The best gaming monitor is an excellent way to make sure your powerful PC can show what it's capable of properly, and it'll probably help perform better in games too.
There are a lot of things to consider though, like refresh rates, response times, and input lag. It can be a lot to deal with, but there are plenty of amazing monitors out there that we're going to help you shift through.
If you're looking for a really pretty monitor, then you're going to want to look into the latest HDMI 2.1 monitors or one of the best glossy gaming monitors. And for PC gamers, don't forget about ultra-wide displays too, especially with more and more AAA titles than ever supporting the 21:9 ratio.
Fortunately, you'll find everything you need here across every category you can think of as we've compiled a list of top picks based on features, price, reviews, and overall specs.
You may want to grab yourself a tea as we've got a lot to cover. Here are the best gaming monitors around right now.
Best gaming monitors
- ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A
- Samsung Odyssey G7 Curved
- Alienware AW2518H
- ASUS CG32UQ
- LG 32UN500
- ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX
- BenQ Zowie XL2540K
- ASUS ROG Strix XG43UQ
- Samsung Odyssey G9 Curved
- AOC Gaming U28G2AE
1. ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A
Best gaming monitor overall
For those wanting the power of HDMI 2.1 but just on a smaller panel, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A definitely looks to be a marvellous choice.
First and foremost, its HDMI 2.1 capabilities will allow for 4K output at 120Hz, and overall it should be silky smooth with sharp visual quality. The fact this monitor also offers up a 144Hz refresh rate anyway is a bonus and the inclusion of G-Sync and FreeSync will allow for tear-free gameplay.
A 1ms response time also allows the ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A to be a great monitor for eSports too, providing a practically zero latency connection for when you're in the heat of battle.
It's got a DisplayHDR 400 certification and can reach a solid 450nit brightness which makes it a good option for gaming in well-lit rooms and for HDR content.
- Read More: Best monitors for PS5
2. Samsung Odyssey G7 Curved
Best 1440p gaming monitor
The Samsung Odyssey G7 monitor ticks practically every box when it comes to gaming and we'd even say this makes the list for one of the best 1440p gaming monitors out there too.
As far as monitors go, its design lends itself quite nicely to a gaming setup, especially with blue detailing on the back, which really makes this monitor pop.
Performance speaking, you're getting Freesync Premium Pro and G-Sync compatible technology otherwise known as VRR, to reduce any screen tear or stuttering. Add that to 240hz and 1ms response time, and you've got a bit of a beast for fast-paced gaming too.
HDR 600, enhanced ergonomics and VESA compliant...the list goes on for this standout monitor.
- Read More: Best monitors for Xbox Series X
3. Alienware AW2518H
Best gaming monitor for first-person shooters
When it comes to first-person games, we thought this Alienware AW2518H monitor stood out from the crowd and it also looks like the hugely popular streamer Nick Mercs uses this monitor to dominate across a number of games too.
As with many monitors in the Alienware range, this is one stunningly designed display that packs a serious visual punch.
Performance speaking, you're getting a 240hz refresh rate to ensure super-smooth gameplay and arguably give you a bit of an edge when it comes to competitive play.
It's also practically the ideal screen size for competitive gaming, as you'll be able to spot opponents easily without having to move your head to see them. It may shave off mere milliseconds, but as you know, that's what counts when playing titles like Apex, Warzone, and more.
An impressive monitor if we ever saw one, we think the Alienware AW2518H is well worth checking out if you're into your first-person shooters.
- Read More: Best 240Hz monitors
4. ASUS CG32UQ
Best gaming monitor for consoles
The ASUS CG32UQ is a great premium choice for most people's gaming setups if you're sticking to non-HDMI 2.1 monitors.
You're getting a quality 4K monitor here, but with some added extras, such as ambient lighting (Halo Sync), that can add an impressive touch to your gaming setup.
As for visuals, HDR and a DCI-P3 95% professional colour gamut should prove useful when it comes to bringing your favourite games to life on screen.
As with most 4K HDMI 2.0 monitors, you'll be capped 60fps if you're playing on PS5 and Xbox Series X - if you want 120fps at 4K, you'll have to check an HDMI 2.1 monitor.
