best lcd panel for gaming factory

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Adobe RGB monitors are a staple for designers and studios who want a wide gamut-screen that is beneficial for creating eye-popping content. Being able to display an exponentially increased color palette improves the accuracy and quality of your projects for both digital media and print. Color accurate Adobe RGB monitors are expensive, but the technologies and capabilities imbued by the manufacturers present an ideal canvass for your professional endeavors.

Adobe RGB monitors provide an advantage if you are doing work such as color grading or creating content. The more comprehensive spectrum adds an advantage when it comes to vibrancy which factors into many things such as how lifelike and the image is. The extra shades will provide editors with more room to work with for a more faithfully reproduced or vivid image.

However, the reality is that Adobe RGB monitors have a bias towards the greens and blues with a little extension for the reds. This representation isn’t always ideal for creating content or editing, so some designers tend to revert to the sRGB color space. Typically, sRGB is sufficient for general use, but we can consider Adobe RGB monitors as a tool that’s equipped with a secret weapon.

Panel Type – Hands down, IPS is the only way to go for Adobe RGB displays due to their better accuracy than TNs and VAs. Aside from the wider viewing angles, IPS panels also offer a more balanced luminosity and contrast which are both critical to the accuracy of your work. VA monitors are capable of wide gamuts, but IPS panels have a tighter representation of shades when correctly calibrated.

Resolution – Most of the Adobe RGB monitors come with a 4K resolution since it is the current industry standard for computer displays. 4K offers cleaner details and sharpness due to the substantially increased pixels. These variants are pricey but fret not because there are notable lower resolutions on the market.

Size – Size is another key factor when shopping for an Adobe RGB monitor because it affects the cost of ownership just as much as the panel’s resolution. This aspect also dictates how convenient and comfortable the product will be for extended use which is expected when it comes to photo and video editing. We recommend starting at 27 Inches for these monitors for the best balance and eye comfort.

HDR Certification – HDR capabilities matter now more than ever since it’s the current trend. Being able to edit or view your HDR-compatible creations or media is important now. It’s also nice to have it for entertainment purposes, whether if it’s for movies or games.

The Asus ProArt PA32UCX is one of our favorite flagships thanks to its amazing 4K screen that has a mini LED backlight. The latter provides superb control of the screen’s contrast, enabling it to give out the best possible HDR performance. It’s designed to be calibration-ready, and it even comes with variants that include a colorimeter to help with keeping it accurate.

The BenQ SW271 can be considered as a baseline of top-notch quality for its 100% coverage of the Adobe RGB gamut and fantastic calibration options. This model is designed almost similar to the brand’s gaming models, meaning you can expect excellent build quality and functionality for the price. The BenQ SW271 is one of the few models we tested that has impeccable panel uniformity, with no quadrant exceeding DeltaE 1.1 variance in color quality.

The Acer PE320QK is another staple recommendation for our readers who are looking for a reasonably-priced photo or video editing USB-C monitor. The factory-calibrated IPS panel in this monitor is capable of perfect coverage of the Adobe RGB color space and 96.6% for DCI-P3. This model also responds to calibration nicely, allowing users to maximize its potential for design and editing.

The LG 32EP950-B is a special pick in this lineup since it has an OLED panel instead of the usual IPS with a WLED or mini-LED backlight. It offers excellent accuracy and contrast out of the box, and it is tuned to have comprehensive Adobe RGB as well. another great thing about it is its resistance to IPS flaws like backlight bleeding which comes from having a separate backlight unit.

The BenQ SW321C is the best the brand has to offer from its PhotoVue line which encompasses wide gamut coverage and superb accuracy. This model has a 16-bit 3D LUT and full 10-bit color depth so it can render 99% of the Adobe RGB gamut. BenQ’s AQCOLOR tech ensures that its trustworthy enough to be used for meticulous editing and creation.

The Dell U4021QW doesn’t offer full Adobe RGB coverage, but it is one of the few that offers up to 93% coverage. What makes it attractive is its 5k-2K resolution which gives you excellent sharpness and plenty of room for multitasking. It’s also a USB-C Thunderbolt 3 monitor so it can charge high-powered laptops that would usually find in the hand of professionals.

The MSI PS321QR combines both gaming and design into a premium offering that isn’t as expensive as other brands. This monitor offers a high-refresh 1440p IPS panel with 95% DCI-P3 coverage so you can use it for work then play on it to relax after. It needs calibration, but that’s okay since it’s quite affordable compared to the others in this lineup.

The Lenovo ThinkVision Creator Extreme offers 93% Adobe RGB coverage and great accuracy rolled into a product that’s dressed for the occasion. It’s one of the select 2-7-inch monitors with a mini LED backlight which also allows it to create superb HDR effects. It’s designed for creators just as its name suggests, so you can’t go wrong with this option.

Here, you’ll find only the best gaming monitor deals currently available as well as all the information you’ll need to make sure you’re getting the perfect monitor for you.

Be sure to read the reviews below to familiarize yourself with what panel type, resolution, refresh rate and other features (such as HDR and VRR) best suit your preference, budget and PC rig or console. Also, feel free to leave us a comment below if you’re on the fence between two or more gaming monitors!

The 1920×1080 or 1080p resolution is the least demanding on your CPU and GPU, allowing you to maintain a high frame rate more easily. Whether you need a good budget 1080p gaming monitor or the absolute best one, we’ve got you covered!

As a result, you get a decent amount of screen space and fairly sharp details and text. The same resolution on a 27″ monitor, for instance, would look considerably more pixelated, though some users wouldn’t mind it.

The LG 24GN600 is based on an IPS panel that boasts ~99% sRGB gamut for accurate and rich colors and 178° wide viewing angles which ensure that the image remains perfect regardless of the angle you’re looking at it.

The contrast ratio amounts to 1,000:1, which is standard for IPS panel monitors. So, blacks won’t be quite as deep as that of VA panels (with a ~3,000:1 contrast ratio). It’s mainly in dark rooms that blacks appear a bit grayish in comparison to VA panels, but the image is still quite vibrant overall. Besides, VA panels have flaws of their own.

AMD FreeSync is supported with a 48-144Hz VRR range for tear-free gameplay up to 144FPS, and the ‘G-SYNC Compatible’ mode works flawlessly with GeForce cards, even though the monitor is not certified by NVIDIA.

In contrast, VA panel monitors at this price range have significantly slower response time speed, resulting in noticeable smearing in fast-paced games. Moreover, most units are affected by VRR brightness flickering.

Visit our LG 24GN650/600 review for more information. The monitor also supports the 1080p 120Hz mode on both the PS5 and the Xbox One/Series X/S consoles.

HP x24i, x24ih – based on the same panel as the LG 24GN600, offers basically identical image quality and performance with a different design and feature set

We recommend these 24″ 1080p 144Hz IPS monitors if you can find them for ~$180. In the $220 – $250 price range, you can actually find 25″ 1080p 240Hz IPS models, which we’ll get into next.

