When you really want to be in a gaming combat by any means, you must reach for the perfect gaming rigs in order to fill the gap between the standard gaming setup to the best one. We have scrutinized the best gaming keyboards, headphones and gaming PCs of the year. This time we have brought the best gaming monitors including ultrawide monitors, budget gaming monitors, 4k monitors and much more you haven’t thought about before.
Upgrading your PC is not just enough to scale up the gaming, unless you have a portion of the budget for the best gaming monitor as well. If the monitor on your desk is not capable of delivering what the other hardwares is capable of, then the whole process of upgrading the system is worthless unfortunately. For example, spending on a 4k graphics card in the presence of a 1080p monitor wouldn’t be satisfactory and the outcome will be under workable.
Similarly there are plenty of attractive features that keep coming from so many of the manufacturers which are not only price competitive but are allowing the user to have the best gaming experience they could ever have. More polished properties and technologies are being pressed than before. We are getting updated with the new arrivals of the gaming monitors each day, subsequently bringing them on your testing table repeatedly. This time we have assorted 12 best gaming monitors of the year, we guarantee you will definitely get your desirable one here.
Best 240z 1440p monitor
Best 4k HDR gaming monitor
Best IPS gaming monitor
Best 1440p gaming monitor
Best 240Hz 1080p monitor
Best 1080p gaming monitor
Best FreeSync gaming monitor
Best Nvidia G-Sync monitor
Best 165Hz monitor
Best ultrawide gaming monitor
Best 32 inch curved monitor
Best 2k 144hz monitor
Common FAQs About The Best Gaming Monitors 2022
a. What is the main difference between the standard monitors and best gaming monitors?
The main difference between a standard monitor and a gaming monitor is the high refresh rate. This is measured in “hertz”, it tells how quickly your screen shows the next image followed but rapid change of pixel. For human observation, it is the smoothness and flow of a visual without lagging and distortion. This response on the display is extra fast and buttery as compared to ordinary monitors which we use to see in our tv lounge.
b. Which is the best gaming monitor for Xbox X or PS4?
To play on Xbox X Series or PS4/PS5, you need a monitor with HDMI that supports 4k content. For this, Asus Rog Swift PG43UQ is the perfect option, this makes console gaming with HDR to another level with fluidness like no other.
c. What are the best gaming monitors brands?
In the current situation prevailing in the market, competition is on its high, so are the innovations and the models from famous brands to not so famous brands. Asking this question seems irrelevant in this matter, but if you really are interested to hook with the popular brands no matter what, then Asus, Alienware, MSI, LG, AOC, BenQ, ViewSonic and Acer are few which always pop up first. There are a couple more brands striving to take place in the market like Vivo, Star Tech and NetGear etc. specially in case of gaming monitors.
d. What things are the most important to look for in the best gaming monitor?
Although there is not just one thing to focus on while buying the best gaming monitor, but five elements are very crucial to head for at any cost. They are the refresh rate, resolution, size of the screen, response time and the cost or budget you are bringing along. The refresh rate of the monitor should be high enough to make a difference in performance, response time should be least so that the content become fluid on the screen, resolution should be high enough to make it crisp and clear, size of the screen must be according to your space and of course the price must be justified with the properties of that particular monitor you are picking for gaming.
e. Can I use my gaming monitor as a TV?
Gaming monitor can be used with any hoster, it can be your TV, PC, game console or a laptop. The only thing necessary is the input ports your monitor has, to accept the connection from the host device. For TV, your monitor must have HDMI. In case of lacking HDMI, the second option is to bring in an adapter to connect the monitor’s display port or DVI or VGA in order to bring up an HDMI interface.
