Buying guide for best gaming monitors
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Written by Megan Prevost
Updated November 2024
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Are you looking for the best gaming monitor to accompany your PC and that extensive Steam library you’ve been working through for years?
To help you find the best gaming monitors, we hands-on tested several popular models in the BestReviews Testing Lab. From popular first-person shooters like Fortnite, Valorant and Counter-Strike to popular graphics-heavy games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, we played them all while keeping an eye out for issues like motion blur, image tearing, lag, latency issues, discoloration, blooming and much more.
Whether you’re upgrading or looking for a new premium monitor like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 or a budget-friendly starter monitor like the Sceptre Curved 24-inch Monitor, we’ve got all the information and insights to help you make the most informed decision for your money. After testing many monitors myself, I think the Acer Nitro XV275 is the best option for most users thanks to its bright 4K display and fast refresh rate for the smoothest gaming experience.
What’s the best gaming monitor on the market?
Acer Nitro XV275 27-inch Gaming Monitor
Best Gaming Monitor
Screen Size: 27” | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 160 Hz | Connectivity: 2 HDMI ports | Ergonomics (Tilt/Swivel/Height Adjustment): -25° to 25° tilt, -25 to 25-degree swivel, 5.7” height adjustment
The Acer Nitro XV275 is a fantastic option for gamers looking to balance a high-quality picture with solid specs. With 4K resolution, 160 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time, this monitor blows the competition out of the water.
In my testing, I specifically loved how rich and vibrant all the colors looked while playing role-playing games, such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. At 4K, my graphics card couldn’t handle the highest frame rate, but the visuals were so stunning that it was hard to resist.
With a refresh rate of 160 Hz, this monitor can get up to 160 frames per second (fps). Depending on your graphics card, you may have to lower the resolution in order to get all these frames.
It takes a top-of-the-line graphics card to support a monitor like this to its full extent. However, given that first-person shooter games are usually not super reliant on graphics, many gamers choose to lower the resolution to 1440p or even 1080p in exchange for higher frame rates, which worked out great for me on this monitor, too.
In testing, I also experienced minimal input lag and minimal motion blur. However, there was some blooming in scenes with a lot of contrast, causing a glow around brighter objects. It wasn’t noticeable enough to be a deal breaker, at least for me.
While the specs and the picture are fantastic on this monitor, the stand was problematic. On my desk, the stand cut into too much of my space, and I could barely fit my keyboard in front of it. However, with a new monitor arm (it’s 75 mm x 75 mm wall mount compatible), this just might be the perfect gaming monitor.
Sceptre Curved 24-inch Monitor
Best Bargain Gaming Monitor
Screen Size: 24” | Resolution: 1080p | Refresh Rate: 75 Hz | Connectivity: 2 HDMI ports; VGA port | Ergonomics (Tilt/Swivel/Height Adjustment): No swivel or height adjustment; 15° backward to 5° tilt
The budget-friendly Sceptre Curved 24-inch Monitor costs less than $100 and is a great option if you’re aiming to upgrade your setup. Whether you’re looking for your first monitor to go with a gaming PC or an external monitor for your gaming laptop, this one is great for the cost.
At under $100, it features a 1080p curved screen, built-in speakers and a refresh rate of 75 Hz. While these aren’t the best specs we’ve ever seen on a gaming monitor, they are the best for a super low cost. I personally loved the 24-inch screen and found it great for first- and third-person shooter gaming. I’m not a professional Fortnite player, so I don’t need more than 60 fps to click heads (or miss them).
Despite its small size, the curved monitor made gaming more immersive, giving me the sensation of being surrounded by the environment. Though the picture quality is nothing to write home about, I didn’t experience much image tear or motion blur, and the colors weren’t overly dull.
While this monitor offers a lot to love, I did have some issues with the Sceptre stand. For one, it doesn’t allow for any adjustment aside from tilt. But my main issue is just how difficult it was to put together. No matter what I tried, I wasn’t able to get the base to connect to the stand arm and had to settle for using the monitor with the arm half connected. I’m not certain if this was user error, but it was definitely not as easy to put together as other monitors I tested, and I spent a good 30 minutes frustrated because of it.
