There are a ton of choices in case you on the hunt for the very best gaming displays, however for us, Alienware’s 34 QD-OLED nonetheless takes the cake in 2024. It isn’t the show for everybody, although, and after reviewing dozens of the highest gaming displays, we have settled on an inventory of shows with much gaming efficiency for any funds or goal.
We’re centered particularly on gaming displays right here, which near with greater refresh charges and adaptive sync options like G-Sync and FreeSync. In case you’re in search of an all-around show, execute positive to browse our record of the very best displays.
Why it is best to belief us
We have reviewed a whole bunch of displays over time, attempting to seek out the very best of the very best. This includes an in-depth strategy of not solely utilizing the monitor, but in addition pushing it to the bounds with varied types of testing. Produce positive to learn our roundup of how we take a look at displays for a better gaze. This course of ensures that after we near out of a monitor assessment, we all know with certainty if it is a product it is best to purchase or not.
Key issues when shopping for a gaming monitor
There are a couple of areas the place gaming displays differ from different shows, together with conventional displays and TVs. Listed below are some distinguished areas to listen to.
Refresh charge
The fundamental factor that separates a gaming monitor from a daily monitor is the refresh charge. A greater refresh charge means you may give you the option to see all the frames your graphics card or recreation console produces, resulting in a smoother picture. For PC, we advocate sticking above 100Hz. Consoles do not all the time want greater than 60Hz, however the Xbox Sequence X and PlayStation 5 can ship 120Hz in choose video games.
Ports
The port choice on a gaming monitor could be very distinguished for a few causes. First, it is distinguished to contain a number of inputs so you may hook up multiple recreation platform. If you may have a PC and a console, for instance, you’ll be wanting entry to each. The specification is distinguished as effectively. HDMI 2.1 is what you wish for many consoles, as it may well ship 4K at 120Hz. Older variations of HDMI cannot.
Decision
You will need to consider the decision of the monitor earlier than selecting it up. Larger resolutions are extra demanding in your PC’s graphics card, so you should pair the just decision along with your PC for the very best efficiency. If you may have a weaker funds GPU, for instance, you will likely need to restrict your monitor search to 1,080p shows over 4K choices.
Digital Developments
Alienware 34 QD-OLED
The perfect gaming monitor
Professionals
- QD-OLED distinction is unbeatable
- Incredible HDR efficiency
- Wonderful shade saturation
- Engaging, minimalist design
- Surprisingly reasonably priced
Cons
- SDR brightness is a bit low
- Coloration accuracy is not excellent
Why it is best to purchase this: The Alienware 34 QD-OLED offers the very best gaming expertise you may purchase in 2024.
Who’s it for: Ultrawide followers who need to expertise OLED with PC video games.
Why we selected the Alienware 34 QD-OLED:
The Alienware 34 QD-OLED is the last word gaming monitor in 2024, and that is as a result of it lastly makes an try and shake up the massively stale market. How? Quantum Dot OLED. The Alienware 34 QD-OLED is not content material with poor HDR, washed-out colours, and low peak brightness. It needs to offer the very best picture high quality attainable.
And it succeeds. The Alienware 34 QD-OLED has beautiful distinction as a result of the deep blacks which can be attribute of OLED shows. Video games gaze beautiful on the show, particularly in case you’re taking part in among the finest HDR video games out there on PC.
The show will get all the things else just, too. It is licensed with G-Sync Final for tear-free gaming, and it may well prime out at a 175Hz refresh charge. The decision is much, too, with the 21:9 side ratio providing up a decision of 3440 x 1400 throughout the 34-inch display.
Though the ultrawide type issue is probably not for everybody, the Alienware 34 QD-OLED is value adjusting to. It presents the very best picture high quality out of any gaming monitor you may purchase, it isn’t too costly, and it comes with the important options PC avid gamers want.
