lcd panel refresh rate pricelist

Generally speaking, LCD displays are the cheapest type of modern computer monitor. LED displays, which are based on the same technology as their LCD cousins, tend to be slightly more expensive while OLED displays are the most expensive of all. The latter being due to the high-priced components that make up the OLED technology.

If you are using your PC to stream content or to play graphically intensive games, then the refresh rate is an incredibly important consideration. The refresh rate indicates how often your monitor refreshes the screen. As for price, monitors with ultra-high refresh rates, above 120Hz, tend to be more expensive than displays with refresh rates of 75Hz or less.

Certain monitors include additional features that can impact the price. These can include USB hubs, integrated stereo speakers, microphones, ergonomically designed frames, and more. Some monitors also include robust cable management systems, making for a tidy setup. We recommend making a “must-have” list of features before settling on your final purchase.

So you"re looking for a monitor, huh? Well, you can"t go wrong with Dell. The key to Dell is in the variety. Whether you"re a businessman looking for something for work or you want something pretty to binge your favorite media on or you"re a gamer looking for the best refresh rate for your money, Dell has a screen that should work for you. You"ll find everything from USB hubs to 4K resolutions to Nvidia G-Sync technology in Dell"s monitors, and in some cases you might find it all at once. That"ll cost you a pretty penny though, and we"re here to save you money with the best monitor prices from Dell not the opposite. Decide what features you need the most and what features you can do without because that will help you decide what monitor deal to invest in.

Did you know Dell makes multiple series of monitors based on the features they have? Look for the letter at the beginning of the model name, and that should give you some idea of what you"re buying. Some of the screens are more likely to be covered by Dell"s Premium Panel guarantee, too, which is a great policy for replacing monitors that have bad pixels. The guarantee covers all U (UltraSharp) and P (Professional) monitors and even some from the S and C categories on a case-by-case basis. So at least you know when you buy from Dell you"re covered.

Now comes with a $50 Dell gift card you can use at Dell.com. With this screen you get 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a response time up to 2ms. It has 250 nits of brightness, an HDMI and VGA port, and a VA panel. This is as inexpensive as decent monitors go, and the deal will likely disappear before long.

A great monitor if you"re shopping on a budget but still want something with 1080p pixel resolution, a refresh rate that can jump up to 75Hz using HDMI, and a response time as fast as 5ms. It uses a VA panel and includes 250 nits of brightness.

The specs for this screen include a 1080p pixel resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate that can go up to 75Hz on HDMI, and a 4ms response time at its fastest.

Another great bargain if you"re looking for solid specs without breaking the bank. This display gives you 27 inches of real estate plus a 1080p pixel resolution, 4ms response time, and a 75Hz refresh rate all on an IPS panel.

You get an IPS panel with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution and an outstanding 165Hz refresh rate. It also has 350 nits of brightness and a 1ms response time. Connectivity includes two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort.

One of the best prices on an Alienware monitor we"ve ever seen. If you really want a screen designed for gamers, this is it. You"ll get 1080p resolution with a crazy 240Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. It has HDMI, DisplayPort, and a USB hub as well.

You get a whole lot of features packed into this screen, including a curve that helps immerse you into every detail. The specs include a 1080p pixel resolution, a 4ms response time, and a 144Hz refresh rate.

Think of this monitor as a great supplement to your laptop or other portable device. Just add some real estate to work with while you"re on the road or using a cafe as an office. The 14-inch screen includes 1080p resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a 6ms response time. It has two USB-C ports so you can connect to it with just about anything and a DisplayPort 1.4 with HDCP tech.

A monitor with a USB-C port gives you a lot of options, but most importantly it"s great when you"re working from a tablet or laptop and need more space to work with. Plus, this display has 1440p resolution, a 75Hz refresh rate, and a 4ms response time. There are also two SuperSpeed USB-A ports.

The internal specs include 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution, a response time up to 4ms, and a 60Hz refresh rate. This is a fantastic media monitor for binge watching your favorite Netflix show. It has 350 nits of brightness, DisplayPort and HDMI connections, and an IPS panel.

This is definitely a monitor that won"t disappoint. It comes with 1440p pixel resolution, 1 ms response time, and even a 165Hz refresh rate so it"s great for both binging movies and playing games. It has a USB hub in the back, 400 nits of brightness, and a Fast IPS panel.

Getting good bang for your buck with Dell"s S3422DW screen. Not only does it have a beautiful curve to help with immersion, it also has a 3440 x 1440 pixel resolution with a 100Hz refresh rate and a 4ms response time. You get 400 nits of brightness, a VA panel, and a USB hub with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 SuperSpeed ports. There is also two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort.

Get a beautiful curved screen with 3440 x 1440 pixel resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a 5ms response time. With a USB-C port and up to 65W Power Delivery, this would make a great companion for a media-focused laptop. Includes several other USB ports, an IPS panel, and 300 nits of brightness.

This deal comes through Dell"s eBay storefront as the deal has expired on the Dell main page. The AW2723DF is a great gaming display with 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution, 280Hz refresh rate, and a true 1ms response time. It uses a Fast IPS panel and has a USB hub with multiple USB-A 3.0 ports.

This is a deal that recently died at Dell, but you can still find it going for this price at Best Buy. An amazing bargain price for such a loaded gaming monitor. The specs include a 1080p resolution, an insane 360Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms response time. Connectivity includes two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort.

The G3223Q monitor just does it all. It has 4K pixel resolution for media binging and a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth action while gaming. It has 400 nits of brightness, a Fast IPS panel with 1ms response time, and even a USB hub for connecting peripherals.

Alienware is Dell"s gaming brand and covers monitors designed for fast-paced shooters, long sessions in front of the screen, and great image quality. You get a monitor with a 3840 x 1600 pixel resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate over DisplayPort, and a 1ms response time. It uses an IPS panel and includes a USB 3.2 hub with three USB-A ports.

23.8" LED-backlit LCD monitor / FHD (1920x1080) resolution IPS display / 178° (H) 178° (V) viewing angle / 250 cd/m² brightness / 5ms (GTG) response time (in FAST mode) / 1xUSB‑C input (video/audio/60W charging capability), 1xDisplayPort (in), 1xDisplayPort (out) with MST, 1xHDMI, 1xUSB‑C output (data/15W charging capability), 3xSuperSpeed 10Gbps USB Type A ports / 1xDisplayPort, 1xUSB-C to USB Type A cable included / 3 year system/panel warranty

A 24-inch PC monitor with the ability to update its image 500 times per second will be available soon, Asus and Nvidia announced Tuesday. The monitor should boost desktop monitors from the 360 Hz max native refresh rate they see today while putting a mysterious new spin on an old panel technology.

