We’ve researched the best gaming monitors at every price point so you don’t have to.
Gaming isn’t just about skills, it’s also about visuals. And on top of that, you can have all the skills in the world, but that won’t make up for a slow refresh rate or response time. These are all important things to keep in mind when searching for your next gaming monitor.
But there are so many choices out there. Monitors are only getting better as technology advances, and it’s not impossible to get a really great gaming monitor for a low price. Then again, serious gamers will want all the bells and whistles more expensive monitors offer. And believe us, they get pricey. That’s why we’ve researched some of the best monitors available, and picked a range of price points so that you’ll be able to get a winner no matter what your budget looks like.
Which monitor is for you?
It depends on what kind of gaming you’ll be doing. For some, visuals are the most important part of a gaming monitor. These shoppers may want to go large-screen, and for something uber immersive, such as a curved screen. High resolution will be the key here. Some prefer an ultrawide monitor, but we think that awesome audio is even more important to compliment a beautiful display. What’s cooler than a monitor that enables you to hear different noises from the game from different locations?
E-sports players, pro gamers, or those looking for something to enable multiplayer gaming will want to go with a monitor that supports high-speed gaming. While all the monitors we’ve included on this list work at great speeds, the best one for this type of player might be the ViewSonic Elite, which doesn’t compromise in speed or visuals.
How we made our selections
Make no bones about it, these are all spectacular monitors. But we wanted to include monitors that span all price points, as well as monitors for different types of gamers. So you’ll find a top-of-the-line, 55-inch monitor for those who make gaming their life, as well as budget monitors that still offer awesome game play, and even a portable monitor for gamers on their way to a LAN party or who just enjoy traveling.
But with every choice, we kept resolution, refresh rate, and features in mind. We think these are the best monitors on the market right now for gamers, so read on to find your next monitor.
Dell Alienware AW3418DW
The speed and ultrawide screen has kept this monitor at the top of our list.-
Screen size:
34-inch -
Resolution:
3,440 x 1,440 -
Aspect ratio:
21:9 -
Refresh rate:
120Hz -
Weight:
26 pounds
The refresh rate and G-Sync makes this monitor faster than its competitors, and it has a thin-bezel, sleek and modern design that TechRadar dubs “maturity” in a review.
Gaming looks nothing but amazing on this monitor, and it offers a range of customizable options to suit your game play, such as adjustable response speed, overlaying frames per second count, of course screen brightness, and more.
The monitor is expensive, and if you’re on a budget, this will be beyond your price point. But with all its premium features, it still tops our list.
Razer Raptor 27”
Taking speed, refresh rate, and its beautiful display into account, you can’t go wrong with this monitor.-
Screen size:
27-inch -
Resolution:
3,560 x 1,400 -
Aspect ratio:
16:9 -
Refresh rate:
144Hz -
Weight:
30.5 pounds
Another top contender at a bit of a more digestible price is the Razer Raptor. While the screen is a lot smaller (27 inches) and the aspect ratio average (16:9), the refresh rate tops out at 144Hz with a 1-millisecond response time, making its performance top-notch.
The display offers impeccable picture quality and vibrant colors, and supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync to reduce screen tear during fast-paced FPS.
The Raptor is Razer’s first gaming monitor, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t reached near-perfection. Design-wise, it’s one of the best-looking monitors out there, with Razer’s typical glowing, sleek style. The modern L-shaped base won’t take up too much desk space.
ASUS VG245H
This is a modestly priced monitor that still provides a great gaming experience.-
Screen size:
24-inch -
Resolution:
1,920 x 1,080 -
Aspect ratio:
16:9 -
Refresh rate:
75Hz -
Weight:
11.24 pounds
You don’t need to spend a fortune on a monitor to have a great gaming experience. Sure, there may be a few premium features you need to give up, but if you’re a sometimes-gamer, a less expensive monitor like the ASUS VG245H might be more your style.
This monitor offers FreeSync and a 75Hz refresh rate. Another perk is that the monitor rotates 90 degrees for ease, comfort and immersion while gaming.
However, it is lacking when it comes to resolution. At 1,920 x 1,080, anyone working with high-end GPUs may be disappointed. The screen is also on the smaller side at 24 inches, and very serious gamers may want something larger and a little more high-end.
