To make the most of your gaming PC, you need a monitor that can keep up, providing a crisp display with motion fidelity to play all of the best PC games as intended. Our favorite monitor for the job is the Gigabyte FO32U2 Pro. But if you don’t have the setup or budget to take on that wildly capable 4K monitor just yet, we’ve found nine top displays, ensuring one suits your needs.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming Monitors:
- Gigabyte FO32U2 Pro – Best overall
- Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS – Best budget monitor
- RedMagic 4K Gaming Monitor – Best 4K
- AOC Agon Pro AG456UCZD – Best ultrawide
- HP Omen 27qs – Best for esports
- Dell Alienware AW2725DF – Best 1440p
- Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM – Best 1080p
- MSI MPG Artymis 273CQRX-QD – Best curved
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 – Best super ultrawide
- LG UltraGear 48GQ900-B – Best OLED
- Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q – Best FreeSync
The best gaming monitors deliver stunning picture quality, speedy response times, and a host of gaming features to show off all the capabilities of the rig you’ve invested in. So, whether you’re after best budget gaming monitor while you save up for a new CPU or GPU, or an absolute beast of a display to help you reach the top of the leaderboards in Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 3, we’ve tested and researched a range of options, bringing you the best of the best.
Looking for savings? Be sure to check out the best gaming monitor deals happening right now.
The Best Gaming Monitors 2024
1. Gigabyte FO32U2 Pro
The best gaming monitor
If you want proof that OLED is the new mainstream in the best gaming monitors, just take a look at the Gigabyte FO32U2 Pro. This is a gorgeous 32-inch 4K gaming monitor with an extremely thin panel and one of the brightest displays we've ever had the pleasure of using. And while it is a bit on the pricey side, the best is never the cheapest option, and you'll be well rewarded for the money you invest in this gorgeous piece of kit.
This gaming monitor is extremely forward-facing too. While most of the best graphics cards aren't really able to drive a 4K gaming monitor at 240Hz, the Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2 supports that high refresh rate anyways. That means even after upgrading your PC a few times over the next few years, you won't really need to buy an all-new gaming monitor for a very long time. Hell, this monitor supports DisplayPort 2.1 technology, which isn't even in most current-generation gaming PCs right now. This gaming monitor will definitely set you up for the future.
But even in the current day, the gorgeous OLED panel is extremely color accurate. Supporting up to 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, you'd be hard pressed to find any screen with better color representation, at least without forking over the cash for a display meant for creative professionals. Combine that with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits and a contrast ratio of 1.5M:1 and this will make any game, movie, or even your desktop seem like it's popping off of your screen.
Of course, because it's a flagship gaming monitor in 2024, it also features quality-of-life features like picture-in-picture and an automatic black equalizer that'll help you tune how your monitor looks. You can even download the Gigabyte Control Center, plug the monitor into an open USB port (in addition to your standard HDMI/DP port, obviously), and control image settings on your desktop rather than fiddling with an OSD.
This is a dream gaming monitor, and while it's a bit expensive, you're genuinely getting what you pay for.
2. Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS
Best budget gaming monitor
It seems like just a few years ago, if your budget for a new gaming monitor was "under $300," you were setting yourself up to make compromises on image quality and refresh rate just to save a buck. And while that's still a little bit true, the Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS certainly punches above its weight class.
This is a budget gaming monitor with a Fast IPS panel, supporting a 1440p resolution paired with a 180Hz refresh rate. And, sure, there are definitely faster monitors out there, but 180Hz is a nice sweet spot if you're not going for an all-out esports monitor. It definitely feels a little too good to be true for the money you're paying for this monitor.
But if you look closely, you can see where Asus made little compromises to bring the price tag down. The design is a little 2019, with a thick plastic build and no RGB lighting to be found. That latter part may even be a selling point for folks that don't like the bright colorful lights on their desk. But either way, if you look at some of the more expensive gaming monitors coming out this year, this display looks like a gaming monitor, at least until you turn it on and start playing games on it.
Luckily, the Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS has it where it counts: gaming performance. The IPS panel has some impressive color accuracy, hitting 100% and 91% of the sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamuts, respectively. That would usually be nothing to write home about, but the lower price tag is a huge point in this monitor's favor. And while this is an edge-lit display, it is using the backlight strobing tech that makes Asus' more premium gaming monitors so good at higher framerates.
