The Best Recommended Gaming Monitors 2023

November 17, 2023November 17, 2023 Simon Baker

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Last checked and updated 17 November 2023

We get asked all the time for advice on which monitors to buy: What’s the best gaming screen of X size and type? What’s the best ultrawide monitor for gaming? What’s the best HDR gaming display?…We thought we would try and get a list of our recommendations all in one place with key information, links to reviews or news articles (where available) and links to check pricing and buy the screen from large regional retailers.

This list is not exhaustive by any means, and I’m sure we will have missed some popular displays, but is designed to help you narrow down your selection to some of the most popular and highly regarded displays in each category. We’ve not reviewed all of these screens as we just don’t have the time sadly, but we have included those that get strong reviews and user reports elsewhere. Pricing will of course come in to consideration so we’ve tried to include a range of options where we can.

Models are listed alphabetically within each section, not in any order of preference (apart from those which are listed as “featured” which we recommend most highly).

If you spot any errors, broken links or have suggestions on other models we should consider adding please get in touch.

We may earn a commission if you purchase from our affiliate links in this guide – TFTCentral is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.ca and other Amazon stores worldwide. We also participate in a similar scheme for Overclockers.co.uk, Newegg, Bestbuy and some manufacturers.

Index Sections

Best Gaming Displays (1080p, TN Film)
Best Gaming Displays (1080p, IPS)
Best Gaming Displays (1080p VA)
Best Gaming Displays (1440p, TN Film)
Best Gaming Displays (1440p, IPS)
Best Gaming Displays (1440p, VA)
Best 4K Gaming Displays (all technologies)
Best Ultrawide Gaming Displays (IPS)
Best Ultrawide Gaming Displays (VA)
Best OLED Gaming Displays (all sizes)
Best Very large format Displays (all technologies)
Best HDR Gaming Displays (all technologies excluding OLED)

Useful reading:

Best Gaming Displays – 1080p TN Film

BenQ Zowie XL2566K with 360Hz Refresh Rate

For the absolute fastest monitor for eSports and competitive gaming many people still want a TN Film panel, and in a smaller screen size as well. 1080p is a lesser drain on resources and popular in this space, and you will want ideally a very high refresh rate for optimal motion clarity and frame rate support. Many screens have added blur reduction backlights too. TN Film won’t offer the wide viewing angles and superior image quality of IPS panels or the high contrast ratio of VA panels, but for high end gaming they are still an excellent choice, there just aren’t that many of them around any more.

Asus TUF Gaming VG258QM – popular model which is 24.5″ in size with 280Hz refresh rate, ELMB-sync blue reduction mode and G-Sync Compatible VRR. Available from Amazon and Newegg
BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K – now replaced by a newer model (XL2566K) listed below, but this is still a popular choice. 24.5″ in size with 240Hz, their DyAc+ technology and a range of gamer-oriented features. Available from Amazon, Newegg and Bestbuy
BenQ Zowie XL2566K (reviewed) – 24.5″ in size with a new 360Hz refresh rate TN Film panel, super fast response times and excellent motion clarity. Includes DyAc+ technology and is aimed at Esports players. Available in some regions including the US from Amazon, as well as Newegg and Bestbuy

We may earn a commission if you purchase from our affiliate links in this guide – TFTCentral is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.ca and other Amazon stores worldwide. We also participate in a similar scheme for Overclockers.co.uk, Newegg, Bestbuy and some manufacturers.

Best Gaming Displays – 1080p IPS

These displays will offer you a better all round experience than TN Film models with better colours, image quality and viewing angles. Nowadays response times are reaching TN Film like speeds and there are screens offering very high refresh rates available in this space too.

Featured: Asus ROG Swift 360Hz PG259QN (Reviewed – or PG259QNR)

Key specs: 24.5″, 1080p, IPS, 360Hz, Native G-sync (+FreeSync support), 1ms G2G, ULMB
Pricing for the original PG259QN model: Amazon
The updated PG259QNR (including NVIDIA Reflex Latency Analyzer) is available as well from Amazon

With a high 360Hz refresh rate, this screen has Native G-sync with hardware module for optimal VRR performance, but also supports FreeSync for AMD systems. ULMB included and super-low lag. An excellent gaming screen. The QNR model has added NVIDIA Reflex Latency Analyzer tech added but comes at a higher price point.

