Best Gaming Monitors

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 & ultrawides (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.

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 60-hz 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.

ViewSonic XG2700-4K

Pros

• Ultra HD resolution
• FreeSync
• Perfect accuracy without calibration
• Contrast
• Clarity
• Professional-grade calibration options

Cons

• 40Hz lower FreeSync limit

Verdict

We'd never expect a gaming monitor to have a factory calibration, let alone one that comes this close to perfection. Coupled with excellent contrast, the XG2700-4K delivers a stunning Ultra HD image in games and graphics alike. While some gamers might prefer a faster refresh rate, they won't be able to equal the image accuracy found here. This is one of the very best displays we've reviewed to date.

4/5

Review

$699.99Amazon

Alternate:

BenQ EL2870U

$499.00Amazon

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 at reasonably price points. While competitive esports swear by extremely fast refresh rates, it’s arguably whether the eye—and your body’s reflexes—can tell the difference between 144Hz and panels and pricier faster models capable of running at 200Hz and up.

LG 34UC79G

Pros

• FreeSync
• 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

$699.99Newegg

Alternate:

AOC AG271QX

$499.99Amazon

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 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).

BenQ VZ2470H

Pros

• High style
• White chassis
• Zero-bezel design
• High contrast AMVA panel
• Color accurate
• Responsive
• Low input lag

Cons

• No height, swivel or portrait adjustments
• No speakers
• No USB

Verdict

BenQ's VZ2470H is a value choice for sure but it doesn't cut corners. A slick design, solid build and accurate color plus deep contrast, courtesy of a cutting-edge AMVA panel, mean you'll sacrifice nothing and spend comfortably less than $200. Highly recommended.

4/5

$209.00Amazon

Alternate:

AOC Q2781PQ

$349.99Amazon

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 stores if possible, as some people prefer screens with tighter curves than others.

Acer Predator Z301CT

Pros

• G-Sync
• 200Hz
• Excellent ULMB
• Tobii Eye-Tracking
• Contrast
• Build quality

Cons

• Average color accuracy
• Resolution

Verdict

Despite its relatively low resolution, the Acer Z301CT offers tremendous speed and lightning-quick response. It’s more than qualified for competitive gaming and casual play alike. Color accuracy is merely average but when you check out the high-contrast AMVA panel, any flaws become inconsequential. The addition of G-Sync and Tobii Eye-Tracking make it the most full-featured enthusiast display we’ve seen to-date. With a competitive price tag, it’s well-worth checking out and should be on every gamer’s short list.

4/5

Review

$799.99Amazon

Alternate:

Asus ROG Strix XG35V

$774.00Amazon

Best Ultrawide 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 Z301CT

Pros

• G-Sync
• 200Hz
• Excellent ULMB
• Tobii Eye-Tracking
• Contrast
• Build quality

Cons

• Average color accuracy
• Resolution

Verdict

While this big Predator doesn’t as many pixels as some other screens, it makes up for that with a super-fast 200Hz refresh rate, excellent contrast, and built-in eye tracking.

4/5

Review

$799.99Amazon

Alternate:

AOC AG352UCG

$990.86Amazon

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 we urge you to try before you buy. You might 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.

AOC AG251FZ

Pros

• 240 Hz, FreeSync
• No perceptible input lag
• Out-of-box accuracy, high output, build quality

Cons

• Some gamma issues
• No blur-reduction

Verdict

The current crop of 25” competition gaming monitors is made even more bountiful with the addition of AOC’s AG251FZ. AU Optronics’ screaming fast panel is now available to AMD users, and at a lower price than the Nvidia-compatible version. With a solid build, decent accuracy, and amazing gaming performance, this display is the ideal enhancement for any medium to high-end system.

4/5

Review

$382.13Newegg

Alternate:

ViewSonic XG2700-4K

$699.99Amazon

Best 240Hz Gaming Monitors

For gamers who place prime importance 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.

Best 240Hz G-Sync Gaming Monitor

Asus RoG Swift PG279Q

Pros

• Stable at 165Hz
• G-Sync
• Bright sharp picture
• Saturated color
• GamePlus
• OSD joystick controller
• Styling
• Solid build quality

Cons

• Significant light output reduction in ULMB mode
• Calibration required for best image quality
• Expensive

Verdict

Asus' new addition to its ROG line isn't perfect but it certainly delivers on its promise. With a sharp and bright IPS panel, 165Hz and G-Sync, the PG279Q has everything an enthusiast could want. It doesn't come cheap but we suspect that buyer's remorse will be rare to non-existent. We enjoyed gaming on it and think you will too.

4/5

Review

$1129.99Amazon

Best 240Hz FreeSync Gaming Monitor

AOC AG251FZ

Pros

• 240 Hz, FreeSync
• No perceptible input lag
• Out-of-box accuracy, high output, build quality

Cons

• Some gamma issues
• No blur-reduction

Verdict

There are several 240Hz monitors that use this same AU Optronics panel. But AOC earns top marks for this FreeSync model, thanks to good out-of-the-box accuracy, solid build quality, and affordability.

4/5

Review

$382.13Newegg

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