Buying a gaming monitor is a huge decision. First, you want to make sure its compatible with your system…But you also want to make sure you have the best image quality possible. Here is everything to consider when choosing the best gaming monitor for your setup.
This article has been updated for 2024; you can read it here.
Gaming Monitor Features
Each monitor will either have NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync or sometimes both. These features work in tandem with your GPU to enhance the quality of your image. From there, you want to decide which games you love to play — whether it be first-person shooters, real-time strategy games, open-world games, etc. Depending on the games you love, you’ll be able to decide which specs are most important for you.
With a first-person shooter, you’ll want to focus more on refresh rate. With a real-time strategy game, you’ll want to focus more on screen size and resolution. Meanwhile, an open-world game will have you focused on everything. Below, we have you covered on all the specs you need to know when finding a gaming monitor.
Resolution
The resolution is one of the most important features of a monitor. Your graphics card and resolution will go hand in hand. You don’t want to buy a 4K monitor if your graphics card can’t handle it. The higher you go, the better the GPU, and the more future proof your setup will be.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate is how often the display shows a new image, and it’s measured in hertz. A monitor refresh rate of 60Hz displays an image at 60 frames per second. High-end monitors will have at least 144Hz, and even up to 360Hz. Esports players tend to look for incredibly high refresh rates as they need to have the image appear as fast as possible.
Screen Size
This comes down to what you prefer. The larger the screen size will take up more space and cost more. A sweet spot for a gaming monitor is between 24”-32”. There are also curved displays if you want a monitor that really jumps out!
Panel Types
The two main panels are TN and IPS. Both are great for gaming, but they each focus on a specific element of gaming. TN panels tend to have a lower response time, which is great for first-person shooters. IPS monitors have a stronger color gamut and will cost more if you look for a lower response time.
Ports
Do you plan on hooking up multiple desktops and consoles to your monitor? Do you need to have an HDMI port as well as a display port? All questions to consider when looking for a monitor. I prefer to have USB ports for mine, so I can easily plug my peripherals into my monitor.
Gaming Monitor Recommendations
BenQ MOBIUZ EX480UZ 48″ 16:9 4K 120Hz OLED HDR Gaming Monitor
Why We Chose This Monitor: This BenQ monitor has a giant 48-inch 4K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The BenQ MOBIUZ is all about size with a 48” 16:9 4K UHD monitor. The OLED panel has an incredibly fast response time of 1ms with a fantastic color saturation. BenQ color experts fine-tuned and optimized the HDRi which improves contrast and color. The display has an anti-glare coating which reduces the reflection while gaming.
Partnering with AMD, the monitor has AMD FreeSync, 120Hz refresh rate, and built-in speakers. This monitor also has a ton of ports — two HDMI 2.1, one Displayport, two USB – A, one USB-C, one USB Type B, and it even comes with a remote control. If you have the desk space and the wallet space for this monitor, I can’t recommend it enough.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 4K (3840X2160)
- Max Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Screen Size: 48” HDR
- Response Time: 1ms
- Pixel Type: OLED
BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K 24.5″ FHD 16:9 360Hz TN LCD eSports Gaming Monitor
Why We Chose This Monitor: This BenQ ZOWIE monitor focuses on the competitive gaming space. This monitor has a stunning 360Hz refresh rate, a shielding hood for added privacy, and tons of adjustability.
The BenQ ZOWIE is a 24.5” full HD TN LCD monitor. BenQ has prioritized esports gaming with an incredibly fast refresh rate at 360Hz. This monitor offers competitive gamers optimized smoothness and a super fast response. The TN panel provides clearer and sharper outlines of moving images, which will help you focus with less unwanted afterimages.
The monitor also comes with an all new 5-way S switch which gives players the ability to customize FPS settings and access quick menus all with one touch. The BenQ ZOWIE is able to adjust its height, and angle, allowing for a more comfortable playing environment. If esports is your passion, this monitor is for you!