The Dell S2522HG is one of the best 240Hz gaming monitors with an IPS panel; it offers stunning motion clarity and responsiveness as well as gorgeous colors and wide viewing angles!

Based on an IPS panel with a 400-nit peak brightness, a 1,000:1 static contrast ratio, and ~99% sRGB color gamut, the Dell S2522HG provides you with vivid and striking colors!

Now, the previously-mentioned LG 24GN600 offers a similar viewing experience, so the only reason to get the S2522HG is obviously for the higher refresh rate.

Otherwise, we recommend the below-mentioned ViewSonic XG2431 with impeccable MBR or the Acer XV252QF with 390Hz, both of which can be found for ~$300.

If you have a budget of ~$250, want a 240Hz monitor but the S2522HG isn’t available at that price, your only choice is the LG 27GP750 (or the older 27GN750) 27″ 1080p 240Hz 1ms IPS model, which can sometimes be found on sale for $230.

The ViewSonic XG2431 offers similar image quality to that of the Dell S2522HG. It’s based on a 23.8″ panel, so the screen is slightly smaller and you get a bit higher pixel density, though the difference is subtle.

What makes the ViewSonic XG2431 exceptional is its PureXP+ backlight strobing technology that offers amazing performance with basically no strobe crosstalk or other visual artifacts. It also offers plenty of well-optimized presets for strobing at different refresh rates and brightness levels, as well as advanced customization.

As for the image quality, the monitor is based on a 24.5″ IPS panel with 400-nit peak brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and ~99% sRGB color gamut, so you’re getting the same viewing experience as with the previously mentioned S2522HG 240Hz IPS model.

The Acer XV252QF supports AMD FreeSync for tear-free gameplay up to 390FPS. It also supports backlight strobing up to 390Hz, but it’s not as optimized as that of the XG2431. Basically, with the XV252QF you get power input lag, while the XG2431 offers better motion clarity.

Other features include custom crosshairs and timers, various pre-calibrated picture presets, and Black Boost for better visibility in dark scenes of games.

Dell AW2521H – a 25″ 1080p 360Hz 1ms IPS gaming monitor based on the same panel, but with a dedicated G-SYNC module. However, it’s not overclockable and its MBR implementation is limited to 240Hz

The BenQ Zowie XL2566K is a 360Hz gaming monitor with a TN panel and impeccable backlight strobing implementation aimed at professional eSports players!

Due to its TN panel, the XL2566K has inferior viewing angles and image quality than the Acer XV252QF, but it has a noticeably faster pixel response time speed, so we only recommend it if you’re willing to sacrifice image quality for performance.

On top of that, its DyAc+ MBR technology is exceptionally optimized for minimum strobe crosstalk or other visual artifacts, which paired with rapid response time results in CRT-like motion clarity at a low brightness penalty cost.

Other features include Black eQualizer, XL Setting To Share (import/export settings among users), Color Vibrance, a shading hood and an S. Switch hotkey puck for quick OSD-related shortcuts and adjustments.

For most people, 1440p resolution and at least a 144Hz refresh rate is the perfect combination. You get a crisp and sharp image quality as well as a responsive gaming experience since 1440p is not nearly as taxing on your GPU as 4K UHD.

The Gigabyte G27QCA and G32QCA are 1440p 165Hz gaming monitors with curved VA panels for a more immersive gaming experience, but a weaker performance when it comes to fast-paced gaming.

The main difference between the two is obviously the screen size and therefore pixel density. The G27QC-A has 108 PPI, whereas the G32QC-A has 93 PPI.

So, the picture will be sharper on the 27″ model, but the overall viewing experience is more immersive on the 32″ version due to the larger screen. Some users find 32″ monitors to be too big for desktop use though.

The 32″ model can also get brighter with a 350-nit peak brightness (400-nits for HDR), while the 27″ variant is rated at 250-nits, but can get a bit over 300-nits, depending on the unit.

With both monitors, you get a high contrast ratio (3,000:1) and a wide ~90% DCI-P3 color gamut, which along with the curved screen, greatly improves the visual aspect of the gaming experience.

The monitors are equipped with the Aim Stabilizer MBR technology, which can remove ghosting to an extent, but the 1ms (GtG) response time of fast TN and IPS panels still provides better performance in fast-paced games.

Other features include various pre-calibrated picture presets, crosshair overlays, Black Equalizer, and Dashboard (tracks PC system performance on-screen, such as CPU and GPU temperature, utilization, etc.).

Both monitors offer height adjustment (up to 130mm for the 27″ model, and up to 100mm for the 32″ version), tilt by -5°/20°, and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

In the past, we were much more inclined to recommend 1440p 144Hz VA gaming monitors as budget options. Nowadays, you can find affordable IPS models too, such as the Acer XV272UV – it doesn’t have as high contrast ratio, but you won’t get any dark smearing or VRR brightness flickering.

Buying the Gigabyte G32QCA makes more sense. At ~$300, it’s only slightly more expensive than the 27″ variant – and if you want a 32″ 1440p 144Hz monitor with an IPS panel, you’ll have to invest at least $400. More information about the best 1440p 144Hz IPS monitors and alternatives below.

If you’re looking for a flat-screen 32″ 1440p 165Hz VA gaming monitor, check out the LG 32GN650. There’s also the newer version of the G32QCA with a built-in KVM switch, the Gigabyte M32QC.

The Acer XV272UV is the cheapest 1440p 165Hz (170Hz factory OC) IPS gaming monitor with a 1ms GtG response time speed, allowing you to enjoy fast-paced games with zero ghosting and no VRR brightness flickering.

The monitor has both AMD FreeSync Premium and stable G-SYNC Compatible performance for tear-free gameplay up to 170FPS. It also supports backlight strobing.

All of the above-mentioned 27″ 1440p 144Hz+ IPS gaming monitors offer similar image quality, performance and features. We find that the XV272UV offers the best value for money though.

Further, the M32Q has a wide 94% DCI-P3 gamut coverage for vibrant colors (sRGB emulation mode is available as well), while the contrast ratio and peak brightness are standard at 1,000:1 and 400-nits, respectively.

If you’re looking for a better 32″ 1440p 165Hz IPS gaming monitor, check out the ASUS PG329Q with a wider 99% Adobe RGB color gamut and DisplayHDR 600, though it goes for $200 – $300 more.

The Samsung Odyssey G7 monitors allow you to enjoy both a high 2,500:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks without IPS glow and a fast response time speed for no ghosting in fast-paced games!

To start with, they have a good 2,500:1 native contrast ratio and wide color gamut, while their typical 350-nit peak brightness gets a boost up to 600-nits for more vivid highlights. Moreover, there are 8 dimming zones that can dim parts of the screen for an improved HDR viewing experience.

