Your gaming rig is only as good as its weakest link, and trust me when I say, you don’t want that to be your monitor. We spend big on graphics cards, chasing ultra-smooth performance and jaw-dropping visuals, but if your display can’t keep up, you’re not getting your money’s worth.
The good news? You don’t have to blow your entire budget to get a great gaming monitor anymore. Tech keeps getting better (and cheaper), and that means there are some seriously impressive options out there that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. Sure, you can still go all-out with a curved OLED beast if that’s your thing, but if you're after the best bang for your buck, you're in the right place.
We’ve rounded up the best value gaming monitors you can buy in 2025, covering a range of price points and features. Whether you’re after lightning-quick refresh rates, razor-sharp resolution, or a sweet spot in between, we’ve got a pick for you.
Want to brush up on what makes a gaming monitor great? Scroll down to our ‘How to Choose a Gaming Monitor’ section or check out our full ‘Computer Monitor Buying Guide’ for even more tips.
Now, let’s get into the top picks.
Quick List! The Top Gaming Monitors
- LG UltraGear 27GS75Q-B 27" QHD 180Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
- Samsung Odyssey G5 34" Ultrawide QHD 165Hz Curved Gaming Monitor
- AOC 24G4 24" FHD 180Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor
- AOC Q27G4F 27" QHD 180Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor
- ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS 27" QHD 180Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor
- MSI G274F 27" FHD 180Hz Rapid IPS Gaming Monitor
- ASUS ROG Strix XG32WCS 31.5" QHD 180Hz Curved Gaming Monitor
- Titan Army 32A1R 32" QHD 180Hz Curved Gaming Monitor
Top Gaming Monitors
LG UltraGear 27GS75Q-B 27" QHD 180Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
First up, we have an UltraGear from LG, though this one ramps it up big time in terms of resolution, with a 2560x1440 QHD display. Response time is great but not industry-leading at 1ms, which is the compromise of going for QHD at this price range, you won’t get the best of the best in terms of other specs. You can, but then you’d have to fork out 2 or 3 times the money, hence why many will opt for a compromise. You’ll also get flexibility with tilt, height and pivot all being adjustable.
It's an IPS panel and has support for both HDMI and DisplayPort. On top of that you also get both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync compatibility, which is common at this price range, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still great to have. The refresh rate is 180Hz but with overclocking you can get this to 200Hz, which is lightning quick, and will make for an awesome gaming experience, especially with the QHD resolution. As well as features like Black Stabiliser, Crosshair and Dynamic Action Sync, the UltraGear also has an FPS counter, so you can track your frame rates as you game, and make sure that they’re up to scratch.
The LG UltraGear 27GS75Q-B makes for an excellent choice if you’re looking to get gaming-orientated specs like the 1ms response time, and the 180Hz refresh rate, alongside the gorgeous QHD resolution. At a great price like this, it provides the perfect blend of resolution and speed, so if you’re looking to get both in the one package, this is the way to go.
Samsung Odyssey G5 34" Ultrawide QHD 165Hz Curved Gaming Monitor
Moving up a weight class or two, we have the 32” Odyssey from Samsung. The Odyssey lineup offers a wide range of sizes, and the 49” ultrawide is definitely the first one that comes to mind for most. The 32” little brother packs the same high-end Samsung quality yet in a smaller form factor. For gamers, this is definitely the way to go, as the 49” ultrawide can only be utilised for a small selection of games that display well on such a wide screen. For most games though, the 32” is far better, allowing you to see everything without having to move your head. If you play a lot of story games, sports games, or really anything that doesn’t have the fast-paced competition of a first-person shooter, then the 32” form factor is a good option. It gives you more viewing real estate which is great for games where you just want to sit back, relax and enjoy.
The Odyssey G5 is also curved, with a 1000R curvature which is quite a bit, but great for maximising immersion. The panel type is VA, with a 1ms response time and a respectable 165Hz refresh rate. The QHD resolution means you get 1.7 times the pixel density of an FHD monitor, perfect for visually appealing games.
