An essential component of a PC gamer’s setup is undoubtedly the gaming monitor. It doesn’t make much sense to invest a significant amount of money in your gaming PC only to pair it with an outdated, two-decade-old office monitor. Instead, there are a multitude of exceptional gaming monitors available today, spanning from high-refresh 1080p options to high-fidelity 4K displays and incredibly wide ultrawide panels.
At present, the top choice for a gaming monitor is the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, especially the glossy and more affordable variant. This monitor utilizes the same outstanding Samsung OLED panel found in the leading Alienware OLED monitor, and it features a glossy, non-excessively reflective coating similar to the pricier Philips Evnia 34M2C8600. The result is truly outstanding.
Best Gaming Monitors of 2024:
Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM
Screen size: 32-inch – Panel type: QD-OLED – Aspect ratio: 16:9 – Resolution: 3840 x 2160 – Response time: 0.03ms – Refresh rate: 240Hz – Weight: 19.40 lbs (8.8 kg)
Refresh rate technology: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync Compatibility
Reasons To Buy:
- Glossy coating makes all the difference
- Ultra-quick response
- Good full-screen brightness
Reasons To Avoid:
- Glossy coating makes all the difference
- Mediocre pixel density
At $1300/£1349, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM is obviously an ultra-high-end gaming monitor for the most well-equipped PC players. After all, it costs much more than a high-end LG C2 or C3 OLED TV set in 42, 48, or even 55 inches. Unlike previous generations of OLED gaming monitors, this generation actually provides a significant upgrade over the TV spec sheet: a 240Hz refresh rate, a slew of gaming monitor features, DisplayPort support (though 1.4, not 2.1), 90W USB-C Power Delivery for laptops, and a height-adjustable stand that can be removed in favor of 100×100 VESA mounting.
The ROG Swift PG32UCDM is likewise more expensive than non-OLED gaming monitors or TVs. However, the advantages in temporal and spatial clarity it provides over almost anything else on the market are significant, and there’s a real sense here that OLED monitors have truly arrived for the PC space, with the rough edges smoothed out and the core promise more exciting than ever before.
I’d go so far as to say that this is the best option for PC gaming, and it comes highly recommended despite its premium price. MSI and Dell create their own alternatives utilizing the same panel, and we want to cover each of these in turn to see how they compare in further detail – so stay tuned.
Alienware 34 QD-OLED (AW3423DWF)
Screen size: 34-inch – Panel type: IPS – Aspect ratio: 21:9 – Resolution: 3440 x 1440 – Response time: 0.1 ms – Refresh rate: 175Hz – Weight: 15.26 lbs (6.92 kg)
Refresh rate technology: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
Reasons To Buy:
- Glossy coating makes all the difference
- Ultra-quick response
- Good full-screen brightness
Reasons To Avoid:
- Still fairly pricey
- Mediocre pixel density
The OLED technology has made its way into gaming monitors, and Alienware is leading the charge with impressive OLED gaming monitors. Among them, the standout choice is the Alienware 34 AW3423DWF. What sets it apart is its glossy panel with a unique anti-glare coating, replacing the matte finish of the original model, delivering a superior visual experience.
Alienware’s previous OLED gaming monitor, the Alienware 34 AW3423DW, was a groundbreaking product, but it had its flaws. Now, the Alienware 34 AW3423DWF, a nearly identical monitor, comes at a more affordable price point. It drops certain features, such as Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate certification, in favor of AMD’s Freesync Premium Pro and a slightly lower refresh rate. However, it retains the exceptional Samsung QD-OLED panel.
The glossy coating on this Alienware monitor enhances the OLED panel’s performance, providing deep black levels and outstanding contrast, making it one of the best options for HDR gaming. While it lacks a USB Type-C connection and may not excel in general computing tasks due to pixel density, the Alienware 34 AW3423DWF remains a top choice for gaming, offering a fantastic visual experience.