Acer Predator X34
If you’re looking for an awesome curved display with an ultrawide screen, look no further.-
Screen size:
34-inch -
Resolution:
3,440 x 1,400 -
Aspect ratio:
21:9 -
Refresh rate:
100Hz -
Weight:
21.4 pounds
With a curved screen and a 21:9 aspect ratio, this ultrawide monitor offers a level of immersion without sacrificing speed. Again, you’ll have to pay up for the Acer Predator X34, but a lot of serious gamers won’t have a problem doing so when they explore its many features.
At 34 inches, the monitor’s curved display sports 3,440 x 1,440 resolution, G-Sync, 100-Hz overclocking, and more. To ensure an immersive experience, the display tilts five degrees forward and thirty five degrees back.
The monitor’s minimalist aluminum stand won’t take up too much desk space. LED lights along the bottom can change colors (red, orange, green, blue, and white) and have pulsing and ripple options.
ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE
If you have need for a portable gaming monitor, this is the best of the best, but may not be a great replacement for a full-sized monitor.-
Screen size:
17.3-inch -
Resolution:
1,920 x 1,080 -
Aspect ratio:
16:9 -
Refresh rate:
240Hz -
Weight:
2.34 pounds
Portable monitors have long been a great asset for work, whether you’re traveling or if a laptop screen just isn’t enough. But the ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE brings that convenience and applies it to play with this sleek and portable gaming monitor.
She is small, but she is mighty. At 17.3 inches and less than two-and-a-half pounds, this powerful gaming monitor runs with a refresh rate of 240Hz and a 3 millisecond response time.
The monitor offers HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A compatibility, great speakers, and awesome viewing angles. It balances on an origami-style stand that doubles as a protective case and is fitted with a magnet to ensure stability.
Dell Alienware 55 OLED
This may be overkill for those who don’t game often, but it would be a super fun splurge.-
Screen size:
55-inch -
Resolution:
3,840 x 2,160 -
Aspect ratio:
16:9 -
Refresh rate:
120Hz -
Weight:
57.9 pounds
Is it a TV or is it a gaming monitor? At 55 inches and sporting a stunning 4K OLED panel that delivers astonishing visuals and a unique immersive gaming experience, your main problem will be, where do I put this thing?
It’s big. But that’s what some people are looking for in a gaming monitor. And of course it packs awesome speakers as well as great resolution (3,840 x 2,160)— at this size, it better. A 120Hz refresh rate and a 1-millisecond response time make for great gaming, as does the AMD FreeSync.
The catch is, it’s nearly $4,000. But you saw that coming.
ViewSonic Elite XG270QG
There’s not much to complain about when it comes to this monitor. It has it all, and 1440p gamers will be extremely happy to not have to sacrifice.-
Screen size:
27-inch -
Resolution:
2,560 x 1,440 -
Aspect ratio:
16:9 -
Refresh rate:
144Hz -
Weight:
17 pounds
You won’t have to choose between speed and stunning visuals when it comes to the ViewSonic Elite XG270QG. It’s got both.
With an updated design, ViewSonic debuts some RBG highlighting on the back of the monitor as well as along the bottom that its previous models lacked. It’s also Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync compatible.
But most importantly, it’s packing speeds great for multiplayer as well as great visuals and viewing angles for those who want to use the monitor for movie viewing. The 144Hz refresh rate as well as 1-millisecond response time makes for flawless high-speed play.
BenQ Zowie XL2540
This doesn’t offer stunning visuals, but is great for high-level competitions.-
Screen size:
24.5-inch -
Resolution:
1,920 x 1,080 -
Aspect ratio:
16:9 -
Refresh rate:
240Hz -
Weight:
16.5 pounds
If refresh rate and response time are the most important thing on your list, you’ll want to go with the BenQ Zowie XL2540. This is for those who take gaming very seriously, but are willing to sacrifice a little on screen size and resolution.
This monitor’s 240Hz refresh rate is perfect for eSports players, twitch shooters, and pros. It’s one of the best 1080p monitors on the market for those who have the need for speed.
We can’t say it enough. This isn’t for the casual gamer. It’s expensive for its size and resolution, but just right for those who put refresh rate and response time at the very top of their list of needs.