Best Gaming Monitors 2020: 4K, Budget and More

The gaming monitor arena keeps expanding with new vendors, models and features. Yes, it's an exciting time to be a PC gamer, but it also means that picking a display for your rig is more complicated than ever. The options are overwhelming, from screen-smoothing technologies (Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync), to visually stunning refresh rates that are set to climb to a mind-blowing 360 Hz. For pixel addicts, there are 4K (aka UHD) screens that are as hard on the bank account as they are on graphics cards. Anyone else feeling like a kid in a toy store with a directive to only "pick one"? 

But we're not even done yet. Think of the different panel types vying for your eyeballs — IPS, TN, VA and even OLED — which each have their own pros and cons. Of course, you can't forget about screen size and aspect ratio, which affect your views, desk space and, again, bank account. How's a PC gamer to choose?

For a deep dive into how to pick a monitor--gaming or otherwise--check out out PC Monitor Buying Guide. For those only interested in 4K displays (lucky you), visit our Best 4K Gaming Monitors page for our top picks. 

Below is a list of the best gaming monitors out right now, based on our own testing. 

Quick Shopping Tips

When buying a PC gaming monitor, consider the following:

• G-Sync or FreeSync? G-Sync only works with PCs with Nvidia graphics cards, while FreeSync only works with systems using AMD ones. FreeSync monitors tend to be cheaper, but performance is comparable. For a detailed comparison of the two technologies’ performance, see our Nvidia G-Sync vs. AMD FreeSync comparison article. 

• For image quality, TN < IPS < VA. Generally speaking. Typically, TN monitors are the fastest but cheapest, due to weaker viewing angles. IPS displays have slightly slower response times but better color than VA monitors. VA monitors have the best contrast but slower response times.

• Refresh rates: bigger is better. This tells you the number of times your monitor updates with new information per second — stated in hertz (Hz) — and, therefore, how many frames per second (fps) the monitor can display. Bigger numbers equal smoother images. Refresh rate is especially important for gamers, so you’ll want to shoot for a monitor with at least 75 Hz (most monitors designed for gaming offer at least 144 Hz), combined with the lowest response time you can find.

• 4K is expensive, but image quality suffers with FHD (1080p) screens larger than 27 inches. 4K gaming monitors are hot right now, since 4K is the highest resolution you can get in a good gaming monitor currently. But 4K gamers will want at least a 1070 Ti or RX Vega 64 graphics card. FHD is the lowest acceptable resolution for serious gaming (and doesn’t demand as powerful a graphics card) and provides higher framerates, but image quality can suffer if the monitor’s too big. Our sweet spot is 32-inch QHD, which offers good pixel density and isn’t too taxing for mid-priced graphics cards.

• Curved or non-curved? It depends on your preference. Curved monitors are supposed to seem more immersive, but some see the difference more than others. You may dislike a curved screen's look when mounted to a wall (it’ll stick out more) or widescreens, which most curved monitors are. Some say curved monitors smaller than 30 inches are pointless, which has price implications. Unsure? Try one, and see if you notice any difference.

Best Gaming Monitors 2020

Best Gaming Monitor

Dell S3220DGF

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 32 inches, 16:9 | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 @ 165 Hz | Panel Type: VA / W-LED, edge array | Refresh Rate: 165 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 4ms

The Dell S3220DGF is the best gaming monitor for most. For starters, it boasts a fast refresh rate, low response time plus FreeSync 2 HDR for fighting screen tearing with both standard and HDR content. On top of that, this 32-inch monitor offers plenty of vertical screen real estate without the need for scrolling and 1440p resolution, the current sweet spot between image quality and gaming performance. Its 1800R curve also lends well to immersion, and in addition to gaming, we found that this is also a great monitor for general productivity and anything in between. 

Our testing proved the display has low input lag and quick panel response for competitive gamers, and we even got G-Sync Compatibility to work on it, despite it not being certified to do so. This is a fantastic monitor for those with mid to high-budget gaming PCs. At $380 at the time of writing, you’re also getting the appreciated bang for your buck.

Read Review: Dell S3220DGF 

Best 4K Gaming Monitor

Acer Nitro XV273K

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9 | Resolution: 4K @ 144 Hz | Panel Type: IPS | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 4ms

The Acer Nitro XV273K is our pick for the best 4K gaming monitor. FreeSync and G-Sync Compatibility mean you can use Adaptive-Sync with both AMD or Nvidia graphics cards to fight screen tears. In our testing, it kept up with its 144 Hz rivals with just slightly more input lag, which only the most keen competitive players would notice. 

Image quality looks great with the Nitro’s high pixel density, 163 pixels per inch (ppi), and the extra boost of color from its native DCI-P3 color space adds to the monitor's fantastic image depth. HDR content won't look as good as on a display with a full-array local dimming (FALD) backlight dimming, like the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ or Acer Predator X27. But it’s also significantly cheaper than those aforementioned displays. For more 4K recommendations, see our Best 4K Gaming Monitors breakdown. 

