Looking for the best gaming monitor to complete your setup? You've come to the right place! As gaming tech continues to evolve at rapid pace and a huge selection of options flood the market, finding the perfect monitor to enhance your gaming experience can feel overwhelming. Don't worry - we have a wicked range of monitors for all types of gamers and have compiled our our top picks into one list. These monitors cover various preferences, budgets, and needs. From blazing-fast refresh rates to jaw-dropping colour accuracy, we've got you covered.
Quick List! The Top 10 Gaming Monitors
Stay with us as we take a closer look at some of the top monitors to step up your gaming experience and immerse yourself in a world of top-notch visuals, responsiveness, and performance. If you don't quite understand what the different specifications mean, check out our tips on How to Choose a Gaming Monitor so that you can make an informed decision, as well as our Computer Monitor Buying Guide! Now, let's dive in. We start off with our top overall picks, followed by our top picks under $600.
Top Gaming Monitors
1. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 49” 240Hz QHD
Kicking off our list is Samsung’s Odyssey Neo G9 49” Monitor - a super ultrawide monitor that will expand your gaming horizons, especially if you’re a fan of simulation, racing and open-world games where scenery is a big part of the experience. Along with the monumental 49-inch diagonal size, this incredible display features an impressive 1000R curvature, the most prominent curvature available in the market for gaming monitors today. This wraparound screen design mimics the natural field of view of the human eye, delivering a highly immersive gaming experience without any image distortion.
It features a Dual QHD resolution (5120x1440), 32:9 aspect ratio, and an impressive 240Hz refresh rate for ultra smooth and responsive gameplay. Quantum Mini LED technology and HDR2000 offers incredible brightness, contrast, and colour accuracy, while the swift 1ms response time minimises ghosting and motion blur in fast-paced games. It also has compatibility with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology to ensure tear-free and stutter-free gaming. To fit this massive monitor, you’ll need a desk that’s at least 1.2 meters long and 45cm deep to fully enjoy its benefits.
It's also worth checking out the Odyssey Neo G9 49" OLED version of this monitor! It comes with revolutionary visuals, delivers near instant reaction time with 0.03ms response time, and features AMD FreeSync™ Premium Pro.
2. Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 27" 360Hz QHD
Next on our list is the ultra-fast Samsung Odyssey OLED G6. If you're a serious gamer who prioritises speed, this is your match. This monitor sports a 27" OLED display, 16:9 aspect ratio, QHD (2560x1440) resolution, and a whopping 360Hz refresh rate! In games where milliseconds count, the blazing-fast refresh rate of this monitor stands between a headshot or a miss. It also has a 0.03ms response time that minimises ghosting and motion blur, providing a seamless experience during intense sessions; as well as support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, reducing screen tearing and stuttering for fluid gameplay.
In terms of visuals, the Odyssey OLED G6 has great colour accuracy covering 99% of the DCI-P3 colour space. It also features HDR10+ technology, delivering a wider colour range and higher contrast than traditional monitors. Bright whites and the deep blacks will bring out details like never before. This monitor also features a Dynamic Cooling System which helps to prevent burn-in, a thermal modulation system, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and a sleek metal design that transforms your set-up into a high-tech station.
The MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED 27" QHD 360Hz monitor is comparable, but as the Odyssey G6 is cheaper, it takes the spot on our list.
3. Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 32" 4K 240Hz
If your PC is built to handle it and you’re keen on top-tier performance, cutting-edge features, and outstanding visual quality, check out the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 32" 4K monitor. The 4K UHD resolution (3840x2160) provides incredible detail, sharpness, and immersive visuals, taking your gaming experience to a whole new level. It features Samsung's Quantum Mini LED technology that delivers brilliant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional contrast, offering lifelike images and enhanced realism in games. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, this monitor ensures ultra-smooth gameplay, reduced motion blur, and minimal input lag – ideal for competitive gaming and fast-paced action. The monitor also supports both NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
Additionally, Odyssey Neo G8 also boasts HDR 2000 support, further enhancing the colour range, contrast, and overall visual quality, making games and movies more immersive. The adjustable stand and sleek design add to your comfort during long gaming sessions, while multiple connectivity options provide versatility for various devices. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line gaming monitor that delivers outstanding visuals, performance, and advanced features, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 32" 4K is a fantastic choice.
