Working from home has become the new normal for many people, so finding the best computer monitor is more important than ever. After all, you want to see the best visual quality from your coworkers" best webcams, right? And while many PC components are still enduring depressing shortages, performing a screen upgrade is one of the most accessible and most impactful changes you can make to your gaming rig at the moment.

Why you can trust Tom"s HardwareOur expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.What’s your monitor’s purpose?If it’s gaming, you’ll generally want something with a high refresh rate (ideally 100Hz or more), low response time and AMD FreeSyncor Nvidia G-Sync for fighting screen tears at low framerates. For general use, look for high contrast, and for creative work prioritize color accuracy.What resolution do you want? More pixels means a sharper image. No one should be buying anything under 1080p/FHD (1920 x 1080) these days. But if your budget can handle it, 4K is as sharp as it gets at a reasonable price. Many gamers find 1440p/QHD (2560 x 1440) a good compromise between price and high-refresh-rate performance.Contrast and color.We consider contrast the most important factor in image quality, with 1,000:1 being solid. Color errors are particularly important avoid for content creators, and anything with a Delta E (dE) greater than 3 may show visible errors.Panel tech:When it comes to image quality, TN< IPS< VA. VA monitors typically still have better contrast than even the best IPS panels, although IPS panels are also known to be very colorful.What size do you want?These days, 24-inches is on the small side and 27 inches is mainstream, while 32-inches is a good large size for those on a budget. Anything bigger than 43 inches probably won’t fit on a regular desktop. For portable monitors, stay in the 17-inch range or under. Anything bigger isn"t really all that portable.sRGB or DCI-P3? In most cases, you’ll either be getting a monitor made for the sRGBcolor space or the more colorful DCI-P3 one. Technically, Windows, the web and non-HDR games and video all use sRGB, but if you want an extra colorful screen, an accurate DCI-P3 monitor is more appropriate.

Before we get into our primary list of picks, here is an amazing deal on one of our favorite tested monitors below. Sure, it"s more of a TV than a monitor, but it"s hard to pass up a big OLED screen for $600 (after an admittedly annoying $200 mail-in rebate).

This excellent 48-inch 4K OLED monitor/TV with 120Hz Refresh Rate, 1ms (GTG) Response Time, HDMI 2.1, and support for FreeSync Premium has had an amazing $900 cut from its original price.

Earning a 5-star rating from Tom"s Hardware, the Samsung Odyssey G7 32-inch is the best computer monitor. For gamers, it boasts the strongest curve currently available, 1000R, for incredible immersion, along with speedy gaming numbers. The 240Hz monitor has a 1ms (GTG) response time and put up a 5ms response time score in our testing, beating some 165Hz screens by 2ms. In addition, benchmarking showed input lag at 20ms, a full 6 to 10ms faster than some 165Hz screens we’ve tested, including the Dell S3220DGF also on this page.

This is also a strong work monitor. Its 32-inch panel offers plenty of height for productivity, like working on long spreadsheets in a way that’s easier than on a 32-inch ultrawide. And at a 2 to 3-foot viewing distance, we don"t have any distortion issues with that dramatic curve. Just be sure to bring your own audio because, despite the price, there are no speakers here.

The Dell S3222DGM is the best gaming monitor for many gamers. This follow-up to the highly-rated S3220DGF(opens in new tab) boasts a 32-inch VA(opens in new tab) panel, QHD resolution and 165 Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync(opens in new tab) support. Other perks in its favor are 85 percent coverage of DCI-P3 and a display curve with an 1800mm radius.

This 32-inch monitor offers plenty of vertical screen real estate without the need for scrolling and 1440p resolution(opens in new tab), the current sweet spot between image quality and gaming performance. And while the S3222DGM is targeted primarily at gamers, we found that it is also great for general productivity and anything in between.

With a 1ms (GTG) response time and 144Hz refresh rate, the LG 27GN950-B is the best computer monitor for 4K gaming. If you’ve got the graphics card, ideally one of the best graphics cards, you need to handle 144 frames per second (fps) at 4K; this monitor will ensure that power doesn’t go to waste. In our testing, the monitor showed a 7ms response time, keeping up with pricier 4K, 144Hz screens, like the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ, and even beating some when it came to input lag. Plus, FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync Compatibility will fight screen tears for those times when framerates drop below 48 fps.

Although VA panels are known for their high contrast, this IPS monitor can hold its own, hitting 1,034.7 before calibration and 8,475.3:1 with HDR, based on our benchmarks. Those who want the most accurate color may find the sRGB mode too saturated, but the 27GN950-B proved accurate when it came to the more colorful DCI-P3 space.

eSports players and hopefuls rely on the fastest peripherals available to attenuate the delay between deciding on in-game action and when that action happens on screen. 360 Hz is the fastest refresh rate PC monitors have today, and the MSI Oculux NXG253R is the fastest of them all. Yes, the NXG253R is the fastest display we’ve ever tested, making it the best computer monitor for eSports you can buy.

The NXG253R outperformed other 360 Hz monitors by 1-3ms (depending on the rival screen) in our absolute input lag test. It also matched all its 360 Hz rivals in our response time test with a 3ms score. The monitor also fights screen tears down to a 1 Hz refresh rate with G-Sync and includes the Nvidia Reflex latency analyzer to help fine-tune your eSports performance further.

If you want an affordable screen with many pixels, the Samsung UR59C is the best budget 4K monitor for you. The VA panel delivers contrast (2590.5:1 after calibration), making everything from photos to videos to games look better. This is clearly not a high-end gaming monitor with a 60 Hz refresh rate, 4ms (GTG) response, and noFreeSync or G-Sync. But casual gamers can make do, thanks to the combination of high pixel density and high contrast, keeping games looking realistic.

Curves are generally more effective on ultrawide screens, but the UR59C’s 1500R curvature was effective and beneficial for this 32-incher, such as when multitasking with multiple windows. And if you don’t mind calibrating, you can get rid of the UR59C pesky color errors, which, unfortunately, were visible out of the box. Our calibration settings reduced the error from 4.3dE to 0.9dE.