Key Features:
- Resolution: 1920×1080
- Max Refresh Rate: 360Hz
- Screen Size: 24.5”
- Pixel Type: TN
LG 32GQ750-B UltraGear 31.5″ 16:9 4K Ultra HD 144Hz VA LCD HDR Gaming Monitor
Why We Chose This Monitor: This 4K LG monitor has a fantastic price point for jumping into the 4K gaming world. Add in the 31.5” Ultra HD display size and you’ve got a gorgeous monitor.
This LG monitor is all about 4K gaming with a large screen. With a 31.5” Ultra HD screen size and a thin bezel, you’ll be able to see your game come to life. This monitor supports HDR10, has 1ms response time and a 144Hz refresh rate. Partnering with AMD, this monitor supports AMD FreeSync Premium, so make sure to pair this with an AMD graphics card.
Built in are 5W stereo speakers equipped with Waves MaxxAudio to give you a bigger and bolder sound. One of the greatest features LG offers is its enhanced Gaming GUI. You can choose from a variety of modes that offer features like a black stabilizer, an FPS counter, action sync to reduce input lag, a center display crosshair, and so much more.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 4K (3840X2160)
- Max Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Screen Size: 31.5” UHD
- Response Time: 1ms
- Pixel Type: VA
LG 27GP850-B 27″ 16:9 UltraGear QHD 144Hz Nano IPS LCD Gaming Monitor
Why We Chose This Monitor: This LG monitor offers a spectacular gaming experience with a 2K Nano IPS display and dual compatibility with NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync.
Continuing with LG, this monitor has an incredibly fast refresh rate at 165Hz with a 1ms response time. I love 2k monitors and, if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a new graphics card to support 4K gaming, then 2K is the next best thing. The 165Hz refresh rate offers smoother, clearer actions while reducing blur and ghosting. I love that this monitor supports both NVIDIA G-SYNC AND AMD FreeSync Premium. This allows gamers to have the option to switch graphics cards in the future while still getting the best experience.
Like other LG monitors, this also offers an enhanced Gaming GUI. This monitor can be rotated, tilted, and adjusted to suit your needs. We also can’t forget to mention the ultra-thin bezel, giving more space to the screen.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 2K (2560×1440)
- Max Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Screen Size: 27” QHD
- Response Time: 1ms
- Pixel Type: IPS
Asus ROG Swift PG279QM 27″ 16:9 QHD 240Hz HDR IPS LED Gaming Monitor
Why We Chose This Monitor: This ASUS ROG Swift monitor has a whopping 240Hz refresh rate with a 2K resolution.
ASUS has made an incredible monitor that has a fast 240Hz refresh rate. Combine that with a 2K resolution and a HDR IPS LED monitor, and you’ll feel like a professional gamer. The 27” inch QHD display works with NVIDIA G-SYNC providing a smooth, tear-free experience. With a 1ms response time, you’ll have sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates. The 240Hz refresh rate provides fast moving visuals and ensures a lower latency.
The lower bezel has an anti-glare coating which helps reduce on-screen reflections. This monitor has a built-in custom large heatsink to allow for longer gaming sessions. The HDR technology supports a wider color range and higher contrast than traditional monitors. We can’t forget about the enhancements. ASUS has exclusive functions to improve your gaming skills — features like display alignment, a stopwatch, fps counter, a crosshair, and more!
Key Features:
- Resolution: 2K (2560×1440)
- Max Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Screen Size: 27” QHD
- Response Time: 1ms
- Pixel Type: IPS
Asus ROG Strix XG49VQ 49″ 32:9 Super Ultra-Wide 144Hz Curved VA HDR LCD Gaming Monitor
Why We Chose This Monitor: This ASUS ROG Strix monitor is an ultra-wide 49” monitor that gives you an incredible gaming experience.
The ASUS ROG Strix is a beauty to behold. With a super ultra-wide HDR gaming monitor measuring at 49”, you won’t be able to take your eyes off it. You get super-smooth gaming visuals with a 144Hz refresh rate. The monitor is compatible with AMD FreeSync2 allowing for enhanced gameplay and visuals with an AMD graphics cards.
