Best gaming monitors in 2025: the pixel-perfect panels I'd buy myself
The best gaming monitor is an incredibly important piece of a PC gamer's setup. Why spend lots of money on a gaming PC if you're going to play it through a tiny, 20-year-old workstation monitor? Fortunately, there are many great gaming monitors available today, including those offering ultra-high-refresh 1080p, zippy 1440p options, high-fidelity 4K, and a slew of ultrawide panels.
While we're expecting further fantastic panels throughout 2025, right now the best gaming monitor is the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED. It's got a stunning OLED panel, one that you normally find in some fantastic gaming monitors, but for less money. Check out our guide to the best OLED gaming monitors for even more options.
You need to match your monitor choice with your PC specs to get the most for your money. A 4K monitor with a high refresh rate would likely be overkill if your rig has an older graphics card, and for those cases, the AOC Gaming C27G4ZXE is the best 1080p monitor at the moment. If you prefer high refresh over resolution, check out our guide to the best high refresh rate gaming monitors.
The Quick List
Best overall / 4K
The best overall
This MSI 4K display is the best overall gaming monitor we've ever tested. It's a beautiful, sumptuous OLED panel for much less than its OLED competition. Still pricey though, I'll grant you.
Budget 4K
The best budget 4K
As well as being regularly affordable, Asus' Strix 4K display also comes with dual-mode functionality. With a 160 Hz refresh at 4K you then get a 320 Hz refresh going down to a competitive 1080p resolution.
Best 1440p
The best 1440p
If you prefer a smaller resolution, a higher refresh rate, and a stunning screen, this is the 1440p gaming monitor for you. It's the ultimate 1440p monitor, but maybe its OLED expensiveness puts it out of contention for many gamers.
Budget 1440p
The best budget 1440p
The H27T22C-3 might come from a lesser-known brand, but it ticks all the right boxes and doesn't sacrifice quality in any fundamental area. Perhaps most importantly, you're getting up to a 210 Hz refresh rate here for a very reasonable price.
Best 1080p
The best 1080p
This AOC monitor is seriously fast thanks to its 280 Hz refresh rate. Plus, what it lacks in pixel density, thanks to its 1080p resolution in a 27-inch panel, it more than makes up for with punchy VA visuals.
Best ultrawide
The best ultrawide
With superb image quality, excellent text handling and a super-fast 240 Hz refresh rate, there's very little not to like about this stunning OLED display. Oh, apart from the price.
Budget ultrawide
The best budget ultrawide
A contrasty VA panel, with plenty of backlight punch, reasonable pixel response, and a high enough refresh rate for most gamers' purposes. All this for $300? Impressive.
Best 32:9
The best 32:9
This 49-inch OLED monster delivers an incredible gaming experience. Just bear in mind that the 32:9 aspect ratio isn't ideal for every game... oh, and it's expensive, of course.
Best dual-mode
The best dual-mode
Should you wish for screaming fast refresh rates at 1080p but some lovely detail (and a more sedate rate) at 4K, the Alienware does its darndest to give you both. It's a pricey consideration, however, but if you want to switch it up on the regular, it's the best choice.
Best gaming monitor
✅ You want a brilliant OLED panel, but cheaper: The same great panel as some of the best OLEDs we've tested, but for less. Yep, that'll do.
❌ You're on a budget: It might be cheaper than the competition, but it's still not exactly, well, cheap. OLEDs still come with a hefty price tag, and as a result, you might be better off looking at less expensive options below.
When it comes to the best gaming monitor, we're finally in a place where we can recommend OLED displays. They've been the best for a while now, but the price has often been a holdback despite the incredible benefits of the tech. The MSI MPG 321URX is simply the best gaming monitor you can buy right now, by virtue of the fact that it uses the same panel as some of our OLED favorites, but comes in a lot cheaper.
Being an OLED, it's got response times that make other monitors blush. With a 240 Hz refresh rate and a stated 0.03ms response time, it's about as speedy as you'll get without opting for an esports-focused mega-refresh rate display, and most of those focus on 1080p resolution. Here, you get the full 4K shebang.
And what a panel. The color reproduction is sumptuous, thanks to an excellent glossy coating and all that OLED goodness, and the blacks are great, too. QD-OLED displays can look a little grey under lots of ambient light, but it's not as big an issue here as we've seen on other monitors of this type.
Of course, being an OLED display, there's always burn-in to worry about, but the MSI does its darndest to mitigate that with plenty of built-in tech. And the three-year burn-in warranty should take some of the anxiety out of the equation.
The DisplayHDR 400 mode is plenty punchy, while the 1,000-nit HDR mode is better for highlights. It's a bit of a pain to switch between them, but then, HDR is still a mess on Windows, unfortunately.
Design-wise, it's nothing particularly special, but then it's not a bad-looking chassis either. MSI has kept the cost down in certain regards, it's true, but really, what you care about here is that fantastic panel, for a reasonable price.