LG 27GN950-B
Screen size: 27-inch – Panel type: Nano IPS – Aspect ratio: 16:9 – Resolution: 3840 x 2160 – Response time: 1ms – Refresh rate: 144Hz – Weight: 16.9lbs
Refresh rate technology: G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync Premium Pro
Reasons To Buy:
- Bright vivid colors
- G-Sync/FreeSync compatible
- Excellent response time for a 4K monitor
Reasons To Avoid:
- Oversaturated sRGB mode
Achieving 4K gaming excellence is no small feat, demanding substantial rendering power. Yet, with high-end graphics cards like the RTX 4080 or RX 7900 XTX, the LG UltraGear 27GN950-B can turn this dream into a reality. This monitor, the first of its kind, combines 4K resolution with Nano IPS technology, providing a 1ms response time and compatibility with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync adaptive refresh. It also boasts a sleek design with slim bezels and LG’s Sphere Lighting 2.0 RGB visual effects, all while delivering a buttery smooth 144Hz experience.
Though it exhibits a touch of IPS glow, mostly noticeable at the screen’s edges during dark game scenes, it doesn’t pose a significant problem in most scenarios. However, its HDR performance falls a bit short due to its limited 16 edge-lit local dimming zones. What truly stands out is the Nano IPS technology, offering a wide color gamut and excellent viewing angles. The color accuracy of the Nano IPS panel is exceptional, and LG’s default calibration is nearly flawless, delivering vivid and punchy image quality on the Windows desktop.
In games, the LG UltraGear 27GN950-B continues to impress, with its 144Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution providing an exceptional visual experience. Despite its somewhat limited HDR capabilities, it excels in delivering beautiful colors and contrast for gaming. G-Sync ensures stable pictures and smoothness, and the monitor’s quick refresh rate and response times further enhance its performance. While the absence of HDMI 2.1 and USB Type-C may be seen as limitations, the LG UltraGear 27GN950-B remains one of the top monitors available today.
Gigabyte M32UC
Screen size: 32-inch – Panel type: VA – Aspect ratio: 16:9 – Resolution: 3840 x 2160 – Response time: 1ms MPRT – Refresh rate: 144Hz (160Hz overclocked) – Weight: 17.9lbs
Refresh rate technology: AMD FreeSync Premium
Reasons To Buy:
- Affordable 4K
- Up to 160Hz refresh overclocked
- Great panel performance
- No frills approach
- Handy USB hub
Reasons To Avoid:
- Stand is pretty basic
- DisplayHDR 400 isn’t much
The Gigabyte M32UC represents an exciting intersection of affordability and performance in the realm of 4K gaming monitors. Priced as low as $600, it offers a 4K gaming experience with a fast 144Hz refresh rate and the option to overclock to 160Hz via DisplayPort 1.4, although a robust GPU is needed to fully exploit its capabilities. With features like two HDMI 2.1 ports, a 1ms MPRT response time, FreeSync Premium Pro, and a USB 3.2 hub, Gigabyte has crafted a well-rounded offering at a competitive price point.
Gaming on the M32UC’s 32-inch 4K panel provides a visually stunning experience, with exceptional image clarity, fine detail preservation, and vibrant visuals. However, its HDR capabilities are somewhat limited, lacking the brightness and local dimming required for true HDR. While the design may appear unremarkable, the value-for-money proposition makes the M32UC an attractive choice for those planning a 4K-capable gaming setup or already equipped with a high-end GPU seeking to maximize its potential.
In a market where comparable monitors with similar specifications are often from Gigabyte, the M32UC’s affordability and performance make it a solid option for gamers looking to invest in a 4K gaming monitor without breaking the bank.
Dell S2722DGM
Screen size: 27-inch – Panel type: VA – Aspect ratio: 16:9 – Resolution: 2560 x 1440 – Response time: 1ms – Refresh rate: 165Hz – Weight: 9.4lbs – Refresh rate tech: FreeSync Premium
Reasons To Buy:
- 1440p and 165Hz is a very nice combo
- Strong inherent contrast from VA panel
- Affordable for a gaming panel
Reasons To Avoid:
- No HDR support
- Adequate rather than excellent response
The 27-inch Dell S2722DGM combines a spacious screen with a native 2560 x 1440 resolution, offering an excellent pixel pitch for fine detail. Its 1440p resolution strikes a good balance for achieving high frame rates without the demanding GPU requirements of a 4K display. Moreover, the monitor is capable of delivering this resolution at a commendable 165Hz refresh rate.
