Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
Editor’s word: Gaming monitors are all the time sizzling sellers on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. We’re anticipating some actually nice reductions on some of the highest fashions, together with high-end OLED gaming monitors, super-fast refresh charge screens, and extra budget-oriented fare. There are tons of unbelievable monitor deals out there now, and they’re certain to get even higher on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Make positive to take a look at our different Black Friday deals or Cyber Monday deals for much more bargains on TV, headphones, and extra.
A superb monitor is important for gaming as a consequence of its important impression on the general expertise. There are a ton of choices in case you are on the hunt for one of the best gaming monitors, however for us, Alienware’s 34 QD-OLED nonetheless takes the cake in 2024. It’s not the show for everybody, although, and after reviewing dozens of the highest gaming monitors, we have settled on an inventory of shows that supply nice gaming efficiency for any price range or goal.
We’re targeted particularly on gaming monitors right here, which include larger refresh charges and adaptive sync options like G-Sync and FreeSync. If you are searching for an all-around show, be sure to browse our checklist of the best monitors.
Why you must belief us
We’ve reviewed tons of of monitors through the years, looking for the best of the best. This includes an in-depth course of of not solely utilizing the monitor, but additionally pushing it to the boundaries with varied varieties of testing. Make positive to learn our roundup of how we test monitors for a more in-depth look. This course of ensures that after we come out of a monitor assessment, we all know with certainty if it is a product you can purchase or not.
Key issues when shopping for a gaming monitor
There are just a few areas the place gaming monitors differ from different shows, together with conventional monitors and TVs. Here are some essential areas to concentrate to.
Refresh charge
The predominant factor that separates a gaming monitor from an everyday monitor is the refresh charge. The next refresh charge means you can see all of the frames your graphics card or recreation console produces, resulting in a smoother picture. For PC, we advocate sticking above 100Hz. Consoles do not all the time want greater than 60Hz, however the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 can ship 120Hz in choose video games.
Ports
The port choice on a gaming monitor is essential for a pair of causes. First, it is essential to have a number of inputs so you’ll be able to hook up a couple of recreation platform. If you could have a PC and a console, for instance, you will need entry to each. The specification is essential as properly. HDMI 2.1 is what you need for many consoles, as it will possibly ship 4K at 120Hz. Older variations of HDMI cannot.
Resolution
You’ll need to remember the decision of the monitor earlier than selecting it up. Higher resolutions are extra demanding in your PC’s graphics card, so that you wish to pair the correct decision along with your PC for the best efficiency. If you could have a weaker price range GPU, for instance, you will in all probability wish to restrict your monitor search to 1,080p shows over 4K choices.
Size
Monitors can be found in a range of sizes, however it is very important know {that a} bigger monitor with a decrease decision or slower refresh charge could not present the best gaming expertise in comparison with a smaller monitor with larger specs. It’s essential to think about your particular wants, gaming preferences, out there house, and price range when selecting the best dimension to your gaming monitor.
Digital Trends
The best gaming monitor
Alienware 34 QD-OLED
Pros
- QD-OLED distinction is unbeatable
- Fantastic HDR efficiency
- Excellent coloration saturation
- Attractive, minimalist design
- Surprisingly inexpensive
Cons
- SDR brightness is a bit low
- Color accuracy is not excellent
Why you can purchase this: The Alienware 34 QD-OLED supplies the best gaming expertise you should buy in 2024.
Who’s it for: Ultrawide followers who wish to expertise OLED with PC video games.
Why we selected the Alienware 34 QD-OLED:
The Alienware 34 QD-OLED is the last word gaming monitor in 2024, and that is as a result of it lastly makes an try to shake up the massively stale market. How? Quantum Dot OLED. The Alienware 34 QD-OLED is not content material with poor HDR, washed-out colours, and low peak brightness. It desires to offer the best picture high quality potential.
And it succeeds. The Alienware 34 QD-OLED has beautiful distinction because of the deep blacks which are attribute of OLED shows. Games look beautiful on the show, particularly in case you’re enjoying one of the best HDR games available on PC.