There are so many gaming monitors out there at this price range, but it's hard to find much to complain about with the Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS.
3. RedMagic 4K Gaming Monitor
Best 4K gaming monitor
- See it on Red Magic (out of stock)
4K monitors are here to stay, and the RedMagic 4K Gaming Monitor is an absolute knockout. It’s one of the best 27-inch monitors you can buy and that size pairs perfectly with that ultra-sharp resolution–say goodbye to pixel peeping.
Its color accuracy is up there with the best of them, so you’ll see content exactly as the creator intended. And we’d be remiss not to mention top-tier color gamut support for 100% of sRGB and DCI-P3, as well as 99% of AdobeRGB. Our jaws dropped over just how punchy and impactful the colors could be.
This display has a stunning mini LED panel that gets plenty bright, even in SDR mode with local dimming off, so feel free to plop this monitor in sunlit rooms. We did notice the all-too-familiar IPS glow, but by turning on local dimming the contrast improves immensely for richer details. HDR kicks things up further, delivering deep blacks and vivid colors in HDR games. However, the black levels still can’t compete with the best OLED monitors. And no matter the mode, we noticed some blooming around bright objects in darker scenes.
Those slight flaws can be forgiven thanks to the RedMagic’s gaming chops. The 160Hz refresh rate in 4K isn’t the fastest. So, we found a few smaller details in certain fast-paced games harder to see. But unless you’ve got a high-end PC, your setup probably can’t even hit those frame rates just yet. Still, the action appears buttery smooth for the most part, and aiding in that solid motion clarity is Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync compatibility. The display even has several pixel response time modes, though the “Ultra Fast” mode comes at the expense of image quality.
Admittedly, the RedMagic 4K Gaming Monitor lacks any real flair in terms of the build, with a sturdy plastic chassis that seems a little cheap and basic compared to other brands' offerings. There aren’t even speakers, so you’ll need to invest in some computer speakers. At least RedMagic was more generous with connectivity, including a DisplayPort 1.4, a USB-C, and even two HDMI 2.1 to make the most of the next-gen consoles.
4. AOC Agon Pro AG456UCZD
The best ultrawide gaming monitor
Ultrawide monitors have been around for a while and have become staples in the world of PC gaming. The AOC Agon Pro AG456UCZD shows just how far this display mode has come, pairing its high 3,440 x 1,440 resolution with a gorgeous OLED panel. As with any OLED gaming monitor, you get extremely deep blacks and bright colors, and because this display supports HDR 10, you can enable HDR no matter what device you pair it with.
The only real downside is the price. AOC is asking a whopping $1,399 for this Agon display, which is more than a lot of the best monitors out there right now. For that money, though, you'd be hard pressed to find a monitor that can match the image quality the AG456UCZD offers, even if the larger screen size diminishes the pixel density.
5. HP Omen 27qs
Best esports gaming monitor
In esports, speed is key, and the HP Omen 27qs has it on lock with a 240Hz refresh rate that'll let you cruise through maps while catching all the visual detail you need to get the drop on your opponents. It hits those high frames at a sharp 1140p resolution, and when your screen and GPU struggle to keep a consistent frame rate, FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync compatibility will step in with motion clarity assistance.
This 27-inch monitor uses a fast IPS panel that produces a bright and colorful picture. It’s even HDR certified, though that shouldn’t be the reason you purchase this monitor. The mediocre contrast ratio and hazy IPS glow also mean it’s not ideal for darker scenes. But given the price tag, these minor flaws can be forgiven.
6. Dell Alienware AW2725DF
Best 1440p gaming monitor
At well under $1,000, the Dell Alienware AW2725DF makes for a solid gaming monitor. It features an extremely fast 360Hz refresh rate, incredibly low input lag, and crisp, bright images. For gamers who prefer a slightly smaller screen, this monitor is the perfect size to still achieve that immersiveness that those AAA titles deserve.
While there is some noticeable VRR flicker when changing frame rates, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks of this gaming monitor. If you’re looking for a high-end monitor that delivers outstanding picture quality and deep blacks, the Dell Alienware AW2725DF is a solid choice, even in brighter rooms.
7. Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM
Best 1080p gaming monitor
People might be clamoring over 4K displays and 1440p has a home in the hearts of many gamers trying to balance visual quality with value, but 1080p monitors still have their place. The Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM is a prime example where FHD fits in because, for less than $300, you get a screen that delivers an overclockable 240Hz refresh rate, a one-millisecond response time, and low input lag, which will see your games run as smooth as hot butter. FreeSync support and G-Sync compatibility also ensure your monitor and GPU are on the same team for visuals that look great without tearing.
The Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM stretches its 1080p picture across a 27-inch screen, which is reasonable for the resolution. Although, you may do some pixel peeping in exchange for a more immersive viewing experience. Its IPS panel offers decent viewing angles and color reproduction, while the 400-nit brightness means you can use it in brighter spaces. There’s even display DisplayHDR 400 certification, but given there’s no local dimming and a mediocre contrast ratio, HDR support shouldn’t be why you buy this monitor.
Some other quality-of-life boxes can get ticked off, too, with a height-adjustable, pivoting stand, two HDMI ports, and one DisplayPort for ample connectivity opportunities.
8. MSI MPG Artymis 273CQRX-QD
Best curved gaming monitor
Curved monitors sometimes give you leg up against competitors, as the screen pairs perfectly with your field of vision. Our favorite happens to be the MSI MPG Artymis 273CQRX-QD, a curved monitor from MSI that features quantum dot screen technology. Simply put, this monitor is going to be more color-accurate and immersive than any other gaming monitor out there, especially in its price range.
This MSI Artymis gaming monitor features a 1000R curvature and a 1440p VA panel that offers incredibly deep blacks. It also features FreeSync, which is perfect if you're using an AMD graphics card like the AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT. This is easily the best curved gaming monitor you can get, especially under a thousand bucks.
9. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
Best super ultrawide gaming monitor
With the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9, you get a super ultrawide monitor, and it’s not just “super” because of how wide it is, but also because of how powerful it is. Samsung delivers an insanely stretched-out 48.8-inch display panel that’s effectively two 1440p monitors side by side without a gap in between. The display has an incredibly tight 1000R curvature that keeps it nice and close to your eyes from one side to the other.
Samsung has stuffed this thing to the gills, too. The display is lit with intense Mini LED backlights that deliver a 2,000-nit peak brightness — something you’ll be hard-pressed to find on just about any other screen. That brightness pairs with the strong contrast and broad color of the QLED panel in front of those Mini LEDs. You can take all the gorgeous gaming visuals this monitor can display for a high-speed cruise thanks to the monitor’s 240Hz refresh rate. And, since 5,120 x 1,440 won’t be the easiest resolution for any computer to drive, FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync compatibility will help keep the visuals neat and tidy.
10. LG UltraGear 48GQ900
Best OLED gaming monitor
If you’re looking to use your new consoles on a monitor rather than a gaming TV, you’ll want to do it with the LG UltraGear 48GQ900. This monitor brings some high-end gaming chops, like VRR, a 0.1ms response, and a 120Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 138Hz) for some of the smoothest, blur-free action out there. And you won’t need to swap around cables when switching between PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or a gaming PC thanks to its inclusion of three HDMI 2.1 ports and a DisplayPort connection.
The LG UltraGear 48GQ900 offers a massive 47.5-inch OLED panel, so you’ll enjoy all the benefits of true blacks, infinite contrast, and eye-popping color for deep immersion in all of the action. The only area where this display struggles is brightness in certain scenes, but it’s still a brilliant display to enjoy 4K gaming on your next-gen console.
11. Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q
Best FreeSync gaming monitor
The Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q is the perfect companion to your AMD graphics, as it’s packing FreeSync Premium to ensure your monitor and GPU are playing nicely. Given how hard it’ll be to run games at the speedy 165Hz/1440p that this monitor is capable of, FreeSync Premium comes into play to keep each frame intact. For more insurance that you’ll enjoy some butter-smooth gameplay, there’s also a 1ms response time.
Using an IPS panel with mini LED technology, the Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q delivers a wild contrast ratio and impressive HDR performance thanks to its 576 local dimming zones. You’ll be immersed in deep blacks and vibrant color with its wide color gamut and 10-bit color support. This FreeSync monitor even pumps out brightness hitting 1,200 nits in HDR mode.
Where to get the best gaming monitors in the UK
We've mentioned several brilliant screens on this list, which range from the most affordable all the way up to the juggernaut sets for those who love to take in every single detail. Thankfully, all of the displays mentioned can be found in UK retailers, and we've just so happened to track them down to save you the trouble of a time-consuming Google search.
