Although we all understand the value of hard work and doing everything you can to be successful no matter the creative field that you work in, sometimes, we all need to unwind and take a break and for many people, that break includes gaming which can provide a much-needed break from the rigors and stresses of professional life.
We started to think about it and wondered what are the best monitors for gaming out there. Not simply for gaming but those that are powerful and packed full of the best tech so you can seamlessly transition from work to play.
Before we start racking up points and beating people online, let’s start by looking at what exactly makes a good gaming monitor.
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What makes a good gaming monitor?
You can go to just about any electronics store or website and find a monitor that you could take home and use to play your favorite games on but unless you know what to look for, your game might run well enough but look like something that doesn’t do your graphics card justice.
Here’s what makes a good gaming monitor.
Panel Size and Resolution
With gaming monitors, bigger is almost always better. While the size of the monitor that you choose is based on the amount of room you have and the amount of money you want to spend, you can find high-quality monitors at smaller sizes or if the size or budget isn’t a deterrent, you can reach for the stars with some ultra-wide monitors having 34-inch displays or higher.
In terms of resolution, many manufacturers make 4K displays so you can drool over how good the game looks on your screen. However, depending on the size of the monitor, you may be able to have that same quality with either Full High-Definition, Wide, Quad High-Definition, or Ultra High-Definition.
Panel Technology
On the market today, there are several different types of panel technology that are worth knowing about as well as their benefits and downsides. Twisted Nematic (TN) panels are the most affordable choice and popular because of their fast pixel response and refresh rate but can have problems with color shifting.
Vertical Alignment (VA) panels have a high native contrast ratio, robust colors as well as the ability to create deep blacks. However, they are known to create noticeable ghosting effects during gameplay. The final option, In-Plane Switching (IPS) offer the best all-around color quality, gray-scale performance as well as wide viewing angles. The downside to IPS displays is that they can’t match the pixel response found on TN panels and can be subject to motion artifacts.
Pixel Response and Refresh Rate
A good gaming monitor should have a fast pixel response and a high refresh rate. The pixel response specification that is most commonly used is gray to gray. Measured in milliseconds, it records the time that it takes for a pixel to transition from one shade of gray to another. The ideal time is less than 2 milliseconds.
The refresh rate measures the time that it takes in seconds to redraw the entire screen. Measured in Hertz (Hz), most LCD monitors have a refresh rate of 60Hz, meaning that the screen is refreshed 60 times per second. You should aim for a monitor with a refresh rate of 120Hz or higher to help reduce any image blur and eliminate any screen tearing.
Video Inputs and Other Features
Any quality gaming monitor will be equipped with a variety of inputs that allow you to stay connected to multiple PCs and gaming consoles if that’s what you’re into. A monitor with a USB port is a nice feature, making it easy to connect peripherals such as controllers, mice, thumb drives, and more.
Best Monitors for Gaming in 2020 – Overview
There are a lot of different options out there when you’re searching for your next monitor to take down the competition. We thought that to help, we could dig through the clutter and offer the best monitors for gaming in 2020.
- MSI Optix MPG341CQR – $799
- Samsung CRG9 – $1237
- Acer Predator XB3 – $699
- BenQ EL2870U – $299
- Acer XR382CQK – $1009
- BenQ Zowie XL2540 – $399
- Alienware AW3418DW – $1599
- BenQ PD3200U – $699
- Acer Predator X27 – $1799
- Acer Predator CG7 – $899
Best Monitors for Gaming in 2020 Compared
Best Monitors for Gaming in 2020
MSI Optix MPG341CQR – $799
34 inches of awesomeness
Screen size: 34-inch | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440 | Brightness: 400 nits | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: sRGB 105% | Weight: 21.16 pounds
While the features that MSI has packed into their 34-inch behemoth make it appealing to gamers of all varieties, the monitor does a great job of standing out without any fanfare, though it deserves all that it gets. Using VA technology instead of the standard IPS gives it a welcome advantage on the market. This choice helps provide gamers with brighter colors and better contrast. Plus, the super-wide 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate certainly don’t hurt either. The display is reasonably priced considering the other options on our list and everything combined makes it one of the best gaming monitors in 2020.
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- Curved gaming display (1800R) – the best gameplay immersion
- Uwqhd high resolution: GAME titles will even look better, displaying more details due to the UWQHD resolution
- Gamesense: Conductively enables external Game alerts via RGB LED Lighting with the hottest competitive online games
- 1ms response time: eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
- Hdr 400: stunning visuals with the most Criterion format
Samsung CRG9 – $1237
When you simply have to have the biggest monitor out there
Screen size: 49-inch | Aspect ratio: 32:9 | Resolution: 5,120 x 1,440 | Brightness: 600cd/m2 – 1000cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178°(H)/178°(V) | Contrast ratio: 3,000:1 | Color support: 1.07B
49 inches. Let that sink in for a minute. When you hear that number, your first thought is likely about a TV but the CRG9 from Samsung is a bigger than average gaming monitor with incredibly thin bezels and features a picture in picture mode that allows you to use two different inputs at the same time. While that alone is certainly impressive, we won’t even touch on the fact that the image that the monitor produces right out of the box will blow you away. If you have the room and the budget, you cant buy a better-looking monitor.