Aptly named the Asus ROG Swift 500 Hz Gaming Monitor, it manages high refresh rates with lower resolution. The 1920×1080 screen leverages a new take on TN (twisted nematic) panels called E-TN, with the "E" standing for esports. According to Asus, the E-TN panel offers "60 percent better response times than standard TN panels," and in its own announcement, Nvidia claimed the E-TN panel brings "maximum motion and clarity." But neither detailed how the technology differs from regular TN.

Standard TN panels have been becoming less common among PC monitor releases as IPS (in-plane switching) and VA (vertical alignment) panels continue catching up in speed while being known for stronger viewing angles, in the case of IPS, and larger contrast ratios, in the case of VA. Those opting for TN are willing to sacrifice some image quality in the name of speed or, often, lower prices. It"s unclear how much sacrifice E-TN may require (besides a max resolution of 1080p) or how much of a premium it"ll have compared to today"s standard TN monitors.

Today, you can buy 360 Hz monitors, including some that can overclock to 390 Hz, but 500 Hz is a new level. The panel maker behind the monitor wasn"t specifically named, but Nvidia"s announcement made a point to note its work with partner AU Optronics, which we recently showed off in 480 Hz monitors and laptops, with the former coming in the 24-inch TN variation. BOE has also been linked with a 500 Hz panel that uses an oxide TFT (thin-film transistor) active layer rather than the more common silicon TFT active layer.

Nvidia claimed that when paired with a system that can push 500 frames per second—which, of course, is no short order—you would be able to track movement more easily. In a video Nvidia shared claiming to demonstrate the benefits of 500 Hz, it showed a virtual character moving across the screen on a 144 Hz, 240 Hz, and 500 Hz display, and motion appeared jumpier with the lower refresh rates and framerates.

In addition to Nvidia G-Sync, which helps fight screen tears when your Nvidia graphics card"s framerate and the monitor"s refresh rate don"t match up, Asus" 500 Hz monitor will have Nvidia"s latency analyzer, Reflex. Nvidia claimed that playing a game on the monitor that also supports Reflex "can further reduce system latency," which you could then measure with the monitor"s Reflex feature.

The upcoming display also supports Nvidia Vibrance Mode, which is made for gaming and "allows more light to travel through the LCD crystals, giving colors new levels of vibrancy and allowing you to pick out details and highlights that might give away an enemy’s position," Asus claimed.

The best high refresh rate monitors are as important a piece of a competitive gaming setup as a great graphics card, mouse, or keyboard. If you want to see the smooth look of a game running at a high refresh rate like 144Hz or 240Hz, a high refresh rate monitor will deliver that experience, and you probably won"t be able to go back to anything lower.

What refresh rate should you be looking for in a potential upgrade? You can feel the difference between even 60Hz and 75Hz monitors, though you start to notice the benefits in-game around 120Hz. We consider the standard for gaming monitors is 144Hz, though 165Hz is common enough with overclocked panels. Beyond that, you have 240Hz and 360Hz, targeting competitive gamers, such as twitch shooter players. These usually come alongside lower resolutions and higher price tags, so you want to be sure you"ll need that snappy response before investing in a 240/360Hz gaming monitor. Don"t even get us started on 480Hz gaming monitors(opens in new tab)that are supposedly coming pretty soon.

Refresh rate is just one element of modern gaming monitors, though, and what else you desire is up to you. Should you go for an IPS or VA panel, for instance. And what about panel, size, shape, and resolution? Is the 16:9 aspect ratio still the most versatile and compatible, or is ultrawide the way? Do curved panels add anything? And what about resolution? 4K? Or does 1440p strike a better balance? Is 1080p obsolete?

We"ve tested each of these high refresh rate gaming monitors in this list to see whether their claims stand up and make sure no compromise has been made to post those sky-high refresh rate claims.

Refresh rate, resolution, black levels, panel size: pick two. That"s been the PC monitor buyer"s dilemma for several years now, since we collectively realised that yes, playing at a higher refresh rate does actually make you better at Counter-Strike. MSI"s latest panel, bearing the catchy moniker Oculux NXG253R, aims to at least address the most common tradeoff in modern gaming panels: refresh rate for colour quality.

Whereas the majority of high refresh rate panels are VA or TN screens with limited viewing angle and shallow colours, MSI"s latest is built around an IPS panel, with all the inky blacks and rich colours that technology brings with it. Traditionally IPS has been slower to the party since it"s costlier to manufacture high refresh rate panels, but evidently enough of us are sold on 120Hz and beyond.360Hz does look and feel smoother than 120Hz.

At enthusiast level, there"s still just a sense of pure enjoyment in watching Overwatch or Quake Champions zip along. Anecdotally, I found D.Va"s out-of-suit pistol combat that bit easier with frames and refresh rate way up at 300 (the game"s capped there) since my targets were always where my screen told me they were. In similarly frenetic Quake Champions matches, I pulled off Ranger"s tricky teleport kill with a bit more ease, too.

But something to bear in mind: you still need the GPU to get your frame rate up there in the hundreds in order to feel the benefit of that 360Hz refresh.

This being an IPS panel with typically darker blacks, it definitely looks more vivid in-game than even a good TN screen, and the colours hold up at any viewing angle. You"ve got a few preset brightness and color balance modes to cycle between on the OSD, arranged by genre. FPS is super-bright and saturated, racing is a bit more subdued by contrast. Out of the box, the default colour and brightness settings are easy on the eye and really sell the IPS benefit.

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.

The Alienware 34 QD-OLED curved gaming monitor completely took us by surprise. It made us believers in Samsung"s new QD-OLED panels, which we are hoping means the OLED PC monitor revolution has begun.

This monitor isn’t perfect. But it is dramatically better than any LCD-based monitor by several gaming-critical metrics. And it’s a genuine thrill to use. Of course, that’s getting ahead of ourselves. First, we need to cover off the basics.

What makes the AW3423DW far superior to your typical LCD panel on a PC gaming monitor is the near-percent color saturation and screen brightness capable of hitting a peak brightness of 1000 nits. It"s done all this while providing a ridiculously fast 175Hz refresh rate and a response time of .1ms. It might just be the best 3440 x 1440p gaming monitor we"ve ever used, and, boy, do we look at a lot of ultrawide.

Common to all OLED tech are two critical advantages over any LCD panel, namely contrast and response. Put simply, every pixel in an OLED panel is its own light source, which can be turned completely off, essentially delivering ‘true’ black levels and more or less infinite contrast. There’s no need for any of that complicated, problematic local dimming to stop the light from leaking through an LCD panel. OLED is the real HDR deal.

Not only is it OLED, it’s also Samsung’s hot new QD-LED tech, which combines the ideal RGB subpixel structure with quantum dot technology to produce both excellent color saturation and an even brighter panel. Net result? Alienware is claiming both an impressive 99.3 percent coverage of the demanding DCI-P3 color space and fully 1,000 nits brightness, albeit that brightness level can only be achieved on a small portion of the panel, not across the entire screen.

Unlike LCD monitors with claimed HDR capability, this OLED screen needs to be in HDR mode to do its thing. And that applies to SDR content, too. Alienware has provided two HDR modes, HDR 400 True Black and HDR Peak 1000. The latter enables that maximum 1,000 nit performance in small areas of the panel but actually looks less vibrant and punchy most of the time.

Why, exactly, does the AOC Agon AG273QXP run at 170Hz refresh? Is it a cynical marketing move designed to give AOC’s latest gaming panel a superficial edge over the usual 165Hz suspects? Is there some specific technical reason for the extra 5Hz?

It’s a pity to be distracted by such trivia because the AOC Agon AG273QXP has loads going for it. That 170Hz panel is a 1440p IPS item, making it a goldilocks model for modern gaming. Not too many pixels. Not too few. But just the right balance between visual detail and frame rate.

Yup, this thing ticks a lot of boxes on paper. And so it proves in practice. It’s undoubtedly as punchy a panel as the 400cd/m2 spec implies. Is it suitable for a 1ms response? Unlikely, in absolute terms. But set the overdrive to medium, and it’s a speedy monitor with minimal blur and no ghosting.

Cyberpunk 2077 looks glorious, that’s for sure. The Agon sports a pretty decent HDR implementation, too. At least it does for an HDR 400 panel that lacks local dimming. Like any other HDR 400 screen, it’s not a true HDR experience. But this is still a great high refresh rate monitor.

1080p not your bag? Better jog on as the Acer Predator XB253QGX won’t be for you. It isn’t really for most of us, either, given 1440p is a better all-around compromise for most gamers from a purely visual point. But if ultra-low latency and frames rates high enough to give you a nosebleed sounds like your thing, this 1080p 25-incher should be on your shortlist.

It’s very similar to the Alienware 25 but clocks in at a mere 240Hz to the Alienware’s outrageous 360Hz. In truth, only the most demanding esports addicts will be able to tell the difference. But if you are that sensitive to latency, the Acer’s 1080p resolution actually makes sense. After all, the fewer the pixels, the higher your frame rate.

As it happens, this Acer is slightly more vibrant than the ostensibly identical Lenovo Legion Y25-25, even if it isn’t as punchy as the much pricier Alienware. As with many screens of this type, you can fine-tune pixel response through an overdrive setting. Predictably, the most aggressive setting introduces some ghosting. But set to medium, this is a very quick IPS monitor. That said, even with a claimed MPRT response time of just 0.5ms, this is not an entirely blur-free monitor. That’s LCD technology for you.

Of course, it’s in pure visual punch where a 1080p panel like this stumbles. There’s significantly less detail on offer than a 1440p monitor, much less a 4K screen. This would not be our weapon of choice for soaking up the sheer spectacle of Cyberpunk 2077, that’s for sure.

There’s an elephant in this high refresh rate monitor round-up. And it’s the inevitable question of diminishing returns. When, exactly, do they kick in? 165Hz? 240Hz? How about 360Hz? Oh yes, this updated Alienware 25 is good for the full 360. In purely experiential and subjective terms, it’s not easy to separate it from otherwise similar 1080p IPS monitors that hum along at a comparatively pedestrian 240Hz refresh. They all feel swift.

Of course, esports aficionados with ninjascopic reflexes will appreciate the difference. And there’s certainly no penalty to pay, given this IPS panel. It’s not like you’re forced to suffer a dingy TN panel to have all those Hz. As for pixel response, it’s about as good as IPS monitors get, though once again hard to really separate from the cheaper 240Hz brigade.

But it’s actually Alienware’s other qualities that set it apart. For starters, this is the brightest and punchiest of the 25-inch bunch. The integrated Nvidia G-Sync chip also makes for a noticeably smoother low-frame-rate experience than a mere G-Sync ‘Compatible’ or FreeSync display. Ironic, given the 360Hz refresh is the main attraction.

That works out at over a billion per second at 144Hz, which just so happens to be the refresh rate of the Acer Predator XB273K, Acer’s more affordable 4K gaming panel. Compared to the pricier Acer Predator X27, it lacks local dimming, delivers lower peak brightness, and is merely G-Sync ‘Compatible’. So, there’s no Nvidia G-Sync module onboard.

Of course, affordability is relative, and the XB273K is still a pretty pricey panel. Indeed, with 120Hz 4K OLED TVs available for not all that much more than this 27-inch monitor, the value proposition isn’t exactly compelling.

None of which is to say this screen lacks appeal. No, siree. Once you’ve seen Cyberpunk 2077 running in full IPS-plus-4K glory, you won’t want to go back to 1440p, let alone crummy old 1080p. The problem is the philosophical incompatibility between maximizing image quality and frame rates at the same time. You can’t really have both. Not even with, say, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080(opens in new tab).

In other words, while this monitor is capable of 144Hz, you’re not going to get near those kinds of frame rates in the prettiest games. And if you’re not bothered about prettiness, you probably don’t need 4K if you follow. It’s a very nice screen, this Acer Predator XB273K, and better value than its Acer Predator X27 sibling, but it still doesn’t make much sense for this kind of money.

VA panel technology used to spell certain doom when it came to pixel response. More recently, Samsung, among others, has proven that VA really can deliver. If not quite an IPS-matching response, then certainly good enough performance for all but the most demanding esports gamers.

Unfortunately, the Viewsonic VX2718-2KPC-MHD is a VA screen slightly out of the old school, despite delivering a 165Hz refresh. Crank this 27-inch, 1440p curved monitor over for the first time, and it doesn’t bode well. In fact, the VX2718-2KPC-MHD is a bit of a blurry mess. It does improve with a little time and temperature. But even fully warmed up, it’s simply not as quick as the latest IPS panels. Or, for that matter, the implied performance of the 1ms MPRT response specification.

Incidentally, the VX2718-2KPC-MHD ‘1ms’ mode does little to improve response, but it does crush brightness and vibrancy pretty effectively. While we’re beating on Viewsonic’s latest, we note it lacks a refresh rate counter. It’s a small detail, but it’s also a handy feature to ensure that you’re running at the right refresh rate and confirm that adaptive sync is enabled.