How to Choose a Gaming Monitor
We'll go over the three essential things you should consider in a gaming monitor: screen size, resolution, and aspect ratio. We’ll also briefly explain a few of the more technical aspects of computer display, such as panel types, refresh rate, and the variable refresh rate technologies available today.
Screen size: “How big?” will probably be the first question, and the answer really comes down to your unique situation. Are you in a tiny dorm with barely any room, or are you looking to get a 43-inch gaming monitor to replace your TV?
How you answer will ultimately determine the display size you need. But if you’re looking for some basic guidelines on screen sizes, 24- to 27-inch displays will satisfy most gamers. Those looking for a more immersive experience might be interested in a 32-inch or larger screen. As with most things, gaming monitors will usually become more expensive as you go up in size.
Aspect ratio: The aspect ratio of your monitor is closely related to its size because it determines which shape your display will have. The majority of monitors fall into the widescreen category with their 16:9 aspect ratio. Ultrawide displays have been rising in popularity recently, and these screens often feature the 21:9 aspect ratio you would typically see at the movie theater. Modern displays have only been getting even wider and there’s a growing crop of 32:9 displays as well.
Screen resolution: This determines how sharp your gaming monitor will be and, for the most part, there are three choices: Full HD (1,920 x 1,080), Quad HD (2,560 x 1,440), and Ultra HD or 4K (3,840 x 2,160). Like screen size, as the numbers go up so does the price, and they'll require a higher-end graphics card if you hope to maintain a high frame rate.
Panel type: Although most monitors might look the same on the surface, a few different panel types offer specific benefits and shortcomings. Twisted Nematic (TN) panels are the most basic and common panel you’ll come across, delivering the fastest response times of 1ms often at the cost of duller colors, grayer black levels, and poor viewing angles.
In-Plane Switching (IPS) is the next-most prevalent type of display and it’s basically the opposite of a TN panel. Rather than focusing on speed, IPS panels are known for rendering excellent colors and contrast while offering wider viewing angles in exchange for slightly slower response time, usually hovering around 3–5ms.
Lastly, Vertical Alignment (VA) panels are becoming increasingly common and they essentially split the difference between TN and IPS panels, offering great image quality with decently quick response times. VA panels aren’t perfect, though. Sometimes fast-moving objects will give off ghosting effects due to the slower response time.
If you want a responsive experience, it’s best to pick one with a fast response time, which is a measure of how quickly a pixel can change from the brightest to the darkest (white to black) color.
Response time: Competitive shooters and MoBAs demand the quickest response times, so it’s best to play these types of games on monitors that offer a 1ms response time. Playing indie games and most single-player experiences shouldn’t be a problem on a display with a response time between 3-5ms — and it's pretty much impossible to find a monitor slower than this.
Refresh rate: This is another important measure of how responsive the display is, and it defines how often your screen can display a completely new image — essentially, it dictates your frame rate. 60Hz is the standard refresh rate for silky smooth PC gaming, but there’s a long list of monitor options that feature even higher refresh rates of 120Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz, 360Hz and even up to 500Hz.
Basically, the higher the refresh rates, the more times the image on your screen will update every second, resulting in a smoother gameplay experience. Beyond the visual appeal of high refresh rate displays, they can be useful for gamers who need to keep up with the rapid movements competitive games demand. Generally, you’ll be at an advantage if you see your opponents and react before they do.
G-Sync vs FreeSync: Variable refresh rate (VRR) technology is a fairly recent invention and it ensures you have a consistently smooth and responsive gaming experience. Currently, there are two flavors of VRR, Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, and they come with the prerequisite that you own a compatible graphics card from the corresponding brand. Nvidia GeForce cards allow you to enable VRR on any FreeSync monitor, but your results will vary.
At the most basic level, VRR syncs your monitor’s refresh rate with the number of frames your GPU outputs. This prevents screen tearing caused by the graphics card feeding your display multiple frames while it's in the middle of refreshing its picture. If your graphics card is running your game at 60fps, you’ll see your monitor refresh at exactly 60Hz with wonderfully smooth gameplay.
Our only other piece of advice when buying a gaming monitor is to make sure your video card can handle the resolution and refresh rate of the display you’re considering. It would be a waste of money to buy a 4K monitor when your GPU can only handle 1080p gaming.
