The first thing to look for is resolution, which basically refers to the visual ability of a game – how many pixels a display can show you. If a resolution consists of more pixels, you’ll enjoy a clearer picture.
The refresh rate measures how many times per second a display draws a new image. For example, if the refresh rate is 60 Hz, the display refreshes the image 60 times per second.
Screen size is also important because it can impact your gaming experience. Do you want the largest screen possible? Do you prefer a curved screen? These are prime considerations.
The ports that a monitor has, whether HDMI, headphone jack, USB, or all three, have an impact on what you can use with your monitor.
Gaming monitors come in one of three panel types: TN, or Twisted Nematic panels, which support refresh rates of up to 240 Hz; IPS, or In-Plane Switching panels, with refresh rates of 200 to 240 Hz; and VA, or Vertical Alignment panels, which also go up to 240 Hz.
TN panels offer the fastest response time at 3 to 4 ms, IPS panels are a bit slower at 4 to 6 ms, and VA panels average 8-12 ms.
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Choose this gaming monitor… |
If you want… |
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Samsung Odyssey G7 Series |
The best gaming monitor for its support for FreeSync and G-SYNC, a color-accurate VA panel with deep blacks in dark lighting, and reliable response time for fast-paced gaming. It has a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a maximum 240 Hz refresh rate, a 43-inch screen size, and multiple ports, including 1 HDMI port, 2 display ports, 2 USB ports, and 1 headphone jack. It costs $499.99 and is available at Samsung, Amazon, and Best Buy. |
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Dell 27 S2721DGF |
The best monitor for heat dispersion with its industrial design and excellent heat dispersion, super sharp visuals at 1440p with little to no stutters, and ample amount of ports. It has a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 165 Hz DisplayPort, a 144 Hz HDMI, a 27-inch screen size, and multiple ports, including 2 HDMI ports, 1 display port, and 1 audio line-out. It costs $329.99 and is available at Dell, Amazon, and Best Buy. |
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AOC CU34G2X |
The best ultrawide and curved gaming monitor, offering a large 34-inch VA panel that makes for a productivity machine, generous connectivity options, and competitive pricing. It has a 3440 x 1440 resolution, a 144 Hz refresh rate, and multiple ports, including 1 HDMI port, 1 display port, 1 USB port, and 1 headphone jack. It costs $459.99 and is available at Amazon and Walmart. |
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Razer Raptor 27 |
The best 144 Hz and RGB gaming monitor, offering true-to-life visuals with THX certification, a clean and futuristic design, and a plethora of Razer-designed cables included in the box. It has a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 144 Hz refresh rate that can ramp up to 165 Hz, and multiple ports, including 1 HDMI port, 1 display port, and 1 USB Type-C. It costs $699.99 and is available at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. |
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Asus TUF VG-9Q |
The best budget, RGB, and 1080p gaming monitor with a no-frills gaming experience, priced to compete, and requires little to no color calibration during initial setup. It has a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 144 Hz refresh rate, and multiple ports, including 1 display port, 1 HDMI port, and 1 audio jack. It costs $269 and is available at Amazon, Staples, and Best Buy. |
