Experience: The 8 Best Gaming Monitors

Got a grand to spare on a gaming monitor? If yes, check out the Acer Predator XB321HK, a high-end gaming monitor built for both the present and the future.

The Acer Predator XB321HK is a 32-inch IPS (In-Plane Switching) monitor with a 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution. It produces stunningly vibrant and accurate colors, turning games like Star Wars Battlefront and The Witcher 3 into pure visual treats. It has excellent viewing angles, a staple in an IPS monitor, and comes with flicker-less technology to reduce eye stress during extended gaming sessions.

Featuring a 4ms response time, the Acer Predator XB321HK offers a ghosting-free gaming experience, critical in action-packed shooter games such as Battlefield 1 and Rainbow Six Siege. It has a 60Hz refresh rate out of the box, but you can overclock it to 144Hz if you want more oomph. This high-end monitor also includes Nvidia G-Sync support, which prevents screen tearing from ruining the experience.

Though the price tag looks outrageous, the Acer Predator XB321HK is worth every penny. It has superb performance, top-notch build quality, multiple ports, fast response times, virtually no input lag, and Nvidia G-Sync support. The built-in speakers could be better. But aside from that, this UHD gaming monitor is the real deal when it comes to delivering eye-popping visual experiences.

For optimum performance, make sure that you have the right GPU for the job, especially if you’re into VR games and 4K gaming. Don’t waste this monitor’s potential by pairing it with a low-end GPU.

Purchase

The Asus VG278Q is the big brother of the 24-inch Asus VG245H, our top pick for the best budget gaming monitors under $200. It is basically the same gaming monitor – but with a few upgrades to deliver an even better experience.

The Asus VG278Q is a 27-inch TN (Twisted Nematic) monitor with a 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution and a standard 16:9 aspect ratio. It features an ultra-fast response time of 1ms, making it an ideal monitor for competitive online multiplayer games where the tiniest delay in reaction time could mean defeat.

At 144Hz, the Asus VG278Q features a significantly higher refresh rate than the Asus VG245H, which translates into an even smoother performance. And with AMD FreeSync support also on board, this gaming monitor delivers nothing but smooth and screen-tear-free gaming experiences coupled with a very low input lag.

Aside from the size and refresh rate upgrades, the Asus VG278Q is identical to the Asus VG245H in every aspect. It supports DVI, HDMI, and DP connections. It is VESA-mountable. It has built-in speakers serviceable enough while you save money for more powerful external speakers. It has Eye Care Technology to reduce eye stress. And it works great for both PC gaming and console gaming.

Like other TN monitors, the Asus VG278Q suffers from bad viewing angles and less color accuracy. If you want a gaming monitor capable of truly bringing out all the colors in games, you can go for IPS monitors like the Acer Predator XB321HK instead. But if you’re running with a tight budget and only care about fast response times, look no further than the Asus VG278Q.

Purchase

Some gaming monitors don’t look the part. Some simply look like ordinary monitors made for office use. One such monitor is the Dell S2417DG, a Nvidia G-Sync enabled TN monitor built specifically for gaming.

The Dell S2417DG is a 24-inch display with a 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution. It boasts 3.68 million pixels, allowing you to experience crystal-clear images. It has a very thin bezel, making it an excellent candidate for a multiple-monitor gaming setup. If you can afford to buy three, we definitely recommend doing so for an impressive setup capable of delivering a stunning panoramic experience.

This gaming monitor boasts a 1ms gray-to-gray response time, eliminating motion blurring and ghosting for faster reaction times in fast-paced games. 1ms is the lowest response time available right now, placing this monitor right up there with the best TN monitors out in the market. If you care about even the slightest advantage in hardware power, the Dell S2417DG is for you.

Another made-for-gamers feature is the fast refresh rate, which can be overclocked up to 165Hz for a super-smooth performance. It has a built-in overclock setting that allows you to adjust the refresh rate when necessary. It also includes a trio of preset modes tailored specifically for role-playing games, first-person shooter games, and real-time strategy games.

Despite being on the expensive side, the Dell S2417DG brings a lot to the table for gamers. It has fast response times and Nvidia G-Sync support for the smoothest visual experience. It has a sturdy build and features multiple screen adjustment options. It has a maximum refresh rate of 165Hz. All things considered, the Dell S2417DG is an excellent pick-up if you’re in the market for a TN monitor.

Purchase

It was tempting to make an exception and include the AOC G2460PF in our list of the best budget gaming monitors. But we had to stick to monitors priced under $200 for that product list.

The AOC G2460PF is the most wallet-friendly gaming monitor in this list. But don’t be fooled by that distinction – this monitor packs enough punch to scare off other more expensive monitors. Featuring a 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution, the AOC G2460PF is a 24-inch TN monitor ideal for action-packed and fast-paced games.

It has a 1ms response time, the best possible output available for a TN monitor. Motion blurring and ghosting will never be an issue with this gaming monitor. Say goodbye to the times you got killed in an online multiplayer match because of high response times. It has a 144Hz refresh rate out of the box and also supports AMD FreeSync. Expect this gaming monitor to deliver nothing but the smoothest experience possible.

The AOC G2460PF includes multiple connectivity options, allowing you to hook it up with different gaming machines. It is VESA mountable and also has built-in speakers, though we recommend getting external speakers for a more immersive sound output. The bezel is a bit thick, so we suggest looking at other options if you want a multiple-monitor gaming setup. The Dell S2417DG above is an excellent option.

Though light on features, the AOC G2460PF is a great pick-up if you’re in the market for a gaming monitor that doesn’t come with an eye-popping price tag. For less than $300, you get a gaming monitor with high refresh rates, ultra-fast response times, low input lag, and AMD FreeSync support. If you get lucky, you can even get it for less than 200 bucks.

