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Best Gaming Monitors 2019: 4K, Budget and More

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Here are the best gaming monitors available today, ranging from cheap 60Hz - 144Hz monitors, high-resolution 4K monitors with G-Sync or FreeSync.

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Best Overall

Acer Predator XB273K

Best 4K

Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ

Best 144Hz

ViewSonic Elite XG240R

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

Acer Predator XB273K

Acer Predator XB273K

Best Gaming Monitor

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

G-Sync
Superb gaming performance
Out-of-box color accuracy
HDR
DCI-P3 color
DisplayHDR 400-certified
Expensive

The Acer Predator XB273K is the best gaming monitor for most gamers. That because it hits the sweet spot between gaming performance and image quality. Truthfully, it's not unmatched. In fact, it can't equal the backlight power or max brightness of a more expensive gaming monitor, such as the Acer Predator X27 or Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ. However, those are just about the only things those two monitors have over the Predator XB273K. The Predator XB273K even comes with its own removable light-blocking hood. The best part? At the time of writing this fantastic gaming monitor is about $600-$750 cheaper than its aforementioned rivals. 

Read Review: Acer Predator XB273K

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Best 4K Gaming Monitor

Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ

Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ

Best 4K Gaming Monitor

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 27 inches, 16 | Resolution: 4K @120 Hz | Panel Type: IPS | Refresh Rate: 144Hz with overclock | Response Time (GTG): 4ms

G-Sync
Stunning image
144Hz in 4K
Amazing SDR and HDR contrast
Over 90 percent DCI-P3 coverage
Build quality, styling
Expensive

It doesn't get better than a full-array backlight, 4K resolution and HDR10. Our testing showed the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ to have virtually identical gaming performance to the very similarly specced Acer Predator X27. The Acer is more color-accurate upon opening, but you can calibrate the Asus to match its accuracy (see our settings in the review). Plus, the ROG Swift PG27UQ has a response time that's 1ms faster than the Predator X27, securing its position as the best 4K gaming monitor we've tested. 

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

Read Review: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ

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Best 144Hz Gaming Monitor

(Image credit: ViewSonic)

ViewSonic Elite XG240R

Best 144Hz Gaming Monitor

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

FreeSync, can run G-Sync unofficially
Solid contrast
Accurate colorStrong build quality
Hardware-sync LED feature
No HDR
No extended color

The ViewSonic Elite XG240R’s 1080p resolution is small compared to some other monitors on this page. But at 24 inches and with 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. And it also brings some RGB lights to your desk.

Read Review: ViewSonic Elite XG240R

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Best Budget Gaming Monitor

Acer XFA240

Acer XFA240

Best Budget Gaming Monitor

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 24 inches, 16 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Panel Type: TN / W-LED edge array | Refresh Rate: 1445 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 1ms

Out-of-box color accuracy
Smooth rear-free gameplay
FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible
Good build quality
Low pixel density
Gamma slightly off the mark

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

Read Review: Acer XFA240

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Best Curved Gaming Monitor

(Image credit: ViewSonic)

ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C

Best Curved Gaming Monitor

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

Excellent contrast and accurate color
FreeSync (and can run G-Sync unofficially)
Fast response from 100 Hz refresh rate
Good build quality
Loud speakers
No additional contrast in HDR mode
No extended color

The ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C's 1800mm curve radius helps immerse you in its beautiful image quality. The display has vivid and accurate color that makes textures pop and skin tones look natural. Everything just looks more realistic. It’s also less expensive than some other 35-inch ultra-wides and ones with fewer features. There's even RGB lighting on the back. But if you want life-changing HDR (or to use HDR with adaptive sync), look elsewhere.

Read Review: ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C

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Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

LG 24GK950F

LG 24GK950F

Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 24 inches, 21 | Resolution: 3440x1440 | Panel Type: IPS | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 5ms

FreeSync 2
Out-of-box color accuracy
Accurate sRGB mode
DCI-P3 color
HDR10 support
Good blur reduction
No HDR calibration option
Slight gamma errors

Ultra-wide monitors with a 144 Hz refresh rate are rare. The LG 34GK950F has all that and then some, including wide gamut color coverage and low framerate compensation (LFC). Despite its wider ratio, our testing revealed that this gaming monitor's performance is on par with the best 16:9 screens. With a 1900mm curve radius, it's a little less curvy than our favorite curved gaming monitor above. 

Read Review: LG 24GK950F

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Best Big Screen Gaming Monitor

HP Omen X 65 Emperium

HP Omen X 65 Emperium

Best Big Screen Gaming Monitor

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

G-Sync
Pro-level color accuracy
Excellent SDR and HDR contrast
Built-in soundbar delivers excellent audio quality
Sturdy build
Very expensive

This ginormous, but expensive, monitor features a bevy of extras, including a built-in Nvidia Shield box with plenty of gaming, TV and movie streaming options. There's also an impressive soundbar, fantastic HDR and premium gaming specs. Clearly, it's no one-trick pony. While great for gamers, 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.

