Updated Oct 10, 2024 at 10:02 am
By Nicholas Di Giovanni
overview 30 comments
The gaming monitor market is continuously growing as there are plenty of options you can choose from. When looking for a new gaming monitor, there are different factors you'll have to consider, like the refresh rate and resolution, as there's no perfect solution for everyone. For example, competitive PC gamers may prefer higher refresh rates and lower resolutions, or you may want an HDMI 2.1 display with a 4k resolution for more detailed games. There are even 4k, 240Hz monitors available, but you need a premium gaming setup to take full advantage of them.
Due to all these factors, you'll need to consider the type of games you playand yourbudget before looking for a monitor. Of course, premium monitors combine fantastic gaming performance with incredible picture quality, so they offer the best of both worlds, but they also cost a lot. No matter what type of gamer you are, getting a monitor with a fast response time for great motion handling is beneficial. Low input lag is also important, but that's the case with most monitors. Having VRR support helps reduce screen tearing, and most monitors support common VRR formats.
We've bought and tested over 330 monitors, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best gaming monitors available. See our picks for the best 4k gaming monitors, the best 240Hz monitors, and the best monitor brands. If you want to complete your gaming setup, also check out the best gaming mouse, the best gaming keyboards, and the best gaming headsets.
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Best Gaming Monitor
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80 206
PC Gaming
9.1
Console Gaming
9.4
Performance Usages: Brightness
6.8
Response Time
9.8
HDR Picture
9.4
SDR Picture
10
Color Accuracy
8.3
Size
32"Pixel Type
QD-OLEDMax Refresh Rate
240 HzNative Resolution
3840 x 2160See all our test results
The best gaming monitor we've tested is the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80. It's a premium 4k, 240Hz monitor with a QD-OLED panel. It provides both outstanding picture quality and fantastic gaming performance. Motion looks extremely clear thanks to its near-instantaneous response time, so there's almost no blur behind fast-moving objects. It also supports HDMI 2.1 bandwidth to take full advantage of modern graphics cards and gaming consoles.
Its QD-OLED panel delivers perfect blacks in dark rooms without any blooming around bright objects. It also gets bright enough for small highlights to pop, and colors are vivid. While it doesn't get bright enough to fight a ton of glare in a well-lit room, it has a matte screen coating with fantastic reflection handling, so there aren't any distracting mirror-like reflections. That said, if you aren't a fan of matte coatings, the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED is a great alternative with a glossy coating, so images are clearer. It also has a 4k, 240Hz QD-OLED panel, but it's harder to find than the Samsung. That said, it's worth getting when you can find it available for less than the Samsung.
See our review
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Best Upper Mid-Range Gaming Monitor
Gigabyte AORUS FO27Q3 158
PC Gaming
See AlsoThe Best Gaming MonitorsThe Best Gaming Monitors for 2024The Best Gaming MonitorsBest Gaming Monitors 2024: Budget, Curved, G-Sync and More9.2
Console Gaming
9.1
Performance Usages: Brightness
7.0
Response Time
9.9
HDR Picture
9.5
SDR Picture
10
Color Accuracy
9.2
Size
27"Pixel Type
QD-OLEDMax Refresh Rate
360 HzNative Resolution
2560 x 1440See all our test results
If you don't need a premium option with a high 4k resolution like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80, check out the cheaper Gigabyte AORUS FO27Q3 instead. With a lower 1440p resolution, images aren't as detailed, but it has a higher refresh rate instead. It has a glossy screen coating, so images are clearer, but it's best to avoid placing it opposite a bright window, as it has mirror-like reflections. However, if you game in the dark, it's a fantastic choice, as it displays deep and inky blacks with vivid colors.
Besides that, it delivers the same outstanding gaming experience as the Samsungwith a near-instantaneous response time for incredibly sharp motion. It also has HDMI 2.1 bandwidth to take full advantage of HDMI 2.1 graphics cards and gaming consoles. Its 360Hz refresh rate is also ideal for competitive gaming. If you don't need such a high refresh rate, there are some 240Hz OLED monitors you can get for a bit cheaper, like the ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG. However, its colors aren't vivid, so the Gigabyte still offers the best performance in this price range.
See our review
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Best Mid-Range Gaming Monitor
Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx 112
PC Gaming
7.7
Console Gaming
8.5
Performance Usages: Brightness
8.8
Response Time
7.9
HDR Picture
7.2
SDR Picture
7.2
Color Accuracy
9.0
Size
27"Pixel Type
IPSMax Refresh Rate
160 HzNative Resolution
3840 x 2160See all our test results
If you don't need an OLED's high-end performance or prefer saving money, check out a mid-range option like the Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx, which is worth getting when it's on sale. There are a few trade-offs, as it doesn't deliver the same deep blacks or have a near-instantaneous response time like the Gigabyte AORUS FO27Q3. It also has a lower 160Hz refresh rate, which is still good for most gamers, and it has a higher 4k resolution for sharper images. Luckily, it's a versatile gaming monitor that has good motion handling across its VRR range, so there isn't too much blur with fast-moving objects.
On top of its gaming perks, it has good picture quality whether you're gaming in SDR or HDR. It has a decent Mini LED local dimming feature that helps it display deep blacks next to bright highlights, and it also gets bright enough to make highlights pop. There are some downsides, though, as it has increased input lag with fixed 60Hz signals, which is disappointing for playing reaction-based games. However, you can avoid this issue if you start gaming at a higher refresh rate and use VRR to go down to a lower refresh rate.
