What makes the best monitor? It is an amalgam of the perfect resolution, refresh rate, screen size, and price point, which give provide you with an amazing gaming experience.
The best monitors are what bring your gaming setup together. The best monitors will probably last you a long time and will outperform your expectations. Whether you use the best monitors for gaming or for routine work, it takes your experience to the next level and is worth investing in. The world of technology has revolutionized so much that the best monitors have much to offer, like ultra-fast refresh rates and vivid coloring. There are several affordable gaming monitors available in the market today. Although they might not compete with the top-of-the-line best monitors, they do offer excellent functionality and an immersive gaming experience.
Getting the best monitor is only worth it if you have the best graphic cards in the market to go with it. Suppose you have an outdated graphic card like the earlier Nvidia GTX models but decide to get the latest model of any best gaming monitor. In that case, the monitor will not perform to its full capability and you will not be able to utilize its functionalities. It’s only fair that you get a fancy new graphics card to go with your best screen display monitors.
When researching the best monitors, whether it’s for gaming or graphics-related work, there are several things that need to be taken into consideration. The best monitors have different panels, from IPS displays to OLED, each having its own pros and cons. The next thing to consider is whether your best monitor can run G-sync or Free Sync. Lastly, the resolution and refresh rates are the most important thing to consider when buying the best screen display or affordable gaming monitors.
The best monitors have higher resolutions and refresh rates, meaning they have more pixels on their screen, making the image look sharper. However, higher resolutions mean lower refresh rates, mostly around 144Hz for a 4K monitor and 360Hz for a Full HD gaming monitor.
Luckily, we have a list of the best monitors for you, including affordable gaming and the best screen display monitors. Let’s have a look at our recommendations for the best monitors.
10 Best Monitors: Techywired’s Recommendations
Alienware AW3423DW |
SPECS Display Size: 34 inchResolution:3440×1440 Panel Type: QD-LED Refresh rate: 175Hz PROS Excellent colors and constrastGreat pixel density and response HDR active CONS QNot suitable for everyday useHDMI 2.1 not available |
$1615 |
Dell S3222DGM |
SPECS Display size: 32 inchResolution: 2560×1440 Panel type: VA Refresh rate: 165Hz PROS Excellent colors and contrastQGreat pixel density and response HDR active CONS Not suitable for everyday useHDMI 2.1 not available |
$399 |
Gigabyte G27Q |
SPECS Display size: 27 inchResolution: 1080 Panel type: IPS Refresh rate: 170Hz PROS Fantastic Picture QualityPerforms great with all games HDR active CONS Not attractive designOnly has Display Port 1.2 |
$350 |
Dell S2722DGM |
SPECS Display size: 27 inchResolution: 2560×1440 Panel type: VA Refresh rate: 165Hz PROS High resolution and refresh rateHigh saturation colors and contrast Cheaper CONS Does not support HDRResponse time in mediocre |
$279 |
Samsung Odyssey G9 |
SPECS Display size: 49 inchResolution: 5120×1440 Panel type: SVA Refresh rate: 240Hz PROS Vivid and accurate coloringMaximum Immersion of colors because of design Big Screen CONS Motion Blur Reduction does not existNo speakers |
$1328 |
Asus ROG Strix XG279Q |
SPECS Display size: 27 inchResolution: 2560×1440 Panel type: IPS Refresh rate: 144Hz (can be overclocked to 170Hz) PROS Vivid and accurate coloringFrame rate can be overclocked Blur Reduction Technology present High HDR performance CONS Requires Calibration |
$499 |
LG 27GN950-B |
SPECS Display size: 27 inchResolution: 3480×2160 Panel type: Nano IPS Refresh rate: 144Hz PROS Vivid and accurate coloringCompatible with G-Sync & FreeSync 4K Resolution & Great Response Time CONS Oversaturated RGB mode |
$597 |
MSI Oculus NXG253R |
SPECS Display size: 24.5 inchResolution: 1920×1080 Panel type: IPS Refresh rate: 360Hz PROS High Refresh RateIPS Display with vivid colors Next generation features CONS ExpensiveSimple design |
$407 |
Monoprice Dark Matter 42770 |
SPECS Display size: 24.5 inchResolution: 1920×1080 Panel type: IPS Refresh rate: 360Hz PROS High Refresh RateIPS Display with vivid colors Next generation features CONS ExpensiveSimple design |
$278 |
ViewSonic XG350R-C |
SPECS Display size: 35 inchResolution: 3440×1440 Panel type: VA Refresh rate: 100Hz PROS High Refresh RateIPS Display with vivid colors Next generation features High refresh rate Top notch build quality CONS HDR Mode lacks contrastNo extended colors |
$779 |
Let’s explore these options further
Alienware AW3423DW
Specifications
Screen Size: 34 inch | 21:9 Aspect Ratio |
Panel type: QD-OLED | Resolution: 3440 x 1440 |
0.1 ms response time | Refresh Rate: 175Hz |
Weight: 15.26lbs | G-Sync Ultimate Technology |
This machine has one of the best screen display monitors housing an ultra-wide 34” QD-OLED panel which looks stunning. It provides stellar gaming performance and offers multiple HDR modes, such as HDR 400 and HDR Peak 1000, which offer deep colors and contrast. The monitor has thin bezels, and its 1800R curve display provides pure colors with its 3440 x 1440 resolution.