Making HDR pop over SDR is all about contrast, and for the ultimate contrast, there’s nothing better than OLED. The Aorus FO48U’s massive OLED panel not only delivers immeasurably high contrast, but we recorded 107.7% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space and near-flawless grayscale tracking. As a result, you get a rich image that’s also accurate out of the box. However, it’s not as bright as a premium LCD (399 nits with HDR, according to our testing).

A lot of us are finding ourselves working in tight spaces these days. If you’re looking to add another screen to your space, the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 is the best portable monitor. Its most standout feature is a critical one: a reliable, strong kickstand that’s easy to use, thanks to two flip-out feet. While many portable monitors are stuck with flimsy sleeves that double as stands, you can intuitively prop up the ThinkVision M14 at a -5 to 90-degree tilt or even in portrait mode. Unfortunately, its travel case isn’t as tough.

With a 240Hz refresh rate, 3ms (GTG) response time, and even FreeSync, the Asus ROG XG17AHPE stands high above the competition and easily snags the best portable gaming monitor crown.

However, the XG17AHPE is as expensive as it is unique. In fact, you can buy a much larger desktop-sized monitor with the same amount of speed for cheaper than this, over $400 17.3-incher. And the origami-style cover Asus includes isn’t sufficient for protecting this expensive piece of hardware or providing a reliable stand.

The HP Omen X 65 Emperium is the best computer monitor to replace your living room TV. First, it’s massive. It also comes with a remote and powerful audio that’ll fill your space, thanks to four 4-inch woofers, two 1-inch tweeters and a pair of passive radiators. The inclusion of Nvidia Shield means access to the apps you’d want on a smart TV, including Netflix and YouTube, plus access to hundreds of free games.

If you want something a little smaller and cheaper, theAlienware AW5520QF is excellent and offers even higher contrast with its OLED panel but is much dimmer than the Omen X 65 Emperium.Round up of today"s best deals

The Dell S2721QS (view at Amazon) is an incredible 4K monitor. It has wonderful image quality, an attractive design, an adjustable stand, and no significant downsides. You can spend more for a 27-inch monitor, but the S2721QS provides excellent value at a mid-range price point. If price isn’t a factor, and you want the best of the best with no real compromises, the LG 27GN950-B offers both 4K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate.

Matthew S. Smith is a technology journalist and product reviewer with nearly 15 years of experience. He’s tested over 600 monitors or laptop displays since 2010 and has a record of objective testing results that goes back a decade.

If you’re using a monitor primarily for gaming, your first priority should be refresh rate. The jump from a basic 60 Hz to 144Hz or more will deliver a significant improvement in your gameplay experience. On the other hand, for photographers, videographers, and graphic designers high resolution can be absolutely vital. 4K monitors are also often more color accurate, another critical factor for creators. However, if you have the money to spare, you don’t need to compromise, since high end monitors offer both high resolution and high refresh rates.

27 inches is a great compromise between expensive and bulky larger monitors and cramped smaller monitors. It provides plenty of space for getting work done or for playing immersive games. However, if you have the budget, a larger display will have more screen real estate, though in some situations only a 21 inch or smaller display may be adequate. Also, if you do need more screen space you could always buy two low price 27 inch screens such as the Dell S2721H and use them in a dual monitor configuration.

Built in speakers in monitors are something that’s nice to have, but which shouldn’t be considered a deal breaker. Most built in speakers produce sub-par audio, and good headphones or desktop speakers are available for not much money and will deliver much better sound.

In a 27 inch monitor, 1920 x 1080 is perfectly acceptable, but not particularly outstanding. For gaming, stepping down to 1080p for a higher refresh rate is a good tradeoff. However, for creative work such as photo editing, you’ll want a display that offers at least 2160 x 1440. 4K monitors are increasingly common, and the extra resolution is great if you can afford it. If you’re planning to play games at 4K, make sure your PC is capable of it.

A good way to reduce the footprint of a monitor on your desk is to look for one with a slim bezel. Reducing the size of the bezel makes your screen smaller without reducing the usable screen space of the monitor. Fortunately, even inexpensive monitors now frequently feature slim bezels.

Most modern monitors include HDMI ports, which are almost universally compatible with computers. Look for DisplayPort on higher-end models, which is a more powerful and modern connection. Some displays include older ports such as VGA as well, which can be useful. Other extras to look for include AUX audio and USB passthrough.

As we head into the new year, we"re going to see a lot of new monitors and display technology coming out of CES 2023. From high refresh rates to mini-LED panels and more, there are going to be a lot of exciting monitor tech to come in 2023. If you"re not all into that razzle-dazzle though, this is also great news since many of the best monitors, including the best 4K monitors from 2022, are going to get some healthy price cuts as the new models get announced and retailers have to make room for new inventory.

Choosing the best monitor for you takes careful planning. You can blow your budget and get the priciest, most kitted-out option, even if it"s overkill for your needs, or you can be wise about your choice and go for something that"s the best value for you.

We"re also here to help. We do a lot of work with all kinds of displays over the years so we know how having the best monitor is an essential component of any PC, especially the best computer setups for work and playing the best PC games, whatever the case may be.

Whether you"re looking for the best 5K and 8K monitors for creative work or the best cheap gaming monitor deals for some casual esports, we"ve tried and reviewed just about all of them.

And, below we"ve broken down our top picks of the year – from the best 144Hz 4K monitors and the best high refresh rate monitors to the best monitors for video editing – and compiled them in this handy guide to make your buying decision easier than ever. We"ve also written up a guide for how to pick the best monitor to help you find what you"re looking for, no matter what your need or budget might be.

Multiplatform gamers looking for a high-performance 32-inch gaming monitor for 4K @ 144Hz gaming will find a lot to appreciate here with the M32UC from Gigabyte.

Pro-level displays are no longer the premium priced, inaccessible purchase they started out to be. At least as far as the BenQ SW321C PhotoVue is concerned. This 32-inch 4K photo monitor is up a step or two in terms of both performance and usability, featuring an incredibly wide color gamut of 99% of the Adobe RGB color space and 95% of DCI-P3.