The Samsung Odyssey G7 monitors feature NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible certification, and they offer smooth VRR performance as long as you have the 1009.3 firmware (or newer) installed.

The mentioned firmware update introduces a new ‘VRR Control’ option that, once enabled, prevents the brightness flickering usually associated with VA panels.

However, some users report that micro-stuttering occurs when VRR Control is enabled. It doesn’t seem to affect all units and its intensity varies across different panels, some users might not even notice it.

As for connectivity options, there are two DisplayPort 1.4 sockets, a single HDMI 2.0 port which maxes out at 1440p 144Hz, a headphone jack and a dual-USB 3.0 hub.

Keep in mind that for 1440p 240Hz and 10-bit color, you’ll need a graphics card that supports DSC (Display Stream Compression). These include AMD’s RX 5xxx series and NVIDIA’s RTX 20-series and GTX 16-series (or newer). With older cards, you’re limited to 1440p 240Hz 8-bit color or 1440p 144Hz 10-bit color.

The M27Q-X uses an IPS panel with 178° wide viewing angles and consistent colors. It has a wide 97% Adobe RGB color gamut (~140% sRGB) and comes with a ~100% sRGB emulation mode.

So, the main advantage of the M27QX over the G7 is the more vibrant and precise color reproduction, wider viewing angles, impeccable VRR performance, and the fact that most people prefer flat displays at this screen size.

Other gaming features include Black Equalizer, a refresh rate tracker, crosshair overlays, various picture presets and the Aim Stabilizer-Sync backlight strobing technology.

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4 inputs, two HDMI 2.0 ports, USB-C (DP Alt Mode, 18W PD), a headphone jack, dual 2W built-in speakers and a dual-USB 3.0 hub. It also has a KVM switch and support for PiP/PbP.

The ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQN is based on an IPS panel with a rapid pixel response time speed. It’s noticeably faster than the Acer XV252QF 1080p 360Hz IPS model, and almost as fast as BenQ’s XL2566K 360Hz TN display.

You get a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage for rich and saturated colors, which can sometimes help you distinguish an enemy more quickly in certain scenarios!

Overall, you get a single monitor that’s exceptional for competitive games, but also provides you with great image quality for everyday use and even content creation.

Make sure your favorite games support the 21:9 aspect ratio format though. Otherwise, you’ll have to play with black borders (pillarbox) or with a stretched-out picture.

The MSI MAG301RF is one of the most affordable ultrawide gaming monitors yet it’s equipped with a high 200Hz refresh rate and a rapid 1ms GtG response time speed!

The MSI MAG301RF basically just extends that 24″ screen horizontally for a wider field of view, allowing you to spot the enemies coming from the left or right corners more quickly. Indeed, it’s a competitive edge, which is why some titles don’t support the 21:9 aspect ratio, such as Overwatch, StarCraft, and Valorant. Most games support it though.

Sceptre C305B-200UN – A 30″ 2560×1080 200Hz ultrawide gaming monitor based on a curved VA panel. It has a higher contrast ratio, but a much slower response time speed.

In fact, the G34WQC-A is actually cheaper than any 3440×1440 60Hz-75Hz ultrawide IPS model, yet it offers a more immersive picture quality and a more responsive gaming experience, just not as consistent colors or as fast response time.

Based on a VA panel with a 4,000:1 contrast ratio, a 400-nit peak brightness, 10-bit color depth with 125% sRGB color gamut and 3440×1440 resolution, the monitor delivers a crystal-clear picture quality with deep blacks and vibrant colors.

Based on LG’s Nano IPS technology, the LG 34GP83A pushes its color gamut to 98% DCI-P3 (135% sRGB native, with an sRGB clamp available) and adds support for entry-level HDR (VESA DisplayHDR 400 standard) with up to 400-nit peak brightness.

The monitor will provide you with just a glimpse of what HDR can actually do; even though the display offers a wide color gamut, it still lacks brightness and contrast ratio for an HDR viewing experience worthy of attention.

You can elevate the screen of the monitor by up to 110mm and tilt it by -5°/15° – or mount it using the VESA pattern, but you cannot swivel or pivot the screen. The monitor has a 1900R curvature for added immersion.

While most users prefer curved screens at this form factor due to the width of the display, a flat 34″ screen still offers immersive image quality, you’ll just have to sit a fit further from the screen for the optimal viewing experience.

All in all, if you want a 34″ 3440×1440 144Hz ultrawide gaming monitor below $500, but don’t want to deal with dark level smearing or VRR brightness flickering associated with VA panels, the M34WQ is for you. Check out our M34WQ review for more information.

If you want something similar but cheaper, check out the Sceptre E345W-QUT with a 34″ 3440×1440 flat-screen IPS panel with an sRGB color gamut and 100Hz.

The Dell AW3821DW has a Nano IPS panel with a wide 95% DCI-P3 color gamut and a fast 1ms GtG response time speed. Sadly, it doesn’t have an sRGB emulation mode.

Additionally, it offers VESA DisplayHDR 600 support with a peak brightness of 600-nits and 32 local dimming zones for an excellent HDR viewing experience.

The Dell AW3821DW features a dedicated G-SYNC module that ensures flawless VRR performance up to 144FPS. You can also use VRR with AMD cards over DisplayPort.

Due to DP 1.4 limitation and lack of DSC support, you will need to lower the color depth to 8-bit for 144Hz. For 10-bit color, you need to lower the refresh rate to 120Hz.

At its usual $1,425 price, the Dell AW3821DW offers the best value for money among these ultrawide monitors. Since the prices of all models fluctuate, feel free to leave us a comment below if you’re unsure which one to buy.

The Samsung Odyssey G9 has a VA panel that boasts a superior contrast ratio of 2,500:1. It also uses the quantum dot technology (QLED) to further increase its color gamut to 125% sRGB (95% DCI-P3).

But it gets better: it has a peak luminance of stunning 1000-nits, which in addition to its high contrast and wide color gamut, earned the monitor VESA’s DisplayHDR 1000 certification. So, there’s a notable enhancement in image quality for HDR content.

All in all, the Samsung C49G95T offers an incredibly immersive picture quality thanks to its HDR support with excellent contrast, brightness and color gamut performance while AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (with G-SYNC Compatibility), 1ms GtG response time, and the 240Hz refresh rate ensure a smooth and fluid performance.

Other gaming features include Virtual Aim Point, pre-calibrated picture modes (FPS, RTS, RPG, and AOS) and Black Equalizer (improves visibility in darker games).

In this category, you’ll find the best 4K monitors for both PC and console gaming. Keep in mind that in order to run PC games at 4K UHD with decent frame rates and picture settings, you will need a powerful CPU and GPU.

Looking for an affordable 4K monitor for console gaming, PC gaming, content creation and other multimedia use? The ASUS VG289Q offers excellent value for the price!