List of best gaming monitors 2022
- Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 – Best 240Hz curved monitor
- ASUS ROG Swift PG43UQ – Best 4k gaming monitor
- LG Ultragear 27GL850-B – Best 27 inch gaming monitor
- Acer Nitro XV340CK Pbmiiphx – Best 1440p 144Hz monitor
- Alienware 25 AW2521HF – Best 240Hz flat monitor
- BenQ Zowie XL2731 – Best 1080p 144Hz monitor
- Acer Nitro XZ342CK Pbmiiphx – Best 1440p freesync monitor
- Asus VG278QR – Best G-sync monitor – 0.5ms monitor
- ViewSonic ELITE XG270QC – Best 1440p 165Hz monitor
- Sceptre (C355W-3440UN) – best budget ultrawide monitor
- ASUS TUF Gaming VG32VQ1B – Best adaptive sync monitor
- AOC CQ27G2 – Best 2k monitor
Best Gaming Monitors 2022 Reviews
1. Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 – Best 240Hz curved monitor 2499
Display: 49-inch QLED | Resolution: 5120×1440 | Aspect ratio: 32:9 | Refresh rate: 240Hz | Response time:1ms | Adaptive Sync: FreeSync and G-Sync | Panel type: VA | HDR: Yes | Curved screen: 1000R
Reasons to buy
- Wall mountable+HAS (height adjustable stand)
- Supports eye care mode
- Supports Quantum Dot Technology
- Supports HDR 1000
- Point to point detailed settings: black equalizer, low input lag, refresh rate and so much more
Reasons to avoid
- More likely to be used for PC gaming but less likely for console gaming
Samsung Odyssey G9 is the largest screen we have brought under the list of best gaming monitors, it has 49 inch wide dual QHD backlit display screen with 1440p resolution. It goes maximum to 240Hz refresh rate within 1ms response time which is definitely an ideal situation for fast image rendering. Its default brightness is 420cd/m2, which is able to tweak down to 300cd/m2 and tweaked up to 1000cd/m2. This is a super wide monitor with 32:9 aspect ratio and is HDR 1000 supportive.
Further, Samsung Odyssey G9 consists of 1.07 billion display colors, 95% DCI, 88% NTSC, 125% sRGB, 92% Adobe RGB, in short, it is the craziest version of big monitors. With an ability to tilt and swivel, this Samsung super wide monitor is VESA compatible too. Alongside these, you will get “Infinity Core Lighting” which has 52 different colors that are customizable in order to unifies the overall gaming setup. It consumes up to 140W (max), there are two display ports, two USB Type-A, one HDMI and a USB slot along with the 3.5mm audio.
Samsung Odyssey G9 is extremely well performed and a futuristic investment as a best gaming monitor indeed. This monitor supports adaptive syncing, hence the drop of frame is out of context for the gamer. The details are superb and meet the perfectness required in the competitive gaming. Although it might be a pricey piece of cake, it definitely worth it with the level of performance it renders in real time. Plus we expect more than 1440p resolution on such a big screen, still it is not a deal breaker for the absolute 1000R curvature it brings along.
2. ASUS ROG Swift PG43UQ – Best 4k gaming monitor for PS4 Pro
Display: 43-inch | Resolution:4k UHD | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Adaptive Sync: FreeSync and G-Sync | Panel type: VA | HDR: Yes | Curved screen: No
Reasons to buy
- Picture to picture mode
- Eye care mode
- Supports multi HDR
- VESA compatible
- Aura Sync Lighting effects
Reasons to avoid
- No height adjustment stand
Asus Rog Swift PG43UQ jumbo screen suffices the gaming and fills the criteria to touch the height of competitive gaming with precision. It is a inch wide ultra HD monitor for 4k gaming at 144Hz refresh rate. This monitor consists of Digital Stream Compression Technology which delivers the high end performance whether is simply gaming or video streaming. With 1.07 billion colors, 90% DCI-P3 color saturation, 1000 cd/m2 brightness and HDR 1000, you are all set with the continuous non stoppable immersion.
Asus Rog Swift 4k 144Hz monitor is indeed one of the best gaming monitors, the user will come across exclusively game to game details and settings including the FPS count, crossheir, timer, RPG, sRGB and so much more you will know once step into the customization variation this 4k gaming monitors offers. Its Blue Light Filters Technology enables you to record your performance of hours without feeling eye strain. The indulging performance we have on our tag list for this, all because of the performance of this DSC monitor at HDR 1000.
On the port section, this 4k monitor for gaming is all set. In addition, if you intend to play console gaming, it is the best 4k monitor for PS4 Pro and Xbox One x. Whatsmore is its two 10W Asus Sonic Master Technology speakers, which fortunately place a cherry on top of all and you will be getting high fidelity gaming. Despite all good features, there is a need for rectification in terms of durability, although it has a stand but is not HAS (Height Adjustable Stand), therefore the only option is to either mount it on a wall or become used to, to the same height, though it does support tilting.
