The 10 Best Gaming Monitors, From Beginner Screens to Units Made for Pros
While looks may not always be important, they certainly matter when it comes to gaming monitors. So, what exactly is a gaming monitor? It is an advanced output device that allows you to play the most popular video games and the latest independent titles with the best, clearest images. In other words, having a state-of-the-art computer is not enough; you also need a high-tech screen to maximize your gaming experience.
Over the last few years, gaming monitors have become increasingly prevalent in the gaming world, with most electronic manufacturers offering their own version of the device. However, with so many options to choose from, finding the best gaming monitor for you can be challenging. Fortunately, we are here to help.
Whether you are a beginner in gaming or have a high-end PC, these are the best gaming monitors to consider purchasing right now. But before you make your decision, there are a few things you should consider:
Panel Type: Frame rates are critical in gaming and can make or break your gaming experience. Adaptive sync technology such as G-Sync and Freesync can help mitigate screen tearing issues. While both are useful, G-Sync monitors require extensive testing to be certified, making them more expensive.
Refresh Rate: A monitor’s refresh rate determines how many times it can refresh the screen per second, and a higher refresh rate is better for gaming as it allows you to see what’s happening more quickly.
Resolution: The higher the resolution, the more detailed and engaging your gaming experience will be.
Response Time: This refers to the time it takes for a pixel to change from one thing to another, and a lower response time is better for a crisp image without ghosting or motion blur.
In the competitive digital universe of gaming, looks do matter, so it’s important to choose a gaming monitor that meets your needs and preferences.
Best Overall Gaming Monitor
Alienware 34” Curved Gaming Monitor
This staggeringly designed curved unit from Alienware earns our top spot because it’s about as perfect a monitor as can be. The OLED display allows for a slim panel that doesn’t skimp on a vibrant picture, while the low latency connection and G-Sync ensures you won’t miss a frame during the most heated moments. It also includes a plug-in for just about every kind of cord imaginable and boasts an expert management system to keep everything organized. If your priority is quality, you’ve come to the right place.
Screen Size: 34 inches.
Panel Type: G-Sync.
Refresh Rate: 175 hertz.
Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440 pixels.
Best Gaming Monitor for Consoles
Samsung 32” Odyssey Neo G7 Gaming Monitor
Samsung’s Odyssey Neo G7 is ideal for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X for many different reasons. With a native 16:9 aspect ratio on its 32-inch screen, it offers the perfect display for consoles, allowing you to leverage the latest HDMI technology. This means you can get a 4K picture at 120 hertz to ensure titles such as God of War Ragnarök or Halo Infinite look the best they can look. Additionally, the monitor is slightly curved, so it will help you with eye strain.
Screen Size: 32 inches.
Panel Type: G-Sync.
Refresh Rate: 165 hertz.
Resolution: 5,120 x 1,440 pixels.
Best Standard Curved Gaming Monitor
Dell 32” Curved Gaming Monitor
Why a curved monitor? Well, the shape helps bring you closer to the gaming experience; the slight angle helps to fill the full viewing range, allowing for a more immersive experience. This Dell monitor includes a QHD (quad HD) display to render those images in crisp detail, which means your Call of Duty: Warzone experience is going to feel even more vivid than ever before. Other notable features include a 165-hertz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync, and flicker-free display.
Screen Size: 32 inches.
Panel Type: FreeSync.
Refresh Rate: 165 hertz.
Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 pixels.
Best Cult-Favorite Gaming Monitor
Gigabyte 32” M32U Gaming Monitor
There’s a solid chance you’ve never heard of Gigabyte, as the Taiwanese manufacturer isn’t a household name. But don’t let the lack of familiarity hold you back from considering its impressive 4K gaming monitor, which has plenty of strong features gamers will love: a 144-hertz refresh rate, adaptive sync, a 32-inch screen, the ability to wall mount, and plenty of connection ports. Sharply designed, the M32U is a cult-favorite that’s worth considering.
Screen Size: 32 inches.
Panel Type: FreeSync.
Refresh Rate: 144 hertz.
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels.
