The best gaming monitors are the ones that fit your criteria, are well within your budget, and visually fit into your setup. Fall in love with our list of best monitors this year plus all their specs! The choice is yours, and you’re choosing among the best — we have monitors from LG, Asus, and BenQ!
This is an update of “Best Gaming Monitors of 2023” article. 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 the 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 covered all the specs you need to know when finding a gaming monitor.
Resolution
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 gaming element. 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 Monitors to Buy in 2024
Now, here we are! Here are the best gaming monitors in 2024:
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. I can’t recommend it enough if you have the desk space and the wallet space for this monitor.
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 fewer 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 UltraGear 32GS95UE-B 32″ 16:9 Dual Mode 4K UHD 240Hz & Full HD 480Hz OLED HDR Gaming Monitor
Why We Chose This Monitor: This particular monitor from LG is VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified. That means it meets industry standards for brightness and true black color expression. Plus, it has a 0.03ms (GtG) response time!
This is the first-ever VESA-certified dual-mode gaming monitor. Instead of having to have two monitors, this monitor is basically a two-in-one deal. It can switch between 4K UHD at 240Hz and Full HD at 480Hz. In terms of audio, it has Pixel Sound technology that exudes immersive audio directly from the screen. Now, you’ve never seen that before!
Key Features:
- Resolution: 4K UHD OLED display
- Max Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Screen Size: 32”
- Response Time: 0.03ms
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 49 “super ultra-wide HDR gaming monitor, you won’t be able to take your eyes off it. It offers super-smooth gaming visuals with a 144Hz refresh rate. The monitor is compatible with AMD FreeSync2, allowing for enhanced gameplay and visuals with 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 monitor’s curvature allows for a more immersive gaming experience. Up to three different inputs can be connected at once to multiple PCs 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
HP OMEN 34c 34″ 21:9 UWQHD 165Hz Curved VA LCD HDR Gaming Monitor
Why We Chose This Monitor: For its ultra-wide 21:9 curved display, 165Hz refresh rate, and HDR capabilities that deliver immersive, smooth, and vibrant gaming experiences with exceptional clarity and minimal lag.
This monitor’s expansive 34-inch screen and 165Hz refresh rate ensure a smooth, immersive experience with sharp, lag-free visuals. The 3440 x 1440 WQHD resolution and HDR support deliver vivid colors and detailed graphics, while AMD FreeSync Premium technology eliminates screen tearing for a seamless gameplay experience.
Beyond performance, the OMEN 34c is designed with sustainability in mind, using recycled materials and featuring an eco-friendly design. It offers practical features like an adjustable stand, integrated cable management, and built-in speakers, with multiple connectivity options including HDMI and DisplayPort, plus Eye Ease certification for comfort.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 21:9 (2560 x 1080)
- Max Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Screen Size: 34″ WQHD
- Response Time: 1ms GTG
Samsung Odyssey Ark 55″ 16:9 4K Ultra HD 165Hz Curved VA Mini-LED LCD HDR Gaming Monitor
Why We Chose This Monitor: Its immersive 1000R curved screen, ultra-smooth 165Hz refresh rate, and groundbreaking features like Cockpit Mode and Sound Dome Technology deliver an unparalleled gaming experience with stunning visuals and three-dimensional audio!
Its 1ms response time ensures fast, blur-free action, while AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology eliminates screen tearing for a seamless experience. The Cockpit Mode lets you rotate and adjust the screen for the perfect viewing angle, and Eclipse Lighting adds an extra touch of immersion.
The Odyssey Ark also offers top-notch audio with Sound Dome Technology, which includes four corner speakers and two central woofers for a rich, 3D sound experience. With MultiView, you can display up to four screens on the massive 55″ display, and built-in apps like YouTube and Samsung TV Plus make it a versatile entertainment hub.
Key Features:
- Resolution: 16:9 (1920 x 1080)
- Max Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Screen Size: 55″
- Response Time: 1ms
FAQs: Gaming Monitors
It all depends on your computer’s specs. A great gaming monitor could cost as much as $1,500, but if you don’t have the necessary compatible hardware, 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 movies and shows on your computer, a larger screen will help create a more immersive experience. I like to have three monitors on my desk, so a larger monitor would not benefit me. A widescreen monitor is pretty cool, and you can also multitask on it.
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
And that’s it! In this list, we’ve discussed the best gaming monitors in 2024. You’re free to choose which ones fit your criteria of a good gaming monitor, also try to stay within your budget, and eye if it fits your setup’s aesthetic.
See you next year!
