Getting the best gaming monitor can take your setup to the next level, but knowing where to start your search isn't always easy. From 4K monitors and 360Hz displays, to ultrawide and OLED - there’s a lot to choose from. Fortunately, our list of top picks is here to help.
First, you need to decide on a resolution. If you’re on a budget, then perhaps a 1080p monitor, which will often have a higher refresh rate, is best for you. However, if you prioritise a crystal-clear image over performance, then a 4K display is something to look into.
Next, you will have to get the right screen size. This depends on the distance between you and your monitor, the resolution, and the kinds of games you play. For instance, if you sit close to the screen, a 24-inch to 27-inch monitor is ideal. Competitive gameplay also benefits from monitors of this size, as all the action remains in front of you. Plus, it can save space for other peripherals like an amazing gaming keyboard or one of the best cameras for streaming.
In terms of response time, we'd recommend anything up to 4ms. For competitive gameplay, especially, you'll want as lower response time as possible to ensure your inputs happen as you make them and to help reduce ghosting keep you aiming at your enemies rather than their shadows.
To add to this, pick monitors with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support. Typically, gaming monitors support NVIDIA G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync, or both, to help reduce screen tearing as well as ghosting once again.
So, with all these factors in mind, here's what we believe are the best gaming monitors on the market right now...
Best gaming monitor
Alienware AW3423DW QD-OLED
Best gaming monitor
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Dell’s Alienware range is packed with some great gaming equipment, and this AW3423DW monitor looks to be no different.
To begin with, it’s a QD-OLED monitor, which Alienware boasts can deliver higher peak luminance and a wider color gamut when compared to white OLED displays.
Speaking of the display, it measures 34 inches and features a 1440p resolution. It also has a 1800R curve, so you can immerse yourself in all the action. Furthermore, the monitor has a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and HDR support to give a more dynamic, atmospheric picture.
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You also get a 175Hz rate, which is more than suitable for competitive gaming. Plus, it features an impressive 0.1ms GTG response time, so any inputs you make should happen almost instantaneously on screen. And with NVIDIA G-SYNC, you can bid adieu to screen tearing.
Design-wise, this IPS-paneled monitor has a slim frame. And, with built-in cable management, you shouldn't have to worry about overcrowding your desk space either.
So, if you’re looking for a powerful 1440p monitor for those immersive RPGs and competitive Battle Royales, we'd suggest checking out this Alienware device.
ViewSonic Elite XG270QC
Best budget gaming monitor
The ViewSonic Elite XG270QC sports a 27-inch, 1440p display, which strikes a nice balance between size and performance if you’re into fast-paced FPS games and want to keep all the action in front of you.
Not only that, but you get a gradual curve to further ensure the action remains in sight whilst also helping to increase your immersion. With a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut and HDR400, you should find the monitor delivers accurate colours and visuals to match.
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As far as performance is concerned, the display boasts a 165Hz refresh rate, which, in our opinion, is more than good enough to give you a competitive edge online.
Furthermore, you get VRR support with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, which, combined with PureXP Motion Blur Reduction, is designed to keep input latency to a minimum.
So, considering its price tag, we'd say this ViewSonic display is one powerful device that's bound to seriously upgrade your setup.
Sony Inzone M9
Best gaming monitor for the PS5 or Xbox Series X
Sony's 27-inch Inzone M9 monitor sports a stunning 4K resolution and HDMI 2.1 connectivity. So, if you want to play your favourite titles in 4K at 120Hz, this display has you covered.
It also comes with ‘Full Array Local Dimming’, which is designed to light up the right parts of the screen during gameplay to give better tone depth and highlights.
Furthermore, the 4K resolution is complemented by a 95% DCI-P3 colour spectrum, HDR600, as well as 600 nits of brightness to ensure every inch of detail is illuminated.
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As far as gaming performance is concerned, you get a 144Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for competitive gameplay. Plus, the 1ms GTG response time and NVIDIA G-SYNC should ensure that you experience no screen-tearing and ghosting.