The IPS panel of the ASUS VG289Q ensures stunning colors and details thanks to its 10-bit color depth, 90% DCI-P3 color gamut and 4K Ultra HD resolution.

And the good news? Such a high resolution on a 28″ screen results in a pixel density of 157 PPI, which makes individual pixels indistinguishable from one another.What’s more, you get plenty of screen space, though, for tiny items such as text to be readable, you will need to use scaling.

Other panel-related specs include a 350-nit peak brightness, 178-degree viewing angles and a 5ms response time speed, all of which are standard for a monitor at this price range.

Naturally, for a ‘true’ HDR viewing experience, a monitor needs a much higher peak brightness and contrast ratio as well as local dimming with at least DisplayHDR 600 certification.

Other available features include customizable crosshairs, Shadow Boost for better visibility in darker games, pre-calibrated picture presets, on-screen timers and a refresh rate tracker.

If you’re looking for a cheaper 4K monitor, check out the Philips 278E1A which goes for ~$250, but it doesn’t support FreeSync nor HDR, and it has a tilt-only stand.

In case you want a 32″ 4K monitor, the LG 32UN650 is the most affordable model with an IPS panel. However, at that price range, we recommend getting a 28″ 4K 144Hz gaming monitor instead, such as the Acer XB283K KV for better performance.

To start with, the IPS panel used in the XB283K offers a wide 90% DCI-P3 color gamut for vibrant and lifelike colors, and there’s a working sRGB mode.

The Acer XB283K KV supports a variable refresh rate with a 48-144Hz dynamic range, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certification and stable G-SYNC performance.

However, the HDMI 2.1 port on the Acer XB283K KV is limited to 24 Gbit/s and relies on DSC for the rest of the required bandwidth. This doesn’t affect Xbox and PC gamers, but the PS5 is limited to 4:2:0 color format at 4K 120Hz.

The PS5 is already limited to 4:2:2 color format due to its own HDMI 2.1 limitations (32 Gbit/s), so you wouldn’t be getting a full 4:4:4 signal anyway. This type of compression mainly affects text clarity when displayed on colored backgrounds, so it’s not really a big issue for gaming.

The Aorus FV43U is based on a VA panel, so some ghosting will be noticeable in fast-paced games (mainly in darker scenes), but you get a high 4,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks, a stellar 1,000-nit peak brightness for vivid highlights, and a wide 99% Adobe RGB color gamut (~150% sRGB) for vibrant colors (sRGB clamp is available too).

4K UHD resolution looks great even on 43″ screens as you get a pixel density of 103.67 PPI. However, since the monitor uses a BGR subpixel layout, text will look a bit fringy if you’re not using any scaling and are sitting close to the screen. So, if you plan on using the monitor for work too, have a look at our RGB vs BGR subpixel layout article.

Aim Stabilizer Sync is available as well, allowing for simultaneous VRR and MBR operation. Other features include various picture presets, PiP/PbP, crosshair overlays, on-screen timers, and Black Equalizer.

Note that the HDMI 2.1 ports on this monitor are limited to 24 Gbps and use DSC for 4K 144Hz 10-bit RGB color, just like with the Acer XB283K model. This isn’t an issue for the Xbox consoles and PC, but the PS5 will be limited to the 4:2:0 color format instead of 4:2:2.

Thanks to its 576-zone mini LED FALD (full-array local dimming) solution and high 1200-nit peak brightness, the Cooler Master GP27Q can simultaneously display deep blacks and bright highlights for the true HDR viewing experience.

You also get a quick 1ms GtG pixel response time speed, smooth VRR performance up to 165FPS (some flickering can be observed in certain games with both HDR and VRR enabled) and MBR support.

Its higher 4K resolution results in a higher pixel density and therefore sharper details, but it’s also a lot more demanding on your GPU. So, we recommend the GP27U model if you have a high-end PC rig and/or need the monitor for work.

Although not a monitor, LG’s OLED TVs deliver an otherworldly gaming experience for both immersion and responsiveness. They’re actually cheaper than some worse big format gaming monitors.

LG’s C2 line-up includes a 42″ variant, which is much more practical for desktop use than the previous-gen (the C1) smallest model with a 48″ screen size.

Other specs aren’t too shabby either and include a wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut, impeccable 178° viewing angles and a peak brightness of 700-nits (180-nits sustainable for 100% white window in SDR).

Further, LG’s OLED panels have a WBGR subpixel layout instead of the more common RGB. This results in some color fringing with small text, but it’s mainly noticeable when looking at it from up close. You won’t notice it in games and videos.

When it comes to gaming, the LG C2 boasts instantaneous 1ms pixel response time speed for zero ghosting and low input lag of ~14ms at 60Hz and ~7ms at 120Hz, which makes for imperceptible delay (Game Mode must be enabled).

Alas, the VRR performance is not flawless as there are near-black gamma shifts. When any of the VRR technologies is enabled, gamma gets brightened up a bit.

LG offers a feature that helps alleviate the near-black gamma shifts, the ‘Fine Tune Dark Areas’ slider under ‘Additional Picture Settings’. You can adjust it from -30 to 30 in increments of 1; the lower you go, the darker the blacks become at cost of shadow detail clarity, while too high setting makes for too elevated blacks. The best results will vary depending on the game, and while the issue is not completely fixed, you can greatly reduce its intensity.

Now, the main downside of OLED TVs is the risk of permanent image burn-in,but unless you leave a static picture on your TV for hours, you have nothing to worry about.

Just like LED LCDs, OLEDs use the sample-and-hold method to display images, so some motion blur will always be visible with fast-moving objects. To reduce the perceived motion blur, there’s the BFI (Black Frame Insertion) feature called OLED Motion with three different intensity levels, which you can find under the TruMotion settings; BFI and VRR can’t be active at the same time though.

The design of the TV is a bit different from the C1 series as it has two legs, making it more practical for regular PC desks. However, besides VESA mount compatibility, there are no ergonomics.

The ASUS PG42UQ monitor is based on the same panel with a 138Hz overclockable refresh rate, DisplayPort input and a matte anti-glare coating instead of a glossy screen surface. It can also get a bit brighter than the 42C2, but lacks Dolby Vision support and it’s usually a lot more expensive.

For a lot of people, 42″ sized screens are still too big for regular desktop use. So, if you’re looking for something smaller for an incredible HDR gaming experience, you should get the Dell Alienware AW3423DWF.

Next, it has a wider color gamut with 99.3% DCI-P3 coverage (with adjustable sRGB and DCI-P3 color modes available and calibrated at Delta E < 2) for more vibrant and saturated colors, which also further increases perceived brightness.

While the 3440×1440 resolution is lower than 4K UHD, you actually get a slightly higher pixel density of 110 PPI in comparison to 42″ 4K displays, resulting in more screen space and sharper details – and it’s a lot easier on your GPU. Moreover, due to the ultrawide format, you get an extended field of view in compatible content.