The 32:9 aspect ratio provides the same viewing area as two side-by-side 27” monitors without a gap. Plus, the curvature of the monitor allows for a more immersive gaming experience. You can have up to three different inputs at once connecting multiple PC’s and consoles which is perfect for Twitch streams. ASUS also offers Gameplus technology allowing gamers to add a crosshair, fps counter, timer and more to the screen!
Key Features:
- Resolution: 32:9 (3840×1080)
- Max Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Screen Size: 49” Ultra-Wide Curved HDR
- Response Time: 1ms
- Pixel Type: VA
MSI Optix MPG321UR-QD 32″ 16:9 4K UHD 144Hz IPS LCD HDR Gaming Monitor, Black
Why We Chose This Monitor: The MSI Optix monitor is all about blending AI gaming features with MSI technology. MSI’s smart software improves the gamers experience and understands what the players need.
This 32” 4K UHD monitor is one of the smartest monitors out there! With AI, MSI has created multiple features to improve gaming. With Sound Tune, the MSI monitor eliminates background noise through AI calculations, and improves communication between teammates. Night Vision AI brings out finer details in darker areas. Optix Scope gives you a built-in aim magnifier with shortcut keys to help snipe your enemies from miles away. There are a ton more features that MSI has perfected and researched!
With UHD high resolution, games will look even better, displaying even more details. The 144Hz refresh rate gives you those smooth frames, and the 1ms response time eliminates screen tearing. With HDMI 2.1, consoles will achieve a refresh rate of 120Hz at 4K. MSI has truly created a juggernaut of a gaming monitor
Key Features:
- Resolution: 4K (3840X2160)
- Max Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Screen Size: 32” UHD
- Response Time: 1ms
- Pixel Type: IPS
MSI MAG401QR 40″ 21:9 UWQHD 155Hz IPS LCD Gaming Monitor
Why We Chose This Monitor: With a large 40” screen size and 155Hz refresh rate, this MSI monitor is affordable and sleek.
Last but not least, this MSI display measures out to 40” with a 21:9 aspect ratio. It perfectly supports multitasking with its size. The IPS panel optimizes screen colors and brightness to enhance the gaming experience. The monitor is ultra wide with QHD high resolution, so details pop. The 155Hz refresh rate will lead to a fast response and smoother frames.
This MSI display might not have the same AI features as the previous one, but it still has some great features. Night vision allows the darker areas to become brighter and more noticeable. The monitor also has anti-flicker and a blue light to prevent eye strain and fatigue.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 3440×1440
- Max Refresh Rate: 155Hz
- Screen Size: 40” UWQHD
- Response Time: 1ms
- Pixel Type: IPS
Frequently Asked Questions: Gaming Monitors
It all depends on what kind of specs you have in your computer. A great gaming monitor could be as much as $1,500, but if you don’t have the necessary compatible hardware then it’s not worth it. Narrowing down the features that are important to you will help. The average gaming monitor will cost you around $300-$600.
The sweet spot for a gaming monitor is around 24”-32”. If you like to watch your movies and shows on your computer, then a larger screen will help make a more immersive experience. I like to have three monitors on my desk, so a larger monitor would not be beneficial for me. A widescreen monitor is pretty cool, and you can multitask on it as well.
First thing you want to do is make sure your graphics card can support whichever you choose. Games like Starfield take a lot of power, and being able to play that game in 4K will be jaw-dropping. Keep in mind, it will also be incredibly expensive. I would recommend a 2K resolution or higher. You want something that is future-proof and will keep you going for some years.
Conclusion
Gaming monitors can make or break a great PC. You want to be able to enjoy all your games and entertainment as best as you possibly can. PC gaming is an expensive hobby, but once you crack it, it’s one of the greatest ways to play. Take your time and make sure your components are compatible. Determine if you care more for graphics, a higher refresh rate for quicker gameplay, or all of the above!