What you end up with is a 32-inch 4K OLED monitor that can often be found for $899 or less. That's in stark contrast to its 32-inch OLED competition, which normally ranges around the $1,100 to $1,300 mark. And really, when you factor in what you're getting here and the substantial costs of OLED technology as a whole, that makes it a bit of a bargain.
All things being relative, of course. But this is a staggeringly good display that undercuts its rivals significantly, and as a result, it's the best gaming monitor you can buy right now. It can be a little difficult to get hold of as a result, but if you manage to snag one of these, you're getting all the main benefits of OLED tech for less.
If you still want OLED fun but don't need the 4K resolution, the MSI MPG 271QRX is well worth a look, or if you want something more budget, then the IPS Gigabyte M28U is our top pick. Still, the MSI MPG 321URX is an OLED display at prices that just about start to make sense, and as a result, it's the one to beat.
Read our full MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED review.
Best budget 4K gaming monitor
✅ You want both speed and image detail: The XG27UCG's native 4K mode is super crispy while the 1080p serves up the speed.
❌ You're expecting a truly native 1080p experience: The 1080p mode looks pretty good in games, but it's a little soft and blurry on the desktop.
Two monitors in one. This is the promise of the dual-mode Asus ROG Strix XG27UCG. It kinda gets there, but for our money it deserves a place as the best budget 4K gaming monitor whatever its pseudo 1080p mode can deliver.
That's an added win when you already have an 4K IPS panel, which is capable of a 160 Hz refresh rate at its native resolution already. Sure, it's not the brightest screen out there, but with basic HDR support in the form HDR10 processing and rated peak of 400 nits as standard, it still delivers a decent image in games.
In those situations this becomes a very sweet and punchy display, and in our testing subjectively looks brighter than its listed 400 nits rating. And, because it's a 27-inch panel rocking 8.3 million pixels, the resulting pixel density is excellent. That makes it sharp on the desktop, with crisp font rendering, and detailed in game.
Where things fall off a little is in that dual-mode dance. Asus is using some sort of interpolation algorithm here and on the desktop that makes the 1080p mode look a little soft. In a game, however, it actually looks pretty good and the 320 Hz refresh rate also has a little higher pixel response, too.
A nice extra feature, but the real sell of the Asus is in its affordable 4K chops.
Read our full Asus ROG Strix XG27UCG review.
Best 1440p gaming monitor
✅ You want the ultimate 1440p monitor: If money is no object, you can secure yourself an unrivalled 1440p gaming monitor in the MPG 271QRX.
❌ You want the best OLED for the money: You can get a lot more for the same money (or maybe less), even with another OLED.
The best 1440p gaming monitor is the MSI MPG 271QRX. Yes, it's expensive, but that's because it's an OLED monitor, but that also makes it the ultimate in 1440p gaming displays. Favoring speed over resolution, it's a great choice for OLED-enhanced competitive gaming, and a superb pick if fast is foremost on your mind. So long as you have a substantial budget...
Usually, I'd say that a 1440p gaming monitor with a 165 Hz refresh rate is a sweet spot for a gaming monitor. The MPG 271QRX goes several steps further, with a 360 Hz refresh rate.
The panel within this MSI monitor is excellent in its response, vibrancy and contrast. That should come as no surprise, as it's the same QD-OLED panel made by Samsung and found in many of the best OLED gaming monitors.
Importantly for competitive gamers, it offers a 0.03 ms response time. That's an impossible feat for any non-OLED gaming monitor today.
Paired with the right graphics card, you can really drive super speeds with this monitor. You'll still need something high-end to tap into 240 Hz or greater frame rates, but if you're willing to spend so much on your gaming monitor, then surely an RTX 50-series isn't entirely out of your budget, right? Right?
There's no denying that this monitor is extremely expensive versus other 1440p panels. Even other OLEDs with arguably more attractive specifications. That's why the MPG 271QRX is much more limited in its appeal. Yet if you are chasing supreme speeds and a sporting edge over your enemies, the MSI MPG 271QRX is definitely worth checking out.
Read our full MSI MPG 271QRX review.
Best budget 1440p gaming monitor
✅ You want a high refresh rate for cheap: 210 Hz at 1440p for this price is no joke. It might not be your standard number of 240 Hz, but it sure beats the 144 Hz and 165 Hz you'd expect to see at this price point.
❌ You want a ton of ports: DisplayPort, HDMI, and 3.5 mm audio are all you get here.
The best budget 1440p gaming monitor is the KTC H27T22C-3 because it nails all the fundamentals while keeping its price very low. It might be scary to opt for a lesser-known brand, but we've done the testing with this one and can confirm it's on par with other decent 1440p monitors from bigger brands, only it's cheaper.