Gaming Monitor vs. Gaming TV
Choosing a display to game with depends on personal preference and how you want to play. Below, we discuss gaming monitors vs. TVs.
Gaming monitors are often much smaller than TVs and usually live on a gaming desk with you sitting just a couple of feet away. Most have ergonomic stands, letting you adjust the height, swivel, and tilt to find a good viewing angle, which also makes it easier to hook up multiple monitors. The best ultrawide monitors immerse you in the game by stretching your field of vision.
TVs come in much larger sizes and rest on a TV stand or mounted on a wall, ready to be viewed from a distance. Most TVs offer a fairly basic stand with limited to no adjustments, making them much harder to see when they’re on a desk.
Both monitors and TVs have their own advantages when it comes to image quality. Mid-range and high-end TVs excel in brightness, contrast, and color thanks to their OLED panels or Mini-LED backlights. That also lets them take on HDR content better than many monitors. However, some 4K monitors can keep up and often deliver even more sharpness.
As for gaming performance, you want a display with a low input lag, high refresh rate, and soild pixel response times. Generally, this is where monitors go a notch above even the best 4K TVs.
The majority of monitors offer a super low input lag, often adding just a few milliseconds delay between the input and the input appearing on screen. TVs are hit or miss, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing.
As for refresh rate, even budget monitors hit high frame rates, though you sacrifice resolution. At this point, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a gaming monitor with a refresh rate below 120Hz, with some going up to 360Hz or even 500Hz. There’s also probably some type of VRR baked in for the smoothest frames possible. Gaming TVs still lag behind, with most 4K options landing on either 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rates, while adaptive sync technology is sometimes included.
Then there’s pixel response time, which is essential to avoid ghosting on screen. Both monitors and TVs perform similarly, though OLED panels often seen in TVs have an almost instantaneous response time.
When purchasing a display, the price comes into play, and gaming monitors often provide better value. You can find monitors for $200 that still offer a wealth of gaming features, including a high refresh rate and adaptive sync. TVs around that same price are more than likely going to lack any type of gaming features. Even budget gaming TVs will set you back a good chunk of change with still limited gaming features.
Gaming Monitor FAQ
What's the difference between G-Sync and FreeSync?
FreeSync and G-Sync are similar, using VRR technologies to synchronize the refresh rate of the display and the frame rate of the PC or console you’re gaming on. Both types of monitors have the same VESA Adaptive-Sync technical standard, and most FreeSync displays work as G-Sync-compatible, or vice versa, even if manufacturers can’t make the claim outright.
The only exceptions are G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate monitors, which require additional hardware, only work with Nvidia GPUs, and handle adaptive sync through a display’s entire refresh rate — other VRR usually taps out around 48Hz. That means these monitors are often pricier.
What’s the best resolution for a gaming monitor?
The ideal resolution for your display really depends on your needs. If you’re after ultra-high refresh rates or have a more modest graphics card, 1080p is the way to go. These monitors are also going to be the most budget-friendly option.
For those that prefer a stunning, crisp display, 4K monitors keep pixel peeping to a minimum and are ideal for a 27-inch screen size or bigger. However, you won’t hit 500Hz like some Full HD offerings, and to enjoy a speedy refresh rate – like the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM offers – you need to be willing to drop a good chunk of change. Driving those high frame rates will also be taxing on your system.
That leads us to the perfect middle ground: a 1440p display. You’ll enjoy a sharper resolution than 1080p, and hit impressively high frame rates. You will still need a mid-range or better graphics card, but if you have the hardware, these monitors are great for competitive gaming. Plus, you’ll find they’re often cheaper than UHD options.
Is HDR worth it?
HDR, or High Dynamic Range typically brings more vivid colors, improved brightness, and better contrast than SDR, or Standard Dynamic Range on supported monitors, making images pop. In HDR games, that increased clarity provides richer details for a more enjoyable viewing experience and can possibly give you an edge over opponents. For those who gravitate towards those cinematic games, it’s worth it to find a solid HDR monitor.
However, not all monitors that claim HDR support deliver a true HDR experience, so finding an option with ample local dimming zones and high peak brightness or an OLED panel is your best bet to make the most of HDR. Check out our guide on HDR for more info.
Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra
