Tom's Hardware Best Monitor for the Money
All-time Gaming Monitors 2022: Upkeep, Curved, G-Sync and More
Gaming monitor options keep growing with new brands, features and e'er-growing capabilities. It's an exciting time to be a PC gamer, but that besides means that selecting the all-time gaming monitor for your rig is growing more complicated every twenty-four hours. The selection can be overwhelming, from screen-smoothing technologies (Nvidia Chiliad-Sync and AMD FreeSync) to ultra-fast refresh rates that tin reach a mind-blowing 360 Hz.
For pixel addicts, in that location are dense 4K screens that are only equally hard on your banking concern account as they are on graphics cards. Thankfully, we have plenty of excellent picks for you to upgrade your tired old monitor.
Choosing the Best Gaming Monitor for You
When seeking the best gaming monitor for your rig, there are unlike panel types vying for your eyeballs — IPS, TN, VA and even OLED — each with its ain pros and cons. You tin can't forget most screen size and aspect ratio, which bear on your views, desk-bound space and, once more, bank account. And we haven't even discussed bonuses, like speakers, RGB or port selection. How'south a gamer to choose with all of these options?
For a deep dive into how to option the best monitor--gaming or otherwise--check out our PC Monitor Buying Guide. Below is a list of the best gaming monitors out right now, based on our own testing.
When trying to buy the all-time gaming monitor for your PC, consider the following:
- 1000-Sync or FreeSync? G-Sync only works with PCs with Nvidia graphics cards, while FreeSync only works with systems using AMD ones. You can technically run G-Sync on a FreeSync-only monitor, only performance isn't guaranteed. FreeSync monitors tend to be cheaper, only operation is comparable. For a detailed comparison of the ii technologies' performance, encounter our Nvidia G-Sync vs. AMD FreeSync comparison article.
- For epitome 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. The best gaming monitors for contrast are VA, but VA also has slower response times.
- Refresh rates: bigger is better. This number explains 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 brandish. Bigger numbers mean smoother images. Refresh rate is specially important for gamers, and so you'll desire to shoot for a monitor with at least 75 Hz (almost gaming monitors offer at least 144 Hz), combined with the lowest response time you can notice.
The All-time Gaming Monitors You Can Purchase Today
The Dell S3222DGM is the all-time gaming monitor for many gamers. This follow-up to the highly-rated S3220DGF boasts a 32-inch VA panel, QHD resolution and 165 Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync back up. Other perks in its favor are 85 percentage coverage of DCI-P3 and a display curve with an 1800mm radius.
Yet, Dell really knocks it out of the park with the S3222DGM'due south contrast ratio. VA panels are known for their splendid contrast, but the S3222DGM is rated at an impressive iii,000:1, hands bravado away IPS competitors. Simply our sample managed to improve that effigy by a third, coming in at four,000:1 in instrumented tests.
This 32-inch monitor offers plenty of vertical screen existent estate without the demand for scrolling and 1440p resolution, the current sweet spot between epitome quality and gaming functioning. And while the S3222DGM is targeted primarily at gamers, we found that it is too keen for full general productivity and anything in between.
While the S3222DGM lacks HDR back up, its excellent contrast doesn't detract from that missing "bullet signal" and its overall functioning is difficult to trounce at this price bespeak. Throw in Dell'southward usual solid build quality, and this represents a great monitor for enthusiasts looking to build out a mid to loftier-budget gaming PC.
More: Dell S3222DGM review
With a price tag of around $250, the Monoprice Dark Matter 42770 is an piece of cake to recommend 1080p gaming monitor with a wide colour gamut, first-class contrast ratio for an IPS display and solid build quality. At this price, you're getting a relatively barebones monitor, simply Monoprice spent its time throwing in the features that matter well-nigh to gamers on a budget.
The Dark Affair 42770 offers a 1ms GTG response fourth dimension and tops out with a 144 Hz refresh charge per unit. Some other feather in its cap is that the monitor supports both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA Chiliad-Sync Adaptive-Sync technologies.
