Best gaming monitors: 9 displays for an immersive experience

Choosing the right gaming monitor is crucial for an immersive gaming experience. With numerous options available, each boasting unique features, it can be overwhelming to sift through them. This guide will help you navigate the landscape of gaming monitors, highlighting the best options across various categories and price points, ensuring that you find the display that perfectly fits your gaming needs.

MSI MPG 272URX – The Ultimate Gaming Experience

The MSI MPG 272URX is a standout in the realm of gaming monitors, delivering an exceptional 4K OLED experience. This 26.5-inch panel is designed to cater to both gamers and creative professionals, making it a versatile choice.

Pros

• Stunning 4K resolution with vibrant colors and deep contrast.
• Exceptional motion clarity thanks to its 240Hz refresh rate.
• Robust connectivity options, including USB-C.
• Good HDR performance that enhances gaming visuals.

Cons

• A somewhat uninspired design.
• Color temperature and gamma may not be perfectly calibrated.
• The premium price tag may deter budget-conscious buyers.

Price When Reviewed: $1,099.99

Who Should Buy the MSI MPG 272URX?

If you're a gamer seeking high performance and stunning visuals, the MSI MPG 272URX should be at the top of your list. Its combination of 4K resolution and a fast refresh rate makes it particularly suitable for competitive gaming.

Further Considerations

Beyond gaming, the QD-OLED panel is a boon for creative work and HDR content consumption. With multiple input options, including HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1a, it offers excellent flexibility. Although the design might not be groundbreaking, the monitor's functionality is stellar.

Dell G2724D – Affordable Excellence

For those on a budget, the Dell G2724D emerges as one of the best gaming monitors under $300. This monitor strikes a balance between affordability and quality.

Pros

• Attractive design with a functional stand.
• Great SDR image quality with vibrant colors.
• 165Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay.
• Compatible with all Adaptive Sync standards.

Cons

• No USB connectivity or audio-out options.
• Lackluster HDR performance.

Price When Reviewed: $299.99

Who Should Buy the Dell G2724D?

The Dell G2724D is ideal for gamers who want a solid performance without breaking the bank. Its strong motion clarity and wide Adaptive Sync support cater to a smooth gaming experience.

Further Considerations

While the G2724D may lack some connectivity options, it compensates with a sleek design and ergonomic adjustments that make it a long-lasting addition to any gaming setup.

Pixio PX248 Wave – Best Budget Gaming Monitor

The Pixio PX248 Wave offers an attractive and affordable gaming experience, perfect for gamers looking for more than just basic functionality.

Pros

• Unique and colorful design options.
• Decent built-in speakers.
• Good color accuracy and motion clarity.

Cons

• Limited stand adjustments (only tilt).
• Only two video inputs available.
• Menu controls can be confusing.

Price When Reviewed: $149.99

Who Should Buy the Pixio PX248 Wave?

If you're a budget-conscious gamer seeking visual flair without sacrificing performance, the Pixio PX248 Wave is a great choice. Its vibrant colors and solid performance make it a standout in its price range.

Further Considerations

Despite some limitations in connectivity and adjustability, the PX248 Wave excels in providing an engaging gaming experience, making it a worthy contender in the budget monitor category.

Gigabyte GS34WQC – Best Budget Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

The Gigabyte GS34WQC is an excellent option for gamers looking for an immersive ultrawide experience without a hefty price tag.

Pros

• Wide range of connectivity options.
• Good contrast ratio with solid color performance.
• 144Hz refresh rate that supports smooth motion.

Cons

• Assembly can be cumbersome due to screw setup.
• Moderate maximum brightness for HDR content.
• HDR performance is not as strong as higher-end models.

Price When Reviewed: $329.99

Who Should Buy the Gigabyte GS34WQC?

This monitor is perfect for gamers who crave an ultrawide experience at a reasonable price, offering a sharp display with good motion clarity ideal for both gaming and productivity.

Further Considerations

The GS34WQC's VA panel provides excellent contrast, making it suitable for darker games while retaining a user-friendly design that enhances overall functionality.

LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B – Best Big-Screen Gaming Monitor

The LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B redefines immersive gaming with its expansive 45-inch display and stunning 5K2K resolution.

Pros

• Unmatched 5K2K resolution for incredible detail.
• Strong SDR and HDR performance.
• Immersive ultrawide display enhances gameplay.

Cons

• Design may not justify the premium price.
• Limited USB connectivity options.
• Curved screen can be overwhelming for some users.

Price When Reviewed: $1,999.99

Who Should Buy the LG Ultragear 45GX950A-B?

This monitor is geared towards gamers who prioritize an immersive visual experience and are willing to invest in a top-tier display.

Further Considerations

The Ultragear 45GX950A-B is not just a gaming monitor; it’s an investment for those seeking the ultimate resolution and visual fidelity in their gaming and media consumption.

Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG – Best HDR Gaming Monitor

The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG offers an exceptional HDR experience, making it one of the top choices for gamers seeking stunning visuals.

