Top 10 gaming monitors

To fully enjoy the game, you need a good monitor. On a simple, budget matrix “picture” can seem dull and pale. In addition, if a gaming monitor has a short response time, the image “lags” by 100-200 milliseconds, which is critical during intense battles.

We’ve made a rating of 13 gaming monitors that are suitable for both amateur and professional gamers.

How to choose a gaming monitor

Gaming monitor quality depends on many parameters. Let’s look at the basics.

Connection – HDMI or DisplayPort only

It’s 2018, and some stores are still selling monitors that connect to your PC via DVI or even VGA, under the guise of “gaming” monitors. But these standards are not able to provide detailed display with high resolution or frame rate of more than 30-60 fps. But HDMI or DisplayPort can do it. And the second is preferable, but not all video cards are equipped with the connector.

It’s also desirable that the HDMI generation is “fresh” – t.e. HDMI 2.0 or 2.1. The latter transmits a signal with up to 10K resolution and frame rates of up to 120 fps.

Matrix – IPS or MVA

The most common three technologies which are used in gaming monitors matrix – TN, IPS and MVA (VA). You should not buy the first option under any circumstances.

1. TN-matrices are dull, low-contrast and have narrow viewing angles of 90-120 degrees. The only good thing about them is that they have a 1-2 ms response time.
2. IPS and MVA have a contrast ratio of at least 1000:1, as well as viewing angles of 178 degrees and response time of 2-5 ms. The first is a little more expensive than the second, but offers a richer image.
3. If the budget is not important, you should pay attention to models with OLED matrix or matrix on quantum dots (QLED). Such screens offer the most saturated and brightest possible picture, and realistic dark colors due to the fact that each pixel glows on its own – not because of the backlight. The only “but” is that OLED gradually burns out and QLED is too rare and expensive.

Diagonal and resolution

The optimal diagonal for gaming monitors – is 24-27 inches. Large size will lead to discomfort in use – especially if you plan not only to conquer the virtual worlds, but also, for example, to work periodically. Or browsing the web.

If you don’t have a lot of space on your desk, you can, of course, take a monitor with a diagonal of 17-21 inches. But subjectively the “picture” on it will not be as cinematic and impressive.

The resolution of a gaming monitor should ideally match the diagonal:

1. For 17-24″ matrix – minimum F
   l HD (1920×1080 pixels);
   • For a matrix with a diagonal of 24 inches and more – at least 2K (2560×1440 pixels).

This is more of a recommendation than a specific guideline. However, you should take into account that 4K-monitor with a diagonal of 24 inches can be very “shallow”, and FHD-matrix of 27 inches – noticeably “sooty.

Deployment frequency and response time

Deployment frequency indicates how quickly the image on the monitor is updated. The most common are screens with 60 and 144 Hz. The image on them is updated 60 and 144 times per second respectively. It is better to get a gaming monitor with a 144Hz backlighting because it is suitable for fast-paced games.

Response time is determined not by the frequency of scaling, but by the characteristics of the matrix. The smaller it is, the better. The optimal value is 4-8ms, the best value is 1-2ms.

Additional technologies

Brightness and contrast

Gaming monitor brightness should be at least 300 cd/m2, And contrast is static, not dynamic – at least 1000:1.

HDR

HDR technology makes a picture “cinematic” by increasing contrast and color depth. So a monitor that is compatible with it will be a good buy. Not a lot of games support HDR these days, but you don’t buy a screen for a year.

G-Sync and FreeSync

These technologies synchronize the graphics card and the monitor for the fastest possible transmission of dynamic scenes. G-Sync is compatible with NVIDIA graphics gas pedals and FreeSync is compatible with AMD. Get a video game monitor that supports these technologies and you will enjoy intense gaming scenes.

Producers

We recommend a gaming monitors from AOC, Asus, Dell, LG, Acer and Eizo. In fact, we included their models in our rating.

There is a common opinion that gaming computer peripherals and components are expensive by definition, and not everyone can afford them. This is only partly true, as manufacturers are still struggling to meet the needs and capabilities of as many potential buyers as possible.

The editorial staff of Expertology magazine has conducted a market research of modern monitors, which are positioned as gaming monitors. Our experts have conducted a selection among the many models, relevant in 2021, based on announced technical characteristics, the results of independent testing and feedback from users on the largest trading floors in Russia.