3. LG Ultragear 27GL850-B – Best 27 inch 1440p monitor
Display: 27-inch | Resolution: 2560×1440 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Adaptive Sync: FreeSyn and G-Sync | Panel type: IPS | HDR: Yes | Curved screen: No
Reasons to buy
- Supports display stream compression
- Crisp image with vibrant colors
- Great potential for pc and console gaming
- VESA compatible
- Ease of use without drama
Reasons to avoid
- No RBG
- No speakers
With the very low input lag LG Ultragear is the best HDR gaming monitor and a real comeback in Ultragear monitors we have already gone through before. It is a powerful machine which collaborates with all the graphics cards as it says yes to Adaptive syncing. It has a 27 inch nano IPS QHD display with 1440p resolution at 144Hz refresh rate within 1ms response time. It has 98% DCI P3 and 350cd/m2 brightness, though with 700:1 native contrast we are a bit disappointed as it closes the door for indoor gaming and less likely gaming in the darkness.
We know there are clearly many alternatives with good contrast ratio in the market, but the main reason for being under the list for best gaming monitors is its smooth and tear free gaming performance. It comes in matte black color, its border is 0.4 inches wide from three sides and the thickness of the monitor is 2.2 inches. This monitor has an adjustable stand that allows tilting but no swivel. It has all the necessary connections but is not supportive of multiple input displays.
Further, LG Ultragear has a very clean setup, there is no RGB lighting though, still its overall build is attractive in many ways and so is the performance. Whether its RTS gaming or FPS gaming, the moves are clear cut and smooth without dropping the frame. The user will not miss out any single frame rather it itself superbly handles out the visuals like a pro with pixel to pixel and frame to frame. If you really intend to taste HDR gaming, don’t say no to this opportunity at the cost it comes with.
4. Acer Nitro XV340CK – Best 144Hz gaming monitor
Display: 34-inch | Resolution: 3440×1440 | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync | Panel type: IPS | HDR: Yes | Curved screen: No
Reasons to buy
- Anti glare
- Flicker free performance
- Supports Acer BlueLight Shield
- Low input lag
- VESA compatible
Reasons to avoid
- Low brightness level (not a deal breaker)
Acer Nitro is 34 inch wide QHD IPS display with 1440p resolution for 144Hz refresh rate in 1ms response time. This 144Hz gaming monitor has 16.7 million colors, 72% NTSC, 100% NTSC and supports HDR10. With AMD FreeSync Technology, the picture quality is great and ensures the smooth gaming or streaming. It has 1000:1 native contrast ratio and 1,000,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio along with 250cd/m2 brightness level. Make sense for indoor gaming and can be used for gaming in a dark room.
With the color accuracy and immersive detail of the picture is what makes its place among the best gaming monitors of the year. This ultrawide IPS backlit display is not only great for gaming but very well for multitasking whether its home or office. With lower input lag, the content on display makes you respond fast and the action is delivered so quickly that the gamer will never skip any mode of enemy nor be able to retaliate. Similarly, if you intend to overclock, this gaming monitor will perform shoulder to shoulder and still you wouldn’t see screen tearing.
Further, Acer Nitro XV340CK is a HDR 10 monitor, it may seem lower to you but there is no difference in real terms if you want to make a comparison with HDR10+ monitors. This gaming monitor enables the same bright visuals and you will realize it’s just a number, though the performance wise it is still competent enough to beat rivals. Other than the performance, the build is super solid, it has a stand which is able to tilt and swivel, you can also mount it on a wall. Thus we say, it is the best gaming monitor under 500.
Also see: Portable monitor | portable monitor for laptop | Gaming Portable screen | Best gaming Monitor under 200
5. Alienware 25 AW2521HF – Best 25 inch monitor
Display: 24.5-inch | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Refresh rate: 240Hz | Response time: 1ms | Adaptive Sync: FreeSync+G-Sync | Panel type: IPS | HDR: No | Curved screen: No
Reasons to buy
- Perfect for 1080p gaming
- No lag but smooth gaming everytime
- 240Hz highly responsive gaming
- Sturdy design
- VESA compatible
Reasons to avoid
- No HDR
- Although a compact size of of screen, but require plenty of space
- No eye care mode
We wouldn’t say it is perfect for the most competitive gaming but yes, it is perfect for 1080p gaming sense. If you have a moderate inclination towards gaming but again has more work to be done from office or school, the price you pay for these features suits you well. This monitor is 25 inch wide in IPS panel with full HD backlit, it has 1080p resolution with 1ms response time. Along with these, the best part we think is the 240Hz refresh rate which is pretty much attractive for gamers.