If you’re in the cinematography or photography sphere, that’s exactly what you need. And, that’s on top of all the other features this monitor boasts. This is among the best monitors for photo editing you’ll find, and the best part is you’re getting it for cheaper than all others.

The Dell S3221QS is a gorgeous monitor inside and out. Its simple yet elegant silver design gives it a unique look that sets it apart from all the gamer-centric or boring black office monitors you"re most likely to find. It comes with a stunning 4K VA panel to match, making everything from movies to gaming a pleasure to watch.

We don’t usually run into technology that’s so far ahead of the curve that we’re left dumbfounded, which is why the Dell UltraSharp UP3218K has impressed us even more. Finding one of the best monitors that can reach the raw gorgeousness this one can should be next to impossible. It’s not just the resolution, either.

Dell went so far as to ensure that the build quality and color reproduction are the best in the business as well. The Dell UltraSharp UP3218K is aimed at professionals, obviously, so if that sounds like it’s made for you, it’s probably the best monitor you’ll ever find.

The LG 32UN880 UltraFine Display Ergo has done something cool. Instead of going for the same homogeneous mount and stand that all monitors have, it has opted for a C-Clamp, One Click Mount that allows it to extend, retract, go high, go low, tilt and pivot like no other. That’s versatility turned up to 11.

It also boasts incredible color accuracy and beautiful picture quality. The best part is that you’re getting all that without burning a massive hole in your pocket. This is, without a doubt, among the best monitors out there, especially if you"re looking for an arm-supported display rather than one on a static stand you typically find on the shelves.

There are a number of arm-supported models coming out in the next few months though, so this monitor might lose the title of "best" in this particular class, but it is also a lot cheaper as a result, so you can"t really go wrong.

If you"re on a high-end gaming desktop with the best graphics card on the market, then a 4K monitor or even an 8K display might be more of what you"re looking for. 4K monitors are only just now starting to get higher refresh rates like 120Hz and 144Hz, so these are definitely the 4K panels that you need to keep an eye out for.Which monitor brand is most reliable?There are a lot of PC monitor brands out there making everything from cheap, portable office monitors to high-end gaming PC monitors with ultrawide aspect and 1000R curve rating, 1ms pixel response, and blazing fast refresh rates.

Among the best brands in this regard are Dell, Alienware, BenQ, Acer, LG, Samsung, HP, Lenovo, and Asus, but they are by no means the only ones.Which monitor quality is best?Well, this really depends on a couple of factors, but first and foremost is your use case.

If you"re just a typical PC gamer looking for the best image quality, getting a 4K monitor with 144Hz refresh is going to make your games look fantastic. If you"re an esports competitor (or want to be someday), then the only thing that matters is pixel response and refresh rate. Even a 1080p resolution is acceptable so long as it has at least 1ms pixel response or lower. The refresh on 1080p monitors can go as high as 360Hz or even higher with the very latest monitors coming onto the market.

For most people though, a 1440p monitor is often more than enough, since the jump from 1440p to 4K isn"t nearly as impressive as the jump from 1080p to 1440p.What is best screen size for 4K?Depending on how far away from the screen you are, there will be a point where it just doesn"t benefit you to upgrade to a new monitor with a higher resolution.

Typically, 32 inches is considered the best monitor size since this is the size where a person sitting about 3 feet away from a screen will be able to see the difference between 4K and 1440p. The difference isn"t going to be huge, but it will be there.

We review monitors based on a number of factors including price, design, and performance. We consider the size of each display, as well as the number and type of ports on each monitor to determine who each display would benefit most. Each monitor is used in a variety of scenarios, so we use it for work, media consumption and gaming to test what it’s best suited to.

Performance is also evaluated by how well the actual screen tech works and its refresh rate. Frames per second are especially important in gaming monitors because you’ll want a high refresh rate during competitive games so you don’t miss a minute of the action.

The best gaming monitor will probably outlive your PC"s other components, and as a window to your gaming experience it"s one peripheral to avoid compromising too much on. Cyber Monday gaming monitor(opens in new tab) deals are available now, so it"s a good time to go display shopping.

For the competitive gamer who values speed above all else, check out our list of high refresh rate monitors(opens in new tab) , which run at 240Hz and even 360Hz. I"ve been constantly testing gaming monitors through my career and have made sure that only the best for each budget have crept onto this guide. It"s extensive, but there are a whole lotta gaming monitors out there, and plenty deserve your attention. This list is updated frequently as newer models pass the rigorous PC Gamer testing ringer.

Why you can trust PC GamerOur expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

OLED has truly arrived on PC, and in ultrawide format no less. Alienware"s 34 QD-OLED is one of very few gaming monitors to receive such a stellar score from us, and it"s no surprise. Dell has nailed the OLED panel in this screen and it"s absolutely gorgeous for PC gaming. Although this monitor isn’t perfect, it is dramatically better than any LCD-based monitor by several gaming-critical metrics. And it’s a genuine thrill to use.

What that 34-inch, 21:9 panel can deliver in either of its HDR modes—HDR 400 True Black or HDR Peak 1000—is nothing short of exceptional. The 3440 x 1440 native resolution image it produces across that gentle 1800R curve is punchy and vibrant. With 99.3% coverage of the demanding DCI-P3 color space and fully 1,000 nits brightness, it makes a good go, though that brightness level can only be achieved on a small portion of the panel.

HDR 400 True Black mode generally gives the best results, after you jump into the Windows Display Settings menu and crank the SDR brightness up, it looks much more zingy.If you"re going to hook your PC up to a high-end gaming monitor, we recommend it be this one.

There"s no HDMI 2.1 on this panel, however. So it"s probably not the best fit for console gaming as a result. But this is PC Gamer, and if you"re going to hook your PC up to a high-end gaming monitor, we recommend it be this one.

The LG UltraGear 27GN950-B bags you a terrific panel with exquisite IPS image quality. Despite the lesser HDR capabilities, it also nets beautiful colors and contrast for your games too. G-Sync offers stable pictures and smoothness, and the speedy refresh rate and response times back this up too.

