 27-inch, 3840 x 2160-pixel display with a 144Hz refresh rate and Nvidia G-Sync support. It’s colorful and bright, HDR400-enabled, and offers a ridiculous 1-millisecond response time. However, we noticed that the HDR tends to dim content automatically, not utilizing the full potential brightness of the display. Additionally, there are no speakers, which is upsetting given the high price, and the bezels are a little thick. But overall, if you’re looking for one of the best gaming monitors for under $1,000, the Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ is it.
The Strix XG27UQ nailed 355 nits of brightness on SDR settings, which crushed the Razer Raptor 27 (295 nits) and the ViewSonic Elite XG270 (277 nits). When I said this beast was colorful, I wasn’t exaggerating. The Strix XG27UQ covers a whopping 108% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which is above its 90% projected rating.
See our full Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ review.
For just $429, you can get the ViewSonic Elite XG270 gaming monitor, which presents a 27-inch, 1920 x 1080 display clocked at a 240Hz refresh rate with a 1 millisecond response time. It's one of the best gaming monitors you can get for eSports. We took a dive in Shadow of the Tomb Raider and found ourselves in… a tomb. Lara Croft's blue-and-gold tunic popped on the Elite XG270’s panel, and we could even spot the stitching on her sleeves. The monitor has great viewing angles, as our Editor-in-Chief could see the picture clearly while sitting far to the right the screen.
This IPS panel also comes with HDR10 support and is compatible with both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. It beat the 99% projected color rating, covering 132% of the sRGB color gamut and averaged 277 nits of brightness, which is pretty solid. If you're looking to play eSports games like Overwatch or CS:GO, this is a great monitor to buy.
See our full ViewSonic Elite XG270 review.
Once you're at 55 inches and boasting an OLED panel, can we really still call the Alienware AW5520QF a monitor? Regardless, whether you're looking for a TV or a monitor, the Alienware AW5520QF is the perfect machine to play your games on, especially if you have the money to spend, specifically a whopping $2,999. Sure enough, the screen did an excellent job keeping up as we slashed at a nasty golem in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Our character's movements were smooth, fluid and free of any screen tearing.
Along with the gorgeous 4K OLED screen, you get a screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 1-millisecond response time and AMD FreeSync. The Alienware AW5520QF also has a decent set of speakers on it, so you'll be able to hear separate sounds and place them around you. The Alienware makes ranks quick as one of the best gaming monitors.
See our full Alienware AW5520QF 55-inch OLED Gaming Monitor review.
The Dell S2721HGF is a lovely 27-inch curved monitor that acts as a good entry point into vivid gaming displays for those on a tight budget. For $224.99, you get 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1 millisecond response time. It also has AMD FreeSync Premium capabilities, which can lower latency and reduce screen tearing.
Exploring the colorful worlds found in Doom Eternal and Crash Bandicoot 4 with the Dell S2721HGF was immersive and engaging. Sure, it’s not as vivid or as bright as some of the more expensive displays out there, but if you’re looking for a way into the hardcore gaming scene without spending tons of money, this monitor is a great investment.
See our full Dell S2721HGF monitor review.
If you’re looking for a big screen to fill up your gaming space with gorgeous visuals, it’s difficult to find a better choice than the Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ, a 43-inch, 4K gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate.
This beauty provides remarkable visuals, a fast 1-millisecond response time to match and smooth compatibility with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. It even comes with a neat little remote. But, it’s not all fun rainbow colors here. Firstly, this beast costs $1,499, and it’s not without problems. Text is noticeably fuzzy on the display, the HDR looks washed out compared to SDR, and the speakers are bad at highlighting dialogue.
Despite all of that, if you can get over some fuzzy text and come prepared with your own gaming headset, the Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ is easily one of the best gaming monitors out there.
See our full Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ review.
The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD is fast, colorful, stylish, and not too hard on your wallet, making it an excellent all-around gaming monitor that supports both AMDFreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. The all-black nearly bezel-less 27-inch monitor is ergonomically friendly, highly adjustable, easy on the eyes, and built for speed with 1ms response times and a 165Hz refresh rate to ensure buttery smooth motion and image quality. And at $369, it doesn’t break the bank.
The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD came in handy when I played Borderlands 2 with its super colorful pen-shaded graphics. After a few minutes of slaughtering a few bandits, bruisers, and spider creatures, and blowing off the head of a vicious little grenade-wielding marauder who was throwing grenades at me, I was taken with the display. Not only is the panel gorgeous with rich, beautiful hues, it’s redonkulously fast! All the character’s movements were buttery smooth and when racing around in the armored Runner gunning down monsters, the speedy refresh rate ensured there wasn’t any noticeable ghosting or motion blur.
See our full Review MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD
How to choose the best gaming monitors for you
Choosing the best gaming monitors for you is dependent on a lot of factors, such as: budget, the size you want or space you have, the GPU you have and what kind of balance you want between resolution and refresh rate. If you’re looking for a good-sized monitor that features a great balance of everything, the Razer Raptor 27 has what you need, as it sports a sharp resolution and a decently high refresh rate all packed into a super color display.
However, if you want to hit a 4K resolution comboed with a high refresh rate, you better be willing to spend the money, because something like the Alienware AW5520QF is going to burn a hole in your wallet. But if you want to keep your budget relatively low and are primarily focused on playing eSports games, such as Overwatch and CS:GO, we recommend getting a high refresh rate monitor like the ViewSonic Elite XG270.
How we test the best gaming monitors
Firstly we put each gaming monitor through our standard benchmark testing. We use a Klein K10 colorimeter to detect the brightness, sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamut of the gaming monitor’s display. Then we evaluate each aspect of the gaming monitor, including its ports, performance, design and speakers.
When it comes to the display, we typically play around 3 games of varying genres to get a feel of what each kind of game looks like on the display. We’ll also watch a movie trailer to see how watching live action stuff is presented on-screen. During our testing, we go through all of the modes and settings to determine which is best for each viewing experience.
Not every display is going to be super gorgeous and colorful, so we keep in mind the price of the gaming monitor before we determine our scores and our impressions.
