9 Best Gaming Monitors In 2023

Any gamer worth their salt wants the best gaming monitor possible, but hundreds of options exist. With how complex displays get, you might not know if you’re sacrificing power for something else. We’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of the best gaming monitors for you to check out. Plus, you’ll find essential education below on what makes a good gaming monitor so you can confidently buy the right gaming monitor the first time.

Setup.gg’s best gaming monitors

• Top pick overall: Alienware AW2723DF
• Alternate top pick: Asus ROG Strix XG27AQM
• 4k pick: Gigabyte M28U
• Curved pick: Samsung Odyssey G7
• Ultrawide pick: Alienware AW3423DW
• OLED pick: LG 27GR95QE-B
• Esports pick: BenQ Zowie XL2546K
• Budget 1440p pick: Gigabyte M27Q
• Budget 1080p pick: Asus VG279QM

At A Glance
Resolution	1440p
Refresh Rate	240 Hz (overclockable to 280 Hz)
Size	27” (16:9)
Response Time	1 ms (GtG)
Panel	IPS
I/O	(2) HDMI 2.0, (1) DisplayPort 1.4, (4) USB-A
Variable Refresh Rate	G-Sync, FreeSync

The Alienware AW2723DF is our top overall pick for a few reasons. Firstly, this gaming monitor sits in the sweet spot for performance and price with its native 240 Hz refresh rate, 1440p resolution, and fast 1.0 ms response time. These are the calling card features for fast-paced titles where performance can be a competitive advantage.

Specs aren’t worth much if the visuals aren’t equally impressive. Fortunately, the Alienware AW2723DF has exceptional image quality. While the IPS panel won’t have as much contrast as a VA panel, the colors are stunning. Gaming and media consumption both look fantastic on this 27-inch gaming monitor.

Of course, all of this performance comes at a cost. Plus, we would like to see USB-C compatibility added and/or a KVM switch. These aren’t make-or-break features for some gamers, but the inclusion of each adds versatility and can make for cleaner setups.

At A Glance
Resolution	1440p
Refresh Rate	240 Hz (overclockable to 270 Hz)
Size	27” (16:9)
Response Time	0.5 ms (GtG)
Panel	IPS
I/O	(2) HDMI 2.0, (2) DisplayPort 1.4, (2) USB-A
Variable Refresh Rate	G-Sync, FreeSync

The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQM is another exceptional 1440p, 240 Hz refresh rate monitor that is perfect for fast-paced gaming. It can even be overclocked to a 270 Hz refresh rate.

One standout feature is the 0.5 ms response time, which is among the fastest you’ll find in this category. No doubt the lowered response time can be an advantage in the fastest-paced games where reacting slowly can be a death sentence.

The Asus ROG Strix XG27AQM can be purchased for a lower price than the Alienware AW2723DF. This is achieved by sacrificing some specs in areas that won’t matter to most gamers.

Namely, the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQM is G-Sync compatible whereas the Alienware model includes NVIDIA’s official G-Sync Ultimate technology. NVIDIA charges monitor brands a licensing fee to include this technology. Asus has chosen to skip paying the fee but still offers the lower standard of G-Sync compatibility, which performs exceptionally to reduce screen tearing and ghosting.

At A Glance
Resolution	4k
Refresh Rate	144 Hz
Size	28” (16:9)
Response Time	2 ms (MPRT)
Panel	IPS
I/O	(2) HDMI 2.1, (1) DisplayPort 1.4, (2) USB-A, (1) USB-C
Variable Refresh Rate	G-Sync, FreeSync

If you want a high-resolution gaming monitor at a great price, then look no further than the Gigabyte M28U. This is an easy pick for the best 4k gaming monitor based on the performance and specs offered for the price.

This 28-inch monitor includes a high 144 Hz refresh rate with a 2.0 ms response time. While 2.0 ms can be beaten by the highest tier of gaming monitors, it’s still lightning fast, particularly for a 4k monitor. Gigabyte also packs in value with its M-series of hybrid gaming and productivity monitors, including HDMI 2.1 ports, USB-C passthrough charging, and a KVM switch.

