The best gaming monitor is pretty much essential to any gaming experience and gaming rig. It doesn't matter if you're playing an RPG that takes you all over ancient Greece or trying to play fast-paced Overwatch. PC gaming is becoming more of a sensory experience and the best gaming monitor is an essential. There are a few essential things to keep in mind when looking for the best gaming monitor: It's not enough to just buy the most expensive monitor. You have the choice of such a range of options, perhaps more than ever, that you will need to narrow your choices to the most important features for a gaming monitor. Do you want to forget for a day and a half in Assassin's Creed: Odyssey or in the new version of Control? Is something like Ray Tracing important, the lighting tip in games? If this is the case, try getting a display with HDR and 4K resolution. If you are more of a competitor and spend your time trying to get to the top of the esports gaming rankings, then speed will be king. High update rates and short response times should be your top purchasing priorities. There are now displays that reach a 240Hz refresh rate which, optimized by the best graphics cards and processors, will make you the fastest gamer around. Several monitors will have a mix of features, making it hard to separate the best gaming monitors from the passable ones. However, thanks to our experience and hands-on experience with a large number of gaming panels, we have been able to narrow down the selection of the best gaming monitors to the following. They've all been tested here on TechRadar, so keep in mind that if you're on this list, it's worth taking a closer look.
What you need to know about Black Friday 2019
With the arrival of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many retailers will lower the price of gaming monitors in anticipation of the trading period, which means that it is a good time to start looking for the best deals on the best monitors for Gaming: From mid-size monitors with high refresh rates to ultra-wide or 4K displays, we've seen brilliant price reductions for previous Black Fridays gaming monitors. However, this does not mean that you have to buy one if you see an incredible offer. Many retailers are beginning to cut prices several weeks or even months before the Black Friday and Cyber Monday hit. So you can win an amazing prize right now.
The best gaming monitors at a glance:
1.Samsung CRG9
Screen size: 49 inches | Aspect Ratio: 32:9 | Resolution: 5.120 x 1.440 | Brightness: 600cd/m2 - 1000cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178°(H) / 178°(V) | Contrast Ratio: 3,000:1 | Color support: 1.07B Large screen size HDR The menu can be difficult. Need to adjust This can be very expensive and requires a killer PC gaming setup to work, but the Samsung CRG9 is well worth the money and is the best gaming monitor if you have enough money in your pocket. This larger-than-average 49-incher offers glasses thinner than most gaming monitors and a frame-by-frame feature that lets you use two different inputs, simulating a dual-monitor setup on a single monitor. Not to mention the fact that the Samsung CRG9 produces a picture that's out of the ordinary, immediately. Read the full review: Samsung CRG9
2.Alienware AW3418DW
The fastest ultra-wideScreen size: 34 inches | Aspect Ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440 | Brightness: 300cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: sRGB 100% | Weight: 26 lbs. Highest refresh rate in an ultra-wide Expensive Alienware design and build quality Takes up a lot of space The Alienware AW3418DW is one of the few gaming monitors that offers a level of immersion that only a picture format can 21:9, while also offering a high refresh rate. With a dense 3,440 x 1,440 resolution, ridiculously fast 4ms response times, and a fast 120Hz refresh rate, this ultra-wide monitor gives you the best of both worlds. However, not all of these features come cheap, so budget-conscious gamers may want to look elsewhere or start saving. However, it's not hard to understand why this is one of the best gaming monitors to offer. Read the full review: Alienware AW3418DW
3. AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition
Screen size: 35 inches | Aspect Ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440 | Brightness: 300cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast Ratio: 2500:1: | Color support: sRGB 100% | Weight: 26lbs Phenomenal Color Rendering 120Hz Refresh Rate Clunky OSD Menu The AOC Agon AG352UCG was one of the best gaming monitors we've ever owned. So when we knew a follow-up was coming, with a higher refresh rate and better contrast, it was hard not to be upset. The AOC Agon AC352UCG6 Black Edition takes the best features of the original but bumps it up to 11, making it an impressive display for playing ultra-wide games. It's expensive, yes, but if you have the equipment to back it up, you'll be doing yourself a disservice by not investing. Read the full review: AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition
4. Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ
The Rolls Royce of Gaming MonitorsScreen size: 27 inches | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3.840 x 2.160 | Brightness: 600cd/m2 | Refresh Rate: 144Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast Ratio: 50,000:1 | Color support: Adobe RGB 99% | Weight: 28 pounds G-Sync and HDR Fantastic image quality Prohibitively expensive The Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ might just be the most advanced gaming monitor, not to mention the best, to add to your arsenal... as long as you're ready to pay for it. This display features stunning 4K Ultra-HD and HDR resolution, as well as G-Sync and a super-fast 144Hz refresh rate. These specs add up to one of the most impressive gaming monitors ever, and when you see it in action, it will blow your mind. The only thing keeping this gaming monitor from its true greatness is its ridiculous price. But again, if you have that kind of money, you should be able to get a PC powerful enough to handle it. Read the full review: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ
5. BenQ PD3200U
A big 4K display for your officeScreen size: 32 inches | Form report: 16: 9 | Resolution: 3.840 x 2.160 | Brightness: 350cd/m2 | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: sRGB 100% | Weight: 19 pounds 4K UHD resolution Large screen Relatively cheap Design is a bit bland Professional tools are niche Takes up a lot of space Originally designed for CAD professionals, the BenQ PD3200U is also ideal for gaming, making it one of the best gaming screens you can buy today. It is mainly thanks to its strong concentration on graphics that it allows it to offer incredibly wide viewing angles, which means that your friends can watch your match comfortably. And unlike most 4K monitors on the market, you won't have to worry about settings to get the best possible picture, because each device is individually calibrated by BenQ before shipping. It's certainly one of the best gaming monitors around, even though it wasn't designed for gaming. Read the full review: BenQ PD3200U
6.MSI Optix MPG341CQR
The new 34-inch MSI gaming monitorScreen size: 34 inches | Aspect Ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440 | Brightness: 400 nits | Refresh Rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast Ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: sRGB 105% | Weight: 21.16 lbs. VA Perforation Panel Great gaming performance. Really strong feature set This class of monitor is expensive. Although its additional features make the MSI Optix MPG341CQR an even more attractive option for potential buyers, it does a remarkable job of standing out on its own. The use of VA technology instead of IPS panel technology is a significant benefit, offering brighter colors and better contrast. Plus, its extra-large 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh certainly give gamers an edge. The best part might be that this display is also offered at a reasonable price, making it one of the best gaming displays to consider in 2019. Read the full review: MSI Optix MPG341CQR
7 BenQ Zowie XL2540
A monitor adapted to the needs of professional players.Screen size: 24 inches | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | Brightness: 400cd/m2 | Refresh Rate: 240Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 170/160 | Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: NTSC 72% | Weight: 7.5kg High refresh rates Easy installation expensive Limited calling beyond professional gamers. Don't be discouraged by your limitations. The BenQ Zowie XL2540 still deserves its place among the best gaming monitors: it forgoes flashy light effects for a 240Hz refresh rate and fast 1ms response time. Unfortunately, there's no adaptive sync option, but if you have a setup that tracks this refresh rate, this in-game view will blow your mind. The BenQ Zowie XL2540 keeps things simple by providing you with a ton of visual presets, an "S Switch" control module to manage these presets, and even a couple of adjustable light displays. This is one of the best gaming monitors to consider if you are a professional or hardcore gamer. Read the full review: BenQ Zowie XL2540
8. AOC Agon AG322QC4
A gaming monitor with a bit of HDR goodnessScreen size: 49 inches | Form report: 32: 9 | Resolution: 3.840 x 1.080 | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast Ratio: 3,000:1 | Color Support: N/A | Refresh Rate: 144Hz | Weight: 33 pounds Punchy VA panel offers plenty of contrast 144Hz and FreeSync 2 Not really a "real" HDR monitor A little HDR is always a nice addition, even if it's not true HDR. And yet the AOC Agon AG322QC4 has even more up its sleeves. This includes a 144Hz refresh rate, FreeSync 2, and a 3000:1 contrast ratio, making it one of the best gaming monitors in 2019. And it offers users beautiful, super-smooth graphics while offering a beautiful appearance. This isn't really a bargain, but the Agon AG322QC4 is still a reasonable price for gamers who don't shop in bargain basements. Read the full review: AOC Agon AG322QC4