To be more specific, this 27-inch monitor offers a very generous—albeit somewhat peculiar—210 Hz refresh rate, a 1 ms response time, and 450 nits of peak brightness. And although IPS panels like this one can't match an OLED's deep blacks and contrast, that 450 nits is higher than even the latest OLEDs can offer, which is a benefit of the panel tech in at least some gaming scenarios.
Colours tend to be well-represented by IPS panels, too, and this KTC is no exception. During his testing, our Jeremy found colours to look pretty great: "The factory calibration isn't perfect. But it's far from horrendous. For the most part, this is just a vibrant, enjoyable gaming panel."
Overdrive works well here, too, though only in its standard mode, as you get too much overshooting on the more hardcore overdrive modes. In standard overdrive, though, while there might be what Jeremy called a "slight whiff" of overdrive, you're getting super snappy performance.
HDR is similarly wonderful with the KTC H27T22C-3, at least for the price. You can't expect the world here for such a low cost, and you're only getting not-quite-real-HDR DisplayHDR 400, but it works well and in fact even makes things look better in SDR mode, which isn't often the case with HDR.
Put all of this together and you have a very well-rounded monitor for a very reasonable price. Don't be put off by the lesser-known brand, because there are no hidden caveats here. It's just a solid high refresh rate 1440p monitor with no extra bells or whistles. You're not getting USB passthrough or any of those nice little extras, but that's about all you're sacrificing for the price here. The actual performance and visuals are certainly up to the competition.
Read our full KTC H27T22C-3 review.
Best 1080p gaming monitor
✅ You want a fast, punchy monitor: 280 Hz is seriously quick for a monitor in this price range... or, well, in any price range, really. Combine that with the lovely VA panel, and you have a solid gaming monitor.
❌ You want great pixel response: As with many monitors that have VA panels, this monitor unfortunately suffers from poor pixel response, meaning you might notice ghosting and smearing.
The best budget 1080p gaming monitor is the AOC Gaming C27G4ZXE. Not only is this a great 1080p gaming monitor for the price, but it's a curved gaming monitor, a feature that's usually reserved for slightly more expensive, higher-res panels. Sure, it doesn't have much of a curve at just 1500R, but it's not nothing.
Notwithstanding its slight curvature, the primary draw to this monitor is its whopping 280 Hz refresh rate. This makes for some incredibly smooth and snappy gameplay and is seriously impressive for the price.
Of course, for a monitor so cheap, there must be a drawback, and in this case, it's the fact that it's a 27-inch monitor with a max resolution of 1080p. 27-inch monitors, after all, are usually 1440p ones. So don't expect the best pixel density with this AOC. But if you're looking to hit 280 frames per second and display all of those on-screen, then you're in luck.
Despite its 1080p resolution, the C27G4ZXE can push out some lovely visuals thanks to its VA panel, which makes colours pop, as VAs often do. This, despite only being rated up to 300 nits of peak brightness. Everything's calibrated nicely out the door, but don't expect miracles in HDR mode—in fact, despite it technically being able to display some kind of HDR, the experience is generally so poor that it's probably best to think of this as just an SDR monitor.
Another area where the monitor suffers is in its pixel response. Unfortunately, blurring and smearing is visible, and the only way to get rid of this is to crank the overdrive up, which causes the opposing problems of overshoot and inverse ghosting.
Nonetheless, if you're wanting to save money on a 1080p monitor that produces a cracking image, is curved, and can refresh those on-screen frames at a mighty fast rate, this AOC is where it's at. A 1440p or IPS panel might be better if you can stretch your budget, but for such a cheap price tag, you really can't complain here. For budget 1080p gaming, this AOC Gaming C27G4ZXE is where it's at.
Read our full AOC Gaming C27G4ZXE review.
The best ultrawide gaming monitor
✅ You prioritize speed and immersion over flashy design: This monitor is all about delivering ultra-smooth performance and vibrant visuals, making it perfect for competitive gamers and immersive single-player experiences.
✅ You need multi-device flexibility: With plenty of ports and a built-in KVM switch, the MO34WQC2 is ideal for gamers and professionals using multiple systems on a single display.
❌ You need professional-grade color and resolution: If you're a creative relying on perfect color calibration and pixel perfection, this isn't the monitor for you.
Like many of the outright best gaming monitors, you're once more looking at an OLED at the top of this particular category. That means the Gigabyte MO34WQC2 is the best ultrawide gaming monitor in our minds, as it packs in both a slick, speedy QD-OLED panel and delivers the sort of feature-set that puts it at the top of the stack.
The LG WOLED ultrawide panels can be a touch brighter, but only by a relatively small amount and will generally come in a lot more expensive than you will find the Gigabyte screen for now. Once its $1,000 MSRP made it a bit of a tougher recommendation, but now we're regularly finding it below the $700 mark that has changed.
For that you're getting the QD-OLED image quality, 240 Hz refresh rate, and that 0.03 response time that makes this panel technology so good for gaming. You're also getting a level of HDR gaming that really takes advantage of the true blacks OLED can deliver.