Purchase

Want to go really big and expensive? If you don’t mind breaking the bank for a high-end gaming monitor, check out the Samsung CHG90.

The Samsung CHG90 is an enormous 49-inch curved gaming monitor with a VA (Vertical Alignment) panel. It has a maximum display resolution of 3840 x 1080 and has a 32:9 aspect ratio. It supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, which brings out all the colorful details in games, as well as AMD Radeon FreeSync 2.

The refresh rate checks in at an impressive 144Hz with the option to lower it to 60Hz and 120Hz. The FreeSync 2 support, the high refresh rate, and the low input lag all combine to deliver an extremely smooth gaming experience free from screen tearing and other visual nuisances. The 1ms motion picture response time (MPRT) also helps in keeping motion blurring at bay, an important feature for those who mainly play fast-paced online multiplayer games.

Samsung built the CHG90 with different types of games in mind. It includes multiple preset display modes optimized for different genres. Each setting aims to bring out the best in whatever game you’re playing. It also comes with a Black Equalizer, which is quite handy in particularly dim-lighted game levels and maps where enemies lurk around every corner.

As expected from a gaming monitor slapped with a bank-breaking price tag, the Samsung CHG90 is loaded with features. The only downside is that the resolution is a bit lacking for a 49-inch screen. Samsung could have definitely gone for more in order to turn this monitor into a complete gaming beast. If you’re in the market for an expensive gaming monitor, we really recommend checking out the Samsung CHG90.

Purchase

Planning to enter the PC esports scene as a professional player? Practice by using a gaming monitor specifically built for professional gaming. Because talent and skills won’t matter much if you don’t have the right hardware setup to showcase them properly.

Check out the BenQ Zowie XL2540, a 24.5-inch TN monitor made for professional gaming. It has a 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution and a native 240Hz refresh rate for an undeniably smooth gaming performance. It features a 1ms gray-to-gray response time – the best available for a TN monitor – which ensures that the gameplay experience won’t be ruined by motion blurring. The fast response time will help you consistently react on time in action-packed games.

The BenQ Zowie XL2540 features two removable shields that connect on the sides. The shields help you focus only on the monitor by keeping distractions out of sight. This is especially important in first-person shooter games where a one-second distraction could mean the difference between victory and defeat. The shields might look ridiculous, but their presence is much appreciated during intense matches.

Similar to the Samsung CHG90, the BenQ Zowie XL2540 includes a Black Equalizer feature to help you pick off enemies hidden in dark areas around the map. No need to squint heavily when on the lookout for enemies camping in dark areas. An S-Switch is also included in the package. It is a small mouse-like device that allows you to quickly switch preset game modes on-the-fly.

Since the BenQ Zowie XL2540 was built with esports in mind, non-professional gamers might find it lacking for casual gaming. For example, the viewing angle is poor and the picture quality isn’t really comparable to IPS monitors. But if you’re looking for a gaming monitor strictly for professional gaming, the BenQ Zowie XL2540 is one of the best high-end gaming monitors around.

Purchase

Fancy an ultra-wide curved gaming monitor priced below $1000? Check out the LG 34UC79G-B, a gaming monitor that fits the bill perfectly.

The LG 34UC79G-B is a large 34-inch IPS monitor with a 2560 x 1080 full HD resolution. It supports AMD FreeSync and has a native 144Hz refresh rate, turning games into a visual treat free from screen tearing. And make no mistake – games look absolutely gorgeous on this thing. Colors look vibrant and accurate, allowing you to experience games in their full glory.

It has a 5ms gray-to-gray response time, which works with the 1ms Motion Blur Reduction feature to prevent ghosting from manifesting while you game. This is critical in competitive multiplayer matches in which a split-second delay in reaction due to motion blurring could mean death. It also comes with a Black Stabilizer, a neat feature that helps you see better in dark areas.

The LG 34UC79G-B has three preset game modes right off the bat: two modes for first-person shooter games like Battlefield 1 and Rainbow Six Siege, and one for real-time strategy games like StarCraft II. You can easily tweak the settings according to whatever game you’re playing.

If you’re looking for an ultra-wide curved IPS gaming monitor, the LG 34UC79G-B is one of the most affordable in the market. It includes a number of gamer-friendly features and offers excellent picture quality. You definitely can’t go wrong with this one.

Purchase

To cap off the list, we have the Asus ROG Swift PG278QR, a high-end gaming monitor built specifically to handle demanding gamer needs. It is a 27-inch TN monitor with a 2560 x 1440 resolution.

Featuring a 1ms response time, the Asus ROG Swift PG278QR is made for fast-paced games where low response times play a huge factor in the gameplay. With a 1ms response time, the lowest available for a TN panel, motion blurring and ghosting will no longer be an issue.

The Asus ROG Swift PG278QR boasts a high refresh rate at 144Hz by default. But if you have a particularly powerful GPU, you can overclock it to 165Hz for an even smoother performance. Of course, you can always lower the refresh rate to below 100 for slow-paced games if you want. It is also compatible with Nvidia G-Sync, which means you can say goodbye to screen tearing issues.

Thanks to its thin bezel, the Asus ROG Swift PG278QR is an excellent candidate if you’re looking to build a multi-monitor setup for an even more immersive visual experience. It is also VESA mountable, which means you don’t necessarily need to buy a large gaming table to accommodate a multi-monitor setup.

This TN monitor is a made-for-gamers product through and through: It has super-fast response times, high refresh rates, Nvidia G-Sync support, multiple preset game modes, and flexible screen adjustment options. We highly recommend the Asus ROG Swift PG278QR if you’re serious about gaming.

Purchase