Including HDMI 2.1 instead of HDMI 2.0 ensures you can run the monitor at 4k and 120 Hz, which is needed for the newest generation of gaming consoles to reach their highest potential. The addition of USB-C is perfect if you dock your laptop to your monitor and want to use fewer cables. A KVM switch is great for multi-PC users that want to control their PCs from a single mouse and keyboard.

At A Glance
Resolution	1440p
Refresh Rate	240 Hz
Size	27” (16:9)
Response Time	1 ms (GtG)
Panel	VA
I/O	(1) HDMI 2.1, (2) DisplayPort 1.4, (2) USB-A
Variable Refresh Rate	G-Sync, FreeSync

The Samsung Odyssey G7 is the best curved gaming monitor for the price. The 1000R curve is perfect for most single-monitor setups. The Samsung Odyssey G7 does come in a 27-inch variant, but the sweet spot for immersion, specs, and price is with the 32-inch model.

Curved gaming monitors are priced at a premium compared to their flat panel counterparts. But with the Samsung Odyssey G7, you’ll still get a good price and exceptional performance with the 1440p resolution, 240 Hz native refresh rate, and 1.0 ms response time.

The major differentiator with this gaming monitor is that it uses a VA panel instead of an IPS panel. VA panels offer much better color contrast performance than IPS panels, leading to richer blacks and colors. The downside is VA panels don’t have good viewing angles. But the reduced viewing angles won’t be a problem if you’re positioned directly in front of the monitor.

At A Glance
Resolution	1440p
Refresh Rate	175 Hz
Size	34” (21:9)
Response Time	1 ms (GtG)
Panel	QD-OLED
I/O	(2) HDMI 2.o, (1) DisplayPort 1.4, (4) USB-A
Variable Refresh Rate	G-Sync, FreeSync

If budget isn’t a concern, then the Alienware AW3423DW is the best ultrawide gaming monitor around. First off, you get all the performance essentials needed for a gaming monitor, including 1440p resolution, a 175 Hz refresh rate, and a 1.0 ms response time.

Where the Alienware AW3423DW shines is that it’s a QD-OLED panel. In short, OLED gaming monitors display perfect blacks, offer a wide color range, and get brighter than other panel types.

The result is absolutely stunning image quality, whether gaming or consuming media. The Alienware AW3423DW is also incredibly immersive since it’s 34 inches wide and curved.

At A Glance
Resolution	1440p
Refresh Rate	240 Hz
Size	27” (16:9)
Response Time	0.03 ms (GtG)
Panel	IPS
I/O	(2) HDMI 2.1, (1) DisplayPort 1.4, (3) USB-A
Variable Refresh Rate	G-Sync, FreeSync

The LG 27GR95QE is on the bleeding edge in 2023. If you want the best OLED gaming monitor that is spec’d out with fast performance features without sacrificing image quality, then this is your gaming monitor.

Let’s review why the LG 27GR95QE is such a standout pick. Fast OLED gaming monitors have only recently become reality if you want excellent color performance without sacrificing performance. You’ll get a 240 Hz refresh rate and a ridiculously-fast 0.03 ms response time in this 1440p, 27-inch monitor.

These specs offered in a lower contrast, lower brightly IPS display wouldn’t be something to write home about. But the fact that these features are offered in an OLED panel is unheard of until the LG 27GR95QE launched in early 2023.

Of course, you know already that being on the bleeding edge will be costly. But the target market for this OLED gaming monitor isn’t overly price-conscious, so the price may not be a detractor to most who are interested in this gaming monitor.

At A Glance
Resolution	1080p
Refresh Rate	240 Hz
Size	24.5” (16:9)
Response Time	1 ms (GtG)
Panel	TN
I/O	(3) HDMI 2.0, (1) DisplayPort 1.4
Variable Refresh Rate	G-Sync, FreeSync

The BenQ Zowie XL2546K is the best esports monitor we’ve come across. Now, there are a number of great options at this resolution, but the BenQ Zowie XL2546K sits atop the podium based on its fast performance for the price. Let’s dive in deeper to understand more.

Pros overwhelmingly play on the Zowie series of esports-focused gaming monitors due to their fast performance and image clarity. The clarity is a result of several factors. Firstly, the BenQ Zowie XL2546K has a 240 Hz native refresh rate and an incredibly low 1.0 ms response time.