See our review
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Best Budget Gaming Monitor
AOC Q27G3XMN 299
PC Gaming
8.2
Console Gaming
7.4
Performance Usages: Brightness
8.3
Response Time
8.5
HDR Picture
8.0
SDR Picture
8.2
Color Accuracy
8.8
Size
27"Pixel Type
VAMax Refresh Rate
180 HzNative Resolution
2560 x 1440See all our test results
As you get into budget monitors, you get fewer features than high-end models, but there are some that still offer both good gaming performance and picture quality. That's the case with the AOC Q27G3XMN, which has Mini LED backlighting like the Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx and is one of the few lower-cost monitors to have it. Combining its high native contrast with its good local dimming, it displays deep blacks next to bright highlights, and there isn't too much blooming, either. It also gets very bright in HDR, so highlights pop against the rest of the image.
However, there are a few trade-offs versus the Acer, as it has a lower 1440p resolution, so images aren't as detailed. While it has a fast response time without much blur behind fast-moving objects, it has some black smearing, which is one of the downsides of its VA panel. One thing to know is that it can go out of stock sometimes, so if you can't find it available, the Acer Nitro XV275U P3biipx is another great low-cost option with Mini LED backlighting. However, it has worse motion handling than the AOC.
See our review
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Best Cheap Gaming Monitor
Dell G2724D 428
PC Gaming
7.3
Console Gaming
7.1
Performance Usages: Brightness
7.5
Response Time
7.8
HDR Picture
5.4
SDR Picture
7.2
Color Accuracy
8.9
Size
27"Pixel Type
IPSMax Refresh Rate
165 HzNative Resolution
2560 x 1440See all our test results
If you want a simple and cheap gaming monitor, check out the Dell G2724D, which you can often find for a low cost directly from Dell's website. It has similar specs to the AOC Q27G3XMN, as it also has a 27-inch, 1440p screen. However, it doesn't have Mini LED backlighting, so it has much worse picture quality as blacks look gray in dark rooms, which is the trade-off for getting something cheaper. Luckily, it still offers good value as a pure gaming monitor because motion looks sharp, and it doesn't have black smearing like on the AOC.
Besides that, its 165Hz refresh rate is ideal for most gamers, especially if you have an entry-level gaming setup that can't take advantage of higher refresh rates. However, there are a few entry-level 240Hz monitors you can get if you prefer a higher refresh rate, like the ViewSonic XG2431. That said, it has a lower 1080p resolution, so at least the Dell offers both detailed enough images and a smooth gaming feel.
See our review
Notable Mentions
- LG 32GS95UE-B:
The LG 32GS95UE-B is a premium WOLED gaming monitor that has a 4k, 240Hz refresh rate like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80. It has a unique Dual-Mode feature that lets you play games with a 1080p resolution and 480Hz refresh rate, which is ideal for competitive gaming. It costs more than the Samsung, so only consider it if you're going to take advantage of such a high refresh rate.
See our review - Dell Alienware AW3225QF:
The Dell Alienware AW3225QF is a competitor to the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80 that also has a 4k, 240Hz QD-OLED panel. It has better color accuracy than the Samsung, but not everyone may enjoy its curved screen.
See our review - ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM:
The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM is a 4k, 240Hz QD-OLED monitor like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80. It performs similarly and has extra features, like a KVM switch, but it also costs more than the Samsung.
See our review - Dell Alienware AW2725DF:
The Dell Alienware AW2725DF competes with the Gigabyte AORUS FO27Q3 and performs similarly. You can't go wrong with either monitor, especially if you can find them at the same price, but the Gigabyte has a few extra features, like HDMI 2.1 bandwidth.
See our review - ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS:
The ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS is an entry-level 1440p monitor that performs similarly to the Dell G2724D and actually has better motion handling. The ASUS has a few other features like a USB-C port, but it costs more than the Dell, so it isn't worth spending more on if you need something cheap.
See our review
Recent Updates
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Oct 10, 2024: We replaced the Dell Alienware AW2725DF with the Gigabyte AORUS FO27Q3 for consistency with other recommendations. We also made several changes in the Notable Mentions to better represent the current gaming monitor market and reflect changes in the recommendation. We removed the ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG, Dell Alienware AW3423DWF, and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G6/G60SD S27DG60 and added the Dell Alienware AW3225QF, ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM, ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS, and the AW2725DF.
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Aug 16, 2024: We replaced the Dell Alienware AW3225QF with the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G80SD S32DG80 as the Samsung dropped in price. We also replaced the Gigabyte AORUS FO27Q3 with the Dell Alienware AW2725DF because the Gigabyte is out of stock. In Notable Mentions, we replaced the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 S32BG85 and the Gigabyte GS27QC with the LG 32GS95UE-B, ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG, and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G6/G60SD S27DG60 to be more representative of the current gaming market.
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Jun 25, 2024: Replaced the Dell Alienware AW2725DF with the Gigabyte AORUS FO27Q3 as it's cheaper and for consistency with other recommendations. Also replaced the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM and the Dell Alienware AW2724DM with the AW2725DF and the Gigabyte GS27QC in Notable Mentions.
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May 30, 2024: Renamed the AOC Q27G3XMN from 'Best Lower Mid-Range' to 'Best Budget' and the Dell G2724D from 'Best Budget' to 'Best Cheap' for better consistency with our other recommendations.
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May 09, 2024: Replacedthe Dell Alienware AW2724DM with the AOC Q27G3XMN because the AOC is available again and moved the Dell to the Notable Mentions. Replacedthe ViewSonic XG2431 with the Dell G2724Dforconsistency with other recommendations. Removedthe 'Best Cheap' category with the ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A as it's closeinpricetothe Dell.
All Reviews
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the bestmonitors for PC and console gaming currently available. They are adapted to be valid for most people, in each price range. The rating is based on our review, factoring in price, and feedback from our visitors.
If you would prefer to make your own decision, here is the list of all of our monitorreviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most monitors are good enough to please most people, and the things we fault monitors on are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.