The show will get all the things else proper, too. It’s licensed with G-Sync Ultimate for tear-free gaming, and it will possibly prime out at a 175Hz refresh charge. The decision is nice, too, with the 21:9 side ratio providing up a decision of 3440 x 1400 throughout the 34-inch display screen.
Although the ultrawide kind issue will not be for everybody, the Alienware 34 QD-OLED is value adjusting to. It presents the best picture high quality out of any gaming monitor you should buy, it isn’t too costly, and it comes with the important options PC avid gamers want.
Alienware 34 QD-OLED
The best gaming monitor
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
The best 4K HDR gaming monitor
Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
Pros
- Fantastic HDR efficiency
- 240Hz is nice for 4K gaming
- Solid stand and changes
- Moody CoreSync lighting
- Vibrant colours, if a bit inaccurate
- FreeSync Premium Pro and unofficial G-Sync help
Cons
- Lazy cable administration resolution
- Few gaming PCs can take benefit of refresh charge
- A number of random glints on Windows desktop
Why you can purchase this: It has a super-high refresh charge, glorious HDR, and impeccable readability with a 4K decision.
Who’s it for: High-end PC avid gamers who do not thoughts spending up for the best of all worlds.
Why we selected the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8:
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 is a monitor that allows you to have your cake and eat it, too. While most shows sacrifice picture high quality for refresh charge, or decision for worth, the Odyssey Neo G8 ticks each field. It’s 4K, 240Hz, and comes with some of the best HDR you may get on a gaming monitor quick of OLED.
Local dimming in over 1,000 zones create inky blacks and blinding highlights, offering dynamic vary that almost all monitors cannot deal with. That makes it nice for cinematic experiences like Cyberpunk 2077 and Horizon Zero Dawn, pushing HDR to the forefront.
It can do aggressive recreation, as properly. The 240Hz refresh charge supplies higher movement readability than the inventory 144Hz refresh charge most gaming monitors provide. It’s not the very best refresh charge you may get on a gaming monitor, however contemplating the decision and HDR efficiency, it is an unimaginable feat. We tested the monitor with Overwatch 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Rainbow Six Siege, and the show held up properly in even essentially the most aggressive video games.
While this monitor often prices round $1,500, it’s presently promoting at a reduced worth of $900 which is a deal you should not miss out on.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
The best 4K HDR gaming monitor
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
The best 1440p gaming monitor
Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q
Pros
- Fantastic coloration efficiency
- 576 full-array native dimming zones
- Wide vary of stand changes
- 165Hz refresh charge
- Adaptive Sync help
Cons
- Weak cable administration resolution
- Poor black ranges
Why you can purchase this: It’s one of the best HDR experiences you may get, and it is below $600.
Who’s it for: Gamers who need unbelievable HDR with out breaking the financial institution.
Why we selected the Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q:
The Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q is a monitor that will’ve been unimaginable just some years in the past. Flagship HDR efficiency, G-Sync and FreeSync help, and a 1440p decision for below $600? The Tempest GP27Q is ready to ship all of that for a low worth given rising mini-LED tech.
The smaller lights enable the Tempest GP27Q to ship 576 full-array native dimming zones, practically six occasions as many because the Sony InZone M9. The excessive native dimming zone rely results in distinctive HDR efficiency that is usually reserved for monitors that value over $1,000.
It seems to be attractive, providing some of the deepest black ranges and brightest highlights you may get in a gaming monitor proper now. Cooler Master combines that unbelievable HDR efficiency with a low response time and 165Hz refresh charge, making it a stable, if not excellent, possibility for aggressive video games that require heaps of movement readability.
There are some trade-offs, although. Most notably, the Tempest GP27Q is not essentially the most coloration correct monitor. It’s unbelievable with HDR turned off, providing world-class coloration protection and efficiency, however coloration accuracy takes a nosedive with HDR turned on.
Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q
The best 1440p gaming monitor
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
The best 1080p gaming monitor
Alienware 500Hz AW2524H
Pros
- Extremely quick refresh charge
- Great movement readability
- Nvidia Reflex analyzer constructed into the show
- Handy headphone stand
- Sturdy, low-profile base
Cons
- Very costly
- Limited changes
- Lacking picture high quality
Why you can purchase this: It’s the quickest gaming monitor you should buy proper now.
Who’s it for: Highly aggressive esports gamers searching for each benefit potential.
Why we selected the Alienware 500Hz AW2524H:
The Alienware AW2524H is not for everybody. As a matter of truth, it is not even for most individuals. While it’s presently promoting at its lowest worth ever of $400, the picture high quality is not nice, and it is solely 1080p. All of that’s simple to miss in case you’re among the many best esports gamers, although.
It’s the primary monitor to come back with a 500Hz refresh charge, shaving milliseconds off of many of the quickest gaming monitors available on the market. The Alienware AW2524H wholeheartedly focuses on esports gamers, offering a bonus to avid gamers who grind hours away in video games like Overwatch 2 and Valorant.
If you step outdoors that viewers, although, the Alienware AW2524H seems to be a lot much less spectacular. HDR efficiency is poor, picture high quality is missing general, and the small dimension is disappointing given how costly the monitor is. But for that subset of avid gamers who solely deal with aggressive titles, the Alienware AW2524H delivers in a method no different monitor does.
Alienware 500Hz AW2524H
The best 1080p gaming monitor
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
The best 4K gaming monitor on a price range
HP Omen 27k
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Super sharp
- USB-C enter
- Great coloration accuracy
- KVM change
Cons
- Poor HDR efficiency
- Artifacts at excessive overdrive ranges
- No cable administration
Why you can purchase this: It comes with most options 4K avid gamers want, however at a worth a lot decrease than the competitors.
Who’s it for: 4K avid gamers on a good price range.
Why we selected the HP Omen 27k:
The HP Omen 27k monitor is a formidable 27-inch 4K show tailor-made for avid gamers, providing nice efficiency at a beautiful worth. With a pointy pixel density and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, it boasts glorious readability and HDR efficiency. Its edge-arrayed LED backlight supplies ample brightness, whereas the eight-zone edge dimming enhances distinction. The monitor helps each AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, making certain easy gameplay with a 144Hz refresh charge. Additionally, it options strong construct high quality, versatile connectivity choices, and helpful gaming instruments like aiming factors and timers.
In phrases of design, the Omen 27k features a sturdy stand with peak and tilt changes and a 90-degree portrait mode. The enter panel presents HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C, and USB 3.2 ports. The monitor additionally helps KVM performance, permitting management of a number of programs with a single set of peripherals. Despite its gaming focus, it delivers correct coloration efficiency with minimal want for calibration, making it appropriate for varied purposes past gaming. At its worth level, the Omen 27k supplies a compelling mix of options and efficiency for avid gamers and normal customers alike.
HP Omen 27k
The best 4K gaming monitor on a price range
Gigabyte
The best price range 1440p gaming monitor
Gigabyte GS27Q
Pros
- Very cheap
- 165Hz refresh charge
- FreeSync Premium help
Cons
- No USB hub
- Tilt-only stand
Why you can purchase this: It delivers all the things you can need out of a 1440p gaming monitor, and for about $200.
Who’s it for: Gamers on a price range that wish to dive into larger resolutions.
Why we selected the Gigabyte GS27Q:
Gigabyte’s G27Q is a workhorse 1440p monitor. It’s not flashy with its commonplace IPS show, and it will possibly barely deal with HDR regardless of being “HDR prepared.” But for avid gamers that desire a larger decision and a excessive refresh charge, it delivers an important expertise for below $200.
We’re particularly recommending the GS27Q variant, which is similar because the G27Q. It’s barely higher in that the GS mannequin comes with a better 165Hz refresh charge, and barely worse in that it comes with a quite dinky stand that solely presents tilt changes (each monitors help a VESA mount, nonetheless). The predominant purpose we went with the GS27Q, nonetheless, is that it is cheaper at about $200.