There is a gentle 1800R curve to the panel, which might put some people off—maybe content creators—but bringing the edges of the display in a little actually gives that little bit of extra immersion for games on an ultrawide monitor.
In terms of that feature-set, one of the biggies is the KVM switch that allows you to swap between desktop and laptop while still using the same peripherals connected to the Gigabyte screeen. You also get USB-C with DisplayPort Alt mode, which means you can connect directly via one cable to deliver the video and USB hub goodness to a laptop. Sadly you're only getting an 18 W power deliver, which isn't going to keep your notebook powered.
I will say, it's not the most exciting gaming monitor, but it delivers on the promise of those original Alienware AW3423DWF ultrawides, and gives that little bit more on top.
Read our full Gigabyte MO34WQC2 review.
Best 32:9 gaming monitor
✅ You want ultra immersion: This ginormous 32:9 OLED panel can draw you in like no other when you're sat in front of it, and it spans around you.
✅ You want proper HDR: This panel seems to do HDR how it was supposed to be done, which is more than we can say for many monitors.
❌ You're on a budget: With an MSRP of about $2,000, this monitor doesn't come cheap.
❌ You want tons of pixel density: Although it's big, this is still a display with 1,440 pixels along the vertical axis, so you're not getting the absolute sharpest image.
The best 32:9 gaming monitor is the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC, and yes, that is a real aspect ratio. At roughly 3:1 comparing the horizontal and vertical dimensions, this is one wide OLED monitor. One might even venture to say it's so wide as to be absolute overkill.
But that's kind of the point of the OLED G9: It's the same 1,440-pixel-high OLED display we're used to but rolled out astronomically wide for immersiveness… or something. Whatever the reason that one might opt for such a monitor, it's certainly a sight to behold. For reference, your standard ultrawide has a 21:9 aspect ratio, just over 2:1.
The G9 shares all the lovely benefits of the narrower panels, too: glossy coating for punch visuals, a 240 Hz refresh rate, and 250 nits of peak brightness. It even shows surprisingly little visible automatic brightness limiting (ABL), which makes the desktop experience in particular that much more pleasant.
It's not perfect, of course. All the problems with some of this particular generation's OLED panels are still there: slightly fuzzy fonts, the risk of burn-in, and blacks looking a little gray in very bright ambient light. Plus, this monitor happens to have an outrageously large power supply and inputs that are difficult to get to.
But hey, there have to be some sacrifices for such unadulterated ginormousness, right? Especially when the design of the display itself is also gorgeous, with minimalist framing and a nice, wide base. You can essentially replace two 1440p gaming monitors with this, or run it as one ultra-wide boi.
Its 32:9 aspect ratio certainly won't be for everyone—many games don't even support such wide resolutions, so you'll probably be playing with borders a lot of the time anyway—but for those who want the potential of extreme immersiveness and sheer scale, look no further than the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC.
Read our full Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC review.
Best budget ultrawide gaming monitor
✅ Affordable ultrawide gaming appeals: The Xiaomi is older screen tech, but it still checks out at this price.
✅ You're a spreadsheet botherer: Being able to fullscreen a datasheet will appeal to some special folk.
❌ You want HDR, or an IPS panel, or speakers: Look, this is very much a basic, budget-oriented monitor. So, if you're looking for luxuries, you won't find them here.
The best budget ultrawide is the Xiaomi G34WQI, and I know that might sound rather strange given that this isn't a brand you would normally associate with gaming screens, but it's latest displays have given gamers great affordable options at different resolutions.
If the big boi OLED is too rich for your wallet, then Xiaomi's 34-incher will still deliver in all the ways that are important for an ultrawide. Obviously, you're getting that 21:9 aspect ratio, along with a 3440 x 1440 native resolution. You're also getting a relatively gentle 1500R curve (though a little tighter than the Gigabyte panel above), which give that little bit of extra immersion for ultrawide gaming monitors.
It's not the brightest panel, however, and a little dimmer than our previous pick for the best budget ultrawide, but sadly that ASRock display has now disappeared from the store shelves. Still, at a typical brightness of 350 nits it's not going to be a problem in all but the brightest of gaming caves.
It does have a higher refresh rate, however, at 180 Hz. That's the sort of level where a modern GPU will be able to get close to that refresh rate with its own frame rate in the sorts of games where that really counts.
Read our Xiaomi G34WQI review.
Best dual-mode gaming monitor
✅ You like the idea of two monitors in one panel: The Alienware performs the dual mode dance better than any we've tested, so if double trouble is your desire, it's easily the one we'd pick.
❌ You want 4K at a reasonable price: Unless you really plan on switching between resolutions and refresh rates on the regular, you can pick up a comparable 4K monitor for cheaper.
What if you want super high refresh rates for a spot of competitive gaming at 1080p, but still want 4K potential for more chilled out, single player shenanigans? Well, you'll want to check out a dual-mode monitor—and the Alienware AW2725QF is the one I heartily recommend.
