- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Best Monitor
- Best 4k
- Best 1080p
- Best Budget
- All Reviews
- Discussions
The 6 Best Gaming Monitors - January 2019
Reviews
- 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 is 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 57 monitors, and below you will find our recommendations for the best gaming monitors for a variety of needs and budgets. See also our recommendations for the best gaming monitors for PS4, the best gaming monitors for Xbox One, the best curved gaming monitors, and the best gaming monitors for PC.
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Best Gaming Monitor: ASUS PG279QZ
Usage Ratings - Version 1.08.6GamingScore components:- 23% Input Lag
- 14% Resolution and Size
- 13% Motion Blur
- 12% Refresh Rate
- 9% Ergonomics
- 8% Image Flicker
- 6% Reflections
- 3% SDR Peak Brightness
- 2% Contrast
- 2% Gray Uniformity
- 2% Black Uniformity
- 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
- 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
- 1% Local Dimming
- 1% SDR Color Gamut
- 1% SDR Color Volume
Score distribution:LCD Type: IPSWhat it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.Variable Refresh Rate: G-SyncWhat it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.The ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ is the best gaming monitor that we've reviewed so far. It is a great 27" IPS monitor with a 1440p resolution and 144 Hz refresh rate. It delivers decent overall picture quality, with great wide viewing angles, and it has some great gaming features, including NVIDIA G-Sync support and virtual overlays for gamers, including a virtual crosshair and FPS counter.
Fast-paced games look great on this monitor thanks to the outstanding response time that delivers crisp, sharp images with almost no noticeable blur trail. The monitor is flicker-free, but it also has an option to add flicker in order to reduce persistence blur. The ROG Swift PG279QZ also has excellent low input lag, even if you're gaming on a console that is limited to 60 Hz.
Unfortunately, the PG279QZ doesn't look as good in a dark room, as it has only decent native contrast and disappointing black uniformity. Despite this, it is an excellent gaming monitor that should please even the most demanding gamers.
The PG279QZ is the updated version of the ASUS ROG PG279Q. Both models perform almost the same.
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FreeSync Alternative: Samsung C27HG70
LCD Type: VAWhat it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.Variable Refresh Rate: FreeSyncWhat it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.If you like the gaming performance of the ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ, but would prefer a FreeSync compatible monitor for your Xbox One or AMD graphics card, check out the Samsung CHG70. The CHG70 is an excellent 27" gaming monitor that delivers decent overall picture quality, excellent motion handling, and excellent low input lag. It has a slightly slower response time than the PG279QZ, and unfortunately, the image degrades when viewed at an angle. Overall, it is a versatile gaming monitor that should please most people.
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Best 4K Gaming Monitor: LG 27UK650-W
Usage Ratings - Version 1.08.1GamingScore components:- 23% Input Lag
- 14% Resolution and Size
- 13% Motion Blur
- 12% Refresh Rate
- 9% Ergonomics
- 8% Image Flicker
- 6% Reflections
- 3% SDR Peak Brightness
- 2% Contrast
- 2% Gray Uniformity
- 2% Black Uniformity
- 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
- 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
- 1% Local Dimming
- 1% SDR Color Gamut
- 1% SDR Color Volume
Score distribution:LCD Type: IPSWhat it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.Variable Refresh Rate: FreeSyncWhat it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.If you want a great 4k gaming experience, check out the LG 27UK650. It delivers great clear motion with little blur thanks to the excellent fast response time. It has excellent low input lag that is perfect for gaming, and it supports AMD's FreeSync VRR technology, great if you have an AMD graphics card or Xbox One S/X. Unfortunately, since it is a 60 Hz monitor, the VRR range is limited to 40-60 Hz, so you might still see some screen tearing if your refresh rate drops below this range.
Unlike the ASUS ROG PG279QZ, it can't introduce flicker to improve motion clarity. Like the Samsung CHG70, it supports HDR, but unfortunately, it has a narrow HDR color gamut and it isn't very bright in HDR, so the effects aren't as noticeable.
Overall it is a great gaming monitor that should please most people, and the large high-resolution screen is great for a variety of uses.