Alienware 34 QD-OLED
The perfect gaming monitor
Jacob Roach / Digital Developments
Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
The perfect 4K HDR gaming monitor
Professionals
- Incredible HDR efficiency
- 240Hz is much for 4K gaming
- Stable stand and changes
- Mopish CoreSync lighting
- Vibrant colours, if a tiny inaccurate
- FreeSync Premium Professional and unofficial G-Sync assist
Cons
- Slothful cable administration answer
- Few gaming PCs can rob benefit of refresh charge
- Just a few random glints on Home windows desktop
Why it is best to purchase this: It has a super-high refresh charge, glorious HDR, and impeccable readability with a 4K decision.
Who’s it for: Excessive-end PC avid gamers who do not thoughts spending up for the very best of all worlds.
Why we selected the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8:
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 is a monitor that lets you may have your cake and eat it, too. Whereas most shows sacrifice picture high quality for refresh charge, or decision for worth, the Odyssey Neo G8 ticks each field. It is 4K, 240Hz, and comes with a few of the very best HDR you may score on a gaming monitor in need of OLED.
Native dimming in over 1,000 zones create inky blacks and blinding highlights, offering dynamic vary that the majority displays cannot deal with. That makes it much for cinematic experiences like Cyberpunk 2077 and Horizon Zero Daybreak, pushing HDR to the forefront.
It might enact aggressive recreation, as effectively. The 240Hz refresh charge offers higher movement readability than the inventory 144Hz refresh charge most gaming displays provide. It isn’t the best refresh charge you may score on a gaming monitor, however contemplating the decision and HDR efficiency, it is an unbelievable feat. We examined the monitor with Overwatch 2, Counter-Strike: World Offensive, and Rainbow Six Siege, and the show held up effectively in even essentially the most aggressive video games.
The one draw back right here is worth. At $1,500, the Odyssey Neo G8 is one in every of the dearer gaming displays you may purchase. It isn’t unreasonable for the way a lot Samsung is providing right here, although, particularly as shows just like the Odyssey Neo G9 and Samsung Arkcost effectively over $2,000.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
The perfect 4K HDR gaming monitor
Jacob Roach / Digital Developments
Cooler Grasp Tempest GP27Q
The perfect 1440p gaming monitor
Professionals
- Incredible shade efficiency
- 576 full-array native dimming zones
- Wide selection of stand changes
- 165Hz refresh charge
- Adaptive Sync assist
Cons
- Weak cable administration answer
- Poor black ranges
Why it is best to purchase this: It is among the finest HDR experiences you may score, and it is underneath $600.
Who’s it for: Players who need implausible HDR with out breaking the financial institution.
Why we selected the Cooler Grasp Tempest GP27Q:
The Cooler Grasp Tempest GP27Q is a monitor that might’ve been unattainable simply a couple of years in the past. Flagship HDR efficiency, G-Sync and FreeSync assist, and a 1440p decision for under $530? The Tempest GP27Q is in a position to ship all of that for a low worth given rising Mini-LED tech.
The smaller lights permit the Tempest GP27Q to ship 576 full-array native dimming zones, practically six instances as many because the Sony InZone M9. The excessive native dimming zone rely results in distinctive HDR efficiency that is usually reserved for displays that value effectively over $1,000.
It seems beautiful, providing among the deepest black ranges and brightest highlights you may score in a gaming monitor just now. Cooler Grasp combines that implausible HDR efficiency with a low response time and 165Hz refresh charge, making it a strong, if not excellent, possibility for aggressive video games that require a number of movement readability.
There are some trade-offs, although. Most notably, the Tempest GP27Q is not essentially the most shade correct monitor. It is implausible with HDR turned off, providing world-class shade protection and efficiency, however shade accuracy takes a nosedive with HDR turned on.
Cooler Grasp Tempest GP27Q
The perfect 1440p gaming monitor
Jacob Roach / Digital Developments
Alienware 500Hz AW2524H
The perfect 1080p gaming monitor
Professionals
- Extraordinarily quick refresh charge
- Remarkable movement readability
- Nvidia Reflex analyzer constructed into the show
- Helpful headphone stand
- Sturdy, low-profile base
Cons
- Very costly
- Restricted changes
- Missing picture high quality
Why it is best to purchase this: It is the quickest gaming monitor you may purchase just now.
