Best gaming monitors 2024: Level up your display
Any monitor can be used for PC gaming, but a display built for productivity will likely leave you underwhelmed. Limited contrast, blurry motion, and slow refresh rates still hold basic productivity monitors back in games. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of excellent gaming monitors available at a wide range of price points—and the best of them embrace cutting-edge technology unavailable in any other PC display.
The following are the best gaming monitors we’ve tested throughout this year and last. If you want to learn more about what we look for in a good gaming monitor and how we test them, scroll further down the page.
Quick retail links to select top picks:
- Best gaming monitor: MSI MPG 341CQPX
- Best budget gaming monitor: Dell G2724D
- Best 240Hz gaming monitor: LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B
Pros
- USB-C power with 98 watts of Power Delivery
- Great color performance
- Higher HDR peak brightness than some peers
- 240Hz refresh rate and outstanding motion clarity
Cons
- Stand is too large
- Works with FreeSync and G-Sync, but lacks certification
- SDR brightness is mediocre
If you’re in the market for the best gaming monitor, look no further than the MSI MPG 341CQPX.
This 34-inch ultrawide with a Samsung QD-OLED panel stands out in a crowded field with features that put it ahead of its competition. Its 240Hz refresh rate and remarkable motion clarity make it an excellent choice for gamers seeking smooth, responsive gameplay. The MSI MPG 341CQPX also delivers good HDR performance with vibrant colors and excellent contrast. VESA Adaptive Sync is supported and provides compatibility with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync.
MSI pairs the monitor’s beautiful OLED panel with practical features. It has a USB-C port offering up to 98 watts of Power Delivery, which is ideal for those who want to connect and charge a laptop or tablet with a single cable.
While the MSI MPG 341CQPX is excellent, it has a few downsides. The stand is bulky and takes up more space than needed. The monitor also lacks RGB-LED lights, which might disappoint gamers looking for added flair. However, these are minor inconveniences.
Pricing is another advantage. The MPG 341CQPX typically retails for about $850. Though hardly inexpensive, the monitor’s price is fair for its performance, and it’s not much higher than older QD-OLED monitors with a lower refresh rate and lackluster USB-C connectivity. It’s easily worth the price.
Read our full MSI MPG 341CQPX review Dell G2724D – Best gaming monitor under $200
Pros
- Handsome design with functional stand
- Attractive SDR image quality
- Good motion clarity at 165Hz
- Supports all Adaptive Sync standards
Cons
- No USB connectivity or 3.5mm audio-out
- Lackluster HDR
The Dell G2724D is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a budget gaming monitor that doesn’t compromise on quality. With attractive design, strong motion clarity at 165Hz, and wide Adaptive Sync support, it provides an immersive gaming experience at an affordable price.
It has a 27-inch IPS LCD panel with 1440p resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. The color gamut spans 100 percent of sRGB, 86 percent of DCI-P3, and 82 percent of Adobe RGB, delivering a bright and vibrant image that’s excellent in games and adequate for most content creation. The monitor’s Adaptive Sync support is a standout feature, with official support for VESA Adaptive Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync.
It also delivers a handsome design with a matte black and gray chassis and sporty rear vents that provide an aggressive yet unobtrusive look. The functional monitor stand offers a range of ergonomic adjustments and has a compact base that doesn’t consume excessive desk space.
There are a few downsides: The monitor doesn’t offer USB connectivity or 3.5mm audio-out. HDR performance is lackluster, too, making it a so-so choice for HDR gaming.
Yet it’s hard to beat the G2724D’s performance at $199 and, more importantly, it offers everything an average PC gamer is going to need for a smooth, responsive, and attractive gaming experience. It’s the kind of monitor that, despite its budget price, could have a place on your desk for several years.
Read our full Dell G2724D review Pixio PX248 Wave – Best gaming monitor under $150
Pros
- Attractive design, especially in unique colorways
- Built-in speakers are surprisingly decent
- Solid color accuracy and respectable gamut
- Good motion clarity
Cons
- Built-in stand only adjusts for tilt
- Just two video inputs
- Awkward menu controls
- Color temperature skews cool
The Pixio PX248 Wave stands apart from other budget gaming monitors with colorful, stylish design and solid motion performance, all available at an enticing price of $149.99.