Other options:

AOC 24G2U (reviewed) or 24G2SPU – smaller 23.8″ in size but in the budget range and with very good all round performance given the price. 144Hz, adaptive-sync and wide gamut. 165Hz on the newer SPU version. The old 24G2U 144Hz model we reviewed is available still in many regions from Amazon. The new 24G2SPU with a higher 165Hz refresh rate is also available from Amazon
MSI Optix MAG251RX – popular model for eSports and gaming. 24.5″ with 240Hz refresh, adaptive-sync and range of gaming options and features. Available from Amazon and Newegg
ViewSonic XG2431 (reviewed) – 23.8″ with 240Hz refresh rate, this is the first ever Blur Busters 2.0 certified monitor including tuned response times and blur reduction mode. Available from Amazon as well as Newegg and Bestbuy

Best Gaming Displays – 1080p VA

These displays will offer some improvements over TN Film panels when it comes to black depth, contrast and viewing angles, although aren’t as fast generally. This is quite a niche category at this resolution so there aren’t many recommendations for 1080p VA panels.

Acer KG251Q Z – 24.5″ in size with a 250Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium certification. A rare high refresh rate 1080p VA panel, and also rare in that it’s a flat format, not curved. Available in some regions from Amazon as well as Newegg
Dell S2721HGF – 27″ in size with a curved VA panel, 144Hz refresh rate and adaptive-sync VRR. Available from Amazon, Newegg and Bestbuy

Best Gaming Displays – 1440p TN Film

If you want something with a larger resolution than 1080p and more desktop real-estate then 1440p is a popular entry point for many people nowadays – generally in 27″ size. This will add to system requirements keep in mind to power it, and there are fewer top-end refresh rates available than at 1080p (like 360Hz). These models in this section are limited by TN Film technology restrictions.

Asus ROG Swift PG278QR or PG278QE – 27″ with 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms G2G and G-sync. Replacement model for the PG278Q (reviewed) with a few updates. Very popular option and one of the first 1440p gaming displays of this type. Available from Amazon still in some regions
HP Omen X 27 – 27″ in size with 1440p resolution but also has a 240Hz refresh rate which is currently rare at 1440p. Available in some regions from Amazon

Best Gaming Displays – 1440p IPS

Known for their better all round performance with wider viewing angles and better colours. Lacking the contrast ratio of VA panels though but generally much faster. The bump in resolution to 1440p from 1080p provides more desktop real-estate and better image quality, but will be a further drain on system resources to power it.

Featured: Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN (reviewed)

Key specs: 27″, 1440p, IPS, 360Hz, Native G-sync (+FreeSync support), 1ms G2G, ULMB 2 blur reduction, Reflex Latency Analyzer
Available in some regions on Amazon and from Newegg and Bestbuy

27″ in size offering a 1440p resolution combined with a high 360Hz refresh rate, the first of its kind to market. New ‘Ultra Fast IPS’ panel technology with very good response times and motion clarity. Now includes ULMB 2 blur reduction mode, and also NVIDIA Reflex Latency Analyzer.

Other options:

AOC Q24G2A – a smaller 23.8″ sized model, with a rare 1440p resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. Good performance and a lower priced model. Available in European regions from Amazon
Asus ROG Swift PG329Q (reviewed) – 32″ in size offering a slightly larger screen size some will like. With 175Hz refresh rate and also ELMB-sync (simultaneous blur reduction and VRR). Available from Amazon and Newegg
BenQ EX2780Q – 27″ with 144Hz and adaptive-sync, a popular and commonly recommended 1440p IPS gaming screen. Available from Amazon and Newegg
Dell Alienware AW2721D (reviewed) – 27″ with 1440p and 240Hz refresh rate combined. Native G-sync Ultimate certification, HDR 600. Available in some regions from Amazon and Newegg
LG 27GP850 – replaces the very popular LG 27GL850 (reviewed), this model is 27″ and offers an improved 180Hz max refresh rate, 1ms G2G and wide gamut Nano IPS panel. Available from Amazon and Newegg

Best Gaming Displays – 1440p VA

Known for their much better contrast ratio and black depth (compared with TN Film and IPS panels), but while many are fast for gaming, most suffer from some black smearing on moving content due to some problematic response times (except new Samsung Odyssey models listed here). The bump to 1440p over 1080p provides much more desktop real-estate and better image quality overall.