Nevertheless, if you don’t have hundreds of dollars to spend, the Spectre Curved 24-inch Monitor is a great option for a cheap monitor. And if you run into issues with the stand like I did, it’s possible to use a different stand or monitor arm, because it is VESA wall-mount ready.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8
Best Premium Gaming Monitor
Screen Size: 32” | Resolution: 4K OLED | Refresh Rate: 240 Hz | Connectivity (HDMI/DisplayPort/USB-C): DisplayPort and 2 HDMI ports | Ergonomics (Tilt/Swivel/Height Adjustment): 120 mm ±5 height adjustment, -2° to 25° tilt, -30° to +30° swivel; portrait mode
OLED monitors stand in a league of their own: They benefit from sharper image quality, faster refresh rates and wider viewing angles. A perfect example is the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8, an absolute beast of a gaming monitor.
This monitor features a 4K, antiglare OLED screen that is truly outstanding in its quality. Not only that, but it also features a refresh rate of 240 Hz, meaning that you can get high frames per second in ultra-high definition, making for, most likely, the most beautiful display you’ve ever witnessed.
It’s also packed with features, such as Samsung OLED Safeguard+, a dynamic cooling system that reduces the temperature while in use. And it boasts a response time of 0.03 ms, much lower than the typical 1 ms offered on most monitors.
Logo and Taskbar Detection helps to reduce brightness on the logos and taskbars of static images to prevent burn-in. And it’s equipped with NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility to work with your NVIDIA graphics card to even further reduce choppiness, screen lag, image tearing and motion blur. This monitor is not, however, equipped with AMD FreeSync, a major bummer for AMD graphics card users.
No gaming monitor is perfect, and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 isn’t without flaws. This gaming monitor features an AI-powered gaming hub and smart hub, meant to allow easy access to all your downloaded games, as well as TV apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu and more. However, many users cite issues with these AI-powered smart hubs, finding them finicky, difficult to use, laggy or altogether bad.
But if the price for a glorious, beautiful OLED display is a poorly integrated smart system, I think that’s a price worth paying.
Sceptre 27-inch Gaming Monitor
Best Mid-Range Gaming Monitor
Screen Size: 27” | Resolution: 1080p | Refresh Rate: 100 Hz | Connectivity (HDMI/DisplayPort/USB-C): 1 DisplayPort, 2 HDMI ports | Ergonomics (Tilt/Swivel/Height Adjustment): Limited adjustability, tilt only
This Sceptre 27-inch Gaming Monitor comes in at around $100, making it a great choice for anyone looking to stick within a budget. It’s a 27-inch 1080p screen, with a refresh rate of 100 Hz, making it a solid choice for those who play first-person-shooter games.
It also comes with two game modes: one for first-person-shooter games and one for real-time-strategy games. Both of these modes can be used for an enhanced gaming session, meaning you can adjust the color profile and brightness to the best settings in one easy step.
The Sceptre also features built-in speakers, a frameless design, blue light shift (for reducing eye strain) and AMD FreeSync. It does not come with NVIDIA G-SYNC, making this a better option for those with AMD graphics cards.
The stand on this Sceptre monitor is solid. It’s much better than the one on the Sceptre Curved 24-inch Monitor we spoke about above. However, if you don’t like the included stand, it is VESA wall mountable, so it can work with a variety of other third-party mounting options.
If you’re looking for a monitor for around $100 and you favor first-person-shooter games, this would make a great addition to your budget setup. However, you could spend another hundred dollars or so and get an upgraded monitor with a higher resolution. That being said, this is still a great starter option, and its higher than average refresh rate makes it a steal for FPS gamers.
