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For some people, gaming is simply a way to relax and decompress after work. For others, it’s a fun way to meet new people, virtually hang out with existing friends, and bond with family.
There are also gamers who take gaming much more seriously and compete competitively in eSports tournaments in all types of games.
The monitor you use for gaming has a huge impact on your gaming experience, from the enjoyment of colours and details in the game to things much more important, like your ability to perform well and be competitive against enemies and challengers.
Without a good gaming monitor, you won’t be able to enjoy the game as much.
If you’re looking for a new or replacement gaming monitor, understanding the ins and outs of monitors in general, as well as what sets gaming monitors apart, is essential for choosing the right one for your needs, preferences, and gaming style.
The quality, panel type, colour, speed, adjustability, connectivity, and resolution all affect how the monitor looks and performs. If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry!
We’ll help you understand all of the different features you need to pay attention to.
After spending 38 hours researching 32 different products and reviewing 945 customer reviews to find the best gaming monitors in Canada, we’re experts on gaming monitors.
Following our last update, we recommend the LG Ultragear 27G83A-B 27-Inch Gaming Monitor for its performance, value, and quality.
Our top pick gaming monitor in 2023
This is a great all-around option for casual and competitive gamers. It is priced right, has all the essential features as well as a few high-performance features, and is built to the quality standards we expect from all gaming monitors. It isn’t the best at anything, but it is a highly balanced, reliable monitor that every gamer will approve of.
Pros:
- Matte screen surface reduces glare and reflection
- 3-side virtually borderless design for wider screen coverage
- Tilt, height, and pivot adjustable stand
- Great response and refresh rates
Cons:
- HDR 10 isn’t great quality at 350 nits
Our selection of the best models available right now:
- LG Ultragear 27G83A-B 27-Inch
- Samsung 32” Odyssey G7
- Samsung Odyssey G7 28” 4K
- MSI Full HD FreeSync 24”
- ViewSonic VX3276-MHD 32”
- Gigabyte M32Q 32”
- Acer XF0 XF250Q CBMIIPRX 24.5”
Gaming Monitor Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
LG Ultragear 27G83A-B 27-Inch Gaming Monitor
|
9.5
|
See price on Amazon |
|
Incurve Pick
|
Samsung 32” Odyssey G7 Curved Gaming Monitor
|
9.6
|
See price on AmazonSee price on Best Buy |
|
4K Pick
|
Samsung Odyssey G7 28” 4K Gaming Monitor
|
9.6
|
See price on Amazon |
|
Budget Pick
|
MSI Full HD FreeSync 24” Gaming Monitor
|
9.1
|
See price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best Gaming Monitor
Presentation of the LG Ultragear 27G83A-B 27-Inch Gaming Monitor
The Best Overall
LG
If you’re looking to up your gaming experience with a new gaming monitor and don’t have any requirements beyond a decent combination of performance and quality, we recommend the LG Ultragear 27G83A-B 27-Inch gaming monitor for top-notch graphics and performance.
LG Ultragear 27G83A-B 27-Inch Gaming Monitor Video Review
What We Think of The LG Ultragear 27G83A-B 27-Inch Gaming Monitor
The LG Ultragear monitor has a 27-inch panel that is the perfect size for competitive gaming since you can see every corner of the screen without adjusting your focus. It’s also large enough for users to enjoy the finer details of game worlds and graphics without becoming too overwhelming. This is an IPS monitor with a matte screen surface to reduce glare and bright spots on the monitor.
The stand is very user-friendly with simple height, tilt, and pivot adjustment options that let users set up their gaming corner ergonomically. The borderless design of the monitor enlarges your available screen area and allows for a more immersive experience. The monitor has a refresh rate of 144Hz and response time of 1ms, both standard for competitive gaming. The flat screen allows for mounting of the monitor, a greater range of viewing angles, and greater ease of performing other tasks on this monitor.
Gorgeous picture quality while still retaining a snappy response time. For a primarily MMORPG player, there is no better monitor in this price category. You get a large overview of scenery but it never looks washed out. I upgraded from 60Hz to 144Hz with this monitor, and now that I have, I may very well go even further to 240Hz next time. The improvement is just night and day on this monitor.
marcus y.