Featured: Samsung Odyssey G7 C27G75T (reviewed)

Key specs: 27″ curved, 1440p, VA, 240Hz, adaptive-sync, 1ms, wide gamut
Pricing and buy: Amazon and Newegg

Very fast response times and no black smearing, a break-through in VA technology. Very popular model if you like VA panels and high contrast ratio and a curved screen format, and at 240Hz this goes above most 1440p models. There is also a 32″ equivalent, listed below if you want a slightly larger screen size with very similar spec and performance.

Other options:

Asus ROG Strix XG32VC – an update to the poplar XG32VG model, this is 31.5″ sized screen with an increased 170Hz refresh rate and adaptive-sync VRR. This is another curved model, in a popular Asus range. Available from Amazon
Samsung Odyssey G7 C32G75T (reviewed) – 32″ curved VA panel with a 240Hz refresh rate and adaptive-sync. Excellent response times for a VA panel. The larger, but very similar brother to the G7 27″ listed above. Available from Amazon and Newegg

Best 4K Gaming Displays – all technologies

If you want super high resolution gaming then there are a decent selection of 4K gaming screens available now too. These will be a significant drain on system resources so you will need a very powerful system to run them. Refresh rates are more restricted due to high bandwidth demands of 4K, but many models in this sector have very high end features (and price tags).

Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ (reviewed) – 32″ 144Hz IPS panel, a more affordable version of the X model listed below. This version lacks the Mini LED backlight and top-end HDR of the X model, but does include 2x HDMI 2.1 ports, HDR 600 and ELMB-sync. Available from Amazon and Newegg
Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX (reviewed) – 32″ 144Hz IPS panel with Mini LED backlight and HDR 1400 support. Native G-sync as well as adaptive sync for AMD systems. A very top end but expensive model, available from Amazon and Newegg
Cooler Master Tempest GP27U (reviewed) – a lower cost option which is 27″ in size and offers a 4K resolution combined with 160Hz max refresh rate. This has a 576 zone Mini LED backlight and an attractive price point. Available from Amazon in some regions
LG 27GP950 (our review is of the GN model which is the same, minus newly added HDMI 2.1) – 27″ Nano IPS panel and a 144Hz native with 160Hz overclock. Uses DSC to avoid colour sacrifice. Also supports hardware calibration and HDR 600. Available from Amazon and Newegg
Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 (reviewed) – 32″ VA panel with a 240Hz refresh rate and high end 1196 zone Mini LED backlight. Adaptive-sync also supported and high peak brightness and excellent HDR performance. Available from Amazon, Newegg and Bestbuy

Best Ultrawide Gaming Displays – IPS

Ultrawide screens have become increasingly popular due to their large screen size, great desktop real-estate, high resolution and unusual (but enjoyable) format. Keep in mind support for widescreen from the games you might play, but there is a good choice in the ultrawide sector nowadays. Some models are curved as well to help with user comfort and immersion. These IPS options provide great all-round image quality and fast response times, but contrast ratio/black depth is often limited.

AOC AGON Pro AG344UXM (reviewed) – 34″ in size with a rare flat format screen (not curved) and an added high end 1152 zone Mini LED backlight for very good HDR performance. 170Hz refresh rate supported by adaptive-sync as well. Available from Amazon in some regions
Dell Alienware AW3821DW (reviewed) – 37.5″ in size and similar to the 38GL950G featured above but with later generation panel and HDR 600 support. 144Hz refresh and uses Native G-sync module (also supports AMD FreeSync). Available from Amazon and Newegg.
LG 34GN850 – 34″ with 1440p, boosted 160Hz and adaptive-sync. Wide DCI-P3 gamut . More recent version of the popular 34GK950F that we have reviewed previously. Available from Amazon and Newegg
LG 38GN950 – 37.5″ in size with adaptive sync VRR, 160Hz refresh and HDR 600 support. Available from Amazon and Newegg

Best Ultrawide Gaming Displays – VA

Ultrawide screens have become increasingly popular due to their large screen size, great desktop real-estate, high resolution and unusual (but enjoyable) format. Keep in mind support for widescreen from the games you might play, but there is a good choice in the ultrawide sector nowadays. Some models are curved as well to help with user comfort. These VA panels will offer better contrast ratios and black depth than IPS options, but are generally not as fast for gaming and may suffer in some darker content.