As for picture high quality, it is a pretty commonplace IPS show. Colors are correct, and protection of sRGB is nice, however you should not anticipate prolonged coloration gamut of nice HDR.
Gigabyte GS27Q
The best price range 1440p gaming monitor
Asus
The best price range 1080p gaming monitor
Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q1A
Pros
- FreeSync Premium Support
- Fast refresh charge and response time
- Affordable worth
- Good viewing angles
Cons
- Not the best picture high quality
- Basic ergonomics
Why you can purchase this: It’s a quick 1080p gaming monitor that’s accessible — and low-cost.
Who it’s for: Gamers searching for a feature-rich monitor for below $200.
Why we selected the Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q1A:
The Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q1A is an efficient selection for somebody’s first gaming monitor. At its present sale worth of $170, you get a 24-inch Full HD panel with a 144Hz refresh charge that may be overclocked to 165Hz. The monitor comes with built-in audio system and additionally helps FreeSync Premium, enabling adaptive refresh with each Nvidia and AMD GPUs.
The monitor additionally boasts low enter lag and glorious response time of 1ms, that are important for exact aiming and fast reactions in video games. The IPS panel ensures good coloration accuracy proper out of the field, although it falls quick in brightness and distinction.
While the TUF Gaming VG249Q1A lacks HDMI 2.1 help for the newest consoles, its spectacular gaming efficiency, inexpensive worth and a three-year guarantee make it a compelling selection.
Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q1A
The best price range 1080p gaming monitor
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
The best OLED gaming monitor
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
Pros
- Much cheaper than the competitors
- Some of the best coloration we have seen
- Extensive checklist of OLED burn-in prevention options
- 1,000 nits of brightness
- 3-year guarantee that covers burn-in
Cons
- A quite bland design
- Limited to USB 2.0 with built-in hub
Why you can purchase this: It’s the best 4K gaming monitor cash should purchase, and it is so much cheaper than the competitors.
Who’s it for: PC avid gamers who need peak immersion at an affordable worth.
Why we selected the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED:
The MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED does not make so much of sense. It’s a third-gen QD-OLED monitor, match with premium trimmings like a 4K decision and 240Hz refresh charge, and it comes on the luxuriously massive dimension of 32 inches. It’s only a heck of so much cheaper than the competitors.
Coming in at $950, it is wherever from $250 to $450 cheaper than the competitors from Asus, Alienware, and Gigabyte. What’s surprising is that the MPG 321URX does not compromise something to achieve its cheaper price.
The picture high quality continues to be beautiful, with some of the best coloration protection and accuracy we have seen, and the panel can nonetheless hit 1,000 nits of peak brightness. This is the height PC gaming expertise, only for a complete lot cheaper than the competitors.
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
The best OLED gaming monitor
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
A superb Alienware 34 QD-OLED different
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8
Pros
- Exceptional coloration and HDR
- Ultrathin
- USB-C energy supply
- Dense settings within the OS
Cons
- More costly than the competitors
- Limited to mini connections
Why you can purchase this: It’s a brilliant and very responsive ultrawide OLED monitor.
Who’s it for: Premium avid gamers who need an ultrawide OLED monitor with additional options.
Why we selected the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8:
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 is in direct competitors with the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, and in that head-to-head battle, Samsung loses. That does not imply the Odyssey OLED G8 is a foul monitor, although, and for some folks, it will likely be precisely what they’re searching for.
This show packs the identical 24-inch, 3,440 x 1,440 panel because the Alienware monitor, together with the identical 175Hz refresh charge. Samsung stands out with its Tizen working system, although, which brings apps to the desktop and lets you entry a variety of media with out ever connecting a PC.
There are just a few different stable additions as properly, similar to 65W of energy supply over the USB-C inputs. This is all backed up by the identical distinctive QD-OLED picture high quality we have come to anticipate out of this panel.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8
A superb Alienware 34 QD-OLED different
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
The best 32:9 gaming monitor
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
Pros
- One of the best OLED shows we have tested
- Unmatched immersive gaming expertise
- Speedy 240Hz refresh charge
- Dense settings choices
- Full Tizen working system
Cons
- Massive and costly
- 32:9 does not play properly with all the things
Why you can purchase this: It’s essentially the most immersive gaming expertise cash should purchase.