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- 49 inch super ultrawide dual QHD curved gaming monitor is the equivalent of dual 27-inch QHD displays side by side, providing the enhanced productivity.
- 120 hertz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync 2 technology for crisp HDR content display, reduced input latency and low framerate compensation
- CES 2019 best of innovation Award Winner
- HDR 1000 supports a peak brightness rating of 1,000 nits. With Samsung QLED technology delivering colors more-brighter and truer to life.
- Super ultra-wide 49 inch monitor provides the enhanced productivity thru split screen functions like Picture-by-Picture (PBP), letting you connect to two devices while maintaining their original...
Acer Predator XB3 – $699
Making 4K gaming affordable
Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Brightness: 350 cd/m² – Native, 400 cd/m² – Peak (HDR Mode) | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178°(H)/178°(V) | Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 | Color support: 1.07 Billion
Even though it has been available for a while at this point, 4K gaming is not cheap. This is true when it comes to gaming monitors as well and with its high refresh rate and relatively affordable price, the Predator XB3 from Acer is a great option that outperforms some of the competition out there. The 144Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution, as well as G-Sync support, give the monitor incredible speed and precision. It’s not all perfect though as the overall construction of the monitor feels a bit cheap and it lacks true HDR capabilities but it is still one of the best value 4K monitors available.
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- This Certified Refurbished product is Certified Factory refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories plus a 90-day warranty.
- Viewing content is easy with the 27" display.
- Supurb quality and resolution at 3840 x 2160.
- With 5 USB Ports and an HDMI Port, a tremendous amount of media options are made available.
BenQ EL2870U – $299
The best budget-friendly 4K gaming monitor
Screen size: 28-inch | Panel type: TN | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Response time: 1ms | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Weight: 15.87 lbs
When you build a gaming rig, much of the focus and money spent can go into the guts of the PC which is understandable because you want your PC to be able to run your game without any lag. Spending all that money on hardware might make you think you can’t afford a great monitor for those games but the EL2870U from BenQ is out to prove you wrong. Very affordably priced, the 28-inch monitor is constrained by the limited viewing angles due to its TN panel but makes up for it in other areas. With a native response time of 1 ms and the 4K TN panel is a major improvement over the old 1080p TN displays. At the end of the day, even if you put a lot of money into your rig, it doesn’t mean you have to end up with a sub-standard monitor.
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- High resolution 4K monitor: 28-inch LCD TN 3840x2160 resolution
- Eye Care comfort for extended sessions: Proprietary brightness Intelligence Adaptive technology adjusts brightness for comfortable viewing; low Blue light and zero flicker technology prevent headaches...
- Smooth game play: AMD Free Sync for smooth game play, eliminating tearing and broken frames; HDR technology offers greater brightness and contrast level for vivid images; 1 mms GTG; 60Hz; 10-bit...
- Get connected: HDMI, DisplayPort input for multi-device connection. VESA wall mount
- Hear the action: built-in speakers x 2, Headphone jack
Acer XR382CQK – $895
The best widescreen curved gaming monitor
Screen size: 37.5-inch | Panel type: IPS | Aspect ratio: 24:10 | Resolution: 3840 x 1600 | Response time: 5ms | Refresh rate: 75Hz | Weight: 23.61 lbs
Yes we know that the Samsung CRG9 is a widescreen curved monitor as well, its size puts it into a category by itself. For those who may not have enough room for that behemoth, the XR382CQK from Acer is also able to fit the bill with its 38-inch curved screen. While the resolution isn’t quite 4K, the QHD IPS panel looks great and with FreeSync technology, the variable refresh rate can reach 75Hz. If you’re looking for a monitor that will wow people when they see it, you can’t go wrong with the XR382CQK from Acer.
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- 37. 5" QHD (3840 x 1600) Curved Widescreen IPS Display with AMD FreeSync Technology
- 75Hz Refresh Rate- Using Display Port or HDMI Port
- Response Time: 1ms (MPRT), Pixel Pitch: 0. 229mm
- Two speakers, 7 watts per speaker
- Ports: 1 x Display Port, 1 x Display Port Out, 1 x USB 3. 1 Type-C Port, 1 x HDMI 2. 0 & 1 x MHL 2. 1
BenQ Zowie XL2540 – $399
Built with gamers in mind
Screen size: 24-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | Brightness: 400 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 240Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 170/160 | Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 | Color support: NTSC 72% | Weight: 7.5kg
Though it does have its limitations, the Zowie from BenQ has more than earned its spot on our list. The blazing 240Hz refresh rate and lightning-quick response tome of 1ms make this monitor one of the best as long as you have a setup that can keep up with the refresh rate. Compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync, the monitor from BenQ keeps things simple by giving you a large number of visual presets, an “S Switch” so you can manage them easily, and a pair of adjustable light screens.