AOC CU34G2X – The most affordable option in this list, it’s probably better for more casual gamers than anything too competitive. This screen is 34″ in size and offers a 3440 x 1440 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, supported by adaptive-sync VRR. Don’t confuse this with the earlier CU34G2 (without the X) which was 100Hz only. The X version is available from Amazon in some regions, and also from Newegg
Samsung Odyssey G9 C49G95T – 49″ super-wide screen with high 5120 x 1440 resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, adaptive sync support. Very popular but unusually very wide format. Available from Amazon, Samsung and Newegg
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 – 49″ super-wide screen with 5120 x 1440 resolution, 240Hz refresh rate and adaptive-sync. An update to the Odyssey G9 listed above, with this Neo version also including a Mini LED backlight and significant improvements to HDR. Available in some regions from Amazon, Samsung, and Newegg

Best OLED Gaming Displays (all sizes)

OLED technology is now available in the monitor market, with several proper monitor-sized options to choose from, as well as a couple of TV-sized options that are just about suitable on your desk. OLED panel benefits include infinite contrast ratio, perfect black, near instant response times and per pixel dimming for excellent HDR performance. They are less suited to general and static uses due to unusual sub-pixel layouts and image retention risks.

Featured: Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDM (reviewed)

Key specs: 27″ OLED panel, 2560 x 1440 resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, adaptive-sync VRR, 1000 nits peak brightness
Pricing and buy: Available from Amazon and Newegg

Other options

Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ (reviewed) – A large 42″ OLED screen with 4K resolution and overclocked 138Hz refresh rate. A large, but manageable size for a desktop screen. Designed as a monitor instead of as a TV so includes DisplayPort connection, an anti-glare coating and monitor-type features. Available from Amazon, Newegg and Bestbuy
Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 (reviewed) – if you’re after a large ultrawide screen this model is 45″ in size and even has a bendable format so you can choose flat or curved mode. It has a 3440 x 1440 resolution and 240Hz refresh rate and is a very immersive screen. Available from Amazon and Newegg

Dell Alienware AW3423DWF – featuring a QD-OLED panel this is a 34″ ultrawide with 3440 x 1440 resolution, 165Hz refresh rate and adaptive-sync. This is a cheaper version of the AW3423DW that we reviewed, but has addressed some of the early bugs and issues and is probably a better pick due to the price point. Available from some regions via Amazon and Bestbuy.
LG 27GR95QE (reviewed) – 27″ screen size with 1440p resolution, 240Hz refresh rate. This has hardware calibration support as well, unlike competing models like the Asus PG27AQDM listed here. Available from Amazon and Newegg
LG 42C2 (2022) or LG 42C3 (2023 model) (both reviewed) – Aimed at the TV market but very useable as a monitor if you have the space for the large 42″ screen size. Also includes 4K res, 120Hz, HDMI 2.1 connectivity (but no DisplayPort) and G-sync/FreeSync. Also includes loads of Smart TV extras, a tuner, apps etc. Pricing and availability for the C2 in some regions from Amazon and for the C3 also from Amazon.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G95SC (reviewed) – a massive 49″ ultrawide screen with 5120 x 1440 resolution and 240Hz refresh rate. High peak brightness and a wide colour gamut from the QD-OLED panel for HDR content. Available in some regions from Amazon, Newegg and Bestbuy

See also:

Best Very Large Format Gaming Displays – all technologies

Sometimes you want something that’s half TV, half monitor! Here are a selection of some really large format displays to consider. They aren’t really ideal as desktop monitors, being too big for comfortable up close work, but if you want something for gaming, consoles, movies and only light desktop work these are still good options

Featured: LG 42C2 (2022) LG 42C3 (2023 model) (both reviewed)

Key specs: 42″ (or larger sizes also available) OLED screen, 3840 x 2160 “4K” resolution, <1ms response time, 120Hz, G-sync/FreeSync, top-end HDR
Pricing and buy: C2 available in some regions from Amazon and the C3 also from Amazon.
Since the 2022 range, the C2 and C3 includes a far more sensible 42″ sized option making it more suitable as a cross-over monitor/TV and more comfortable for PC usage as well as movies and consoles.