With 400cd/m2 brightness level, 99% sRGB color coverage and 1000:1 contrast ratio, this 1080p gaming monitor serves well and optimally performs on all platforms. It has adaptive sync technology, therefore dropping of frames or misalignment is not a case in any graphics card you have. Coming towards the design, this gaming monitor has met all the ergonomics, the border is 0.3 inch thin, so if you intend to make a multiple monitor setup, it wouldn’t block your view.
In Addition, its penguin foot shaped height adjustable stand is broad enough to make a stable position on your desk or table, so wobbling is not a case here. Despite it, the overall monitor does require plenty of space and it may seem you have to remove more things from the surface to make a room for this monitor. Moreover, it is sturdy and durable for rugged usage both for gaming or any other task thrown at it. With great picture quality and ultra responsive display, it is one of the best gaming monitors under 400.
6. BenQ Zowie XL2731 – Best 1080p monitor
Display: 27-inch | Resolution: 1920×1080 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync | Panel type: TN | HDR: No | Curved screen: No
Reasons to buy
- Supports low blue light filter
- Supports low input lag
- Flicker free performance
- Black eQualizer & Color vibrance
- VESA compatible
Reasons to avoid
- No HDR
- No speakers
This is a sweet spot hidden here for console gamers, the perfect alignment and collaboration for game consoles is being done by BenQ Zowie. BenQ Zowie is compatible with the latest Xbox Series X, Xbox One S and Xbox One X as well, that is why this really deserves to be into the best gaming monitors of the year. You will be getting a 27 inch wide 1080p resolution display with 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. The tearing and flickering is out of box but clarity and smooth gaming is what is guaranteed. With great ergonomics and sturdy build, gaming is beyond just ordinary.
BenQ Zowie brings 320cd/m2 brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio, it has a special BenQ color vibrance feature which allows the great authority to the user to make unique color details and precise notch of colors as per one needs. Further, the Black eQualizer enables the user to lighten up dark areas within the game so you can point out hidden enemies to respond rapidly. The overall color coverage is simply great, pretty feasible for all kinds of FPS, RTS or MOBA games.
Since 1080p gaming is still very competitive and many professional gamers don’t always fancy gaming at 1440p or 4k, 1080p monitors have their own reputation in the market which is not going to be replaced anytime soon. BenQ Zowie XL2731 meets the standards for both PC gaming and console gaming, plus if your system consists of 1080p graphics card, the collaboration this monitor makes is extremely good. There is absolutely no tearing or drop of frames, you will feel the ultimate precision and authoritativeness over your enemies. We say it is the best gaming monitor under 300.
7. Acer Nitro XZ342CK – Best FreeSync monitor
Display: 34-inch | Resolution: 3440×1440 | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync Technology | Panel type: VA | HDR: Yes | Curved screen: 1500R
Reasons to buy
- Supports Black Boost Technology
- Acer Blueshield Technology
- Completely a perfect gaming sense
- A luxury at the budget
- Works with Nvidia cards as well
Reasons to avoid
- No RGB lighting
Acer Nitro XV340CK Pbmiiphx was the best 1440p 144Hz gaming monitor we have reviewed in this pipeline earlier, though it was a flat monitor. If you are looking for a curved gaming monitor with 1440p resolution, 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, then here you are at the right place. Acer Nitro XZ342CK is the curved 1500R screen that is AMD FreeSync compatible, a great piece of machine we have tested so far. With great features, PC gaming as well as console gaming is something beyond what we have expected from it.
This 144Hz gaming monitor consists of 400cd/m2 brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, HDR400, 96% sRGB and 16.7million colors. With an anti glare screen, it is featured with comfy view and Acer Blueshield Technology which really makes a difference for hours of spending in front of it. Plus its 1500R curvature itself reduces the eye strain and makes it easy for the viewer to get the immersion whether its gaming or any other content. It is really a cost effective decision with so much to avail and so much to enjoy from.