- Read More: Best 360Hz monitors
5. LG 32UN500
Best 4K gaming monitor
Another solid choice for both PC and console gaming, this LG 32UN500 comes in typically under £400 and boasts an impressive resume for the price as you can see above.
In the looks department, if you're using a monitor for both gaming and work, then we think this one works well in both worlds.
It's minimal enough to not look out of place when used for everyday productivity but also matches up quite well with next-gen/ current-gen consoles thanks to its white backing.
A good all-rounder if you're after a relatively inexpensive 4K display for gaming.
- Read More: Best gaming monitor deals
6. ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX
Best 144Hz Mini LED gaming monitor
If you want a panel that's similar to some of the best TVs out there, then the ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX might just be the monitor for you.
What you'll find first and foremost is a 4K IPS panel that features Mini LED backlighting. In the real world, this should translate to a display with some rather vivid colours and incredible brightness, as it features 1400 nits of brightness courtesy of 1152 independent zones of LEDs.
Alongside this, a 144Hz refresh rate also ensures that the ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX should be quite the powerful gaming monitor in its own right, as well as support for NVIDIA's G-Sync Ultimate.
There's also a clever display built into the monitor's bezels that can show useful info such as temperatures or fan speeds and it can also display any custom images, which we think is pretty cool.
- Read More: Best 144Hz monitors
7. BenQ Zowie XL2540K
Best budget gaming monitor
One of the best BenQ monitors around, and a brilliant choice for competitive gaming too, this BenQ Zowie XL2540K ticks practically all the boxes for a FHD, responsive display.
If you're all about fast-paced gaming you'll be in luck thanks to the whopping 240hz refresh rate and 1ms response time on offer here.
And even when playing on PS5 and Xbox Series X, you'll be able to unlock 120fps on select titles (thankfully Call of Duty is one of them!).
The design tweak to this model is also a real winner, giving it a smaller base so as to free up that all-important desk real estate.
- Read More: Best 8K monitors
8. ASUS ROG Strix XG43UQ
Best 43" gaming monitor
Now, this ASUS ROG Strix CG43UQ is a bit of a beast on paper, and not just because it features a huge 43" display.
As seemingly the start of the wave of HDMI 2.1 monitors ready to start crashing onto our shores, it's up there at over the £1000 mark, and with good reason.
This monitor allows you to unlock high framerates and high resolution, giving you that truly next-gen experience. It even features ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync with variable refresh rate tech to ensure a super smooth gaming experience.
If you're going all-in with your gaming setup, we'd say this would be worth keeping a close eye on.
- Read More: Best monitors for Warzone
9. Samsung Odyssey G9 Curved
Best curved gaming monitor
The Samsung Odyssey G9 is the ultimate statement monitor and it is absolutely enormous.
As a worthy addition to our best curved monitor list, this massive display packs a punch under the hood, with a staggering 240hz refresh rate combined with a 1ms response time.
Even though its stand provides enhanced ergonomics (swivel, tilt and height-adjustable) it's also VESA compliant, so you can choose to mount this monitor if you wish. We'd recommend checking the maximum weight of your potential monitor arm though, as this comes in at over 16kg!
It's a standout monitor, with a fairly hefty premium price tag, but worth considering if you really want to splash out on something epic.
- Read More: Best monitors for Fortnite
10. AOC Gaming U28G2AE
Best midrange 4K gaming monitor
The AOC U28G2AE 4K monitor is a good call if you're looking for something mid-range and slightly on the smaller side.
Even without HDR, this monitor delivers the goods when it comes to colour and clarity. Its IPS display makes images look crisp and thanks to its brightness you'll be able to experience this in well-lit rooms too.
As far as design, there's a nice touch of red detailing on the bottom of the monitor that gives it that gaming edge but also proves inconspicuous enough to make it fit in with a productivity setup.
A good all-rounder for the price point if you're after a crisp 4K image on a monitor that won't dominate your gaming setup space.
See More: Best gaming monitors under 500
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
When it comes to finding the best monitor for gaming, it's all about personal taste, budget, and what you're primarily using it for, and these are just some of what we think are some of the standout monitors on the market today.