The G27Q proves that you don"t need to spend a fortune for a decent IPS 1440p display. At around $330, Gigabyte"s 27-incher packs in plenty of sought-after features, but more importantly, it provides rich color and smooth gameplay.

As a flat, 27-inch display with a design that wouldn"t stand out in an office environment, it looks pretty pedestrian. But it"s actually one of the best gaming monitors I"ve had the pleasure of using. Not only does it have a gorgeous, vibrant IPS panel, with 8-bit color with 92% DCI-P3 coverage, it"s also HDR capable.

The Gigabyte G27Q handles gaming with aplomb thanks to adaptive sync via AMD FreeSync Premium. It"s also G-Sync Compatible so whether you are team Green or Red, the G27Q plays nice. I didn"t have an AMD GPU to test but I did use an Nvidia-powered desktop and laptop. Neither had any problems running games with G-Sync enabled.

It"s a bit of a plain Jane compared to other more pricey options, but it packs plenty of useful features designed to enhance your gaming pleasure.It"s also G-Sync Compatible so whether you are team Green or Red, the G27Q plays nice.

Movies and videos on Netflix and YouTube fair a lot better though. Sadly, my Xbox One X wouldn"t recognize the G27Q as HDR-capable. But even the SDR mode on the G27Q is excellent, so I didn"t miss much.

The OSD on the G27Q opens you up to a ton of profiles and monitor settings. You navigate with the little joystick on the back and I love that you don"t need to press the joystick to activate menu options. There"s also the OSD Sidekick, a handy Windows app that gives you the same menu access but you navigate with your mouse instead of the joystick, which is neat.

The classic 27-inch Dell S2722DGM marries that screen real estate with a 2560 x 1440 native resolution, which gives you a great pixel pitch for fine detail. At 1440p it"s also a decent resolution for getting high frame rates without the GPU demands of a 4K display. It"s also capable of delivering that resolution at 165Hz, which is appreciated.

At 2ms GtG response, it"s just a hair behind the 1ms and 0.5ms ratings of the best IPS panels, so you"re covered when it comes to speed. That said, you can find quicker panels if you really want to chase speed. This VA panel does have a high contrast ratio, at least, given the technology"s inherent strong contrast.This Dell monitor is most importantly available at a great price.

As for picture quality, the Dell S2722DGM is a reasonably punchy and vibrant monitor considering it"s a pure SDR panel. The strong inherent contrast certainly helps with that, ensuring you don"t feel short-changed running games like Cyberpunk 2077, which support HDR, in SDR mode.

This Dell monitor is most importantly available at a great price. Dell delivers high-quality gaming panels, with all the features you need and a few extraneous ones to bump up the price. And that makes it one of the best gaming monitors for most PC gamers today.

The Oculux NXG253R"s mandate is sound, then, but there are still compromises made in this pricey 1080p monitor in order to optimise esports performance. The most obvious are the screen size and resolution, 24.5-inch and 1080p respectively. You could certainly argue that nobody"s getting 360 fps at 4K in… well, anything outside of CS:GO or MOBAs, and quite rightly so. But spending this much on a monitor that won"t even give you 1440p feels like a serious tradeoff, and that resolution dictates a smaller panel size. Nobody wants to see the individual pixels at 1080p on a 32-inch screen.

It"s a 32-inch beast with a VA panel running at up to 165Hz and delivering 2,560 by 1,440 pixels. Yup, the tried and tested 1440p resolution, the sweet spot for real-world gaming according to many, the perfect balance between performance and visual detail. The catch is all that normally applies to 27-inch models. 32 inches? That makes for a pretty big panel for 1440p in terms of pixel density.

Where the low pixel density hurts most is actually in Windows. If you like crisp fonts and lots of desktop real estate, this isn’t the monitor for you. For everyone else, well, it comes down to the value proposition. There are faster monitors. There are monitors with superior IPS-powered image quality. There are monitors with all kinds of HDR support not found here. And others with far more pixels or more dramatic aspect ratios.

It"s worth remembering that pricing for this class of display—a 32-inch 165Hz 1440p panel—extends all the way up to $800 in the Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165(opens in new tab). So, while the Dell S3222DGM isn"t all that exciting from a technical point of view, for the money, it"s pretty convincing.

The Pixio PX277 Prime is about as barebones as it comes in regards to gaming monitors. Designed with a sci-fi theme in mind, the base is sharp-looking, and a lot of thought certainly went into the thing"s build quality. The thin bezel is always a plus in our book, too.

Here, this 27-inch panel provides frames at a stable 165Hz refresh rate, not the speediest but certainly workable for competitive gaming. The 1ms grey-to-grey response time doesn"t hurt for gaming either. As a FreeSync certified monitor, AMD users can be sure of a tear-free gaming experience.

The biggest selling point of the PX277 Prime, though, is its low price point. A great entry-level option for those looking for a larger screen with a high refresh rate and don"t want to be left totally broke.

It should come as no surprise that the 32-inch panel running at 4K results in a stunningly crisp image while gaming. I"ve been playing arguably too much Destiny 2 right now and the M32UC is a stunning way to experience the game. Fine details are well preserved and this panel doesn"t struggle with saturation, which makes for a luscious and vibrant image.

If your mantra for displays is "go big or go home," Acer hears you, and its Predator X38 is a massive 38-inch curved screen that looks stunning. It features a not-quite-4K QHD ultrawide panel with a 3840x1600 resolution. With an aspect ratio of 24:9, the IPS panel looks great, and the size means you have a lot of screen real estate for gaming.

This 37.5-inch display is expansive. It simply isn’t possible to take it all in without moving your head slightly. That means immersion, of the maximum variety. The skinny little bezels are just 2mm wide and blend into invisibility in use.

The display also features G-Sync technology with up to 175Hz variable refresh rates. That"s a huge boost over lower refresh rate curved gaming monitors, and Acer has overcome the big IPS downside of typically high response times, too. This beast has a 1ms GtG response, which is truly IPS coming of age and doing it all without the compromises of old.

