Best Gaming Monitors 2019: 4K, 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 resolution 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 panel, TN panel and VA panel technologies are all vying for your eyeballs—and your wallet.

How do you pick the best gaming monitor 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 gaming monitor options currently available, you can find our favorites among the dozens we’ve tested broken out by major categories below.

News and Updates

We’ve added the Monoprice 33822 as an alternate pick to our best 144Hz gaming monitor. You’ll also find the AOC Agon AG322QC4 as a second option for the best FreeSync monitor and the MSI Optix MAG341CQ listed as an alternative to our best ultrawide pick.

We also met a plethora of upcoming monitors during our adventures at the CES 2019 tech trade show in Las Vegas last week. Bringing fun to 2019, a lot of this year’s launches will come with some unexpected add-on capabilities. Check out our slideshow of surprising monitor features coming in 2019.

Want to see all the monitors we saw at CES 2019? Look no further: We have the  HP Pavilion 27 Quantum Dot and other new family members, the 65-inch, soundbar-equipped HP Omen X Emerpium 65, Asus’ 1,200-nit ProArt PA32UCX and new ROG Strix XG monitors, Lenovo’s 2019 Legion monitors, the Razer Colorful Raptor 27, winner of the Tom’s Hardware CES 2019 Award for best monitor, the Aorus AD27QD Tactical, MSI’s Optix MPG341CQR and Prestige PS341WU, an Alienware OLED monitor and upcoming Samsung monitors, including an ultrawide and space-saver.

While you’re on the new monitor grind, don’t forget to check out news on AOC’s latest G-Sync and FreeSync 2 monitors.

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 image quality, 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 Big-Screen Gaming Monitor

With TVs as big as they are today, some scoff at the idea of staring long-term at screens in the 20-inch-plus or even 30-inch-plus range. But gaming on a big-screen TV means high input lag, and you can forget about G-Sync, FreeSync or DisplayPort. Big-screen monitors answer the needs of the go big or go home crow but have a more difficult task achieving good pixel density. And you’ll need room to sit further away from the display in order to take in all the action.

Philips 436M6VBPAB

Editor's choice tom's Hardware

Pros

• Bright
• Excellent HDR
• FreeSync
• Wide color gamut
• Accurate without calibration
• Build quality
• Comes with a handy remote

Cons

• Limited calibration options
• Middling input lag
• Few stand adjustments

Verdict

If you’ve considered using a TV as a monitor, the Philips 436M6 offers the best of both worlds without the input lag of a TV. Accuracy, a wide color gamut and an honest 1,000 nits deliver excellent HDR and make the latest UHD material shine. Currently, this monitor has no real competition.

4.5/5

Review

$959.99Amazon

Alternate:

Samsung C49HG90

$1099.99Amazon

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 GPU, aka one near the top of the GPU hierarchy, 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

Review

$1999.99Newegg

Alternate:

Acer Predator X27

$1999.99Amazon

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 players 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

$449.99Amazon

Alternate:

Monoprice 33822

$399.99Amazon

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 60-75 Hz panel is sufficient—especially if you don’t also have the best, high-end GPU capable of pushing modern games beyond 60 frames per second (fps).

Acer XF251Q

Editor's choice tom's Hardware

Pros

• FreeSync
• 75Hz refresh rate
• Accurate, saturated color
• Contrast
• Build quality
• Value

Cons

• Inaccurate gamma
• Narrow FreeSync operation window

Verdict

The Acer XF251Q offers good image quality, accuracy, gaming performance and build quality for around $200. If you have a value-oriented system, it’s worth a serious look.

4/5

Review

$199.99Amazon

Alternate:

MSI Optix MAG24C

$309.99Amazon

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.

Acer Predator X34P

Pros

• 120Hz refresh & G-Sync support
• Accurate gamma and color after calibration
• OSD joystick
• Nice Styling & build quality

Cons

• Lacks the contrast of a VA panel
• No ULMB (if that matters to you)

Verdict

There is little to dislike about the Acer Predator X34P. It has G-Sync and 120Hz support wrapped up in a 1900R-curved IPS screen with accurate color and good contrast, made even better by a unique approach to gamma that works extremely well. It’s better-looking than its predecessor, and speedier too.

4/5

Review

$1,065.04Amazon

Alternate:

MSI Optix MAG341CQ

$479.99Newegg

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:

AOC Agon AG322QC4

$543.99Amazon

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

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