A high-end display is an essential piece of gear for PC gamers. There’s no point having a PC packed with the best GPU, processor, and RAM if your monitor can’t make the most of that power.
It’s not as simple as choosing the right size, though. There’s plenty more to consider, starting with resolution (measured in pixels) and refresh rates. But you also have to think about adjustability, features that minimize screen tearing and input lag, and more. You need to think about the type of titles you’ll be playing on your new monitor, too.
With all those considerations in mind, we put together a list of the 10 best gaming monitors available right now.
Best gaming displays for mainstream performance
These screens offer resolutions and form factors to suit every kind of mainstream gaming scenario, from single-player to esports.
1. Asus ROG Strix XG279Q
This Asus ROG Strix XG279Q display is more expensive than most, but it’s one of the best gaming monitors for several reasons. It has a crisp 2,560 x 1,440 resolution (WQHD), a high-speed 170Hz refresh rate to handle higher frame rates, NVIDIA G-Sync technology, and underlying IPS panel hardware to showcase the entire color gamut. It also has a top-notch ergonomic design, including loads of position adjustment options like pivot, swivel, and more.
2. LG 27GL850
Matching the ASUS ROG Strix with a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution (QHD), the LG 27GL850 combines gorgeous gaming visuals with NVIDIA G-Sync and a high refresh rate of 144Hz for super-smooth motion. The LG also has a 1ms response time, IPS color technology, and tiny bezels, so it’s ideal for multi-monitor setups.
3. Asus VG248QG
Asus’ affordable VG248QG display ticks every box for mainstream gaming, with NVIDIA G-Sync that overclocks to 165Hz, a crisp 1920×1080 resolution (FHD), and a stunning 0.5ms response time to keep you in the fight. That makes it an excellent choice for mainstream esports on a budget. And, with a 24-inch diagonal, it’s ideal for smaller spaces.
4. AOC 24G2E
The AOC 24G2E is another smaller option with a 1920×1080 resolution (FHD), making it a popular choice for cramped desks and bedrooms. Its IPS technology delivers incredibly accurate color, and it has a 144Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync Premium for smooth gameplay on AMD graphics cards.
5. BenQ EL2870U
BenQ’s mid-range LCD gaming display has a mighty 4K resolution (UHD) for pin-sharp gaming, and it uses AMD FreeSync to keep the movement smooth. The EL2870U has punchy speakers too, so it’s perfect if you want to manage your gaming and media with a single device.
Best gaming displays for esports
To play esports at a high level, you’ll need a specialist panel that runs at a higher refresh rate. Here are two of the best PC gaming monitors for esports players.
1. MSI Optix MAG251RX
Competitive gamers know that fast, fluid motion can make the difference between winning and losing. MSI’s Optix MAG251RX provides the smoothest possible animation with NVIDIA G-Sync that runs at a lightning-quick 240Hz with zero latency. Elsewhere, the MSI has a 1ms response time and a 1920×1080 resolution (FHD), so it’s a solid option for competition.
2. Lenovo Legion Y25-25
The Lenovo Legion Y25-25 is another gaming display that uses NVIDIA G-Sync and a 240Hz refresh rate to prove its worth in competitive scenarios. It also packs IPS technology to deliver top-notch image quality in 1920×1080 resolution (FHD).
Best widescreen gaming displays
A widescreen display gives a better field of view in racing titles and makes adventure games more immersive. Here are three models to check out with stunning picture quality and next-level gaming performance.
1. Samsung CHG90
If you want the most widescreen real estate possible, look into the Samsung CHG90. It’s a 49-inch QLED monitor with a 32:9 aspect ratio, a curved design, and a mammoth 3840×1080 resolution with HDR support. It’s an incredible, mesmerizing gaming display that takes “ultrawide” to another level while providing all the viewing angles you could need.
2. BenQ EX3501R
The BenQ EX3501R provides an ultrawide, curved experience that’s a bit more compact than the 32:9 Samsung. The BenQ uses a 21:9 aspect ratio and a 35-inch size with a 3440×1440 resolution (WQHD), so it has more vertical space than the CHG90. That makes it a fan-favorite for first-person shooter titles in particular. The BenQ also uses 100Hz AMD FreeSync, and it has excellent ergonomic options, including height and tilt adjustments.
3. LG 34GN850
The LG 34GN850 is another curved, ultrawide panel with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a 3440×1440 resolution, and its 34-inch diagonal makes it a little smaller than the BenQ display. The LG also has IPS panel technology, NVIDIA G-Sync that overclocks to a smooth 160Hz, HDR compatibility, and a sleek, ergonomic design. These features make this curved gaming monitor a satisfyingly well-balanced choice that will deliver a fantastic gaming experience.
