- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Best Monitor
- Best 4k
- Best 1080p
- Best Budget
- All Reviews
- Discussions
The 7 Best Gaming Monitors - May 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 65 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.
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Best Gaming Monitor: ASUS VG279Q
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: 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.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, the VG279Q has a decent selection of additional features, including the ability to add a crosshair to games that don't have one. Overall, it is a great gaming monitor that should please the majority of gamers.
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G-SYNC Alternative: ASUS PG279QZ
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.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.
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1440p FreeSync Alternative: Gigabyte AD27QD
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 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.
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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, which is great if you have an AMD graphics card or Xbox One S/X. Unfortunately, since it is a 60Hz monitor, the VRR range is limited to 40-60Hz, so you might still see some screen tearing if your refresh rate drops below this range.
Unlike the ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ and ASUS VG279Q, it can't introduce flicker to improve motion clarity. This monitor 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 if you mainly play 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 240Hz 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 gamer.
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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 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).
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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 find the size and resolution of the ViewSonic XG2402 limiting but 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 is 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 VG279Q is a much better G-SYNC monitor. See our review
- Acer Predator XB271HU: Excellent gaming monitor, but the ASUS ROG 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 for console 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.