It"s a big, bold, and beautiful-looking display. If you"re looking for something to turn heads, this is one of the best widescreen gaming monitors out there.

It"s taller than the 27-inch 16:9 displays and nearly half again as wide, but the higher resolution means the dot pitch is slightly lower than, the lesser panels. And for games that properly support ultrawide resolutions, the surround effect of the XR382CQK is incredibly immersive—sitting at your desk, the 38-inch panel will fill your field of view.

The best just got a whole lot better. That’s surely a foregone conclusion for the new Samsung Odyssey Neo G9. After all, the original Odyssey G9 was already Samsung’s tip-top gaming monitor. Now it’s been given the one upgrade it really needed. Yup, the Neo G9 is packing a mini-LED backlight.

Visible halos around small, bright objects are the sort of issue you expect from full-array dimming. But the Neo G9 has its own, surprisingly crude, backlight-induced image quality issues. Admittedly, they’re most visible on the Windows desktop rather than in-game or watching video.Graphics-heavy titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Witcher III are what the G9 does best.

Still, that 1000R curve, huge 49-inch proportions, and relatively high resolution combine to deliver an experience that few, if any, screens can match. Graphics-heavy titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Witcher III are what the G9 does best. In that context, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 delivers arguably the best visual experience on the PC today.

Best gaming monitor FAQShould I go for an IPS, TN or VA panel?We would always recommend an IPS panel over TN(opens in new tab). The clarity of image, viewing angle, and color reproduction are far superior to the cheaper technology, but you"ll often find a faster TN for cheaper. The other alternative, less expensive than IPS and better than TN, is VA tech. The colors aren"t quite so hot, but the contrast performance is impressive.Should I go for a FreeSync or G-Sync monitor?In general, FreeSync monitors will be cheaper. It used to be the case that they would only work in combination with an AMD GPU. The same went for G-Sync monitors and Nvidia GPUs. Nowadays, though, it is possible to find G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitors(opens in new tab) if you"re intent on spending less.Should I buy a HDR monitor?With a High Dynamic Range monitor, you can take advantage of the ever-growing list of games and apps that feature HDR support. It offers more vibrant colors and greater contrast but is going to drive up the price a little. Windows" native HDR function also leaves a lot to be desired, and you may find you have to fiddle in the settings to get HDR looking like it should.What aspect ratio should I go for?Today"s movies and games are best enjoyed in a widescreen format at a 16:9 aspect ratio or above. In 4:3, those cinematic moments will look stunted with black strips along the top and bottom. There are a host of minute variations on each ratio, but at the end of the day choosing between these depends entirely on your personal preference.

IPSIn-plane switching, panels offer the best contrast and color despite having weaker blacks. IPS panels tend to be more expensive and have higher response times.

ResolutionThe number of pixels that make up a monitor"s display, measured by height and width. For example: 1920 x 1080 (aka 1080p), 2560 x 1440 (2K), and 3840 x 2160 (4K).Round up of today"s best deals

Your computer is running perfectly, but your monitor could use a makeover. There’s no reason to buy an entire machine if you simply want to upgrade your screen. Computer monitors are simple to purchase an install, and can change the way you use your Windows or Apple machine. On eBay, you have multiple buying options when it comes to selecting screens. You can shop by size and find just the right monitor for your desk, or you can shop the latest and greatest inventory to find an updated monitor with fresher features. On a budget? Shop refurbished monitors at unbeatable prices, and score a screen for less. Check out monitors from well known brands like Dell and HP, and put together the perfect machine for your needs.

Choosing the size of your new monitor can be difficult. If you’re working in a small space and you don’t have much room, you can go down to as little as 16 inches. However, since many users today are combining their computer use with their TV viewing, there are monitors that go all the way up to 40 inches and above. It’s best to measure the area you wish to place the monitor first, and if you’re mounting it, make sure you have enough space for your new monitor. Some models stand horizontally or vertically, to give you even more flexibility when it comes to using your computer monitor.

It’s always wise to match up the brand of your computer with the brand of your monitor, but there is some room to flex as well. You can mix and match your monitor and computer brands if that’s what is right for your needs and your budget. Some popular monitor brands include Dell, HP, Samsung, and Asus. If you have an Apple computer, it’s best paired with an Apple monitor. Shopping by brand is a smart way to shop, because if you know your budget and your brand, you’re halfway there. A new monitor is a face-lift for your computer, and can refresh an older machine and give it some added life.

Although there"s a plethora of great 32-inch and even 43-inch monitors on the market, 27-inch monitors still remain a popular choice, especially for gaming.

With this in mind, we’ve mostly chosen monitors that we feel would upgrade almost any gaming setup. High refresh rates are a must here to keep the action fluid and help you remain focused on everything that"s going on around you.

We"ve also picked out monitors featuring IPS panels and Display HDR to give wider viewing angles, faster response times, and greater contrasts in colours.

So, based on these specs as well as general reviews, we"ve put together a list of some amazing 27-inch monitors to kick off your search in the best way possible.

This is exactly why we"ve chosen to include this LG monitor on our list as it"s arguably one of the best HDMI 2.1 monitors available right now, so should be a great option to consider if you"re looking to take your gaming setup to the next level.

With its QHD resolution, this Gigabyte M27Q should definitely deliver on this front. With its IPS display as well, you should find every inch of gameplay is showcased in detail with its wider viewing angles, despite the screen only measuring 270-inches.

Having a 170hz refresh rate and 0.5 response time also helps make this one of the best gaming monitors around. In fact, it features one of the lowest response times we"ve seen, meaning your in-game actions should sync pretty instantaneously to your inputs.

For instance, this ViewSonic VP2785 looks to be a particularly good choice for photo or video editing thanks to its 4K resolution, IPS display panel, HDR10, plus 99% Adobe RGB colour space to give a wider range of tones on-screen.

In fact, we"d argue this is perhaps one of the best photo editing monitors around, despite its relatively small 27" screen. That said, it comes with a near-frameless design, so you shouldn"t find the monitor overly small to work on.

When it comes to immersing yourself in your favourite video game, we"d argue that opting for a curved monitor, like this AOC CQ27G2, is the way to go.