Best Gaming Monitor for Professionals
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Curved Gaming Monitor
Looking to be all-in and go all-out? The buck stops at Samsung’s Odyssey Neo G9 curved gaming monitor. It’s got everything a pro gamer could want: a premium monitor that includes an ultrawide display at 48.8-inches (it’s basically two 1440p screens stitched together into one) with a curve that keeps the image right in your eyeline. The QLED panel is the same tech that Samsung loads into its television sets, so prepare yourself for the best picture quality around. Oh, and the FreeSync and G-Sync will keep everything crystal clear; say goodbye to tearing and distortions.
Screen Size: 48.8 inches.
Panel Type: G-Sync and FreeSync.
Refresh Rate: 240 hertz.
Resolution: 5,120 x 1,440 pixels.
Best Mounted Gaming Monitor
HyperX 27” Armada Gaming Monitor
With an attached desk mount, this option from HyperX is great for those who are tight on space and want to add a second monitor with ease. The brand is known for its gaming devices, and the Armada—with its high-resolution, 27-inch screen, 165-hertz refresh rate, and one millisecond response time—definitely delivers. The G-Sync also prevents screen-tearing, while the QHD and DisplayHDR 400 color contrast ensures a vivid picture for all your favorite titles. Oh, and two units can be easily placed next to one another if you want to double up.
Screen Size: 27 inches.
Panel Type: G-Sync.
Refresh Rate: 165 hertz.
Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 pixels.
Best Monitor for Competitive Gamers
MSI QHD Rapid-IPS Gaming Monitor
If you’re sitting down to play any Esports game, the MSI QHD monitor should be your first and only pick. As the official gaming partner of the ESL Pro League, this unit is built with the pros in mind. It features a 27-inch, rapid IPS screen at 165 hertz, along with a one millisecond response time. A vivid image, bolstered by a QHD picture, ensures your pixels are extra colorful, so you don’t miss a single detail while playing Overwatch 2 or Destiny 2. Because missing that critical point-capture can make the difference between victory and defeat in competitive gaming.
Screen Size: 27 inches.
Panel Type: G-Sync.
Refresh Rate: 165 hertz.
Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 pixels.
Best Gaming Monitor with Impressive Sound
Acer Predator X34 Curved Gaming Monitor
Acer’s Predator line takes after the titular cinematic beast—it’s not to be messed with. Every single bit of Predator tech is deeply impressive—especially the X34 gaming monitor, which includes a rich contrast and brightness ratio for striking colors, a 144-hertz refresh rate that can be overclocked to 180 hertz should you need it, and a wider curved display for an immersive experience. It also includes 7-watt speakers that are so powerful that there’s no need for separate audio.
Screen Size: 34 inches.
Panel Type: G-Sync.
Refresh Rate: 144 hertz.
Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440 pixels.
Best Mid-Priced Gaming Monitor
ViewSonic OMNI XG2431 Gaming Monitor
Just because something is budget-friendly doesn’t mean it skimps on the quality or features, which is why the ViewSonic OMNI monitor is on this list. Priced under $300, the monitor includes a 240-hertz refresh rate, ergonomic design, eye-strain-reduction technology, built-in speakers, and more. The 16:9, 24-inch screen works well for consoles or PC gaming, and pre-set visual customization modes will help your favorite games shine without having to tinker around with the settings for too long.
Screen Size: 24 inches.
Panel Type: FreeSync.
Refresh Rate: 240 hertz.
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels.
Best Budget-Friendly Gaming Monitor
Acer Nitro XF243Y Gaming Monitor
Priced at under $200, this full HD monitor from Acer is great for pairing with a gaming laptop or using it as a secondary screen for streaming. If you’re just starting out and don’t want to burn a hole in your wallet, the Nitro is a safe bet. It supports FreeSync, ensuring there aren’t any missed frames, and features an ergonomic design that allows you to position the screen in a way that works best for your needs. Plus, you can also mount it on a wall.
Screen Size: 23.8 inches.
Panel Type: FreeSync.
Refresh Rate: 165 hertz.
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels.