The HDR 10 on this monitor isn’t great at only 350 nits of brightness. Given that the standard for HDR is 600-1000, it isn’t much of an improvement on this monitor. We like that this monitor has adaptive Free-Sync technology that minimizes input lag and stuttering while optimizing fluid movement for fast-paced games. For most gamers, this monitor offers the adjustability, quality, and performance you want.
LG Ultragear 27G83A-B 27-Inch Gaming Monitor Specifications
- Weight: 19 lbs
- Screen Size: 27”
- Screen Type: Flat
- Resolution: 1440p
- Response Time: 1ms
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- HDR 10: 350 nits
- G-Sync Compatible: Yes
LG Ultragear 27G83A-B 27-Inch Gaming Monitor Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Matte screen surface reduces glare and reflection
- 3-side virtually borderless design for wider screen coverage
- Tilt, height, and pivot adjustable stand
- Great response and refresh rates
Cons
- HDR 10 isn’t great quality at 350 nits
Our Final Opinion about the LG Ultragear 27G83A-B 27-Inch Gaming Monitor
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
This is a great all-around option for casual and competitive gamers. It is priced right, has all the essential features as well as a few high-performance features, and is built to the quality standards we expect from all gaming monitors. It isn’t the best at anything, but it is a highly balanced, reliable monitor that every gamer will approve of.
Our Incurve Pick for a Gaming Monitor
Presentation of the Samsung 32” Odyssey G7 Curved Gaming Monitor
The Incurve Choice
Samsung
Curved monitors are becoming a more popular choice for gaming every year, so if you’re ready to hop on the bandwagon and replace an old flat monitor with a fancy incurve monitor, the Samsung 32” Odyssey G7 curved gaming monitor is the best choice.
Samsung 32” Odyssey G7 Curved Gaming Monitor Video Review
What We Think of The Samsung 32” Odyssey G7 Curved Gaming Monitor
If you’re interested in a curved monitor, there is no better option than the Samsung Odyssey G7 monitor for well-rounded performance and value. The curved monitor delivers an excellent immersion experience while gaming and delivers less distortion than a flat screen since all visuals are aimed at the user. Plus, since the curved edges are closer to you than a flat screen would be, the larger 32” size of the monitor doesn’t limit your ability to perform competitively.
This monitor operates with an impressive 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. This higher refresh rate is particularly helpful in competitive FPS games that require lightening fast reflexes and responses to stay alive and play at a higher level. The monitor supports full G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro support, which means your graphics will never skip, hop, or jump.
On paper, this monitor is perfect. High refresh and response times, large viewing area, much improved HDR display over my old 400 version, motion blur and input lag are great, and of course the curve. in practice, you’ll have trouble with the display unless you upgrade to VESA Certified cables. I found the colours to be fairly poor for what a monitor at this price point is supposed to look like, but it’s still good for my needs.
rich m.
The resolution on this monitor is fairly standard at 1440p. HDR is supported at 600 nits, bringing those finer details into focus and delivering a more immersive, engaging gaming experience. Users may need to invest in VESA Certified cables for this monitor to operate smoothly as the monitor may not perform well with basic Walmart cables. It is also pretty heavy, though this is a minor drawback at most. Aside from this, there are no flaws to be aware of with this Samsung curved monitor.
Samsung 32” Odyssey G7 Curved Gaming Monitor Specifications
- Weight: 28.5 lbs
- Screen Size: 32”
- Screen Type: Curved
- Resolution: 1440p
- Response Time: 1ms
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- HDR 10: 600 nits
- G-Sync Compatible: Yes
Samsung 32” Odyssey G7 Curved Gaming Monitor Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Excellent refresh rate
- HDR 600 brings new depth to your game
- Large 32” curved monitor helps you see everything at once
- G-Sync compatible
Cons
- Need VESA Certified cables for proper panel performance
Our Final Opinion about the Samsung 32” Odyssey G7 Curved Gaming Monitor
Quality 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Unfortunately, without the right equipment, this monitor will most likely fail your expectations since the display with flicker and won’t perform as expected. With VESA Certified cables, however, you’ll receive the performance you’re looking for from this large curved monitor.
Our 4K Pick for a Gaming Monitor
Presentation of the Samsung Odyssey G7 28” 4K Gaming Monitor
The 4K Choice
Samsung
If you’re a pro gamer with a high standard for your gaming experience, only 4K quality will do. This top-tier choice will change the way you play for the better, and we recommend the Samsung Odyssey G7 28” 4K gaming monitor if you’re willing to splurge on the best resolution around.