Pixio offers the PX248 Wave in four colorways: black, white, blue, and pink. The latter two are rather special, as only a handful of monitors — like the more expensive Samsung M8 Smart Monitor — offer similarly alluring colors. The stand matches the monitor’s colorway, and Pixio even offers an optional color-coordinated monitor arm for those who want to go all-in on a particular desktop vibe.
The monitor’s 24-inch Fast IPS display boasts a 200Hz refresh rate that delivers fluid motion. Image quality is reasonable, too, as the PX248 Wave delivers respectable color accuracy and coverage, making it suitable for both gaming and casual content creation. It has built-in speakers, too.
Despite its visual appeal, the PX248 Wave sticks to the basics with connectivity, which includes HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. USB connectivity isn’t available. The included stand is also basic, as it only adjusts for tilt, and the menu controls could be more user-friendly.
Most competitors at this price point have a similar display panel wrapped in a more generic black, gray, or charcoal case. Pixio’s PX248 Wave manages to match them in image quality and beat them on looks, yet it stays on a budget.
Read our full Pixio PX248 Wave review Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q – Best budget 4K gaming monitor
Pros
- 4K resolution
- Good gaming performance
- Tons of ergonomic adjustment options
- Inexpensive
Cons
- A relatively low 60Hz refresh rate
If you are a gamer who enjoys slower-paced games that feature beautiful graphic detail then you may want to consider a 4K gaming monitor. The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q is a 28-inch 4K display with a refresh rate of 60Hz and adaptive sync, making it compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync. It’s also only $400—a relative steal for a 4K display. It may not have the refresh rate that is required for quick e-sports or shooter games, but it makes up for that with an absolutely superb 4K display. It also has outstanding image quality and a vivid color range that will make most of the other monitors on this list weep.
Asus branded the VG289Q as a gaming monitor and it will deliver on that in most aspects. But ultimately, it is all about getting a 4K display on a budget and in that respect this monitor is second to none in image quality value for your money.
Read our full Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q review Alienware AW3225QF – Best 4K gaming monitor
Pros
- Excellent color performance and contrast
- Good overall HDR performance
- 240Hz refresh rate with great motion clarity
- Big price drop from prior 4K OLED monitors
Cons
- Stand is too large
- Curved panel is an acquired taste
- HDR brightness is still just okay
The Alienware AW3225QF is an easy recommendation for the best 4K gaming monitor.
This 32-inch monitor boasts a 4K QD-OLED panel, offering a 240Hz refresh rate — a new feature for 4K OLED displays. Its motion performance is excellent. The 240Hz refresh rate delivers clear and detailed motion in fast-paced games. Nvidia G-Sync and VESA AdaptiveSync 240 are supported, as well (the monitor will work with FreeSync, though support is not officially listed).
The monitor’s SDR image quality is impressive with true-to-life color accuracy, an infinite contrast ratio, and excellent sharpness. The AW3225QF also delivers good HDR performance, offering a cinematic experience with VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black certification and Dolby Vision HDR support. Its HDR brightness can’t match Mini-LED displays but proves a hair better than most OLED competitors.
The AW3225QF excels in video connectivity, including DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports. That means all three ports can handle the monitor at maximum resolution and refresh rate, something that’s not true of many 4K displays. One HDMI port also offers eARC support, catering to enhanced audio setups. That’s handy if you want to use the monitor with home theater equipment, like a soundbar, and position the AW3225QF as a potential TV alternative in small spaces.
Alienware’s design is both luxurious and attractive, with an appealing white-and-black colorway and sturdy materials. The ergonomic stand is too large, however, and won’t fit comfortably on smaller desks. VESA mount compatibility is included and provides an alternative mounting option.
Read our full Alienware AW3225QF review Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG – Best HDR gaming monitor
Pros
- Compact ergonomic stand
- Superb contrast with deep, inky black levels
- Excellent HDR performance
- Inexpensive for an OLED monitor
Cons
- HDMI ports don’t support 240Hz refresh rate
- No USB-C
- SDR performance is great, but slightly lags QD-OLED peers
If you’re searching for the best gaming monitor for HDR, look no further than the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG. It has an LG WOLED panel that delivers stunning HDR without breaking the bank.
