Best gaming monitor 2020: the highest price range, 4K and 144Hz displays

Looking for a brand new gaming monitor can typically seem to be an unattainable process when there are such a lot of to select from, however having examined as many gaming displays as I presumably can over the previous few years, I’m right here that will help you lower via the noise and discover the perfect gaming monitor for you and your price range. After all, it’s no good spending a great deal of cash upgrading your PC with a elaborate graphics card and CPU when you don’t have a great-looking gaming display screen to point out off your favorite games.

Below, you’ll discover my primary suggestion for anybody seeking to improve their gaming monitor in the present day, however I’ve additionally coated all the opposite bases in case you’re searching for one thing a bit fancier, together with the perfect 240Hz gaming displays, the perfect ultrawide gaming displays, the perfect 1440p gaming displays and the perfect 4K gaming displays. Whatever display screen dimension or decision you’re searching for, I’ve acquired a gaming monitor for you.

Best gaming monitor 2020

If you’re seeking to improve from an outdated 1366×768 monitor, and even when you simply wish to substitute your ageing 1920×1080 display screen with one thing a bit extra trendy and higher wanting, then there’s actually no higher gaming monitor on the market than the AOC 24G2U.

It’s acquired every thing you possibly can presumably need from a gaming monitor in 2020, together with very good picture high quality, a 144Hz refresh price, AMD FreeSync assist that additionally performs very properly with Nvidia graphics playing cards, and it’s flat, not curved. Plus, it prices lower than £200 / $200, making it excellent for anybody on a price range.

If you’re searching for one thing a bit fancier…

If you’ve already acquired a 1920×1080 gaming monitor and are searching for one thing a bit extra upmarket, although, then you definitely’ve acquired loads of selection. Below, you’ll discover all my greatest gaming monitor suggestions at a look, and you’ll both click on the hyperlinks to go straight to the monitor in query, or simply keep on scrolling for your entire listing.

• AOC 24G2U – the perfect 1080p gaming monitor
• Alienware AW2518H – the perfect 240Hz gaming monitor
• AOC Agon AG273QX – the perfect 1440p gaming monitor
• Acer Predator Z35p – the perfect ultrawide gaming monitor
• AOC Agon AG353UCG – the perfect ultrawide HDR gaming monitor
• Samsung Space – the perfect price range 4K gaming monitor
• Acer Nitro XV273K – the perfect 4K gaming monitor
• Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ – the perfect 4K HDR gaming monitor

If you’re unsure what sort of gaming monitor you need, then a superb place to start out is to consider the form of graphics card you may have. If your GPU’s getting on a bit, for instance, it’s in all probability not going to have the ability to deal with rather more than taking part in games at 1920×1080. If you’ve acquired a more moderen Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 / GTX 1660 or an AMD Radeon RX 580 / RX 5600 XT, nevertheless, then you definitely’re in all probability pretty secure pushing as much as 2560×1440, or getting a 1920×1080 monitor with a excessive refresh price.

Alternatively, when you’re additionally serious about getting a brand new graphics card quickly, then that may additionally allow you to resolve what sort of gaming monitor to purchase. If you wish to play games at 60fps at 1920×1080, for instance, then you’ll be able to go for a less expensive GPU. If you wish to play games at 60fps at 4K, however, then you definitely’re going to wish to dig lots deeper and get a extra highly effective graphics card to go along with it. To allow you to get the perfect costs on each in the present day’s greatest graphics playing cards and displays, ensure you try recurrently up to date Graphics card deals web page and Gaming monitor deals hub.

And when you’re right here, make sure to additionally try our different greatest PC {hardware} guides, equivalent to our best graphics card, best gaming CPU, and our best SSD for gaming information to offer your PC a brand new lease of life.

AOC 24G2U – the perfect 1080p gaming monitor

As the AOC G2460PF turns into more and more troublesome to search out, its newest successor, the AOC 24G2U is my newest greatest gaming monitor champion. It has a flat IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh price, a peak adjustable stand, and its AMD FreeSync assist works simply as properly with Nvidia graphics playing cards because it does with AMD ones. It’s infinitely higher than AOC’s different equally priced gaming monitor, the AOC G2590FX, each when it comes to color accuracy and general distinction, and it’s additionally higher worth for cash than the very related and barely dearer Viewsonic Elite XG240R. That’s why it’s at present our RPS accepted gaming monitor for our £1000 PC construct, the RPS Rig.

The AOC 24G2U has a wonderful 24in display screen, and its unbelievable IPS panel covers 99.6% of the usual sRGB color gamut straight out of the field, which means you don’t need to spend ages tweaking something to get an excellent image. That’s lots for a monitor of this dimension and value, and is definitely higher worth for cash than a few of the bigger screens additional down on this listing.