Although the monitor doesn't support HDR, its native dynamic range is splendid, and information technology features a wide color gamut and first-class gamma tracking. Its deep blacks are welcome here given that this is an IPS panel, with its color and dissimilarity on part with monitors that costs hundreds of dollars more.
While the Dark Matter 42770 hits many high notes, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that it lacks USB ports or speakers. But given its attractive pricing and functioning, we'll gladly accept those negatives for the great overall performance brought on by this 25-inch monitor.
More: Monoprice Night Affair 42770 review
The MSI Optix MPG321UR-QD offers an splendid combination of good performance that is backed by a wealth of features at a price tag that comes in beneath $900. In its favor, the 4K gaming display has excellent colour saturation, is well-calibrated out of the box and it delivers stunning HDR quality at this price point.
In improver, it rocks HDMI 2.1 and a 144Hz refresh rate along with a 1ms GTG response time. Nosotros measured peak SDR brightness of 424 nits and over 700 nits with HDR content. Too, its color gamut came in at 117% of DCI-P3.
Although the Optix MPG321UR-QD was i of the almost colorful monitors we've ever tested, we do wish that that monitor had gamma presets, and properly calibrating the display resulted in drop-offs for dissimilarity and light output.
More than: MSI Optix MPG321UR-QD review
If you like your games to look extra colorful, the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD is the best gaming monitor for your rig. This monitor posted the widest color gamut we've e'er recorded: 112.19% of DCI-P3 later on our recommended scale. 90% of DCI-P3 would be impressive, so this is one color-saturated screen.
Contrast is besides strong for an IPS panel, hitting 1,129.ane:i later our calibration. And for those concerned about speed, this 165 Hz screen kept upwards with the 170 Hz Gigabyte M27Q in our testing
Color purists, however, volition lament the lack of an sRGB way, considering the MAG274QRF-QD's sRGB coverage is at 166.33%. Its backlight strobe for fighting movement mistiness is likewise a thwarting. You can't apply Adaptive-Sync with it, the brightness goes downward by virtually fifty% and it created ghosting that resulted in a parallax result with fast motion. In addition, this is withal another gaming monitor to offering HDR merely without whatever noticeable image heave over SDR.
Simply if yous tin can go by those caveats, you lot'll enjoy the most colorful monitor to ever hit our lab.
More: MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD review
The Viotek GNV34DBE is a well-performing and affordable curved gaming monitor. Its 1500R curve proved to add an immersive touch while gaming, helping to fill up our peripheral vision. Despite its tight curve, we all the same constitute the GNV34DBE fit for working. There was no distortion, and we enjoyed having multiple windows open for boosted productivity.
Simply information technology's not just most the GNV34DBE's curve. Yous likewise get a 144 Hz refresh charge per unit and response times and input lag that kept upward with 144 Hz rivals during our testing. On the battlefield, we realized the loftier pixel density of a 1440p screen and shine gaming without whatsoever screen vehement, cheers to FreeSync. Color and dissimilarity were competitive with pricier gaming displays too.
With its border-lit backlight, the GNV34DBE besides makes a good HDR brandish, offering a noticeable improvement over your typical SDR monitor. At its low toll, the build quality of the stand up is lacking. Simply for a speedy gaming monitor with an effective bend, the Viotek GNV34DBE is a solid deal.
More: Viotek GNV34DBE review
Gigabyte'due south Aorus CV27Q is the best 1440p gaming monitor when information technology comes to high-speed gaming performance. With its impressive specs, it shined in our input lag and response time tests when pitted against 144 Hz rivals. Certain, yous could get slightly better operation from the 1080p version, the Aorus CV27F, just then you wouldn't exist getting that sharper QHD resolution or college pixel density (109ppi).