The screen has a 1800R curvature for added immersion and a semi-glossy finish, so it offers more vivid image quality in comparison to matte anti-glare displays, but it’s not quite as clear (or reflective) as LG’s OLED panels.

Moreover, it boasts a rapid 1ms GtG pixel response time speed for zero ghosting behind fast-moving objects, while variable refresh rate is supported for tear-free gameplay up to 165FPS.

In terms of image quality and performance, the Dell AW3423DWF is better than the Samsung Neo G9 even though it’s $700 – $1,200 cheaper! However, the Neo G9 still has some advantages that some users might prefer.

If you want a big 49″ super-ultrawide monitor, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is the best model available. Especially for simulation games, a lot of gamers prefer the bigger and more curved 49″ panel of the G9, even though it doesn’t have as good HDR image quality or as fast response time speed.

Even though the Samsung Neo G9 has one of the best mini LED FALD implementations with 2048 dimming zones, some blooming is still noticeable in certain scenarios, mainly when it comes to demanding scenes such as starfields.

Further, the colors aren’t as vibrant with ~95% DCI-P3 gamut coverage, and while the pixel response time speed is quite fast for a LED-backlit panel, it’s not on par with OLEDs, so some minor ghosting and overshoot is detectable, but most gamers won’t be bothered by it.

The Neo G9 supports AMD FreeSync with a 96-240Hz VRR range for tear-free gameplay up to 240FPS, while LFC prevents tearing below 96FPS. It’s not (yet) officially certified by NVIDIA as ‘G-SYNC Compatible’, but VRR works with compatible NVIDIA cards, though some users report micro-stuttering issues on their units.

The main disadvantage of the Neo G9 is the price. For $2,300, you can actually get the Dell AW3423DWF or the LG OLED42C2 for better HDR image quality andthe previous Samsung Odyssey G9 version.

TCL/CSOT is also working on a 49″ 5120×1440 240Hz panel with a 5000-zone local dimming system, however, there’s no word on its pricing and release date yet.

In case you can afford something a bit pricier, the Samsung G7, the Gigabyte M27Q-X, the LG 34GP83A, the Dell AW3821DW, the Samsung G9 and the LG 32GQ950, depending on your budget and preference, are all going to take your gaming experience to the next level.

Money is not an issue? The Dell AW3423DWF, the Neo G9, the Neo G7 or the LG C2 will provide you with the best HDR gaming experience currently possible!

– Revamped the buyer’s guide – reduced the number of recommended monitors from 30 down to 17 for compactness and better readability. All the noteworthy monitors that were removed are now moved to ‘Alternatives.’

Gaming monitor options keep growing with new brands, features, resolutions and display sizes available. It"s an exciting time to be a PC gamer, but that also means that selecting the best gaming monitor for your rig is growing more complicated. The array of specs to consider is dizzying, from adaptive-sync technologies (Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync) to refresh rates, panel types. screen curvatures and HDR support.

When seeking the best gaming monitor for your rig, there are different panel types vying for your eyeballs — IPS(opens in new tab), TN(opens in new tab), VA(opens in new tab) and even OLED(opens in new tab)— each with its own pros and cons. You can"t forget about screen size and aspect ratio, which affect your views, desk space and, again, bank account. And we haven"t even discussed bonuses, like speakers, RGB or port selection. How"s a gamer to choose with all of these options?

For a deep dive into how to pick the best monitor--gaming or otherwise--check out our PC Monitor Buying Guide(opens in new tab). Below is a list of the best gaming monitors out there right now, based on our own tests.

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.

When trying to buy the best gaming monitor for your PC, consider the following:G-Sync or FreeSync? G-Sync only works with PCs with Nvidia graphics cards, while FreeSync only works with systems using AMD ones. You can technicallyrun G-Sync on a FreeSync-only monitor, but performance isn"t guaranteed. FreeSync monitors tend to be cheaper, but performance is comparable. For a detailed comparison of the two technologies’ performance, see our Nvidia G-Sync vs. AMD FreeSync comparison(opens in new tab) article.

For image quality, TN < IPS < VA < OLED. Generally speaking. Typically, TN monitors are the fastest but cheapest, due to weaker viewing angles. IPS displays have slightly slower response times but better color than VA monitors. The best gaming monitors for contrast are VA, but VA also has slower response times. Displays with OLED panels are expensive but the most colorful by far.

Refresh rates: bigger is better. This number explains the number of times your monitor updates with new information per second — stated in hertz (Hz) — and, therefore, how many frames per second (fps) the monitor can display. Bigger numbers mean smoother images. Refresh rate is especially important for gamers, so you’ll want to shoot for a monitor with at least 120 Hz (most gaming monitors offer at least 144 Hz), combined with the lowest response time you can find.

Resolution: Full HD, QHD, 4K. The most popular screen resolutions for gaming monitors are Full HD (1920 x 1080), QHD (2560 x 1440) and 4K (3840 x 2160). The more pixels a screen has, the sharper its image should look. So a 4K monitor will be able to show a more crisp image and more detail than a lower resolution Full HD monitor. Generally speaking, the lowest resolution monitors push the fastest refresh rates, reaching upwards of 500 Hz. Because they have to push many more pixels, 4K monitors usually top out at a 144 Hz refresh rate.

The Dell S3222DGM is just a great, all-around pick as the top gaming monitor thanks to its excellent image quality, plentiful features and typical solid build quality. At the heart of this display is a 2560 x 1440, curved VA panel that supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync at up to 165 Hz.

The S3222DGM"s delivers an enviable contrast ratio thanks to its 1800R curved VA panel. While the IPS competition often struggles to break much past 1,000:1, the S3222DGM"s VA panels shot to 4209:1 in our tests. The display also reproduced 122 percent of the sRGB color gamut and 85 percent of the DCI-P3 gamut on our tests along with an incredibly accurate gamut error rate of 2.07dE.

Desktop-class OLEDs used to be a rarity in the gaming monitor segment, but over the years, prices have come down, and more entries have entered the fray. The latest comes to us from Alienware, and it’s the jaw-dropping AW3423DFW.

This is a 34-inch ultra-wide monitor with a 1800R curve and a resolution of 3440 x 1440. However, the most important spec is its use of a Quantum Dot OLED (QD-OLED) panel, which offers an extremely wide color gamut and the blackest blacks you’ll find in a gaming monitor.

The QD-OLED “heart” of the AW3423DFW gives it unmatched contrast and excellent color saturation and we felt no need to calibrate the panel further out of the box. Throw in premium build quality – as we expect from Alienware – and top-notch video processing and the AW3423DFW hit all the high notes without any demerits worth mentioning for enthusiast gamers.

