Our pick of the best gaming monitors

With so much choice in gaming monitors, it can be difficult to discern which is the best for you. Unless you’re an expert in all of the different specs, resolutions and questions such as curved/not curved then it can be too daunting to even try and figure it out. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for that bog-standard monitor that’s so old you can’t remember when you even bought it.

Buying the correct monitor is also a very individual thing – are you a competitive gamer who regularly enters tournaments? Or do you just play in your spare time after work and on weekends? How good is your PC? Depending on your answers, your needs will vary.

For example, all monitors are now Full HD, but many go up to a resolution of 2560 x 1440 for WQHD or 3840 x 2160 for 4K. Then there’s the refresh rate, which ranges from 75Hz to 200Hz – the higher the number the smoother your game will be. In terms of panels, the general rule is that TN is good for response time, IPS/PLS for colour accuracy, while VA is a jack of all trades.

To find out what’s right for you, just skim through our extensive guide below.

Best budget gaming monitors to buy

1. AOC G2260VWQ6

Price: £114 | Buy now from Amazon

By far the most budget-friendly option on this list, this small AOC gaming monitor is ideal for those not looking to spend a ton. The display is compact at just 21.5 inches, but on the plus side, it runs Full HD at 75Hz and has support for AMD FreeSync to boot. Adding to its list of benefits is the super fast response time, though if you’re after something dynamic this monitor only has tilt adjustment and won’t provide a multitude of viewing angles.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 21.5in; Resolution: 1920 x 1080; Inputs: DisplayPort, VGA, HDMI; Refresh rate: 75Hz; Response time: 1ms

2. Iiyama GB2530HSU-B1

Price: £124 | Buy now from Amazon

If you still don’t want to splash the cash but can’t cope with a teeny tiny screen, then this monitor offers a 24.5-inch display for just a few quid more. It sports a Full HD TN panel that’s impressive in both response time and low input lag and, although you may need to fork out for a new graphics card, it has AMD FreeSync. It’s still on the smaller side, but the design is a real standout with three-side borderless bezels, tilt adjustment and built-in speakers.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 24.5in; Resolution: 1920 x 1080; Inputs: DisplayPort, VGA, HDMI; Refresh rate: 75Hz; Response time: 1ms

3. AOC Q3279VWFD8

Price: £199 | Buy now from Amazon

With specs very close to AOC’s previous incarnation – with a 31.5-inch display, 1440p resolution, 75Hz refresh rate and sleek design – the Q3279VWFD8 boasts an updated IPS panel, better colours and brightness, and AMD FreeSync should you have a good enough graphics card. Things such as the contrast and input lag are slightly lower compared to the previous model, but overall this is a big improvement and for less than £200.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 31.5in, Resolution: 2560 x 1440, Inputs: VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, Refresh rate: 75Hz; Response time: 5ms

4. Samsung C24FG73

Price: £270 | Buy now from Amazon

It goes without saying that curved monitors are a dream for gamers, and this Samsung C24FG73 is a budget-friendly option that will still immerse you in whatever game you’re playing. Rather than a TN panel, it has a quantum dot VA panel that really ups the colour reproduction (especially for the low price point), and both the response time and low input lag makes this a brilliant monitor for gamers of all kinds.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 24in; Resolution: 1920 x 1080; Inputs: DisplayPort 1.2, 2 x HDMI 1.4; Refresh rate: 144Hz; Response time: 1ms

5. ViewSonic XG2530

Price: £280 | Buy now from Amazon

A truly impressive monitor aimed primarily at gamers and their specific needs, the ViewSonic XG2530 packs a lot into its 25-inch frame. The TN panel’s response time is boosted significantly in “Rampage Response” mode – ideal for competitions etc. – and input lag is low enough for the price. The image looks good, with vibrant colours and good saturation for a TN panel, and this along with everything else makes it highly recommendable.  

