How can this be said without the words coming out as overly dramatic? The best computer monitors for gaming provide a portal into a virtual realm. They recreate millions of colors in vibrant detail, immerse you in epic battles, pitch you in combat against low-latency monsters and realistic enemy troops. In an ideal world, all displays would render these worlds perfectly, without screen tearing or ghosting. The anti-aliased foreground would flow like liquid, the background scroll seamlessly, not a scrap of a glitch to be found. However, we don’t live in an ideal world.
Real gaming monitors are workhorse devices. They’re expected to create an immersive display capable of sucking you into the action. To keep this illusion intact, low-latency HD or 4K graphics transform high GPU frame rates into millions of pixels, throwing these colored dots around the screen without breaking a digital sweat. So, just to count off the main features on one hand, flagship gaming panels have low latencies, ultra-high resolutions, superior color depths, and fast response times. We’ll reserve the other hand for counting off a few not-so-popular features. Onwards and upwards, then.
Our Best Monitors for Gaming – Latest Recommendations
Featuring the finest low-latency screens, curved and traditional, each with superb high-resolution panels that’ll turn the tide against fierce opponents—every pixel counts when treating your eyes to digital eye candy on a sensational gaming monitor.
LG UltraGear OLED WQHD 34” Curved Gaming Monitor
Monitor exterior stylings in this review aren’t going to be heavily showcased. Still, we couldn’t help but stop for a minute to admire the dramatic curvature shaping the LG UltraGear OLED WQHD. The 34” screen swept around our office gamer, immersing him in action. As we understand it, the curved panel sports an 800R sweep, which naturally suits the human gaze. Eye fatigue is reduced during prolonged gameplay, the player sinks deeper into the experience, and the super deep OLED blacks maintain a sense of reality being suspended.
A 0.03ms response time keeps fast-paced action synced with the GPU, with pixels flying around the panel without distracting glitching. Partnered with a 240Hz refresh rate and nvidia G-Sync compatibility, silky smooth motion was maintained, no matter how crowded the screen or how fast the frantic gaming action became. Back with the OLED display, we took particular delight when watching DisplayHDR technology render high-contrast blacks, earning the LG UltraGear OLED WQHD its Black400 certification. Likewise, color accuracy and vibrancy was high, even on games with saturated hues.
Through the gamer’s lens – With a 1.5M:1 contrast ratio, it wasn’t exactly difficult to see this display lit up in neon on our best computer monitors for gaming lowdown. If a player is crawling through a dungeon, equipped only with his or her flickering torch, every shadow and highlight in that dark, rocky medieval room will spring out, filled with detail.
The 800R curve also felt strangely immersive. Less like a square portal, more like a curving gateway to other gaming worlds, the sweep of the panel enfolded our player, drawing him in. As for how the panel reacts to different GPU configurations, G-Sync technology is accompanied by AMD Freesync Premium Pro, which means zero screen tearing or annoying frame stuttering when playing on a Radeon equipped PC.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 32” Curved Gaming Monitor
Since they know a thing or two about displays—their smartphone screens are some of the best on the mobile market—the presence of the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 gaming monitor in this post really doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone in our office. The high radius 1000R curve, the 4K UHD resolution and 165Hz refresh rate, all indicators point toward a premium panel with superb gaming credentials.
The speedy 1ms response time suggests capable handling of anti-aliased graphics at higher resolutions. If a scene shifts suddenly or explodes with color, the display won’t shear or distort. Additionally, the wide radius screen sweep is certainly big enough to create the illusion of large virtual realms; this was one of the first things our game reviewer noticed, by the way. That and the edge-to-edge panel color depth delivered by Quantum mini-LED screen elements.
Through the gamer’s lens – The screen tilts without giving off teetering vibes, and it pans smoothly too. The 3840×2160 resolution picture quality settled snugly into place after adjustments to panel pitch had been finalized. Then the Source Switch+ circuit automatically picked up the input from our AMD test machine. A console or laptop second display could also have been fed through and picked up by this feed detecting feature.
Certified HDR2000 fresh, the Samsung Odyssey Neo is clearly a brightness champ, illuminating highlights and game scene action while keeping high contrast inky blacks resolutely dark. Meanwhile, around back, the monitor uses CoreSync lighting to add dimension to games. The lighting even syncs with some games, complementing them with engaging lighting effects.