Samsung Odyssey G7 28” 4K Gaming Monitor Video Review
What We Think of The Samsung Odyssey G7 28” 4K Gaming Monitor
This is another Samsung Odyssey G7 monitor, only with a few differences that make it perform completely differently. First of all, this is a 4K monitor instead of a 2K monitor, and the difference between the two panels is night and day. 4K is the standard for immersive gaming and top-notch graphics, and this monitor certainly delivers.
The second difference is in the refresh speed. This monitor operates with a 144Hz refresh rate, which is still competitive especially with the higher resolution. HDR is supported at 400 nits, which is honestly not much of an improvement over the monitors basic display since it is too dark to fully experience the full power of HDR (recommended level is 600-1000 nits). The colours on this monitor are ideal for a variety of game types but aren’t the absolute best on the market.
The 4K resolution is so worth the upgrade. I play pretty much every type of game out there and they all look stunning on this monitor. I’m a taller person, so I really appreciated the adjustable stand so I can make the monitor taller in my ergonomic set-up. It has all the features I need and its performance is really good, no lags or stutters or anything like that.
megan i.
The 28” panel has a frameless border on all three sides for less distraction while gaming. The stand is height adjustable as well as tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustable for maximum control over your viewing experience. The flat screen is VESA mount compatible as well if you want to clear up desk space by having your monitor on the wall. CoreSync is this monitor’s key feature with lighting in the back and front to better mimic the game’s unique colour palette.
Samsung Odyssey G7 28” 4K Gaming Monitor Specifications
- Weight: 23 lbs
- Screen Size: 28”
- Screen Type: Flat
- Resolution: 4K
- Response Time: 1ms
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- HDR 10: 400 nits
- G-Sync Compatible: Yes
Samsung Odyssey G7 28” 4K Gaming Monitor Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Outstanding 4K resolution
- Perfectly-sized monitor for immersive but competitive experience
- IPS panel is great for colour vividness and clarity
- CoreSync offers full immersion with colours that mimic the game’s
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
- HDR 400 is the lowest quality option
Our Final Opinion About the Samsung Odyssey G7 28” 4K Gaming Monitor
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 2.0 out of 5.0 stars
Given the price, this monitor is only suitable for highly dedicated gamers. In terms of 4K options, this is one of the best for colour, speed, clarity, and size. This high-performance option is great for competition and e-sports alike.
Our Budget Pick for a Gaming Monitor
Presentation of the MSI Full HD FreeSync 24” Gaming Monitor
The Budget Pick
MSI
Every gamer knows that the equipment you need to have a truly incredible immersive experience is expensive. If you’ve already splurged on a couple of other gadgets, or are a casual gamer without the need for the best in the industry, the MSI Full HD FreeSync 24” gaming monitor is the right option to save a few bucks.
MSI Full HD FreeSync 24” Gaming Monitor Video Review
What We Think of the MSI Full HD FreeSync 24” Gaming Monitor
The MSI gaming monitor is a very affordable monitor that surprisingly meets the standards for gaming. Its 144Hz refresh rate allows players to game competitively in a variety of FPS, sports, and open-world games. It also has a 1ms response time, which is pretty standard on gaming monitors at any price point since gamers often need split-second reactions to stay alive and defeat enemies.
The resolution on this monitor is an obvious downgrade compared to the more expensive options given that it is only 1080p resolution. This means you won’t have the same detail as you would with higher resolution, and your gaming experience won’t be very immersive because of it. HDR 10 is not supported at all on this monitor, and the display’s colours are much duller and monotone compared to higher-end options and those with HDR.
I wouldn’t recommend this monitor for FPS games, there is much more ghosting and blurred images during fast movement than on a TN and the downgrade is noticeable. The colours are nice, I really enjoy watching Netflix and YouTube on the monitor as well. The curve is perfect for my viewing experience, and it works perfectly for games that don’t require focus on fast moving objects.
brent g.
The 24” monitor is smaller than others on our list, but it does maximize its space as much as possible by using a borderless design on three sides. Since the screen is curved, it offers an edge over flat screens in that there is one viewing angle for better immersion and less total area for your eyes to cover when playing games. The monitor has FreeSync technology but is not G-Sync compatible.