Best gaming monitors

The best budget gaming monitors

First of all we will look at the most inexpensive gambling monitors and thus dispel the myths about total cost of gaming equipment. Of course, there are also mid-price ranges and premium ones with a really high price tag. These options we will also consider in the next two nominations.

AOC C24G1 23.6″

Rating: 4.5

First of all we will take a look at the gaming monitors with absolutely disarmingly low price. And the price looks even more crushing against the fact that the manufacturer is not a no-name, but a reputable company founded in 1967 in Taiwan. AOC International has long specialized in producing TVs and monitors.

The main trump cards of this monitor in favor of its gaming purpose – refresh rate up to 144Hz and curved screen. And if the screen curvature may still be a questionable argument, the frequency is certainly extremely important even for those who are far from eSports, but play for fun from time to time.

Screen size – 23.6 inches, VA matrix technology. Let us briefly remind you that this technology has a shattering advantage over TN in terms of viewing angles, and only slightly loses out in this sense to IPS matrixes. But before the same IPS VA-matrixes have advantages in contrast – 3000:1 vs. 1000:1.

Screen resolution – F

lHD 1920×1080. At first glance it may seem a bit small, but in fact it is the “popular” resolution, which plays the vast majority of gamers. You have to understand that not every video card can handle higher resolution, and video card upgrade in the context of mining hysteria is quite an expensive treat.

And a few more words about the response time. This applies to this model and all the following. “Honest” response time is GTG, that is “grey-to-grey”, and here this indicator is 4ms. An alternative indicator of response time MPRT (Motion Picture Response Time), which is equal to 1 ms – this is more of a marketing ploy, which characterizes the behavior of a moving picture.

The reaction of users to this monitor is almost strictly positive with mostly non-systematic comments. The most common dissatisfaction is caused by the poorly thought-out menu. Some users have noticed that at the maximum refresh rate in certain gaming situations unwanted artifacts – flickering, plumes. But, again, on rare occasions and in strictly defined gaming situations.

Advantages

• reputable manufacturer with a long history;
• curved screen;
• 144Hz refresh rate;
• high contrast;
• fast matrix response;
• Wide viewing angles;
• Quality color rendering;
• Most affordable price in the selection.

Disadvantages

• a noticeable percentage of comments about the poorly designed menu;
• At the maximum frequency errors can appear.

Samsung C27JG50QQI 26.9″

Rating: 4.6



Now let’s consider a Samsung brand monitor, which is noticeably larger in diagonal and costs an average of 10 thousand. More expensive than its predecessor while remaining in the budget category. In May 2021, its average price in major Russian online stores was about 23 thousand. rubles. This model won the prestigious The Good Design Awards at the competition in Chicago.

For example, the VA-matrix here is of high quality, so that in terms of viewing angles are not inferior to equivalent IPS technology. Namely angles – 178 degrees, but contrast – 3000:1, almost unattainable height for the vast majority of IPS matrices. And more importantly, the resolution. Here we already see 2.5K, that is 2560×1440. 144Hz refresh rate. GtG response time – 4ms. Flicker compensation technology F

• cker Free.

  Feedback from users on this model is mainly reduced to a high assessment of image quality, natural color reproduction, refresh rate, the combination of price and features. Separate comments are about the lack of Freesync and/or G-sync support. The stand gets the most criticism because of its unwieldiness – it takes a lot of space.

  From Yandex user review.Market with “Level 5 Gadget Inspector” status: “The monitor for its money is top! 144gz after 60, like heaven and earth, it is instantly noticeable, my eye is still used to it, I always notice. Color rendering adjusted identical to the IPS matrix, so that I did not lose in quality.

  Advantages

  • brand;
  • curved screen;
  • Quality matrix with wide viewing angles;
  • High contrast;
  • resolution 2.5K 2560×1440;
  • The refresh rate is 144Hz;
  • fast response of the matrix;
  • Eye Saver mode for eye protection;
  • The Good Design Awards.

  Disadvantages

  • Complaints about too cumbersome stand that takes up too much space.

  Acer Nitro VG271UPbmiipx 27″

  Rating: 4.7

  

  The Nitro series by Acer completes the list of Expertology’s best budget gaming monitors. Diagonally, the monitor is almost the same size as its predecessor, but there are a number of technological differences for the better. This defines its price already at the limit of budget – about 30 thousand. rubles in May 2021.

