In the ever-evolving world of gaming, the quest for the ultimate gaming experience leads us to one crucial component: the gaming monitor. As 2024 approaches, the gaming monitor market is bustling with options, making the choice for best gaming monitor more complex yet exciting. This article delves into the essentials of selecting a gaming monitor, highlighting the best gaming monitors for PC gaming and console gaming, and navigating the myriad of gaming features, performance metrics, and gaming monitor deals.
Choosing the Best Gaming Monitor
The gaming monitor you choose can profoundly impact your gaming experience. From oled panels to IPS panels and VA panels, each technology offers unique advantages. For those seeking the pinnacle of image quality and deep blacks, OLED monitors are unbeatable, with QD OLED technology pushing the boundaries further, offering vibrant colors and contrast ratio unmatched by traditional LCD monitors.
Resolution and Refresh Rate: A Gamer’s Dilemma
When it comes to gaming monitors, resolution and refresh rate are at the heart of the decision-making process. Whether it’s a 1440p gaming monitor for PC gaming enthusiasts or a 4K gaming monitor for console gaming aficionados, understanding the balance between resolution and refresh rate is key to optimizing your gaming performance. High refresh rates reduce input lag and provide a smoother gaming experience, essential for competitive gaming.
Adaptive Sync: Smoothing Out the Experience
Technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync have become staples in the gaming monitors market, ensuring variable refresh rate compatibility and eliminating screen tearing. These adaptive sync features are crucial for maintaining a fluid gaming experience, especially in fast-paced games where gaming performance is paramount.
Top Picks for Every Gamer
Best Budget Gaming Monitor: For those on a tight budget, there are cheap gaming monitor options that don’t compromise on quality. Models like the BenQ MOBIUZ EX240 offer fantastic value, providing a high refresh rate and solid gaming features at an affordable price.
Best 1440p Gaming Monitor: The sweet spot for PC gaming, a 1440p gaming monitor like the Acer Nitro XV271U, blends high resolution with a fast refresh rate, offering a balanced and immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank.
Best 4K Gaming Monitor: For console gaming and PC gaming enthusiasts wanting the utmost in image quality, a 4K gaming monitor with HDR games support and low input lag offers a visually stunning gaming experience. OLED technology, with models like the LG 27GP850B, provides deep blacks and vibrant colors, elevating immersive gaming to new heights.
Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitor: For an immersive gaming experience that fills your field of view, an ultrawide gaming monitor offers expansive screen real estate and often comes with features like a curved screen and wide aspect ratio, perfect for gaming consoles and PC gaming alike.
BenQ MOBIUZ EX240
The BenQ MOBIUZ EX240 gaming monitor emerges as a noteworthy contender in the affordable monitor segment, distinguishing itself with a blend of features that strike an appealing balance between cost and performance. Here’s a detailed description of the BenQ MOBIUZ EX240 model, based on the information extracted from the video:
Design and Build Quality
Screen Size: The EX240 sports a 23.8-inch display panel by LG, slightly smaller than its predecessors in the 25 series which utilized 24.5-inch panels made by AUO. Despite this subtle size reduction, the monitor maintains a robust presence on any desk.
Build: BenQ has not compromised on build quality with the EX240. Despite its affordability, the monitor boasts a build quality that’s above average for its price class, bearing similarities to the more premium EX2510 and EX2510S models.
Aesthetics: The design includes black plastic construction that feels far from cheap, with a premium appearance that rivals, if not exceeds, competitors like the AOC 24G2 SP. However, its stand adorned with orange accents might not appeal to everyone. The V-shaped stand design, while popular, might not be the most efficient in terms of desk space usage.
Display and Performance
Panel Type: The EX240 features a 1080p IPS panel with a refresh rate of 165Hz, ensuring crisp, clear visuals and smooth gameplay.
Brightness and Contrast: Exceptionally, the monitor can reach up to roughly 400 nits of brightness, a notable achievement for a monitor in this price range. However, the contrast ratio stands at the standard 1000:1, typical for IPS panels but slightly lower than the EX2510S, which achieved around 1200:1.
HDR Support: While the EX240 supports HDR, the experience is not its strongest suit due to limited hardware capabilities inherent in a sub-$200 monitor. It offers HDR support but doesn’t provide the hardware necessary for a compelling HDR viewing experience.
Features and Usability
Light Sensor: An unusual feature for its class is the inclusion of a light sensor intended to adjust the brightness based on ambient lighting. However, the implementation is somewhat lacking, with slow and choppy adjustments that don’t compare favorably to the more refined light sensors found in smartphones.
Color Accuracy: Out of the box, the EX240’s color accuracy in standard picture mode is less than ideal, though it improves significantly in sRGB mode. Unfortunately, adjustments in sRGB mode are limited as RGB sliders are locked, restricting fine-tuning capabilities.
Gaming Performance
Overdrive Settings: The monitor offers four overdrive modes, with the highest setting showing signs of inverse ghosting. The optimal setting for balancing speed and overshoot performance is MA1, suitable across a wide range of refresh rates.
Backlight Strobing: BenQ’s blur reduction feature, intended to reduce motion blur, falls short of expectations. The implementation is noticeably inferior compared to other models, making it a feature best left unused.
Key Features to Look For
High Refresh Rate: Essential for competitive gamers, offering a competitive edge.