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Best 1080p Gaming Monitor: BenQ XL2540
Usage Ratings - Version 1.08.5GamingScore components:- 23% Input Lag
- 14% Resolution and Size
- 13% Motion Blur
- 12% Refresh Rate
- 9% Ergonomics
- 8% Image Flicker
- 6% Reflections
- 3% SDR Peak Brightness
- 2% Contrast
- 2% Gray Uniformity
- 2% Black Uniformity
- 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
- 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
- 1% Local Dimming
- 1% SDR Color Gamut
- 1% SDR Color Volume
Score distribution:LCD Type: TNWhat it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.Variable Refresh Rate: FreeSyncWhat it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.If you have an older computer that can't run most games at higher resolutions, or play mainly older games that don't support higher resolutions, the BenQ Zowie XL2540 is the best 1080p gaming monitor that we have tested so far. The BenQ Zowie's biggest feature is the lightning fast 240 Hz refresh rate, which delivers an extremely wide VRR range when paired with a FreeSync compatible graphics card.
Paired with the extremely low input lag, the Zowie is an excellent gaming monitor even for professional competitive gamers. Motion is crisp and smooth, with almost no motion blur, thanks to the extremely fast response time. Fast games can be further improved by enabling the XL2540's Black Frame Insertion feature.
Unfortunately, it isn't the greatest for dark room gaming, as it can't produce true blacks and has poor black uniformity. Overall, it is a great 1080p gaming monitor that should please even the most demanding gamers.
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Best Budget Gaming Monitor: ViewSonic XG2402
Usage Ratings - Version 1.08.3GamingScore components:- 23% Input Lag
- 14% Resolution and Size
- 13% Motion Blur
- 12% Refresh Rate
- 9% Ergonomics
- 8% Image Flicker
- 6% Reflections
- 3% SDR Peak Brightness
- 2% Contrast
- 2% Gray Uniformity
- 2% Black Uniformity
- 2% Vertical Viewing Angle
- 1% Horizontal Viewing Angle
- 1% Local Dimming
- 1% SDR Color Gamut
- 1% SDR Color Volume
Score distribution:LCD Type: TNWhat it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.Variable Refresh Rate: FreeSyncWhat it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.If you are looking for a cheaper monitor than our top picks, the best budget gaming monitor we've tested is the ViewSonic XG2402. It has an excellent 144 Hz refresh rate, and it supports AMD FreeSync, ensuring a smooth, tear-free gaming experience. The XG2402 has an outstanding response time, so fast moving objects look great, with very little motion blur.
It has excellent low input lag and supports FreeSync across HDMI and DisplayPort, which is great. Some people might find the 1080p, 24" screen too small, but it's great for casual gaming or in a dorm.
Unfortunately, the XG2402 uses a TN panel, and like IPS monitors, it doesn't look as good in a dark room. Unlike IPS monitors, it also doesn't have very wide viewing angles, so it is best enjoyed from directly in front. Overall, it is a decent monitor for mixed-usage, but it's a great budget gaming monitor that should please most people (for more budget options, see our recommendations for the best gaming monitors under $300).
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Larger Alternative: ASUS PB277Q
LCD Type: TNWhat it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.Variable Refresh Rate: NoWhat it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.If you like the gaming performance of the ASUS VG248QE but want a larger, higher resolution screen, check out the ASUS PB277Q. It features a larger, 27", 1440p screen. Unfortunately, the refresh is limited to 75 Hz. Despite this, the PB277Q has an equally excellent fast response time, and almost as good low input lag. It doesn't have the optional Black Frame Insertion feature found on the smaller model, but the response time is so fast anyway that it isn't really a necessity.
Notable Mentions
- Dell S2716DG. Excellent gaming monitor, but the ASUS ROG PG279Q is a much better G-Sync monitor. See our review
- Acer Predator XB271HU. Excellent gaming monitor, but the ASUS ROG PG279Q has a faster response time. See our review
- AOC AGON AG271QX. Great gaming monitor, but the CHG70 is better overall and more versatile. See our review
- HP OMEN 27. Great 1440p gaming monitor, but the CHG70 is cheaper and better. See our review
- Acer Predator X27. Great 4k gaming monitor with impressive features, but extremely expensive. See our review
- Dell S2417DG. Excellent gaming monitor, but the larger size and wide viewing angles make the PG279Q 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.