Alienware AW2518H – the perfect 240Hz gaming monitor

You’ll want one heck of a beefy graphics card to profit from a 240Hz gaming monitor, however when you’ve acquired the form of PC that may profit from it, then the Alienware AW2518H is unquestionably the perfect 240Hz monitor round in the present day.

It’s fairly costly, particularly in comparison with AOC’s 24G2U, however this 240Hz panel is absolutely fairly particular. Its 25in panel has very good color accuracy straight out of the field, and it additionally has full Nvidia G-Sync assist for Nvidia graphics card house owners. This is crucial when you’re taking part in games at this sort of refresh price, as it would assist preserve your games wanting tremendous clean and get rid of any undesirable display screen tear or stutter.

It additionally comes with loads of ports, together with 4 USB3 ports, with two positioned on the monitor’s decrease bezel (subsequent to its mixed headphone and microphone jack) so that you don’t have to achieve across the again to plug in your mouse, keyboard and headset.

AOC Agon AG273QX – the perfect 1440p gaming monitor

The AOC Agon AG273QX has every thing you possibly can presumably need from a 1440p gaming monitor. With a excessive 165Hz refresh price, an outstanding VA panel, height-adjustable stand and AMD FreeSync 2 HDR assist that works equally properly with AMD and Nvidia graphics playing cards alike, that is one gaming monitor that actually instructions your consideration.

Sadly, inventory ranges proceed to be a bit on the low aspect over within the US for the time being, however belief me, that is one monitor that might be well worth the wait. Its image high quality is excellent, overlaying 99.5% of the sRGB color gamut and a good 87.9% of the HDR-grade DCI-P3 gamut, guaranteeing pictures and games look wealthy and punchy always on its default User mode. Plus, its intuitive onboard menu system means it’s straightforward to make any final minute changes.

If all that wasn’t sufficient, it’s additionally acquired a 165Hz refresh price for prime body price gaming (offered you’ve acquired a beefy sufficient graphics card, that’s – which you’ll want in case your goal is 165fps at 2560×1440). Round that off with a spread of inputs and a four-port USB3 hub and also you’ve acquired your self probably the greatest 1440p gaming displays round.

If you’ll be able to’t look forward to the AG273QX to return again into inventory, although, then the subsequent smartest thing is MSI’s Optix MAG272CQR. Its HDR isn’t fairly pretty much as good, however this monitor nonetheless has a unbelievable panel and prices an equivalent £399 / $400.

Acer Predator Z35p – the perfect ultrawide gaming monitor

The Acer Predator Z35p is dearer than different ultrawide displays on the market, but it surely’s by far the perfect ultrawide monitor I’ve examined to this point. Not solely does it have distinctive color accuracy, but it surely’s additionally much more versatile than its FreeSync and G-Sync rivals.

For instance, the Predator Z35p comes with 4 USB3 ports as a substitute simply two like its equally priced rival, the AOC AG352UCG (which I ought to notice has since been changed by the AG352UCG6 Black Edition, which is successfully the identical monitor simply with a better 120Hz refresh price and black stand as a substitute of silver), and its display screen can be lots brighter, making it extra versatile in a wider vary of lighting situations. What’s extra, I additionally a lot favor Acer’s onboard menu system, because the AOC’s is, frankly, a little bit of a catastrophe. It’s dear, sure, but it surely actually doesn’t get a lot better than this within the ultrawide class.

Although in order for you the perfect stupidly ultrawide gaming monitor, then look no additional than the Samsung CRG9, which has a large 49in curved VA panel and a 5120×1440 decision, which actually does look rather lovely in games such as Red Dead Redemption 2.

AOC Agon AG353UCG – the perfect ultrawide HDR gaming monitor

The AOC Agon AG353UCG isn’t the one 200Hz Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate display screen on the market (hiya, Asus’ £2500 / $2757 ROG Strix PG35VQ), however it’s the least expensive, which is why it’s at present sitting in my greatest gaming monitor listing for 2020. Not to be confused with the older AG352UCG talked about above, AOC’s newest flagship ultrawide monitor remains to be fairly new for the time being, so isn’t accessible within the US simply but, however in order for you absolutely the cream of the crop in the case of ultrawide gaming displays, the AOC Agon AG353UCG is unquestionably the way in which to go proper now.

With its Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate assist, the AOC Agon AG353UCG can do correct HDR at a peak brightness of over 1000cd/m2 – very similar to the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ beneath, solely throughout a a lot wider show. It’s additionally acquired a large refresh price of 200Hz – a rarity for a display screen of this dimension – and very good image high quality.

Of course, the variety of games that assist ultrawide resolutions and HDR aren’t precisely plentiful proper now, so except you’re completely adamant about having an ultrawide show with all of the bells and whistles then you definitely’re in all probability higher off sticking with the Acer Predator Z35p above, or choosing the ultra-ultrawide, FreeSync HDR-enabled Samsung CRG9, which at present prices round £1100 / $1300. Still, as Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate displays go, you possibly can argue the AOC Agon AG353UCG is a greater purchase than the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ beneath given it prices roughly the identical sum of money and will get you a a lot greater display screen. It all comes down as to if you need that further 21:9 side ratio or not.