These features alone would be enough to provide smooth in-game performance with great image clarity, which is an advantage when aiming in fast-paced games. Zowie’s DyAc+ technology takes image clarity to another level to further extend the monitor’s competitive advantages. DyAc+ was designed by Zowie, and it reduces motion blur that can arise in other gaming monitors with vigorous actions on screen, such as recoil when firing and rapid strafing.

The primary downside with the BenQ Zowie XL2546K is that it’s a TN panel, which has lower contrast performance than other panels and reduced viewing angles.

At A Glance
Resolution	1440p
Refresh Rate	170 Hz
Size	27” (16:9)
Response Time	0.5 ms (MPRT)
Panel	IPS
I/O	(2) HDMI 2.0, (1) DisplayPort 1.2, (2) USB-A, (1) USB-C
Variable Refresh Rate	G-Sync, FreeSync

Getting a high-resolution gaming monitor no longer requires breaking the bank, case in point is the Gigabyte M27Q. The Gigabyte M27Q is the best budget 1440p gaming monitor, and it’s packed with features.

First, let’s cover the bases: The Gigabyte M27Q has a native 170 Hz refresh rate and excellent motion handling with its 0.5 ms response time. These specs are excellent if you’re looking for a fast gaming monitor.

Next, it’s surprising that the Gigabyte M27Q offers both a USB-C port with 10 watts of passthrough charging and a KVM switch. Both features are valuable if you want to clean up a messy setup with fewer cables and peripherals needed.

The Gigabyte M27Q doesn’t cut many corners to achieve its cheap price, with the exception of its ergonomics. The Gigabyte M27Q only offers height and tilt adjustment, not swivel or rotating landscape adjustments.

At A Glance
Resolution	1080p
Refresh Rate	280 Hz
Size	27″ (16:9)
Response Time	1 ms (GtG)
Panel	IPS
I/O	(2) HDMI 2.0, (1) DisplayPort 1.2, (1) USB-A
Variable Refresh Rate	G-Sync, FreeSync

One of the few 1080p monitors on our list, Asus’s display also packs one of the highest refresh rates. While not every gamer can jump to 2k, this panel fits a remarkable space as a bridge between the two.

However, the refresh rate isn’t everything. You can pick up a 2k display with a typical 144 Hz refresh rate for a similar price and still enjoy gaming but with better visuals. However, those who can’t or don’t want to jump to another resolution will probably like this display.

Comparing the best gaming monitors

For ease of comparison, we’ve compiled the essentials for each gaming monitor into a single table.

Honorable mentions

The Asus ROG Swift PG279QM is a great 1440p, 240 Hz gaming monitor. It’s even priced competitively in the middle of the 1440p pack. But our 1440p picks bookend the PG279QM’s price, offering you either a cheaper-priced option in the Asus ROG Strix G27AQM or a more expensive option in the Alienware AW2723DF.

The BenQ Zowie XL2566K and the Asus ROG Swift PG259QN are great 1080p models, particularly for esports, and if you’re looking for an FPS gaming monitor with high 360 Hz refresh rates. But we like the BenQ Zowie XL2546K better with its lower price.

The Gigabyte M32U is mostly the same 4k monitor as the Gigabyte M28U; the former is a bigger 32-inch monitor. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to price and size sought, and we stuck with the smaller size that is more popular for most gamers. The Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 is also a solid 4k gaming monitor, but the bigger screen than our 4k pick increases the price significantly.

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is a spectacle in technological prowess with its 49-inch size and fast performance. But it is more expensive than our ultrawide pick, which already risks pinching your wallet.

The AOC 24G2 is a great budget gaming monitor with a 144 Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution. That said, our budget picks are incredibly cheap and offer better specs in areas that matter most for gaming.

How to pick the best gaming monitor

Naturally, there are a lot of particular features that separate gaming monitors from traditional monitors. Here are a few of the most important things to focus on when buying a gaming monitor.

Refresh rate

We suggest getting the highest refresh rate your budget can support, even if it comes at the expense of resolution. Refresh Rate refers to the maximum number of times per second your monitor will update the image it displays. 240 Hz refresh rate, 1440p gaming monitors are becoming the go-to choice for gamers seeking performance. You can get a higher refresh rate for a 1080p gaming monitor and will likely need to go lower for a 4k gaming monitor.