With a VA panel offer 3,000:1 contrast, image quality is no joke either. The CV27Q has a depression black level that made image depth look great, particularly with HDR titles. But as far as HDR goes, this monitor simply goes up to 400 nits brightness; we prefer HDR displays that hit at to the lowest degree 600 nits.
Bonus features include Aorus' agile noise cancellation (ANC) feature, which uses two mics on the front bezel to reduce background noise others may hear coming from your
gaming headset, a 1500R curve and RGB lighting on the dorsum. The Asus ROG Strix XG279Q on this page is a hair faster.
Read: Aorus CV27Q review
If yous have actress room in your budget and want to squeeze out that boosted drib of performance from your 1440p screen, the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQ may be the best gaming monitor for you. This screen is ready to compete with the speediest of screens, competing well against other 165-170 Hz screens in our response fourth dimension test and falling merely 1-3ms backside in our input lag examination.
Out of the box, we recorded solid IPS contrast (1,158.iv:one). Of course, you'll want to calibrate to go rid of some visible grayscale tracking errors, but our recommended settings can aid you at that place. This is too an excellent HDR monitor, cheers to a dynamic contrast feature that bumps contrast upward to a whopping 22,506.9:ane.
Not only does information technology take the sharper resolution of your dreams, just information technology's one of the rare monitors to allow you to run mistiness reduction alongside side screen tear-fighting Adaptive-Sync.
Alternatively, the Asus ROG Strix XG279Q is some other fantastic 1440p option with similar performance. But for slightly less money as of writing ($500 versus $570, respectively), the XG279Q features one of the all-time motion blur implementations nosotros've seen and the rare power to run motility mistiness alongside Adaptive-Sync.
More: Asus ROG Strix XG27AQ review
The Razer Raptor 27 is the best gaming monitor for 144 Hz refresh rates. Information technology'll make whatever gamer y'all know jealous with premium touches, similar an RGB stand, flat greenish cables for cable management and drool-worthy build quality. Plus, HDR delivery is some of the best nosotros've seen in an edge-lit panel yet.
Despite its 144Hz refresh rate, the Raptor 27 was able to stay competitive with 165Hz monitors in our benchmarking. There wasn't significant move blur, but finicky, pro-level players will have to choose between dealing with it or activating the backlight strobe, which limits you to 120Hz, reduces brightness past 40% and grays out FreeSync and Thousand-Sync Compatibility.
If you like the Raptor 27's blueprint only want more speed, the 2021 Razer Raptor 27 has a 165 Hz refresh charge per unit for $100 more.
More: Razer Raptor 27 review
For speed demons, a 240 Hz monitor hits the spot. Upward until recently, that level of speed required two things: settling for 1080p resolution and a TN panel. Only the Samsung 27-inch CRG5 (there's also a 24-inch CRG5) is the best gaming monitor in this class. Information technology'southward special because it manages that speed in our favorite blazon of LCD panel, VA. Not only does it evangelize the loftier dissimilarity and saturated color that makes VA popular, but it'due south besides the fastest monitor we've ever tested.
We encountered a few flaws during testing. The biggest i in terms of image quality was an inaccurate HDMI Black Level setting. Plus, the only form of Adaptive-Sync is K-Sync Compatibility. But besides those small caveats, our gaming feel was a record-breaking pleasure.
More than: Samsung 27-Inch CRG5 review
The 32-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 is in a class all its own. It's one of Samsung's 1000R screens, pregnant it's one of the curviest gaming monitors you can find on the market. If you're a fan of the immersive feel of a curved monitor, the 32" Odyssey G7 volition drag this experience even higher.
At 32 inches, the Odyssey G7'south astonishing 1000R curve drew united states of america in, whether we were playing games or doing work. With this curvature, we could view productivity apps without any image distortion, and when gaming our vision was filled with action. The 32-inch, sixteen:9 build offers ample height for productivity and, coupled with 1440p resolution, hits a sweet spot for gaming.