Below we"ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about 27-inch monitors to give you a little helping hand if you want to know more about them.

We"d say it"s definitely worth getting a 27-inch monitor. While there are plenty of larger displays out there, 27-inch monitors remain popular, particularly for gaming.

A 27-inch monitor should also save on desk space. So, if you"re limited by the size of your desk, then we"d say a 27-inch display is well worth considering.

We"d say that a 4K resolution is the best option for general use; however, for gaming, it"s sometimes beneficial going for a lower-quality resolution if you end up gaining a higher refresh rate and lower response time as a result.

Of course, having a higher resolution will allow you to see more detail on your screen. So, if you"re playing a graphics-heavy title that doesn"t rely as much on your reactions, then going for something with a higher resolution may be the best way to go.

Only the best gaming monitor will give you the best visual experience for your games while catering perfectly for your setup, budget, and preferences. We think it"s one of a handful of ways to guarantee an instant enhancement to your setup too - after all, gaming monitors literally shape the way we see and experience all the awesome games we all play.

However, finding the best gaming monitor can prove to be a melon scratcher: it"s a massive market, and it"s constantly changing with new and exciting entries arriving, and old favourites being phased regularly. So, to navigate this, you"ll have to consider big-picture factors like resolution (1080p, 1440p, and 4K), screen techs (FreeSync and G-Sync), screen size, and more. Our guide will help you navigate this exciting minefield by covering all the relevant specs, and types and we"ll also find you the best prices too. An important point to make too is that these monitors are absolutely not just for PC gaming, as more and more console gamers are using them too nowadays.

As a result, we"re really spoilt for choice for the best gaming monitors around. At GamesRadar+ we"ve been working hard for years to pick out the best gaming monitor by constantly reviewing, testing, and comparing the best in the business to build this very list to help you find the best screen going. Our writers and reviewers spend masses of time with each screen we review and really put them through their paces with hard gaming sessions, as well as noting their qualities for every day and work use.

And to help you make the best decision, we strive to lay out all the facts as plainly as possible. After all, the best gaming monitors have more going on behind the scenes than the best gaming TV(opens in new tab) or the best home projectors(opens in new tab). So if you game separately to where you watch your films and TV content, then a monitor is a great idea to optimize your setup. Whatever your needs, our round-up will help you make the right call and get you something with a brilliant picture, and all the performance and features you need.

It’s been an awfully long time coming, but with the new Alienware 34 AW3423DW, OLED technology has finally come to the best gaming monitor. And, boy, does it deliver. This screen has better contrast and a faster response than any LCD panel we’ve ever seen while also looking richer, more convincing, more immersive, andbeing faster, sharper, and clearer. It really does do everything.

Limited to a budget of around $200 / £200? Don’t despair. A high-refresh monitor with a decent IPS panel is within reach and we think could be a top gaming monitor for a lot of folks. Enter the AOC 24G2 and its closely related AOC 24G2U sibling. Inevitably, some compromises have to be made. The 24G2 / 24G2U are mere 24-inch monitors with a modest 1,920 by 1,080 resolution, otherwise known as 1080p. The difference between the two? The 24G2U adds a USB hub.

One obvious omission for us, spec-wise, is HDR capability of any kind. But then very few monitors deliver a true HDR experience from our experience. So, at least AOC doesn’t tease you with the promise of HDR only to ultimately disappoint. What’s more, with slim bezels and both height and tilt adjustment, this panel doesn’t feel or look like a budget option.

The ASUS TUF VG27AQ is not exactly a flashy entry to our best gaming monitor list but it is bursting at the seams with quality. It"s ordinary-looking but that didn"t fool us, as it packs a punch and offers an incredibly speedy monitor for gaming. There"s a 165Hz (featuring Adaptive Sync Support), a 1ms response rate of 1ms, and it is both G-Sync and FreeSync compatible. Add into this ASUS" own Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync technology and the in-game pictures this monitor provides are some of the smoothest and best you can get on a 1440p monitor.

When we tested the monitor, the image quality was excellently crisp, too - it"s not all about the speed. Stir in a rating of HDR10 high dynamic range for colour and brightness levels, too, and they are some of the nicest images we"ve seen on a 1440p. The VG27AQ does a great job of balancing overall picture quality, speeds, and, importantly, the price point. It"s a great do-it-all monitor that we think will serve people well for PC gaming and console gaming.

Dell offers a lotof monitors, from basic 1080p run-of-the-mill office jobs to uber impressive 4K beauties. The S2721DGF slots firmly in the middle, offering gaming performance at 1440p, and while we find that the specs are those you"d expect of a top-notch competitive esports ready screen, when we took it out of the box it certainly doesn"t look like one on the outside.

When any PC gamer is looking for a monitor, two specs are vital; refresh rate and response time. The Dell S2721DGF is almost perfect in this regard, offering 165Hz and 1ms respectively and this was confirmed to us in testing. Another attraction is the IPS panel, which is excellent and contributes to the bang-to-buck value that the monitor offers.The monitor is covered in a matte, all-black finish, with thin, flat bezels around the edge, making it a brilliant choice for anyone looking for a double or triple-monitor set-up.

The only place we think this monitor trips up is in HDR performance, especially in dark areas. The contrast is low, which means it"s often hard to differentiate between subtle blacks and greys, but if you"re using this primarily for gaming and not movie-watching, it"s not too big of a deal. This is one of the best 1440p gaming monitors on the market.

Until now, 4K60fps+ gaming has been a concept only attainable by the hardcore enthusiasts who dedicate everything they have to PC gaming and their best gaming monitors. Not anymore. Thanks to the recent launch of the 30-series cards from Nvidia, and AMD"s RX series equivalents, it"s finally affordable for those who desire it. To reach that level, you need one of the best monitors on the market, but they"re usually more expensive than the graphics cards themselves.

