Best Gaming Monitors 2018: G-Sync, FreeSync, Budget and More

After years of near-stagnation, the monitor space—and the gaming monitor space in particular—has exploded with innovation in recent years. There’s screen-smoothing adaptive refresh (in both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync flavors), ultra-high refresh rates (up to 240Hz!), curved displays and ultra-wides (both aimed at increasing immersion) and pixel-dense 4K screens with high refresh that are visually stunning but as hard on the wallet as they are on pretty much any graphics card setup.

That’s not to mention the various panel technologies, which all have their own advantages and weaknesses. Various types of IPS, TN and VA technologies are all vying for your eyeballs—and your wallet.

How do you tell what’s the best screen for your gaming needs in this complex minefield of marketing and actually impressive technological advancements? If you’re not sure where to start (or what most of the jargon above actually means) our monitor buying guide is a good place to start. But if you already know what features you’re after and just want a short list of the best of what’s currently available, you can find our favorites among the dozens we’ve tested broken out by major categories below.

News and Product Updates

We’ve got a new pick for best budget gaming monitor. The Acer RG270 has taken the crown with great features like FreeSync, a 75Hz refresh rate, an IPS panel and good color accuracy.

Why Trust Us

Tom's Hardware has been reviewing PC hardware for more than two decades. We put each monitor through a battery of tests, which measure everything from brightness and contrast to color accuracy and response time. We've tested hundreds of models, from 60Hz budget panels for feature-packed flagship screens, so we can separate the best from the dim and inaccurate disappointments.

Quick Shopping Tips

• Panel technologies: when it comes to display, TN < IPS ≠ VA. TN monitors are the fastest but cheapest due to poorer viewing angles. IPS monitors have slightly slower response times and show color better than VA monitors, but VA monitors have better contrast than IPS displays.

• Refresh rates: bigger numbers are better. This tells you the number of times your monitor updates with new information per second and is measured in hertz (Hz), and therefore the number of frames per second (fps) the monitor is capable of actually displaying on screen. Bigger numbers equal smoother images. If you’re a gamer, refresh rate is especially important, and you’ll want a monitor with at least 75Hz (most monitors designed for gaming offer at least 144Hz), combined with the lowest response time you can find.

• Curved or non-curved? This depends on preference. The logic behind curved monitors is that they more closely mimic the curved manner in which your eyeballs see, but some notice the difference more than others. Further, you may not like the appearance of a curved monitor if it’s against a wall (it’ll stick out more), or if you’re opposed to the widescreen ratios of most curved monitors. Many will tell you a curved monitor is worthless if it’s smaller than 30 inches, which also has pricing implications. If you’re unsure, try one out and see if you notice any difference. If not, don’t bother paying more.

Best 4K Gaming Monitor

With densely packed pixels and less of a need to switch on anti-aliasing effects, 4K screens (3840x2160 resolution) can deliver truly stunning visuals. But keep in mind you’ll need a very powerful graphics card to achieve smooth frame rates. And most 4K panels are limited to 60Hz refresh rates due to connectivity bandwidth limitations. So serious competitive gamers may want to look elsewhere.

Asus ROG Swift PG27U HDR

Editor's choice tom's Hardware

Pros

• Stunning image
• 144Hz in Ultra HD
• Amazing SDR and HDR contrast: Over 90% DCI-P3 coverage: G-Sync
• Build quality, styling

Cons

• Expensive

Verdict

Aside from cost, the Asus ROG Swift PG27U has no flaws of consequence. It’s extremely capable for gaming, video, color-critical work and general tasks. And once you’ve experienced games at Ultra HD resolution and 144Hz, it’s hard to imagine playing any other way.

4.5/5

$1999.99Newegg

Alternate:

ViewSonic XG2700-4K

$699.99Amazon

Best 144hz Gaming Monitor

These high-refresh screens used to be the bleeding-edge of gaming, with their abilities to deliver triple-digit frame rates. While faster panels have now been introduced, 144Hz screens still offer a good balance of high-end performance and reasonable price points. While competitive esports swear by extremely fast refresh rates, it’s arguable whether the eye—and your body’s reflexes—can tell the difference between 144Hz and pricier, faster models capable of running at 200Hz and up.