Dual-mode monitors are something us hardware nerds are starting to see more of these days, and they come with the party trick of super-fast refresh rates at lower resolutions, and more conservative ones for 4K gaming. A best of both worlds approach, although this is the monitor that really pulls it off better than the rest.
At 4K, the 27-inch Alienware can put out a very respectable 180 Hz refresh rate, and that's going to be just dandy for a spot of detailed single-player fun. If you really want to ramp up the refresh rate for an intense game of Valorant, though, the AW2725QF can switch to a 360 Hz refresh rate at 1080p.
That's screamingly fast, and with a claimed 0.5 ms GTG response rate, this monitor can certainly keep up (and surpass) most of the rest of the pack. It's a lovely-looking IPS panel, too, so while it won't quite deliver OLED-style vibrancy, it's still a beautiful-looking thing running at full tilt.
It's worth noting, however, that if competitive gaming is your full-time obsession, then you're still going to want a dedicated high-refresh rate display—as while the dual-mode feature makes a good fist of displaying 1080p content (at immense speeds), it's still pixel doubling to create the effect, and that can blur some detail reproduction if you look really, really closely.
Regardless, this is an excellent panel with a party trick, and it pulls it off to great effect. Jack of all trades, master of none? Far from it. The Alienware makes a lot of sense if you want to swap between high res and high refresh rate on the regular—but you will be paying for the privilege.
Read our full Alienware AW2725QF review.
PC Gamer gaming monitor reviews
LG Ultragear 45GX950A
While it feels like a glimpse into the future of gaming monitors that does also mean you're paying two grand for a slightly dim, but sometimes spectacular screen, which you know is going to get surpassed in the very near future by OLED advances.
PC Gamer score: 78%
Read our full LG Ultragear 45GX950A review.View Deal
Philips Evnia 27M2N3800A
Philips just made 4K gaming mainstream, at least on the display side, with this fantastic new dual-mode monitor. It's just a pity that truly 4K-capable GPUs remain so expensive.
PC Gamer score: 89%
Read our full Philips Evnia 27M2N3800A review.View Deal
Acer Predator X32X
The current crop of fast 4K OLEDs are fantastic gaming monitors, and the Predator X32X adds a curve into the mix. Not everyone will appreciate it, but it can genuinely add something to a game, particularly first-person ones, and mixed with the brightness and sharpness of OLED it makes the X32X stand out.
PC Gamer score: 86%
Read our full Acer Predator X32X review.View Deal
MSI MPG 322URX
MSI's rebooted 32-inch 4K panel brings all the usual QD-OLED niceties, but also the shortcomings. In the end, it's too little for too much in the crowded premium gaming monitor market.
PC Gamer score: 79%
Read our full MSI MPG 322URX review.View Deal
Pixio PXC277 Advanced
$240 for a high-refresh 1440p panel? Really? Yup. The 165Hz Pixio PXC277 Advanced does almost everything pretty well. Sure, the HDR support is extremely limited. But for the money, this is a surprisingly lovely all-round gaming monitor. The KTC pick on this list has now pipped this Pixio, though, as it's even better value.
PC Gamer score: 85%
Read our full Pixio PXC277 Advanced review.View Deal
Asus ROG Strix XG27UCG
Two displays in one monitor is the promise and the dual-mode Asus ROG Strix XG27UCG mostly delivers and for relatively sensible money. Just note that the 1080p mode isn't truly like a native display.
PC Gamer score: 83%
Read our full Asus ROG Strix XG27UCG review.View Deal
Gigabyte MO34WQC2
Gigabyte's first attempt at an OLED ultrawide monitor is pretty good, with a great panel, fast refresh rate and good ports. Unfortunately, its price doesn't match its specs, it has poor speakers, and a pretty uninspired design.
PC Gamer score: 80%
Read our full Gigabyte MO34WQC2 review.View Deal
Acer Predator SpatialLabs View 27 3D
Combining both 3D visuals and 3D audio, this Acer monitor does an awful lot but doesn't nail the landing on any element. It's an impressive feat, but not really worth the money and time.
PC Gamer score: 68%
Read our full Acer Predator SpatialLabs View review. View Deal
Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM
There's no doubt that the PG27UCDM is a fantastic monitor but its also hella expensive without offering much more than its bigger sibling.
PC Gamer score: 85%
Read our full Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM review.View Deal
MSI MPG 272URX
One of the first gaming monitors to use 4th gen OLED tech, but it's very expensive, no brighter than 3rd gen displays, and a bit too small. Still, that pixel density is stupendous.
PC Gamer score: 85%
Read our full MSI MPG 272URX review.View Deal
Acer Predator X39 OLED
It's a lovely big WOLED panel, if a bit of an odd size choice, but Acer's late to the party with this monitor. There are nicer screens to be found at this price tag.