In terms of image quality, the 32-inch Odyssey G7 proved accurate earlier we fifty-fifty calibrated information technology while boasting a ii,121:1 contrast ratio, co-ordinate to our testing.
In our response time benchmarking, this monitor kept upward with similarly specced screens, doing justice to the 240 Hz category. If you're looking for high-end speed, prototype quality and form gene, this is information technology.
More: Samsung Odyssey G7 32-inch review
The 27-inch gaming monitor competition is crowded, but the Viotek GFI27DBXA stands out with an incredibly colorful image that's also bright and precipitous. The 1440p panel covers 101% of the DCI-P3 color space, according to our testing. Contrast, meanwhile, proved comparable to your typical IPS panel, but the dynamic contrast feature helped when gaming. Combined with the broad color coverage, the image impressed during gaming.
Speed-wise, the GFI27DBXA is ready to play. In our benchmarks, it showed a competitive 6ms response time. With a 180 Hz refresh rate, it vicious backside 165 and 170 Hz screens from more premium brands but just by 2-6ms. Plus, its overdrive is one of the all-time we've seen, ensuring cipher perceivable delays for mainstream players. Plus, the monitor feels potent and reliable, despite its lower toll.
For a strong alternative, consider the MSI Optix MAG272CQR, which may also exist cheaper.
More than: Viotek GFI27DBXA review
The Samsung 49-Inch Odyssey G9 is 1 of the most extreme monitors on this page. Not but is it a massive 49 inches diagonally, but information technology likewise carries a 1000R curve, the about dramatic curve offered on a gaming monitor today. From a ii-3-feet distance, this panel volition fill your view. Information technology's like having two 27-inch, 1440p monitors in 1. Yous'll demand nearly 4 anxiety of desk width and 17 inches of depth to accommodate it, but if you do, you'll enjoy a wraparound gaming environment without image distortion. Are you looking for a smaller ultrawide? The Acer Predator X38 is also first-class.
Testing of the 49-Inch Odyssey G9 revealed excellent dissimilarity (2,152.nine:ane later on calibration), which climbed to 58,881.seven:i when it came to HDR testing. This is a vivid monitor with a sharp picture and accurate DCI-P3 and sRGB colour.
At this price, though, we'd look a little more. For example, the monitor doesn't offering any mistiness reduction. However, nosotros typically opt for Adaptive-Sync over motion blur reduction, and motion blur shouldn't be an issue if yous accept a powerful enough graphics carte. You also don't get whatever speakers or, oddly, a framerate counter. Simply with solid prototype quality and a whole lot of speed for an ultrawide, some sacrifices are worth making.
More: Samsung 49-Inch Odyssey G9 review
Currently going for $660, the ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C is cheaper than many other 35-inch ultrawides and ultrawides with fewer features (there's even RGB lighting on the back of the XG350R-C). But what you'll really love most the XG350R-C is its bright and accurate color that makes textures pop, skin tones look natural, and everything looks more realistic.
If you want life-changing HDR or to use HDR with Adaptive-Sync, look elsewhere. But in add-on to a 21:ix aspect ratio, the Aristocracy XG350R-C employs an 1800mm curve radius that engulfed usa with solid prototype quality, making for an immersive ultrawide experience.
More than: ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C review
If you've wanted to try out an HDR monitor just can't afford the best HDR monitors with FALD backlights, the ViewSonic Elite XG270QC (available here) is worth a look. Absolutely, information technology'southward not quite FALD-quality, but with border-lit backlighting, the runner-upwardly, and a VA console, this monitor's HDR performance will give you lot a noticeable upgrade over SDR.
This monitor kept upwardly with other 165 Hz screens in our benchmarks, such as the Dell S3220DGF to a higher place. ViewSonic's XG270QC too delivers 1440p resolution with on-point gamma. Fifty-fifty without HDR, contrast hit 2,897:one with our calibration settings. Plus, you get a surprisingly loud pair of 3W speakers.