Finally, Sony’s monitor has the INZONE Hub PC software, which lets you configure the monitor settings to your personal preference. You can also assign specific picture modes to different applications to make changing settings quick and simple.
So, if you’re looking for one of the best monitors for PS5 or Xbox Series X, then make sure you check out this Inzone bit of kit from Sony.
Gigabyte M32U
Best 4K gaming monitor
Gigabyte’s M32U monitor looks to be a well-rounded and versatile bit of kit for your gaming setup. To start with, the monitor features a 32-inch display with a 4K resolution. For us, this strikes a good balance between screen size and detail.
The IPS-paneled display is paired with 90% DCI-P3 and 123% sRGB colours, plus, to top it all off, you get HDR400 for a more accurate and bright showcase of colour.
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Performance-wise, you get a refresh rate of 144Hz, which is capable of keeping up with the fast-paced action of FPS titles. Plus, the 1ms response time and adaptive VRR should ensure a tear-free experience.
You also get a few unique features like Auto Noise Cancellation to reduce disturbances, and Game Assist to automatically configure the monitor toward optimal settings for competitive gameplay.
There's certainly a lot to like here, with its 4K resolution being a particular highlight. So, for graphical masterpieces like God of War, or fast-paced Battle Royales like Warzone, this GIGABYTE display is well worth considering.
Samsung Odyssey G9
Best ultrawide gaming monitor
If it's an ultrawide display you're after though, this Samsung Odyssey G9 could be the ideal monitor for you.
It features a massive 49-inch display with a 1000R curve, which, according to Samsung, keeps the curve of the monitor in line with the human eye for a more immersive experience. Moreover, it’s a Dual QHD display. This essentially means the 49-inch screen is as wide as two QHD monitors side-by-side.
Coming to performance, you get a hugely impressive 240Hz refresh rate, which you should find gives you a huge competitive advantage when trying to top online leaderboards. Plus, you get a 1ms GTG response time to ensure any inputs you make happen almost instantaneously.
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To add to that, the monitor supports both NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync, thus helping the display keep the screen tearing and ghosting to a minimum.
Finally, Samsung has considered comfort. You can adjust the height, swivel it around, or tilt it to ensure you find a position that's comfortable for you. It’s also VESA-compatible to keep the setup simple.
With Infinity Core Lighting as well, you can illuminate your display to match the rest of your gaming setup.
So, if an ultrawide display is what you're looking for, don't hesitate to check out this 49-inch monitor from Samsung.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you're searching for the best gaming monitor, you might encounter these questions...
What refresh rate do you need for gaming?
For most video games, you need at least 60Hz. However, if you want to experience smoother visuals, then we'd suggest considering something with a 144Hz refresh rate as a minimum.
For more competitive gameplay, you may even want to push toward the 240Hz mark as, the higher the refresh rate, the 'smoother' the gameplay in theory.
That said, while the difference between 60Hz and 144Hz is immediately noticeable, the difference between 144Hz and 240Hz is not necessarily as easily distinguishable.
Generally speaking, you do also have to sacrifice the resolution when you push for a higher refresh rate as few monitors out there are capable of delivering 4K beyond the 144Hz mark.
However, with HDMI 2.1 and a next-gen console, you're able to play titles in 4K at 120Hz if desired, which is worth keeping in mind if you're searching for a new display.
What resolution do you need for gaming?
This essentially comes down to personal preference and the type of game you're playing.
Graphical masterpieces, for instance, are perhaps best experienced on a 4K display or above. However, for fast-paced competitive action, having the most detailed graphics possible isn't exactly the most important factor in improving your gameplay.
This is why there's some debate over whether a 1080p or a 1440p resolution is best for gaming, although it can be tricky at times to notice a huge difference.
What is important, though, is to match your monitor with the resolution settings on your console.
If you don't match it, you'll find that the image quality will be affected and you may lose some detail, especially on larger screens.