The ASUS XG27UQ changes that entirely, bringing almost the best possible specs on a 4K screen down to a reachable tier for general PC gamers. It"s still not cheap, but for the first time ever a 4K monitor with 1ms response time and a 144Hz refresh rate is below the $1k mark. Quite considerably actually, coming in at around$800/£800. It"s still a hefty price tag, don"t get me wrong, but it"s far cheaper than the other top-tier offerings.

We think that the ASUS XG27UQ is like a gaze into what PC gaming will be like for everyone5 to 10 years down the line. With ray tracing on, Cyberpunk 2077 had my jaw on the floor, with stunning lighting effects and texture detail throughout Night City. As did Assassin"s Creed Valhalla, with the sunrays splitting the treetops. if you have a rig capable of it – seriously, don"t upgrade to 4K if your graphics card is a few years old – then you will not be disappointed with this monitor.

And, should you spend hours on end trying to best your KDR in Apex Legends(opens in new tab) like we did with this monitor in testing, then Ben-Q"s integrated eye-care solution automatically adjusts brightness and blue light to safeguard your eyes from the evils of light-emitting diodes. It"s not perfect, but the fact that this 28-inch 4K HDR screen regularly goes on sale for a fraction of its price is a compelling case for snatching one up no matter what you platform you play on.

We think that the combo of 1440p and 27 inches has been the sweet spot for affordable PC gaming for an age. Does it make sense for consoles, too? The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD likes to think so, in part thanks to a compatibility mode that allows a 4K input from the PS5 to run at 2.5 on this 2,560 by 1,440 pixel panel, which means it offers a different edge in its contention for best gaming monitor.

Arguably even more important is the fact that this monitor is seriously fast in our testing. Rated officially at 1ms response, it’s one of, if not the, fastest LCD gaming monitors we’ve ever seen. That speed makes it great for all kinds of PC gaming and a particular joy for online shooters which were great to test. It’s also feature-packed, including G-Sync compatibility, plus USB-C connectivity (albeit limited to 15W of charging power).

Looking for one of the best gaming monitors that combines nearly everything that’s best about the latest LCD technology? You just found it in the Samsung Odyssey G7 C27G7. With local dimming, adaptive sync, high refresh, HDR, quantum dot technology, a curved panel, and more, on paper it"s got the works.

More specifically, it comes with a 27-inch diagonal with 1440p resolution and 240Hz refresh for what we think nails the sweet spot in terms of balancing detail with speed and response. That"s why it"s our pick for best 240Hz gaming monitor right now.

The main question mark concerns the use of VA panel technology, which is traditionally associated with slow pixel response and generally slightly laggy performance. Not so here. Samsung claims 1ms response times and interesting we found that this monitor feels and looks at least that quick. No question, it’s comparable with the best TN monitors for sheer speed. That it also matches IPS panels for colours and adds excellent contrast into the mix makes for an incredibly compelling package.

Acer’s beastly 43-inch Predator CG7 has been updated to offer HDMI 2.1 support, and that makes it a shoo-in for our best gaming monitor for Xbox Series X guide now. An early note: as ever, the branding of the new variant is confusing. It’s the Acer Predator CG437KP you want, the additional ‘P’ on the end is the critical indicator of the updated model - the prices you see here are for that and the links will take you to the right place.

Sony has stepped into the best gaming monitor world with an absolutely beautiful beast. The Inzone M9 is a gorgeous monitor boasting a 27" 4K HDR screen and a sleek PS5-inspired design that looks oh-so-good next to your Sony console.

With some exclusive PS5 features that include autoswapping between cinema and game modes and automatically optimizing HDR settings upon booting up the console. This means you won"t have to fiddle with any settings on your monitor when going between PS5 and PC use, which is a lovely little feature that not a ton of gaming monitors have.

The Acer Predator XB271HU is the Nvidia user’s answer to the Asus MG279Q, and it features many of the same benefits: a vibrant, flicker-free IPS panel with 144Hz refresh, excellent viewing angles and built-in screen tear prevention technology. Like AMD’s FreeSync, Nvidia’s G-Sync lets the GPU and monitor coordinate their efforts, reducing or eliminating screen tearing. Unlike FreeSync, which is part of the DisplayPort 2.1a standard and is free to include in any applicable monitor, G-Sync requires a proprietary Nvidia chipset in the display, which usually incurs a $200 premium over comparable monitors equipped with FreeSync, and even more versus monitors with no adaptive sync support.

The upside is that since Nvidia has total control over the standard and its implementation, there’s greater assurance that a G-Sync monitor will work as advertised, while FreeSync quality can vary between manufacturers and from model to model. G-Sync monitors also tend to support a wider range of applicable refresh rates, as well as better anti-ghosting than FreeSync monitors.

True to form, the Predator XB271HU is G-Sync capable between 30 and 144Hz out of the box, up to a maximum of 165Hz if you’re the overclocking type. Most modern computers, even the kind you buy a $700+ monitor for, can’t render a steady 144+ frames-per-second, so right now that much G-Sync headroom isn’t especially useful. As an investment, however, the Predator XB271HU makes a strong argument, as it’ll graciously provide for not only your current GPU, but the next couple of upgrades as well.

Not a fan of curved candidates for best gaming monitor? Then you might want to jog on. Because we think that MSI has definitely doubled down on the notion of bent screens with the MPG Artymis 343CQR. With a mere one metre radius of curvature, this thing is positively twisted.

As it happens, we found that it’s also unbelievably immersive. Partly this comes down to that extreme 1000R curve, but it’s also because MSI has boldly opted for VA rather than IPS panel technology. Combined with a very strong monolithic backlight, the result, confirmed in our testing, is punchy peak brightness of 550cd/m2 and 3,000:1 static contrast. Granted, there’s only entry-level HDR 400 certification. But this monitor delivers the best HDR experience we’ve yet seen from a monitor with no local dimming. CyberPunk 2077 running on this 34-inch, 3,440 by 1,440 pixel beauty is truly something to behold.

For most gamers, 1440p and 144Hz is the current sweet spot for best gaming monitor; the best compromise between speed and visual detail. However, for esports aficionados, it’s all about frame rates and response. This is where the Acer Predator XB253QGX comes in.

