Looking for a gaming monitor may be overwhelming, particularly with so many specs, manufacturers, and value factors to think about. That is why we have created this simple information: a no-frills, no-guesswork record of the perfect gaming screens you should purchase at every main value level, beginning at $100 and going all the best way as much as $1,000 (and past).
Often in our greatest monitor advice guides we offer a number of choices based mostly on totally different standards like display decision, refresh fee, monitor dimension, and pricing, however that will not be the case at this time. This text focuses on simplicity. In the event you simply need to know what the perfect monitor is on your finances with out wading via limitless specs and evaluations, that is for you (that is our second yr/version!).
These suggestions are based mostly on intensive hands-on testing. Practically each monitor on this record has been put via its paces by us, with full evaluations obtainable right here at TechSpot or on the {Hardware} Unboxed channel. After all, monitor costs can fluctuate, so if you happen to’re studying this weeks or months after publication, some issues could have modified. Let’s now dive in and discover the right gaming monitor on your finances.
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 value level the place 1080p screens want to sit down. To be honest, it is really just a little troublesome 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 not too long ago: the AOC 24G4, which may generally be discovered for as little as $120.
The 24G4 is a 24-inch 1080p 180Hz IPS LCD that delivers respectable efficiency at an entry-level value. It is barely higher than its predecessors, with a large coloration gamut, height-adjustable stand, respectable movement efficiency, and wonderful manufacturing facility calibration. It is a dependable 1080p show that sticks to the fundamentals and performs nicely total. In the event you can seize one close to $120, you have completed fairly nicely.
$150
Asrock PG27QFT2A
We have been shocked to see 1440p screens attain as little as $150 this yr, and at this value, we’re recommending the Asrock PG27QFT2A. When testing this monitor, we have been impressed with how affordable it was for the associated fee, with no deal-breaking flaws sometimes anticipated from dirt-cheap merchandise. It is a 27-inch 1440p 180Hz IPS LCD, providing a noticeable step up from different entry-level screens on account of its greater 1440p decision.
The strengths of this product embrace its extensive 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. Sadly, its response time efficiency is not the perfect, which is anticipated within the finances tier, and there is minimal manufacturing facility calibration. Nonetheless, we nonetheless discover it very usable for gaming, and it is not as poorly tuned as finances LCDs from a couple of years in the past. At such a low value, 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 in case you have a bit extra to spend. It is a 27-inch 1440p 165Hz IPS LCD that you may sometimes discover for between $180 and $200, with efficiency in a number of areas matching higher-end 1440p screens, like its respectable response occasions and well-calibrated sRGB mode.
This monitor is a major improve over older IPS or VA screens on account of its lack of darkish smearing, quicker response occasions, higher viewing angles, and pleasing coloration expertise. Its distinction ratio is not too dangerous, and it has excessive brightness. This can be a well-balanced monitor at this value level. We expect it is an ideal entry level for 1440p gaming or an ideal alternative for upgrading from older screens.
$250
LG 27GP850
At $250, we’re not in love with most choices, as screens on this vary are usually solely minor upgrades over these nearer to $200. Nonetheless, if we needed to suggest one thing, it might most likely be the LG 27GP850, which you’ll be able to usually discover for nearer to $230 on an excellent day. There are additionally a number of different related LG fashions that might be thought-about alternate options to the 27GP850.
The 27GP850 stands out in two key areas in comparison with the G2724D, making it value contemplating. First, it gives a a lot wider coloration 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 fee. Sadly, its distinction ratio is a downgrade and is not superb, so relying in your preferences, it may not be your best option.
$300
AOC Q27G3XMN
At round $300, we might purchase the AOC Q27G3XMN. This can be 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 due to its respectable variety of zones and excessive peak brightness. It is a significantly better HDR expertise than you’d get from edge-lit dimmed DisplayHDR 400 screens.
Whereas its movement efficiency does not match IPS LCD rivals, it is on the higher finish of the VA scale and sometimes high quality for gaming. It isn’t the quickest monitor, however its velocity 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 may be a problem at occasions, but when you could find 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 usually suggest at this value 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 favor multiplayer gaming.
That is the place the 27-inch 1440p 240Hz IPS LCD within the MSI G274QPX is available in, and you may usually discover it for slightly below $350 if you happen to’re fortunate.
The G274QPX performs nicely, and with its greater refresh fee than the opposite fashions we have talked about, it gives higher movement readability and decrease enter lag, making it an ideal alternative for aggressive players. It additionally features nicely as a common 1440p monitor with an honest distinction ratio, excessive peak brightness, extensive coloration gamut, and an excellent 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 related counterpart, the M28U, each obtainable at this value. The M27U, which we’ll give attention to, is a 27-inch 4K 160Hz IPS LCD that stands out as a basic all-rounder. It does not have standout strengths that put it far above others, nevertheless it additionally avoids any deal-breaking flaws, performing nicely throughout all areas.
Movement efficiency is stable and typical of current-generation IPS LCD panels. It gives respectable extensive gamut protection, affordable manufacturing facility calibration, nice brightness, wonderful viewing angles, and a excessive decision. Whereas its distinction ratio is a bit disappointing, if you happen to’re on the lookout for an excellent 4K LCD for a mixture of gaming, work, or net searching, the M27U is a improbable alternative.