This isn’t to imply this screen has nothing to offer. The 1440p native resolution on a 27-inch panel is a sweet combo for balancing frame rates with in-game detail, while the VA panel tech delivers plenty of contrast. Of course, as 1440p 165Hz monitors go, it’s competitively priced, but the mediocre response and lack of punch might feel a bit too budget for most.

That’s not to say the Lenovo Legion Y25-25 is an outright dud. Not with a 25-inch IPS panel that fires at fully 240Hz. Sure, it’s only 1080p. But then so is the competition and the point here is maximum fluidity, minimum latency. Giving up the visual detail and precision of 1440p or 4K goes with the territory, in other words.

The Lenovo also has pretty sweet build quality with a lush alloy stand, full adjustability including height, tilt, rotate and swivel, plus styling that little bit slicker and more grown-up than your average, rather adolescent, gaming peripheral. The integrated, rather than external, power supply likewise soothes our collective OCD, and G-Sync compatibility is welcome if expected in this class of screen.

To all that, you can add excellent pixel response with the overdrive set to medium (max it out and some ghouls and ghosts turn up uninvited), predictably minimal latency, plus buttery smooth rendering, as you’d expect for a 240Hz panel.

So what, exactly, is the problem? Basic image quality, that’s what. The Lenovo Legion Y25-25 is just a little bit dingier, a little duller than the competition. It’s unclear if it uses a different panel from the Acer and Alienware. But for sure, its colors are less vibrant, and games look less immersive. In isolation, and given the esports remit, that argument doesn’t matter. This certainly isn’t a terrible-looking screen, but when you can have all of Lenovo’s upsides, plus better basic image quality, elsewhere it is a bit of a non-starter of a monitor.

High refresh rate gaming monitor FAQWhat"s the best PC monitor panel type for gaming?If in doubt, go IPS. There are now VA screens with good response speed, like the fabulous MSI MPG ARTYMIS 343CQR. But IPS more consistently delivers the goods and is now sufficiently fast in terms of refresh rate that you absolutely needn"t settle for TN anymore.What refresh rate do you really need for PC gaming?If you"re asking the question, 144Hz is probably plenty. Esports fiends who will really appreciate higher refresh rates already know who they are and what they want. And that answer is likely getting on for 240Hz these days.What"s the best resolution for a gaming monitor?With the latest unobtainable graphics cards, 4K gaming at high triple-digit refresh rates is a stretch in the most demanding games. So, 1440p (at either 16:9 or 21:9 aspect ratio) is probably the better compromise. 1080p is only of interest to those who demand the very highest frame rates for competitive shooters.Should I buy a curved gaming monitor?For our money, curved panels make the most sense in larger formats and with super-wide 21:9 or wider panels. A curved panel on, say, a smaller 27-inch 16:9 panel isn"t necessarily a bad thing. But, nor does it really add much to the experience.Does HDR matter for PC gaming monitors?The problem with HDR in this context is that few LCD monitors offer a true HDR experience. What"s more, monitors with HDR-boosting local dimming remain painfully pricey and for what is really only marginal benefit. That said, HDR certification usually ensures high brightness, and HDR 600 and beyond requires wide color support.G-Sync or FreeSync: which adaptive screen tech is best?We think screens with Nvidia"s G-Sync module built-in have the edge when it comes to smooth performance at lower frame rates. At higher frame rates, mere G-Sync compatibility is fine, and AMD"s FreeSync is likewise much of a muchness.Round up of today"s best deals

If you want sharp image quality, 4Kresolution is where you want to be in 2022. Sure, there are 8K screens and even more modest 6K ones(opens in new tab)making the rounds these days. And lower resolutions deliver higher frame rates on even the best graphics cards. However, 3840 x 2160 sits at the upper echelon of premium viewing experiences for what our eyes can perceive. So for most people, whether you"re gaming, watching a movie, surfing the web, watching your coworkers call you on the best webcams or getting work done, 4K is an ideal fit. And with one of the best budget 4K monitors, you can get there without breaking the bank.

4K was a luxury that wasn"t achievable for a reasonably priced PC monitor for years. But as these high-resolution screens have become more commonplace and the bleeding edge has turned to high refresh rates and full-array local dimming, a relatively large assortment of budget 4K monitors will allow you to take the plunge without shelling out several hundred dollars.

What size do you need?For a budget monitor, 32 inches is a nice sweet spot, providing ample screen space while still fitting atop a desk. If you don"t need to share the screen, consider 28-inch and 27-inch screens. They"re common in this price range and generally less expensive.Decide the monitor’s main purpose. For gaming, higher refresh rates and Adaptive-Sync (AMD FreeSyncor Nvidia G-Sync) are priorities, alongside a beefy graphics card. You should have a minimum of a GTX 1070 Ti or RX Vega 64 for medium settings at 4K or, for high or better settings, an RTX-series or Radeon VII. For general productivity or entertainment, look for high contrast for high image quality. Creatives should strive for accuracy. For more, see How to Buy a PC Monitor, plus our Best Gaming Monitorslist.Errors under 3Delta E(dE) are generally invisible to the naked eye. A monitor with a 5dE color error, for example, probably has colors that look visibly off. Accuracy is a bigger priority for creative work.Do you need HDR? A 4K monitor with the right HDRimplementation makes 4K/HDR content look much better than it would on a regular, SDR monitor. While many 4K monitors support HDR, few budget ones deliver it with noticeable impact. If you want a monitor that makes the HDR upgrade worth it, consider increasing your budget or opting for a lower resolution to save money. Read How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor for more.Consider ports and other features.Do you need HDMI 2.1 and/or the latest DisplayPort (1.4)? How important are USB Type-A ports to you? Do you want USB-C for charging or a single-cable setup? Speakers and the stand’s ability to tilt, swivel or rise are also considerations.

The Samsung UR59C is the best budget 4K monitor, offering a 32-inch VA panel with accuracy and curves. Image quality is superb, with bold, accurate colors and clear text after calibration. When we tested in sRGBmode, we recorded a color error of 4.3dE with visible errors, but our calibration (see our recommended settings on page 1 of the review) got it down to 0.9dE. So your web and games should look as intended. The UR59C also offers fantastic contrast, as expected from a VApanel, hitting an impressive 2,590.5:1 after calibration.

You’ll have to pay a hefty price for a monitor that can push 8.3 million pixels at a 144 Hz refresh rate. The best budget 4K gaming monitor, the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q, is a slower 60 Hz but fights screen tears with FreeSync. Yes, input lag is significantly larger than what you’ll find on a 144 Hz monitor, as is response time. But this is an excellent option if you’re working with a budget graphics card and want your games to look detailed and realistic. SDR games looked extra colorful on the VG289Q, and dynamic contrast brought subtle visual benefits, like added dimension. However, there are screens on this page with better contrast.

