Shopping for a gaming monitor might be overwhelming, particularly with so many specs, manufacturers, and worth factors to contemplate. That’s why we have created this easy information: a no-frills, no-guesswork listing of one of the best gaming screens you should buy at every main worth level, beginning at $100 and going all the best way as much as $1,000 (and past).
Usually in our best monitor recommendation guides we offer a number of choices based mostly on completely different standards like display screen decision, refresh price, monitor dimension, and pricing, however that will not be the case at the moment. This article focuses on simplicity. If you simply wish to know what one of the best monitor is on your funds with out wading by way of infinite specs and opinions, that is for you (that is our second year/version!).
These suggestions are based mostly on intensive hands-on testing. Nearly each monitor on this listing has been put by way of its paces by us, with full opinions obtainable right here at TechSpot or on the Hardware Unboxed channel. Of course, monitor costs can fluctuate, so if you happen to’re studying this weeks or months after publication, some issues might have modified. Let’s now dive in and discover the right gaming monitor on your funds.
TL;DR
$100
AOC 24G4 (or equal 1080p)
This yr, we’re again to beginning this information at $100 as a result of that is the kind of worth level the place 1080p screens want to take a seat. To be truthful, it is truly somewhat tough to discover a 1080p 144Hz gaming monitor – or higher – for simply $100. Most fashions we have seen begin at both $110 or $120. So we’ll sneak in one of many few 1080p screens we have examined lately: the AOC 24G4, which might typically be discovered for as little as $120.
The 24G4 is a 24-inch 1080p 180Hz IPS LCD that delivers first rate efficiency at an entry-level worth. It’s barely higher than its predecessors, with a large shade gamut, height-adjustable stand, respectable movement efficiency, and glorious manufacturing unit calibration. It’s a dependable 1080p show that sticks to the fundamentals and performs nicely general. If you may seize one close to $120, you’ve got accomplished fairly nicely.
$150
Asrock PG27QFT2A
We’ve been stunned to see 1440p screens attain as little as $150 this yr, and at this worth, we’re recommending the Asrock PG27QFT2A. When testing this monitor, we had been impressed with how affordable it was for the fee, with no deal-breaking flaws usually anticipated from dirt-cheap merchandise. It’s a 27-inch 1440p 180Hz IPS LCD, providing a noticeable step up from different entry-level screens attributable to its increased 1440p decision.
The strengths of this product embrace its huge viewing angles and lack of dark-level smearing, each benefits over VA LCDs, together with its low enter lag, lack of flickering, and nice distinction ratio for an IPS. Unfortunately, its response time efficiency is not one of the best, which is predicted in the funds tier, and there is minimal manufacturing unit calibration. However, we nonetheless discover it very usable for gaming, and it is not as poorly tuned as funds LCDs from just a few years in the past. At such a low worth, it will get our approval.
$200
Dell G2724D
At round $200, we’re recommending the Dell G2724D. This monitor outperforms the Asrock mannequin in most areas, making it a worthwhile improve if in case you have a bit extra to spend. It’s a 27-inch 1440p 165Hz IPS LCD which you can usually discover for between $180 and $200, with efficiency in a number of areas matching higher-end 1440p screens, like its first rate response instances and well-calibrated sRGB mode.
This monitor is a big improve over older IPS or VA screens attributable to its lack of darkish smearing, sooner response instances, higher viewing angles, and pleasing shade expertise. Its distinction ratio is not too unhealthy, and it has excessive brightness. This is a well-balanced monitor at this worth level. We suppose it is an ideal entry level for 1440p gaming or an amazing selection for upgrading from older screens.
$250
LG 27GP850
At $250, we’re not in love with most choices, as screens in this vary are usually solely minor upgrades over these nearer to $200. However, if we needed to suggest one thing, it might in all probability be the LG 27GP850, which you’ll be able to usually discover for closer to $230 on a great day. There are additionally a number of different comparable LG fashions that may very well be thought of options to the 27GP850.
The 27GP850 stands out in two key areas in comparison with the G2724D, making it value contemplating. First, it presents a a lot wider shade gamut, offering near-full protection of DCI-P3 or a extra saturated (and even oversaturated) expertise. Second, it options higher response time tuning, particularly at its most 180Hz refresh price. Unfortunately, its distinction ratio is a downgrade and is not excellent, so relying in your preferences, it may not be the only option.