AOC 27-inch Curved Monitor
Best Gaming Monitor for FPS Games
Screen Size: 27” | Resolution: 1080p | Refresh Rate: 240 Hz | Connectivity (HDMI/DisplayPort/USB-C): 2 HDMI ports, 1 DisplayPort | Ergonomics (Tilt/Swivel/Height Adjustment): Height, swivel and tilt adjustable
The AOC 27-inch Curved Monitor features a curvature of 1500R, making for a more immersive gaming experience no matter what type of games you play. With 1080p resolution on the 27-inch screen, you’ll be able to really take advantage of the 240 Hz refresh rate and pull high frames in your favorite first-person shooters.
Featuring an edgeless design and minimal bezels, this monitor is also the perfect choice for your battle station. Lining it up with a second of the same monitor (or even three) will result in an insanely immersive experience.
Fast and responsive, it’s perfect for ensuring you don’t drop any frames or experience any lag. With the aforementioned 240 Hz refresh rate, 0.05 ms response time and onboard AMD FreeSync, you won’t have to worry about input lag, motion blur or any other issues that could result in a missed shot.
The AOC gaming monitor also comes with six game modes, including first-person shooter, racing and real-time-strategy modes, as well as two presets for customizing it to your own favorite games.
This monitor also comes with AOC game color and shadow control, meaning that you can easily adjust the gray levels for better picture details. You can also change the brightness in dark areas, making shadows darker or lighter based on your preferences. You can also easily customize your monitor with the free AOC G-Menu software, allowing you to mess with the levels for the perfect gaming experience.
Samsung 32-inch M8 Monitor
Best Smart Gaming Monitor
Screen Size: 32” | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Connectivity (HDMI/DisplayPort/USB-C): 2 HDMI and 1 USB-C | Ergonomics (Tilt/Swivel/Height Adjustment): Height and swivel adjustable; portrait mode
Powered by AI, the Samsung M8 (or M80D) is an all-in-one streaming TV and monitor boasting an array of smart features to improve your gaming experience.
For starters, it offers AI upscaling software that allows streamed content to turn lower resolution content into 4K content. In testing, I specifically loved that I could easily switch between modes with this monitor. It was great for the type of gaming I love (I played a lot of Cyberpunk 2077 on this thing), and I could also easily swap over and use the monitor for more work-based tasks like joining meetings and multitasking. Then, when I wanted to kick back and watch, say, “Bridgerton,” I could easily access the Smart Hub and stream it in 4K.
While I did love that the monitor comes with features like the Smart Hub, you do have to use the included remote to navigate to your desktop, which can be kind of obnoxious. I think they could have integrated these processes better. And sometimes the Smart Hub can be slow, moving between titles or apps takes a bit longer than it would to just stream them straight from the web browser.
It features a large 32-inch 4K screen and a stylish white bezel and stand. It also includes a remote for easily switching between desktop and smart functions. While this monitor only has a refresh rate of 60 Hz, that’s often enough for graphics-heavy games.
The Samsung M8 also features a slim-fit camera for video chatting with your friends or joining a Zoom call for work in between gaming sessions. All in all, it’s a solid monitor if you’re looking for a large, aesthetically pleasing multifunctional gaming monitor.
Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G65B
Best Curved Gaming Monitor
Screen Size: 32” | Resolution: 1440p | Refresh Rate: 240 Hz | Connectivity (HDMI/DisplayPort/USB-C): 2 HDMI ports | Ergonomics (Tilt/Swivel/Height Adjustment): Tilt, swivel, height and pivot adjustable
If you’re looking for the best gaming monitor with a curved screen, the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G65B might be the right choice for you.
This monitor has a resolution of 1440p (the best resolution for all kinds of gamers, in my opinion) and a super high refresh rate of 240 Hz. With a smooth, low-latency picture, you’ll be able to get high frames and a high-quality image in all types of games, such as first-person shooters and graphics-heavy role-playing games.
This monitor is a great option for those with AMD graphics cards, because it comes with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, syncing your graphics card with the monitor to ensure there’s no image tearing, lag or motion blur, resulting in an ultrasmooth image.
And with the HDR 600 display, you’ll get rich, dark blacks and vibrant colors, really sucking you into the world of whatever game you’re playing, especially with that curved screen.
