Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Monitors to Buy Now
Five gaming monitors at different budgets, from a 240Hz 1080p screen to a 4K QD-OLED.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
The best gaming monitor is the one your graphics card can feed. These five cover 1080p, 1440p and 4K at different budgets.
We researched listings for panel, refresh rate, HDR and stand.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best OLED Value
LG UltraGear 27GS93QE OLED
A 240Hz 1440p OLED near $500.
Best for: Most gaming PCs.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27GS93QE OLED (opens in a new tab)
Best 4K OLED
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED
A 240Hz 4K QD-OLED with a pivot stand.
Best for: High-end PCs.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
Best IPS 1440p
Alienware AW2723DF
240Hz with DisplayHDR 600.
Best for: Bright rooms.
Our take Check price for Alienware AW2723DF (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 1440p
LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B
200Hz 1440p with a pivot stand near $200.
Best for: Mid-range PCs.
Our take Check price for LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B (opens in a new tab)
Best 1080p Esports
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A
240Hz with a three-year warranty.
Best for: Competitive shooters.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 240Hz 1440p OLED near $500. | Most gaming PCs. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27GS93QE OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| A 240Hz 4K QD-OLED with a pivot stand. | High-end PCs. | Check price for Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
| 240Hz with DisplayHDR 600. | Bright rooms. | Check price for Alienware AW2723DF (opens in a new tab) |
| 200Hz 1440p with a pivot stand near $200. | Mid-range PCs. | Check price for LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B (opens in a new tab) |
| 240Hz with a three-year warranty. | Competitive shooters. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best OLED Value1 of 5
LG UltraGear 27GS93QE OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
LG's 27GS93QE is a 27-inch 1440p OLED at 240Hz with DisplayHDR True Black 400.
Best for
- Most gaming PCs.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It is a lower-priced LG OLED with a two-year warranty. It is DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified with a 1.5 million to 1 contrast ratio, and the stand adjusts for height, tilt and pivot. Gamer, FPS and RTS modes tune the picture.
Its virtually borderless design saves space on a crowded desk. On refresh rate it ties with the AW2725Q, the AW2723DF and the VG259QM5A at 240Hz. It matches the AW2723DF and the 27G61ZB on screen size (27 inches).
It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the AW2723DF and 27G61ZB; the VG259QM5A goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. You get an OLED panel here, which sets it apart from the VG259QM5A and its a fast IPS panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the AW2725Q; the 27G61ZB goes with an HDR10. It was priced above the AW2723DF and below the AW2725Q at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
- Warranty: 2-year
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- a OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the VG259QM5A at the time of writing
Best 4K OLED2 of 5
Alienware AW2725Q 4K QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Alienware's AW2725Q is a 26.7-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with USB-C and a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for
- High-end PCs.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It has one of the most adjustable stands among the OLED models here. On refresh rate it ties with the 27GS93QE, the AW2723DF and the VG259QM5A at 240Hz. Its 26.7 inches screen size ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the 27GS93QE (27 inches) and ahead of the VG259QM5A (24.5 inches).
A 3840x2160 (4K) resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2723DF uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. A QD-OLED panel is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2723DF uses an IPS panel. It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the 27GS93QE; the 27G61ZB goes with an HDR10.
You also get Dolby Vision support, 166 PPI at 4K and USB-C with 15W power delivery. At our last price check it topped the group, with the 27GS93QE the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 26.7 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the VG259QM5A at the time of writing
Best IPS 1440p3 of 5
Alienware AW2723DF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AW2723DF is an IPS monitor with DisplayHDR 600, 95% DCI-P3 and a 280Hz overclock mode, on a fully adjustable stand.
Best for
- Bright rooms.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the VG259QM5A, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On refresh rate it ties with the 27GS93QE, the AW2725Q and the VG259QM5A at 240Hz. It matches the 27GS93QE and the 27G61ZB on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the 27GS93QE and 27G61ZB; the VG259QM5A goes with a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution.
It shares an IPS panel with the 27G61ZB; the VG259QM5A goes with a fast IPS panel. A DisplayHDR 600 is unique to it among these picks, while the AW2725Q uses a DisplayHDR True Black 400. To see 240Hz at 1440p, connect over DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1; older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the refresh rate lower.
G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. When we checked, only the 27G61ZB and cheaper picks cost less, and the 27GS93QE cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- Stand: height, swivel and pivot adjustment
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
Cons
- Costs more than the VG259QM5A at the time of writing
Best Budget 1440p4 of 5
LG UltraGear 27G61ZB-B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AOC's 27G61ZB is a 27-inch 1440p IPS screen at 200Hz on a height, tilt, swivel and pivot stand.