Who’s it for: Extremely aggressive esports gamers in search of each benefit attainable.
Why we selected the Alienware 500Hz AW2524H:
The Alienware AW2524H is not for everybody. As a matter of reality, it is not even for most individuals. It is costly at $830, the picture high quality is not much, and it is solely 1080p. All of that is straightforward to miss in case you’re amongst essentially the most aggressive esports gamers, although.
It is the primary monitor to near with a 500Hz refresh charge, shaving milliseconds off of most of the quickest gaming displays available on the market. The Alienware AW2524H wholeheartedly focuses on esports gamers, offering a bonus to avid gamers who grind hours away in video games like Overwatch 2 and Valorant.
In case you step exterior that viewers, although, the Alienware AW2524H seems a lot much less spectacular. HDR efficiency is poor, picture high quality is missing general, and the small dimension is disappointing given how costly the monitor is. However for that subset of avid gamers who solely concentrate on aggressive titles, the Alienware AW2524H delivers in a means no different monitor does.
Alienware 500Hz AW2524H
The perfect 1080p gaming monitor
Picture used with permission by copyright holder
Gigabyte M32U
The perfect funds 4K gaming monitor
Professionals
- Considered one of the one 32-inch 4K displays with a excessive refresh charge
- Wonderful post-calibration shade accuracy
- Two HDMI 2.1 ports
- Constructed-in KVM change
- Cheap
Cons
- Poor HDR efficiency
- Subpar stand
- Unfriendly pre-calibration shade accuracy
Why it is best to purchase this: It comes with all the options 4K avid gamers want, however at a worth a lot decrease than the competitors.
Who’s it for: 4K avid gamers on a decent funds.
Why we selected the Gigabyte M32U:
You’ll be able to decide up the Gigabyte M32U for as tiny as $750, which is an insane worth contemplating the specs. It is a 32-inch 4K monitor with a 144Hz refresh charge, and it even sports activities twin HDMI 2.1 ports so you may hook up a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Sequence X.
All the specs are just, and Gigabyte goes additional with an IPS panel that boasts surprisingly estimable shade accuracy. The M32U even comes with a KVM change, permitting you to hook up some peripherals via the included USB ports to consume them between a number of techniques.
It is in the percentages and ends the place the M32U lags behind extra premium choices. The stand is horrible and it does not near with any gamer flare. Throw the show on among the finest monitor stands, although, and people points are straightforward to miss.
Gigabyte M32U
The perfect funds 4K gaming monitor
Gigabyte
Gigabyte G27Q
The perfect funds 1440p gaming monitor
Professionals
- Very cheap
- 165Hz refresh charge
- FreeSync Premium assist
Cons
- No USB hub
- Tilt-only stand
Why it is best to purchase this: It delivers all the things you may need out of a 1440p gaming monitor, and for about $200.
Who’s it for: Players on a funds that need to dive into greater resolutions.
Why we selected the Gigabyte GS27Q:
Gigabyte’s G27Q is a workhorse 1440p monitor. It isn’t flashy with its normal IPS show, and it may well barely deal with HDR regardless of being “HDR prepared.” However for avid gamers that need a greater decision and a excessive refresh charge, it delivers a fantastic expertise for about $200.
We’re particularly recommending the GS27Q variant, which is similar because the G27Q. It is barely higher in that the GS mannequin comes with a greater 165Hz refresh charge, and barely worse in that it comes with a relatively dinky stand that solely presents tilt changes (each displays assist a VESA mount, nonetheless). The fundamental purpose we went with the GS27Q, nonetheless, is that it is cheaper. It goes for $230, and you may generally discover it for $200.
As for picture high quality, it is a pretty normal IPS show. Colours are correct, and protection of sRGB is much, however you mustn’t count on prolonged shade gamut of much HDR.
