Looking for the best monitors for gaming? Do you want the best monitor with G-Sync or FreeSync in 2021? What is the best cheap 4k monitor? Do you need 144Hz or 165Hz monitors? And a 240Hz model? And what about the new 1000R super curved monitors? Until recently it was quite difficult to buy a good monitor for gaming.
There were few options, both in size and technology, but lately, with IPS panels’ arrival, things have improved a lot. And we have the FreeSync technologies from AMD and G-Sync from Nvidia that provide us with a better image by avoiding “stops” or instability of the frames (stuttering) and image breaks (tearing) due to lack of synchronization.
What are the best monitors for gaming, we’ve found in 2021. Let’s first look at a few things to keep in mind before buying a good gaming monitor.
What to consider when buying a good gaming monitor: G-Sync and FreeSync, HDR, IPS or TN , 1000R
- IPS or TN –The LCD screen types, each with default image quality. TN is the most basic LCD screen model and gives us a worse image quality and a worse viewing angle. TN panels provide us with a 144Hz refresh rate and a response time that can be 1 ms. Best of all, 1080p 144Hz monitors are usually pretty cheap. On the other hand, the IPS usually have 60HZ (some reach 165 Hz), which means that we can feel the video games somewhat less “agile”. The response time is around 4ms. However, the viewing angles are better and the color reproduction is better. IPS monitors are more expensive than their TN equivalent.
- G-Sync and FreeSync: The 2 technologies that are going to provide us with an image without “stops” or frame instability (stuttering) and image breaks (tearing) due to lack of synchronization. Both occur as a result of the fact that monitors typically run at a fixed refresh rate, while graphics cards show us frames as fast as they can. With these technologies, we get the monitor to stay synchronized with the information sent by the graphics card. FreeSync is a non-proprietary system from AMD and G-Sync is only owned by Nvidia, so it charges us an extra in the price.
- Adjustable stand and connectivity: The monitor should have an adjustable stand to improve ergonomics. You are going to spend a lot of time in front of the screen, so it better adjust to your field of vision. When it comes to connectivity, there isn’t much of a problem nowadays, almost all of them have a good number of HDMI ports, Displayport.
- What does it mean for a monitor to have HDR? Simply put, what it means is that these types of displays can handle more detail in the brightest and darkest parts of an image, along with a wide range of colors. Most displays support HDR10 (just like televisions) and go up to 10 bits in color depth. The more modern ones support HDR10 + (with 12 bits). You’ll see more detail than on your non-HDR monitor, but extremely bright scenes will still be washed out, and the colors won’t appear like on an HDR-capable quality TV. You may want to spend your money on other things like 4K resolution or a wider color gamut rather than HDR technology.
Do I need a monitor with 144Hz or 165Hz? And a 240Hz monitor?
Surely if you are looking for monitors with 144Hz for your video games you have asked yourself this question. The answer is yes: For the best gaming experience, you need a monitor with a higher refresh rate to keep things running smoother in fast-paced games.
And you may have noticed that something is wrong when you play: the famous “Motion Blur” appears, or how the images leave a trace of movement throughout their journey as if the focus were failing. That’s why you notice it in action-packed video games like Counterstrike, CS: Go, or car racing games.
If you have 120fps in a video game and you are using a 60Hz monitor, your screen can only correctly show you half of the frame you should be seeing… which is not good at all.
Also read: Best monitor for digital painting
This is why your monitor needs a good response time for gaming. You have to go to 144Hz or higher.
That is why you may also have to consider buying a 240Hz model. This blazingly fast refresh rate is perfect for seeing smooth animations and all the sharp frames you’ve never seen before. The image will be more defined.
The 240Hz is going to be noticed both in image quality and playability. Eye! You are going to need hardware according to the circumstances. But you may need to upgrade your graphics card and make your computer powerful.
You can choose a 240Hz model in all kinds of sizes, on IPS screens or with HDR support. Things get better every year.
Cheap 144hz monitors especially recommended? The next two. And well-priced 240Hz monitors? We recommend the Samsung C27RG50.