The XG27AQDMG’s third-generation LG WOLED panel provides exceptional HDR brightness that outperforms QD-OLED competitors and closes gap the with Mini-LED monitors. It can hit a maximum sustained brightness of 724 nits in a 10 percent window, which is enough to deliver punchy HDR highlights and detail across luminant areas of a game or movie. This pairs well with OLED’s deep, inky blacks and wide color gamut, which covers 96 percent DCI-P3 coverage. Put simply: It looks exceptionally immersive and realistic.
However, the XG27AQDMG lags in SDR. Its color performance, though strong, isn’t quite as good as QD-OLED alternatives. Sharpness is merely okay, too, and small fonts can look pixelated at times.
Gamers will appreciate the high refresh rate of up to 240Hz, which is paired with adaptive sync technologies like AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync for fluid, tear-free gaming. The refresh rate is lower than some QD-OLED competitors, which achieve up to 360Hz. On the other hand, though, the XG27AQDMG provides motion clarity far better than Mini-LED gaming monitors, such as the Red Magic 4K Gaming Monitor.
Pricing is another upside. Sold at an MSRP of $749.99, and immediately available for just $699.99 at release, the XG27AQDMG undercuts the competition on price. Gamers who mostly stick to SDR may want to pay $50 to $100 more for a QD-OLED alternative, but the XG27AQDMG has the edge in HDR.
Read our full Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG review Innocn 27M2V – Best HDR gaming monitor runner-up
Pros
- Excellent color gamut and accuracy
- Sharp, vivid picture
- Strong HDR performance
- Good connectivity
Cons
- Design looks nice, but feels inexpensive
- Thin user manual
- Confusing on-screen menu
Innocn’s 27M2V is an awesome choice if you want punchy, brilliant HDR gaming for less than $1,000. It delivers excellent HDR brightness, 4K clarity, and smooth motion at a reasonable price.
The 27M2V is a 4K Mini-LED monitor with a maximum refresh rate of 160Hz. It falls behind the smoothest monitors available, like the 500Hz Alienware AW2524H, but still looks excellent in motion. Only the most demanding competitive gamers will need a higher refresh rate. The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
HDR is attractive thanks to the monitor’s maximum measured HDR brightness of 877 nits. This is a bit low compared to the best Mini-LED monitors, which can exceed 1,000 nits, but still enough to deliver an obvious boost in HDR games. Bright objects retain good detail, colors look wonderfully saturated, and the dynamic Mini-LED backlight delivers strong contrast.
The 27M2V’s connectivity doesn’t disappoint. It features a USB-C port with a generous 90 watts of Power Delivery, complemented by a DisplayPort and dual HDMI 2.0 ports, tallying up to four video inputs.
It’s not without its quirks. The monitor’s build, while aesthetically pleasing, feels a bit lackluster when handled. Navigating the on-screen menus is a challenge and made more difficult by the absence of a comprehensive user manual. And while Innocn’s customer service exists, it’s limited to email correspondence.
Yet these minor setbacks are forgiven by competitive pricing. With an MSRP of $799.99, and frequent discounts dropping it to a mere $679.99, the Innocn 27M2V offers unparalleled value for the price.
Read our full Innocn 27M2V review Gigabyte GS34WQC- Best budget ultrawide gaming monitor
Pros
- Plenty of connectivity and menu options
- Good contrast ratio
- Solid color performance
- Up to 144Hz refresh rate with good motion clarity
Cons
- Stand setup uses screws instead of clip mechanism
- Modest maximum brightness
- HDR is supported but lackluster
The Gigabyte GS34WQC stands out as an impressive ultrawide gaming monitor available at a low price. It has a sharp 34-inch display with a resolution of 3440×1440. That’s paired with good motion clarity driven by a 120Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 135Hz) and support for AMD FreeSync, ensuring smooth and consistent gameplay. Camera movements are detailed, and fast-paced action is easily tracked.
Beyond its motion clarity, the GS34WQC delivers great image quality that’s comparable to monitors twice its price. It has a Vertical Alignment (VA) panel instead of the more common In-Plane Switching (IPS). This provides improved contrast with deeper black levels and more convincing shadow detail in dark scenes. These qualities make it especially suitable for games with a dark, gritty presentation.
The monitor boasts a dull but functional design. It has an ergonomic stand that provides height and tilt adjustment, but its assembly requires manual attachment of four screws, unlike competitors with tool-free clip-in stands. The GS34WQC compensates with an intuitive menu system that has extensive customization options, allowing gamers to tailor the visuals to their preferences.
