- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Best Monitor
- Best 4k
- Best 240Hz
- Best Budget
- All Reviews
- Discussions
- Store-bought monitors; no cherry-picked units
- Retest after major updates
- Easily comparable results
- No ads; unbiased reviews
While even the cheapest monitors can be used for gaming, they don't all deliver the same performance. The best gaming monitors have fast response times that produce very little motion blur, as well as extremely low input lag to make sure every key press matches what's going on on the screen. In recent years, new gaming technologies have emerged that have drastically changed the way we game. AMD's FreeSync and NVIDIA's G-SYNC deliver fast, tear-free motion. Ever faster response times have become the norm. There are so many models out there with such a wide variety of features that it can be hard to choose.
We've reviewed 78 monitors, and below you'll find our recommendations for the best gaming monitors for a variety of needs and budgets. For the best console gaming monitors, see our articles about the best gaming monitors for PS4 and the best gaming monitors for Xbox One. See also our recommendations for the best curved gaming monitors.
-
Best PC Gaming Monitor: ASUS VG279Q
Usage Ratings - Version 1.08.6GamingThe ASUS VG279Q is the best PC gaming monitor that we've tested so far. It delivers outstanding gaming performance thanks to the excellent response time, flicker-free backlight, and low input lag. It has an extremely fast 144Hz refresh rate, and it supports FreeSync, even when connected to a recent NVIDIA graphics card.
This monitor has a native resolution of 1920x1080, which may disappoint some more serious gamers as you can't see as many fine details in your games as you can with a higher resolution screen. Despite that, this monitor delivers decent overall picture quality. It can get bright enough that glare shouldn't be an issue in any room, and like most IPS monitors it has wide viewing angles, which is great for a quick co-op game with a friend.
Despite the budget price, this monitor has a decent selection of additional features, including the ability to add a crosshair to games that don't have one. Overall, it's a great gaming monitor that should please the majority of gamers.
-
G-SYNC Alternative: ASUS PG279QZ
If you want the best G-SYNC monitor to go with your NVIDIA graphics card, check out the ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ instead. This monitor delivers great gaming performance, with an extremely fast response time, outstanding low input lag, and a fast refresh rate. The overall gaming experience is very similar between this monitor and the ASUS VG279Q, but this one supports G-SYNC instead of FreeSync.
-
1440p FreeSync Alternative: Gigabyte AD27QD
If the low native resolution of the ASUS VG279Q bothers you, check out the Gigabyte Aorus AD27QD. As Gigabyte's first monitor, this 27", 1440p monitor is an impressive, feature-packed gaming display that should please even the most demanding gamers. Like the ASUS, it has an extremely fast response time for crystal-clear motion with little blur, and it has outstanding low input lag for an extremely responsive gaming experience.
On top of that, the Aorus also supports HDR and has an impressive array of additional features, including the ability to add custom crosshairs to games that don't have one, and a unique active noise cancelling feature which helps ensure that your teammates hear only your voice and not the noise around you.
-
Best 4k Gaming Monitor: LG 27UK650-W
Usage Ratings - Version 1.08.1GamingIf you want a great 4k gaming experience, the LG 27UK650-W is the best 4k gaming monitor that we've tested so far. Although it's limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which may disappoint some gamers, this is a versatile monitor that delivers a great overall gaming experience. It has great motion handling with an excellent response time, so fast-moving objects have only a short blur trail behind them.
This monitor also has excellent low input lag. It supports FreeSync for a nearly tear-free gaming experience on almost any device, including recent NVIDIA graphics cards and the Xbox One. As far as gaming features are concerned, this monitor doesn't have much, but it does have a Black Stabilizer feature that can make it easier to spot other players hiding in the shadows.
This monitor also supports HDR but lacks the performance necessary for it to really stand out. Overall, this is a great gaming monitor that is an equally good choice for most uses, and it should please most people.
-
Best 240Hz Gaming Monitor: BenQ XL2540
Usage Ratings - Version 1.08.5GamingIf smooth motion is more important to you than a higher level of detail, check out the BenQ Zowie XL2540. This monitor is limited to a 1080p resolution, which might disappoint some people, but it has an incredibly fast 240Hz refresh rate. This helps the monitor achieve outstanding clear motion, with almost no blur behind fast-moving objects. This monitor also supports G-SYNC variable refresh rate technology for a nearly tear-free gaming experience.
This monitor delivers mediocre overall picture quality. It has great peak brightness and good reflection handling, which is great if you have a lot of light in your room. Unfortunately, it has a mediocre native contrast ratio and disappointing black uniformity, so it isn't as well-suited for dark room viewing.
This monitor also has a few great gaming features, including a unique controller that makes it easy to switch between different picture presets at the push of a button. Overall, although it isn't as well-suited for other uses, this is an excellent 1080p gaming monitor.
-
Best Budget Gaming Monitor: ViewSonic XG2402
Usage Ratings - Version 1.08.3GamingThe best budget gaming monitor that we've tested so far is the ViewSonic XG2402. This 24" monitor delivers a great gaming experience, with outstanding motion handling, extremely low input lag, and a fast refresh rate. It also supports FreeSync variable refresh rate technology, even when connected to a recent NVIDIA graphics card over DisplayPort.
On the other hand, this monitor can get very bright and it has great reflection handling, so there shouldn't be any issues using it in a bright room. This monitor also has good ergonomics, so you can easily place it in the perfect position, or even turn it to portrait orientation for a multi-monitor setup.
Unfortunately, this isn't the most versatile monitor, as it has a limited contrast ratio, disappointing viewing angles, and the 1080p resolution might be too limiting for some users. Despite these flaws, it's a great gaming monitor at a very low price (for more options, see our recommendations for the best budget gaming monitors).
-
Larger Alternative: ASUS PB277Q
If you find the size and resolution of the ViewSonic XG2402 limiting and would like a monitor with a larger screen that can display more detail, then get the ASUS PB277Q. It has a 27" TN panel with a 1440p resolution and, just like the ViewSonic, the image deteriorates if you're not sitting directly in front. The refresh rate is limited to 75Hz, but on the upside, this monitor has an excellent fast response time that makes fast-moving content look very crisp. It's also very responsive, thanks to the low input lag, and will keep most gamers happy.
Notable Mentions
- Dell S2716DG: Excellent gaming monitor, but the ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ is a much better G-SYNC monitor. See our review
- Acer Predator XB271HU: Excellent gaming monitor, but the ASUS VG279Q has a faster response time. See our review
- AOC AG271QX: Great gaming monitor, but the VG279Q is better overall and more versatile. See our review
- HP OMEN 27: Great 1440p gaming monitor, but the VG279Q is cheaper and better. See our review
- Dell S2417DG: Excellent gaming monitor, but the larger size and wide viewing angles make the PG279QZ a better choice. See our review
All Reviews
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best gaming monitors currently available. They are adapted to be valid for most people, in each price range. Rating is based on our review, factoring in price and feedback from our visitors.
If you would prefer to make your own decision, here is the list of all of our monitor reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most monitors are good enough to please most people, and the things we fault monitors on are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.
Recommended Articles
Best Monitors For Gaming
Unlimited access to full product reviews, test measurements and scores
Product prices across the site on reviews, tables and tools
Additional votes for our
next reviews
Early Access
to our reviews and test measurements