4. Dell ALIENWARE AW3423DW 34” 175Hz QHD
Next up on the list we have this excellent Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor, yet another great ultrawide that provides a responsive gaming experience. With its 34-inch curved screen, 21:9 aspect ratio, WQHD (3440x1440) resolution and QD-OLED panel, you'll be fully engaged in your games, as the display provides stunning visuals, vivid colours, and deep blacks. QD-OLED panels provide an extremely wide color gamut, with the AW3423DW covering 149% of the sRGB colour spectrum and 99% of the DCI-P3, leading to highly accurate and vibrant colors that enhance your gaming visuals.
The 1800R curvature is sure to give you a more immersive and comfortable gaming session. The monitor's high resolution ensures crisp images and detailed visuals, while its 175 Hz refresh rate and 0.1ms GTG response time allow for extremely smooth and lag-free gameplay, making it ideal for fast-paced games or eSports enthusiasts. It is also G-SYNC compatible, which means it can work with Nvidia GPUs to eliminate screen tearing and provide an even smoother gaming experience.
5. LG UltraGear 45GS96QB-B 45" OLED 240Hz WQHD
Another impressive ultrawide to make the list is LG’s UltraGear 45GS96QB-B 45” OLED Gaming Monitor. This ultra-large gaming monitor features a 45-inch OLED display, 21:9 aspect ratio, WQHD (3440x1440) resolution, 800R curvature, and an incredibly fast 240Hz refresh rate. This monitor is specifically designed to enhance gaming experiences by offering a truly immersive gaming experience with unparalleled visuals.
Some other key features of the 45GS96QB-B's remarkable OLED panel is a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio and 99% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. This enables bright colours, deep blacks, and sharp images that not only bring the onscreen action to life but also improve the player's focus during gaming sessions. It also delivers outstanding performance, with a lightning-fast response time of less than 0.03ms GTG, along with support for up to a 240Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the power of OLED, the 45GS96QB-B is all about total gaming immersion, giving you unmatched visuals and a super-responsive gaming experience.
6. LG UltraGear 27GP850-B 27" QHD 240Hz
If the rest of the display sizes on this list are a bit overkill for your needs, then check out the LG’s UltraGear 27GS95QE-B instead! This monitor features a 27-inch OLED display, 16:9 aspect ratio, a QHD (2560x1440) resolution, and a blazing fast 240Hz refresh rate. Equipped with an OLED panel, this monitor offers stunning picture quality with a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio for a deep, detailed quality picture and a lifelike gaming experience.
With an ultra fast 240Hz refresh rate, it offers smooth gameplay and reduces motion blur, crucial for fast-paced games and competitive esports. It has a near instant 0.03ms response time that'll virtually eliminate ghosting and motion blur, contributing to a seamless gaming experience. The monitor also supports Nvidia G-Sync Compatible and AMD FreeSync technologies, which synchronize with your GPU to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in smoother and more fluid gameplay.
Honourable Mention: AOC AGON PD49 49" OLED 240Hz Curved Ultrawide Gaming Monitor
This new arrival from AOC gets an honourable mention given it’s quite the unique debut to a somewhat exclusive 49-inch monitor class. Porsche Design and AOC have teamed up to build this new heavyweight in a class which has been populated primarily by Samsung’s Odyssey models. Those who are already fans of Samsung’s line-up will be happy to know that AOC built the AGON PD49 around a Samsung Display QD-OLED panel. It’s not all similarities though, which you will quickly realise with the unique ‘blade’ design at the rear and a stand inspired by Porsche steering wheels. While the curved 49” class is great for those looking to take their multi-tasking to the next level, where it shines best is in the world of gaming. The AOC AGON PD49 is a utopia for those looking to play titles that do best with a wide field of view, most notably sim racers and flight simulator enthusiasts.
Speaking of racing, the design inspiration for this beast of a monitor comes from the iconic Porsche 911, which it has won awards for at both the iF Design and Red Dot design awards. It seems like the designers drew inspiration from the 911 in more ways than one though, with a lightning quick 0.03ms response time, cementing it as one of the fastest in the industry. This is accompanied by a 240hz refresh rate allowing for smooth gameplay with minimal input lag and motion blur.
If you’re new to the curved monitor scene, imagine the screen real estate of 2-3 typical monitors curved around you for your viewing ease. The AOC’s 1800R curve is enough to facilitate immersion while staying ergonomic. Proceed with caution if you’re a console gamer though, as many consoles aren’t optimised for a 32:9 aspect ratio and will quite literally be ‘stretched’ beyond their ability. This can be adjusted with the aspect ratio modes but will mean you’re unable to get the full experience from this monitor. For everyone else though, this package of form and function is a great way to experience the pinnacle of gaming immersion.