With a price tag of around $250, the Monoprice Dark Matter 42770 is an easy to recommend 1080p gaming monitor with a wide color gamut, excellent contrast ratio for an IPS display and solid build quality. At this price, you"re getting a relatively barebones monitor, but Monoprice spent its time throwing in the features that matter most to gamers on a budget.

Although the monitor doesn"t support HDR, its native dynamic range is excellent, and it features a wide color gamut and excellent gamma tracking. Its deep blacks are welcome here given that this is an IPS panel, with its color and contrast on part with monitors that costs hundreds of dollars more.

The Gigabyte G27F2 represents a revamp of theG27F we first reviewed in late 2020. While the original monitor was highlighted by a 144Hz panel, the new G27F2 revision ups that figure to 170Hz. While that might not be as fast as more high-end Full HD gaming monitors, we have to remember that the G27F2 has a bargain basement price of just over $200.

However, that low price doesn"t mean that Gigabyte skimped on quality. You"ll still find low response times and input lag compared to others in this segment. In addition, the build quality throughout is excellent, as is color accuracy and contrast (which is somewhat of a revelation given that the G27F2 uses an IPS panel instead of VA).

The Dell G3223Q is a stellar entry in the 4K gaming monitor segment, offering a 32-inch panel size, low total input lag (measured at just 30ms) and an excellent balance between response and motion resolution. As you might expect for a 4K gaming monitor, we have a 144Hz refresh rate with support for both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Adaptive Sync technologies.

One thing that makes the Armada 27 stand out (along with its smaller Armada 25 sibling) is the inclusion of a gaming mount for attaching the monitor to your desk instead of a traditional stand. This gives customers greater flexibility in positioning the Armada 27 for height, swivel and tilt.

If you like your games to look extra colorful, the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD is the best gaming monitor for your rig. This monitor posted the widest color gamut we’ve ever recorded: 112.19% of DCI-P3 after our recommended calibration. 90% of DCI-P3 would be impressive, so this is one color-saturated screen.

Contrast is also strong for an IPS panel, hitting 1,129.1:1 after our calibration. And for those concerned about speed, this 165 Hz screen kept up with the 170 Hz Gigabyte M27Q in our testing

Color purists, however, will lament the lack of an sRGB mode, considering the MAG274QRF-QD’s sRGB coverage is at 166.33%. Its backlight strobe for fighting motion blur is also a disappointment. You can’t use Adaptive-Sync with it, the brightness goes down by about 50% and it created ghosting that resulted in a parallax effect with fast motion. In addition, this is yet another gaming monitor to offer HDR but without any noticeable image boost over SDR.

The Viotek GNV34DBE is a well-performing and affordable curved gaming monitor. Its 1500R curve proved to add an immersive touch while gaming, helping to fill our peripheral vision. Despite its tight curve, we still found the GNV34DBE fit for working. There was no distortion, and we enjoyed having multiple windows open for boosted productivity.

But it’s not just about the GNV34DBE’s curve. You also get a 144 Hz refresh rate and response times and input lag that kept up with 144 Hz rivals during our testing. On the battlefield, we realized the high pixel density of a 1440p screen and smooth gaming without any screen tearing, thanks to FreeSync. Color and contrast were competitive with pricier gaming displays too.

Gigabyte’s Aorus CV27Q is the best 1440p gaming monitor when it comes to high-speed gaming performance. With its impressive specs, it shined in our input lag and response time tests when pitted against 144 Hz rivals. Sure, you could get slightly better performance from the 1080p version, the Aorus CV27F, but then you wouldn’t be getting that sharper QHD resolution or higher pixel density (109ppi).

With a VA panel offering 3,000:1 contrast, image quality is no joke either. The CV27Q has a low black level that made image depth look great, particularly with HDR titles. But as far as HDR goes, this monitor only goes up to 400 nits brightness; we prefer HDR displays that hit at least 600 nits.

If you have extra room in your budget and want to squeeze out that additional drop of performance from your 1440p screen, the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQ may be the best gaming monitor for you. This screen is ready to compete with the speediest of screens, competing well against other 165-170 Hz screens in our response time test and falling just 1-3ms behind in our input lag test.

The Razer Raptor 27 is the best gaming monitor for 144 Hz refresh rates. It"ll make any gamer you know jealous with premium touches, like an RGB stand, flat green cables for cable management and drool-worthy build quality. Plus, HDR delivery is some of the best we’ve seen in an edge-lit panel yet.

For speed demons, a 240 Hz monitor hits the spot. Up until recently, that level of speed required two things: settling for 1080p resolution and a TN panel. But the Asus" 27-inch ROG Swift PG279QM is the best gaming monitor in this class. It manages that speed with a color-accurate IPS panel. Not only does it deliver a huge color gamut, but it also has excellent video processing and premium build quality.

The 32-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 is in a class all its own. It’s one of Samsung’s 1000R screens, meaning it’s one of the curviest gaming monitors you can find on the market. If you’re a fan of the immersive feel of a curved monitor, the 32” Odyssey G7 will elevate this experience even higher.

At 32 inches, the Odyssey G7’s amazing 1000R curve drew us in, whether we were playing games or doing work. With this curvature, we could view productivity apps without any image distortion, and when gaming our vision was filled with action. The 32-inch, 16:9 build offers ample height for productivity and, coupled with 1440p resolution, hits a sweet spot for gaming.

In terms of image quality, the 32-inch Odyssey G7 proved accurate before we even calibrated it while boasting a 2,121:1 contrast ratio, according to our testing.

The 27-inch gaming monitor competition is crowded, but the Viotek GFI27DBXA stands out with an incredibly colorful image that’s also bright and sharp. The 1440p panel covers 101% of the DCI-P3 color space, according to our testing. Contrast, meanwhile, proved comparable to your typical IPS panel, but the dynamic contrast feature helped when gaming. Combined with the wide color coverage, the image impressed during gaming.

Speed-wise, the GFI27DBXA is ready to play. In our benchmarks, it showed a competitive 6ms response time. With a 180 Hz refresh rate, it fell behind 165 and 170 Hz screens from more premium brands but only by 2-6ms. Plus, its overdrive is one of the best we’ve seen, ensuring zero perceivable delays for mainstream players. Plus, the monitor feels strong and reliable, despite its lower price.

The Dell S2422HG might be small in stature at just 23.6 inches across, but it packs quite a punch at a very attractive price point. Not everyone has the cash to drop $400 or $500 on a gaming monitor, so it"s nice to see Dell providing a value-conscious entry here.

The S2422HG has a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a relatively fast refresh rate at 165 MHz. Dell uses a VA panel here, so you get excellent contrast at 3,000:1 (we measured better at 3,261.8:1) and a factory-rated brightness of 350 nits (although we only measured 324 nits). We also commend Dell for including both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility in this budget-oriented monitor.

