Best Gaming Monitors 2020: 4K, Budget and More

The gaming monitor arena is booming with piles of vendors and numerous different features to consider.  Yes, it's an exciting time to be a PC gamer, but it also means that choosing a display for your rig is more complicated than ever. 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 300 Hz. For pixel addicts, there are 4K (aka UHD) screens that are as hard on the wallet as they are on graphics cards. Anyone else feeling like a kid in a toy store told to only "pick one"? 

But wait, there's more. Think of the different panel types vying for your eyeballs—IPS, TN and VA—which each have their own pros and cons. And 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 the best ones. 

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 those 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 these days since 4K is the highest resolution you can get in a good gaming monitor right now. But to game at 4K, you’ll 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 the the highest 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

Best Gaming Monitor

Dell S3220DGF

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

The Dell S3220DGF is the best gaming monitor for most. To start, it has a fast refresh rate, response time plus FreeSync 2 HDR for fighting screen tearing with standard and HDR content. Plus, this is a 32-inch monitor that offers plenty of vertical screen real esate without the need for scrolling and 1400p resolution, the sweet spot between image quality and gaming performance. Its 1800R curve also lends well to immersion. In addition to gaming, this is also a great monitor for general producitvity 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, even though it’s not certified to do so. This is a fantastic monitor for those with mid to high-budget gaming PCs. At $420 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 @ 144Hz | Panel Type: IPS | Refresh Rate: 144Hz | Response Time (GTG): 4ms

The Acer Nitro XV273K is our best 4K gaming monitor. With FreeSync and G-Sync Compatibility, you can use adaptive sync with either AMD or Nvidia graphics cards to fight screen tears. In our testing, it kept up with its 144Hz rivals with just a little more input lag that only the most keen competitive players would notice. 

Image quality looks great with the Nitro’s high pixel density of 163 pixels per inch (ppi), and the extra boost of color from its DCI-P3 gamut adds to fantastic image depth. It lacks the HDR quality of 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. 

Read Review: Acer Nitro XV273K 

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Best 144Hz Gaming Monitor

Razer Raptor 27

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

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

Our testing showed the Raptor 27, despite having a 144Hz refresh rate, is able to stay competitive with 165Hz monitors. There isn’t significant motion blur, but the finicky pro-level players will have to choose between dealing with it or activating the backlight strobe, which limits you to 120Hz, cuts brightness by 40% and grays out FreeSync and G-Sync Compatibility. 

Read Review: Razer Raptor 27 

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Best 240Hz Gaming Monitor

Samsung 27-inch CRG5

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

If you’re all about speed, it doesn’t get better than a monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate. Usually, that level of speed requires two things: settling for FHD 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 of VA, it’s the fastest monitor we’ve ever tested.

Flaws here are limited. Image-wise, the biggest is an inaccurate HDMI Black Level setting. And keep in mind that adaptive sync is limited to G-Sync Compatibility. But besides those small caveats, our gaming experience was a record-breaking pleasure.

Better yet, the monitor is currently enjoying a Cyber Monday discount and is on sale for $300, $100 off its original price. 

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: 144Hz | Response Time (GTG): 1ms

At this price, there is nothing we know of that can beat the Acer XFA240 in color accuracy, gaming performance and features. Although its pixel density is lower than we’d like (91ppi), that flaw’s easy to ignore when rocking our favorite first-person games at 144 FPS.

Here's another FHD monitor that still manages to make games look detailed and richly saturated with color, thanks to  its small size. The XFA240 is alsoresponsive. In our testing, we experienced no input lag, blur or judder, and overdrive worked to the max with no ghosting, 

For Cyber Monday, this monitor is at its lowest price ever. It's $170 on Amazon, compared to $200 when we reviewed it in September. 

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: 100Hz | 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 without artifacts and with swift response.

If you want a noticeable boost with HDR (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: 144Hz | Response Time (GTG): 5ms

There aren't many ultrawide monitors with a 144Hz 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 144Hz 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). We also appreciate this display's out-of-box accuracy. And its HDR production isn't too bad either, 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: 144Hz | 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, the Omen is also accurate enough for photo and video work. 

If you can manage the hefty price tag, this BFGD lives up to its promise to gamers. When we played 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. 

Read Review: HP Omen X 65 Emperium

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Best 240Hz Gaming Monitor

Acer Predator XN253Q

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 24.5 inches, 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 @ 240Hz | Panel Type: TN/W-LED | Refresh Rate: 240Hz | Response Time (GTG): 0.5ms

240Hz gaming is all about the ultimate in speed, and the Acer Predator XN253Q certainly fits the bill. Even less competitive gamers will notice the benefits of blur-free gameplay and low input lag. Indeed, when we got our game on, we found reacting to sudden action much easier, thanks to the monitor's responsiveness. 

Naturally, to maintain this refresh rate the Predator XN253Q keep its resolution low (1080p). Its contrast and black levels also have room for improvement, and we'd like greater pixel density than the monitor's 90ppi. But if speed is a greater priority than the best image quality for you, the Predator XN523Q won't disappoint. 

Read Review: Acer Predator XN253Q

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