Other than the performance, Acer Nitro curved monitor has a thin bezel edge to edge view angles. Instead of the penguin foot stand which we mostly have seen in many of the best gaming monitors, this Acer Nitro has more ergonomic design for height adjustable stand, there is a circled shaped foot, more stable and sturdy. There are two built-in stereo speakers, gaming, movies, streaming, every time you have a bombastic sound and you will be getting theatre-like experience.
8. Asus VG278QR – Best fastest monitor
Display: 27-inch | Resolution: 1920x1080p | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Refresh rate: 165Hz | Response time: 0.5ms | Adaptive Sync: Nvidia G-Sync Technology | Panel type: TN | HDR: No | Curved screen: No
Reasons to buy
- Supports Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB)
- Supports Asus eye care technology
- Supports 90 degree pivotal of the monitor
- Works with both Nvidia and AMD video cards
- VESA compatible
Reasons to avoid
- No HDR
- Not more than 1080p resolution support
- Poor speakers
With so much gaming flexibility and modes of gaming, Asus VG278QR is highly recommended as one of the best gaming monitors. As we have mentioned before, 1080p gaming is not going anywhere nor 1080p gaming monitors. This monitor has fixed a few glitches we have witnessed in early times and came with superb rectifications in regards of picture quality. Maintaining high frame rates and smoothest gaming without stuttering is the only thing targeted here.
In this 1080p gaming monitor you will be getting 0.5ms response time (really needs a clap), 165Hz refresh rate, although HDR is missing but you will be getting 1000:1 contrast ratio, 400cd/m2 brightness, 72% NTSC color saturation and 16.7 million color coverage with a non glare display surface. Whether you have an Nvidia video card or AMD in your system, this monitor will work buttery unless it is more than a 1080p graphics card. On connectivity level, there is no USB Type 3.0, but you will be getting display port 1.2, HDMI, DVI-D, audio jack and earphone jack.
Further, this gaming monitor consists of all the necessary features including eye care mode, extra game settings like FPS count, Crossheir, display alignment and much more, thus you always have an upper hand no matter what you intend to watch. The height adjustable stand meets the ergonomics, it not only is able to tilt, swivel but can be pivoted as well. It is multiple monitor setup supportive, in case you want to extend your screen to bring into more of the precision. However, we don’t really get impressed with the quality of sound, the user is better off with portable speakers instead.
9. ViewSonic ELITE XG270QC – Best 165Hz curved gaming monitor
Display: 27-inch | Resolution: 2560x1440p | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Refresh rate: 165Hz | Response time: 1ms | Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync premium Pro | Panel type: VA | HDR: Yes | Curved screen: 1500R
Reasons to buy
- Sounds perfect for entry level to professional gaming in one go
- Low input lag
- Clean setup
- Distortion free smooth gaming
- Ergonomic design
Reasons to avoid
- Mediocre low motion blur
A curved monitor in 27 inch size of display, meet ViewSonic Elite gaming monitor. With another level of perfection and precision. Whether you are on a PC or console, this gaming monitor wouldn’t let you down in any ways. The smooth and stutter free performance along with detailed view of crisp image, this monitor is highly eligible to set its place among the best gaming monitors of the year. We doubt it came with a few more dollars this time though as compared to the previous models with the same specs, but what can we do, those models vanished from the surface and we are left with the ViewSonic Elite XG270QC.
However, we are not going to spoil your excitement because this machine makes perfect sense for gaming which we are here for and the solid reason to bring into the list. This monitor consists of a 27 inch 1500R curved WQHD display, with 1440p resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, HDR400, 550cd/m2 brightness, 3000:1 contrast ratio, 16.7 million color coverage and 90% DCI-P3 color coverage. It allows mainstream gaming and enables the user to leap ahead and compete like no other.
You will be getting uninterrupted non stop immersion with this 165Hz monitor. With vivid colors and the contrast, playing in a dark atmosphere is not a big deal. Further, if reaching for high frame rates of the gaming is your target, then it’s the target of this monitor too. Therefore, with this gaming machine you are getting what you are aiming for. Besides, inspecting its design, it meets all the necessary details including the thin borders and height adjustable stand as well, which can be swivel and tilt too. Thus it is a perfect unit to welcome into the gaming setup.
