Your gaming setup is only as strong as its weakest point, and you sure don’t want your monitor to be the component that lets you down. We often chase after the highest quality graphics cards, but choosing a monitor that can deliver the high-end graphics that you’ve spent a pretty penny on, is equally important. As manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a display, we the consumer get the perks that come with more accessible and affordable technology. You can still spend exorbitant amounts on the most unique monitors, but you can also get really solid options that are much more modest in price.
So, we’ve decided to curate a list of the Top Gaming Monitors right now. We’ve got something for every budget and have carefully picked the best options available right now. If you’re looking for something crazy fast, something stunning and crisp or something smack in the middle, you’ll find a great recommendation right here. If you want to know more about the specs that go into a great gaming monitor, and how to choose one, definitely check out the ‘How to Choose a Gaming Monitor’ section below. Or feel free to drop in on our ‘Computer Monitor Buying Guide’ article. It’s not exclusive to gaming monitors but still has some top tips.
Let’s get into our top picks!
Quick List! The Top 10 Gaming Monitors
-
- AOC 24G4 24" FHD 180Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor
- Titan Army 2710G 27" FHD 180Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor
- LG UltraGear 27GS50F-B 27" FHD 180Hz Gaming Monitor
- AOC C27G4Z 27" FHD 280Hz Curved Gaming Monitor
- LG UltraGear 27GS75Q-B 27" QHD 180Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
- Samsung Odyssey G5 32" QHD 165Hz Curved Gaming Monitor
- ASUS ROG Strix XG32WCS 31.5" QHD 180Hz Curved Gaming Monitor
- Titan Army 27A6S 27" QHD 240Hz Mini LED Gaming Monitor
- Xiaomi G34WQi 34" 180Hz UltraWide Curved Gaming Monitor
- MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED 32" UHD 4K 240Hz OLED Gaming Monitor
Top Gaming Monitors
1. 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.
2. Titan Army 2710G 27" FHD 180Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor
Our next pick has many of the same specs as the AOC 24G4, except that this one comes in a 27” form factor. This is all for the same price, in fact, for even cheaper, at least at the time of writing. The Titan Army 2710G is super quick with a 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. The resolution is FHD (1920x1080) and you get HDMI and DisplayPort alongside HDR10 colour.
The 1210G is essentially the AOC 24G4 above, except for the 27” class. It’ll get the job done and get it done well, as far as gaming, and won’t ask you to fork out more than you have to for the gaming experience you need. It packs some gaming-orientated features like a built-in crosshair for First-Person Shooter games and also supports eight modes, some of which will cater best to gaming. It has ‘Hardware Low Blue Light’, which reduces strain on the eyes and also incorporates flicker-free technology. If you’re looking for a good monitor made with gaming in mind, this is the 27” option for you.
3. LG UltraGear 27GS50F-B 27" FHD 180Hz Gaming Monitor
The LG UltraGear is another top choice in the 27” class, and for a touch more money, you get some really cool gaming-orientated features. Black stabiliser mode is awesome for playing games where enemies can be hidden in the dark. By brightening these areas, the 27” UltraGear gives you an edge that your opponents will not be too happy about. Their GUI (graphical user interface) allows for seamless control over your monitor’s settings, via the ‘User Defined Key’. Switch between game modes and ensure you’re using the best settings for the game you’re playing, with the unique key, or with GUI’s On-Screen Display and subsequent On-Screen Controls.
The UltraGear 27GS50F-B has a 1ms response time with MBR. MBR stands for Motion Blur Reduction. This feature ensures you get all the action without all the image blur. Again, like the ‘Black Stabiliser’ mode, MBR will get you that slight edge over your opponents. It should be noted though that with MBR on you won’t be able to use AMD’s FreeSync feature or the Dynamic Action Sync, and you may also get a little bit of flicker. What’s Dynamic Action Sync you might ask? DAS mode is another great gamer-orientated feature. It’ll give you instant action by turning off the frame buffer that typically occurs. The result is no delay in getting the live picture to you and ensuring you can respond as quickly as possible.
4. AOC C27G4Z 27" FHD 280Hz Curved Gaming Monitor
Now, the AOC C27G4Z brings us into the next class of gaming monitors. Not in size, the 27” display is almost the same as earlier options (more on that below), but where it does turn up the heat is in other specs. While resolution remains at FHD, once again, arguably the sweet spot for competitive gaming, the speed of this monitor will get you right up amongst the best in the monitor world. That 1ms response time you thought was fast? Well, have a go at the 0.3ms response time on this bad boy. Coupled with a 280Hz refresh rate, this AOC is a great value option for the most hardcore gamers. The reality is amateur gamers may not notice the difference between a 0.3ms and a 1ms monitor. But those who play at the highest level will, and if you’re gaming for extended periods, the edge you’ll get over time cannot be denied. The principle is much the same for the whopping 280Hz refresh rate on this weapon from AOC. Although the difference between 144Hz and 280Hz will be a lot easier to notice than the 0.7ms response time difference, it is true that a 144Hz refresh rate is enough for competitive gaming. But that’s the thing, not everyone wants enough, some of us want the best of the best and it makes sense - with the cost of gaming PC’s these days, if you’re getting a high-spec computer, why wouldn’t you want the best peripherals too? If you take your gaming seriously and want to ensure you don’t miss out on any possible advantages, then you can’t go wrong with the AOC C27G4Z and its whopping speeds.