PC Gamer score: 80%
Read our full Acer Predator X39 OLED review.View Deal
AOC Agon Pro AG276KF
Yes, that's right—it's a 520 Hz gaming monitor. That's immensely fast but unless you're a genuine pro gamer, the low pixel density and high price just aren't worth it.
PC Gamer score: 83%
Read our full AOC Agon Pro AG276KF review.View Deal
AOC Gaming C27G4ZXE
Affordable and with plenty of zip to it, AOC's 27-inch 1080p monitor is let down by its low pixel density, poor pixel response, and dull HDR mode.
PC Gamer score: 73%
Read our full AOC Gaming C27G4ZXE review.View Deal
Thermaltake TGM-I27FQ
Our previous choice for the best 1440p monitor, the Thermaltake TGM-127FQ is a solid choice, with a nice set of features and a pretty IPS panel, but included USB-C power delivery is a bit limited and it's not a great HDR choice.
PC Gamer score: 82%
Read our full Thermaltake TGM-I27FQ review.View Deal
Sony Inzone M10S
The Sony Inzone M10S is a stunning panel that is seriously fast, but it's an awful lot of money for a monitor that is just 1440p.
PC Gamer score: 83%
Read our full Sony Inzone M10S review.View Deal
Alienware AW2725DF
Boasting a super-fast, luscious OLED panel, this monitor is really nice but spending nearly $800 on a 1440p display? It just doesn't make sense.
PC Gamer score: 85%
Read our full Alienware AW2725DF review.View Deal
Xiaomi G27i
This low-cost screen may be short on inputs and other premium features, but it's got it where it counts and would make the perfect companion to a budget gaming rig.
PC Gamer score: 80%
Read our full Xiaomi G27i review.View Deal
Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD
We've seen Samsung's QD-OLED 4K tech in monitors from other brands and loved it. Unfortunately, Samsung has stuffed this one with SmartTV rubbish that pretty much spoils it.
PC Gamer score: 60%
Read our full Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED G80SD review.View Deal
Dough Spectrum Black 27
While we like the Gorilla Glass on this compact OLED monitor, it's tough to justify in the face of 32-inch 4K OLED panels we otherwise much prefer.
PC Gamer score: 57%
Read our full Dough Spectrum Black 27 review.View Deal
Alienware 32 AW3225QF
Almost identical to the ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM, we ultimately sided with the Asus thanks to its out-of-the-box calibration and feature set, which are a cut above. The Alienware is an awesome alternative, which will be even more alluring with a discount.
PC Gamer score: 92%
Read our full Alienware 32 AW3225QF review.View Deal
Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2
The Aorus FO32U2 delivers a similar package to the best OLED gaming monitor right now, except we prefer the warmer color calibration on the Asus.
PC Gamer score: 86%
Read our full Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2 review.View Deal
Asus ROG Swift OLED PG49WCD
It's a massive, mighty and helluva OLED gaming monitor. Unfortunately for Asus, Samsung (the QD-OLED panel's manufacturer) offers more for less with the OLED G9.
PC Gamer score: 81%
Read our full Asus ROG Swift OLED PG49WCD review.View Deal
Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM
As a first taster of LG's new OLED panels, this was a good indicator of some hopefully great screens to come. The ROG Swift is great in its own right, however, and impressed with better full-screen brightness, a 240 Hz refresh rate and great HDR performance.
PC Gamer score: 87%
Read our full Asus ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDM review.View Deal
Xiaomi Mi Curved Gaming Monitor 34
This monitor failed to impress us compared to its competitors in its price bracket, but it's still one to check out if it's on sale. It's a budget monitor, so you don't get the latest and greatest panel, but it's a wide and curvy thing for relatively few pennies.
PC Gamer score: 75%
Read our full Xiaomi Mi Curved Gaming Monitor 34 review.View Deal
MSI MAG 274UPF
The MAG 274UPF is a good, safe 4K gaming monitor that doesn’t break the bank but it also doesn’t do anything we haven’t seen before.
PC Gamer score: 85%
Read our full MSI MAG 274UPF review.View Deal
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
Samsung has just raised the bar for gaming monitors. The new Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G93SC takes its already outstanding QD-OLED panel tech and stretches it out to epic 49-inch, 32:9 aspect proportions. The results are suitably stupendous. But we'd probably still prefer the more mainstream 21:9 alternatives.
PC Gamer score: 90%
Read our full Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 review.View Deal
Philips Evnia 34M2C8600
If Alienware's very similar 34-inch model was the OLED monitor we've been waiting for, Philips has just bested it. Thanks to a glossy panel coating, the OLED tech really sings. HDR games? They positively sizzle. A few minor OLED limitations remain. But this is as good as gaming monitors currently get.
PC Gamer score: 95%
Read our full Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 review.View Deal
BenQ Mobiuz EX480UZ
The BenQ Mobiuz EX480UZ is a solid choice if you want to adopt the large gaming monitor lifestyle. It's got the speed, color, and contrast you want for PC and console gaming. However, its limited ergonomics and high price make it hard to fully recommend over some of its competitors.