Samsung Space – the perfect price range 4K gaming monitor

Until just lately, the BenQ EL2870U occupied my greatest price range 4K gaming monitor slot, however now the unbelievable Samsung Space has muscled it apart. It’s dearer than the BenQ, however its superior image high quality and ingenious stand arguably make it higher worth for cash general.

Indeed, the perfect factor in regards to the Samsung Space is that, due to its intelligent clamp mechanism that attaches to the again of your desk, you’ll be able to push the display screen proper up towards the wall while you’re performed taking part in games, supplying you with much more area to do different issues in your desk than you’d in any other case. Indeed, the BenQ didn’t have any form of height-adjustable stand in anyway, making it fairly inflexible and rigid consequently.

The Samsung Space monitor’s giant, 32in show additionally provides you a great deal of room to work and play games on, and its image high quality is just about good straight out of the field, making it an excellent 4K gaming monitor for these on a price range.

Acer Nitro XV273Ok – the perfect 4K gaming monitor

The Acer Nitro XV273K is the perfect 4K gaming monitor for anybody who’s been hankering after an Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate show however doesn’t have a spare two grand squirrelled away beneath their mattress. It’s nonetheless fairly costly as gaming displays go, however with a function set like this, who can blame it?

Not solely does this 27in 4K show have distinctive color accuracy, but it surely’s additionally acquired a most refresh price of 144Hz, similar to the present pair of Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate shows, Acer’s personal Predator X27 and the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ, the latter of which you’ll learn extra about beneath. Its variable refresh price tech additionally has the added bonus of being appropriate with each AMD and Nvidia graphics playing cards, because it’s one of many few FreeSync screens that meets Nvidia’s official G-Sync Compatible necessities.

Its 27in display screen dimension additionally makes it much more sensible than my earlier mid-range 4K monitor selection, the jumbo TV-sized Philips 436M6VBPAB. The Philips remains to be fairly good worth for cash for these within the UK (which might at present be had for as little as £482 at time of writing), however actually, except you’re particularly after an HDR monitor to exchange your TV in your lounge, then it’s merely not sensible as a normal gaming display screen.

Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ – the perfect 4K HDR gaming monitor

It’s loopy costly, however when you’re after the easiest 4K HDR gaming monitor cash can purchase, the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ is the one to get. With a loopy excessive peak brightness degree of round 1000cd/m2, that is the best implementation of HDR I’ve ever seen. It actually brings HDR games like Final Fantasy XV and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey to life.

I’d additionally say it’s a greater purchase than its barely cheaper rival, the Acer Predator X27, too. Technically, each displays share precisely the identical panel (which is made by precisely the identical producer), however for me, the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ was the extra spectacular of the 2 screens when it got here to taking part in games in HDR.

The X27 remains to be a good selection if you will discover it for a superb value and don’t thoughts faffing round a bit with its numerous onboard menu settings, however for me, I a lot favor the general design of the PG27UQ. Yes, I might in all probability do with out the LEDs burning a ROG-shaped emblem gap in my desk (and ceiling), but it surely has a extra nice height-adjustable stand than its Acer rival, and slicker, extra premium-looking bezels.

How we take a look at:

When I get a gaming monitor in for testing, I measure the panel’s color accuracy, distinction degree, brightness and black degree with my X-Rite DisplayProfessional i1 calibrator. I begin by measuring the default settings that you just get out of the field, after which I am going about optimising it via the monitor’s onboard menu system. The greatest gaming displays gained’t want any tweaking in any respect, as their panels must be configured accurately as quickly as you’re taking them out of the field.

IPS panels normally have probably the most correct colors, however there are many good wanting TN and VA panels round now as of late as properly. TN panels typically have faster response occasions than different panel varieties, which might make them a good selection for quick, aggressive games, however I’ve additionally by no means had an issue taking part in games on slower IPS or VA panels. After all, we’re speaking a couple of totally different of mere milliseconds right here, and most of the people gained’t discover the distinction in anyway. For extra data on how panel varieties examine, have a learn of my in-depth Gaming monitor panel types explained article.

I additionally take a look at to see how properly a monitor copes with several types of graphics playing cards if they’ve AMD Freesync or Nvidia G-Sync assist. This is especially necessary in the event that they’re not considered one of Nvidia’s formally licensed G-Sync Compatible monitors.

Finally, if relevant, I additionally see how straightforward it’s to get its HDR working accurately. Naturally, solely the perfect of the perfect make it onto this listing, as a result of let’s face it, nobody desires to spend ages faffing round of their monitor’s menu system after they may very well be taking part in their favorite games. Read our What graphics card you need for HDR and what PC games support it article if you wish to know extra.