Enough about the lighting quick speeds. Let’s see what else this monitor offers! We mentioned earlier that this isn’t quite like the other 27” monitors on the list so far. That’s because you get a curved display, with 1500R curvature to be specific. Curved screens are amazing for giving you the immersion you desire when you game, and truth be told, once you go curved, it can be hard to go back. The 1500R curve is a good balance between 1800R and 1000R curve, both of which are also popular options in terms of curvature spec. The lower the number the more curvature, so many will opt for 1500R curve as a good choice for when you want enough curve to facilitate immersion, but not so much that your display is not ergonomic. Given the value price, this is a VA monitor, meaning the display type is best for all-round gamers who will also use the monitor for other things like movies and TV. It's definitely not the most popular panel type for hardcore gamers, but in recent times the differences between panel types have become less and less important, and with the specs on this it’s unlikely you’ll notice much difference.
5. LG UltraGear 27GS75Q-B 27" QHD 180Hz IPS Gaming Monitor
Next up, we have another 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.
6. Samsung Odyssey G5 32" 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.
7. 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.
8. Titan Army 27A6S 27" QHD 240Hz Mini LED Gaming Monitor
Mini LED is basically a new way to make screens look better. By using smaller lights, which are packed together like sardines in a grid-like formation, Mini LED displays are able to make colours and brightness much more accurate, ensuring you get a clearer picture when using your display. This Mini LED display from Titan Army does just that, with its exceptional QHD resolution and HDR1000 support. Dark areas are darker and brighter areas are brighter, which creates an ultra-high dynamic contrast ratio. The 240Hz refresh rate is made with E-sports in mind, and with the 0.5ms GTG response time, you definitely won’t be caught slipping behind.
The stand is height adjustable, and the bezels are very thin, which makes this a great monitor for those wanting to have a dual or triple-monitor setup. Another great perk is the built-in audio, with the 27A6S housing 5W-2 stereo speakers for clear sound quality. Audio capabilities are not a given with monitors, especially gaming ones, so this is a nice addition. You’ll get 2 HDMI ports and DisplayPort compatibility, and the panel is an IPS, which is arguably the most desired panel type for a gaming monitor.
9. Xiaomi G34WQi 34" 180Hz UltraWide Curved Gaming Monitor
This big boy from Xiaomi is a stunning option if you use the same monitor for gaming and work, or other productivity tasks. With the real-estate of a 34” ultrawide display, you can multitask effortlessly, and then seamlessly switch to gaming like a king, with the screen curvature ensuring a more than immersive display. As we’ve mentioned before, the bigger screen size may not be ideal if you’re looking to play action-packed games like first-person shooters (FPS), but for just about anything else, it’ll have you drooling out of your eyes. Now that’s not to say you can’t play whatever you want on this monitor, but it should be noted that a lot of FPS gamers do prefer having a slightly smaller monitor, to capture all the action without having to look around as much. Doing so can cause delays, and delays are the last thing you want when gaming at the highest levels.
What makes this monitor even more versatile is the 1500R curvature, enough to provide immersion but not so much that you can’t switch to your productivity tasks without feeling like you’re in a racing simulator. Ergonomics are important when at your desk, so the balance this Xiaomi monitor offers will be welcomed by many. On the performance front, you get 180Hz and a 1ms response time. The cool thing is this is all alongside a 1440p display, so you truly get the best of both worlds.
10. MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED 32" UHD 4K 240Hz OLED Gaming Monitor
Rounding out our list we go to a monitor which steps it up in almost every way, especially price! This beast of a monitor from MSI is not for the faint-hearted and while the bezels aren’t thin enough to make this a standout option for a dual/triple monitor setup, even if they were we still wouldn’t recommend it. That’s because, for the price you’d have to pay for even two of these monitors, you could buy a car.
The MSI MPG will get you some serious mileage, no pun intended. With a 0.03ms response time, you’re getting the best you can possibly get and can be sure you won’t lag behind. The 0.03 isn’t a typo either, because there are 0.3ms monitors around, but this isn’t one of them. Slap on a 240Hz refresh rate and you’re really on your way to some of the best monitor specs around for optimised gaming. The headline act of this monitor though, is the OLED display. OLED panels arguably produce the world’s best displays, so that’s why this MSI MPG comes with such a big price tag. It will produce sharper images, finer details, and clearer text, no doubt enhancing your monitor experience, be it during gaming or other tasks. It’s packing a 4K UHD resolution (3840x2160), as well. The MPG also has a VESA ClearMR 13000 certification, which is the new standard for display motion performance, and rates monitors based on the ratio of clear pixels versus blurry pixels, as a percentage. 13000 is as good as it gets, so this monitor really has the credentials to prove its quality.
If your wallet stretches deep enough to accommodate a monitor of this spec, you can be sure it won’t disappoint, with the gorgeous OLED display, and performance specs that are among the best in the industry.
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.