The HDR 400 True Black mode performs better overall and looks much more sharp and punchy than HDR Peak 1000, which gives a maximum 1000 nits performance but only in some areas of the screen.
The monitor performs at a refresh rate of 175Hz and is one of the best. Even though there are faster screens in the market, the Alienware OLED panel has a response time of 0.1 ms, which is insanely quick. A downside to this gaming monitor is that it does not have HDMI 2.1 functionality meaning it can’t be used for gaming consoles; however, for a gaming PC, this is easily one of the best monitors in the market.
Available at Amazon
Pros | Cons |
Excellent colors and contrast | Not suitable for everyday use |
Great pixel density and response | HDMI 2.1 not available |
HDR active |
Dell S3222DGM
Specifications
Screen Size: 32 inch | 16:9 Aspect Ratio |
Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Refresh Rate: 165 Hz |
Panel Type: VA | 4ms Response Time |
Adaptive Sync type: FreeSync Premium Pro |
The Dell S3222DGM is Dell’s top category best monitor and is considered to be a highly rated monitor by many users. It houses a Quad-HD panel that works at a 165 Hz refresh rate. The 1800mm radius curved display also has adaptive sync support and an impressive 3000:1 contrast ratio making it a great competitor in the best gaming monitors category.
The 32” monitor is considered a good monitor for productivity and gaming as it has excellent 1440p resolution. The S3222DGM is hence considered an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts as its panel is hard to beat and has very solid overall build quality.
Available at Amazon
Pros | Cons |
Vivid Colors and Images | No HDR compatibility |
Excellent Contrast Levels | |
Smooth video rendering | |
Top-notch build quality |
Gigabyte G27Q
Specifications
Screen Size: 27″ | IPS Panel |
16:9 Aspect Ratio | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 |
1 ms Response Time | 144 Hz Refresh Rate |
Weight: 21 lbs | FreeSync Premium Technology |
The G27Q comes at a very affordable price tag and is one of the best affordable gaming monitors in this category. It boasts a 27” vibrant IPS panel with 92% DCI-P3 coverage and a 144Hz refresh rate. Even though its design is not as modern as other gaming monitors, it is still considered a good monitor because of the AMD FreeSync premium technology that provides a smooth and seamless gaming experience.
It has two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2, and a pair of 2W speakers built inside, which are more than sufficient. This best monitor also has a settings menu which can be controlled in the Windows app or from a joystick attached to the back of the monitor.
All in all, it is a great affordable gaming monitor and is recommended.
Available at Amazon
Pros | Cons |
Fantastic Picture Quality | Boring Design |
Performs great with all games | Only ne display port 1.2 |
Has great functions |
Dell S2722DGM
Specifications
Screen Size: 27 inch | Panel Type: VA |
16:9 Aspect Ratio | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 |
1 ms Response Time | 165 Hz Refresh Rate |
Weight: 9.4lbs | FreeSync Premium Technology |
Another great affordable gaming monitor is the Dell S2722DGM which boasts a classic design and has an immaculate 27” VA Panel with 1440p native resolution. It gives a fine display of pixel density and details at a refresh rate of 165Hz. This is a great combination of specifications for any gamer and is among the best screen display monitors. Hence; it is also considered among the best monitors.
Even though the gaming monitor has high contrast, it has a response rate of 2ms, which is just behind the 0.5ms and 1ms ratings of IPS panels. However, the gaming monitor has a “Super Fast” mode which eliminates the smearing of darker tones. It has ample connectivity through dual HDMI ports and a single DisplayPort.