Like other Samsung monitors we’ve mentioned, this one also features a Smart Hub. Reviewers tend not to like it, though, because there’s often lagging when switching between apps, and users don’t like that you have to go through the Smart Hub in order to get to your desktop.
However, other than that issue, people tend to really love this monitor, which isn’t surprising with its awesome specs and large, curved screen.
Philips 22-inch Thin Full HD Monitor
Best Budget-Friendly Gaming Monitor
Screen Size: 22” | Resolution: 1080p | Refresh Rate: 100 Hz | Connectivity (HDMI/DisplayPort/USB-C): HDMI and VGA | Ergonomics (Tilt/Swivel/Height Adjustment): Not adjustable
If you’re looking for an extremely budget-friendly option for your gaming setup, the Philips 22-inch Thin Full HD Gaming Monitor is a great option. For its cost, around $70, you get a full HD monitor with a refresh rate of 100 Hz, which is higher than most standard monitors.
Thanks to its compact design, this monitor is perfect for a small gaming setup or as an external monitor for your laptop. And while it does have a smaller screen than most, its frameless design and small footprint still pack a powerful punch.
This monitor also offers some excellent features, such as Adaptive Sync, easy reading mode, LowBlue mode and flicker-free technology. With the LowBlue mode, you can reduce the harmful blue light that monitors emit, leading to less eye strain while working and gaming. The Philips monitor also comes with a four-year replacement warranty to cover any issues that may come up with the device.
However, given its size and specs, it may not be for everyone. If you’re looking to play Cyberpunk 2077 with the most detail possible, you should probably skip this one. However, if you’re looking for a cheap monitor with a decent refresh rate to help you shoot guys in Valorant, this might just be the right choice, especially if you’re working with a small space.
Acer KB272 27-inch Monitor
Best Comprehensive Gaming Monitor
Screen Size: 27” | Resolution: 1080p | Refresh Rate: 100 Hz | Connectivity (HDMI/DisplayPort/USB-C): HDMI and VGA | Ergonomics (Tilt/Swivel/Height Adjustment): Tilt adjustable
The Acer KB272 27-inch Monitor is another great option for gamers looking for a higher than average frame rate on a budget. For only $150, this monitor features a 1080p screen with a 100 Hz refresh rate. It has a 1 ms response time and a brightness of 250 nits.
Overall, it’s a decent option for first-person-shooter gamers or those who don’t mind playing in a lower resolution. Of course, there are better monitors out there with higher specs, but not for this price.
This Acer monitor features a number of nice features for gamers. For instance, it has a blue-light filter, helping to reduce the eye strain you may experience during long gaming sessions. It also has AMD FreeSync to help eliminate image tearing and lag issues for a smoother gaming experience. On top of that, the flicker-free software also helps to reduce eye fatigue and image flickering, making for an overall eye-pain-free and smooth feeling while in use.
Like other 1080p monitors we’ve talked about, this may not be the best choice if you’re looking to play games in high quality. If you’re frequently playing new releases that boast stunning graphics, a 1440p or 4K monitor may be a better choice. However, this Acer monitor could be a good choice if you’re on a budget and looking for a solid refresh rate and a focus on eye care.
ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch Monitor
Best Gaming Monitor from a Trusted Brand
Screen Size: 27” | Resolution: 1440p | Refresh Rate: 165 Hz | Connectivity (HDMI/DisplayPort/USB-C): 2 HDMI ports and 1 DisplayPort | Ergonomics (Tilt/Swivel/Height Adjustment): -90° to 90° swivel, -5° to 33° tilt, 90° to -90° pivot and 0 mm to 130 mm height adjustment
The ASUS TUF gaming line is a staple, one you’ll likely see a lot of comments and reviews about in your search to find the best gaming monitor for your setup. It comes highly recommended by many gamers (including myself), and they have tons of different options within that line. My favorite, and the one we tested, was the ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch Monitor (model number VG27AQ).