Value, however, is where the GS34WQC really beats the competition. It’s not the least expensive budget ultrawide monitor, but it delivers better image quality and motion clarity than many competitors while keeping the price in check. Indeed, the GS34WQC is so good it makes $400-to-$500-dollar ultrawide gaming monitors more difficult to recommend. The GS34WQC looks just as good at a lower price.
Read our full Gigabyte GS34WQC review Philips Evnia 8000 – Best super-ultrawide gaming monitor
Pros
- Excellent SDR image quality
- Great motion clarity
- Lots of connectivity including USB-C
- Beautiful design
Cons
- High power consumption
- Expensive
In the world of big-screen ultrawide gaming monitors, the Philips Evnia 8000 takes the top spot, replacing the Corsair Xeneon Flex in our recommendations. This super-ultrawide 49-inch QD-OLED monitor delivers an exceptional gaming experience with 5120×1440 resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate.
The Evnia 8000’s image quality is enhanced by its excellent motion clarity, supported by its high refresh rate and compatibility with Adaptive Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync. Fast-paced games look clear and crisp.
The monitor’s design stands out with a sleek white-and-silver aesthetic. While the ergonomic stand takes up more desk space than desired, it offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustments for comfortable viewing. The monitor also has a robust 30-watt speaker system, delivering clear and loud audio that surpasses most built-in monitor speakers. The included Ambiglow lighting system enhances the gaming atmosphere with customizable RGB LED backlighting.
Connectivity is another strong suit for the Evnia 8000. It features multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB-C port with 90W Power Delivery, perfect for a range of devices from gaming PCs to work laptops. All of the monitor’s video inputs support its maximum refresh rate and resolution.
Priced at $1,350, the Philips Evnia 8000 isn’t inexpensive, but it’s worth the investment. It combines excellent image quality, great motion clarity, a sleek design, and robust audio.
Read our full Philips Evnia 8000 review LG Ultragear 27GN950 – Best 144Hz gaming monitor
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Incredible image quality
- Ergonomic adjustment options
- Special gaming configurations
Cons
- High power consumption
If you’re not a professional gamer or you just don’t require the obscenely fast 240Hz, then you can find a whole host of great options at 144Hz instead. Our pick for the best of the bunch is the LG Ultragear 27GN950.
Not only is it still super fast, but it also has 4K resolution, all of the ports your heart desires, and impressively high color fidelity. It is a great option for those who will use it for multimedia other than just gaming and don’t mind sacrificing a little speed to gain a lot of pixel density.
Admittedly, it’s a bit pricey for a 27-inch monitor and you will need a high-end GPU to take advantage of its full potential, but if you can afford it, then this just might end up being the pièce de résistance in your display setup.
Read our full LG Ultragear 27GN950 review LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B – Best 240Hz gaming monitor
Pros
- Attractive design
- Bright, colorful image
- Excellent motion clarity
- Officially supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync
Cons
- Stand is still too large
- Modest contrast ratio
- HDR is available, but disappointing
The LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B is a 240Hz gaming monitor that offers buttery-smooth motion and great image quality at a reasonable price point.
Its best trait is its stellar motion handling. A refresh rate of 240Hz helps the monitor deliver fast response times and smooth motion in competitive multiplayer games. Better still, the monitor supports both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. Most similar monitors only support one or the other.
LG delivers great image quality with a bright, colorful picture and a respectable contrast ratio of 1250:1. Although it can’t match the infinite contrast of more expensive OLED alternatives, the 27GR83Q-B provides a better sense of depth and immersion than most gaming monitors below $500.
It has a couple flaws. The 27GR83Q-B’s HDR performance is lackluster, as it can’t achieve a brightness high enough to maximize HDR content. The same is true of the monitor’s competitors, however. LG also opts for an annoyingly large stand, so the monitor might feel oversized on a small desk.
LG asks an MSRP of $499.99, but the monitor’s price has dipped as low as $399.99 on sale. It’s a good value at MSRP and a fantastic deal when discounted. The 27GR83Q-B’s image quality is at the top of its class, and LG’s decision to officially support both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync makes the 27GR83Q-B wonderfully versatile.