MSI Full HD FreeSync 24” Gaming Monitor Specifications
- Weight: 12.3 lbs
- Screen Size: 24”
- Screen Type: Curved
- Resolution: 1080p
- Response Time: 1ms
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- HDR 10: Not supported
- G-Sync Compatible: No
MSI Full HD FreeSync 24” Gaming Monitor Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Curved screen so you can see everything at once
- Great refresh and response times for a budget monitor
- Non-glare screen for better view
- Adaptive sync
Cons
- Lower resolution
- Worse overall colour compared to higher-end options with HDR 10
- No speaker
Our Final Opinion About the MSI Full HD FreeSync 24” Gaming Monitor
Quality 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
As a very budget-friendly monitor, it makes sense that its performance is significantly less than that of most other gaming monitors. However, it will perform well enough for users to play their games functionally, and it does offer some key “upgrade” features like the curved screen and higher refresh and response times.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the ViewSonic VX3276-MHD 32” Frameless Monitor
The Kid’s Alternative
ViewSonic
If you’re looking for a gaming monitor for some young gamers in your home, the ViewSonic VX3276-MHD 32” frameless monitor is the right choice since it is more affordable and offers the right level of performance for slower games.
ViewSonic VX3276-MHD 32” Frameless Monitor Video Review
What We Think of the ViewSonic VX3276-MHD 32” Frameless Monitor
The ViewSonic monitor only just barely meets the minimum standards for a gaming monitor. There are noticeable downgrades in all major areas including resolution, response and refresh rates, and colour. For this reason, we recommend it as a family monitor with younger kids since they can enjoy their games on a bigger screen but don’t have the same demands for high-speed games.
The resolution on this monitor is 1080p. While this isn’t a deal-breaker on its own, when paired with the 60Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time, serious gamers would quickly notice a downgrade in their competitive edge compared to another monitor. Especially with FPS games where speed is your greatest asset, this monitor will disappoint.
This is not a good monitor for high-speed gaming. The quality is okay, the very slim border helps focus on my games better. The tilt has to be done very gently and carefully, but it can be done. My kids are the main users of this monitor, so the speed isn’t too important, but the low frame rates may annoy people playing more intense, fast-paced games. It’s good for videos and work too.
michael s.
The overall design of the monitor is good with a borderless edge on three sides and tilt adjustments on the stand, but we would’ve liked to see height, swivel, and pivot options as well for a more customized and ergonomic gaming setup. The best feature on this monitor is the variety of connectivity options including HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA inputs. This monitor does have speakers, but they aren’t the best clarity or volume either. Given the lower performance characteristics, this monitor will best serve a younger audience that doesn’t know any better.
ViewSonic VX3276-MHD 32” Frameless Monitor Specifications
- Weight: 17.8 lbs
- Screen Size: 32”
- Screen Type: Flat
- Resolution: 1080p
- Response Time: 4ms
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- HDR 10: Not supported
- G-Sync Compatible: No
ViewSonic VX3276-MHD 32” Frameless Monitor Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Large screen with wide viewing angle
- Affordable price
- Has HDMI, USB, and DisplayPort connectivity
- Ultra-slim frameless design
Cons
- Not height adjustable
- Lower quality
- Lower refresh rates and resolution
Our Final Opinion About the ViewSonic VX3276-MHD 32” Frameless Monitor
Quality 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
This monitor is one of the few 1080p monitors for gaming, and it isn’t the best choice if you want an immersive gaming experience since its performance is not on par with most other gaming monitors. That being said, for a budget monitor, you can’t ask for more as does have a great design with user-focused features.
Presentation of the Gigabyte M32Q 32” Gaming Monitoro
The Wide-Screen Alternative
Gigabyte
In some situations, such as esports tournaments, a smaller monitor is definitely helpful. In the majority of cases, however, bigger is always better, and a gaming monitor with a larger screen allows you to become more immersed. If you’re interested in a larger screen, the Gigabyte M32Q 32” gaming monitor is the right choice.
Gigabyte M32Q 32” Gaming Monitor Video Review
What We Think of The Gigabyte M32Q 32” Gaming Monitor
The Gigabyte gaming monitor is one of the few 32” monitors on our screen. As a flat screen, it looks even bigger in person than a curved monitor would since the edges extend out further. If you like an immersive gaming experience and want a lot to look at and enjoy while you play all types of games, this monitor is the best pick. Its performance is fairly standard for a gaming monitor at this price point.
