Best gaming monitors 2024: Level up your display

Any monitor can be used for PC gaming, but a display built for productivity will likely leave you underwhelmed. Limited contrast, blurry motion, and slow refresh rates still hold basic productivity monitors back in games. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of excellent gaming monitors available at a wide range of price points—and the best of them embrace cutting-edge technology unavailable in any other PC display. 

Here are the best gaming monitors of 2023 so far. If you aren’t sold on a gaming monitor, check out our recommendations for the best monitors overall or our roundup of the best 4K monitors for additional options.

Updated April 15, 2024: Check out our review of the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM. It’s another excellent 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor. It doesn’t quite match the top Alienware displays in HDR, but it does excel in connectivity.






Alienware AW3423DW – Best gaming monitor overall





















Pros


Excellent contrast ratio 

Top-notch color gamut and accuracy

Great motion clarity 

Respectable HDR performance

Extremely competitive price



Cons


Stand is a bit too large

No USB-C

Maximum HDR brightness is lackluster


















Alienware’s AW3423DWF is an outstanding PC gaming monitor. 

This monitor has a QD-OLED panel which is like that used in top-tier OLED televisions. OLED provides a nearly infinite contrast ratio, excellent color performance, and respectable brightness. The result is a punchy, vibrant image with an unparalleled sense of dimensionality. The monitor’s ultrawide aspect ratio only heightens the sense of immersion.

Motion clarity is superb. The monitor has a refresh up to 165Hz and supports both AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and VESA Adaptive Sync. The OLED panel technology it uses has lower pixel response times than competitors, too, so there’s minimal added blur and ghosting in motion. Motion is as crisp as you’ll find below 240Hz. 

The Alienware AW3423DWF is an alternative to the AW3423DW, a slightly older and nearly identical monitor. The AW3423DW has a higher fresh rate of 175Hz and supports Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate. It’s also $100 to $200 more expensive. Though we recommend the AW3423DWF for most people, the AW3423DW is better for owners of high-end Nvidia graphics cards.

The AW3423DWF is expensive at $1,099.99, but its performance justifies the price. Competing 34-inch and 38-inch ultrawides without QD-OLED technology are often just as expensive but have less impressive image quality.

Read our full

Alienware AW3423DWF review





Dell G2724D – Best budget gaming monitor





















Pros


Handsome design with functional stand

Attractive SDR image quality

Good motion clarity at 165Hz

Supports all Adaptive Sync standards



Cons


No USB connectivity or 3.5mm audio-out

Lackluster HDR


















The Dell G2724D is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a budget gaming monitor that doesn’t compromise on quality. With attractive design, strong motion clarity at 165Hz, and wide Adaptive Sync support, it provides an immersive gaming experience at an affordable price.

It has a 27-inch IPS LCD panel with 1440p resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. The color gamut spans 100 percent of sRGB, 86 percent of DCI-P3, and 82 percent of Adobe RGB, delivering a bright and vibrant image that’s excellent in games and adequate for most content creation. The monitor’s Adaptive Sync support is a standout feature, with official support for VESA Adaptive Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync.

It also delivers a handsome design with a matte black and gray chassis and sporty rear vents that provide an aggressive yet unobtrusive look. The functional monitor stand offers a range of ergonomic adjustments and has a compact base that doesn’t consume excessive desk space.

There are a few downsides: The monitor doesn’t offer USB connectivity or 3.5mm audio-out. HDR performance is lackluster, too, making it a so-so choice for HDR gaming.

Yet it’s hard to beat the G2724D’s performance at $300 or below and, more importantly, it offers everything an average PC gamer is going to need for a smooth, responsive, and attractive gaming experience. It’s the kind of monitor that, despite its budget price, could have a place on your desk for several years.

Read our full

Dell G2724D review





KTC H24T09P – Best gaming monitor under $200





















Pros


Vibrant, accurate color

165Hz refresh rate

Supports FreeSync and G-Sync



Cons


Generic design

No USB connectivity

Lacks height-adjustable stand


















The KTC H24T09P boasts a refresh rate of 165Hz alongside compatibility with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, enhancing the gaming experience with smooth, tear-free visuals. It even has an MRPT mode which further improves motion clarity when active. These features make the H24T09P a good choice for fast-paced competitive games. 

Image quality is strong, too. The monitor has a 24-inch 1080p display panel that achieves a wide color gamut (covering 92 percent of DCI-P3), adequate brightness, and good color accuracy. The monitor’s contrast ratio is mid-pack overall but solid for a budget monitor. 

The monitor’s design is generic. It also lacks useful features like USB connectivity and a height-adjustable stand. However, these drawbacks are typical for a budget gaming monitor. You’ll generally need to spend closer to $200, or more, to obtain them both. 

And not all the monitor’s features are lacking. It has four video inputs (two HDMI, two DisplayPort), which is one more than usual. The on-screen menu system offers significant image quality customization, too.