This is a favorite review team monitor. Its 21:9 panel, supported by AMD FreeSync Premium Pro GPU connectivity, is pin-sharp and free of the kind of obtrusive screen-lag artifacts that trouble lesser screens.
Dell Alienware QD-OLED 32” AW3225QF Gaming Monitor
The first hardware spec to twist our necks magnetically towards the Dell Alienware QD-OLED 32” gaming monitor was the 240Hz refresh rate. That’s an awesome update speed, which is then quickly followed by Dolby Vision standardization and a 4K UHD resolution that doesn’t compromise on razer-sharpened picture quality. Sporting a tiny Alienware gray extraterrestrial head, we couldn’t wait to unbox this loaner and let it massage our retinas with visually rich game imagery.
True to form, the 3840×2160 UHD graphics didn’t distort as they curved around our tester. Quantum Dot technology—the same technology used in high-end televisions— kept those curving graphics sharp, visually stunning and OLED vibrant. There was no chance of finding washed out game graphics while sending output from our system GPU to this little beast of a display panel. In fact, the Dolby Vision and HDR400 rated contrast sometimes looked a little hyperreal, although this was easily fixed on the OSD panel.
Through the gamer’s lens – The biggest curvature so far on this best computer monitors for gaming review, the Dell Alienware QD-OLED uses a 1700R sweep, which looks wider than most monitors in this class. If you sometimes feel a little too wrapped up by a curved monitor, this gentler curve will resolve the issue. Other features our gamer found irresistible included the low-blue light feature, the true to life color palette, and a 0.03ms response time. A solid performer, lightning fast responsiveness eliminated ghosting and motion blurring.
Even if we weren’t gaming, this monitor, due to its authentic HDR contrast rendering and super-accurate color gamut, would fit in well with a video or image production studio. Gaming for lunch, the studio engineers could switch to color grading work at a moment’s notice. Last in this review, but certainly not least, connectivity options are incredibly well implemented. Expect an HDMI 2.1 eARC port, a connector that supports Dolby Atmos. GPU acceleration is also incorporated, again in the form of G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium.
BenQ Mobiuz EX480UZ 48” Gaming Monitor
Something of an anachronism in this post, the BenQ Mobiuz gaming monitor reviewed here is not curved. It’s a traditional flat screen panel, but its flatness is the only thing traditional, with everything else hitting the stratosphere where high-end gaming is concerned. That means, 4K OLED color and a zippy 120Hz refresh time. It also means a more than respectable 0.1ms response time and a DCI-P3 wide color range that easily hits the 98% mark.
We found the flatscreen form factor a suitable match for cinematic games. The lack of curve looked more movie-like, so storytelling games were enhanced, and immersive gameplay was not significantly impacted. On the screen, lush environments rendered in a split-second, minus any ghosting effects. The picture quality was sharp and vibrant, OLED rendered colors authentic and true-to-life.
Through the gamer lens – We did find that our overhead fluorescent lighting had been impacting tests on all of these monitors equally, which is why we conducted all of our benchmarking in a small room with all overhead lighting turned off. Reading the online manual for the BenQ Mobiuz, the monitor has a feature called HDRi. It’s a form of adaptive lighting that measures ambient light levels and adjusts the monitor HDR accordingly. Good to know, we figured that HDRi could be used in many ambient lighting conditions.
Our tester had more to say. Apparently, this is one of the more feature rich monitors on our list, with inbuilt 2.1 speakers and a remote control included. Multiple selectable color vibrancy modes and automated easy-connect device mapping tools are also provided. Spoilt for choice when it came to connectivity, a side connector panel offered USB and multiple HDMI connectors to keep you wired for sound, and video. All that was needed to finish levelling up our gaming street cred was a nice headset.
MSI MPG 321 URX QD-OLED Gaming Monitor
Sometimes we just want to hit that gaming sweet spot, and the MSI MPG 321 URX QD-OLED does sit within that sought after 32” range, delivering pixel-perfect Quantum Dot visuals with signature organic LED color accuracy. Sure, curves are out, but some of our old-school gamers prefer the cinematic qualities associated with flat displays. Also, it’s easier to switch to productivity work if you’re a weekend gaming warrior, not a full-time gamer.
