The best gaming monitors of this year: Top monitors for gaming
A tech expert recommends the best monitors for gaming with affordable options and higher-end models from brands like LG, Samsung, Acer and more.
Whitson Gordon
Whitson Gordon
If you want to spend a bit less, Gigabyte's M27Q is a great display for the money, offering a 1440p resolution with a 170 hertz refresh rate for smooth motion. Its IPS display won't have quite as deep when it comes to black levels, but for most people, it's hard to beat the bang for the buck this monitor offers.
Lower-resolution monitors may not be quite as sharp as higher-fidelity models, but they're also ideal for lower-powered PCs that can't push as many pixels. The MSI G242 doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles (the stand isn't even height-adjustable). But, for the price, you get a 24-inch monitor with 144 hertz of smooth, FreeSync and G-Sync motion.
Most monitors use the same 16:9 aspect ratio as today's TVs, but some "ultrawide" monitors stretch the display horizontally for a more immersive experience, thanks to the extra viewing area in your periphery. The Acer Nitro XV340CK is the best readily-available 1440p IPS monitor in this category.
Having said that, the Gigabyte G34WQC — which I personally own and love — is also great if you prefer a VA panel for a dark room. It is, unfortunately, out of stock at the time of this writing.
Generally, 4K monitors are enough of a hike in price over 1440p options that I don't recommend them as often. But if you want the highest resolution possible, the LG 27GN950-B is one of the best 4K, high-refresh monitors around. It's a bit tough to find in stock right now, but if you keep an eye out, you should be able to nab one as it comes in and out of proverbial shelves.
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