For the ultimate HDR gaming, though, you lot'll want to visit our All-time 4K Gaming Monitors listing.
More: ViewSonic Elite XG270QC review
The Asus TUF Gaming VG259QM isn't the only 240 Hz monitor hither, only it'south the only one that overclocks to an impressive 280 Hz so impressively. It'southward not simply about the high refresh rate, though. It's as well the ability to incorporate FreeSync (despite lacking certification) or Grand-Sync Compatibility alongside Asus' Extreme Low Move Blur (ELMB) characteristic that bests any monitor'southward overdrive. With those features and 280 Hz, our inputs almost felt predicted. This is the kind of monitor that could help your game. Asus' VG259QM topped our response time exam and did admirably in terms of absolute input lag.
I of the downsides of this monitor is its HDR capability. Using an IPS panel with 1,000:i contrast and only DisplayHDR 400 certification, HDR won't look much better than SDR content. And, of class, you'll need a decent graphics card to make the most out of this loftier-refresh screen.
Simply if you want one of the fastest monitors on the market, the VG259QM is upward in that location. In that location are 360 Hz monitors now, just 280 fps is more achievable than 360 fps. And at $319, the VG259QM is favorably priced.
More than: Asus TUF Gaming VG259QM review
If you're the kind of gamer who can take reward of things like 8,000 Hz mice, the most advanced GPU, and play at a competitive level, the MSI Oculux NXG253R is as good as it gets. We've tested a few 360 Hz monitors, namely the Asus ROG Swift PG259QN, Alienware AW2521H, and Acer Predator X25, and they're all amazingly fast and impressive. However, MSI'south 360 Hz monitor stands above them all as the fastest screen nosotros've ever tested.
Our benchmarking recorded the NXG253R'southward absolute input lag at 17ms, 1ms faster than the next fastest 360 Hz monitor (Asus' PG259QN). The NXG253R matched the other 360 Hz screens with a 3ms consequence when it came to response time. You also go Nvidia's Reflex latency analyzer, plus G-Sync all the fashion downwards to 1 Hz. Nada is missing for gaming performance here.
There are some things missing, though. Despite the high price (especially for a 1080p monitor), the NXG253R doesn't have speakers. And its color gamut is sRGB, rather than the more colorful DCI-P3 that'southward increasingly popular amongst gaming monitors. But this is notwithstanding a bright screen with decent contrast (ane,190.vi:i) for an IPS panel. HDR is aided by a variable backlight, which brings contrast to a loftier 7,972.5:ane with HDR content.
If you're ready to leap to 360 Hz, the fastest refresh rate currently available on a PC monitor, the NXG253R is the all-time of the best for speed.
More: MSI Oculux NXG253R review
The Samsung 27-inch CRG5 provides incredible speed at 1080p resolution, and the Porsche Design AOC Agon PD27 takes things to the next level, including a higher resolution, shorter response time, and a toll tag that's more than twice the size.
For most, the CRG5 is in the sweet spot for a 240Hz monitor. Its 1080p resolution volition crave less graphics power than the 1440p PD27. When it came to our speed benchmarks, the PD27 was 1ms faster than the CRG5 in the response fourth dimension examination and 2ms slower in the accented input lag test. And then performance there is comparable, but the PD27 is as well in a different style grade.
With a unique metallic stand reminiscent of a racecar'due south ringlet cage, LED lighting, including a projector that casts a customizable Porsche Blueprint logo, and fifty-fifty its own remote, this monitor is every bit much well-nigh premium looks as it is about premium functioning. If you lot want a niggling fleck of it everything, it'south tough to beat this stylish monitor.
More: Porsche Pattern AOC Agon PD27 review
Savings on Best Gaming Monitors
When shopping for any gaming monitor, including those above, yous may save some coin past checking out our lists of all-time computer monitor deals, Dell Coupon Codes, Lenovo coupon codes, LG coupon codes or Newegg coupon codes.
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