It’s easy to get focus on the components of a great gaming rig like the GPU and CPU, but you won’t have a perfect setup without a high-quality display. The best gaming monitors can give you a legitimate advantage, or at least significantly improve your experience.
Are gaming monitors worth it? Yes! It’s not even about having the best combination of things, having a super powerful gaming machine is a bit pointless without a gaming monitor. Your graphics card might be capable of throwing out more than 100fps (frames per second) at a Quad HD resolution but you’ll be throwing that away with a basic screen.
You might not be using a gaming PC, but a gaming laptop instead, but if that’s got a small 13in screen you might want a gaming monitor for when you’re at home with a desk. You might even want a gaming monitor to use with your console such as the PS5 or Xbox Series X.
The problem is that like a lot of technology, buying a gaming monitor is very complicated with a lot more than just screen size to decide on. You need to consider resolution, refresh rate and whether to get flat or curved.
Furthermore, there are various technologies that you might want to add to your must-have list like Nivida G-Sync, AMD FreeSync and HDR.
The good news is you’ve landed at the right place to get a critical upgrade. We’ve been testing gaming monitors for years and in 2022 there are so many to choose from – starting at cheap 24in Full HD and going all the way up to 49in Ultrawide 5K curved.
It gets pretty confusing but fear not, below are our current top 10 best gaming monitors with a range of different options to suit all budgets and needs. Below the chart is a full buying guide if you’re unsure what Hz are or what 1900R means.
1. MSI Oculux NXG253R
- Sensational gaming speed
- Top-notch build quality
- Impressive features
Cons
- Expensive
- Too fast for mainstream players
- Rivals have better image quality
24.5in | Full HD | Flat
The MSI Oculux NXG253R serves up a 360Hz refresh rate and its performance in high-speed games is sensational: fast, smooth and crisp.
If you’re a high-end eSports gamer then this is the best option for you right now. Elsewhere, the MSI has impressive build quality and adjustment options, decent USB connectivity and reasonable image quality.
It’s not the best image quality you can get for this money, though, and you’ll find features that are better suited to single-player gaming and mainstream eSports situations elsewhere too – and often at a lower price.
This monitor is the best option on the market right now for eSports players, but for mere mortals it’s overkill.
Read our full MSI Oculux NXG253Rreview
2. MSI Optix MAG272CQR
- Affordable
- Sturdy build
- Colourful
- Variable sync
Cons
- Not proper HDR
This latest Optix model from MSI is a rare case of a product getting both better and also cheaper.
It ticks many of the boxes for those after a curved gaming monitor without breaking the bank, starting with solid build quality, lighting and a new USB hub.
More importantly, the display offers a high-quality display with excellent specs and performance. Just be aware that this isn’t proper HDR so don’t buy it on that basis.
Read our full MSI Optix MAG272CQR review
3. LG UltraGear 32GP850-B
- Great colour accuracy
- Large, easy to use design
- Impressive mainstream refresh rate
Cons
- Mediocre contrast
- Not fast enough for high-end eSports
- Not 4K
32in | Wide Quad HD | Flat
The LG UltraGear 32GP850-B is one of the best mainstream gaming displays around.
The 2,560 x 1,440 resolution and overclockable 165Hz refresh rate deliver smooth, crisp gameplay in all mainstream situations, and the UltraGear also has a sensible, slick design, great colour quality and a reasonable price. It’s a top-notch everyday gaming choice.
Bear in mind, though, that its contrast is fine but not great – you’ll find more depth elsewhere. You should also consider a different monitor if you want a 4K panel or a specialist screen for high-end eSports.
Read our full LG UltraGear 32GP850-Breview
4. Asus ROG Swift PG259QNR
- Incredible 360Hz performance
- Solid image quality
- Anti-latency features
- Brilliant build
Cons
- Limited to 24.5in
- Very expensive
- Misses out on motion blurring
24.5in | Full HD | Flat
If you’re looking for the fastest monitor around then you’ve just found it. The Asus ROG Swift PG259QNR hits a whopping high of 360Hz.
This refresh rate aims to give competitive players every possible advantage and does exactly that combining with Nvidia G-Sync. It’s not just about that figure though, as the monitor offers excellent build quality, stylish design, smart features and decent performance.
At 24.5in and Full HD resolution, this is really aimed at FPS gamers so bear this in mind. You’ll also need a powerful gaming PC or laptop to benefit from the 360Hz. The other factor is whether you can afford it.