$300
AOC Q27G3XMN
At round $300, we’d purchase the AOC Q27G3XMN. This is a 27-inch 1440p 180Hz VA LCD with a 336-zone mini-LED backlight, which delivers true, entry-level HDR efficiency. At simply $280, it is essentially the most reasonably priced approach to expertise correct HDR in video games, and its picture high quality is sort of spectacular because of its first rate variety of zones and excessive peak brightness. It’s a significantly better HDR expertise than you’d get from edge-lit dimmed DisplayHDR 400 screens.
While its movement efficiency would not match IPS LCD opponents, it is on the higher finish of the VA scale and usually high-quality for gaming. It’s not the quickest monitor, however its pace is not a dealbreaker. It additionally boasts a superb native distinction ratio. And did we point out it is a correct HDR show for simply $280? Availability might be a difficulty at instances, but when yow will discover one, we suggest it.
$350
MSI G274QPX
At $350, the obtainable screens are extra of a sidegrade relative to the Q27G3XMN than an improve. What we typically suggest at this worth level is both selecting the HDR-capable AOC mannequin if you happen to primarily play single-player video games or choosing a 1440p 240Hz IPS show if you happen to want multiplayer gaming.
This is the place the 27-inch 1440p 240Hz IPS LCD in the MSI G274QPX comes in, and you may usually discover it for slightly below $350 if you happen to’re fortunate.
The G274QPX performs nicely, and with its increased refresh price than the opposite fashions we have talked about, it presents higher movement readability and decrease enter lag, making it an amazing selection for aggressive players. It additionally capabilities nicely as a common 1440p monitor with an honest distinction ratio, excessive peak brightness, huge shade gamut, and a great sRGB mode. There’s little motive to spend extra on a 1440p 240Hz LCD in 2024.
$400
Gigabyte M27U
We suggest upgrading to a 4K gaming monitor at $400, particularly the Gigabyte M27U or its comparable counterpart, the M28U, each obtainable at this worth. The M27U, which we’ll give attention to, is a 27-inch 4K 160Hz IPS LCD that stands out as a traditional all-rounder. It would not have standout strengths that put it far above others, nevertheless it additionally avoids any deal-breaking flaws, performing nicely throughout all areas.
Motion efficiency is stable and typical of current-generation IPS LCD panels. It presents first rate huge gamut protection, affordable manufacturing unit calibration, nice brightness, glorious viewing angles, and a excessive decision. While its distinction ratio is a bit disappointing, if you happen to’re in search of a great 4K LCD for a mixture of gaming, work, or internet searching, the M27U is a incredible selection.
$500
LG 32GR93U
A bigger 4K LCD gaming monitor turns into a superb selection for $500, and we suggest the LG 32GR93U. While yow will discover some cheaper mini-LED LCDs at this worth, we have not been overly impressed with those we have examined thus far. Instead, we suggest one thing that excels in its core options, just like the 32GR93U.
This 32-inch 4K 144Hz IPS LCD is usually priced round $520 and is among the most reasonably priced 32-inch 4K screens available on the market. Its bigger dimension is good for this decision, providing extra display screen actual property for gaming and productiveness. The 32GR93U is one other balanced choice, with first rate response instances, {hardware} calibration assist, good accuracy, and robust shade area protection.
$600
AOC AG276QZD
At $600, we’re now in OLED territory, and we suggest the AOC AG276QZD, which might often be discovered for just below $600. This 27-inch 1440p 240Hz WOLED is a compelling selection, particularly contemplating it was $800 after we reviewed it a yr in the past. If you are in search of an amazing worth entry level to OLED gaming, that is it.
The AG276QZD presents the same old OLED benefits, comparable to distinctive response time efficiency and per-pixel management, enabling a real HDR expertise with glorious distinction and first rate peak brightness. Its SDR efficiency is stable, movement readability is excellent, and the built-in sRGB mode is correct.
While we weren’t the largest followers of its construct high quality, at $600, virtually a mid-range worth in at the moment’s market, this OLED panel delivers nice worth for gaming. Just be cautious about extended static content material because of the threat of burn-in.
$700
Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG
While the AG276QZD is a good funds OLED choice, a good better option in the $700 tier is the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG, usually priced between $650 and $700. This 27-inch 1440p 240Hz WOLED boasts a number of benefits over the AOC mannequin.