Who’s it for: Cinematic avid gamers who do not thoughts coping with a singular side ratio.
Why we selected the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9:
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is beautiful. It’s essentially the most immersive gaming expertise cash should purchase, using the large 32:9 side ratio to wrestle away your senses and suck you into the sport. With the Odyssey OLED G9, it is easy to neglect you are enjoying video games.
This is not a brand new side ratio for Samsung, however the OLED G9 goes above and past earlier variations with, properly, OLED. As we have seen with different shows, OLED supplies an enormous increase to paint and distinction, serving to HDR video games stand out much more.
It helps the 32:9 side ratio so much virtually, too. Because OLED panels are so skinny, the Odyssey OLED G9 takes up a lot much less desktop house than its predecessor.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
The best 32:9 gaming monitor
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of monitor is best for gaming?
This very a lot is dependent upon the kind of video games you wish to play. If you play aggressive, fast-paced video games, high-refresh-rate monitors are a should as they’ll scale back enter lag and offer you a smoother gaming expertise. Higher resolutions and HDR are nice for extra cinematic, AAA experiences, whereas bigger, curved screens add immersion for all kinds of titles.
Can you see the distinction between 144Hz and 240Hz?
Yes, nevertheless it’s very minor. Above 144Hz, refresh charges begin to present diminishing returns, so most avid gamers will not discover a distinction between 144Hz and 240Hz. The distinction is {that a} 240Hz has much less latency — it refreshes extra usually — which may make a distinction in how a recreation feels, particularly in a aggressive setting.
Is there a giant distinction between 4K and 1080p?
Yes, there is a huge distinction. 4K has greater than 4 occasions as many pixels as 1080p (two million in comparison with over eight million). 4K shows look sharper and present higher readability. You’ll want a strong gaming PC to render all of these pixels, although, so you could wish to follow a decrease decision in case your rig is not as much as snuff.
What is an efficient dimension monitor for gaming?
The dimension of your monitor largely is dependent upon what decision it’s. As the display screen dimension will get bigger, decrease resolutions will change into extra pronounced. For gaming, we advocate a 24-inch monitor for 1080p, a 27-inch monitor for 1440p, and a 27-inch or bigger monitor for 4K.
Keep in thoughts the side ratio, as properly. Ultrawide monitors are wider, and the display screen dimension is not corresponding to a normal 16:9 show. A 34-inch ultrawide monitor is not as massive as a 34-inch 16:9 one.
Does response time matter for gaming monitors?
Yes, however not in the way in which you may assume. Response time on a monitor measures how lengthy it takes from one pixel to transition to a special coloration, not the enter lag. Faster response occasions present clearer movement, so a low response time is right for gaming.
G-Sync versus Freesync: What’s the distinction?
G-Sync and FreeSync are each adaptive refresh charge applied sciences. The predominant distinction is that FreeSync is an open-source model, whereas G-Sync is unique to Nvidia graphics playing cards. That has largely modified lately, nonetheless, and most monitors with adaptive refresh will work with an AMD or Nvidia graphics card.
Can I exploit my TV as a gaming monitor?
Yes, you’ll be able to use a TV as a gaming monitor. TVs have comparable choices for refresh charges, resolutions, HDR help, and connections like HDMI — plus, HDMI 2.1 added help for the open Adaptive Sync expertise, and some TV manufacturers, like Samsung, help FreeSync as properly.
However, TVs are typically way more costly than monitors, so you’ll probably find yourself paying much more for comparable specs. TVs might also lack sure modes, menu choices, and customization options that monitors have for gaming.
Can I exploit a gaming monitor for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X?
Absolutely. Look for a monitor that has HDMI 2.1 or later ports for the best outcomes. The consoles help as much as 4k decision and a 120Hz refresh charge, so you may also be beneficiant with specs and get nice outcomes.