Monitors supporting a faster refresh rate will give you a smoother game experience, which can improve your experience in competitive first-person-shooter games like Call of Duty Warzone 2, Valorant, Apex Legends, CS:GO, and Fortnite.

Most non-gaming displays tend to operate between 60 Hz to 75 Hz, so your screen won’t show you every single frame it could.

Higher refresh rates, such as 144 Hz, will show you almost twice as many frames as a 60 Hz display. However, anything higher than 240 Hz tends to be harder to notice.

Resolution

While you can game at any resolution, you’ll want to find a reasonable price vs. performance. A higher resolution can increase immersion and make games much more visually appealing, but can often be taxing on your graphics card.

We recommend a 2k resolution for most gamers, as this keeps monitors in an ideal price range without sacrificing other qualities.

Response Rate

The other detail most may not notice during gaming is the Response Rate, or how fast the individual pixels change from color to color.

The response rate helps reduce the chance of visual artifacts such as ghosting, which can slightly ruin your gaming experience. The faster this rate is, the better the image and motion when gaming.

Panel type

IPS panels are the most popular choice for gaming monitors. IPS panels don’t perform as well as VA panels regarding contrast, but they are fast, can generate great image quality for a competitive price, and offer wide viewing angles. VA panels are great for color contrast but don’t have great viewing angles.

TN panels are now almost exclusively used by esports athletes for their fast performance which comes at the expense of image quality.

OLED panels generate perfect blacks and are bright. But the technology is mostly catching up to other panels in terms of performance. Accordingly, OLED panels are expensive.

The above items are best to focus on for most gamers to avoid paralysis analysis poring over specs across many other features. That said, it’s good to know about the below features when shopping.

• G-Sync and FreeSync: G-Sync and FreeSync are hardware solutions to help monitors dynamically adjust a display’s refresh rate to better compensate for a high frame rate. This helps avoid disruptive screen tearing. Most popular monitors are either officially licensed with NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync support, or aren’t officially licensed but are compatible with both standards.
• High dynamic range (HDR): HDR  brightens the picture on your monitor and increases the contrast ratio, making it a more vibrant picture. Almost all modern displays come with HDR in some form nowadays, with different levels of quality.
• Connectivity (I/O): Most displays will come with a handful of HDMI and DisplayPort options, but you may want to ensure they support the newest iteration of the port for peak performance. It’s not unheard of for some displays to offer the previous version of a port, which can limit your maximum frame rate. For example, HDMI 2.0 doesn’t support higher than 60 Hz at 4k, while HDMI 2.1 supports twice that. However, some gamers (and streamers) might prefer a monitor with a USB hub, a USB-C/Thunderbolt port, or a KVM switch.
• Ergonomics: Almost all displays come with a 100×100 VESA mount option to mount your monitor on an arm, though the size may be larger or smaller in rare cases. Also consider gaming monitor ergonomics, particularly if you’re gaming and streaming at once. Many streamers game with a monitor in a typical landscape orientation but have their streaming monitor in a vertical orientation. Monitors with the best ergonomics will have height, tilt, swivel, and rotational adjustment capabilities.

Gaming monitors that didn’t make the cut

The Samsung Odyssey G7 is a great panel. However, many users have complained that the extreme 1000R curved screen can be off-putting for many people.

We love the prospect of a massive 48-inch display, but we had to cut the AORUS FO48U from our list. Most games won’t have the space for this panel, and some issues with OLED panels can result in ghosting.

Acer’s Nitro XZ342CK is an excellent panel on paper, but the number of negative reports due to flickering issues made us hesitant to include it. It also doesn’t come with any USB ports, unlike Dell’s panel with similar specs.

Regarding 1080p panels, it was a close call, but we ended up cutting ASUS’s PG259QN from our list. You can get a much higher resolution and a larger screen at that price point, and the ultra-high refresh rate isn’t worth it.

We cut the Acer Predator XB283K from our list, primarily due to the price. You can get a larger 2K screen with the same specs for a similar price point, or you can go a little higher and get a larger panel overall than a strange 28” panel.