Are you looking for a new gaming monitor? Don’t buy any before checking this guide!
The monitor market is vast, and you can get a little bit confused between so many brands, models, sizes, and features. The best way to avoid confusion is by knowing what you actually need. Do you love first person shooter games? Or, maybe you are more of an e-sports game? Depending on the type of entertainment you like the most, certain features such as refresh rate, resolution, and response time will determine which monitor will fulfill all your needs.
Things you should look for when choosing a monitor
When deciding for the best monitor, you should consider a few features beyond just screen size. The resolution, refresh rate, and response time are just a few of the details you should pay attention. Monitors, which fulfills demands for pro players, should have the following features.
Resolution
You can choose the resolution between 1080p (Full HD), 1440p (QHD/2K) or 2160p (UHD/4K). Higher pixel count means you will get the best visual and clarity possible. But you don’t necessarily need to go that way. The most popular choice is the 1080p, it offers decent image and can be found for affordable prices. If you plan to have the minimum quality while playing, you should not go lower than 1080p.
In case you decide to go with higher resolution, remember to check if you have enough power to handle it. Before deciding for UHD or QHD for example, check if your graphics card unit (GPU) can support this type of monitor.
Refresh Rate
Refresh rate means the monitor’s speed to change displayed images. In general, the higher the speed, the smoother the image will look. You can find gaming monitors with 60Hz, 144Hz, and 240Hz of refresh rate. The refresh rate is a crucial feature for gaming since it should keep up with the player’s movement in the game.
Although the higher, the better, you will need to take in consideration your GPU power and available budget, since the latest 240Hz panels tend to be more expensive.
Panel Technology
You can choose between three different panel technologies. All of them have various features, and they will perform better depending on the application you need.
- IPS – Is the best technology for color reproduction. If you work editing images or videos, this is a perfect choice. But during games, it might cause ghosting, especially if your screen has lower than 100Hz refresh rates.
- TN – This type of panel is not so suitable for color reproduction, but it is the best choice for gaming. Monitors with TN have high since they are the fastest refresh rate and lower response time.
- VA – This is a middle ground between IPS and TN technologies. It has decent color reproduction, but its refresh rate is not as fast as the TN version.
Response time
Response time represents how quickly the monitor can change its pixels from one shade of gray shade to another. It is measured in milliseconds and you can find monitors with a response time ranging between 1 – 7ms. For gaming, it is recommended to choose monitors with a response time of 5ms or lower.
Screen size
Gaming monitors can range between 21 inches to 43 inches. Different from when choosing a TV for your living room, bigger does not necessarily mean better. Your choice should be concise to your needs and budget. Larger screens are great, and most of the latest models offer Wide, Quad High-Definition (WQHD). If you go higher than 27 inches, remember to check if your GPU is capable of running it properly, or you will miss its true potential. If you chose to go with a resolution of 1080p, a monitor of 24 inches might be good enough.
Adaptive Sync
Adaptive sync technology is known as dynamic refresh rates, and it helps to remove any screen tearing while you are playing. Currently, there are two options available in the market: AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. Both solve the tearing issue almost in the same way; the most visible difference is their compatibility. These technologies will only work if you have the same-brand GPU; therefore, you should choose whether you want AMD or Nvidia before purchasing your gaming system.
The best gaming monitors for pro players
Based on the features and details mentioned above, we would like to present to you some of the best options available in the market.
Best Budget Gaming Monitor
Are you tight on budget? These three models are under $300, and offer compatible basic features for gaming.
Monitor | Price Amazon | Size | Resolution | Panel | Refresh Rate | Response Time |
AOC G2460PF
– FreeSync |
US | 24” | 1920 x 1080p | TN | 144Hz | 1ms |
ViewSonic
XG2401 – FreeSync |
US | 24” | 1920 x 1080p | TN | 144Hz | 1ms |
LG 25UM58-P (UltraWide Category) | US | 25” | 2560 x 1080p | IPS | 75Hz | 5ms |
Overall best Gaming Monitor
These monitors should attend most of your gaming demands.
Monitor | Price Amazon | Size | Resolution | Panel | Refresh Rate | Response Time |
Asus ROG Swift PG278QR
-G-Sync |
US | 27” | 2560 x 1440p | IPS | 165Hz | 1ms |
BenQ Zowie
XL2540 -G-Sync |
US | 24.5” | 1920 x 1080p | TN | 240Hz | 1ms |
LG 34UC89G-B
– G-Sync |
US | 34” | 2560 x 1080p | IPS | 144Hz | 5ms |
Best Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor
Ultra-Wide monitors are perfect for a full immersive experience.
Monitor | Price Amazon | Size | Resolution | Panel | Refresh Rate | Response Time |
Alienware AW3418DW
– G-Sync |
US | 34” | 3440 x 1440p | IPS | 120Hz | 4ms |
Acer Predator X34P
– G-Sync |
US | 34” | 3440 x 1440p | IPS | 100Hz | 4ms |
LG 34UC89G | US | 34” | 2560 x 1080p | IPS | 144Hz | 5ms |
Best Monitor For Work And Play
Sometimes life is more than just playing. If you will need a monitor for also work, check these models.
Monitor | Price Amazon | Size | Resolution | Panel | Refresh Rate | Response Time |
LG 27UK650
-Freesync |
US | 27” | 4K | IPS | 60Hz | 4ms |
BenQ EX3501R
-Freesync |
US | 34” | 3440 x 1440p | VA | 100Hz | 4ms |
BenQ EL2780U
– FreeSync |
US | 27” | 4k | TN | 60Hz | 1ms |
Best Monitor to play multiplayer games
Response time and refresh rates are crucial for the best gaming experience.
Monitor | Price Amazon | Size | Resolution | Panel | Refresh Rate | Response Time |
Alienware AW2518HF
-FreeSync |
US | 25” | 2560 x 1080p | TN | 144Hz | 1ms |
Acer Predator XB252Q
– G-Sync |
US | 25” | 2560 x 1080p | TN | 240Hz | 1ms |
ViewSonic XG2530
-FreeSync |
US | 25” | 2560 x 1080p | TN | 144Hz | 1ms |
Best Gaming Monitor to play FPS
First person games require some higher image quality so that you can have the best immersive experience possible.
Monitor | Price Amazon | Size | Resolution | Panel | Refresh Rate | Response Time |
Samsung C32HG70
– FreeSync |
US | 32” | 3440 x 1440p | VA | 144Hz | 4ms |
ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q
– G-Sync |
US | 27” | 3440 x 1440p | IPS | 185Hz | 4ms |
Acer XV273K – FreeSync | US | 27” | 4K | IPS | 144Hz | 4ms |