Aimed at the TV market but very useable as a monitor if you have the space for the large 42″ screen size. Also includes 4K res, 120Hz, HDMI 2.1 connectivity (but no DisplayPort) and G-sync/FreeSync. Also includes loads of Smart TV extras, a tuner, apps etc.

Other options

Acer Predator CG437K P – 43″ in size with UltraHD resolution VA panel, adaptive sync and 144Hz refresh rate along with HDR1000 support (edge lit). Available from Amazon in many regions
Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ OLED (reviewed) – A 42″ OLED screen with 4K resolution and overclocked 138Hz refresh rate. A large, but manageable size for a desktop screen. Designed as a monitor instead of as a TV so includes DisplayPort connection, an anti-glare coating and monitor-type features. OLED panel benefits include infinite contrast ratio, perfect black, near instant response times and per pixel dimming for excellent HDR performance. Available from Amazon, Newegg and Bestbuy
KTC G42P5 (reviewed) – 42″ OLED screen designed as a monitor instead of a TV. Includes 4K resolution and 138Hz overclocked refresh rate. Designed as a monitor instead of as a TV so includes DisplayPort connection as well as USB type-C and a KVM function, an anti-glare coating and a decent optional stand (recommended). OLED panel benefits include infinite contrast ratio, perfect black, near instant response times and per pixel dimming for excellent HDR performance. Available now in some regions from Amazon. You should also be able to get 5% off using the discount code TFTCentral between 12 Oct and 12 Nov 2023 inclusive.

Best HDR Gaming Displays – all technologies (excluding OLED)

What you are looking for here are displays with local dimming support, if you want any meaningful HDR experience or improvement in active contrast ratio (dynamic range). As a result, we are ignoring any display which only has the DisplayHDR 400 certification as explained in this article. You may also find our main HDR article useful. We have excluded OLED displays here which do really well for HDR thanks to their per-pixel dimming, amazing black depth and basically infinite contrast ratio. See above for our OLED display recommendations if you want that technology. This section will look at LCD monitor alternatives with decent HDR capabilities.

Acer Predator X32 FP (reviewed) – 32″ sized screen with a 4K 160Hz panel and 576 zone Mini LED backlight. It’s a lower cost option than models like the Asus PG32UQX below as it has fewer zones, but is the latest generation of AmLED backlight tech. Available from Amazon in some regions
AOC AGON Pro AG344UXM (reviewed) – 34″ in size with a rare flat format screen (not curved) and an added high end 1152 zone Mini LED backlight for very good HDR performance. 170Hz refresh rate supported by adaptive-sync as well. Available from Amazon in some regions
Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX (reviewed) – 32″ 3840 x 2160 “4K” resolution, IPS panel, 144Hz refresh rate, 1152 zone Mini LED backlight, HDR 1400, G-sync Ultimate, flagship model at a very high price point. Available from Amazon and Newegg
Cooler Master Tempest GP27U (reviewed) – a lower cost option which is 27″ in size and offers a 4K resolution combined with 160Hz max refresh rate. This has a 576 zone Mini LED backlight and an attractive price point. Available from Amazon in some regions
Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 (reviewed) – 32″ VA panel with a 240Hz refresh rate and high end 1196 zone Mini LED backlight. Adaptive-sync also supported and high peak brightness and excellent HDR performance. Available from Amazon, Newegg and Bestbuy
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 – if you want something really wide then this model is 49″ and has a 5120 x 1440 resolution, 240Hz refresh rate and adaptive-sync. An update to the older Samsung Odyssey G9, this Neo version also including a Mini LED backlight and significant improvements to HDR. Available in some regions from Amazon, Samsung and Newegg

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