A good gaming PC monitor is a window into your gaming rig. It lets you see every pixel of your game. If it’s showing you anything less than the best experience for your PC, your gameplay is not going to be as enjoyable as it could be.
For example, if you’re stuck in the past and playing games on a 60 Hz monitor, you should probably upgrade to a 144 Hz monitor or better. This is especially true if you’re a competitive gamer, or if you want to future-proof your monitor.
One thing to remember, today’s best monitors require the best graphics cards (GPU) to get the most display potential out of them. For those lucky enough to own an Nvidia RTX 3080Ti or AMD RX 6000-series graphics card, it’s worth investing in the best 4K monitors available because your gameplay will benefit from the monitor’s full display potential.
If you’re getting a 4K monitor, and decide to upgrade your graphics card too, then at a minimum you should consider the Nvidia RTX 2080 or Radeon RX 5700 series graphics cards.
Even if you’re a regular on 4K TVs, it can be tricky to find a good-quality 4K gaming monitor that’s also within your budget. That’s why we’ve tested a number of monitors this year to make sure you don’t spend hundreds of dollars on a subpar model.
Gigabyte M32U [Best Value 4K Monitor]
Screen Size = 32 inches
Resolution = 3840 x 2160
Panel Type = IPS
Aspect Ratio = 16:9
Refresh Rate = 144 Hz
Response Time = 1 ms
The M32U is a good choice for both PC gamers and Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 owners. It has a large screen with great resolution and color fidelity, plus it has a super-fast refresh rate and response time that should please all but the most demanding gamers. And it’s affordable too!
This 4K monitor may be pricey, but compared to other 4K monitors with this sort of feature set, it’s practically a steal.
Pixio PX277 Prime [Best Budget Monitor]
Screen Size = 27 inches
Resolution = 2560 x 1440
Panel Type = VA
Aspect Ratio = 16:9
Refresh Rate = 165 Hz (FreeSync Premium & G-Sync Compatible)
Response Time = 1 ms
FreeSync technology is something every gamer should consider for tear-free gaming (if your GPU supports it). The Pixio PX277 Prime is an excellent choice for PC gamers and those who enjoy watching movies too. That’s because it’s a 1440P panel that provides stable frames at 165 Hz. It has a thin bezel, and anti-glare screen, which is always a plus in our book.
However, the build quality of this monitor isn’t as sturdy as higher-end monitors. This monitor is for those looking for performance on a budget, minus all the other premium features.
LG 27GN950-B [Fastest 4K Monitor]
Screen Size = 27 inches
Resolution = 3840 x 2160
Panel Type = Nano IPS
Aspect Ratio = 16:9
Refresh Rate = 144 Hz (FreeSync Premium Pro & G-Sync Compatible)
Response Time = 1 ms
Premium gaming is done in 4K but you need a lot of rendering power to hit good frame rates. It can be a reality if you own a top-tier graphics card like the RTX 3080, RTX 3090, or RX 6800XT.
The LG 27GN950-B is the first 4K Nano IPS 1 ms gaming monitor. It’s designed to show off your powerful graphics card better than any other PC gaming monitor. It’s kind of crazy for a 4K monitor to have a 144 Hz refresh rate, and 1ms response time.
What’s most impressive however is the tech that offers such a wide color range and better viewing angles. The Nano IPS panels of the LG 27GN950-B are excellent, netting nice colors and contrasts for your gaming pleasure.
This LG monitor is the best gaming monitor you can buy, hands down.
Acer Predator X38 [Best Curved Monitor]
Screen Size = 37.5 inches
Resolution = 3840 x 1600
Panel Type = IPS
Aspect Ratio = 24:9
Refresh Rate = 144 Hz (G-Sync Ultimate)
Response Time = 1 ms
The Acer Predator X38 curved gaming PC monitor is designed for intense, immersive, and surreal gaming entertainment. This curved gaming monitor offers a new perspective and all-around kick-butt gaming experience for the hardest of hardcore gamers.
With its curvature radius, you’ll have a completely different view of everything around you, making it possible to play games with more natural movement and action. The Acer Predator X38 is built with a high-end, professional design for gamers that demand the best, and don’t play around . . .
Not only does this curved gaming monitor perform flawlessly it also looks good. We particularly like the wide view giving you a ton of gaming real estate which engulfs your entire view. The thin bezel is also a nice design element, which is always welcome.
ROG Swift PG259QN [Best 360 Hz Monitor]
Screen Size = 24 inches
Resolution = 1920 x 1080
Panel Type = IPS
Aspect Ratio = 16:9
Refresh Rate = 360 Hz (G-Sync)
Response Time = 1 ms
The ROG Swift PG259QN is a lighting fast gaming PC monitor for those on the hunt for the ultimate in gaming performance. If you’re upgrading from a 60 Hz gaming monitor and your GPU can handle it, you’re going to be blown away!
It’s a unique gaming monitor that also provides you with valuable information about your system’s performance, as long as you’re running an Nvidia RTX graphics card. With this monitor, you’ll be able to see if your gaming rig’s hardware or accessories are contributing to less than desirable input lag.
This 360 Hz is all speed and built to give you the competitive edge. Just make sure your graphics card can keep up with the higher than normal number of frames. Otherwise, this gaming monitor is going to be overkill for you.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect gaming monitor for you can be a daunting task. Hopefully, we were able to provide you with some insight into the best gaming monitors on the market today.
Most importantly, take into consideration the performance of your graphics card or future GPU upgrade. The latest and greatest gaming monitor isn’t always the best option for everyone . . .