Video processing for the S2422HG was good in our testing, and the low input lag was appreciated. However, we did have to knock the motor for its lack of sRGB mode, no integrated speakers, and a lack of USB hub functionality.

The Samsung 49-Inch Odyssey G9 is one of the most extreme monitors on this page. Not only is it a massive 49 inches diagonally, but it also carries a 1000R curve, the most dramatic curve offered on a gaming monitor today. From a 2-3-feet distance, this panel will fill your view. It’s like having two 27-inch, 1440p monitors in one. You"ll need nearly 4 feet of desk width and 17 inches of depth to accommodate it, but if you do, you’ll enjoy a wraparound gaming environment without image distortion. Are you looking for a smaller ultrawide? The Acer Predator X38is also excellent.

Currently going for $660(opens in new tab), the ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C is cheaper than many other 35-inch ultrawides and ultrawides with fewer features (there’s even RGB lighting on the back of the XG350R-C). But what you’ll really love about the XG350R-C is its vivid and accurate color that makes textures pop, skin tones look natural, and everything looks more realistic.

If you’ve wanted to try out an HDR monitor but can’t afford the best HDR monitors with FALD backlights, the ViewSonic Elite XG270QC (available here(opens in new tab)) is worth a look. Admittedly, it’s not quite FALD-quality, but with edge-lit backlighting, the runner-up, and a VA panel, this monitor’s HDR performance will give you a noticeable upgrade over SDR.

The Asus TUF Gaming VG259QM isn’t the only 240 Hz monitor here, but it’s the only one that overclocks to an impressive 280 Hz so impressively. It’s not only about the high refresh rate, though. It’s also the ability to incorporate FreeSync (despite lacking certification) or G-Sync Compatibility alongside Asus’ Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) feature that bests any monitor’s overdrive. With those features and 280 Hz, our inputs almost felt predicted. This is the kind of monitor that could help your game. Asus’ VG259QM topped our response time test and did admirably in terms of absolute input lag.

One of the downsides of this monitor is its HDR capability. Using an IPS panel with 1,000:1 contrast and only DisplayHDR 400 certification, HDR won’t look much better than SDR content. And, of course, you’ll need a decent graphics card to make the most out of this high-refresh screen.

Our benchmarking recorded the NXG253R’s absolute input lag at 17ms, 1ms faster than the next fastest 360 Hz monitor (Asus’ PG259QN). The NXG253R matched the other 360 Hz screens with a 3ms result when it came to response time. You also get Nvidia’s Reflexlatency analyzer, plus G-Sync all the way down to 1 Hz. Nothing is missing for gaming performance here.

There are some things missing, though. Despite the high price (especially for a 1080p monitor), the NXG253R doesn’t have speakers. And its color gamut is sRGB, rather than the more colorful DCI-P3 that’s increasingly popular among gaming monitors. But this is still a bright screen with decent contrast (1,190.6:1) for an IPS panel. HDR is aided by a variable backlight, which brings contrast to a high 7,972.5:1 with HDR content.

For most, the CRG5 is in the sweet spot for a 240Hz monitor. Its 1080p resolution will require less graphics power than the 1440p PD27. When it came to our speed benchmarks, the PD27 was 1ms faster than the CRG5 in the response time test and 2ms slower in the absolute input lag test. So performance there is comparable, but the PD27 is also in a different style class.

With a unique metallic stand reminiscent of a racecar’s roll cage, LED lighting, including a projector that casts a customizable Porsche Design logo, and even its own remote, this monitor is as much about premium looks as it is about premium performance. If you want a little bit of it everything, it’s tough to beat this stylish monitor.

When shopping for any gaming monitor, including those above, you may save some money by checking out our lists of best computer monitor deals, Dell Coupon Codes, Lenovo coupon codes, LG coupon codes or Newegg coupon codes.

The Alienware AW3423DW is clearly the best ultrawide you can get right now, it"s priced well for the features it offers, and it is overall one of the best monitors you can get on the market right now.

The big selling point to this Alienware display is its use of QD-OLED technology. This means that we get proper, true HDR performance thanks to OLED"s self-lit pixel structure and resulting deep, zero-level blacks. This QD-OLED panel can hit up to 1000 nits of brightness for small elements and just looks great displaying HDR content. Combined with its extremely fast response times (thanks to the inherent nature of OLED technology), and fast 175Hz refresh rate, there is no better monitor on the entire market for HDR gaming right now.

It"s a very capable SDR gaming monitor as well, and despite featuring OLED, it doesn"t have some of the drawbacks we"ve seen from other OLED displays. In particular, full screen brightness of 240 nits is usable in most rooms (though not amazing), and there"s no annoying features like automatic brightness limiters enabled when using the SDR mode. Dell also mitigates the anxiety over OLED"s tendency to burn in with a 3-year burn in warranty.

There are some drawbacks which do restrict the capabilities of the AW3423DW to content consumption. The triangle-RGB pixel structure is not great for text clarity and can cause fringing on some content, which may be noticeable depending on how sensitive you are, I can notice it personally and have heard mixed results from others. And despite the burn-in warranty, there is still a risk of burn-in, which is exacerbated when using the display for static imagery, like spreadsheets or other productivity apps. We only recommend this monitor if you are primarily going to use it for gaming, or other content consumption like watching movies.

Other problems include the display"s coating and layer composition, which can reflect a lot of ambient light. To get the full benefit of this display I"d recommend using it in a dark room. It"s also actively cooled and the fan can be heard while it"s running. Despite these negatives though, you won"t find a better ultrawide monitor, or better HDR gaming monitor, for $1300.

The main alternate to the Alienware is something like the LG 34GN850, if you want an ultrawide that"s well suited to productivity in addition to gaming, but $900 it doesn"t seem worth it compared to the far superior Alienware. In this sort of price range, we"d definitely want to spend the extra $400 to get proper HDR support, even if that meant sacrificing some usability, though this will depend on the amount of gaming versus productivity that you do.

Not everyone has $1,300 to spend on a monitor, so if HDR isn"t your thing and you just want a regular ultrawide that"s affordable, we recommend the Gigabyte M34WQ. It"s a bit unusual being a flat 34-inch 3440 x 1440 144Hz IPS display, but what it offers at just $500 is an excellent balance of performance across the various areas we test and look for. Response times are good, color performance is good, and there are no huge negatives such as dark level smearing that you do get with most budget VA ultrawides.

That"s not to say there are no cons: the contrast ratio is very weak in comparison to its VA competitors, and response times aren"t as fast as premium IPS gaming ultrawides. But the versatility of its IPS panel and general balance of performance is what swings me towards this product compared to others on the market.

Over the last six months we"ve reviewed a ton of new 4K gaming monitors, so we wanted to update our top picks and which of them are worth buying right now. There are more 4K high refresh rate monitors on the market now than ever before, and while this is still a premium category, pricing has been steadily dropping. All in all, it"s a pretty good time to get into 4K gaming if you"re interested.