Top 6 Best Monitors for gaming in 2021:
Image | Product | Details | Price |
---|---|---|---|
BenQ EX3501R | Screen Size: 24 Inches Resolution: FHD 1080p Display Technology: LCD Brand: ASUS Series: VG245H |
view at amazon | |
Acer Predator XB271HU | Screen Size: 27 Inches Resolution: QHD Wide 1440p Display Technology: LCD Brand: Acer Series: XB271HU |
view at amazon | |
ASUS ROG Strix XG49VQ | Screen Size: 49 Inches Resolution: FHD 1080p Display Technology: LCD Brand: ASUS Series: XG49VQ |
view at amazon | |
ASUS VG245H | Screen Size: 24 Inches Resolution: FHD 1080p Display Technology: LCD Brand: ASUS Series: VG245H |
view at amazon | |
Samsung C27RG50 | Screen Size: 27 Inches Resolution: FHD 1080p Display Technology: FHD Brand: SAMSUNG Series: LC27RG50FQNXZA |
view at amazon | |
ASUS ROG SWIFT PG348Q | Screen Size: 34 Inches Resolution: Ultra Wide 1440p Display Technology: QHD Brand: ASUS |
view at amazon |
Best Monitors For Gaming Reviews 2021
1. BenQ EX3501R – 35 ″ Curved Gaming Monitor (Amazon’s Choice)
- 35-inch curved screen and 3440 × 1440 resolution with 1800R curvature
- HDR technology and 300 cd / m2 brightness
- 100Hz refresh rate
- 4ms response time
- Supports sRGB 100%
- Single cable USB-C connectivity
- AMD FreeSync
If you are looking for the best cheap ultrawide monitor 35 inch gaming monitor with HDR this is the best. Without a minute’s hesitation. It’s a really nice monitor with spectacular image clarity. You can now enjoy HDR in your video games. The only downside is that its menu can be somewhat complicated to use and you need to configure it to your liking right out of the box (neither problem is very important). Its price is not bad for what it offers.
2. Acer XB Predator XB271HU
• 27 ″ IPS LCD screen
• Resolution 2,560 x 1,440px
• Refresh rate: 165Hz
• G-Sync
The competition of the ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q. Its design is somewhat aggressive with a base that many may not like and others may love. Build quality is somewhat worse than Asus. It only has one HDMI and one DisplayPort.
You will also find 4 USB 3.0 ports. The image quality is tremendous, with great color rendering, great contrast, and very good viewing angles. It has G-Sync and a refresh rate of 165Hz. It is a bit cheaper than the Asus model.
3. ASUS ROG Strix
- 49-inch 32: 9 (3840 x 1080px) Ultrawide HDR Gaming Monitor with 144 Hz refresh rate
- High dynamic range (HDR) technology with support for 90% of the professional DCI-p3 color gamut and display hdr 400 certification
- Radeon free sync 2 HDR technology
- Shadow boost improves detail in dark areas
- Connectivity: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x 3.5mm jack, 3 x USB 3.0
- VESA compatible
- Panel dimensions: 1195.8 x 336.3 mm
The best thing about this model compared to the previous one is that its price is lower, but it is still perfect for gaming. A great option if you want to save a few euros compared to the Samsung model. And it is the best 1080p 144Hz free sync monitor, AMD FreeSync 2, HDR, DCI-P3 90%, and perfect for working with many apps thanks to its 32: 9 aspect ratio.
You can split the screen into two independent Full HD monitors. Its curve is 1800R, so you will not have problems to see the full screen and work comfortably.
Its design is striking and the edges do not bother at all. The resolution is a bit lower than the previous model: 3840 x 1080px, but it is still perfect for most video games.
It has DisplayHDR 400 (450nits of brightness), also lower than in the Samsung monitor, but still, it is perfect for creating content.
It does not have USB-C connectivity and it is only Full HD keep that in mind.
4. ASUS VG245H – 24 inch Full HD Free-Sync gaming monitor
• 24 ″ Full HD gaming monitor with 1 ms response time and GameFast Input technology
• Two HDMI ports to simultaneously connect the console and another HDMI device
• AMD FreeSync Technology
• Shortcut key to GamePlus improvements, GameVisual offers an improved image
• Compatible with VESA anchors; ergonomic stand with adjustable height, tilt, swivel, and rotation
You will not find anything cheaper for gaming than such good performance. You have a 1080p screen that looks great, lots of useful settings, a good ergonomic design, and AMD FreeSync, and all for a really low price. Spectacular. It would only lack a 144-Hz refresh rate, but for that, we have to go to more expensive models.
5. Samsung C27RG50 – 27 ″ 240Hz Curved Gaming Monitor
- Immersive gaming experience with 1,500r curved screen and 3000: 1 contrast ratio
- 1080p Full HD resolution
- Smooth gaming experience with 240hz refresh rate
- Compatible with nvidia g-sync
- The game mode adapts the settings to any type of video game
- Frameless design on 3 sides
Samsung’s new 1500R curved screen monitors, G-Sync support that synchronizes the GPU and the panel to eliminate tearing, stuttering and screen lag problems, 178º viewing angle and a highly adjustable gaming mode optimal black gamma levels, contrast, sharpness and color.
6. ASUS ROG SWIFT PG348Q
- 34 ″ IPS LCD curved screen
- Resolution 3,440 x 1,440px
- Refresh rate: 100Hz
- G-Sync
Probably the best 34-inch gaming monitor you can buy. It has a 34 ″ curved screen with a resolution of 3,440 x 1,440px, 100 Hz and G-Sync. Its design is spectacular, with a tremendous modern metallic appearance. Project the Asus ROG logo on your desktop (what a fuck). It only has one HDMI and one DisplayPort.
You will also find 4 USB 3.0 ports. It is perfect for watching movies on full screen. The colors are perfect, the contrast tremendous, and the viewing angles very wide. Its only limitation is its 100Hz, but it is an improvement over 60Hz monitors. It is very expensive.