10. Sceptre (C355W-3440UN) – Best 100Hz monitor
Display: 35-inch | Resolution: 3440x1440p | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Refresh rate: 100Hz | Response time: 4ms | Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync Technology | Panel type: VA | HDR: No | Curved screen: 1800R curvature
Reasons to buy
- Supports blue light filters
- Can work with FreeSync and G-Sync technology
- Great performance
- Impressive settings offer for gaming
- Supports picture to picture and picture in picture
Reasons to avoid
- Not found
With the amazing features and so much great potential for gaming, we marked it as one of the best gaming monitors which is not only curved but is budgetary as well. It may sound like a joke to many with what we say it’s budget friendly, but if you have already experienced the curved gaming monitors then you must be able to understand this. You are getting 1800R curvature with so many details for gaming and streaming in less than $600.
The picture quality is perfect, you are getting a 35 inch ultrawide display with 1440p resolution, 100Hz refresh rate, 4ms response time, 320cd/m2 brightness, 3000:1 contrast ratio, 95% sRGB and 16.7 million colors. Although, the 4ms response time and 100Hz refresh rate may sound bitter, the buttery performance is what we have looked for, and for this, this price is not a big obstacle for professional gamers.
This ultrawide curved monitor is simply a great deal to put your finger on, FPS or RTS nothing to worry, the gamer will remain a hegemony all the time. Its edge to frame border, thin profile and the crisp image, calls the ultimate precision. With RGB lighting at the back makes an aura of competitiveness, the design is pretty impressive too. Therefore in terms of performance, this monitor is exceptional. However, it does have a HAS (height adjustable stand) which is able to tilt and swivel, with the size of the monitor, the stand is a little clumsy.
11. ASUS TUF Gaming VG32VQ1B – Best 32 inch gaming monitor
Display: 32-inch | Resolution: 2560×1440 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Refresh rate: 165Hz | Response time: 1ms | Adaptive Sync: FreeSync Technology | Panel type: VA | HDR: HDR10 | Curved screen: 1500R curvature
Reasons to buy
- Supports Extreme Low motion Blur
- Flicker free performance
- Supports low blue light filters
- VESA compatible
- Shadow Boost technology
Reasons to avoid
- Not found any
With a 32-inch wide colorful and rich display, ASUS TUF gaming monitor is incredibly fast and powerful curved LED monitor. On this VA panel you are going to enjoy 120% sRGB, 90% DCI-P3, 250cd/m2 brightness, 3000:1 contrast ratio, 16.7 million colors, 165Hz max refresh rate within 1ms response time. Its non glare display and high quality visuals are all set for competitive gaming, that is flicker free and HDR10 supportive.
All the gaming standards are met, including the details required for games like FPS or RTS. every game whether its PC gaming or console gaming, this monitor has all the necessary tick marks any professional gamer seeks for in his gaming monitor. Its trace free technology gives excellent performance, a fast response to enemies without dropping or acknowledging a single frame but a fluid game play. Thus, this monitor is totally and highly eligible for making its place among the best gaming monitors of the year.
When we say it’s a perfectionist for gaming, it says everything is included in it. You are getting GamePlus Modes, Game Fast Input Technology, Shadow Boost, GameVisuals with 7 individual modes and so on so forth. There are multi HDR modes as well, which have different brightness and saturation for different types of contents played on the screen. Whereas talking about the appearance, the borders are 0.6 inch wide which is a bit odd and the thickness of the screen is 8.2 inch. It has a V-shaped height adjustable stand, the screen can be swivel or tilt as well as can be mounted.
12. AOC CQ27G2 – Best 2k gaming monitor under 300
Display: 27-inch | Resolution: 2560x1440p | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Refresh rate: 144hz | Response time: 1ms | Adaptive Sync: FreeSync Technology | Panel type: VA | HDR: No | Curved screen: 1500R
Reasons to buy
- Color richness and crisp images
- Low input lag
- Sturdy design
- Flicker free and stutter free gaming
- VESA compatible
Reasons to avoid
- Less likely to use in pitch black environment
- Not favourable for console gaming
This time you are getting a 27 inch curved gaming monitor, this cost you less than 300 dollars. You might be wondering why we have not marked this one as a budget monitor instead we call Sceptre (C355W-3440UN) budget friendly. It is due to the small size of this monitor and there are few things which taste a little bitter in terms of performance, still we say it’s worth the cost, that is why AOC CQ27G2 is one of the best gaming monitors. Beginning from the screen, it is a QHD 2k monitor with a max refresh rate of 144Hz on a VA panel.