Pros

• Compact and ergonomic stand design.
• Outstanding HDR performance with deep blacks.
• Affordable for an OLED monitor.

Cons

• HDMI ports do not support the full 240Hz refresh rate.
• Lacks USB-C connectivity.
• SDR performance slightly lags behind QD-OLED peers.

Price When Reviewed: $749

Who Should Buy the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG?

This monitor is ideal for gamers looking for a high-quality HDR experience without overspending. Its balance of features and price makes it a compelling choice.

Further Considerations

The XG27AQDMG excels in HDR and motion clarity, making it perfect for gamers who want the best visual experience across various game genres.

LG Ultragear 27GN950 – Best 144Hz Gaming Monitor

The LG Ultragear 27GN950 stands out in the 144Hz category, offering high performance and sharp visuals for gamers.

Pros

• Outstanding gaming performance with vivid colors.
• High image quality with impressive detail.
• Ergonomic adjustments for comfort.

Cons

• Higher power consumption compared to competitors.

Price When Reviewed: $799

Who Should Buy the LG Ultragear 27GN950?

This monitor is perfect for gamers who prioritize both speed and image quality, providing a balance that appeals to a wide range of gaming styles.

Further Considerations

While it comes with a hefty price tag, the Ultragear 27GN950 is an investment for those who want a high-quality display for gaming and multimedia use.

Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP – Best High Refresh-Rate Gaming Monitor

The Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP sets new standards with its incredible 480Hz refresh rate, making it a top choice for competitive gamers.

Pros

• Unprecedented motion clarity for fast-paced games.
• Excellent image quality with impressive contrast.
• User-friendly menu with extensive options.

Cons

• The stand takes up considerable desk space.
• Absence of USB-C connectivity.

Price When Reviewed: $999

Who Should Buy the Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP?

Ideal for competitive gamers, this monitor offers the fastest refresh rates available, providing a significant edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios.

Further Considerations

Despite some design drawbacks, the PG27AQDP excels in performance and remains a strong contender in the high-refresh-rate category.

Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG – Best Dual-Mode Gaming Monitor

The Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG features a unique dual-mode capability, allowing users to toggle between 4K and ultra-fast resolutions seamlessly.

Pros

• Versatile dual-mode display for different gaming needs.
• Excellent brightness for both SDR and HDR content.
• Compact stand design with ample connectivity options.

Cons

• Only 15 watts of power delivery via USB-C.
• Glossy finish can create reflections in bright environments.
• Limited refresh rate at 4K resolution.

Price When Reviewed: $1,099.99

Why Should You Buy the Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UCWG?

This monitor's flexibility makes it appealing for gamers who want both high responsiveness in competitive games and stunning visuals in single-player titles.

Further Considerations

The XG32UCWG's TrueBlack Glossy finish enhances color performance but may not be ideal for all lighting conditions. Nonetheless, its overall performance and features make it a worthwhile investment.

Other Notable Gaming Monitors We've Reviewed

Several other monitors deserve mention for their performance and unique features:

• Alienware AW2725Q - A 27-inch 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitor that impresses with its vibrant display.
• BenQ PD3226G - Tailored for creative professionals, it performs well in gaming too.
• Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM - A premium 27-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor featuring stunning visuals.
• MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED - A 32-inch 4K option with strong connectivity.

How We Test Gaming Monitors

Our testing process involves using a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra calibration tool to gather objective metrics such as brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. We also evaluate motion clarity through various gaming scenarios, ensuring each monitor is assessed for both performance and usability.

Why You Should Trust Us

PCWorld has been a trusted source for technology reviews since 1983. Our expert team personally tests each monitor and applies rigorous benchmarks to provide reliable recommendations.

How to Choose the Best Gaming Monitor

When selecting a gaming monitor, consider the following key factors:

Resolution

Common resolutions include 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Higher resolutions provide sharper images, but also demand more from your GPU.

Refresh Rate

A higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, results in smoother motion and reduced input lag, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Connectivity Options

Look for monitors with DisplayPort and HDMI 2.1 compatibility to ensure optimal performance with your gaming setup.

FAQ

What is the best gaming monitor?

The best overall gaming monitor is the MSI MPG 341CQPX, known for its impressive HDR and refresh rate.

What is the best cheap gaming monitor?

The Dell G2724D offers exceptional value under $300, providing solid performance for gamers.

What resolution is best for a gaming monitor?

Competitive gamers often prefer 1080p for high frame rates, while 1440p provides a nice balance of quality and performance. 4K is the pinnacle of clarity but requires powerful hardware.

Should I use AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync?

Both technologies synchronize refresh rates to eliminate screen tearing, with many monitors now supporting both standards, ensuring smooth gameplay.

Should I buy an ultrawide gaming monitor?

Ultrawide monitors can enhance immersion in various game genres, but check compatibility with your favorite titles before purchasing.

For visual enthusiasts and serious gamers, investing in the right monitor is key to unlocking the full potential of your gaming experience. With this guide, you're now equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your gaming needs and budget.

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