Top Gaming Monitors Under $600
While there are more fantastic options in between, we thought we’d touch on some top picks for under $600. You don’t need to break the bank to get yourself a good gaming monitor - check out some of these recommendations!
7. AOC 27G4 27" FHD 180Hz
The AOC 27G4 27" Gaming Monitor offers a great combination of performance, features, and wicked value, making it ideal for gamers who value smooth gameplay. Depending on what type of gamer you are, it’s not always necessary to go all-out when it comes to size and resolution. This 27-inch Full HD (1920x1080) monitor will deliver sharp images and great performance while ensuring your GPU can maintain high frame rates during gaming. It’ll also easily fit into smaller setups and its size means it’s fairly portable! It features HDR mode with 102% DCI-P3 gamut and 128% sRGB, delivering lifelike colour reproduction with wide viewing angles.
With its fast 180Hz refresh rate, this monitor enables ultra-smooth gameplay, reducing motion blur and input lag. Additionally, the rapid 1ms response time helps minimize ghosting and motion blur; and support for Adaptive Sync technology, ensuring a tear-free and stutter-free gaming experience. If you're in the market for a reliable gaming monitor packed with solid features at an affordable price point, the AOC 27G4 27" FHD 180Hz Gaming Monitor is definitely worth considering.
8. MSI G32CQ5P 32" QHD 170Hz
If you are looking for sharper visuals and larger screen size, check out the MSI GS32CQ5P 32" Curved Gaming Monitor. This 32" QHD (2560x1440) display has a 1500R curved VA panel that features a 178-degree wide viewing angle, ensuring colours and details stay sharp at more angles. With its speedy 170Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, this monitor provides an ultra-smooth gaming experience and reduces motion blur, which is excellent for high-speed gameplay.
The G32CQ5P also features Adaptive Sync technology, ensuring a seamless synchronisation between your GPU's frame rate and the monitor's refresh rate, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for a more immersive gaming experience. If you're in the market for a curved gaming monitor packed with solid features at an affordable price point, the G32CQ5P is definitely worth considering. Whether you enjoy first person shooters, fighters, racing sims, real-time strategy, or sports, this monitor will immerse you in your gameplay!
9. LG UltraGear 27GQ50F-B 27" FHD 165Hz
Looking for a great value gaming monitor? The LG UltraGear 27GQ50F-B 27" display is an excellent choice for gamers who are after a combination of high-quality visuals, smooth performance, and essential gaming features at an attractive price point. The 27-inch FHD (1920x1080) resolution display delivers great visuals that are smooth and clear. The 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time ensures fluid and responsive gameplay, minimising motion blur and input lag. This monitor also supports AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync technology.
This monitor sports a gamer-centric design, with a virtually borderless design for a more immersive gaming experience. It also features LG's award-winning Gaming GUI, allowing you to easily customise monitor settings to enhance your performance. The monitor stand is adjustable for height, tilt and pivot, ensuring comfortable gaming sessions. This monitor provides multiple options for connectivity, including a DisplayPort interface, and 2 HDMI ports. The UltraGear 27GQ50F-B gaming monitor is an excellent choice for gamers seeking a high-quality display that won't break the bank!
10. Samsung Odyssey G3 24" FHD 165Hz
Our great value pick for a smaller gaming monitor is Samsung's Odyssey G3 24" Gaming Monitor. The 24-inch display offers practicality, providing a great viewing experience without overwhelming your desk space. With a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution, you’ll enjoy crisp and clear images, while your GPU will have no trouble pushing out frames with ease. The monitor has a fast 165Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth and fluid visuals during your gaming sessions.
This monitor also has a 1ms response time which minimises input lag, allowing for instantaneous actions in games. Additionally, the monitor supports AMD FreeSync Premium technology, which synchronizes the display's refresh rate with compatible graphics cards, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for a more enjoyable gaming experience. These features, combined with its competitive price point, make the Samsung Odyssey G3 24" a smart choice for gamers seeking a quality monitor without breaking the bank.
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. We've split this list up into two sections to suit different budgets - best gaming monitors overall (these monitors fall within the $1-3k range) and best monitors under $600!
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 along with some top picks for under $600! 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.