Read our full LG UltraGear 27GR83Q-B review Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP – Best high refresh-rate gaming monitor
Pros
- A new high mark for motion clarity
- Excellent image quality
- Easy-to-use menu with many options
- Broad official Adaptive Sync support
Cons
- Stand is too large
- No USB-C
The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP is an ideal monitor for competitive gamers, as it’s the world’s first monitor to deliver a 480Hz refresh rate at 1440p resolution. This combination of motion clarity and resolution results in stunning motion performance that will give players an edge in esports and action-packed games.
Gamers will also appreciate the monitor’s excellent image quality, which enhances immersion across all genres. The WOLED panel provides excellent contrast that adds atmosphere in RPGs and horror games, while its wide color gamut, which spans 96 percent of DCI-P3, delivers a vivid and saturated look. The monitor’s good HDR brightness ensures that explosions and special effects in HDR games are displayed with convincing brightness and contrast.
The PG27AQDP is packed with gamer-centric features. It supports multiple adaptive sync technologies, including Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. Asus’ Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology further enhances motion clarity (though, unfortunately, it is only available at a 120Hz or 240Hz refresh rate). Asus also provides aspect ratio modes to contrast the display’s viewable area to that of a 24.5-inch monitor for competitive gamers, or to a 4:3 aspect ratio for older games that lack widescreen support.
It’s not perfect. The monitor lacks USB-C connectivity, which might affect some multi-device setups. Asus’ also ships the monitor with a chunky stand that won’t fit well on smaller desks. Those minor downsides aside, the PG27AQDP is an excellent monitor that will appeal to gamers who crave the best motion clarity possible.
Read our full Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP review Dell G3223Q – Best HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor
Pros
- Bright, sharp SDR image
- Good color gamut and accuracy
- Solid build quality and ergonomic stand
- Great motion clarity at 120Hz or 144Hz
Cons
- Disappointing HDR performance
- Odd menu choices for creators
- Modest USB connectivity
The Dell G3223Q is a large, attractive 32-inch gaming monitor that’s ideal for PC gamers who also want to connect a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S.
It supports 4K resolution at a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and has two HDMI 2.1 connections. You can connect a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S console simultaneously. DisplayPort is also available for your PC. The monitor supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync.
Image quality is strong with excellent brightness, good contrast, and great color performance. These traits, combined with the sharpness of 4K, makes for an excellent SDR experience. HDR isn’t impressive, which could be a concern for console gamers. Most monitors in this price range aren’t great at HDR, however, so we think this issue can be overlooked (for now).
The Dell G3223Q is a good value, too. Typically priced around $825, the G3223Q is among the more affordable HDMI 2.1 monitors with a 32-inch, 4K display panel. We also appreciate the monitor’s design, which feels more durable and looks more attractive than similarly priced alternatives.
Read our full Dell G3223Q review Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE – Best gaming monitor for mobile use
Pros
- Gaming monitor for mobile use
- 240Hz refresh rate
- Independent operation
- Complete equipment included
Cons
- High power consumption
- Expensive
The Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE is a bit unique in that it was designed and built to be a top-quality gaming monitor that is easily portable and mobile friendly.
It is a 17.3-inch display with 1080p resolution and a screaming fast refresh rate of 240Hz. It also has adaptive sync technology and built-in speakers. You can easily connect it to your laptop or next-gen console of choice for on-the-go gaming.
The battery should last you about 3.5 hours without needing to be charged and it comes with a cover that can be folded back to make a stand for the monitor itself. However, if you can afford to buy the extra tripod stand it is recommended as this provides a more stable base as well as height adjustment options.
The specs alone make this an excellent gaming monitor in its own rights, but the ability to pack it up and take it with you makes this a great option for those who like to game on the go. You will pay for this convenience though as even the base option is quite steep, let alone the bundle which includes the tripod stand.
Read our full Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE review Other gaming monitor reviews- Acer Predator X34: It’s another in a spate of OLED monitors with a 240Hz refresh rate, but with the added distinction of boasting a curved screen for immersive gameplay. Of course, it also features USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 90 watts of USB Power Delivery and a collection of USB-A and -C ports for connecting peripherals.
- Alienware AW2725QF: Dual-resolution mode offers 4K resolution at up to 180Hz, or 1080p at up to 360Hz. That makes the monitor more versatile, but mediocre image quality makes the monitor hard to recommend..
