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 the best gaming monitor 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 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 told to only "pick one"? 

But we're not even done yet. When seeking the best gaming monitor, there are also 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 the best 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 trying to buy the best gaming monitor for your PC, 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. The best gaming monitors for contrast are VA, but VA also has 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 at a glance:

1. Dell S3220DGF
2. Acer Nitro XV273K
3. Acer XFA240
4. ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C
5. Aorus CV27Q
6. Razer Raptor 27
7. MSI Optix G27C4
8. Samsung 27-inch CRG5
9. Acer Predator CG437K

Best Gaming Monitors 2020

1. 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: Dell S3220DGF review 

2. 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 the best gaming monitor if you want the sharp detail of 4K resolution. 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: Acer Nitro XV273K review 

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3. 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, making it the best gaming monitor for the frugal. 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: Acer XFA240 review

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4. 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

If you want a curved display, the 35-inch ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C is the best gaming monitor for your rig. Its tight 1800mm curve radius immersed us in beautiful image quality during our testing. The display's high resolution made it easy to sit close to it and have our peripheral vision filled with games, movies or work. The display's vivid and accurate color made textures pop and skin tones look natural. Everything just looked more realistic, and gameplay was 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: ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C review

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5. Aorus CV27Q

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9 | Resolution: 2560 X 1440 | Panel Type: VA | Refresh Rate: 165 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 1ms

Gigabyte’s Aorus CV27Q is the best gaming monitor for high-speed performance at 1440p. It shined in our input lag and response time tests when pitted against 144 Hz rivals. Sure, you could get slightly better performance from the 1080p version, the Aorus CV27F, but then you wouldn’t be getting that sharper QHD resolution or higher pixel density (109ppi). 

With a VA panel offering 3,000:1 contrast, image quality is no joke either. The CV27Q has a low black level that made image depth look great, particularly with HDR titles. But as far as HDR goes, this monitor only goes up to 400 nits brightness; we prefer HDR displays that hit at least 600 nits for gaming.

Bonus features include Aorus’ active noise cancellation (ANC) feature, which uses two mics on the front bezel to reduce background noise others may hear coming from your headphones (although nabbing one of the best gaming headsets would help), a 1500R curve and RGB lighting on the back. But if money is (somehow) no object, the pricey ($2,000) Acer Predator X35 is a dream come true. 

Read: Aorus CV27Q review 

6. Razer Raptor 27

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9 | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 @ 144 Hz | Panel Type: IPS | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 4ms

The Razer Raptor 27 is the best gaming monitor for 144 Hz refresh rates. It'll make any gamer you know jealous with 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: Razer Raptor 27 review 

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7. MSI Optix G27C4

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Panel Type: VA | Refresh Rate: 165 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 1ms

The MSI Optix G27C4 (available here) is the best gaming monitor in the 27-inch form factor due to its balance of value and performance. In our testing, it proved just 1ms slower than the 27-inch, 1080p Aorus CV27F at 165 Hz in terms of response time and didn’t fall too far behind rivals in our input lag test.

You’ll notice that this monitor is 1080p. If you’re looker for sharper resolution, the 1440p MSI Optix MAG271CQR is the best gaming monitor in the 27-inch category for you. It slightly edged out the Optix G27C4 in our gaming tests, but it’s pricier ($380 at the time of writing). The Optix G27C4 is also specced for a max brightness of just 250 nits instead of our preferred 300 nits. 

But with high contrast (3,000:1) and vibrant color from its native DCI-P3 color gamut and VA panel, the Optix G27C4 delivers lush, vivacious color that surpasses accuracy but pops. While pixel density could be better for productivity (81.6ppi when we prefer around 110ppi), its gaming performance makes it truly one of the best gaming monitors for players searching in the 27-inch size. 

Read: MSI Optix G27C4 review 

8. 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-inch CRG5 (there’s also a 24-inch CRG5) is the best gaming monitor in this class (available here). It's special because it manages 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: Samsung 27-Inch CRG5 review

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9. Acer Predator CG437K

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 43 inches, 16:9 | Resolution: 4K | Panel Type: VA | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz (144 Hz with overclock) | Response Time (GTG): 4ms

For a big-screen experience, the Acer Predator CG437K is the best gaming monitor. It filled our peripheral vision (horizontally and vertically) better than an ultra-wide. You can also still fit it on a desk; the image will sit about 6 inches above your desktop -- ideal for sitting approximately 3 feet away. It also comes with a handy remote and great speakers, making it fitting for a living room.

But besides its flattering size, the CG437K’s gaming performance is on point. Its 120 Hz refresh rate is overclockable to 144 Hz, and in our tests that overclock competed well with 144 Hz displays and even the 165 Hz Dell S3220DGF above, although you won’t be able to hit that while running G-Sync Compatibility or with HDR content. 

The Predator XG4376K supports HDR at the premium level of 1,000 nits max brightness without any halo effect. Of course, this monitor doesn’t come cheap, selling at $1,500 at the time of writing. But it checks a lot of boxes at a drool-worthy size. 

Read: Acer Predator CG437K review

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