$500
LG 32GR93U
A bigger 4K LCD gaming monitor turns into a superb alternative for $500, and we suggest the LG 32GR93U. Whereas you could find some cheaper mini-LED LCDs at this value, we’ve not been overly impressed with those we have examined to date. As a substitute, 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 likely one of the most reasonably priced 32-inch 4K screens available on the market. Its bigger dimension is good for this decision, providing extra display actual property for gaming and productiveness. The 32GR93U is one other balanced possibility, with respectable response occasions, {hardware} calibration help, good accuracy, and robust coloration house protection.
$600
AOC AG276QZD
At $600, we’re now in OLED territory, and we suggest the AOC AG276QZD, which may often be discovered for slightly below $600. This 27-inch 1440p 240Hz WOLED is a compelling alternative, particularly contemplating it was $800 once we reviewed it a yr in the past. In the event you’re on the lookout for an ideal worth entry level to OLED gaming, that is it.
The AG276QZD gives the same old OLED benefits, corresponding to distinctive response time efficiency and per-pixel management, enabling a real HDR expertise with wonderful distinction and respectable peak brightness. Its SDR efficiency is stable, movement readability is excellent, and the built-in sRGB mode is correct.
Whereas we weren’t the largest followers of its construct high quality, at $600, virtually a mid-range value in at this time’s market, this OLED panel delivers nice worth for gaming. Simply be cautious about extended static content material as a result of threat of burn-in.
$700
Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG
Whereas the AG276QZD is a superb finances OLED possibility, a fair better option within the $700 tier is the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG, sometimes priced between $650 and $700. This 27-inch 1440p 240Hz WOLED boasts a number of benefits over the AOC mannequin.
First, it contains a shiny display coating as a substitute of matte, which works higher in darker environments and is usually most popular by patrons for its enhancement of obvious black ranges. Moreover, it is extra correct and brighter for HDR gaming, generally considerably so, offering extra punch in real-world scenes.
It retains all the superb OLED HDR qualities, corresponding to ultra-fast response occasions and per-pixel management. That is considered one of our favourite 1440p screens proper now and an ideal purchase at this value.
$800
Dell Alienware AW3423DWF
At $800, we suggest the Dell Alienware AW3423DWF, which stays a improbable purchase and, with some luck, may be discovered nearer to $700. This 34-inch 3440×1440 165Hz QD-OLED gives distinctive worth as a high-end OLED ultrawide. Like different OLEDs, it options per-pixel management, wonderful HDR efficiency, and elite response occasions, complementing its 165Hz refresh fee. Whereas not the quickest anymore, it is nonetheless an ideal alternative for immersive single-player experiences.
After a couple of firmware updates, this Alienware mannequin stands out as one of many better-calibrated QD-OLEDs, delivering wonderful brightness in each SDR and HDR modes. Even when in comparison with higher-refresh-rate rivals or newer WOLED fashions, we expect the worth for cash right here is difficult to beat, and you may battle to discover a higher ultrawide on this value vary.
$900
MSI MAG 321UPX
A 32-inch 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor can be our best choice on the $900 value level. The main contender right here is the MSI MAG 321UPX. This can be a shut relative of the 321URX that we examined, nevertheless it’s obtainable for $50 much less at $900 flat due to the omission of some USB ports and RGB LED lights.
In our opinion, 32-inch 4K 240Hz screens like this are the perfect class available on the market and provide the perfect expertise for players. They’re quick, have nice HDR efficiency, a excessive decision, a big display dimension, and an ideal refresh fee. They will 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 within the $1,000 value vary, left us very impressed with its calibration in each SDR and HDR modes. Brightness traits are sturdy, panel efficiency is great, and we expect most individuals will probably be blown away by how good this monitor seems with the newest triple-A video games. It additionally has a shiny end, which works nicely in darker environments, although the QD-OLED panel construction is not ultimate for brighter rooms. Textual content high quality can also be wonderful due to enhancements on this era of OLED.
We have picked the MSI fashions in these two value classes as a result of it is actually onerous to separate many of the 4K OLEDs we have examined by way of efficiency. So, the fashions which might be sometimes cheaper get our approval. On this case, it is the MSI fashions. Simply 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 might strongly suggest proper now are additionally 32-inch 4K 240Hz OLEDs. Within the $1,200 – 1,300 vary, you may get the perfect fashions that supply slight enhancements. We consider the general greatest to be the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM, however there’s additionally the PG32UCDP if you need one thing barely totally different.
The PG32UCDM follows the identical format because the MSI 321UPX and 321URX: a 32-inch 4K 240Hz QD-OLED. What units the UCDM other than the MSI fashions are its extra options, like ELMB black body insertion and Dolby Imaginative and prescient help. It is also barely higher calibrated and contains an unlocked sRGB mode. Most different efficiency areas are an identical to the MSI variant, as they use the identical panel. However if you happen to like the thought of additional options and barely higher tuning, the Asus mannequin is the best choice.
The PG32UCDP, alternatively, gives a 32-inch 4K 240Hz WOLED with dual-mode 1080p 480Hz performance. Whereas we might personally favor the PG32UCDM over the PG32UCDP, the UCDP can also be an ideal possibility if you happen to’re concerned with dual-mode help. It is equally priced and sits on the prime of the market amongst screens we will fairly suggest.
That is to not say there aren’t costlier screens – as a result of there are – however when you go above $1,300 – 1,400, it is onerous to suggest them. More often than not, they don’t seem to be any higher for gaming than the choices we have already talked about. You will get top-end efficiency from these 4K OLEDs beginning at $900. We might hate so that you can waste cash on pricier merchandise and not using a clear motive, so we can’t trouble discussing something greater in value.