It has a faster 0.8ms response time that will please FPS players in particular, though its 165Hz refresh rate and 1440p resolution make it a great all-around choice for any competitive gaming. The wide screen and wider viewing angles make it a good choice if you want a monitor that you can play with a friend since you can sit side by side and still see the monitor clearly.
This is the best monitor I’ve found around this price. It has a great display, is bright enough for any conditions, the resolution is perfect for my games, good colour accuracy and viewing angles, great configurability, all needed cables are provided in the box, and higher HZ than most other monitors. The external power brick is kind of annoying, and it only has HDR400 instead of 600 or 1000.
daniel r.
It is HDR compatible, but at only 400 nits, the colours aren’t that spectacular. We would need at least 600 nits on this monitor to fully enjoy the HDR experience. Even without HDR 600+, the colours on this monitor are some of the best on our list. FreeSync Premium is included on this monitor, and it is G-Sync compatible as well. We do wish there was a pivot or swivel ability on the stand, but height and tilt are the most useful so this is only a small overlook on the designer’s part.
Gigabyte M32Q 32” Gaming Monitor Specifications
- Weight: 29 lbs
- Screen Size: 32”
- Screen Type: Flat
- Resolution: 1440p
- Response Time: 8ms
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- HDR 10: 400 nits
- G-Sync Compatible: Yes
Gigabyte M32Q 32” Gaming Monitor Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Great response time and refresh rate
- Large 32” screen for more visible detail
- Beautiful colours
- Multiple connectivity options including DisplayPort, USB, and HDMI
Cons
- Backlight bleed is noticeable in dark games
- No pivot or swivel ability
Our Final Opinion About the Gigabyte M32Q 32” Gaming Monitor
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
We’re pleased by the performance of this gaming monitor. The Gigabyte M32Q monitor offers top refresh and response rates with a number of user-friendly features. Though the design could be improved a bit, the minor flaws won’t make this a deal breaker for any but the most demanding gamers.
Presentation of the Acer XF0 XF250Q CBMIIPRX 24.5” Gaming Monitor
The Competition Alternative
Acer
If you’re competitive in the e-sports niche, you need a monitor that will put you a step ahead of the competition. This incredibly responsive Acer XF0 XF250Q CBMIIPRX 24.5” gaming monitor is our top recommendation so you can game as competitively as possible.
Acer XF0 XF250Q CBMIIPRX 24.5” Gaming Monitor Video Review
What We Think of the Acer XF0 XF250Q CBMIIPRX 24.5” Gaming Monitor
The Acer gaming monitor is our top recommendation if you play competitively or join e-sports tournaments on a regular basis. The higher refresh speed of 240Hz gives you an edge over players with slower monitors since you’ll see things change in your game in a split second. The 1ms response time is the standard for gaming monitors but is still a perk of this monitor since you won’t have any delayed reactions when you make a move.
The 1080p resolution is a bit disappointing since you won’t have the finer details that other monitors have. Especially considering the very high refresh rate, you will notice some clarity issues since the lower resolution can’t keep up with the fast-paced games. Though an issue from an immersion point of view, it shouldn’t affect your competitive edge unless you need to see fine details quickly.
If your computer can handle it, the gap from 144Hz to 240Hz is a huge change. Game is suddenly so smooth and I can see everything I’m doing which is really helpful if you play something competitive like Fortnite. Colours are not that great compared to many others, but the price and fluidity you get I think it’s a worthy sacrifice.
justin k.
The size of the monitor is perfect for competitive gameplay since the 24.5” panel allows you to see everything happening at once without adjusting your focus. During competitions, it’s more important to make quick decisions than anything else, and a smaller monitor is actually a better option than large monitors for this reason. The monitor does not support HDR, and you will notice that the basic display settings are a bit monotone and washed out, especially at the high speeds.