Resolution-wise, it’s only 1080p from a 25-inch panel. But it clocks in at fully 240Hz refresh and is good for an ultra-low MPRT pixel response time of 0.5ms (GtG response is 1ms claimed). The Predator is also Nvidia G-Sync capable. HDR support is entry-level stuff in the form of DisplayHDR 400 certification. But that at least ensures punchy peak brightness of 400cd/m2.

49 inches, 240Hz, seven million pixels, crazy 1000R curvature, and 1,000 nits not enough? Then how about the new Samsung Odyssey Neo G9. It ups the original G9’s 1000 nit ante to a slightly silly 2000 nits and also ups the price point to even loftier levels. Arguably more important isn’t the peak brightness but the fact that the old 10-zone edge-lit backlight has been ditched in favour of a cutting-edge 2,048 zone mini-LED backlight.

In theory, that’s a huge upgrade. In practice, it’s a bit more complicated. This is a big screen, and so even with that many zones, the granularity of the backlight control is actually quite crude. But when it"s performing at its best, the Neo G9 puts on a spectacular HDR show that few if any monitors can match.

It might be one to skip for console play for now - the likes of LG’s 120Hz C1 and CX OLED TVs are better matched for that from a big-screen perspective - but for pure PC gaming, the Neo G9’s wrap-around immersion is awfully hard to beat so that"s why this is the best ultrawide monitor you can buy right now in the search for your best gaming monitor.

Arguably the current daddy, and best portable gaming monitor money can buy, both in terms of stature and price, the Asus ROG Strix XG17 clocks in at 17 inches and around $600 / £600 depending on the configuration.

It’s pretty beefy at over a kilo for the display, to which you can add another 0.65kg for the optional tripod. But then it is 17 inches and sports a 7800mAh battery. That allows for up to 3.5 hours of mains-free use, though the display can also be powered over USB-C. In terms of video inputs, it’s USB-C or HDMI.

The best gaming monitors - FAQWhat brand is best for gaming monitors?This is a tough question with no real stand out, single answer. Much like other areas of gaming tech, like headsets, for example, the best gaming monitor market is a crowded one, and this means pinning down one brand as the best of them all is nigh on impossible. Big name abound like ASUS, Acer, BenQ, Samsung, and Alienware, but thinking about a brand should always be secondary to the specs that you need and the price that you can spend.Is 144Hz or 240Hz better?In what is increasingly becoming a defining factor among the best gaming monitors, and gamers" approach to buying them, the refresh rate is critical. And the difference between these two numbers, 144 and 240 is increasingly becoming a distinction worth making as, 1) games can be noticeably differnt at these speeds, and, 2) monitors are made and sold at these exact numbers.

144Hz is almost certainly enough and games running at this framerate will be buttery smooth, but 240Hz will always be a bit more future proof and allow extra headroom. If a 240Hz monitor is only a small amount more, then it"s probably worth it - but always consider other specs before committing too!What monitor do pro gamers use?You"ll find pro gamers across esports use a variety of different gaming monitors. There doesn"t seem to be a prevailing brand that provides what is considered to be the best gaming monitor for pros - but they do pick and play on ones to their strengths and needs. Fast refresh rates, fast response times, and 1080p resolutions are often the favoured specs here - there"s no need for ultrawide beasts, of 4K gaming monitors.

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Having said that, there"s always a case for a 2nd gaming monitor - I use two at home depending on what PC game I want to play. Such is the range of the best gaming monitors available, if you had the budget and the setup, you could go for one which is best for competitive play and one that"s best for slower-paced role-playing games, and so on. What might work here is also one larger, curved gaming monitor as these can be had at very aggressive price points now too.

And smoothness rolled into this by the screen having FreeSync or, preferably, G-Sync to ensure the transitions between frames are consistent and buttery is the perfect complement to the speeds. The likes of the best G-Sync monitor and best G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitors will be great shouts here.

The best gaming monitors come in such a wide variety of sizes it can be hard to work which size (by inches) to go for, or what will be best for a particular style of monitor.

Using a broad brush, a good starting point is to look at gaming monitors that are 27-inches. We find this to be quite a good sweet spot, particularly for 1440p resolutions. At 32-inches, you can start to really immerse yourself in games, and this size is fast becoming a go-to for 4K resolution monitors.

If you"re into ultrawides to take your immersion to the next level then we"d recommend a minimum of 34 or 35-inches for that ultrawide experience, though the experiences that 38-inch and 49-inch behemoths offer are something to consider - if your budget can be stretched.

There is also a school of thought from those that play esports that something like a 24-inch gaming monitor is perfect as it"s as close a match for what our eyes can take in and process quickly - so if this is you, then keep an eye on those, smaller sizes.

Most gaming monitors now offer in-plane switching, or IPS, panels. Compared with the twisted nematic, or TN, displays of the past, IPS screens have much better viewing angles and color reproduction. That said, competitive gamers who care more about performance than visual fidelity still find TN monitors enticing because of their faster, often 1ms response times.

Like choosing between IPS and TN panel tech, a similar sentiment applies in the resolution department, where 4K monitors exist alongside those with somewhat lower pixel densities yet higher refresh rates. If you find yourself kicking back exploring the vast open-world of an Assassin’s Creed game more often than sniping your friends in Overwatch, then 4K HDR inhabits the best gaming monitor of your future. Esports athletes, on the other hand, ought to peep the 120Hz or 144Hz, or even higher, speed demons we’ve scouted out.

Best gaming monitor lists like ours try to give you as much information as concisely as possible, however this also means relying on tech speak and acronyms sometimes. Here we have outlined some of the most common terms and what they mean so you can be fully informed.

VA:Vertical Alignment, an LCD panel technology with the best image depth and highest contrast amongst other competitive LCD techniques (TN and IPS) but often slowest response time.

For more information, you can read more on How we test monitors at GamesRadar+ here, and for an overview of our approach to gaming tech then you can check out our full Hardware Policy.

If you"re after something that"s TV-shaped then head over to ourbest TV for PS5and Xbox Series X,best OLED TV, andbest 120Hz 4K TVguides which will all see you right.