Dell S2719DGF

Pros

• 155Hz overclocked refresh rate
• FreeSync
• Out-of-box color accuracy
• Build quality

Cons

• Contrast
• No gamma adjustment

Verdict

The Dell S2719DGF offers excellent panel response, low input lag and superb out-of-box color accuracy. It won’t deliver the contrast of a VA panel, but we enjoyed gaming at 155Hz with FreeSync. Those looking for a 27-inch QHD display should give it serious consideration.

4/5

Review

$379.99Amazon

Alternate:

LG 34UC79G

$699.99Newegg

Best Budget Gaming Monitor

Not everyone can afford to drop several hundred dollars (or more) on a gaming screen. And many people shouldn’t. For more casual gamers, and those who often use their PCs for productivity purposes as well, a good 60Hz panel is sufficient—especially if you don’t also have a high-end card capable of pushing modern games beyond 60 frames per second (fps).

Acer RG270

Editor's choice tom's Hardware

Pros

• Out-of-box color accuracy
• Value
• Styling
• 75Hz
• FreeSync
• IPS panel

Cons

• FHD resolution, VRB feature causes flicker
• No overdrive in FreeSync mode

Verdict

The Acer RG270 delivers solid gaming performance for a budget price. Its blur-reduction feature doesn’t improve much and misses overdrive support in FreeSync mode, but it comes with great out-of-box color accuracy, an honest 75Hz refresh rate and successful adaptive refresh. This is an excellent gaming and all-around monitor that’s ideal for modestly priced systems.

4/5

Review

$249.99Amazon

Alternate:

Acer XF251Q

$179.99Best Buy

Best Curved Gaming Monitor

Curved TVs are kind of silly. But it’s arguable that a monitor, which you’ll usually be sitting directly in front of, provides a better sense of immersion—particularly if your monitor is also an ultra-wide model. The wider field of view does a better job of realistically portraying first-person fields of view while also providing a less physically restrictive window on your gaming world of choice. Just be sure to check out a few in-person if possible, as some people prefer screens with tighter curves than others.

Asus ROG Strix XG35VQ

Pros

• Stunning picture on a VA panel
• FreeSync support
• 100Hz maximum refresh rate
• Reference-quality color with calibration
• ELMB blur reduction

Cons

• No support for HDR or extended color
• Expensive

Verdict

It may not be an HDR panel, but if you’ve been considering a curved ultra-wide, we've seen few better choices than the VA-based XG35V. Class-leading contrast and great color pair up with FreeSync and a 100Hz peak refresh rate in a premium-priced but well-executed display.

4/5

Review

$774.00Amazon

Alternate:

Acer Predator X34P

$904.95Amazon

Best Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor

The wider field of view of an ultra-wide monitor is particularly good for first-person games, especially if the monitor is also curved. This provides a more realistic view of what’s happening around you, rather than the more condensed visuals you get from a more standard screen ratio. When you aren’t gaming, ultra-wide screens are also great for productivity, letting you display more full-sized documents and Web pages side-by-side at once.

LG 34UC79G

Pros

• High contrast
• Out-of-box accuracy
• 144Hz
• Excellent blur-reduction
• Ghost-free overdrive
• panel response
• Low input lag
• Styling
• OSD joystick
• Value

Cons

• None that affect gaming or general use performance

Verdict

While some may cry for greater resolution, we think the 34UC79G goes far beyond “just fine” the way it is. A lower pixel count means higher framerates which translates to smoother motion and better gaming. Coupled with the best contrast we’ve yet seen from an IPS panel and you’ve got a near-perfect gaming monitor. The 21:9 aspect ratio and gentle curve just seals the deal in our book. If you’ve been waiting for a price drop in this category, it’s here. First the AOC C3583FQ and now the 34UC79G; more choices and better monitors, sounds like a win/win.

4/5

Review

$517.90Amazon

Best G-Sync Gaming Monitor

If you have an Nvidia graphics card and are looking for the smoothest gaming experience possible, a G-Sync-capable monitor should be on your short list. In general, G-Sync monitors provide a better overall experience than AMD’s competing screen-smoothing FreeSync tech. But G-Sync monitors also require additional hardware to do their screen-smoothing work. So, expect to pay more for your ultra-smooth G-Sync experience compared to FreeSync monitors or displays without variable refresh features at all.