Acer XF0 XF250Q CBMIIPRX 24.5” Gaming Monitor Specifications
- Weight: 18.3 lbs
- Screen Size: 24.5”
- Screen Type: Flat
- Resolution: 1080p
- Response Time: 1ms
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- HDR 10: Not supported
- G-Sync Compatible: Yes
Acer XF0 XF250Q CBMIIPRX 24.5” Gaming Monitor Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Outstanding refresh rate for competitive play
- G-Sync compatible
- Built-in blue light filter for reduced eye strain
- Stand pivots, tilts, swivels, and is height adjustable
Cons
Cons
- Display isn’t as sharp or clear as many others at a high speed
- No HDR 10
- Lower resolution
Our Final Opinion About the Acer XF0 XF250Q CBMIIPRX 24.5” Gaming Monitor
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this is a very balanced monitor to choose for competitive gaming. Its refresh rates will give players an edge, especially in FPS games. However, the image quality won’t be as good as many monitors and the colours are duller than those that have HDR 10.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Gaming Monitor
Understanding Resolution
When looking at monitors, resolution is one of the key features that will affect your viewing experience. Resolution refers to the number of pixels a screen has. Pixels are tiny squares that make up the monitor’s image. The fewer there are, the more distorted and grainier the image becomes.
The options on gaming monitors include 1080p, 1440p, and 2160p or 4K. The higher the resolution on the monitor is, the better clarity and detail you can see. 1080p is the standard resolution for computers nowadays, and is the minimum a gamer should choose. 1440p screens are usually a bit more expensive, but they are also more expansive and are becoming standard for mid-to-high level gaming monitors. 4K monitors contain 4 times as many pixels as a 1080p monitor, and they’re the best on the market. While 4K offers the best viewing experience, they are incredibly pricey and require more expensive hardware to perform properly.
What’s Different About a Gaming Monitor Compared to a Normal Monitor?
Gaming monitors have a few important performance differences that normal computer monitors don’t offer. The response times on gaming monitors are between 1ms and 5ms for faster reactions. Higher refresh rates (144Hz+) make the game more fluid and less choppy. These features allow gaming monitors to produce a much smoother game than a normal monitor that doesn’t move and respond as quickly.
How to Properly Choose Your Gaming Monitor
- Price.
Monitors are one of the most expensive pieces of equipment you’ll need for a more enjoyable gaming experience. Though some monitors only cost a few hundred, there are many options above $1000, particularly at the higher refresh rates and 4K resolution. Depending on the type of gaming you’re doing (e-sports, FPS, open-world, strategy, etc.), you’ll require different performance standards than someone else. As a general rule, we recommend choosing the best monitor within your budget to enjoy the best experience possible.
- Screen Size.
Gamers typically need a screen that is between 24” and 27” for competitive gaming. This is the right size to see everything clearly and quickly. The larger options, including the popular 32” monitors, are the right choice if you want a higher degree of immersion in your game since their viewing angle is directed at a single point. It also comes down to preference as one size doesn’t fit all.
- Resolution.
Resolution is a key factor on any type of monitor, but when your survival in your game depends on you seeing things clearly and noticing details like a sniper in an upper story window, resolution can make or break your gaming experience. 1080p is the minimum for most gamers, though most prefer 1440p. of course, most people would choose 4K graphics every time, but they are much more expensive than 1440p resolution monitors.
- Refresh Rate.
Most gamers require lightening-fast reactions to stay ahead of the competition, and the refresh rate of the monitor is a crucial aspect to consider. For fluid gaming, 144Hz and up is the best choice since you won’t have lags and your game will move along smoothly. Higher refresh rates are more important with things like e-sports and first-person shooter games, so 60Hz would be okay for younger gamers or strategy-based rather than speed-based games.
- Response Time.
The response time is another performance indicator of the speed of the monitor. The standard for gaming monitors is between 1ms and 5ms, but most monitors offer 1ms response times to give players a competitive edge. A higher response time means less input lag, so you’ll enjoy faster reflexes and a slower delay between when you press a key or click the mouse and when the reaction appears on-screen.
- Input Ports (USB, HDMI, DisplayPort).
Input ports are always good to have on a monitor so that you can plug in a USB drive, headset, gaming mouse and keyboard, connect to a TV, and connect to a variety of laptops and PCs. Most monitors typically have a couple of USB ports and HDMI, so any additional ports are a bonus.
- Colour Sophistication.
HDR technology is the key to advanced colour on a monitor. This technology boosts contrast, creates sharp edges, and makes all colours of the game more vibrant. There are different levels of HDR sophistication, ranging from 400 nits to 1600 nits. The standard on most gaming monitors is 600 nits, with 1000+ being much pricier. Not all monitors support HDR technology, and not all game titles support it either. The panel’s built-in colour panels also vary, and some monitors have advanced colour features like front and back lighting and sync technology that better captures and displays game colours. The key to colour on a gaming monitor is contrast, sharpness, brightness, and depth.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of gaming monitors allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