This monitor features a flat screen (though there are curved options in this line as well) with adjustability in all directions, 1440p resolution and a refresh rate of 165 Hz. The IPS (in-plane switching) display showcases vibrant colors and dark blacks with rich contrast, and the 1440p resolution makes for a sharp and beautiful picture.
Not only that, but the ASUS TUF Gaming monitor also features ELMB SYNC, Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync, and NVIDIA G-SYNC to prevent motion blur, image tearing, and latency issues. There are also multiple HDR modes to choose from depending on the game you’re playing, as well as shadow boost software that makes it easier to see in the dark areas of games like Elden Ring.
For around $300, this high-quality monitor is an excellent choice. It may be more expensive than some of the budget options we discussed, but it’s well worth the price. I actually use a monitor in the ASUS TUF Gaming line as my main gaming monitor, and in my opinion, you can’t go wrong, especially if you’re looking for the best balance of price, specs and features.
How we tested the best gaming monitors
I tested four of the above monitors, playing different games on each while connected to a gaming PC with an AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT graphics card and an AMD Ryzen 7800X3D processor. I played games like Fortnite, Baldur’s Gate 3, Dragon Age Inquisition and many more for approximately eight hours per monitor over the span of a few days.
I also tested for ease of setup, checking the claims about adjustability and connectivity, as well as using different game modes like HDR or FPS-specific modes whenever possible. While playing these games, I kept notes about any visual issues, as well as color and picture quality. If there was any noticeable image tearing or motion blur, I took note of that as well.
Because my gaming setup doubles as a work-from-home setup, too, I also tested how easy it was to switch from work to play. During use, I paid close attention to build quality, stand design and button placement, taking notes on how easy or difficult it was to access certain settings.
Key considerations for gaming monitors
Resolution
A computer monitor’s resolution indicates how many pixels are in its display. The higher the number of pixels, the more colorful and clear the image.
- 1080p (Full HD): Offers good performance with less strain on your GPU. It's a popular choice for competitive gamers who prioritize high frame rates over resolution.
- 1440p (QHD): Strikes a balance between performance and visual quality, suitable for both competitive and casual gaming.
- 2160p (4K): Delivers stunning visual detail but requires a powerful GPU to maintain smooth frame rates at this resolution.
Our top picks: Resolution
- Acer Nitro XV275 27-inch Gaming Monitor: This monitor's combined 4K display and 160 Hz refresh rate make for not only a stunning picture but a super smooth one as well.
- Samsung Odyssey OLED G8: If you’re looking for an extremely stunning display, OLED is the way to go. It’s in a class of its own compared to non-OLED displays.
- ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch: This monitor is only 1440p, but it still has a fantastic display and is a great option if you’re not looking to splurge on a 4K monitor.
Refresh rate
Measured in hertz (Hz), the refresh rate refers to the number of times per second that the display can draw a new image.
- 60 Hz: This is standard for casual gaming or for gamers on a budget.
- 144 Hz or higher: Preferred for competitive gaming, a higher refresh rate provides smoother gameplay and faster response times. High refresh rates are particularly beneficial in fast-paced games.
Our top picks: Refresh rate
- Samsung Odyssey OLED G8: In combination with the OLED 4K display, this monitor also features a refresh rate of 240 Hz, making for the smoothest experience possible.
- AOC 27-inch Curved Monitor: This 1080p monitor features a 240 Hz refresh rate and is a great choice for first-person-shooter gamers looking for a budget-friendly option.
- Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G65B: If you’re looking for a high refresh rate, in this case, 240 Hz and 1440p resolution, the G65B delivers both for a balanced gaming experience no matter what types of games you play.
Response time
Typically measured in milliseconds (ms), the response time of the monitor refers to the time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another.
- 5 ms or less: This is the ideal range for a gaming monitor. Lower response times reduce motion blur and ghosting, which is crucial for fast-paced games. TN (twisted nematic) panels typically offer the fastest response times.
Our top picks: Response time
- Samsung Odyssey OLED G8: This monitor continues to make the top of our lists because of its impressive stats, this time with a 0.03 ms response time, the lowest of any monitor we researched.