Read Review: HP Omen X 65 Emperium

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Best 240Hz Gaming Monitor

(Image credit: Aorus)

Aorus KD25F

Best 240Hz Gaming Monitor

Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 24.5 inches, 16 | Resolution: 1920x1080 | Panel Type: TN/W-LED | Refresh Rate: 240 Hz | Response Time (GTG): 0.5ms

Smooth motion processing
Nearly non-existent input lag
Accurate color
Good build quality
Slick RGB lighting effect
FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible
Low pixel density

For hardcore gaming, we can’t imagine a better display. The Aorus KD25F combines a super-fast panel with accurate color and response that almost anticipates control inputs. Once you’ve played your favorite shooter on it, you won’t be able to stop.

Read Review: Aorus KD25F

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20 Comments Comment from the forums
  • shrapnel_indie 30 June 2016 13:38
    waiting for a review on this one: Asus MG28UQ: (Going for as low as $513.54 USD right now) UHD, FreeSync, USB 3.0 that can charge devices, HDMA 2.0 & HDMA 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2? 1.3?


    EDIT: Yay! you did review it! (recently too): http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/asus-mg28uq-28-inch-uhd-freesync-gaming-monitor,4683.html
    Reply
  • Verrin 30 June 2016 13:44
    I own an Acer XG270HU, great monitor. You have to be careful when buying it though, because some of their early production models had a firmware bug that prevented the overdrive from working properly, leading to some nasty ghosting/blur. I had to send mine in to get the firmware updated, and it wasn't a fun process. But once I got it back, I've been nothing but happy with the quality and features of this panel. IMHO FreeSync/G-Sync is probably the greatest development in gaming in the last decade.
    Reply
  • rahulkadukar 30 June 2016 14:03
    When are you planning to review Acer XB271HU, next year ?

    This list is a joke, arguably the best gaming monitor in the world is not even on the list.
    Reply
  • mortsmi7 30 June 2016 17:44
    I guess I'm the only one who desires an increase in picture quality/pixel density over screen realestate. I'll take my cheaper 1440p 27" IPS instead of a 1440p 32" LED any day.
    Reply
  • apertotes 30 June 2016 18:25
    I wish that you had added contrast to the chart. The same can be said about the professional monitors article. I really believe it is the single most important attribute on a monitor.
    Reply
  • Achoo22 30 June 2016 21:36
    I threw up in my mouth a little when I read the first line of the Asus PG279Q review: "Users looking to build a no-holds-barred rig can literally create an all-Asus system made up of premium components that deliver only the highest performance." Guerilla marketing with sponsored content much? Shame on you, Toms, for being complicit.
    Reply
  • SinxarKnights 01 July 2016 01:32
    18202963 said:
    When are you planning to review Acer XB271HU, next year ?
    It is the same monitor with more inputs (really, it is exactly the same except the inputs).

    Glad I picked the Acer XB270HU, So good. Sadly mine has already developed two dead pixels in the lower left corner. Unfortunately it doesn't count as a defect for the Acer warranty and B&H won't exchange it after 90 days for dead pixels.

    Reply
  • MorningstarZero 01 July 2016 11:23
    The link and pricing you have for the AOC G2460PQ in the article is wrong. The link takes you to Amazon for the AOC G2460PQU, a similar monitor to the AOC G2460PQ except for one small problem... the PQU DOESN'T have G-Sync. The pricing appears to be closely made off the PQU which is currently $228 (I'm guessing the price changed after this article was written.)

    Here's the link for the G2460PQ: https://www.amazon.com/AOC-G2460PG-24-Inch-LED-Lit-Monitor/dp/B00SIZ8QDM/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1467372059&sr=1-1It's currently selling for $414.
    Reply
  • sunny420 02 July 2016 17:05
    You mention in the updates, "This month, LG makes the cut with its 34UC98..."
    I'm not seeing any information about this monitor in the article.
    Reply
  • Mopar63 03 July 2016 11:45
    I daily use the Nixeus NX-VUE24A and the BenQ XL2730Z, I ditched my IPS gaming monitors for the amazing smooth game play I can get with both of these. While they are TN panels the game play experience in no way suffers and the Freesync implementation in both is outstanding.

    I wanted to love the Acer XR341CK and bought one, then promptly returned it. Early reviews got cherry picked samples, general consumer buying was a lottery and most ended with an issue. Attempts to get support where treated with bored indifference and I know two different people that went through 3 RMAs before getting a monitor with few enough issues to keep. (They had to pay for shipping each time and Acer would not offer to compensate after the first RAM was a failure as well) Seeing all these horror stories I chose the refund route.

    I am hearing that the QA issues have finally been resolved but I feel that for the price point quality should not be a crap shoot, but the norm.
    Reply