AOC gaming monitor consists of 16.7 million colors, 3000:1 contrast ratio, 1ms response time, 120% sRGB, 89% Adobe RGB and 250cd/m2 brightness level. Although everything is favourable and the quality of the picture is stunning, the dark mode of gaming is shallow, there is more glitch found in a room with lights off, therefore dark games become more dark and figuring out the images is a bit difficult, plus the brightness level is again not very helpful. Further, the gaming modes are somehow on a mediocre level.
On the design side, it has 0.3 inch thin bezel which is good for multiple monitor setup. Moreover, there is a height adjustable stand with hen feet design, it is much more stable as compared to penguin feet prospectus. At the back of the screen, there is AOC special design engraving like any other brand. It can be tilt and swivel as well as mountable on the wall. Overall it has sturdiness and durableness meant to serve in any situation.
What things to consider in the best gaming monitors – Buyers guide
We are going to try our level best to make a precise checklist you need to swallow down in your brain whilst making the purchase for the best gaming monitor.
1. Size of the screen:
Most common sizes in gaming monitors ranges from 25-inch to 49.5-inch. “The bigger the size the better it will be” concept is not really applicable for all, but it is clearly a matter of preference and need of the gamer/individual. In this preference, the size of your desk/table matters, how much space you have, if you intend to place it on your desktop table, similarly how much your wall lets you hang the screen matters as well.
2. Refresh Rate & response time:
For gaming purposes, refresh rate has to be high, it should be more than 60Hz. You will come across the gaming monitors with 100Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz and so on. But fetching high frame rates does not only depend on your monitor, but it also revolves around your video card as well. Keep in mind your graphics card is equally responsible to bring a high refresh rate. Therefore, the decision of both the components has to be wisely undertaken.
Alongside, if you come across the term “low input lag”, don’t let your brain into knots, it is the result of a high refresh rate. When your focus remains on high refresh rate, you will be getting low input lag automatically.
As for response time, this is the time between the pixel to pixel in rendering the image. That means, the lower the response time the faster pixels come and go, the fast and smooth will be the flow of the image. You will get mostly 1ms response time in gaming monitors which is the fastest of all. If you are getting 2ms or even 3ms response time, it is also acceptable since the difference in image rendering is negligible to eyes and does not make much difference. Although, if it is more than 3ms, then it will be problematic and you will be able to notice the difference in the quality of the video.
3. Resolution:
HD or 720p = 1280×720
FHD or 1080p or 2k = 1920×1080
QHD or WQHD or 1440p = 2560×1440
UHD or 4k = 3840×2160
5k = 5120×2880
FUHD or 8k = 7680×4320 (width x height)
Have you read these terms? Now let’s suppose you aim for an Ultra HD or 4k gaming monitor, and your video card can only support maximum 1440p resolution, your system will run but the performance will not be optimally, or you can say your 4k monitor will render under performance that is not at its full potential. Therefore, here we have to bring in your video card features as well, just like refresh rate, resolution also depends on it. However, if you have SLI or crossfire (two graphics cards), the case may differ or might alter, this depends on your overall system but for initial decision, one has to check for video card potential that’s for sure to make it simple.
In typical terms, this width into height that is the resolution is also represented in terms of aspect ratio, but we are not going to confuse over these concepts, thus, as for resolution, independently, your target has to be set for high.
4. Panel type:
Most commonly found LCD panels are TN, IPS and VA. Which one is better than the other is a debate which takes too much of dialogues, for which we believe is fat for your health. This debate revolves around the capability of each panel for high refresh rate, low input lag, low response time and motion blur, whereas, all the three panels have mixed potential, it becomes more complicated for a non professional to decide for the best gaming monitors in the market.
Therefore, making it as simple as possible, if your decision is entirely based on gaming purpose, then TN panel would be your choice. If you are a professional person in respective criterias like editing, 3D modeling or animating, then IPS panel is perfect for you. Yet for general use, like streaming or watching TV with casual gaming (PC or Console gaming) sitting in your lounge, VA panel suits you.
5. FreeSync or G-Sync:
Now here is another debate, which one is better, the G-Sync or FreeSync monitor? We have seen drastically up and downs or perks and downsides of both the operations. Some priorities G-Sync ultimate over FreeSync Premium Pro, one says Adaptive FreeSync is better or G-Sync certification adds more cost to the monitor, BLA BLA BLA. One thing is very much clear, both the Technologies are aimed to reduce the picture stuttering and tearing, although both the technologies have different ways of operation to get the same result at the end that is the synchronization of the refresh rate and frame rates on the screen to make it smooth.
