The 7 Best Gaming Monitors - Summer 2019
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 69 monitors, and below you will 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 and the best gaming monitors for PC.

1. Best Gaming Monitor: ASUS VG279Q

   

   ASUS VG279Q

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.6

   Gaming

   Score 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:

   - SAMPLE -

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   Size : 27 "

   Resolution : 1920x1080

   Refresh Rate : 144 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What 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.

   : FreeSync

   The ASUS VG279Q is the best 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 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.

   See our review

2. G-SYNC Alternative: ASUS PG279QZ

   

   ASUS PG279QZ

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Size : 27 "

   Resolution : 2560x1440

   Refresh Rate : 144 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What 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.

   : G-Sync

   If you want a great gaming monitor with a higher resolution and native NVIDIA G-SYNC support, check out the ASUS PG279QZ. Although the ASUS VG279Q offers very similar gaming performance overall, this monitor has a higher native resolution and it supports NVIDIA G-SYNC instead of FreeSync. Both have outstanding motion handling with fast response times, optional black frame insertion modes, and 144Hz refresh rates. This monitor can also be factory overclocked to 165Hz for a little extra boost, if your computer can take advantage of it.

   See our review

3. 1440p FreeSync Alternative: Gigabyte AD27QD

   

   Gigabyte AD27QD

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Size : 27 "

   Resolution : 2560x1440

   Refresh Rate : 144 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What 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.

   : FreeSync

   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.

   See our review

4. Best 4k Gaming Monitor: LG 27UK650-W

   

   LG 27UK650-W

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.1

   Gaming

   Score 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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

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   Size : 27 "

   Resolution : 3840x2160

   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What 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.

   : FreeSync

   If 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.

   See our review

5. Best 1080p Gaming Monitor: BenQ XL2540

   

   BenQ XL2540

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.5

   Gaming

   Score 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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   See our best recommendations
   Size : 25 "

   Resolution : 1920x1080

   Refresh Rate : 240 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : TN

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What 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.

   : FreeSync

   If 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.

   See our review

6. Best Budget Gaming Monitor: ViewSonic XG2402

   

   ViewSonic XG2402

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.3

   Gaming

   Score 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:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   See our best recommendations
   Size : 24 "

   Resolution : 1920x1080

   Refresh Rate : 144 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : TN

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What 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.

   : FreeSync

   If you are looking for a cheaper monitor than our top picks, the best gaming monitor in the budget category we've tested is the ViewSonic XG2402. It has an excellent 144Hz refresh rate and it supports AMD FreeSync, ensuring a smooth, tear-free gaming experience. This monitor 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, this monitor 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 options, see our recommendations for the best budget gaming monitors).

   See our review

7. Larger Alternative: ASUS PB277Q

   

   ASUS PB277Q

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Size : 27 "

   Resolution : 2560x1440

   Refresh Rate : 75 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : TN

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What 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.

   : No

   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 are 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.

   See our review