- Samsung Odyssey OLED G8: An all-purpose display that offers 4K resolution, up to a 240Hz refresh rate, Adaptive Sync, HDR, and built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to support its Smart TV functionality. It’s the perfect display for small spaces, fulfilling the roles of productivity, gaming, and entertainment in one screen.
- Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP: It’s an excellent 32-inch 4K OLED monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate, but also offers the unique feature of being able to run in 1080p mode with a 480Hz refresh rate, giving gamers an extra boost of motion clarity when desired.
Gamers have unique needs that exceed an average user. Here’s what PC gamers should look for in a gaming monitor.
ResolutionMost widescreen gaming monitors have a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p), 2560×1440 (1440p), or 4K (3840×2160). A higher resolution improves sharpness and clarity, which helps games look more detailed and lifelike. Increasing resolution also increases demand on your video card, however. Gamers with less powerful hardware may want to avoid 4K.
Refresh rateA higher refresh leads to smoother motion by increasing the number of frames that can appear each second. It also reduces input lag, as each frame appears more quickly. A 144Hz refresh rate is a big improvement over the standard 60Hz, and 240Hz is better still. The improvement becomes more difficult to notice after 240Hz, but 360Hz monitors exist for those who want the lowest input lag possible.
DIsplayPort and HDMI 2.1DisplayPort is the best connection for PC gaming. Even DisplayPort 1.4, which is rather old, can support 4K at 144Hz. HDMI 2.1 can handle 4K at 120Hz and is an acceptable connection for PC gaming, though most gamers will use it for a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S game console.
How we test gaming monitorsWe test all monitors with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra calibration tool. This tool can report objective measurements for brightness, contrast, color gamut, color accuracy, color temperature, gamma, and other metrics.
Our results are recorded and compared to the results for past monitors. Though we rely on our eyes for initial impressions, comparing objective results lets us evaluate monitors against hundreds of older models from past reviews and testing.
We examine motion clarity by quickly moving the camera across the map in Civilization VI, playing a round of Rocket League, and panning the camera across the landscape in Final Fantasy XIV—among other games. Finally, we use the popular UFO Test for an apples-to-apples comparison between displays.
In addition to gaming prowess, we consider a monitor’s on-screen menu, ergonomic stand (or lack thereof), and overall build quality—all important qualities irrespective of use case.
FAQ 1. What resolution is best for a gaming monitor?Many competitive gamers prefer 1080p resolution because it allows for high frame rates and low input lag even on modest hardware. This also makes it ideal for budget shoppers. 1080p is not as crisp as higher resolutions but, if it allows for higher frame rates, can look good in motion.
1440p remains a great mid-range option. It looks much sharper than 1080p but doesn’t drastically increase load on your video card. A variety of 1440p monitors now support a refresh rate up to 240Hz.
4K is the last word in sharpness and clarity. Playing a modern game on a 4K monitor takes the experience to a new level. It’s very demanding on your video card, however, so you’ll need top-tier hardware for a smooth experience.
Ultrawide monitors differ in resolution because they have a wider screen. Most ultrawide monitors have a resolution of 3440×1440, which delivers sharpness similar to a 1440p ultrawide. Some larger monitors have more exotic resolutions: the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 Neo, for example, has 5120×1440 resolution.
2. Should I use AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync?AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync can synchronize the refresh rate of a compatible monitor with the output of an AMD or Nvidia video card. This ensures smooth motion and eliminates screen tearing, a distracting visual artifact.
You might be surprised to learn that most AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync monitors rely on the VESA Adaptive Sync standard. This is why many gaming monitors now support both. The difference in performance is minimal.
Our G-Sync vs. FreeSync comparison goes in-depth on their similarities and differences.
3. Should I buy an ultrawide gaming monitor?Our top choice, the Alienware AW3423DW, is an ultrawide gaming monitor. An ultrawide aspect ratio is more immersive in racing, simulation, and role-playing games. It also offers a large, more impressive perspective in many strategy games.
Not all games support an ultrawide aspect ratio, however. It’s wise to check that your favorite games support ultrawide monitors before making a purchase. Consoles rarely support ultrawide aspect ratios, so console gamers should stick with a widescreen display.