Consequently, without pushing our heads into this war, we say FreeSync monitors are beneficial as it can work with both the system which consist of Nvidia video card and AMD video card. Further, as G-Sync somehow locks the frame rates to the upper limit of the monitor, whereas the FreeSync tries to obtain high frame rates as much as it can. However, you might be supporting G-Sync or your budget may not be the concern for you, we think it as a matter of perception based on one’s experience, that’s why this room is empty for the user itself to decide.
6. Would you like to taste gaming on a curved monitor? Any chances?
Well who knows, a person may like gaming on a curved display or might dislike it, because of spending hours and hours in front of flat monitors and becoming used to it. Curved monitors are helpful to reduce eye strain and give much more optimal view angles to the viewer without putting much effort to view the details on the screen.
Curved monitors are determined by the letter “R” which stands for radius and it represents the curvature of the screen. Now while buying the best gaming monitors, you will come across the 4000R, 3000R, 1800R, 1500R, 1000R monitors. Although, 1000R is the absolute range for the human eye to view, thus 1000r monitor should be the pick. But as we have not reached that limit yet, we have choices left between 1800R and 1500R curvatures. The 1500R curved monitor has a more improved view of field and immersion.
Specific terms used in gaming monitor that might unknown to you:
1. Monitor Ghosting:
Ghosting is an effect of pixels left behind in the process of moving or visual cycle occurring on the display. When a particular pixel moves out from the frame, the next pixel takes time or becomes late to make that replacement by coming at the place of leaving pixel, it generates an effect which can be seen on the screen, it is known as a monitor ghosting.
2. Trace Free Technology:
This is basically a feature found in Asus gaming monitors. The main job of this feature is to eliminate Ghosting of the monitor and helps to generate real time effects in the process.
3. GamePlus Modes:
This is a special feature to accommodate the gamer with certain extra properties usually comes in ASUS monitors and in other gaming monitors as well but with a different name. Though these features are the same with the same purpose. Keep in mind, these special features are just an overlay which appears on the screen, not within the game.
a. CrossHair:
It is a red/green aiming dot to fire the enemy, sometimes with an arrow or an unfinished circle. The main purpose is to manage the accuracy to shoot the person in a precise location.
b. Timer:
The starting time of the game or to keep focus on the targeted time a game played on the screen.
c. FPS counter:
It also pops on the screen, tells the frame rates of the games in digits on which you are playing. It can even go up and down as the game is played.
d. Display Alignment:
It is the location precisely your game is playing, shown by four sides on the screen. It makes the gaming immersive and accurate and helps the gamer to get the mainstream of the gaming.
4. LowBlue Light:
It is a feature specially designed for people who spend a long period of time in front of their monitors. Also known as BlueLight Filters, the main aim is to minimize blue harmful rays emitting from the screen, this helps to reduce the eye strain usually the person is facing, it is quite helpful and very demanding for gaming as well.
5. ELMB:
It stands for extreme Low Motion Blur. This refers to the backlight strobing Technology usually aimed to reduce the blurring of the image in fast paced games. This blurring of the image caused by the refresh of the image after one and other. Although it is a minor effect but is significant if you dive in and it does make a prominent difference in the image before and after implementation of this technique.
6. Shadow Boost technology:
This technology is extremely helpful in the games with mostly dark pixels, and when these dark shadowy games are played in the room with light off, it becomes really difficult to figure out the images or enemies on the screen. In response, this technology improves the dark areas of the game on your screen and makes it prominent irrespective of the dark theme of the game. As a result, the gamer can easily point out the hidden enemy in the dark and could make him an easy target.
Conclusion
We have gone through 12 best gaming monitors of the year, including the monitors for Xbox One, PS4 or PS5 other than just PC gaming. In the assortment, you can have your 4k gaming monitor, 1440p monitor both in flat and curvature as well. We have pen down their specifications and where they can perform at their best too. This does not mean a monitor with certain properties good in one perspective lag in another, but it may have few limitations in terms of using them. Hopefully, it will help you to figure out the type of monitor which better suits you. However, in case of any sort of difficulty while picking one, feel free to contact us.
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