Gigabyte G27Q
The perfect funds 1440p gaming monitor
Acer
Acer Nitro XF243Y
The perfect funds 1080p gaming monitor
Professionals
- Cheap
- Low enter lag and response time
- Remarkable gaming efficiency
Why it is best to purchase this: It is quick, accessible, and low cost.
Who’s it for: Players in search of a feature-rich monitor for round $200.
Why we selected the Acer Nitro XF243Y:
The Acer Nitro XF243Y is not the very best monitor for gaming, however that is onerous to count on for round $200. For that worth, you are getting a 24-inch show with Full HD decision and, critically, a 144Hz refresh charge. The show additionally helps FreeSync, permitting you to consume adaptive refresh with an Nvidia or AMD GPU.
For specs, the Nitro XF243Y checks out. It shoots forward with low enter lag and a wonderful response time, making certain that you may hit your headshots and rating your objectives. The IPS panel means the show has strong shade accuracy out of the field, even when it takes a success on the subject of brightness and distinction.
The Nitro XF243Y does not assist HDMI 2.1 for the newest consoles, and the stand does not provide a ton of room for adjustment. Nonetheless, it is onerous to argue with the value of the Nitro XF243Y, particularly when it carries glorious gaming efficiency in tow.
Acer Nitro XF243Y
The perfect funds 1080p gaming monitor
Jacob Roach / Digital Developments
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
The perfect OLED gaming monitor
Professionals
- Less expensive than the competitors
- A few of the very best shade we have seen
- In depth record of OLED burn-in prevention options
- 1,000 nits of brightness
- 3-year guarantee that covers burn-in
Cons
- A relatively bland design
- Restricted to USB 2.0 with built-in hub
Why it is best to purchase this: It is the very best 4K gaming monitor cash can purchase, and it is lots cheaper than the competitors.
Who’s it for: PC avid gamers who need peak immersion at an affordable worth.
Why we selected the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED:
The MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED does not execute lots of sense. It is a third-gen QD-OLED monitor, match with premium trimmings like a 4K decision and 240Hz refresh charge, and it comes on the luxuriously giant dimension of 32 inches. It is only a heck of lots cheaper than the competitors.
Coming in at $950, it is anyplace from $250 to $450 cheaper than the competitors from Asus, Alienware, and Gigabyte. What’s stunning is that the MPG 321URX does not compromise something to succeed in its cheaper price.
The picture high quality continues to be beautiful, with a few of the very best shade protection and accuracy we have seen, and the panel can nonetheless hit 1,000 nits of peak brightness. That is the height PC gaming expertise, only for a complete lot cheaper than the competitors.
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
The perfect OLED gaming monitor
Jacob Roach / Digital Developments
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8
A estimable Alienware 34 QD-OLED various
Professionals
- Distinctive shade and HDR
- Ultrathin
- USB-C energy supply
- Dense settings within the OS
Cons
- Dearer than the competitors
- Restricted to mini connections
Why it is best to purchase this: It is a shining and really responsive ultrawide OLED monitor.
Who’s it for: Premium avid gamers who need an ultrawide OLED monitor with additional options.
Why we selected the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8:
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 is in direct competitors with the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, and in that head-to-head battle, Samsung loses. That doesn’t suggest the Odyssey OLED G8 is a inappropriate monitor, although, and for some individuals, it can be precisely what they’re in search of.
This show packs the identical 24-inch, 3,440 x 1,440 panel because the Alienware monitor, together with the identical 175Hz refresh charge. Samsung stands out with its Tizen working system, although, which brings apps to the desktop and lets you entry a big selection of media with out ever connecting a PC.
There are a couple of different strong additions as effectively, akin to 65W of energy supply over the USB-C inputs. That is all backed up by the identical distinctive QD-OLED picture high quality we have near to count on out of this panel.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8
A estimable Alienware 34 QD-OLED various
Jacob Roach / Digital Developments
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
The perfect 32:9 gaming monitor
Professionals
- The most effective OLED shows we have examined
- Unmatched immersive gaming expertise
- Speedy 240Hz refresh charge
- Dense settings choices
- Full Tizen working system
Cons
- Large and costly
- 32:9 does not play properly with all the things
Why it is best to purchase this: It is essentially the most immersive gaming expertise cash can purchase.