Best for
- Mid-range PCs.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
That full stand is rare at about $200. Its 200Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the 27GS93QE leads at 240Hz. On screen size it ties with the 27GS93QE and the AW2723DF at 27 inches.
Like the 27GS93QE and AW2723DF, it has a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution, while the AW2725Q uses a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. Like the AW2723DF, it has an IPS panel, while the 27GS93QE uses an OLED panel. No other pick in this guide offers an HDR10; compare the AW2723DF, which has a DisplayHDR 600.
It also offers narrow bezels. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper VG259QM5A and the pricier AW2723DF, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 200Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: HDR10
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
Pros
- 200Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Refresh rate trails the 27GS93QE (240Hz)
- Costs more than the VG259QM5A at the time of writing
Best 1080p Esports5 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM5A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The VG259QM5A drops TUF's 24.5-inch panel to 240Hz and keeps 99% sRGB coverage and a three-year warranty.
Best for
- Competitive shooters.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the 27GS93QE offers 27 inches.
Why we like it
It costs less than the 310Hz versions. On refresh rate it ties with the 27GS93QE, the AW2725Q and the AW2723DF at 240Hz. Its 24.5 inches screen size is the smallest in this group; the 27GS93QE leads at 27 inches.
You get a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution here, which sets it apart from the 27G61ZB and its a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution. You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the 27G61ZB and its an IPS panel. It shares a 99% sRGB color gamut with the 27G61ZB; the AW2723DF goes with a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.
At 1080p, 240Hz is within reach of mid-range graphics cards in esports titles; use DisplayPort if your card's HDMI port is older. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the 27G61ZB the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Size: 24.5 inches
- Panel: Fast IPS
- Color gamut: 99% sRGB
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium, G-SYNC Compatible to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Screen size trails the 27GS93QE (27 inches)
How We Chose These Gaming Monitors to Buy Now
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
What to Look for in a Gaming Monitor to Buy Now
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match resolution to your graphics card
1080p suits entry and mid-range cards and high refresh rates. 1440p is the balance for most gaming PCs. 4K needs a high-end card to hold high frame rates.
Pick the resolution your card can drive before looking at refresh rate.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
Size for your desk distance
24 to 25 inches suits 1080p and competitive play at a typical desk. 27 inches pairs well with 1440p and 4K; 32 inches suits 4K at a deeper desk.
Read HDR labels carefully
HDR10 means the monitor accepts an HDR signal, not that it displays it well. DisplayHDR 600 or True Black 400 certifications say more about real HDR performance.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
How to Choose a Gaming Monitor to Buy Now
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most gaming PCs | 27GS93QE | A 240Hz 1440p OLED near $500 |
| High-end PCs | AW2725Q | A 240Hz 4K QD-OLED with a pivot stand |
| Bright rooms | AW2723DF | 240Hz with DisplayHDR 600 |
| Mid-range PCs | 27G61ZB | 200Hz 1440p with a pivot stand near $200 |
| Competitive shooters | VG259QM5A | 240Hz with a three-year warranty |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27GS93QE | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | OLED |
| AW2725Q | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 26.7 inches | QD-OLED |
| AW2723DF | 240Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 27G61ZB | 200Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| VG259QM5A | 240Hz | 1920x1080 (1080p) | 24.5 inches | Fast IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | VG259QM5A |
| About $150 to $250 | 27G61ZB |
| About $250 to $500 | AW2723DF, 27GS93QE |
| About $500 to $1000 | AW2725Q |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1080p fine on a 27-inch monitor?
It works, but text and detail look softer. 1440p is sharper at 27 inches; 1080p is best at 24 to 25 inches.
Does a FreeSync monitor work with an NVIDIA card?
Most do as G-SYNC Compatible over DisplayPort. Check the product page or NVIDIA's compatibility list for the model.
Does a 1ms response time rating matter?
Makers measure response time differently, so compare panel type and independent reviews rather than the headline figure.
Is HDR worth it on a budget monitor?
Rarely. Budget HDR10 monitors accept HDR but lack the brightness and contrast to show it well. OLED or DisplayHDR 600 models do it better.
Is OLED burn-in still a problem?
It is a risk with static elements over many hours. Current OLED monitors use pixel-refresh routines to reduce it; check the maker's warranty for burn-in coverage.
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort?
On a PC, DisplayPort usually supports the highest refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 is equivalent and needed for consoles.
Bottom Line
LG's 27GS93QE is the pick for most buyers who can reach OLED. The AW2723DF and 27G61ZB are the IPS alternatives, and ASUS's VG259QM5A covers 1080p esports.