We buy our own products and put them under the same testing methodology so that you can easily compare them. Unlike most websites, we do not get our products directly from the manufacturers, which means our units aren’t handpicked and actually represent what you would buy yourself. We spend a lot of time comparing the products side-by-side to validate our results and we keep them until they are discontinued so we can continually go back and make sure our reviews are always accurate.
Shopping for a gaming monitor can be difficult. You have to take into consideration the size, refresh rate, resolution, and now even which variable refresh rate technology it supports. All these factors are important when choosing a monitor that matches the supported technologies and performance of your PC. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details though, as most monitors are good enough to please most people, and even budget monitors can provide an enjoyable gaming experience.
We’ve reviewed 50 monitors, and below are our top 5 picks for the best gaming monitors available for purchase.
ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q: The best G-SYNC gaming monitor
Type: IPS
Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate: G-Sync
Size: 27”
The ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q is the best G-SYNC gaming monitor that we’ve reviewed so far. It is an outstanding 1440p gaming monitor with an excellent 144 Hz refresh rate and NVIDIA G-SYNC support. The fast refresh rate and nearly instantaneous response time deliver outstanding motion performance, with almost no noticeable motion blur behind fast moving objects.
The 1440p resolution is great for gaming, as it provides a significant increase in detail over 1080p, without requiring expensive high-end graphics cards in order to get decent performance. When you’re not gaming, it is also a versatile desktop monitor with wide viewing angles excellent ergonomics.
Unfortunately, like most IPS monitors, the PG279Q doesn’t look as good in a dark room or with dark scenes, as blacks tend to appear gray. It also doesn’t support HDR, which is a bit disappointing. Overall though, it is a great monitor that should please most people.
Samsung CHG70: The best FreeSync gaming monitor
Type: VA
Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate: FreeSync
Size: 27”, 32”
If you don’t have an NVIDIA card, the Samsung CHG70 is the best FreeSync gaming monitor that we’ve reviewed so far. It is a great 1440p gaming monitor. It has an excellent 144 Hz refresh rate, and FreeSync support is great for Xbox One gamers, or if you have a PC with an AMD graphics card. The CHG70 is available in two sizes: 27” and 32”, so you have options if you want something a bit bigger.
Unlike the PG279Q, the CHG70 does support HDR, which is great for console gaming or for the few PC games that support HDR. Overall gaming performance is very similar between the PG279Q and CHG70. The CHG70 has a slightly slower response time, but it has the same VRR range and similar input lag.
Unfortunately, the VA panel isn’t as versatile, as the image degrades when viewed at an angle. Overall, the CHG70 is a very good monitor that should please most people.
LG 27UK650: The best 4k gaming monitor
Type: IPS
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate: FreeSync
Size: 27”
If you have a powerful gaming PC or a 4k console like the Xbox One X or PS4 Pro, the LG 27UK650 is the best 4k gaming monitor that we’ve reviewed so far. It is a great gaming monitor that delivers a more immersive gaming experience thanks to the 27”, 4k screen. Like the CHG70, the UK650 also supports FreeSync VRR, great for Xbox One S/X owners.
The excellent 4k resolution does come with some tradeoffs though. It only supports a 60 Hz refresh rate, which may disappoint some gamers. The higher resolution also means you’ll need a more powerful PC with a recent graphics card in order to get decent gaming performance.
Unfortunately, the HDR performance isn’t that great, as it can’t display a wide color gamut, and it can’t get very bright in HDR. Overall though, it is a very good monitor that should please most people, regardless of how you plan on using it.
BenQ Zowie XL2540: An outstanding 1080p gaming monitor
Type: TN
Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate: FreeSync
Size: 25”
If you want the smoothest motion but don’t really care about resolution, the BenQ Zowie XL2540 is the best 1080p gaming monitor we’ve reviewed so far. It delivers outstanding gaming performance, with some neat and useful gaming features, including an external control wheel that allows you to change settings on the fly depending on your game conditions.
It is an extremely responsive gaming monitor thanks to the lightning fast 240 Hz refresh rate and outstanding fast response time. Combined with AMD FreeSync support and a wide VRR range, you should never experience tearing on this monitor.
Unfortunately, the XL2540 delivers sub-par picture quality and the image degrades rapidly when viewed at an angle. Overall, it is an outstanding gaming monitor, but it isn’t as versatile as our other recommendations.
ViewSonic XG2402: The best budget gaming monitor
Type: TN
Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate: FreeSync
Size: 24”
If you are looking for a great gaming monitor on a budget, check out the ViewSonic XG2402. It is a great 24”, 1080p gaming monitor. It has a versatile stand with very good ergonomics, and it delivers decent picture quality. It also delivers outstanding motion handling, which is extremely important for an enjoyable gaming experience.
This monitor delivers great gaming performance on a budget. It has a fast, 144 Hz refresh rate for a responsive gaming experience. It has an excellent response time with very low motion blur, and excellent low input lag. Like most of the other monitors on this list, the XG2402 also supports FreeSync, ensuring a smooth, tear-free gaming experience with your AMD graphics card or Xbox One.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look as good in a dark room, and the image loses accuracy when viewed at an angle. Some gamers may also be disappointed by the 24” size, but it is a great choice if you don’t have a lot of room, like in a dorm. Overall, the XG2402 is a decent monitor that should please most people.
This guide may have been updated. To see all measurements and the current recommendations for gaming monitors, please go here.