PC Gamer score: 79%
Read our full BenQ Mobiuz EX480UZ review.View Deal
Alienware 34 QD-OLED (AW3423DW)
It’s been an incredibly long time coming. But OLED awesomeness has finally come to the PC. LCD technology still has the edge for latency, but this quantum dot-enhanced OLED screen is incredible when it comes to contrast. The DWF variant, however, has a glossy coating. And that edges the matte version out of this guide.
PC Gamer score: 95%
Read our full Alienware 34 QD-OLED (AW3423DW) review.View Deal
Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240
Corsair's take on the 27-inch 1440p OLED is beautifully engineered and all the usual LG-powered OLED upsides appear, including warp-speed responses and lovely per-pixel lighting. But so does the inconsistent brightness. And that's a little tricky to accept at this lofty price point.
PC Gamer score: 80%
Read our full Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 review.View Deal
Lenovo Legion Y32p-30
When it comes to image detail, pixel density counts and the 32-inch 4K Lenovo Legion Y32p-30 undoubtedly delivers on that front. Factor in a 144 Hz refresh rate and great response, and the upshot is a proper high-DPI gaming experience. The problem is the price and the knowledge that OLED gaming can be had for not much more money.
PC Gamer score: 84%
Read our full Lenovo Legion Y32p-30 review.
LG UltraGear 27GR95QE-B
Waiting for the big-screen monitor that really delivers on the promise of OLED tech? This isn't it. The Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 suffers from all-too-apparent brightness limitations, while the resolution and pixel density are a very hard sell at this price point.
PC Gamer score: 68%
Read our full LG UltraGear 27GR95QE-B review.View Deal
BenQ Mobiuz EX240N
The cheaper of two superficially similar monitor models, the BenQ Mobiuz EX240N loses a little too much in the transition from IPS to VA panel tech. The pixel response can be problematic, the HDR support is woeful and there's an overall lack of vibrancy and punch. Then there's the slightly fuzzy font rendering and maddening OSD menu. 165 Hz refresh is undoubtedly impressive at this price point, but we'd spend that little bit more on the non-N model.
PC Gamer score: 70%
Read our full BenQ Mobiuz EX240N review.View Deal
Acer Predator X32 FP
As a content creator and designer, I can appreciate the benefit of a monitor that I can also use for professional work but also get lost in the glorious world of Elden Ring. The Predator X32 FP makes a compelling case for Mini LED gaming monitors but it does so at a truly hefty price.
PC Gamer score: 79%
Read our full Acer Predator X32 FP review.View Deal
Samsung Odyssey G7 C27G7
With the new G7, Samsung has buried the idea that VA panels can't be quick. However the extreme panel curve and mediocre HDR implementation complicate the proposition, and there are better monitors around for the money.
PC Gamer score: 85%
Read our full Samsung Odyssey G7 C27G7 review.View Deal
Corsair Xeneon Flex OLED
Waiting for the big-screen monitor that really delivers on the promise of OLED tech? This isn't it. The Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 suffers from all-too-apparent brightness limitations, while the resolution and pixel density are a very hard sell at this price point.
PC Gamer score: 68%
Read our full Corsair Xeneon Flex OLED review.View Deal
Sony Inzone M9
All in, the Inzone M9 is a hell of a gaming monitor, especially for Sony's first foray into PC gaming. I'm just as surprised as you are that the M9 easily competes with some of the best 4K monitors out there right now. It's loaded with a ton of gaming features and most importantly costs less than $1,000.
PC Gamer score: 87%
Read our full Sony Inzone M9 review.View Deal
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How we test gaming monitors
How does PC Gamer test gaming monitors?
Like everything else we test, we live with a gaming monitor in the same way you would at home. We make sure to use it for day-to-day monitor tasks on the Windows desktop—because your PC likely isn't just for entertainment—and we test it while gaming, of course.
The Windows desktop will highlight any failings in factory calibration, and show up any issues with font scaling, too. It is also a good way to test the vagaries of whatever backlighting tech a panel is employing. Using a dark background and a light browser or Explorer window (or the other way around) is great for highlighting what a screen's backlight will do as the level of brightness is demanded by what's on the display.
It's a good way to check out any auto brightness limiting (ABL) functions on a modern OLED display, too.
Using fast-paced shooters is a perfect way to test out the response of a given gaming monitor, and the neon-dripping world of Cyberpunk 2077 makes for an excellent HDR tester.
We also go through a series of experiential tests to highlight any ghosting, backlighting issues, or general smeariness or blurring of images. We find it too easy to get lost in the weeds of specific panel benchmarks and miss more obvious problems that might crop up during day-to-day gaming use.
So, we put more weight on what it's like to actually use a gaming monitor than what the specs might say.
Where to buy a gaming monitor
Where are best gaming monitor deals?