9.MSI Optix MAG271CR
We must go fast to save the world.Screen size: 27 inches | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | Brightness: 300cd/m2 | Refresh Rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178/160 | Contrast Ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: SRGB 115%, 90% DCI-P3 | Weight: 9kg. Fast Refresh Rate RGB Lighting Estimated by 1080p When playing first-person competitors like Overwatch or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, you'll need speed before anything else to stay ahead of the leaderboard. This is where screens like the MSI Optix MAG271CR come in handy. With 1080p resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and 1ms latency, you're equipped with blazing fast, smooth gameplay—as long as you have the gear to drive it. After all, 60Hz panels are very good in 2014 - the best gaming monitors in 2019 are all about high refresh rates. Read the full review: MSI Optix MAG271CR
How to buy the best gaming monitor in 2019
If you are looking for the best gaming monitor for 2019, keep in mind that there are a few things to consider before choosing the right display for your office. You'll want to familiarize yourself with the following terms and specifications to ensure you're getting the best gaming monitor for you. It also means you won't have to pay extra for extra features you don't really care about. Screen size – When looking for the best gaming monitor, one of the most important points to consider is screen size. Larger screens can lead to more immersive gaming experiences because the game takes up a large part of your field of vision, but you'll also need to make sure you have the space to keep track. And it goes without saying that the bigger the monitor, the higher the price. Aspect Ratio – The aspect ratio of a gaming monitor can determine the width and height of the screen. Most widescreen monitors have a 16:9 aspect ratio, while older monitors have an aspect ratio closer to the square 4:3 aspect ratio which can look quite outdated in 2019. wide with 21:9 image formats are rapidly increasing in popularity because they offer a wider view of your games. That's why many ultra larges have made our list of the best gaming monitors 2019. Resolution – Resolution is another essential factor to consider when looking for the best gaming monitor for your needs. The higher the number, the clearer the image. However, you'll need a more powerful graphics card for Full HD (1920 x 1080), although many gaming monitors offer resolutions as high as 2,560 x 1,400 (WQHD) and 3840 x 2160 (4K). Refresh Rate – When you're primarily looking to play Counter-Strike and other similar first-person shooters, refresh rate is even more vital. The higher the refresh rate, the more frames per second (fps) the monitor can support, allowing for a significantly smoother gaming experience. The 60Hz refresh rate is still the most common in 2019, but 144Hz and even 200Hz refresh rates are becoming more important, not to mention more necessary. Response time – The best gaming monitors offer short response times, which means you get fast, smooth action with a very short input time. The lowest response time for TN monitors (discussed in the next section) is 1 millisecond, while newer IPS monitors typically have slower response times of 4 ms. When playing competitive games, it's essential to keep this number as low as possible to avoid latency. Panel type: This is where things get a little technical. The type of panel used by a gaming monitor will greatly contribute to its response time and image clarity. TN (nematic twisted) panels, which are often more affordable, have the shortest response time, but generally do not have large viewing angles. IPS (in-plane switching) panels, on the other hand, offer fantastic viewing angles and color reproduction, but generally have longer response times. VA (vertical alignment) panels fall somewhere in the middle, though their slow response times make them rare in the gaming world. Viewing Angle – While most people play games directly in front of their monitor, this isn't always the case, especially when there's an audience. A monitor's viewing angles indicate the angle at which you can look at the monitor while still producing a clear image. The closer these numbers get to 180, the better your viewing experience will be if you stand on either side of the monitor or look up and down. G-Sync and FreeSync: You've probably noticed that most of the best gaming monitors in 2019 have either G-Sync or FreeSync technology, sometimes even both. These help keep frames per second (fps) smooth, combat tearing screen, and minimize input lag. G-Sync is developed by Nvidia, so it requires an Nvidia GPU. And, the technology is built right into the monitor, which can add to its price. FreeSync, on the other hand, was made by AMD. Since the manufacturers that use them are free to use these monitors, they are generally cheaper. Watch our HDR video explained below.- Looking for a more general monitor? Check our list of the best monitors