From gorgeous 4K displays and massive OLED ultrawides to budget-friendly 1440p panels, here are GameSpot’s picks for the top gaming monitors in 2024.
By Brendan HesseTwitter on September 12, 2024 at 4:14PM PDT
Best Gaming Monitor for Price and Performance
Best Premium 49-Inch Gaming Monitor
Best Widescreen Gaming Monitor
Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor
Best Super-High Refresh Rate Gaming Monitor (360Hz)
Best Ultra-High Refresh Rate Gaming Monitor (500Hz)
When focusing on PC gaming, the limelight often falls on the computer’s desktop tower. However, external components are equally crucial for an optimal setup, with the choice of a gaming monitor being paramount. After all, the prowess of a top-tier graphics card or processor is lost without a monitor capable of showcasing the graphics they generate.
Choosing the correct PC gaming monitor is no simple task due to the vast array of available options that include different sizes, resolutions, aspect ratios, and refresh rates. Questions also arise regarding preferences between flat and curved displays. To assist you, we have compiled our recommendations for the top PC gaming monitors for 2024. This list encompasses a variety of categories such as 4K, 1440p, and 1080p resolutions, ultrawide formats, and assorted refresh rates, along with choices for portable setups and console integration. For more hardware suggestions, check out our guides to the best wireless gaming headsets, VR headsets, controllers, gaming mice, and keyboards.
Identifying the single best gaming monitor is challenging as preferences vary widely. Some gamers prefer larger screens while others opt for smaller ones. Opinions on curved displays are likewise divided. Additionally, the capabilities of your gaming setup profoundly influence a monitor’s performance since not all hardware supports high refresh rates or 4K resolution.
Nevertheless, our top recommendation for a gaming monitor strikes an excellent balance between cost and functionality, making it an ideal choice for most gamers.
The Asus ROG Strix XG32AQ ist a 32-inch flat gaming monitor, offering great value for its $395 price tag, and it’s frequently available for even less. This monitor shines with picture quality typically seen in more expensive units. It provides a crisp and colorful 1440p display on its spacious IPS panel, delivering accurate colors in both HDR and SDR settings. With a 175Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, it ensures fluid gaming experiences.
This ROG Strix model includes HDMI 2.0 instead of the newer HDMI 2.1 which might be seen as a drawback. However, it compensates with a generous array of ports. It features two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and a USB hub which houses two USB 3.2 and two USB 3.0 ports.
If you prefer a smaller size, the 27-inch XG27ACS is an alternative with similar specifications, available for around $300.
The AOC Q27G3XMN ranks as an exceptional budget PC gaming monitor. Despite its affordability, it boasts impressive specifications including a 27-inch 1440p panel, up to 180Hz refresh rate via DisplayPort (or 120Hz via HDMI), and 1ms input response time. It also features mini-LED backlighting, a rare find in budget models.
So, where does the “budget” part come in? Well, it’s mostly in the actual viewing experience and a small handful of missing features compared to other models. Many reviews note a visible flicker when using G-Sync or FreeSync, as well as diminished contrast and smeary blacks in well-lit rooms. It also uses HDMI 2.0 rather than the latest 2.1 standard. While that is less of an issue on a 1440p monitor, it does lock you out of HDMI 2.1-specific features like eARC that will likely become more common in the future. Luckily, it supports DisplayPort 1.4, which enables its 180Hz refresh rate.
There are multiple models in Samsung’s Odyssey G9 line and all of them are excellent high-end monitors, but the G95SC is our pick for the best among the bunch. The G95SC is a massive 49-inch monitor rocking a quantum dot OLED display with a 5120×1440 resolution, ultrawide 32:9 aspect ratio, and an 1800R curve. The giant screen makes for an immersive viewing experience that stretches out to your peripheral vision. Even better, it can reach 240Hz refresh rate via DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1, and it supports multiple VRR formats including Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and the built-in VRR capabilities of HDMI 2.1. To top it off, the G97SC runs Samsung’s Tizen operating system, which is compatible with numerous streaming apps–meaning you can watch video content directly from the monitor without needing a PC, console, or streaming device.
The G95SC is an awesome monitor, but all those premium specs and features will cost you. If the $2,000 MSRP is too high, you could opt for one of the older G9 models that cost a bit less, such as the G93SC, or if you want the newest model, you can opt for the $2,200 Neo G9 G95NA, which has similar specs but trades the QD-OLED display for a quantum matrix mini-LED panel and a 1000R curve.
For a “budget” 49-inch Samsung gaming monitor, the Odyssey G9 DQHD is worth checking out. This particular Odyssey G9 has a Dual QHD panel, which isn’t as nice as the OLED or mini LED models, but it carries a $1,300 retail price that has dropped to as low as $800 in the past. If you can find it on sale, it’s certainly worth considering if you want a monitor this size without breaking the bank (as much).
The Dell Alienware AW3423DWF earns the top spot in our best widescreen category, excelling as a monitor that performs excellently in various aspects. This 34-inch quantum dot OLED screen comes equipped with AMD FreeSync, picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture options, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a remarkably low 0.1ms response time. Its quantum dot OLED technology enhances contrast in brightly lit settings, an improvement over traditional OLED monitors. This makes it a superior option not only for PC gamers seeking a widescreen experience but also for console gamers due to its Console Mode. This mode optimizes settings for better compatibility with PS5 and Xbox Series X, supporting up to 4K 60fps output from these consoles.