But there are a few 'rules of thumb' you can follow which can help decide which monitor is best for your primary usage.
Are gaming monitors worth it?
We'd say yes, absolutely. Much like gaming laptops, gaming monitors are built for performance so they can handle both gaming and productivity easily.
What brand is best for gaming monitors?
There are loads of great brands that deliver quality gaming monitors, so it's not so much about which is best, but perhaps which is best aligned to your needs.
LG for instance has brilliant gaming monitors that are slightly more minimally designed, making them good for doubling up as workstations too.
Brands like Gigabyte have a strong gaming aesthetic and are quite affordable also, while Samsung tends to be quite expensive but very impressive across the board.
What monitor do professionals use?
There's no one monitor that really stands out, but seeing monitors from BenQ, Alienware, and LG are quite common in more competitive scenes.
BenQ is a solid brand for both price and performance, making it popular among those who want to up their game.
What is the best refresh rate for a gaming monitor?
Generally speaking, for fast-paced gaming you'll want to go 144hz and above. More frames per second can give you the edge, although 360hz is quite hard to distinguish between 240hz.
For slower more cinematic experiences, we'd say go for a larger screen with HDR, especially for consoles.
A great mid-ground is 144hz at 1440p if you want smooth gameplay without losing too much detail.
Should you get an HDMI 2.1 Monitor?
They're very new to the scene and expensive, so it's really about your chosen budget, but they are practically future-proof and can give you low response times, high fps, and 4K all at the same time.
That being said, there are some outstanding 120hz HDMI 2.1 TVs that could be worth considering if you want something more multi-use.
What is the best monitor size for gaming?
There is some debate as to what is the best monitor size for gaming, but really it depends on your usage.
Smaller is better with lower resolution as it doesn't look as blurry. For instance, we wouldn't recommend a 32-inch 1080p monitor for picture clarity, but with 4K it'll look fantastic.
Playing competitively also requires smaller screens so you can see what's going on with minimal head/ eye movement.
If you're going for a solid 1440p monitor, then 27" is a good call and often exactly what's needed for most people's rigs, although be careful buying one for PS5 as the console doesn't support native 1440p just yet.
All in all, we'd say 24" for 1080p, 27" for 1440p, and 32" - 43" for 4K would be our picks for 'optimal' screen sizes...but again, it's a personal preference.
Is an IPS screen essential when buying a monitor?
When it comes to finding the best display type for your gaming monitor, we'd say IPS screens deliver wider viewing angles and generally very good colour, so we'd say go for one if possible, especially if you think you'll have an audience watching your game.
VA panels are also very good.
Should you get a curved monitor?
Some debate exists over whether curved monitors are better for gaming than their more standard-looking counterparts.
On the one hand, having a curved monitor does allow for increased immersion first and foremost as they look to fill your entire field of vision with their vast screen real estate. This is especially true for displays like the Samsung Odyssey G9 with its 49-inch panel.
However, if you are looking to play competitively, going for a smaller, non-curved panel is probably the way to go, but if immersion and the added power of a curved monitor are of paramount importance, then we'd say they're worth a pickup.
Do I need HDR on a gaming monitor?
Many of the monitors we've got listed here offer up a form of what's known as HDR, or high-dynamic range.
Having HDR is primarily useful on larger-screen monitors (i.e. 32 inches or above) as it will be easier to notice the higher quality of visual output. This can work well if the monitor is also 4K and you're going to be using it for console gaming.
If you are solely focused on smaller-panel PC gaming and if higher refresh rates are of paramount importance over everything else, then having HDR capabilities like HDR10 isn't as vital.
Do I need 4K in a gaming monitor?
Some of the very best gaming monitors out there, like a few of our selections above, offer up a 4K UHD panel with a resolution of 3840x2160.
If you're going to be playing on either a large screen or you value cinematic power above higher refresh rates for instance, then a 4K monitor would be a worthwhile purchase.
However, if you want more raw performance, then going for a 1440p monitor with a higher refresh rate would arguably be a better option.
We'll be updating this list regularly with new additions, so be sure to stop by again soon.