Earning credibility on the list, the MSI panel is part of the MPG series inner circle. It’s engineered by MSI as a powerhouse gaming display, striking the ball out of the park with a 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms GtG response time and a ClearMR 13000 motion blur reducing feature. Factoring in these three specs alone, fast-paced gaming is locked in on the minimized bezels of this screaming-fast game panel.
Through the gamer lens – With VESA certified HDR and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro among the bleeding edge talents of this sleek panel, its gaming clout is assured. The joystick navigator on the back of the display was a little tricky to locate the first few times, but as soon as our reviewer was sure of its position, he was effortlessly keying in personalized picture settings.
Again, being flat is only bad in tires and sodas. The 32” MSI MPG URX QD-OLED uses its curve-free form factor well, providing superior color gamut coverage, which is just what we wanted when looking for a monitor that could serve both as our main productivity panel and gaming hub. Typically finishing work by 6pm, we used the Gaming Intelligence App to pull up our player display settings, then let Mystic Light bring ambient RGB illuminance to our dimmed office.
Asus ROG Swift 39” OLED PG39WCDM Gaming Monitor
Kicking Valorant, our current go-to FPS game, into it’s loading screen, we were determined to push the graphics envelope with the Asus ROG Swift OLED. It’s a 39” ultrawide screen with an 800R curve, so the immersive first-person shooter gave off an intimate vibe as our monitor tester put its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time through a trial-by-fire series of tests. Anisotropic filtering at 4x and anti-aliasing set to FXAA, we observed zero screen shearing or distortion while battling Raze through one of the busier maps. Insider tip for Valorant, keep track of mouse sensitivity.
Focusing more on monitor features and less on that never ending battle to conquer Valorant, OLED technology is implemented with great success on the Asus ROG Swift. The 21:9 aspect ratio on the 39” screen renders 3440×1440 resolution gaming visuals sharply, doesn’t introduce any motion blur, and all of our game maps move past our perspective with fluidness and HDR influenced depth. Colors were rich, blacks were absolute, and the overall experience felt otherworldly, just as intended by the game designers.
Through the gamer lens – The Asus Display Widget Center was where we spent our downtime. When not gaming, we pointed at the settings and fine-tuned the display. A handy series of pixel moving applets were in here, taking care of the monitor when it was being overused, which we were often guilty of doing. The best computer monitors for gaming are pushed hard by gamers, so it was good to know there were tools to provide its tired pixels with some TLC.
Our prebuilt rig, equipped with an nVidia Geforce RTX 4070 and MSI motherboard, was definitely spoiled for choice, with G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro upping our framerates and giving us the edge we needed to kick some enemies to the curb. Victorious at last, our gamer used the Smart KVM function to communicate with a few peripherals and take care of a couple of regular computing tasks, all while keeping the gaming momentum rolling.
HP Omen 27k 144Hz Gaming Monitor
Right at home with cinematic quality play, our flatscreen 27” HP Omen 27k, sporting aRGB lighting, slotted in perfectly with our gaming rig. Its exterior aesthetics were an initial draw, but it was the formidable high-performance visual engine that created eye candy gaming virtuosity. Courtesy of IPS panel technology and a native 4K UHD resolution, sharpened virtual environments popped, characters moved fluidly, and game effects exploded with color.
Superlatives aside, opting for a more grounded review style, the 144Hz refresh rate of this pin-sharp display is matched by 400 nit brightness and a 10M:1 contrast ratio. For gamers, eliminating ghosting and motion tear, a 1ms response time kept gameplay fluid and frantic. Assuming you’re intending to use the HP Omen 27k for other duties, our tester tried out some Photoshop editing and video productivity tools; the 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 color accuracy spilling out of the panel was just right for a graphic designer, one who perhaps wants to game in his spare hours.
Through the gamer lens – By the numbers, it’s a solid product. G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium refresh rate technology kept GPU frame rates high and gameplay silky smooth. Meanwhile, toggling visuals between a nearby gaming laptop and an editing desktop, we tested out the KVM switch, coming to the conclusion that it made for a convenient way to get around various hooked up peripherals, transitioning our tester between his work setup and his play rig without swamping his desk with cable clutter.