If the best budget 4K monitor for you is in the 32-inch range, check out the LG 32UN500-W Contrast is a top consideration for image quality, and the 32UN500-W’s VA panel didn’t disappoint in our benchmarks, hitting 2,353.9:1 out of the box. In addition, the 32UN500-W’s native color gamut is DCI-P3, and it covers that color space accurately without any visible errors.

The Dell S2721QS earns the title of best 27-inch budget 4K monitor with a bright screen, reliably accurate image, and useful add-ons. Those bonus add-ons include the ability to connect multiple PCs and view them simultaneously via picture-in-picture or picture-by-picture and an optional app that makes it easy to calibrate the screen or arrange up to 6 windows in various preset layouts. The latter is a productivity boon.

HDR isn’t this monitor’s strong suit. We recorded undersaturated color in this mode, as well as visible grayscaleerrors. And this monitor doesn’t have the speed or Adaptive-Sync (FreeSync or G-Sync) to make it an appropriate gaming screen.

But in terms of image quality, this is a bright screen, hitting 393 nits in our testing, along with solid contrast for an IPS monitor (1,101:1). You can also expect accurate colors. We recorded just a 2.6dE error with sRGB color.

The HP U28 is one such screen and the best budget 4K monitor for creatives. Of course, none of the monitors on this page are color slouches, but the U28 stands out with its ability to accurately cover both the sRGB and P3 color spaces with just a switch in the OSD and no calibration. You also get an adjustable stand that allows height and swivel adjustments and the ability to flip into portrait mode, offering plenty of flexibility for creative work.

The Samsung 27” S80UA is a little more expensive than the other monitors on this page, but you won’t have to worry about image quality. It’s super colorful for a budget screen, covering 95% of DCI-P3, according to our testing, and accurately. You can also opt for sRGB mode, which also offers a low color gamut error of just 2.8dE.

To put it simply, the monitor you need to purchase is reliant on what you will mainly be using your computer for, and this can be broken down into three overarching categories: general/business use, professional visuals, and gaming. Not every monitor is created equal, as certain physical features and integrated technologies on a certain product may provide the best results for running gaming applications as opposed to office tools or professional graphic-design/video-editing programs.

As will be covered in its own section below, gaming monitors may also include “adaptive syncing” technology that virtually eliminates tearing and stuttering by having the monitor match the refresh-rate of frames being pushed out by your graphics card.

Fairly new to the consumer market, the curved-screen craze that started around 2014 with Samsung and LG TVs has made its way to computer monitors. Just like ultrawide monitors, curved monitor displays have extended left-and-right width that curves in towards the viewer. Since its inception, the main purpose of this feature has been to provide more immersion. Ultimately, these monitors can present a higher sense of depth that traditional flat-panel displays cannot.

It’s 2019 and the majority of screens you see out in the wild come with touch functionality – but these functions remain relatively rare in the monitor world. Generally, all monitors come with integrated, physical-hardware controls to adjust screen and picture settings. Some touchscreen monitors step it up by providing you with an on-screen, touchable overlay. Most importantly, touchscreen monitors are commonly used for compatible educational and commercial applications. Whether it’s an interactive learning app to help 4th grade students or a POS (point-of-sale) device at a sports stadium’s concession stand, touchscreen monitors may require specific hardware and software to properly work.

The differences between LCD and LED technology are huge factors in determining what works for your end-goal and budget, and they’re the most common acronyms you’ll come across on computer monitor product pages.

Liquid-crystal display (LCD) technology was first on the scene for TVs but didn’t come to computer monitors until the mid-90s. The name comes from the fact that these displays have screens that consist of two pieces of glass that house liquid in between them. From there, the screen is divided into thousands upon thousands (sometimes millions) of rows and columns, better known as pixels (a term coined in the 1960s to abbreviate “picture element”).

Now, the hardware parts that push out the picture you see on your LCD-monitor screen are known as cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs). These lamps give your LCD monitor a lifespan of about 30,000 hours. Because the technology is older, these products are usually thicker and heavier. Few of them support resolutions above Full HD (1920×1080, width by height), and the color-contrast range may also be limited at times. If you’re concerned about your environmental footprint, the mercury pollution that these monitors may emit is something you will need to properly address at the end of the product’s lifecycle.

On the plus side, LCD displays come at a lower price point and do not suffer from burn-in, a negative effect that occurs if you leave your screen on and the last image displayed remains lightly on the screen—even when it’s turned off.

Technically, LED displays are also LCD monitors since they have the same liquid between their two-piece glass screens. The difference lies within the hardware that’s used to shoot out the image. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are used in place of a LCD display’s fluorescent lamps. Because of this, LED monitors are brighter and consume less power than LCD screens, ultimately boasting a lifespan of about 50,000 hours.

The technology for light-emitting diodes first came about in the early 1960s and were initially only able to produce red color. Of course the color capability of these diodes has evolved, but the efficiency and high level of performance has been consistent. On paper, LED monitors come at a higher price point because of their impressive color contrast and picture quality. If you’re looking for a screen to game on, you’ll have to go LED for the noticeably faster response time compared to LCD displays.

Now that we’ve got an understanding of liquid-crystal displays and the two types of backlighting tech behind them, it’s time to get into the different panel types that LCD monitor screens have and how they relate to your computing needs. Just because certain panel types cost more than others does not mean that more expensive is generally better. It all comes down to which panel type’s features can best serve the tasks of general use, gaming, or professional video/image-editing applications, which will in term depend on color-reproduction technology, viewing angles, response times, and refresh rates.

If you’re a hardcore PC gamer, then twisted-nematic (TN) panels may be your first screen of choice. TN-panel computer monitors boast the highest refresh rates and fastest response times. Being one of the oldest display technologies, TN panels produce picture by utilizing translucent nematic liquid crystals within glass plates, a color filter and two lined filters (one vertical, the other horizontal). Due to the polarizing effect that occurs within TN panels, these types of monitors have the poorest color presentation and viewing angles. On the other hand, these displays are the most-affordable monitors, making them perfect for gamers who have already shelled out a lot of cash for their gaming battlestation.

Again, TN panels should be your panel of choice if you’re looking to get the highest performance from your gaming PC. As of writing, TN panels are the only types of monitors that can support a refresh rate of 240Hz, which means if your system and graphics card can generate and push out 240fps, the monitor in turn will match and refresh 240 frames per second, creating the fastest and smoothest visual gaming experience on the market.