The KTC H24T09P is a smart investment for those seeking a top-quality gaming monitor at a low price. It delivers everything a modern PC gamer needs for just $150.

Read our full

KTC H24T09P review





Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q – Best budget 4K gaming monitor





















Pros


4K resolution

Good gaming performance

Tons of ergonomic adjustment options

Inexpensive 



Cons


A relatively low 60Hz refresh rate


















If you are a gamer who enjoys slower-paced games that feature beautiful graphic detail then you may want to consider a 4K gaming monitor. The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q is a 28-inch 4K display with a refresh rate of 60Hz and adaptive sync, making it compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync. It’s also only $400—a relative steal for a 4K display. It may not have the refresh rate that is required for quick e-sports or shooter games, but it makes up for that with an absolutely superb 4K display. It also has outstanding image quality and a vivid color range that will make most of the other monitors on this list weep.

Asus branded the VG289Q as a gaming monitor and it will deliver on that in most aspects. But ultimately, it is all about getting a 4K display on a budget and in that respect this monitor is second to none in image quality value for your money.

Read our full

Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q review





Alienware AW3225QF – Best 4K gaming monitor





















Pros


Excellent color performance and contrast

Good overall HDR performance

240Hz refresh rate with great motion clarity

Big price drop from prior 4K OLED monitors



Cons


Stand is too large

Curved panel is an acquired taste

HDR brightness is still just okay

















Best Prices Today:



$1199.99 at Dell





The Alienware AW3225QF is an easy recommendation for the best 4K gaming monitor.

This 32-inch monitor boasts a 4K QD-OLED panel, offering a 240Hz refresh rate — a new feature for 4K OLED displays. Its motion performance is excellent. The 240Hz refresh rate delivers clear and detailed motion in fast-paced games. Nvidia G-Sync and VESA AdaptiveSync 240 are supported, as well (the monitor will work with FreeSync, though support is not officially listed).

The monitor’s SDR image quality is impressive with true-to-life color accuracy, an infinite contrast ratio, and excellent sharpness. The AW3225QF also delivers good HDR performance, offering a cinematic experience with VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black certification and Dolby Vision HDR support. Its HDR brightness can’t match Mini-LED displays but proves a hair better than most OLED competitors.

The AW3225QF excels in video connectivity, including DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports. That means all three ports can handle the monitor at maximum resolution and refresh rate, something that’s not true of many 4K displays. One HDMI port also offers eARC support, catering to enhanced audio setups. That’s handy if you want to use the monitor with home theater equipment, like a soundbar, and position the AW3225QF as a potential TV alternative in small spaces.

Alienware’s design is both luxurious and attractive, with an appealing white-and-black colorway and sturdy materials. The ergonomic stand is too large, however, and won’t fit comfortably on smaller desks. VESA mount compatibility is included and provides an alternative mounting option.

Read our full

Alienware AW3225QF review





Innocn 27M2V – Best budget HDR gaming monitor





















Pros


Excellent color gamut and accuracy

Sharp, vivid picture

Strong HDR performance

Good connectivity



Cons


Design looks nice, but feels inexpensive

Thin user manual

Confusing on-screen menu


















Innocn’s 27M2V is an awesome choice if you want punchy, brilliant HDR gaming for less than $1,000. It delivers excellent HDR brightness, 4K clarity, and smooth motion at a reasonable price.

The 27M2V is a 4K Mini-LED monitor with a maximum refresh rate of 160Hz. It falls behind the smoothest monitors available, like the 500Hz Alienware AW2524H, but still looks excellent in motion. Only the most demanding competitive gamers will need a higher refresh rate. The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

HDR is attractive thanks to the monitor’s maximum measured HDR brightness of 877 nits. This is a bit low compared to the best Mini-LED monitors, which can exceed 1,000 nits, but still enough to deliver an obvious boost in HDR games. Bright objects retain good detail, colors look wonderfully saturated, and the dynamic Mini-LED backlight delivers strong contrast.

The 27M2V’s connectivity doesn’t disappoint. It features a USB-C port with a generous 90 watts of Power Delivery, complemented by a DisplayPort and dual HDMI 2.0 ports, tallying up to four video inputs. 

It’s not without its quirks. The monitor’s build, while aesthetically pleasing, feels a bit lackluster when handled. Navigating the on-screen menus is a challenge and made more difficult by the absence of a comprehensive user manual. And while Innocn’s customer service exists, it’s limited to email correspondence.

Yet these minor setbacks are forgiven by competitive pricing. With an MSRP of $799.99, and frequent discounts dropping it to a mere $679.99, the Innocn 27M2V offers unparalleled value for the price.

Read our full

Innocn 27M2V review





Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX – Best HDR gaming monitor





















Pros


Excellent gaming performance

4K resolution

Dimmable mini-LED backlight

Ergonomic adjustment options



Cons


High power consumption

Extremely expensive


















The best HDR games, like Forza Horizon 5 or Microsoft Flight Simulator, are transformed by a great HDR display. Unfortunately, most PC monitors fall short—except for Asus’ ROG Swift PG32UQX.