Is the HP Omen 27k one of the best computer monitors for gaming? We’d have to answer that question with an unconditional yes, adding productivity ready capabilities to its long list of flatscreen features. Looking closer, the sleek chassis incorporates ambience-boosting rear aRGB lighting and a pair of built-in 3W speakers. There’s also enough ports to satisfy cable-happy types. Expect DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 connectors, an audio jack, and a superfast USB-C port, too.
Gigabyte G34WQC 34” Gaming Monitor
Less like a desktop monitor, more like a whole-room portal to immersive player heaven, the Gigabyte G34WQC gaming monitor doesn’t settle for anything less than a 1500R screen curvature. Staffers said this ultrawide 21:9 display, at 3440×1440 pixels, created a massive field of view, so much so that we could see lush world environments in our peripheral view. Of course, this worked best when gaming dead center, and the screen did take up a lot of desk real estate.
The QHD display did sport a fast 1ms response time and a 144HZ refresh rate, which felt surprisingly ultra-crisp, no matter the game speed. Aiming at an enemy convoy with a concealed sniper hidden behind a rocky outcropping, our Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 bolt-action Dragunov SVD rifle locked its PSO scope without judder impacting our covert long-range shots. Overall, the Gigabyte gaming monitor we tested had a simple aesthetic, with the system engineers spending more time on visual richness than extraneous bells and whistles.
Through the gamer lens – For those interested, our gamer took out that convoy. For those more interested in the G34WQC, its rear support post raises and lowers the big panel quite easily, and it tilts as well, removing distracting reflections in the process. If we had to hide our player in a dark room, still in Call of Duty mode, the edge-to-edge 350 cd/m2 screen brightness would still easily highlight suspicious game shadows, as aided by a 12M:1 dynamic contrast ratio.
VESA certified displayHDR and AMD FreeSync to the fore, flicker-free gaming was never a problem. Backing out a bit—the display really does suck player eyes deep—clear if bass-deprived audio kicks out of two inbuilt speakers. While checking them out for build quality, we also took the opportunity to inspect a decent range of ports. There were two HDMI connectors and two DisplayPort connectors to familiarize ourselves with, but there was no sign of an audio jack. Missing in action, for plugging in a gaming headset, it would have been a thoughtful addition.
Level Up Your Gaming Monitor
Ultrawide curved screens make for some of the best computer monitors for gaming. Still, with the amount of curve varying from one product to the next, it might be a good idea to hit up your local big box store and see which model feels immersive and which creates feelings of claustrophobia. The 1500R Gigabyte G34WQC was heavily favored when delving into lush virtual environments. The Dell Alienware AW3225QF had an even subtler sweep, so either of these panels would be outstanding visual companions in large worlds where cinematic quests are encountered.
A smaller radius, perhaps as seen on the 1000R Samsung Odyssey Neo G7, might be a good place to start when shopping. It hits that perfect sweet spot, balancing performance against game immersion. Moving on, features like G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium are desirable, reducing screen tear and display lag, but you should check the specs on your GPU before buying a monitor that supports one or both of these technologies. Radeon and nVidia graphics cards need specific drivers and hardware technologies, so match accordingly.
With all that being said, try to prioritize visual richness over flashy features. Buy with image crispness, vibrancy and low latency displays firmly in mind. Choose monitors that have clutter saving ports and GPU maximizing sync features. And yes, do be swayed by the flat or ultrawide curves on these screens, knowing that these are the final link in your gaming rig, but know that it’s all about what enhances your gaming experience, not just what looks cool. Superior hardware over thinner bezels, that’s what you’re shopping for. Although, if you can have both, more power to you.
No matter your GPU and CPU, SSD and RAM configurations, it’s all for nothing without a premium gaming monitor. Go for size and color depth, pixel crispness and motion fluidity, maybe even RGB ambient rear lighting, too. Above all else, opt for one of the best brands, as promoted in this review of best computer monitors for gaming. As a final endnote, don’t forget to ask about product warranty terms. Protect your investment.