Compared to TN panels, in-plane switching (IPS) panels house and emit the best viewing angles and most accurate colors. IPS panels were specifically designed to make up for the limitations of traditional TN panels. Perfect for graphic-design artists or cinematographers, IPS computer monitors have their inner crystal liquids adjust their alignment on a single plane (hence the name) to show accurate, true-to-life colors from any viewing angle.

Unfortunately nothing is truly perfect, as most entry-level IPS monitors do not have the same quick response times and refresh rates that TN-panel PC monitors have. Also, because of their high image-color quality and superior viewing experience, IPS monitors generally come at a higher price point than TN panels. Nevertheless, with the right adaptive-syncing technology (see G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync below) and computer specs, an IPS monitor could potentially be the best solution for great-looking, high-performance gaming.

Coming about in the 90s, vertical-alignment (VA) panels have their liquid crystal cells rest in a vertical position when the display is not in use—once voltage is applied to the display, the crystals shift to a horizontal orientation to let light, and ultimately your picture, through. Similar to IPS panels, VA computer monitors were made to provide an alternative option to the forerunner TN-panel monitors.

With decent refresh rates (not quite TN-level in most instances), VA monitors have better color contrast and image depth with their more versatile pixels. Having a higher bit depth means more colors can be used on each pixel. Though VA monitors have better viewing angles than TN panels (generally not as much as IPS), their slow response times make them better as a general-use device for home streaming or office-work applications.

If you’re looking to game and get the best performance (graphics card output of frames per second & a monitor’s refresh rate) it needs to be noted that higher resolutions will require more graphics-processing power. Though 4K gaming is not impossible you’ll most likely need a system that runs and implements the power of two graphics cards to one display. If you’re on a budget or want the smoothest gaming experience, it’s best to stick to a resolution of 1920×1080 (maybe 2560×1440, depending on the capabilities of your PC’s components).

The standard for connecting devices to high-definition TVs, High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cables also work well in connecting your computer to your monitor. As of writing, the latest standard of HDMI 2.0 will give you a maximum 4K picture at a 60Hz refresh rate with the right components and display. Of course, HDMI is also able to carry over the audio signal from your computer to monitors with built-in speakers.

Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connectors are starting to become legacy tech, but on paper have the same video-output capabilities as the first-generation of HDMI. You’ll need a separate audio cable (or HDMI adapter to the end that goes to your monitor) to get audio from your PC, but DVI can support up to 1920×1080 resolutions at a max refresh rate of 144Hz with the right components and display monitor.

Screen tearing has been an ultimate annoyance for gamers for quite some time. Screen tearing occurs when the frames-per-second (FPS) being pushed out by your graphics card does not match the refresh rate (frames being presented and refreshed within a second) of the display. The ugly lines that tear your image are basically the result of frames trying to catch up with another.

For some years now, games have implemented a selectable vertical-sync (V-Sync) feature that adjusts FPS and refresh rate but with the downside of increased input lag and FPS-performance dips. More recently though, the fine folks over at NVIDIA and AMD have developed a monitor-feature now known as “adaptive refresh technology” that properly addresses this age-old issue.

With great pixels comes great image quality. So it"s not surprising that PC gamers drool over monitors with a 4K resolution. A panel packing 8.3 million pixels (3840 x 2160) makes your favorite games look sharp and realistic. It also lets you see the most out of the best webcams, which is helpful if you"re a streamer.

But that image quality comes at a steep price. Anyone who"s shopped for a 4K monitor knows that they"re not cheap. Yes, 4K is about high-res gaming (and other media), but you"ll still need solid gaming specs, like a 60Hz-plus refresh rate, low response time, and your choice of Adaptive-Sync (Nvidia G-Sync(opens in new tab) or AMD FreeSync(opens in new tab), depending on your system"s graphics card). And you can"t forget the cost of the powerful graphics card you"ll need to game properly in 4K. See our Best Gaming Monitors page for lower-resolution recommendations if you"re not ready for 4K yet.

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.

What makes the ROG Swift PG42UQ special is that it offers a vibrant OLED panel measuring 42 inches in size. You get 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), a 0.1 ms response time, and a native refresh rate of 120Hz (which jumps to 138Hz with overclocking). The ROG Swift PG42UQ excels in nearly every category, offering excellent color calibration out-of-the-box, top-notch video processing, low input lag, and hard-to-beat contrast (as afforded by its OLED panel).

One thing you can expect regarding the vast category of 4K gaming monitors is that they all feature a 144Hz refresh rate (or slightly higher with overclocking). Well, Samsung bucks that trend with the Odyssey Neo G8, which offers a maximum refresh rate that is more fitting of a lower resolution 1440p monitor: 240Hz.

Not only does the 240Hz refresh rate put the Odyssey Neo G8 on a higher plane than its counterparts, but Samsung has infused the monitor with a 32-inch 1000R VA panel and Mini-LED lighting with 1,196 dimming zones. As a result, we measured contrast at 25,000:1 versus the 3,000:1 typical of VA panels. The superlatives didn’t end there; we were floored by the accuracy of the monitor fresh from the factory and image quality in both SDR and HDR modes were superb.

The ViewSonic Elite XG320U excels in the 32-inch class with a 4K IPS panel that overclocks to a maximum of 150Hz. The monitor comes in at a hair under $1,000 and delivers a large color gamut, excellent HDR, great gaming performance and a sharp image. We’d also add that its build quality is solid, which is in keeping with previous high-end ViewSonic monitors that we’ve tested.

In addition to supporting HDMI 2.1, the Elite XG320U boasts a 1ms response time, FreeSync and G-Sync support and peak HDR brightness of 543 nits in our testing (a bit below the spec’d 600 nits). The contrast ratio for the panel is also listed at 1,000:1.

The 32-inch 4K gaming monitor segment is becoming very crowded, but the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ looks to stand out with some trick features. For starters, the PG32UQ boasts a maximum refresh rate of 155 Hz, which pushes it slightly ahead of the class standard of 144 Hz.

While that 155 Hz rating didn"t show much of an advantage in our testing, we can"t ignore the rich and vibrant colors provided by the IPS panel and the excellent HDR contrast afforded by its HDR 600 rating. Throw in features like a large color gamut, 1ms response time, FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility and top-notch video processing, and we have a real winner on our hands.

We have dozens of gaming monitors that pass through our lab yearly, but few monitors impress as much as the Philips Momentum 279M1RV. The 279M1RV packs in 4K resolution into a 27-inch IPS panel that impresses at every turn. You’ll find the usual 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time and Adaptive-Sync support expected from this class, but Philips goes above and beyond on the details.