With a 2ms GtG response time, the Dell S2722DGM is slightly behind the 1ms and 0.5ms ratings of the best IPS panels but still offers impressive speed. If you’re a speed enthusiast, there are faster panels available, but this VA panel excels in providing a high contrast ratio, which is a notable strength of this technology.
In terms of picture quality, the Dell S2722DGM offers vibrant visuals, benefiting from its strong inherent contrast, even in SDR mode. It can handle games like Cyberpunk 2077 that support HDR, even when running in SDR mode. However, the MPRT mode, which affects brightness and vibrancy, may not be the best choice. The ‘Extreme’ mode, rated at 2ms, exhibits a slight overshoot that’s only minimally noticeable in-game, while the ‘Super fast’ mode resolves the overshoot but may exhibit some smearing of darker tones.
While lacking USB Type-C connectivity, the monitor provides dual HDMI and a single DisplayPort connection, which are suitable for most users, although the HDMI ports top out at 144Hz instead of 165Hz. One of the standout features of the Dell S2722DGM is its affordability, making it a great choice for PC gamers. Dell consistently delivers high-quality gaming panels with essential features and some additional ones, all at a reasonable price, solidifying its position as one of the top gaming monitors for most PC gamers.
Pixio PXC277 Advanced
Screen size: 27-inch – Panel type: VA – Aspect ratio: 16:9 – Curvature: 1500R
Resolution: 2560 x 1440 – Response time: 1ms – Refresh rate: 165Hz – Weight: 14.97 lbs – Refresh rate tech: FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible
Reasons To Buy:
- 1440p 165Hz panel
- Excellent contrast
- Decent pixel response
Reasons To Avoid:
- Very limited HDR support
- Tilt-only stand
- Slightly pointless panel curve
The Pixio PXC277 Advanced is a gaming monitor that combines several essential features without breaking the bank. Priced at around $240, it offers a 27-inch 1440p panel with a 165Hz refresh rate and a claimed 1ms response time, all while supporting HDR. This package makes it an enticing option for budget-conscious gamers.
The monitor meets many key metrics for a good gaming experience, offering a 27-inch 1440p panel that strikes a balance between size, pixel density, and GPU load. The 165Hz refresh rate is suitable for most gamers, and the 1ms response time theoretically ensures fast gameplay. However, its HDR support has limitations, lacking full-array local dimming and achieving a modest 320 nits of brightness.
In terms of image quality and overall gaming experience, the Pixio PXC277 Advanced performs reasonably well. Its default calibration is accurate, and it doesn’t exhibit common issues like sharpening filters or backlight blotchiness found in very cheap panels. While it may not be the brightest display, it offers good black levels and a pleasing desktop experience in SDR mode. However, its HDR performance falls short of delivering a true HDR experience, with some compression at the high end resulting in blown-out bright details. Despite some compromises, the monitor’s design is sleek and modern, and it manages to deliver a commendable overall performance for its price.
BenQ Mobiuz EX240
Screen size: 24-inch – Panel type: IPS – Aspect ratio: 16:9 – Resolution: 1920 x 1080 – Response time: 1ms – Refresh rate: 165Hz – Weight: 8.2lbs – Refresh rate tech: FreeSync Premium
Reasons To Buy:
- Zippy IPS panel
- 165 refresh and good latency
- Slick, well-built chassis
Reasons To Avoid:
- Very limited HDR support
- ‘Only’ 1080p
- Silly OSD menu and options
The BenQ Mobiuz EX240 is an excellent example of an affordable 1080p gaming monitor that caters well to competitive gamers without breaking the bank. Priced at $200, it offers a 24-inch panel with a 1080p resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and IPS panel technology with a 1ms response time.
The monitor boasts a 350 nits brightness rating and HDR10 support, although it lacks VESA certification or local dimming, making it not a high-end HDR panel. Nonetheless, it can process HDR signals correctly. In terms of image quality, the monitor delivers vibrant and punchy visuals with good viewing angles and decent default color calibration. While there’s some color compression at the darker end of the spectrum, overall, the monitor is well set up.