Handy stuff to know – Display: 25in; Resolution: 1920 x 1080; Inputs: DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, HDMI 1.4; Refresh rate: 240Hz; Response time: 1ms

Best gaming monitors under £500 to buy

6. AOC CQ32G1

Price: £320 | Buy now from Amazon

Another curved monitor, but this time with a larger display of 31.5 inches. The AOC CQ32G1 boasts a 1440p VA panel with a 1800R curve, making it a brilliant choice if you like to be fully immersed in your chosen virtual world. The monitor is impressively responsive and also sports top-notch colour accuracy. The only thing that gives away its lower price point nature is the tilt-only adjustment and relatively low brightness limit of 335cd/m2.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 31.5in; Resolution: 2560 x 1440; Inputs: 2x HDMI, DisplayPort; Refresh rate: 144Hz; Response time: 1ms (MPRT)

7. Acer Predator XB241H

Price: £400 | Buy now from Amazon

For only £400, the Acer Predator XB241H gaming monitor seems like a steal. With a Full HD 180Hz TN panel, 1ms response time, and even built-in 3D Vision technology, it’s a really impressive bit of kit. The stand is fully-adjustable too, so you can make sure it’s positioned precisely how you want it, and the low input lag, response time and refresh rate can’t really be beaten. For a TN panel, it also looks much better than you’d expect.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 24in; Resolution: 1920 x 1080; Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort; Refresh rate: 180Hz; Response time: 1ms

8. AOC AGON AG271QX

Price: £469 | Buy now from Amazon

Featuring AMD FreeSync, an impressive 1ms response time and a highly customisable design (it can tilt, rotate, pivot and be moved up and down in height), the AOC AGON AG271QX is a lot of tech packed into a tiny 27-inch package. The monitor also sports a Delta E average of 0.8 and an RGB colour gamut coverage of 96.5% – the latter also making this an appealing purchase for photo and video editors who want optimum accuracy.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 27in; Resolution: 2560 x 1440; Inputs: DisplayPort 1.2, DVI, VGA, 2 x HDMI 1.4 (one of which is MHL-compatible); Refresh rate: 144Hz; Response time: 1ms

9. Acer XF270HUA

Price: £500 | Buy now from Amazon

One of the best gaming monitors we’ve come across, the Acer XF270HUA’s screen is amazing with IPS technology that produces lovely, high-contrast images in 2560 x 1440 resolution. The refresh rate tops it off at 144Hz, which is a combo generally rare for your average gaming monitor. For the price, which isn’t exactly cheap but is nowhere near some others on this list, we can’t recommend it highly enough.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 27in, Resolution: 2560 x 1440, Inputs: DVI, HDMI (1.4 MHL and 2.0), DisplayPort 1.2, Refresh rate: 144Hz; Response time: 4ms

10. Samsung CHG70

Price: £500 | Buy now from Amazon

Makers of the first HDR gaming monitors, it makes sense that Samsung would be a key feature on this list. The CHG70 is a great example with its VA panels and quantum dot technology making it one of the best for reproducing colour. The screen is curved, with a low input lag and 1ms response time, so if you’re into hardcore gaming and want to use it for competitions, then it will definitely be able to keep up.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 27in; Resolution: 2560 x 1440; Inputs: DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.0; Refresh rate: 144Hz; Response time: 1ms MPRT

11. AOC AG322QCX

Price: £502 | Buy now from Amazon

If you’re not looking for super-fast response time, then the AOC AG322QCX could very well be the monitor for you. It’s pretty big, clocking in at 31.5-inches, and the curved, MVA panel screen is large enough to fully immerse you in whatever you’re playing. As said, the response time isn’t the greatest, but all the other specs are top notch and, if you want a curved monitor for £500, then this is it.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 31.5in; Resolution: 2560 x 1440; Inputs: 2 x DisplayPort 1.2, 2 x HDMI 1.4, VGA; Refresh rate: 144Hz; Response time: 4ms

Best gaming monitors under £1,000 to buy

12. MSI Optix MPG27CQ

Price: £519 | Buy now from Amazon

The MSI Optix’s chief selling point is definitely the GameSense technology integrated with its RGB lights, and in fact, the monitor is the first to include this fun feature. It means that the action taking place on screen is synchronised with the light strips placed along the bottom of the monitor. But that isn’t all – the MPG27CQ sports a curved VA panel with good response time and refresh rate to boot.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 27in; Resolution: 2560 x 1440; Inputs: DisplayPort 1.2, 2 x HDMI 2.0; Refresh rate: 144Hz; Response time: 1ms