AOC 24G4 24" FHD 180Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor
Kicking things off, we have what could be best described as one of the ol’ reliables. The specs on this 24” monitor from AOC are dialled in for gaming. From the 180Hz refresh rate to the 1ms response time, everything you need to perform in-game is here, and everything you don’t need, isn’t. If you’re looking for a monitor solely for gaming, and don’t have a huge budget, then the ‘just what you need’ approach is a great way to go about things. This is because it means you’ll get amazing specs for your use-case, without spending heaps of money on features you won’t use.
The resolution on this monitor is FHD, (Full HD), or 1920x1080 (pixels). This isn’t the highest resolution out there but has long been a go-to resolution for many professional gamers who value specs like response time and refresh rate over just the picture quality. The 1ms response time is lightning quick and will ensure you’re not at a disadvantage when gaming online/competitively. It also has an IPS panel, the perfect choice for a gaming monitor. With a refresh rate of 180Hz, not even a professional gamer can complain. If you enjoy first-person shooters, AOC has added features like built-in crosshair for more accurate and precise aiming, as well as six game modes to choose from. These will enhance colour and sharpness depending on the style of game you play. Another really cool feature from AOC is their flicker-free technology, which gives you a much more comfortable gaming experience by eliminating the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) technology used in many other LED-backlit monitors. The monitor has support for HDMI and DisplayPort but you won’t get sound here, which is typical for gaming monitors at this price range.
6. ASUS ROG Strix XG32WCS 31.5" QHD 180Hz Curved Gaming Monitor
ASUS has long been a cornerstone of the gaming industry, with their ROG (Republic of Gamers) line, and the ‘ROG Strix’ monitor is no exception, with gaming-focused features, and a gaming-focused design. Size-wise the display is 31.5”, so it falls into the 32” class but will be a hint smaller than its peers. You’ll get QHD with the 2560x1440 display, and a 1ms response time. In the refresh rate department, this ROG Strix has 180Hz, way more than enough. Once again, with the price range this monitor falls into, 180Hz with QHD is about as good as you’ll get. Unlike similar monitors in this range though, you also get support for USB-C, alongside the usual HDMI and DisplayPort. Full adjustability is offered with height, pivot, swivel and tilt all being open to change, and you even get a DisplayPort cable in the box.
Features-wise though, the Strix proves why it’s a step above the previous options on the list. For starters, you get AI technology, with the AI-Powered GamePlus technology which can help with a range of gaming-related situations. AI will adjust the GamePlus crosshair in real-time, to enhance your aiming accuracy, and it’ll even brighten dark areas, without overexposing already bright areas in return. There’s no doubt these features will provide you with a competitive edge, alongside enhancing your gaming experience.
How to Choose a Gaming Monitor
When selecting the best gaming monitor for you, it's essential to dive deeper into the key considerations mentioned and understand how each of them impacts the gaming experience.
Resolution
High-resolution monitors, such as 1440p (QHD) or 4K (UHD) offer the best image quality and detail, but keep in mind, they are more taxing on the GPU. Is your GPU powerful enough to maintain stable frame rates at these resolutions? If not, then it’s best to consider a lower resolution. For competitive gaming, 1080p (Full HD) is generally acceptable. It will offer ultimate speed while still delivering crisp and high quality images. However, if you want the extra detail and have a video card that can handle it, a QHD resolution is a great option, or of course, you could max it out with a 4K resolution.
Refresh rate
When choosing a monitor for gaming, opt for higher refresh rates like 120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz, or even 240Hz (or higher) are recommended for competitive play, as the smoother visuals can give a slight edge. Match your GPU to your monitor's refresh rate to avoid under- or overutilisation. You should also consider the types of games you primarily play and whether a higher refresh rate will significantly enhance your gaming sessions. For example, some games, like story-driven single-player games, may not benefit as much from higher refresh rates.
Response time
Lower response times, especially 1ms (GTG) for TN panels and 4ms (GTG) for IPS and VA panels, offer fast transitions between pixels, reducing ghosting and motion blur in-game. Faster response times are essential for competitive gaming, but for casual or single-player games, slightly higher response times (e.g. 5ms) are usually adequate. We recommend 2ms or lower for gamers who are fans of online shooters.