  The first and most important – the characteristics of the matrix. It’s not VA but good quality IPS. Though this technology inevitably loses out to VA with typical 1000:1 contrast ratio, in terms of natural color rendering the situation is much better – 100% coverage of sRGB color space with more than 1 billion colors.

  Finally, visibility at wide angles is also better. In addition, much more margin of brightness – 400 cd/m². And here the screen is no longer curved – this is neither a plus, nor a minus, but only a feature that is preferred by a significant proportion of users. Matte surface.

  The thing that interests gamers in monitors almost in the first place, here, too, at a high level – the frequency of 144Hz and finally has full support for variable frequency FreeSync. Recall, this is a technology created by AMD, which allows you to provide the smoothest dynamic picture without unwanted visual artifacts.

  The resolution of the matrix is 2.5K 2560×1440. Note that this resolution is in this specification – VG271UPbmiipx. Because there is a very similar letter combination – VG271Pbmiipx (without the letter U), and this modification with F

  lHD 1920×1080. These were the very first batches, and now new versions go on sale, but it is useful to know this point so as not to accidentally buy a “stale” F
  lHD modification.

  In their reviews, users praise this monitor for its quality color reproduction, high frequency without distortion, if you set the really maximum possible, wide color gamut. Many note that thanks to the high quality color rendering and coverage of 100% sRGB monitor is suitable not only for games, but also for design work. The flat and not curved surface contributes to this. Criticism goes mainly to the unstable leg.

  Advantages

  • quality IPS matrix;
  • large brightness margin;
  • resolution 2.5K 2560×1440;
  • support for variable frequency FreeSync;
  • 100% sRGB color space coverage;
  • 3 years manufacturing warranty.

  Disadvantages

  • Unstable legs – the monitor wobbles and you need to invent “smart tricks” to fix the problem.

  The best mid-range gaming monitors

  The second selection of models is a little bit wider, because we are going to present monitors in conditional medium price category. They are all large – 34 inches diagonally and have different advantages over budget options. These advantages may vary from model to model, but in any case, the objective preponderance on their side.

  Samsung Odyssey G5 C34G55TWWI 34″

  Rating: 4.7

  

  Let’s start again with the most inexpensive option, but within the conditional middle class. Samsung’s Odyssey G5 is the novelty of last November. That is, we are dealing with a new bright in all senses development of the South Korean technological giant, and at the same time, we see the reaction of experts and ordinary gamers, collected for more than six months of active use.

  The main advantage of this model is not individual properties, but a set of characteristics. For example, here the curved screen with considerable curvature is immediately apparent – 1000R. This curvature is justified, because the screen is “long” – the proportions of 21:9. As a result, when the player is at the right distance from the monitor, all peripheral vision is captured by the edges of the screen. This gives an incredible presence effect and deep involvement in the gameplay.

  The maximum resolution of the screen is close to 4K

  tra WQHD 3440×1440. The matrix – VA with wide viewing angles, almost as good as IPS technology. The color rendering of the monitor is happy with the 100% coverage of sRGB space. Increased contrast compared to IPS matrixes – 2500 cd/m².

  Even better refresh rate than previous models – up to 165Hz. And this is where AMD FreeSync Premium technology is supported. This adaptive sync technology reduces input lag, picture freezes, jitter.

  In addition to all the basic and obvious advantages, this model is quite richly equipped with additional functions of different purposes. Among them are optimization of black level, suppression of the harmful part of the blue spectrum, a functional interface Super Arena Gaming UX specifically for gamers and much more.

  From Yandex user review.Market with the status of “Level 11 Gadget Inspector”: “If you choose the absolutely perfect 34” monitor with a frequency higher than 144, brightness over 300, the number of colors over a billion, curved and t.d., The price tag will be more than 60k. And the reviews are not the most unambiguous. So this device is definitely worth its money.

  Advantages

  • A quality matrix with wide viewing angles;
  • curved screen with a significant curvature – fills the peripheral vision;
  • The refresh rate is up to 165Hz;
  • Enhanced Adaptive Sync FreeSync Premium;
  • HDR10 support;
  • 100% sRGB coverage;
  • suppression of the harmful part of the blue spectrum;
  • A set of useful additional features to improve image quality and enhance the visual experience.

  Disadvantages

  • Unfortunate design and placement of the bracket.

