Best Gaming Monitors 2019: 4K, Budget and More

The gaming monitor arena is getting more and more crowded, in terms of vendors as well as different features. It's an exciting time for PC gamers, but it also means picking a new display for your rig is more difficult than ever. Options are overwhelming, from screen-smoothing adaptive fresh technologies (Nvidia G-Sync vs. AMD FreeSync), to visually stunning refresh rates that are set to climb to a mind-blowing 300 Hz. Then there are pixel-packed 4K (aka UHD) screens that are as tough on the wallet as they are on graphics cards. Anyone else feeling like a kid in a candy store?

There are also different panel types vying for your eyeballs—IPS, TN and VA—which each have their own benefits and drawbacks. And don't forget about screen size and aspect ratio, which impact your view, desk space and, again, your bank account. How's a PC gamer to choose?

For a deep dive into how to choose a monitor--gaming or otherwise--check out out PC Monitor Buying Guide. And if you're only interested in 4K displays (lucky you), visit our Best 4K Gaming Monitors page.

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

Aorus CV27Q

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

The Aorus CV27Q is the best gaming monitor for most. Ticking all the boxes for performance gaming, it delivers excellent color and high contrast coupled with a reliable 165Hz refresh rate and adaptive sync. Ultimately, games pop with realistic with depth and textures.  Add HDR and extended color, and you have a winner for less than $500.

Note that the CV27Q has a lower-resolution sibling, the  Aorus CV27F. With 1920 x 1080 resolution, you can expect better framerates from the CV27F, but unless you're a highly competitive gamer you won't notice the difference. That monitor also showed lower (worse) black levels in our testing and 2ms longer input lag than the QHD CV27Q.

Bonus: The CV27Q has a successful active noise cancellation feature for fighting background noise when you plug in a headset and RGB lighting on the back. 

Read Review: Aorus CV27Q

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Best 4K Gaming Monitor

Razer Raptor 27

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

The Raptor 27 is the best 4K gaming monitor we've tested. This good-looking monitor sports design choices like an all-metal base with RGB lighting and cable management that just scream luxury gaming. 

But it's not just looks. This monitor boasts vibrant color, whether you're watching regular SDR content or HDR. Both look richly saturated, and you can even boost up SDR contrast by activating HDR mode. If you're looking for accurate sRGB color gamut coverage though, you'll have to calibrate (check our review for recommended settings). 

Of course, with the ability to maintain 144Hz refresh rates, plus FrreeSync and G-Sync Compatibility, this is great for comeptitive gaming. When we tested there was no screen tearing or input lag and a neglible amount of  motion blur. 

For more of our favorite 4K displays, check out our Best 4K Gaming Monitors page. 

Read Review: Razer Raptor 27

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Best 144Hz Gaming Monitor

ViewSonic Elite XG240R

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 24 inches, 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Panel Type: TN | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 5ms

The ViewSonic Elite XG240R’s 1080p resolution is small compared to some other monitors on this page. But with a 24-inch panel featuring saturated and accurate color, images look great. You can kick things up a notch--up to professional-level grayscale tracking--with the calibration settings in our review. Don't worry, this monitor can easily maintain 144 fps. Plus, there's RGB on the back. 

No, images won't look as good as they do on a 4K display, but the Elite XG240R offers a lot of performance for its low price tag ($233 at the time of writing). That's very competitive for a display that'll hit the mark whether you're a casual or competitive gamer looking for something fast, small and more affordable. 

Read Review: ViewSonic Elite XG240R

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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, 

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 24GK950F

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 24 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 24GK950F

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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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