At this price, the Dell S2722DGM is one of the best monitors you can get and can compete with other affordable gaming monitors.
Available at Amazon
Pros | Cons |
Great resolution and refresh rate | Does not support HDR |
Excellent depth of colors and contrast | Response time is mediocre |
Affordable |
Samsung Odyssey G9
Specifications
Screen Size: 49 inch | 32:9 Aspect Ratio |
Resolution: 5120 x 1440 | Panel Type: VA |
240 Hz refresh rate | 1 ms Response Time |
G-Sync & FreeSync Compatible |
The Odyssey G9 by Samsung is a gigantic 49” upgrade from the previous model and has a mini–LED backlight. It has a VA panel and state-of-the-art LED backlighting that lights up the panel from edge to edge at 2000 nits! This technology helps the monitor reach peak brightness and is one of the best screen display monitors out there.
However, with such groundbreaking technologies, there are compromises in the quality of the screen that have to be made. There are image quality issues due to the backlight that is visible while watching videos or scrolling through windows rather than when playing games. Another issue is the gradient of brightness or the edges of an object getting blurry on the panel when a bright object is displayed over a dark background.
Regardless, the 49” monster of a panel that delivers a 120Hz refresh rate provides crisp graphics at high resolutions to give an unmatchable experience. It provides an unmatchable visual experience whether you are gaming or working. Running graphic-heavy games is no problem for the gaming monitor. However, it does not rank anywhere in the category of affordable gaming monitors, as it’s quite costly.
Available at Amazon
Pros | Cons |
Vivid and accurate coloring | Motion Blur Reduction does not exist |
Maximum Immersion of colors because of design | No speakers |
Asus ROG Strix XG279Q
Specifications
Screen Size: 27 inch | 16:9 Aspect Ratio |
Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | IPS Panel |
144 Hz Refresh Rate | 1 ms Response Time |
G-Sync Compatible |
The ROG Strix sets the standard for high-performance good monitors in the market. It has one of the smoothest screens at around 165-170Hz refresh rate along with a 1440p panel which makes it top-of-the-line in the best monitors category. It has great IPS contrast, and its sharp resolution allows blur reduction for a smoother seamless gaming experience.
Even though this model is a bit pricey and not among affordable gaming monitors, it is one of the best monitors available in the market currently. It is great for its unique features like running motion blur alongside Adaptive-Sync.
Available at Amazon
Pros | Cons |
The frame rate can be overclocked | Requires Calibration |
Deep and vivid colors | |
Blur Reduction Technology present | |
Great HDR performance |
LG 27GN950-B
Specifications
Screen Size: 27 inch | Nano IPS Panel |
16:9 Aspect Ratio | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 |
1 ms Response Time | 144 Hz Refresh Rate |
Weight: 17lbs | G-Sync & FreeSync Premium Compatible |
If you’re rocking a high-end graphics card like an RTX 3080, you will need the best monitor to go with it. The best experience you can get while gaming is 4K graphics, which is where the LG 27GN950-B comes in. Rocking a 4K nano IPS display, this monitor is from LG’s UltraGear series and has a 1ms response time. It is compatible with Nvidia’s G-sync technology and AMD’s FreeSync technology.
The Nano IPS Panel provides a seamless gaming experience at 144Hz and stellar viewing angles and colors. Even though it does not have the best HDR capabilities, the vibrant colors and contrast combined with G-Sync technology offer excellent response times and buttery smoothness.
It has good connectivity capabilities but is missing an HMDI 2.1 port and a USB Type-C; overall, it’s among the top best screen display and gaming monitors.
Available at Amazon
Pros | Cons |
Excellent Range of Vivid Colors | Oversaturated RGB mode |
Compatible with G-Sync & FreeSync | |
4K Resolution & Great Response Time |
MSI Oculux NXG253R
Specifications
Screen Size: 24.5 inch | IPS Panel |
16:9 Aspect Ratio | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 |
360 Hz Refresh Rate | 1 ms Response Time |
Weight 14.26 lbs | Nvidia G-Sync Technology |
The MSI Oculux NXG253R addresses a major tradeoff in the world of gaming monitors involving refresh rates and color quality. This monitor is considered one of the best because it rocks an IPS panel that works not at 120Hz but at a whopping 360Hz. It provides vibrant and deep colors, and the transition from 120Hz to 360Hz is noticeable. The high refresh rate not only makes you a better player at first-person shooter games but provides a buttery smooth gaming experience.