13. Asus ROG Strix XG32VQ

Price: £550 | Buy now from Amazon

Similar to the above, the Asus ROG Strix XG32VQ uses an RGB light strip at its base to offer fun new features. In this case, the red light illuminates the desk, and the three-sided borderless VA panel adds to the list of perks. The 31.5-inch VA panel has a good refresh rate at 144hz, but unfortunately, one drawback is a slightly dim display compared to rivals, as well as a lack of colour accuracy. That said, this is still one of our top choices.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 31.5in; Resolution: 2560 x 1440; Inputs: DisplayPort, mini-DisplayPort, HDMI; Refresh rate: 144Hz; Response time: 4ms

14. LG 32GK850G

Price: £661 | Buy now from Amazon

Versatility is the name of the game with this LG 32GK850G monitor, and the 32-inch panel also makes it ideal for those with enough space to house a larger screen. It’s the only 32-inch 1440p monitor capable of running natively at a refresh rate of more than 144Hz, which makes for a super smooth gaming experience, and the Nvidia G-Sync that’s built-in means those with the right graphics card can also play tear-free.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 32in; Resolution: 2560 x 1440; Inputs: DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4; Refresh rate: 165Hz; Response time: 5ms

Best 4K gaming monitors to buy

15. Iiyama G-Master GB2888UHSU Gold Phoenix

Price: £340 | Buy now from Amazon

As cheap as 4K gaming monitors go for, this liyama G-Master GB2888UHSU Gold Phoenix gets you unrivalled clarity for under £350. It measures in at 28-inches and has support for FreeSync should you have an AMD graphics card. The budget price means that you lose viewing angles with the TN panel (rather than IPS) but a few adjustments will make this a non-factor. If you want to upgrade to 4K, then this is a good, relatively inexpensive option.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 28in; Resolution: 3840 x 2160; Inputs: 2 x DVI, HDMI 2.0; Refresh rate: 60Hz; Response time: 1ms

16. Philips 436M6VBPAB

Price: £700 | Buy now from Amazon

By far the largest monitor on this list, the Philips 436M6VBPAB is perfect for those who want to get the most out of gameplay and cutscenes alike. Basically doubling as a television, it’s quantum dot MVA panel, native 60Hz 4K and DisplayHDR all work together to produce a stunning image. It even has built-in 7W speakers with DTS sound, and Philips’ popular Ambiglow technology (which syncs LEDs with screen activity) is present and correct.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 43in; Resolution: 3840 x 2160; Inputs: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, mini-DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C (DP Alt mode); Refresh rate: 60Hz; Response time: 4ms

17. Acer Predator XB271HK

Price: £750 | Buy now from Amazon

The Acer Predator XB270HU makes up for what it loses in its 60Hz refresh rate with a gorgeous 4K resolution with Nvidia G-Sync technology, full RGB colour coverage and a huge number of different ports (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3) for maximum connectivity. The gorgeous IPS panel is great and, for £750, really delivers the goods. The stand is also fully adjustable, so you’ll have things just how you like them in no time.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 27in; Resolution: 3840 x 2160; Inputs: DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4; Refresh rate: 60Hz; Response time: 4ms

18. Acer Nitro XV273K

Price: £900 | Buy now from Amazon

If you don’t want to compromise on quality, but don’t fancy paying as much as for the Asus PG27UQ (below), then consider the Acer Nitro XV273K with its 144Hz refresh rate, 4K resolution (upgraded to 120Hz 4K HDR with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync), stunning colour accuracy and more besides. It’s one of the more expensive entries on this list, sure, but it’s also one of the best.

Handy stuff to know – Display: 27in; Resolution: 3840 x 2160; Inputs: 2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.0; Refresh rate: 144Hz; Response time: 4ms (1ms with VRB)

19. Asus PG27UQ

Price: £2,299 | Buy now from Amazon

This is the monitor for anyone who doesn’t want to mess about. While the Asus PG27UQ will set you back a whopping £2,299, it’s arguably the best in the biz in terms of its combination of resolution, refresh rate, response time and other integrated features. Add in full-array local dimming and built-in Nvidia G-Sync HDR, and you’ve got something well worth the cash (should you have it laying around).

Handy stuff to know – Display: 27in; Resolution: 3840 x 2160; Inputs: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0; Refresh rate: 144Hz; Response time: 4ms