A little more affordable than the other 144Hz options on this page, the Acer Predator XB273K is the best 4K gaming monitor at that ideal refresh rate for value-seekers. During fast-paced games with settings maxed, there was no blur. G-Sync worked successfully--with both standard and HDR content-- to fight screen tearing when paired with an Nvidia graphics card. The monitor kept up well with other 144 Hz displays during our testing and even beat the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQand Acer Predator X27, which are about $2,000 monitors when it came to input lag.

With the VG289Q priced so low, it’s not surprising that its refresh rate is limited to just 60 Hz (FreeSync works down to 48 Hz). Of course, hardcore gamers will want more Hz, but casual players can make do with fast-paced scenes showing sufficient detail and excellent pixel density.

The lines separating the monitor needs of gamers and professionals keep blurring. Besides that, there’s nothing wrong with a photo editor wanting to game during their free time, right? The Acer ConceptD CP271K is the best 4K gaming monitor for professionals because it boasts impressive gaming specs and accurate color space coverage.

It’s very rare to find an OLED-based gaming monitor. However, the Aorus FO48U brings the rich contrast and massive color gamut that OLED allows, while being brighter than the Alienware AW5520QF 55-Inch OLED, the only other gaming OLED monitor currently available. In addition, with a 120 Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1, the FO48U is also ready to connect to the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S and run their max speeds.

With a 120 Hz refresh and 1ms GTG response time, the FO48U kept up with 120 and 144 Hz rivals during our response time test but was 4ms behind the Alienware OLED when it came to total input lag. But for a much brighter screen (even if it doesn’t quite match a nice LCD’s max nits) and greater color gamut (107.7% DCI-P3), that’s a small price to pay.

The Inzone M9 ticks all the right boxes with a 27-inch IPS panel, 144Hz refresh with Adaptive-Sync support (AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync), a FALD backlight (96 dimming zones), and excellent color accuracy right out of the box. You"ll also find dual HDMI 2.1 ports and a feature-filled Inzone app for easily configuring settings. Even the design of the Inzone M9 mimics that of the launch edition PlayStation consoles with a white and black motif.

Thankfully, Sony Inzone M9 provides a lot of bang for the buck, delivering excellent gaming and color performance, nice little touches (like an integrated KVM switch for running the monitor on a console and a PC), and an attractive price of $899.

If you’re a couch gamer, you need a monitor that’s fit for replacing your TV. With a 64.5-inch display, the HP Omen X 65 Emerpium is amply equipped to do just that. In addition, this juggernaut of a gaming monitor offers larger-than-life gaming. In testing, performance matched its high price tag with zero gaming hiccups and high frame rates at high settings.

Acer"s Nitro XV282K is a compact 28-inch 4K gamer with 144Hz refresh, vibrant, accurate colors, plus other premium features. Its primary downsides are average contrast, light gamma and its $900 price.

And while not strictly a gaming screen, Asus" ProArt PA32UCG delivers a phenomenal, accurate image, excellent HDR (thanks to a Full-Array Mini-LED backlight and 1700-nit peak brightness) and 144 Hz refresh over its DisplayPort. The 5ms response time, though, will disqualify it from consideration for many gamers. And the $5,000 price also means it"s likely to be a niche display for professionals who want to game on the side.

Depending on your needs, even cheap and budget-friendly monitors can deliver a great gaming experience. While they may lack some advanced features and fancy designs found on more expensive models, budget monitors still offer low input lag, excellent response times, and variable refresh rate (VRR) technologies like FreeSync or G-SYNC. Budget gaming monitors are typically smaller with lower resolutions, but because the gaming monitor market has been expanding, you can still find 1440p budget gaming monitors.

The best budget gaming monitor we"ve tested is the ViewSonic XG2431. It"s an impressive gaming monitor with more features than even more expensive options. It has a fast 240Hz refresh rate, and even though its 1080p resolution and 24-inch screen size may seem small to you, this is typical of budget monitors, and the lower resolution makes it easier for your graphics card to achieve a high frame rate. Despite its budget price, it"s well-built, and the stand offers great ergonomics, making it easy to adjust to an ideal viewing position.

The stand-out feature is the incredible motion handling, thanks to the quick response time across its entire refresh rate range. It also has a customizable backlight strobing feature to reduce persistence blur, where you can adjust the pulse width and phase of it, which is something many monitors can"t do, meaning it"s a nice addition to a budget-friendly monitor. Lastly, it has native FreeSync variable refresh (VRR) support to reduce screen tearing, and it"s also G-SYNC compatible to work with NVIDIA graphics cards.

If you want something bigger, consider the Gigabyte M27Q. There are trade-offs to getting this monitor over the ViewSonic XG2431 as it has a lower max refresh rate of 170Hz, and its backlight strobing feature isn"t as versatile. However, it also has a larger screen with a 1440p resolution for sharper images and a more immersive gaming experience, so you have to decide whether you want sharper images or a higher refresh rate.

If you want an even bigger screen with an ultrawide display, you"ll have to pay a bit more than regular budget gaming monitors, but there are still some great ultrawide gaming monitors that cost less than others. If that"s something you"re interested in, then the Dell S3422DWG is a great choice. It has a 3440x1440 resolution with a wider screen than the Gigabyte M27Q for a more immersive gaming experience, so you"ll see more of your game at once. It offers a great gaming experience thanks to its 144Hz refresh rate, native FreeSync support with G-SYNC compatibility, and low input lag.

It has a different panel type than the Gigabyte M27Q, resulting in more black smearing with fast-moving objects, meaning its motion handling isn"t as good. However, it delivers better picture quality in dark rooms thanks to its higher contrast and good HDR peak brightness. It also displays a wide range of colors in HDR, meaning it"s a decent choice for gaming in HDR, as it"s better than most budget monitors.

If you"re on an even tighter budget and want a cheap gaming monitor, there are a few great options. You won"t find ultrawide monitors like the Dell S3422DWG, so you"ll find smaller displays with lower resolutions. If that"s fine for you, the HP X24ih is a great cheap gaming monitor with the same 1080p resolution and 24-inch screen size as the ViewSonic XG2431. However, the reason it"s cheaper is it has a max refresh rate of 144Hz. It isn"t ideal if you"re a competitive gamer, in which case you"ll be better off with the ViewSonic, but if you want something simple for your first gaming monitor, you"ll be happy with this one.

Besides the lower refresh rate, it has many of the same characteristics as the ViewSonic, like the extremely fast response time, low input lag with any signal, and FreeSync VRR support to reduce screen tearing. Although it"s a cheap monitor without many extra features, you can add a virtual crosshair that your system won"t detect, giving you a competitive advantage while gaming.