  AOC CU34G2XK 34″

  Rating: 4.7

  

  Now let’s have a look at an even more expensive and even more interesting model. This is one of the most successful gaming monitors ever released under the Taiwanese brand MSI.

  On the basic and the most obvious characteristics we have full coincidence with the previous monitor: curved screen with 1800R curvature, high-quality VA matrix with 3440×1440 resolution, high contrast ratio of 3000:1 and excellent color rendering. The brightness margin is even higher – 400 cd/m².

  Apart from these obvious points that speak highly of this monitor, the developers have also included a full set of useful add-ons. It’s DisplayHDR 400 support. Just in case we remind you that this technology in this variation is good exactly for games. Normal stills and video in this mode will look expressive, but unnatural.

  Aside from common features like blue light suppression for better eye health or flicker-free backlighting, this monitor has “features” of purely gaming nature. This is, for example, Night Vision mode – you can specifically highlight certain areas of the monitor to view the darkest corners of the game world.

  Also very useful for many may be the proprietary Gaming OSD application. It greatly simplifies the life of a gamer, setting preset optimal settings for each game individually.

  The communication capabilities of this monitor are even wider than its predecessor. Here we see two HDMI 2 ports.0b, DisplayPort 1.4, standard headphone output, USB video interface, three universal USB Type A Gen 3 ports.0, one USB Type B port, and even a separate USB port on the Type-C jack. In addition, this model even has a built-in webcam, but it has the worst possible layout – in the bottom frame. There is also a built-in microphone.

  In terms of features it’s hard to find any noticeable disadvantages in this monitor. Users in the reviews also complain only about one thing – that the matrix is not IPS. But this is an untenable claim.

  From Yandex.Super design, sturdy construction, all the gamer stuff including the screen saver and the backlighting with no flicker,” says a user on Yandex.ru.p. Lots of presets for screen modes. Absolutely no complaints about the quality of the matrix. The monitor gives an indescribable feeling of a superior and complete product”.

  Advantages

  • quality image;
  • large brightness margin;
  • High contrast;
  • Night Vision mode for local illumination of the dark zones of the game world;
  • Suppression of harmful blue spectrum;
  • Flicker-free backlighting;
  • Adaptive FreeSync refresh rate;
  • A lot of ports and a USB hub;
  • USB Type-C.

  Disadvantages

  • No obvious flaws or systematic and objective complaints from users were found.

  LG

  traGear 34GN850 34″

  Rating: 4.8

  

  Acer’s legendary Predator line of gaming equipment opens the selection. Under the local brand Predator produces a wide range of products – from the simplest accessories to powerful gaming laptops.

  Let’s warn you right away that some of the specs here look weaker than in the middle class monitors from the selection. There is no paradox in it. On the contrary, it is not uncommon in premium products for manufacturers to make conscious limitations on “marketing” features for the sake of reliability and durability. That is why Acer is not afraid to provide this model with a solid official guarantee – 36 months.

  Now to the point. A 35-inch curved monitor with a high quality VA matrix and 3440×1440 resolution. The maximum refresh rate – 120Hz (overclocked). Already see a kind of compromise. Exactly “as if”, because the difference between 120 and 140Hz will not notice 99% of players, but the load will be less, and the stability of the picture will be better, less likely lags, tears, artifacts. Nominal frequency – 100Hz, and this is also enough for most users.

  Since it has a VA matrix, users automatically expect better contrast than any, even a very good IPS. And it is so, the contrast here is not a record, but worthy – 2500:1. Response time – 4ms. The color rendering is also all right – 100% sRGB coverage.

  Users mostly praise the quality of the “picture”, especially in terms of contrast. Absolute majority of players are completely satisfied with 100Hz refresh rate. Much more than the limiting frequencies, the users appreciate the super reliability, which is provided by the careful control at the factory level.

  From a Yandex review.Market with “Level 3 Gadget Inspector” status: “Real Pay to Win. Zoom hacks are unnecessary; the circular arena from the center is visible 180 degrees. With the plume on the black (what are famous for such matrices) suffered only the first time after purchase, then gone, maybe adjusting the video card has helped”.

  Advantages

  • The famous Predator series;
  • component quality;
  • reliability and durability;
  • A thorough quality control;
  • high contrast ratio;
  • high resolution;
  • 100% coverage of the sRGB color space;
  • three years of manufacturing warranty.