Curved monitors are not exclusively high-end; models like the TUF Gaming VG34VQL3A provide an impressive ultra-wide curved display at an affordable price. The 34-inch QHD (3440 x 1440p) VG34VQL3A features a 1500R curve, offering a captivating and immersive viewing experience that won’t dominate your desk space. It boasts exceptional gaming specs, including a 180Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, Asus’ Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB), and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, all ensuring a smooth, rapid gaming experience with minimal lag and no screen tearing.
Our top budget 4K monitor selection also comes from Asus TUF: the TUF Gaming VG289Q. This flat-screen monitor utilizes a 28-inch IPS panel with 4K USD resolution and HDR support, delivering ultra-clear visuals due to its high pixel density. While its 60Hz refresh rate— the lowest in our list— might not appeal to all, it remains adequate for most gamers. Furthermore, it supports AMD FreeSync and Adaptive-Sync VRR to minimize screen tearing and reduce input latency. Those seeking higher refresh rates may need to look elsewhere, but for affordability and high resolution, the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q1A is an unbeatable choice.
Sony’s Inzone M9, developed for PC gaming like other products in the Inzone series, also fully supports PlayStation 5’s extensive visual and audio functionalities. Though priced on the higher end, the M9 stands out with remarkable specifications and performance. Its sleek design, adopting a black and white color scheme, matches perfectly with the PS5, adding a stylish edge to its high quality.
At 27 inches, this monitor aligns with many other options available, featuring 4K UHD resolution, VESA HDR400 certification, and a 144Hz refresh rate supported by HDMI 2.1 and Nvidia G-Sync, making it ideal for maximizing the video output capabilities of the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Although it doesn’t reach the contrast levels of an OLED, its local dimming backlight enhances black levels beyond those typical of other IPS panels.
This monitor isn’t just advantageous for gaming consoles and PCs; the Sony Inzone M9 also includes PS5-specific enhancements like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. When used with a PC, the monitor integrates with the Inzone Hub app, allowing users to create customized sound profiles for different games.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Inzone M3, similar to the M9 but with a lower 1080p resolution and a higher 240Hz refresh rate. Additionally, purchasers of Sony monitors might want to explore the Inzone H series headsets and Inzone Buds for immersive audio experiences.
Although the HP Omen 27k is not exclusive to Xbox like the Sony Inzone M9 is for PlayStation, it remains a top choice for Xbox gamers using a monitor. It features low input lag, a 144Hz refresh rate, 4K resolution, and is VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified, fully leveraging the Xbox Series X’s graphics. Additionally, its built-in speakers allow for immediate play without the need for external audio devices.
While selected as the top monitor for Xbox, it excels for PC and PlayStation too. It’s particularly beneficial for those who connect various devices due to its built-in Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) switch. This switch enables the connection of a single mouse, monitor, and keyboard to multiple devices, allowing easy switching with just a button press.
While everyone desires the best resolution and refresh rates, technological limits often require a choice between the two. Although it’s uncommon for 1440p monitors to exceed 240Hz—and even rarer for 4K— the ROG Swift PG27AQN stands out with a remarkable 360Hz refresh rate. This monitor enhances performance using a DisplayPort 1.4 and supports Nvidia G-Sync for variable refresh rates, plus Nvidia’s Reflex Latency Analyzer to identify performance issues. It also provides an HDMI 2.0 port, but this limits the refresh rate to 240Hz.
These enhancements are tailored for Nvidia graphics cards, but even users with different hardware can appreciate the monitor’s fluid visuals and swift response time. However, it’s worth noting the low contrast ratio, which can affect the quality of black levels; a compromise that’s often necessary for achieving such high refresh rates in a 1440p monitor.
The 25-inch Dell Alienware AW2524HF boasts a 500Hz refresh rate, one of the highest available today. This might be excessive for some, but it’s ideal for esports and competitive gamers focused on performance. The high refresh rate pairs well with Nvidia’s G-Sync and Reflex Latency Analyzer to minimize screen tearing and blur. Featuring an IPS screen, it also achieves a low 0.5ms input latency, culminating in one of the top displays for accurate gameplay and smooth visuals. Despite some critiques about its color vibrancy and clarity, the overall specifications offer compelling performance benefits.
While the 500Hz refresh rate earns the Alienware AW2524HF a spot on this list, there are other cool features like a built-in USB power hub and RGB lighting support that should appeal to a wider PC gaming audience.
If you’re gaming on the go and want to maximize visual clarity, the ViewSonic VX1655 is a perfect choice. While it’s lacking some features you’d find on other, larger monitors, its portable nature and surprisingly high resolution make some of those a moot point. The tiny 15.6-inch OLED screen offers a 4K resolution, which makes for a highly concentrated pixel density nearing that of a flagship smartphone. Unsurprisingly, it only has a 60Hz refresh rate, but 4K at 60 is excellent output for a screen this small, and it has a super-low response time for virtually imperceptible input latency. For connectivity, it offers a mini HDMI 2.0 port, USB-C connect, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
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