- Acer KB272 27” Monitor: This monitor features a 1 ms response time, low enough to reduce issues with motion blur and image tearing without having to break the bank.
- ASUS TUF Gaming 27”: This monitor also features a 1 ms response time, but it also has on-board features like ELMB (extremely low motion blur) to help reduce issues with, you guessed it, motion blur.
Connectivity
Connectivity refers to how well the monitor can connect with another device or network.
- For the best connectivity, ensure the monitor has sufficient ports that match your PC’s output capabilities, including HDMI, DisplayPort and USB ports. Some high-refresh-rate monitors require DisplayPort connections.
Our top picks: Connectivity
- Sceptre 27-inch Gaming Monitor: With a DisplayPort and two HDMI ports, you won’t have to worry about not being able to connect to this budget-friendly monitor.
- AOC 27-inch Curved Monitor: This curved monitor also features one DisplayPort and two HDMI ports. This is great because many graphics cards feature both DisplayPort and HDMI port connectivity as well.
- Samsung 32-inch M8: The Samsung M8 features two HDMI ports and a USB-C port, which we didn’t see on any of the monitors we tested. If you need a USB-C connection, this is a great option.
Size and curvature
Many gamers love feeling totally immersed in the world they’re exploring on the screen, and the best way to achieve that is with a large screen and a curved monitor.
- Size: Monitors typically range from 24 inches to 32 inches. The ideal size often depends on your desk space and how close you sit to the screen. However, in our testing, we found that the larger screens provided us with a more immersive experience.
- Curved vs. flat: Curved monitors have sides that curve in so you can catch any action happening in your peripheral vision. They offer a more immersive experience, especially at larger sizes or with ultra-wide aspect ratios. Flat screens require your eyes to move a lot more to see everything going on and are typically more affordable than curved options,
Our top picks: Size and curvature
- Samsung 32-inch M8: This 32-inch monitor is a game changer compared to the standard 27-inch monitor. I felt incredibly immersed and loved the bigger space.
- Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G65B: If you’re looking for a 32-inch curved monitor, this one is a great option, providing full immersion with both a large screen and a curve.
- Sceptre Curved 24-inch Monitor: Curved monitors don’t have to cost an arm and a leg, and this one doesn’t, making it a great option for those looking to add a curved screen on a budget.
HDR and color performance
When you’re gaming, you want the best picture quality to make the onscreen action come to life in vibrant colors and sharp details.
- HDR: High Dynamic Range increases the visual quality by enhancing the contrast and color range. Check if the monitor supports HDR and meets at least VESA's DisplayHDR standards.
- Color gamut: Look for a monitor that covers a wide color gamut, such as 100% sRGB or more, for better color accuracy and vibrancy.
Our top picks: HDR and Color performance
- Samsung Odyssey OLED G8: Nothing does colors better than an OLED, and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 proves that. This monitor has rich blacks and ultra-vibrant colors, making for a truly glorious display that can’t be beat.
- ASUS TUF Gaming 27-inch: This gaming monitor features multiple different HDR modes you can swap into depending on the game you’re playing. I especially loved the FPS mode and the shadow-boost mode.
- AOC 27-inch Curved Monitor: This budget-friendly monitor features three different modes, FPS, racing and RTS. You can also program your own modes with the two blank presets, changing the settings for whatever games you play the most.
Our expertise
I’ve been a gamer since I was about 10 years old and got into PC gaming in 2019. I currently rock a two-monitor setup that features an ASUS TUF Gaming 32-inch curved monitor (1440p and 165 Hz) and a Dell monitor that I can’t remember the name of (it’s old and, honestly, not that good). But I’ve also used budget-friendly monitors like the Koorui line and Sceptre.
And while I play mostly graphics-heavy games (currently loving Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 if you couldn’t tell), I also dabble in first-person-shooter games like Fortnite. Overall, I have a ton of experience in gaming, with thousands of hours over hundreds of games on Steam, and I’ve used more monitors than any sane person probably should.
