The best gaming monitors are those that have a large screen, high refresh rate, and relatively affordable pricing. Having a 4K monitor with a smooth refresh rate can significantly improve your experience, making your gameplay more immersive and engaging. High-spec monitors tend to get quite expensive, but choosing the right options can get you great features at a very affordable rate.
Additional features like display technology, color gamut, and brightness are an added bonus, and we'll be looking into models with all these features. However, with so many options on the market, it can get quite confusing to choose. Due to this, we have curated a list of the best gaming monitors that you can buy this year.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's views.
What should you look for in a gaming monitor?
Apart from varying screen sizes, there are certain things common to all monitors, like resolution, refresh rate, response time, and additional features. Regardless of the size you're going for, look for monitors with a larger resolution and refresh rate, as these can make your gameplay more immersive.
While 1080p monitors are good enough, look for 1440p or 4K if you're going for a larger screen size, as the difference is vast and very noticeable. Higher refresh rates provide smoother, stutter-free gameplay, so look for monitors with at least 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate. Response time is another crucial factor. Lower response time means lesser blurring in fast-moving scenes. A good approximate would be anything from 1-5ms.
Additional features like Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync, VESA Adaptive Sync, and more further enhance your gaming experience, so make sure to be on the lookout for those. The best gaming monitors usually possess all of these features and would certainly provide a very enjoyable gaming experience.
The best gaming monitors to buy in 2024
1) Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED (AW3423DWF)
Price: $899.99
First on our list of the best gaming monitors is the Alienware 34" Curved QD-OLED display. The QD in QD-OLED stands for Quantum Dot OLED, which is a step up from the standard HDR screens we get to see and offers far better color accuracy and image resolution.
It features a 165Hz refresh rate and an insanely low response time of 0.1ms. This would allow you to have super sharp images even in the most action-packed scenes.
You also get a peak brightness of 1000 nits, the highest on the list, and looks great on the wide gaming monitors. Display technologies like AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology and VESA AdaptiveSync display provide even more enhanced visuals offering tear-free gaming at very low latencies.
Pros:
- The curved QD-OLED panel delivers exceptional picture quality with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and wide viewing angles.
- Its high refresh rate and low response time ensure smooth visuals in fast-paced games.
- G-Sync Compatible: Eliminates screen tearing for a seamless experience.
Cons:
- It is pricier than most monitors on this list.
- The 3440x1440 resolution is not exactly 4K, but some users may prefer the wider ultrawide format.
2) Acer Nitro XV5 27 (XV275K)
Price: $799.99
Next on our list of the best gaming monitors, we have the Acer Nitro XV5 - a 27" 4K UHD monitor. The medium-sized display looks beautiful with the 4K resolution and has a low response time of 1 ms and a refresh rate of 160Hz. It features a standard IPS display panel and a 99% color gamut, thus offering true color tones.
Like the Alienware, the Acer Nitro too features a peak brightness of 1000 nits. You also get the AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support, which prevents screen tears and offers stutter-free gameplay.
Pros:
- Offers sharp 4K resolution that delivers stunning detail and clarity in games and media.
- The 160Hz refresh rate provides smooth visuals for competitive gaming.
- The large 24" 4K display offers an immersive viewing experience.
Cons:
- It may be quite demanding on the hardware due to its specs.
- The IPS panel may have slightly slower response times compared to other options.
3) Dell 32 4K UHD (G3223Q)
Price: $629.99
The Dell 32" 4K UHD monitor is definitely one of the best gaming monitors in the midrange category. At $629, it provides a superb value for money, featuring a very futuristic and sturdy build. It features a 4K UHD display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time, preventing image blurs and lag.
The AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology allows for low-latency gameplay, and the VESA DisplayHDR 600 produces vibrant color tones. It has a very ergonomic design and the vents at the back maintain optimum thermal regulation.
Pros:
- It is a more affordable mid-range 4K option.
- The large display is ideal for expansive game worlds and multitasking.
- G-Sync and FreeSync eliminate screen tearing for compatible graphics cards.
Cons:
- Its overall HDR performance is average.
4) Asus TUF 28 (VG28UQL1A)
Price: $649.00
Next on our list is the Asus TUF, featuring a 28" 4K UHD display. It is the most tech-packed monitor on the list and has almost everything you need to have a smooth gaming experience.
Apart from being compatible with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium, it also features ELMB Sync or Extra Low Motion Blur Sync and Display Stream Compression, adding to the visual elements of the monitor.
It features a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1 ms response time, which offers immaculate performance when paired with its many display technologies. It has a Fast IPS display panel and is one of the best gaming monitors you can buy today, judging by its vast set of features.
Pros:
- It is an affordable 4K monitor and is great for gamers prioritizing display technology support.
- Has multiple display enhancement features, offering greater performance than most options.
- Compatible with both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync.
Cons:
- Has a relatively lower color accuracy.
5) BenQ 27 MOBIUZ (EX270M)
Price: $299.99
Last on our list of the best gaming monitors is the BenQ Mobiuz, which is one of the more affordable monitors. Unlike other laptops on the list, it has a 1080p IPS display, with a 240 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time, which is quite impressive for the price.
Moreover, it also features the AMD FreeSync Premium support, which offers even smoother visuals. BenQ's HDRi offers a slight step up from the standard HDR displays, providing darker blacks and more vivid color tones.
Pros:
- It is an excellent choice for gamers on a tight budget.
- Has a high refresh rate and low response time for a clear and responsive experience.
- Has the Fast IPS panel which offers good viewing angles and better color accuracy compared to TN panels.
Cons:
- Has a lower resolution and may not be ideal for users who prioritize sharp details or use the monitor for tasks beyond gaming.
That completes our article on the five best gaming monitors you can buy in 2024. Regardless of which model you're planning to go for, make sure to keep the essentials (resolution, refresh rate, response time) in mind.
The BenQ option would be the best choice for those on a tight budget, whereas the Alienware monitor would be the best widescreen display to check out. The other options offer great color accuracy and are standard mid-sized displays.
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