However, where this panel has a lot of perks, there are some major trade-offs as well. One is that this gaming monitor is not categorized in the best budget gaming monitors category. It is very pricey for a 24.5” 1080p panel, whereas you could get a 1440p panel for a less price.
All in all, the MSI Oculux NXG253R is a game changer in the best gaming monitors category and sets the standard for gaming at 350Hz.
Available at Amazon
Pros | Cons |
High Refresh Rate | Very Expensive |
IPS Display with vivid colors | Basic Design |
Extra Features | Not worth the trade-offs |
Monoprice Dark Matter 42770
Specifications
Screen Size: 25 inch | 16:9 Aspect Ratio |
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | IPS Panel |
144 Hz Refresh Rate | 1 ms Response Time |
FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible |
The Monorprice Dark Matter 42770 is a top contender in the affordable gaming monitors category. For around $250, it is a solid 1080p gaming monitor boasting an IPS panel and provides a wide gradient of colors. It also offers a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, along with support for AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync technologies.
Even though the monitor does not provide HDR, it is still considered one of the best monitors at this price range as it has a wide color gamut with vivid lighting. The colors and contrast of the screen displays match any competitor. It also misses a couple of USB Type-C ports and speakers, but given the price tag, we don’t expect that much in terms of performance it does exceed our expectations.
Available at Amazon
Pros | Cons |
Great Contrast & Colors | Dark Gamma Colors |
Overdrive Compatible | RGB Gamut Option Not Available |
ViewSonic XG350R-C
Specifications
Screen Size: 35 inch | 16:9 Aspect Ratio |
Panel Type: VA | Resolution: 3440 x 1440 |
100 Hz Refresh Rate | 3 ms Response Time |
FreeSync Compatible |
Another top contender in the best budget gaming monitors category is this 35” ultrawide gaming monitor by ViewSonic. The XG350R-C is cheaper than most other ultrawide monitors but provides excellent performance in terms of colors and textures.
The 1440p panel provides a refresh rate of 100Hz which makes gaming and productivity smooth and seamless. Even though it does have a response time of 3ms, it has excellent contrast and coloring, along with great build quality. The 1800mm curved display might lack HDR capabilities but it does not lack performance at all.
Available at Amazon
Buy Now to get the best price!
Pros | Cons |
Excellent Depth of color and contrast | HDR Mode lacks contrast |
Good Quality Speakers | No extended colors |
High Refresh Rate and Great Response Time | |
Top-notch build quality |
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
What resolution is best for a gaming monitor?
Most gamers prefer to play on 1080p resolution as it provides a higher framerate and low input lag. However, gaming at 1440p is becoming more popular as you don’t need to drastically upgrade your video card and it also now supports framerates up to 240Hz. Gaming at 4K is also becoming possible but it requires a lot of graphic power.
Which is better; AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync?
Both these technologies have their own benefits. AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync helps synchronize the graphic card with the monitor, providing a smooth and seamless gaming experience. It depends on which technology your gaming monitor offers, and most good monitors provide both. There is minimal difference between these technologies.
Should I go for an IPS, TN, or VA panel?
An IPS panel provides great clarity of image, and depth of colors that you might never get in a cheaper technology. So we would always recommend an IPS panel. However, if you’re on a budget we would recommend VA panels as they have better performance and colors than a TN panel.
Should I buy an HDR monitor?
Buying the best monitor with HDR is always a wise choice, as the range of colors and contrast it provides is unmatchable. They are usually not affordable gaming monitors but do provide great performance.
What type of monitor is best for FPS gaming?
For FPS gaming, we would always recommend choosing a good monitor which has a higher refresh rate, and a lower response time. This would provide a faster experience. The gaming monitor should also have FreeSync or G-Sync which ensures that the framerate is smooth.
What monitors do pro gamers use?
Pro gamers always choose a monitor that suits their game well and also supports their strengths. Most gamers prefer higher refresh rates, and faster response times, as opposed to high resolutions which should be at least 1080p.
Which brand is best for gaming monitors?
There is no one answer to this question, each brand is unique in its own way and provides different specifications, so saying that one brand is better than another might be a tough ask. Most major brands such as ASUS, LG, Samsung, and Alienware provide excellent performance, but specs and price should always be considered before a brand name.
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