This monitor has a mini-LED backlight with 1,152 LED light zones that can turn on or off independently, boosting contrast and brightness. The monitor achieves extreme brightness in both small areas of the display or across the entire display and does so without noticeable fluctuations in brightness, a problem sometimes visible on the otherwise excellent Alienware AW3423DW. 

It’s got top-tier color performance, 4K resolution, and a refresh rate of up to 144Hz. It doesn’t support HDMI 2.1 but can handle 120Hz when connected to a Xbox Series X|S console thanks to a chroma subsampling mode. 

The ROG Swift PG32UQX’s superb HDR performance comes at a high price. You can expect to pay around $3,000 for this monitor. Viewsonic’s XG321UG is a similar and slightly less expensive alternative, but it lacks 120Hz support for Xbox Series X|S consoles.

Read our full

Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX review





Gigabyte GS34WQC- Best budget ultrawide gaming monitor





















Pros


Plenty of connectivity and menu options

Good contrast ratio

Solid color performance

Up to 144Hz refresh rate with good motion clarity



Cons


Stand setup uses screws instead of clip mechanism

Modest maximum brightness

HDR is supported but lackluster


















The Gigabyte GS34WQC stands out as an impressive ultrawide gaming monitor available at a low price. It has a sharp 34-inch display with a resolution of 3440×1440. That’s paired with good motion clarity driven by a 120Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 135Hz) and support for AMD FreeSync, ensuring smooth and consistent gameplay. Camera movements are detailed, and fast-paced action is easily tracked.

Beyond its motion clarity, the GS34WQC delivers great image quality that’s comparable to monitors twice its price. It has a Vertical Alignment (VA) panel instead of the more common In-Plane Switching (IPS). This provides improved contrast with deeper black levels and more convincing shadow detail in dark scenes. These qualities make it especially suitable for games with a dark, gritty presentation.

The monitor boasts a dull but functional design. It has an ergonomic stand that provides height and tilt adjustment, but its assembly requires manual attachment of four screws, unlike competitors with tool-free clip-in stands. The GS34WQC compensates with an intuitive menu system that has extensive customization options, allowing gamers to tailor the visuals to their preferences.

Value, however, is where the GS34WQC really beats the competition. It’s not the least expensive budget ultrawide monitor, but it delivers better image quality and motion clarity than many competitors while keeping the price in check. Indeed, the GS34WQC is so good it makes $400-to-$500-dollar ultrawide gaming monitors more difficult to recommend. The GS34WQC looks just as good at a lower price.

Read our full

Gigabyte GS344WQC review





Acer Predator CG48 – Best big-screen gaming monitor





















Pros


Excellent SDR, strong HDR image

Great motion clarity

Superior contrast and wide color gamut

Multiple PC-friendly connections including USB-C hub

Useful bundled remote



Cons


Only one HDMI 2.1 input

Sharpness is just ok

Stand offers no adjustment, no VESA mount


















Thinking about a TV for your next gaming display? Stop! The Acer Predator CG48 is as large as many OLED televisions and better suited to use with a PC.

The Predator CG48 is a 48-inch OLED monitor with 4K resolution and a maximum refresh rate of 138Hz. It has the same OLED panel as LG’s OLED televisions and delivers great image quality. The monitor’s combination of excellent contrast, spot-on color accuracy, and a wide color gamut provides a realistic and lifelike picture. 

Motion clarity is great, too. The 138Hz refresh rate provides excellent motion fluidity in fast-paced games. OLED also provides low pixel-response times, which minimizes blur across a wide range of refresh rates. 

Unlike a television, the Acer Predator CG48 has a wide variety of options for connecting a PC. This includes DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1, and even USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 65 watts of Power Delivery. You can easily connect several gaming PCs to this display, if needed. The bundled remote can access a wide range of image quality options and adjustments that help you customize the image to your preferences. 

This monitor retails at $1,499.99, which is expensive, but it’s often on sale for at least a couple hundred dollars less. Be sure to shop around before buying.

Read our full

Acer Predator CG48 review





Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 – Best big-screen ultrawide





















Pros


Incredibly immersive gaming experience

Huge 45-inch ultrawide OLED panel can be adjusted from flat to 800R curve to suit your setup

Exceptional image quality, contrast, color performance, and HDR

Elite motion clarity on a 240Hz panel

Abundant connectivity with USB-C hub and power delivery options

It made four people who walked into my office stop and say “WHOA” like Keanu Reeves



Cons


Poor text clarity and general sharpness for productivity work

Very expensive

No swivel or tilt options, stand can’t be replaced

Bending mechanism feels clunky and mildly terrifying at first

Enabling HDR mutes desktop contrast and vibrancy