In the US:
Amazon - Money off high refresh rate gaming monitors
Walmart - Save on quick gaming monitors
B&H Photo - Gaming monitors for as little as $110
Best Buy - Often Samsung gaming monitors going for less
Target - LG and Asus gaming monitors on sale
Staples - Regular sales on selected HP gaming monitors
Newegg - Lots of cheap gaming monitors to choose from
Dell - Money off Alienware gaming monitors
In the UK:
Amazon - Save on big-name monitor brands
Overclockers - 1440p LG gaming monitors from £190
Scan - AMD FreeSync monitors from as low as £100
Best gaming monitor FAQ
Should I go for an IPS, TN or VA panel?
We would always recommend an IPS panel over TN. The clarity of image, viewing angle, and color reproduction are far superior to the cheaper technology, but you'll often find a faster TN for cheaper. The other alternative is VA tech, which is less expensive than IPS but still a lot better than TN. The colors aren't quite so hot, but the contrast performance is impressive.
Should I go for a FreeSync or G-Sync monitor?
In general, FreeSync monitors will be cheaper. It used to be the case that they would only work in combination with an AMD GPU. The same went for G-Sync monitors and Nvidia GPUs. Nowadays, though, it is possible to find G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitors if you're intent on spending less, which work perfectly well with both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards.
Should I buy a HDR monitor?
With a High Dynamic Range monitor, you can take advantage of the ever-growing list of games and apps that feature HDR support. It offers more vibrant colors and greater contrast but is going to drive up the price a little. Windows' native HDR function also leaves a lot to be desired, and you may find you have to fiddle in the settings to get HDR looking like it should.
What aspect ratio should I go for?
Today's movies and games are best enjoyed in a widescreen format at a 16:9 aspect ratio or above. In 4:3, those cinematic moments will look stunted with black strips along the top and bottom. There are a host of minute variations on each ratio, but at the end of the day choosing between these depends entirely on your personal preference.
And the very far-out option, if you have a little extra cash to blow, are ultra-wide aspect ratios like 21:9 and 32:9 and their variants. These will provide a much more immersive, encompassing experience. Or you can encompass yourself with a curved monitor, it's really up to you.
Jargon buster - gaming monitor terminology
Curved Panels
Curved panels can make games feel more immersive and the amount of curvature is given by a number such as 1500R or 1800R. The smaller the number, the more tightly curved the screen will be.
IPS
In-plane switching panels offer the best contrast and color despite having weaker blacks. IPS panels also tend to be more expensive and have higher response times.
Ghosting
When movement on your display leaves behind a trail of pixels when watching a movie or playing a game, this is often a result of a monitor having slow response times.
G-Sync
Nvidia's frame synching tech for Nvidia GPUs. It basically allows the monitor to sync up with the GPU. It does this by showing a new frame as soon as the GPU has one ready.
FreeSync
AMD's take on frame synching uses a similar technique as G-Sync, with the biggest difference being that it uses DisplayPort's Adaptive-Sync technology which doesn't cost monitor manufacturers anything.
HDR
High Dynamic Range. HDR provides a wider color range than normal SDR panels and offers increased brightness. The result is more vivid colors, deeper blacks, and a brighter picture.
OLED
Organic Light Emitting Diode. A type of display where the pixels directly emit light, rather than using LEDs as a backlight. OLED panels have the best color reproduction and the fastest response, as well as provide true black colors.
Peak Brightness
This refers to the maximum brightness of a monitor or television and is measured in nits. For decent HDR gaming, you want more than 400 nits, ideally near the 1000 mark.
Refresh Rate (Hz)
The speed at which the screen refreshes. For example, 144Hz means the display refreshes 144 times a second. The higher the number, the smoother the screen will appear when you play games.
Resolution
The number of pixels that make up a monitor's display, indicated by height and width. For example: 1920 x 1080 (aka 1080p), 2560 x 1440 (2K or 1440p), and 3840 x 2160 (4K).
Response Time
The amount of time it takes a pixel to transition to a new color and back. Often referenced as G2G or Grey-to-Grey. Slow response times can lead to ghosting. A suitable range for a gaming monitor is between 1 to 4 milliseconds.
TN Panels
Twisted-nematic is the most common (and cheapest) gaming panel. TN panels tend to have poorer viewing angles and color reproduction but have higher refresh rates and response times.
Ultrawide
Shorthand for monitors with aspect wider aspect ratios like 32:9 or 21:9
VA
Vertical Alignment panels provide good viewing angles and have better contrast than even IPS but are still slower than TN panels. They are often a compromise between a TN and IPS panel.
V-Sync
Graphics tech synchronizes a game's framerate with your monitor's refresh rate to help prevent screen tearing by syncing your GPU frame rate to the display's maximum refresh rate. Turn V-Sync on in your games for a smoother experience, but you'll lose information, so turn it off for fast-paced shooters (and live with the tearing). Useful if you have an older model display that can't keep up with a new GPU.