As for whether you should buy a 4K monitor or not (for gaming), there are many different monitor categories and perhaps there might be something more suitable for you. We believe that for a large portion of PC gamers, you may want to choose 1440p over 4K right now. 1440p medium refresh monitors around the 144Hz mark are way more affordable.

Alternatively, if you want to go high end, 1440p monitors will offer higher refresh rates at the same price as 4K, or even at lower prices. With current GPU hardware you"ll be able to run games at higher frame rates on 1440p, leading to a smoother experience, whereas for a lot of people native 4K gaming is going to be more like 60 FPS or less. So it"s not just about the resolution (4K is certainly sharper), but at the current level of GPU power, we still feel 1440p is the sweet spot.

But that"s not to say there are no reason to go 4K. A high-end GPU like Nvidia"s GeForce RTX 3080 and above are quite capable of 4K gaming, and depending on the title, you may be able to run the game at high frame rates. If you do have a powerful gaming rig, then grabbing a 4K high refresh monitor could be the way to go. 4K monitors also make the most sense for console gaming on the PS5 or Xbox Series X, because these systems target 4K outputs and the PS5 doesn"t even support 1440p.

Another key reason for going 4K is if you want extra versatility in your setup. 4K monitors are great for desktop use, productivity apps and content creation, so if you want to do that alongside gaming, 4K is the way to go. With the rise of high performance 4K IPS monitors with wide color gamuts, doing this sort of thing is better than ever.

In today"s article we are purely targeting 4K gaming monitors, meaning we are ignoring any 60Hz displays, and 120Hz is the minimum. We"re also mostly discussing products that we"ve reviewed ourselves. We have full reviews for lots of the products in this buying guide that are well worth checking out for more in-depth testing and thoughts.

If you"re buying a 4K high refresh gaming monitor right now, by far the best category to invest into is the 27-inch category. 4K monitors around this size deliver the best performance, and are the most affordable, making them great buys for a wide variety of use cases. But it"s also important to grab something from the current generation of 4K panels, otherwise you will be missing out on key features.

For most gamers, the 4K monitor that makes the most sense to buy also turns out to be the best value, typically sitting in the $600 to $700 range. Our recommendation hasn"t changed since our last guide update. We"ve reviewed several other 4K monitors since and the Gigabyte M28U still comes out on top from a value perspective.

The M28U has very good response times, with an average transition in our testing of 4ms at 144Hz. It also has very good performance across the refresh range, so for those using adaptive sync variable refresh rates, you don"t need to tweak overdrive settings to get the best experience. This IPS monitor delivers speed in the ideal range for the latest generation of IPS panels, this is complemented with great backlight strobing that works alongside adaptive sync. We get HDMI 2.1 support, which is essential when buying a new 4K monitor in 2022 – not all monitors have this feature, so make sure to get one that does.

The Gigabyte"s color quality is strong, viewing angles are excellent and it does pack a wide color gamut – though not as wide as the best monitors of today. Factory calibration is above average, there"s a good sRGB mode for everyday use, and contrast is typical for an IPS panel. To top it all off, Gigabyte includes a KVM switch and a height adjustable stand which are both neat feature additions.

Those of you buying a 4K monitor to use with a PlayStation 5, the Gigabyte M28U is not the best choice because its HDMI 2.1 ports are limited to 24 Gbps, instead of the full 48 Gbps. In this case our recommendation goes to the Samsung Odyssey G7 S28, which does offer full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth.

The Odyssey G7 S28 is usually a little more expensive than the M28U, typically sitting at $700. Both monitors deliver very similar performance aside from HDMI 2.1, however recently we"ve found the Samsung going on sale for as low as $630. If the Samsung model is cheaper than the Gigabyte, we"d buy it instead.

The Eve Spectrum 4K is a really good 4K 144Hz monitor. It uses an LG panel, which has some benefits over the Innolux panel used in the Gigabyte M28U, such as a wider color gamut which is great for DCI-P3 usage and makes the display more versatile for both content creation and gaming.

Now, we wouldn"t strongly recommend buying from Eve as a company. You can see our thoughts on why in our full Spectrum review, however since then Eve appears to be delivering on their promises and shipping monitors to customers in a more timely fashion. So we"re more comfortable with a recommendation here than we were when we bought our review unit.

Do note that the Spectrum 4K is more expensive than competitors and it"s hard to justify spending $900 (stand included), when the M28U and Odyssey G7 are available around $650 to $700 unless you specifically must have one of the additional features. We don"t think the Spectrum offers an extra $250 of value over top competitors, but it"s still worth considering if you want the best of the best.

If you"re after a 32-inch 4K gaming monitor, unfortunately you"ll have to accept the reality that these panels are still in their infancy. Thus performance is a step behind the 27-inch category, and of course, they"re also more expensive. We"ve tested several options in this category and all have compromised performance in some ways. The best option we"ve seen so far, and the most versatile choice for a range of use cases, is the MSI Optix MPG321UR-QD ($900).

The MSI Optix"s big strength is in color performance. It has a very wide color gamut, covering nearly all of the sRGB, Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color spaces. This makes it an excellent choice as a dual-use monitor for gaming and content creation. You could flip this display into its built-in Adobe RGB mode for editing images in Photoshop, then play some games at 4K 144Hz when you"re done. Or use the decent sRGB mode for watching YouTube content without oversaturation. On top of this, MSI includes a KVM switch, full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1, semi-HDR functionality, and decent brightness and contrast.

Where the MPG321UR-QD stumbles is in motion performance. The AU Optronics panel is decent at 144Hz, but on average across the entire refresh range it"s not that fast, especially when compared to 27-inch models. MSI doesn"t include variable overdrive which hurts performance, and leads to a last-gen IPS experience, although the backlight strobing mode is not too bad. While this is an obvious downside to the display, we"ve yet to test an alternative that offers anything meaningfully better.

The M32U, based on our testing of the FI32U which uses the same panel, is faster but features high levels of overshoot across the refresh range. This is because like with the MSI model, Gigabyte don"t use variable overdrive on these displays, so performance is untamed at lower refresh rates. This leads to the blur trails of the MPG32UR-QD effectively just being replaced by inverse ghosting trails, even though with better tuning I believe this panel could be faster overall.

The M32U also doesn"t have anywhere near as wide of a wide gamut panel, with not enough coverage of Adobe RGB to be useful. It lacks the versatility of the MSI variant for content creation and productivity work, even though it still looks pretty good in most categories. If you don"t care about wide color gamut, it"s still going to be fine and is a more affordable choice, but we"re not sold on these 32-inch 4K panels yet and feel that another generation of iteration is required.

Based on the 32-inch displays we"ve tested, these larger variants tend not to perform as well as their smaller counterparts, usually featuring inferior response time