If you find the 24-inch screen size too small, there are some cheap 27-inch gaming monitors, like the LG 27GL650F-B. It"s very similar to the HP X24ih because it has a 144Hz native refresh rate with a 1080p resolution, and although it has slightly lower pixel density, the image clarity is still good. The main difference is that the LG has worse motion handling than the HP, so if you want amazing motion handling, go for the HP, but the response time on the LG is still fast. Like other budget and cheap monitors, it has VRR support in the form of native FreeSync, and it"s also G-SYNC compatible.

Its input lag remains low across its entire refresh rate range for a responsive feel. It has a flicker-free backlight that helps reduce eye strain during long gaming sessions, and it has the option to introduce flicker to reduce persistence blur, but it only works within a narrow range. While it doesn"t have many extra features, it does have gamma adjustment and crosshair features to give you a competitive advantage while gaming.

The LG 27GN750-B is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and a 1080p resolution, so it"s a larger alternative to the ViewSonic XG2431. Get this if you want something bigger than the ViewSonic, but for the same price, you can also get the Gigabyte M27Q, which has a higher resolution at the cost of a lower refresh rate.

The Dell G2722HS is a cheap 27-inch gaming monitor like the LG 27GL650F-B, and it has a slightly higher 165Hz refresh rate, but it isn"t as versatile for other uses as it doesn"t support HDR and has worse picture quality.

Replaced the Gigabyte M34WQ with the Acer Nitro XV340CK Pbmiipphzx, as it"s significantly cheaper and offers similar performance overall. Removed a few out-of-date Notable Mentions, and refreshed the text throughout.

When most people go shopping for a gaming monitor, their primary concerns are resolution and refresh rate. Those are certainly important considerations, but if you’ve ever had to put up with dull colors, murky blacks or terrible viewing angles, you’ll understand that panel types are important too.

TN, or Twisted Nematic panels, are the oldest variety of LCD panels, but they’re still quite common even today. They’re cheap to produce, and they have very low input lag, which makes them appealing for gamers. They also support refresh rates of up to 240Hz, another plus for fast-paced environments.

The problem with TN panels is that they have very poor color reproduction. While modern TN panels are far better than earlier models, it’s still relatively rare to find a TN panel with close to full sRGB reproduction. Even if they do have good color reproduction when you’re looking at them straight on, their viewing angles are limited, and they look washed out when viewed from the sides.

If you’re on a budget, enjoy playing competitive shooters or strategy games where reaction times matter, a TN panel could be fine for you. But if you want something that doubles as a media player, the average TN monitor might disappoint.

Fortunately, our GFT27CXB monitor is far from “average.” We engineered our TN panel to do what most TN panels simply cannot: deliver stunningly accurate colors. And with its 99% sRGB gamut, colors are rich and vibrant. And it’s fully customizable, with space to store up to 3 unique user profiles. So you get amazing color. But you also get full HD resolution with lightning-fast speeds up to 240hz refresh rate and 1ms response times.

IPS, or In-Plane Switching, monitors are almost the exact opposite of TN panels. They offer much wider viewing angles than TN panels as well as better black reproduction. The trade-off is that they’re more expensive. They have a history of slower refresh rates, too, although that has been changing lately. Today’s IPS panels can reach max. refresh rates as high as 200-240Hz.

There are some IPS monitors with very good refresh rates and response times, but they’re on the pricier side. You can expect to pay more than $500 for an IPS monitor with a 1ms response time. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly IPS monitor, then you’ll have to settle for response times of 4ms or slower. IPS panels are also prone to backlight issues. Color reproduction is better than on TN panels, even at extreme angles, but the backlight can sometimes be seen.

Our REAPER series monitor—starting with the RFI25CBA—has been designed to overcome this particular issue. It’s been engineered to reduce the amount of backlight bleed-through on its IPS panel. The monitor also features an MRPT Mode to produce extremely clear moving pictures with excellent color while significantly reducing backlight issues.

VA, or Vertical Alignment, panels are somewhere in between TN and IPS, offering the best of both worlds. This type of panel is common in TVs but is relatively uncommon for gaming monitors. TN panels offer very good contrast ratios, so you can expect vibrant colors and good color reproduction. They also offer good viewing angles, and while brightness may vary depending on the angle you’re looking at the screen from, they’re not susceptible to the backlight issues of IPS panels.

The downside of VA panels is that they have slower response times. As with IPS panels, newer models do have high refresh rates, but the slow response time means you may see ghosting or motion blur in fast-paced, competitive games. Fortunately, all VIOTEK monitors come with AdaptiveSync, which works with AMD® FreeSync® and NVIDIA® G-Sync™ technologies. AdaptiveSync eliminates image distortion (e.g., tearing, stuttering, ghosting and judder) and other glitches that can happen if the monitor’s refresh rate doesn’t match the frame rate of the computer’s GPU. The result is smoother action with clearer images.

There are benefits and downsides to each panel type, and there’s no one correct answer to the question of “which is best.” It depends on your budget, the type of games you enjoy playing, whether you prize response times over other features, and what else you do with the monitor.

If you’re a competitive gamer who wants the absolute best response time on a budget, TN panels will get the job done, but they may disappoint when you’re playing a heavily modded game of Skyrim and want to stop and enjoy the scenery. IPS panels can deliver a similar experience if you’re willing to spend a lot of money. But if you’re like most of us, you’d rather put that extra cash towards a slightly better GPU.

VA monitors are a great “Jack of all trades.” The NBV24CB2, for example, is a highly affordable 1080P monitor that offers a 75Hz refresh rate and AdaptiveSync technology—along with some other nice extras. Those extras include GAMEPLUS targeting crosshairs and FPS/RTS display modes to help give you the advantage while playing first-person shooter games. This monitor is ideal for gamers with mid-range systems. If you’re playing marathon sessions, the NBV24CB2 has a blue-light filter to help reduce eye strain. And there’s great color reproduction for watching videos.

Looking for something with a little more power? The GNV32CBO or GFV24CB are two 1080p monitors. These offer super-fast 165Hz refresh rates for pro-motion with reduced input lag. They’re also VA panels, delivering great color reproduction, AMD FreeSync to reduce image ghosting, and other game-friendly features.

Ah, refresh rates. If you’re looking to get the most out of your e-sports games, listen up. Most monitors aren’t set up with the highest option straight out of the box, which means you might be missing out on some buttery smooth gameplay. So, whether you’re looking to increase your refresh rate for the ultimate gaming experience or figure out which one is is best for you and your pla