  Disadvantages

  • No principal disadvantages detected.

  LG 38GN950 37.5″

  Rating: 4.8

  

  Number two, let’s take a look at the premium monitor from LG. This is going to be an even bigger panel – the whole 37.5 inches diagonally with truly outstanding performance.

  Firstly, it is IPS, and here already a significant part of the audience breathed a sigh of relief, because with all the advantages of VA technology, its some, and not so noticeable disadvantages to this part of the consumer does create discomfort.

  The technology is good, but what about the 3840×1600 resolution. After all, it’s practically 4K, with the only caveat being the lack of vertical resolution, which is why some reviewers have dubbed this format 3.8k. Fair enough. “Officially” such a resolution is denoted by the acronym UWQHD.

  But let’s go back to the technology, because it’s not so simple. This model has not just an IPS matrix, but a perfected Nano-IPS as in the LG described above

  traGear 34GN850. This implies that you can expect a record-breaking response from the matrix, as for IPS. Yes, indeed the response is 1ms – in this matrix is not behind the TN, in which, except for response, it’s hard to find something else good.

  The manufacturer has not “beaten” the contrast, but it is too difficult for IPS. It stays at the standard level of 1000:1. But what caused mute amazement from the experts was the brightness margin. Specifically, 750 cd/m²! But this is the peak value, and the nominal value is 450 cd/m², which is also very good. The very fact that it’s possible to have such a high peak value, already says a lot.

  Among other things, the monitor supports the advanced Adaptive Frequency Sync technology FreeSync 2, as well as “classic” G-Sync, developed by NVIDIA.

  Users unanimously expressed their enthusiasm about the image quality, and especially about the outstanding margin of brightness. Those who used to play in well-lit rooms on monitors with lower brightness, it especially felt. Unhappy with the “symbolic” HDR mode – 14-16 zones of backlighting compared to full HDR, where there are hundreds of such zones. On the other hand, many say that he’s not needed here because the picture is already 10 out of 10.

  Advantages

  • large diagonal 37.5 inches;
  • curved screen;
  • The innovative matrix Nano-IPS;
  • 3840×1600 resolution;
  • the highest margin of brightness;
  • Pixel response 1ms;
  • bundling.

  Disadvantages

  • “Symbolic,” virtually no HDR.

  ASUS ROG Strix XG438QR 43″

  Rating: 4.9

  

  And the complete premium selection and the entire review of the best gaming monitors according to Expertology magazine the most expensive and most “convincing” model produced by ASUS. Quite expectedly, it is part of the legendary family of gaming products ROG (Repub

  • c Of Gamers). In May 2021 in major Russian online stores, the monitor costs about 100 thousand. rubles. At the time of the presentation in 2019, this model had absolutely no direct competitors and even more or less similar solutions from other manufacturers.

    Here you can start with anything, and on almost all accounts we will find advantages. But we want to warn you right away, here we have a classic monitor without any curvature. And that’s neither a plus nor a minus – many people like the curvature, but there are a huge number of gamers who don’t accept the curved form factor, not with any radius. And at the same time and aspect ratio is more familiar and universal – 16:9.

    And in such a classic case, the manufacturer has placed an excellent matrix with a resolution of 4K 3840×2160. And this is even more important if you look at the size of the screen – 43 inches diagonally! High resolution was simply necessary here to avoid catastrophic pixel visibility.

    The important feature of this monitor – it laid a whole set of functional add-ons, which are aimed at improving image quality, adding expressiveness when and where it is necessary, reducing to zero the formation of visual artifacts in particularly dynamic scenes, etc. d. That’s why all current adaptive sync technologies in the newest editions were implemented here.

    As much as possible, the most authentic mode of the dynamic range – HDR. There are as many as three modes of HDR content – Gaming HDR, Cinema HDR and FreeSync 2 HDR. Full-fledged HDR in all its glory is possible only on OLED matrixes and in other variants we have to content with extended range with certain restrictions.

    Advantages

    • ROG’s new entry in the legendary ROG family;
    • large 43-inch diagonal;
    • 4K resolution;
    • 120Hz refresh rate;
    • Top contrast ratio;
    • The classic aspect ratio without the curvature (for those who prefer this form factor);
    • Four-stage suppression of the harmful blue spectrum;
    • Flicker-free backlighting;
    • A whole set of useful functional add-ons.

    Disadvantages

    • price.
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