In gaming, the BenQ Mobiuz EX240 performs admirably with a claimed 1ms response time by the MPRT metric, which is roughly equivalent to a 2ms GtG response. This results in a responsive and smooth gaming experience with minimal motion blur. Despite some limitations, such as its 1080p resolution, this monitor offers good value for its price, providing an appealing package for gamers in search of an affordable but capable gaming display.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC
Screen size: 57-inch – Panel type: IPS – Aspect ratio: 32:9 – Resolution: 7680 x 2160 – Response time: 1ms – Refresh rate: 240Hz – Weight: 41.88 lbs (19 kg) –
Refresh rate tech: FreeSync Premium Pro
Reasons To Buy:
- More pixels than you can possibly imagine
- Much improved local dimming
- Staggering gaming experience
Reasons To Avoid:
- Mini-LED tech still has limitations
- Ergonomics are questionable
- Quite, er, expensive
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC Dual UHD is a gaming monitor of unparalleled proportions, with its 57-inch ultra-curved panel effectively combining two 32-inch 240Hz 4K gaming monitors into a single display, resulting in an astonishing 7,680 by 2,160 pixel resolution. This dual-4K monitor offers an impressive 240Hz refresh rate, making it a groundbreaking piece of hardware that only AMD’s latest RDNA 3-powered Radeon RX 7000 Series GPU can fully exploit with their DisplayPort 2.1 interfaces.
While hitting 240Hz at dual 4K resolution in graphically demanding games may be a challenge, it’s worth noting that Nvidia’s RTX 40-series GPUs, limited to DP 1.4, can only achieve a maximum of 120Hz. The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC Dual UHD also holds DisplayHDR 1000 certification with full-array local dimming and 2,392 zones, doubling what you find on many 32-inch 4K panels. The monitor utilizes a VA panel with a static contrast ratio of 2,500:1 and a 1ms pixel response time.
The display’s immense size, extreme 32:9 aspect ratio, and 1000R curvature make it a truly remarkable and visually stunning monitor, offering an astonishing 140DPI pixel density. While there may be more gaming-focused options available, this monitor shines as an all-encompassing, ultra-luxury PC display, providing an unparalleled level of image detail and impressive performance, making it a top-tier choice for those with a generous budget.
Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ
Screen size: 41.5-inch – Panel type: OLED – Aspect ratio: 16:9 – Resolution: 3840 x 2160 – Response time: 0.1ms MPRT (2ms GtG) – Refresh rate: 138Hz – Weight: 32.56lbs –
Refresh rate tech: Nvidia G-Sync compatible
Reasons To Buy:
- OLED for deep blacks
- Fast response and high refresh
- 42-inch is the best large desktop size
- Impressive array of ports & features
- G-Sync compatible
Reasons To Avoid:
- Low pixel density & text color fringing
- OLED = risk of burn-in
- No height or swivel adjustment
- 42-inch LG C2 is cheaper with similar performance
The Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ OLED gaming monitor has emerged as one of the best 4K gaming displays on the market. Leveraging the same OLED panel found in the LG C2 OLED TV, the Swift PG42UQ enhances the gaming experience by offering a higher refresh rate at 138Hz (compared to the C2’s 120Hz), an anti-glare coating, DisplayPort 1.4, and seamless compatibility with gaming accessories. While it comes with a premium price tag of $1,399, it justifies its cost by operating like a true monitor, not a smart TV, and delivers the performance enhancements that gamers will appreciate.
The Swift PG42UQ impresses with its vibrant colors, rich saturation, and contrast right out of the box. It offers a variety of color profiles and customization options through the OSD, providing flexibility to tailor the display to individual preferences. With SDR brightness peaking at 450 nits and reaching up to 750 nits in HDR, it offers a captivating visual experience, even if it’s not the brightest display available. The OSD controls, located at the base of the monitor, are user-friendly, and the dedicated Gaming section offers overclocking and gaming enhancements. Additionally, the monitor includes features to mitigate the risk of burn-in, such as periodic pixel shift and refresh, as well as an automatic brightness limiter.
While the Swift PG42UQ carries a higher price compared to the LG C2 42, it caters specifically to gamers, enhancing the overall gaming experience in numerous ways. Its adjustments may be somewhat limited, but for gamers seeking top-tier performance and the exceptional visual quality of OLED technology, the ROG Swift PG42UQ stands out as an excellent choice.