Acer Predator XB252Q

Pros

• 240Hz
• ULMB at 144Hz
• Light output
• G-Sync
• Build quality
• Styling

Cons

• Contrast
• Out-of-box color accuracy
• TN panel

Verdict

For gamers seeking the highest possible framerates, there is nothing faster than the Acer Predator XB252Q and its cousin from Asus. Despite a relatively low pixel density and merely average contrast, it offers a play experience that is second to none. With the complete absence of motion blur, tearing and stutter, you’ll find yourself drawn into the game world in an almost visceral way. It may seem expensive for an FHD screen, but you might just find yourself hooked.

4/5

Review

$549.99Newegg

Alternate:

Asus ROG Swift PG279Q

$1129.99Amazon

Best FreeSync Gaming Monitor

AMD’s FreeSync tech (and the newer FreeSync 2) eliminates screen tearing in games via screen-smoothing variable refresh tech, so long as you’re using an AMD graphics card. FreeSync also doesn’t require additional hardware, so monitors don’t tend to cost significantly more than monitors that don’t have variable refresh. Just note that the variable refresh window varies from monitor to monitor and can be narrower than many competing G-Sync monitors. But G-Sync monitors cost more, and if you have an AMD card, variable refresh won’t work with a G-Sync screen.

ViewSonic XG2530

Pros

• Great out-of-box color
• Good build-quality
• Feature-rich
• FreeSync support
• 240Hz refresh

Cons

• Contrast could be better
• Overly-complex OSD

Verdict

Do we wish the XG2530’s gaming performance were available with Ultra HD resolution and 5000:1 contrast? Of course we do. But that just isn’t a reality at the moment. What ViewSonic is offering here is extreme refresh speed and unparalleled response. The compromise comes in resolution and panel technology but those things don’t lessen the gaming experience one bit. But don’t just take our word for it. Try one yourself and see. We don’t think you’ll want to go back once you do.

4/5

Review

$349.99Amazon

Alternate:

ViewSonic XG2700-4K

$699.99Amazon

Best 240Hz Gaming Monitors

For gamers who place prime priority on smooth gaming and lightning-fast response times, these displays offer the best of the best and are a good fit for very serious gamers. That said, you will need a very high-end graphics card to push these screens to their limits. And it’s arguable how much real-world differences they offer most gamers compared to 144Hz or 200Hz monitors.

ASUS ROG Swift PG258Q

Pros

• 240Hz without overclock
• Excellent ULMB implementation
• High light output
• G-Sync
• OSD joystick
• Styling

Cons

• Expensive
• Out-of-box color and gamma
• Excessive ghosting at top overdrive setting

Verdict

Some users may balk at paying a lot of money for a TN monitor, but one look at the PG258Q’s gaming prowess will quickly change their minds. For sheer playability, this display is the finest we’ve reviewed so far. Control response and motion quality are on another plane of existence when compared to most other gaming screens. Once calibrated, color and contrast are among the best. The styling is a matter of personal taste, but Asus’ starship/steam-punk thing is growing on us. If you’ve just dropped a lot of money on your gaming rig, the PG258Q is a perfect finishing piece. We could keep extolling its virtues but we’d rather get back to gaming.

4/5

Review

$599.99Newegg

MORE: How We Test Monitors

MORE: How To Choose A Monitor

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Monitors DEALS

Acer Predator Gaming X34 Curved G-Sync Monitor

Acer's Predator Gaming X34 monitor is an immersive, 34-inch curved screen with 3440 x 1440 resolution and 100Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 120Hz). You can get it for $150 off while it's on sale.

Was: $999.99 Is Now: $849.99

$

Save $150

See details on Amazon

Acer Predator 27-inch G-Sync Gaming Monitor

The Acer Predator XB271HU 27-inch monitor is $250 off at Newegg. It offers 2560 x 1440 resolution with 144 Hz refresh rate that's overclockable to 165Hz. And don't forget G-Sync for smooth gaming.

Was: $799.99 Is Now: $549.99

$

Save $250

See details on Newegg

Dell 27-inch 1080p Monitor

This 27-inch IPS display has 1080p resolution, 6ms response time, and both HDMI/VGA connectivity. Dell normally sells it for $180, but never has it been this low.

Was: $199.99 Is Now: $119.99

$

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See details on Wal-Mart

Acer G247HYL bmidx (1080p)

Was: $179.99 Is Now: $131.95

$

Save $48

See details on Amazon

Acer V246HQL

Was: $159.99 Is Now: $105

$

Save $55

See details on Amazon