Panel type
Each panel type has pros and cons. TN panels have the best response times but weaker color and viewing angles; IPS panels balance performance and visuals for a well-rounded experience; VA panels prioritize deep blacks and contrast, ideal for cinematic gaming; and then there are OLEDs which blow the rest out of the water with the best contrast ratio and dynamic range, as well as an almost instantaneous response time, delivering clearer, faster, and smoother visuals - the prime choice if your budget allows!
Adaptive sync technology
Choose a monitor compatible with your GPU's sync technology (Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync) to reduce screen tearing and stuttering. Some monitors now support both adaptive sync standards, providing flexibility for future GPU upgrades. Even if your gaming monitor doesn't natively support your GPU's preferred adaptive sync standard, some monitors can operate with either G-Sync or FreeSync, albeit with limitations. Research if such compatibility is possible and how it may affect the gaming experience.
Screen size and aspect ratio
While large (27"-32") or ultra-wide (21:9) monitors improve immersiveness, your viewing distance and desired field of view should be taken into account. A monitor that is too large or too close can create eye strain and hinder performance. Additionally, keep in mind that ultra-wide monitors may not always have full support in all games, resulting in black bars or stretched visuals. Check the game compatibility with ultra-wide resolutions before investing in a 21:9 monitor.
Ergonomics and connectivity
An adjustable stand enhances the gaming experience by catering to different setups and gaming postures. Also, prioritize monitors with multiple connectivity options (e.g., HDMI 2.0/2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode) to guarantee compatibility with your current and future devices.
Budget
Determine your budget and consider monitors that provide the best combination of features within that range. Paying more generally equates to better performance and build quality, but even on a tight budget, it is possible to find an excellent gaming monitor.
Need a more thorough guide? Check out our Computer Monitor Buying Guide!
Check out more gaming monitors!
So there you have it - our top gaming monitor recommendations! We’ll continue to add, update and expand on this guide over time. In the meantime, you can check out our full range of gaming monitors here and even check out what other customers are saying about them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1440p 144Hz monitor good for gaming?
Yes, a 1440p 144Hz monitor is great for gaming. It provides a high resolution for clearer, more detailed images and a high refresh rate for smoother, less blurry gameplay. This combination is especially beneficial for fast-paced, high-detail games. While a higher refresh rate is always better, if your PC can't handle it or your games don't need it, then 144Hz is a great choice. Just make sure your PC's graphics card is capable of handling this setup to get the most out of it.
Is 24-inches or 27-inches better for gaming?
Both 24" and 27" monitors can be great for gaming, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. A 24" monitor could be a better choice if you're sitting closer to the screen, have limited desk space, or if you're seeking higher FPS with a limited GPU capability. On the other hand, a 27" monitor can provide a more immersive gaming experience due to its larger size, and it's often a better choice for games with detailed graphics or for games that benefit from a larger viewing area. It's also typically a better match for resolutions like 1440p or 4K. Ultimately, the best size also depends on the resolution you plan to use, as a larger screen with a lower resolution might look pixelated.
Are curved monitors better for gaming?
Whether a curved monitor is better for gaming can be subjective and depends on personal preference. Curved monitors can offer a more immersive gaming experience, as the curve can help fill more of your field of view and provide a sensation of depth. They're great for wide or panoramic gameplay as you can see more content on the screen. However, larger (over 27") curved monitors benefit most from these effects. The downside is that they can be more expensive.
Are curved or flat monitors better for gaming?
Curved monitors offer better immersion due to the curvature filling more of your field of vision. They may also reduce eye strain because they allow your eyes to take in everything at once without needing to adjust focus across different parts of the screen; and if the monitor has a 1000R curve, this follows the natural curve of the human eye. However, curved monitors can be more expensive, and the image may appear distorted when viewed from an angle. They work best for single-user gaming, since the viewing angles can be limited. Flat monitors, on the other hand, are more versatile for various tasks, not just gaming. They are typically cheaper and have less potential concerns with viewing angles. It's best to consider the types of games you play, your budget, the space you have, and your personal preference when making your choice.
What monitor brand is best for gaming?
The best monitor brand for gaming can depend on personal preferences, budget, and specific requirements. However, some highly rated brands are LG, Samsung, ASUS, and Dell Alienware. Ultimately, we highly recommend checking out reviews and weighing up specifications for each individual monitor before deciding - this will give you the best idea of whether a monitor is right for you.