Read Review: Acer Nitro XV273K 

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Best 144 Hz Gaming Monitor

Razer Raptor 27

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9 | Resolution: 4K @ 144 Hz | Panel Type: IPS | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 4ms

The Razer Raptor 27 will make any gamer you know jealous. It boasts premium touches, like an RGB stand, flat green cables for cable management and drool-worthy build quality. Plus, HDR delivery is some of the best we’ve seen in an edge-lit panel yet. 

Despite its 144 Hz refresh rate, the Raptor 27 was able to stay competitive with 165 Hz monitors in our benchmarking. There wasn't significant motion blur, but finicky, pro-level players will have to choose between dealing with it or activating the backlight strobe, which limits you to 120 Hz, reduces brightness by 40% and grays out FreeSync and G-Sync Compatibility. 

Read Review: Razer Raptor 27 

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Best 240 Hz Gaming Monitor

Samsung 27-inch CRG5

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Panel Type: VA | Refresh Rate: 240 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 4ms

For speed demons it doesn’t get better than a monitor with a 240 Hz refresh rate. Usually, that level of speed requires two things: settling for 1080p resolution and a TN panel. But the Samsung 27” CRG5 (there’s also a 24-inch CRG5) is special by managing that speed in our favorite type of LCD panel, VA. Not only does it deliver the high contrast and saturated color that makes VA popular, it’s the fastest monitor we’ve ever tested.

We encountered few flaws during testing. The biggest one in terms of image quality was an inaccurate HDMI Black Level setting. Additionally, the only form of Adaptive-Sync is G-Sync Compatibility. But besides those small caveats, our gaming experience was a record-breaking pleasure.

Read Review: Samsung 27-Inch CRG5

Best Budget Gaming Monitor

Acer XFA240

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 24 inches, 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Panel Type: TN / W-LED edge array | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 1ms

We don't know of any monitor that can beat the Acer XFA240 in color accuracy, gaming performance or features at this cheap price. Although its pixel density is lower than we’d like (91ppi), we found that flaw easy to ignore when rocking our favorite first-person games at 144 frames per second.

Here we have another 1080p monitor that can still manage to make games look detailed and richly saturated with color, thanks to its small size. The XFA240 is also responsive. During our testing, we experienced no input lag, blur or judder, and overdrive worked to the max with zero ghosting.

Read Review: Acer XFA240

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Best Curved Gaming Monitor

ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 35 inches, 16:9 | Resolution: 3440 x 1440 | Panel Type: VA | Refresh Rate: 100 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 3ms

The tight 1800mm curve radius on the 35-inch ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C immerses you in the display's beautiful image quality. Its high resolution means it's easy to sit close to the display and fill your peripheral vision with games, movies or work. The display has vivid and accurate color that makes textures pop and skin tones look natural. Everything just looks more realistic. And gameplay is smooth with swift response and no artifacts.

If you want HDR content to look noticeably different from standard media (or to use HDR with Adaptive-Sync), you'll have to look elsewhere. But the Elite XG350R-C is less expensive than many other 35-inch ultra-wides, including ones with fewer features. And the RGB on the back doesn't hurt either. 

Read Review: ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C

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Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

LG 34GK950F

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 34 inches, 21:9 | Resolution: 3440x1440 | Panel Type: IPS | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 5ms

There aren't many ultrawide monitors with a 144 Hz refresh rate. The LG 34GK950F has all that and then some, representing one of the rare ultrawides that manage to keep up with 16:9 144 Hz monitors. With a 1900mm curve radius, it's a little less curvy than our favorite curved gaming monitor above. 

The 34GK950F also features wide gamut color coverage and low framerate compensation (LFC). It also brings good out-of-box accuracy. Meanwhile, its HDR production isn't too bad, with highlights appearing a little brighter and color notably more saturated. 

Read Review: LG 34GK950F

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Best Big Screen Gaming Monitor

HP Omen X 65 Emperium

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 64.5 inches, 16:9 | Resolution: 4K | Panel Type: VA | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 4ms

This ginormous, but expensive, monitor features a bevy of features, including a built-in Nvidia Shield box with plenty of gaming, TV and movie streaming options and a full-array WLED backlight with zone dimming for brilliant HDR. The HP Omen X 65 Emperium is no one-trick pony; while great for gaming, it's also accurate enough for photo and video work. 

If you can manage the hefty price tag, this BFGD lives up to the promise implied by that cost. When we gamed on the display, we enjoyed hiccup-free gameplay amplified by realistic images. In addition, the 120-watt soundbar -- which has four woofers, two tweeters and two passive radiators -- elevates the immersion of your favorite titles. No need for additional speakers or a gaming headset. 

Read Review: HP Omen X 65 Emperium

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