First, it incorporates a shiny display screen coating as an alternative of matte, which works higher in darker environments and is usually most well-liked by consumers for its enhancement of obvious black ranges. Additionally, it is extra correct and brighter for HDR gaming, typically considerably so, offering extra punch in real-world scenes.
It retains all the superb OLED HDR qualities, comparable to ultra-fast response instances and per-pixel management. This is one in all our favourite 1440p screens proper now and an amazing purchase at this worth.
$800
Dell Alienware AW3423DWF
At $800, we suggest the Dell Alienware AW3423DWF, which stays a incredible purchase and, with some luck, might be discovered nearer to $700. This 34-inch 3440×1440 165Hz QD-OLED presents distinctive worth as a high-end OLED ultrawide. Like different OLEDs, it options per-pixel management, glorious HDR efficiency, and elite response instances, complementing its 165Hz refresh price. While not the quickest anymore, it is nonetheless an amazing selection for immersive single-player experiences.
After just a few firmware updates, this Alienware mannequin stands out as one of many better-calibrated QD-OLEDs, delivering glorious brightness in each SDR and HDR modes. Even when in comparison with higher-refresh-rate opponents or newer WOLED fashions, we expect the worth for cash right here is tough to beat, and you will wrestle to discover a higher ultrawide in this worth vary.
$900
MSI MAG 321UPX
A 32-inch 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor could be our best choice on the $900 worth level. The main contender right here is the MSI MAG 321UPX. This is a detailed relative of the 321URX that we examined, nevertheless it’s obtainable for $50 much less at $900 flat because of the omission of some USB ports and RGB LED lights.
In our opinion, 32-inch 4K 240Hz screens like this are one of the best class available on the market and supply one of the best expertise for players. They are quick, have nice HDR efficiency, a excessive decision, a big display screen dimension, and an amazing refresh price. They can do all of it, whether or not it is single-player or multiplayer gaming.
$1,000
MSI MAG 321UPX / MPG 321URX
The 321URX, which we examined and likewise suggest in the $1,000 worth vary, left us very impressed with its calibration in each SDR and HDR modes. Brightness traits are sturdy, panel efficiency is superb, and we expect most individuals shall be blown away by how good this monitor appears to be like with the most recent triple-A video games. It additionally has a shiny end, which works nicely in darker environments, although the QD-OLED panel construction is not supreme for brighter rooms. Text high quality can be glorious because of enhancements in this era of OLED.
We’ve picked the MSI fashions in these two worth classes as a result of it is actually onerous to separate many of the 4K OLEDs we have examined in phrases of efficiency. So, the fashions which are usually cheaper get our approval. In this case, it is the MSI fashions. Just bear in mind that if you happen to’re planning to make use of one for infrequent productiveness work, there is a threat of everlasting burn-in.
$1,200
Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM / PG32UCDP
The costliest screens we’d strongly suggest proper now are additionally 32-inch 4K 240Hz OLEDs. In the $1,200 – 1,300 vary, you will get one of the best fashions that provide slight enhancements. We consider the general finest to be the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM, however there’s additionally the PG32UCDP if you need one thing barely completely different.
The PG32UCDM follows the identical format because the MSI 321UPX and 321URX: a 32-inch 4K 240Hz QD-OLED. What units the UCDM aside from the MSI fashions are its further options, like ELMB black body insertion and Dolby Vision assist. It’s additionally barely higher calibrated and contains an unlocked sRGB mode. Most different efficiency areas are similar to the MSI variant, as they use the identical panel. But if you happen to like the thought of additional options and barely higher tuning, the Asus mannequin is the best choice.
The PG32UCDP, alternatively, presents a 32-inch 4K 240Hz WOLED with dual-mode 1080p 480Hz performance. While we’d personally want the PG32UCDM over the PG32UCDP, the UCDP can be an amazing choice if you happen to’re in dual-mode assist. It’s equally priced and sits on the prime of the market amongst screens we will moderately suggest.
That’s to not say there aren’t dearer screens – as a result of there are – however when you go above $1,300 – 1,400, it is onerous to suggest them. Most of the time, they don’t seem to be any higher for gaming than the choices we have already talked about. You can get top-end efficiency from these 4K OLEDs beginning at $900. We’d hate so that you can waste cash on pricier merchandise with out a clear motive, so we cannot hassle discussing something increased in worth.