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- Lightning-fast 240 Hz refresh rate performance for a smooth gaming experience
- 1ms response time (GTG) to eliminate ghosting and lag providing the optimal gaming experience
- Exclusive color vibrancy and black equalizer technology to enhance visual clarity and customized color settings giving players the advantage on the battlefield.Power consumption (On mode):55W
- Removable Shield that helps players focus on the game by blocking outside distractions paired with our s-switch that allows players to navigate the menu save custom display profiles and change monitor...
- Multiple connectivity options Featuring DisplayPort Dual-link DVI-D HDMI and headphone/Microphone jack input Brightness 400 cd/M2
Alienware AW3418DW – $1599
The fastest ultrawide available
Screen size: 34-inch | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440 | Brightness: 300 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 | Color support: sRGB 100% | Weight: 26 pounds
As one of the few monitors that can deliver the level of immersion that an aspect ratio of 21:9 can, the AW3418DW from Alienware comes with an incredible resolution of 3,440 x 1,440 plus a super-fast response time of 4ms and super-quick refresh rate of 120Hz. While all of these features put the monitor at the top end of many gamers’ budgets, if you can afford one or start saving up for one, you’ll be thoroughly impressed.
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- 1 x Dell Alienware AW3418DW 34" 21:9 Curved 120 Hz G-Sync IPS Gaming Monitor | 1 x Super-High Performance HDMI Cable 2 Meter | 1 x Deluxe Cleaning Kit
- In-Plane Switching (IPS) Technology | HDMI + DisplayPort Inputs
- 3440 x 1440 WQHD Resolution | 1000:1 Static Contrast Ratio
- 300 cd/m² Brightness | 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 4 ms (GtG) Response Time | 16.7 Million Colors
BenQ PD3200U – $699
The Best Ultra HD gaming monitor
Screen size: 32-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Brightness: 350 cd/m2 | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 | Color support: sRGB 100% | Weight: 8.5kg
With its CAD/CAM mode and factory-calibrated color accuracy, the PD3200U is a gamer’s best friend. While 4K resolution may be the trend that every display manufacturer touts with their newest display, the Ultra HD display from BenQ stands above the rest. Designed originally for professionals and creatives, the PD3200U from BenQ is one of the best gaming monitors available today.
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- View files side-by-side with DualView. Easily compare photos and videos in specialized CAD/CAM, Darkroom or Animation display modes next to each other on one screen. Pantone Validated
- Ergonomic features allows you to customize your viewing experience with a tilt, twist or turn. Adjust the screen height or rotate to portrait mode for added comfort and workflow efficiency
- Keyboard Video Mouse (KVM) Switch allows users to display files, photos or videos from two different computers on a single screen. Easily work on multiple projects at once without worrying about...
- Eye care technology prevents eye strain, fatigue and irritation with Low Blue Light technology, Brightness Intelligence and ZeroFlicker filters out harmful blue light, automatically adjust screen...
- All units purchased from Amazon comes with new firmware update, fixing previous flickering issues
Acer Predator X27 – $1799
The best 4K monitor for gaming
Screen size: 27-inch | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Panel technology: IPS | Inputs: 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI | USB: 4x USB 3.0
For years, Predator monitors have been near the top of the list when it comes to gaming and the X27 continues that trend. With its 27-inch screen and wide viewing angles plus outstanding peak brightness in HDR. To help gamers focus, the monitor comes with two blinders, attached to the monitor. With two downstream USB-A 3.0, USB-A 3.0 upstream, a USB-B, HDMI, and DisplayPort, Acer makes sure you have all the ports you need for peripherals.
Sadly, there is no USB-C port but if you’ve got a monster gaming rig, you owe it to that rig to get a great monitor.
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- 27" UHD (3840 x 2160) Widescreen IPS NVIDIA G-SYNC Ultimate - Tear Free Gaming Display
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz (OverClocking to 144Hz) - Using Display Port at 4K Resolution | Response Time: 4ms (GTG) at 4K Resolution
- High Brightness and Contrast with VESA Certified DisplayHDR 1000 | 99% Adobe RGB Color Gamut
- DCI-P3 Color Space | 10bit Color with Quantum Dot Technology | No Color Difference with Delta E<1 | 384 Zone Dynamically Controlled Direct Backlight
- Ports: 1 x Display Port v1.4, 1 x HDMI v2.0 & 4 x USB 3.0 Ports (HDMI, Display Port & USB Cable Included)
Acer Predator CG7 – $899
An epic viewing experience
Screen size: 43-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Brightness: 1000 cd/m² | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178°(H)/178°(V) | Contrast ratio: 4,000:1 | Color support: 16.7 Million
The CG7, part of Acer’s Predator line of monitors, is an epic gaming experience waiting to happen each time you turn on its beautiful 43-inch screen. With a 4000:1 contrast ratio, a response time of 1ms, and a great refresh rate of 120Hz, the CG7 stands out amongst the monitors that many may consider being bigger. With the extra features including remote control, game controller storage, and RGB lighting that you can sync to your music and games, you will get your money’s worth with this monitor.
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Best Monitors for Gaming in 2020
While you can go out and build the most powerful gaming tower that anyone has ever seen, it isn’t going to mean much on a sub-standard monitor. With our list of the best monitors for gaming in 2020, we hope we’ve helped you realize the importance of a good gaming monitor and give you some ideas to look into as well.
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