Who’s it for: Cinematic avid gamers who do not thoughts coping with a novel side ratio.
Why we selected the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9:
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is beautiful. It is essentially the most immersive gaming expertise cash can purchase, using the huge 32:9 side ratio to wrestle away your senses and suck you into the recreation. With the Odyssey OLED G9, it is easy to overlook you are taking part in video games.
This is not a original side ratio for Samsung, however the OLED G9 goes above and past earlier variations with, effectively, OLED. As we have seen with different shows, OLED offers a big increase to shade and distinction, serving to HDR video games stand out much more.
It helps the 32:9 side ratio lots virtually, too. As a result of OLED panels are so skinny, the Odyssey OLED G9 takes up a lot much less desktop area than its predecessor.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
The perfect 32:9 gaming monitor
Often Requested Questions
What sort of monitor is greatest for gaming?
This greatly is dependent upon the sort of video games you should play. In case you play aggressive, fast-paced video games, high-refresh-rate displays are a should as they’ll cut back enter lag and provide you with a smoother gaming expertise. Larger resolutions and HDR are much for extra cinematic, AAA experiences, whereas bigger, curved screens add immersion for all types of titles.
Are you able to see the contrast between 144Hz and 240Hz?
Sure, however it’s totally minor. Above 144Hz, refresh charges begin to expose diminishing returns, so most avid gamers received’t discover a contrast between 144Hz and 240Hz. The contrast is that a 240Hz has much less latency — it refreshes extra usually — which might execute a contrast in how a recreation feels, particularly in a aggressive setting.
Is there a substantial contrast between 4K and 1080p?
Sure, there’s a large contrast. 4K has greater than four instances as many pixels as 1080p (two million in comparison with over eight million). 4K shows gaze sharper and supply higher readability. You’ll have a robust gaming PC to render all of these pixels, although, so you might need to follow a decrease decision in case your rig is not as much as snuff.
What’s a estimable dimension monitor for gaming?
The dimensions of your monitor largely is dependent upon what decision it’s. Because the display dimension will get bigger, decrease resolutions will change into extra pronounced. For gaming, we advocate a 24-inch monitor for 1080p, a 27-inch monitor for 1440p, and a 27-inch or bigger monitor for 4K.
Have in mind the side ratio, as effectively. Ultrawide displays are wider, and the display dimension is not similar to a normal 16:9 show. A 34-inch ultrawide monitor is not as giant as a 34-inch 16:9 one.
Does response time matter for gaming displays?
Sure, however not in the way in which you would possibly assume. Response time on a monitor measures how lengthy it takes from one pixel to transition to a totally different shade, not the enter lag. Quicker response instances present clearer movement, so a low response time is best for gaming.
G-Sync versus Freesync: What is the contrast?
G-Sync and FreeSync are each adaptive refresh charge applied sciences. The fundamental contrast is that FreeSync is an open-source model, whereas G-Sync is unique to Nvidia graphics playing cards. That has largely modified in recent times, nonetheless, and most displays with adaptive refresh will work with an AMD or Nvidia graphics card.
Can I consume my TV as a gaming monitor?
Sure, you should utilize a TV as a gaming monitor. TVs contain related choices for refresh charges, resolutions, HDR assist, and connections like HDMI — plus, HDMI 2.1 added assist for the open Adaptive Sync know-how, and a few TV manufacturers, like Samsung, assist FreeSync as effectively.
Nevertheless, TVs are typically rather more costly than displays, so you’ll probably finish up paying lots extra for related specs. TVs may additionally lack sure modes, menu choices, and customization options that displays contain for gaming.
Can I consume a gaming monitor for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Sequence X?
Completely. Observe for a monitor that has HDMI 2.1 or later ports for the very best outcomes. The consoles assist as much as 4k decision and a 120Hz refresh charge, so you may as well be beneficiant with specs and score much outcomes.