Read our full Asus ROG Swift PG259QNRreview
5. Samsung Odyssey G7
- Excellent colours
- G-Sync and FreeSync
- Lightweight
- 1000R curve
Cons
- Awkward assembly
32in | Wide Quad HD | Curved
The Odyssey G7 represents a significant upgrade in image quality and user experience compared to its predecessor, thanks partly to the introduction of Quantum Dot technology.
The 1000R curve of the 32in QLED VA display takes some getting used to, but it is immersive when you sit in the ergonomic sweet spot.
It offers both G-Sync and V-Sync support, a 240Hz refresh rate and a super-fast 1ms response time for those that want to get the most out of their gaming experience, although it’ll take some setup to power 2560 x 1440 at 240fps.
Colour gamut is excellent and this is cheaper than key rivals from the likes of LG and MSI.
Read our full Samsung Odyssey G7review
6. MSI MPG Artymis 343CQR
- Superb core image quality
- Decent HDR performance
- Widescreen design
- Lots of features
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not fast enough for eSports
- Some awkward port positioning
34in | Ultra Wide Quad HD | Curved
The MSI MPG Artymis 343CQR is one of the most impressive gaming monitors on the market today.
Its 1000R curve, 34in widescreen design, high resolution and 21:9 aspect ratio deliver an immersive and crisp single-player gaming experience, and the MSI serves up top-notch gaming image quality in SDR and HDR modes, with contrast a highlight.
It’s got plenty of features and great build quality, too, and it has handy software options for easier management.
It’s not well-suited to eSports, though, and similar rivals from Samsung and Philips are cheaper.
Read our full MSI MPG Artymis 343CQRreview
7. HP Omen 25i
- 165Hz refresh and HDR
- FreeSync Premium Pro & G-Sync
- Decent colour gamut
Cons
- Limited adjustment
- Limited to 1080p
- Tad expensive
24.5in | Full HD | Flat
HP really got the stand wong here with almost no adjustment but if you’re happy to plonk it on something to gain height then the Omen 25i has a lot to offer.
If you don’t need a crazy refresh rate then the combination of 165Hz, HDR, FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync and Full HD will offer excellent performance – perfect if you don’t have a particularly beefy GPU.
The bright, punchy and colourful panel will bring games to life and also be suitable for other tasks when you’re not playing. It’s a tad expensive but still cheaper than a lot of gaming monitors.
Read our full HP Omen 25ireview
8. AOC AGON AG493UCX
- Great for racing and simulations
- Includes remote control
- 5K resolution
Cons
- Difficult to set up
- Not suitable for all titles
- Needs a decent GPU
49in | Ultrawide 5K | Curved
Those looking for a curved ultra-wide gaming monitor should consider the AOC AGON AG493UCX.
Yes it’s expensive but at 49in and 32:9 with a 5K resolution is like buying two 1440p monitors, only you don’t have to bear with the bezels meeting bang in the middle – not ideal for gaming, of course.
It’s bulky and difficult to get set up but once you’re going is amazing for immersive games – like racing and simulation – and has various nice features including lots of ports, a USB hub and remote control.
There’s also excellent image performance including brightness, colour accuracy and refresh rate. Just check you have a powerful enough GPU to run this beast.
Read our full AOC AGON AG493UCXreview
9. Philips 242E1GAJ
- Inexpensive
- Wide colour gamut
- Fast decoding
Cons
- Poor pixel response time
- External power brick
- Clunky OSD
24in | Full HD | Flat
Those looking for a budget gaming monitor that’s still decent will find it in the Philips 242E1GAJ.
Things like a USB hub and better stand are certainly on our wishlist but they are easily forgivable considering the affordable price of this monitor.
You’re getting a 24in IPS panel with surprisingly good colour accuracy – meaning you could easily use it for work – and a 144Hz refresh rate. The main thing to note is the slow pixel response time meaning it’s not ideal for fast-paced titles.
Read our full Philips 242E1GAJreview
10. LG UltraGear 34GN850
- Excellent colours
- G-Sync and FreeSync
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
- IPS backlight bloom
- Average contrast
34in | Ultrawide Quad HD | Curved
LG has done a great job with this UltraGear model and if it’s high-end specs you want then this pretty much has it all.
Aside from the usual stuff like a curve and resolution, it supports G-Sync and FreeSync, HDR10 and Vesa DisplayHDR 400. Furthermore, it goes up to 160Hz in overdrive mode.
Importantly, the Nano IPS tech combines that refresh rate with excellent colours and a 1ms response time, even if there are some small backlight and contrast issues.
The monitor is also lightweight and has a lovely design, but the main issue here is the price compared to many rivals.
Read our full LG UltraGear 34GN850review
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