Adaptive Sync: For smooth gameplay without screen tearing.
Color Accuracy and Contrast Ratio: Important for image quality and immersive gaming.
Low Input Lag: A must-have for competitive gaming to ensure timely reactions.
HDR Support: Enhances gaming display with more vibrant colors and peak brightness.
Pixio PX248 Pro
The Pixio PX248 Pro is a 23.8-inch gaming monitor designed for gamers seeking high performance without breaking the bank. Here’s a detailed look at this model based on the content extracted from the video review:
Display and Performance:
Size and Resolution: The monitor features a 23.8-inch display with a 1920×1080 resolution. This provides a pixel density (PPI) of approximately 92 to 93, ensuring crisp and clear images.
Panel Type: It uses an IPS panel, known for better viewing angles and superior color reproduction compared to VA and TN panels.
Refresh Rate: The PX248 Pro natively supports a 165Hz refresh rate, along with FreeSync Premium, enhancing the gaming experience by reducing tearing and stuttering.
Brightness: Rated for 300 nits, testing showed it delivers closer to 280 nits. While slightly below the rated brightness, it’s sufficient for most gaming and general use scenarios, especially in dimmer environments.
Features and Connectivity:
HDR Support: This monitor supports HDR content, with a capability to maintain variable refresh rates even when HDR is enabled, a feature often associated with FreeSync Premium Pro.
Ports: It includes two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio out, offering a solid range of connectivity options for various devices.
Build Quality and Design: The PX248 Pro impresses with a sturdy and adjustable stand that allows for height, tilt, swivel, and rotation adjustments. The stand’s build quality surpasses expectations at this price point, providing excellent stability and flexibility.
Color Accuracy and Gaming Performance:
Color Gamut: Remarkably, the monitor covers 98.8% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it suitable for HDR content and offering vibrant colors that are typically not found in monitors at this price range.
Response Time and Ghosting: The monitor exhibits great response times with minimal ghosting, especially in the “off” overdrive mode. While other overdrive settings may introduce overshoot, the optimal performance is achieved with the default setting.
Additional Features:
Internal Speakers: It comes with dual 2-watt speakers, providing clear sound for a built-in solution. While not exceptionally loud, they’re a convenient addition for casual listening.
Matte Finish: The display features a matte finish that reduces reflections and glare, though it can slightly affect the perceived sharpness and vibrancy of the image.
Price and Value:
Priced at $169.99, the Pixio PX248 Pro offers an excellent balance between price and performance, making it an ideal choice for gamers looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. Its wide color gamut, high refresh rate, and solid build quality position it as a top recommendation for a 24-inch gaming monitor in its price segment.
This monitor manages to deliver a comprehensive package that includes high-end features like a wide color gamut, high refresh rate, and versatile stand adjustments, all while maintaining an affordable price point, making it a standout option for gamers and content creators alike.
ASRock Phantom Gaming PG34WQ15R2B
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG34WQ15R2B marks ASRock’s foray into the competitive monitor market. This 34-inch ultrawide monitor boasts a 3440×1440 resolution with a 1500R curvature, utilizing a VA panel to provide a rich, immersive gaming experience. Here’s a detailed exploration of its features, performance, and unique aspects based on the provided video:
Design and Build Quality
Stand and Mounting: ASRock provides a sturdy monitor stand with standard VESA mounting screws, allowing for easy customization with monitor arms. The stand supports a cable management feature, enhancing the desk’s neatness.
Packing and Accessories: ASRock impresses with careful packing and includes standard accessories plus some unique additions like a 7 dBi Wi-Fi antenna for enhanced wireless reception, indicating attention to detail in enhancing user experience.
Display Specifications
Panel Type: The monitor uses a VA panel, known for deep blacks and high contrast ratios. Despite not being an IPS panel, it achieves impressive color accuracy, covering 91% of the DCI-P3 and 115% of the Adobe RGB color space.
Refresh Rate and HDR: With a refresh rate of up to 165Hz and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, it caters well to gamers looking for smooth gameplay and HDR content support. AMD FreeSync Premium is also included, ensuring variable refresh rates for a tear-free gaming experience.
Performance and Features
Response Time: The advertised 1ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) indicates ASRock’s focus on reducing motion blur, a critical aspect for gaming monitors. While real-world performance may vary, initial tests show promising results for a VA panel.
Input Lag: Approximately 6 milliseconds of input lag suggests that the monitor is responsive, a vital factor for competitive gaming.
Cable Management: A unique accessory, the “cable sock,” is provided for organizing and hiding cables, showcasing ASRock’s innovative approach to common setup challenges.
User Experience
OSD and Controls: The on-screen display is navigated through a 5-way hat switch and three buttons, offering a straightforward interface for adjusting settings.
Color Shift: While some color shift is noted due to the VA panel’s nature, ASRock’s tuning minimizes its impact, making it less noticeable during normal use.
Viewing Angles: Despite the inherent limitations of VA panels, the PG34WQ15R2B maintains reasonable color accuracy and visibility from wide viewing angles, thanks to its curvature and panel quality.
Acer Nitro XV272U W2BM IIPRX
The Acer Nitro XV272U W2BM IIPRX (XV272 UW2 for short) is a 27-inch gaming monitor that has caught the attention of gamers looking for high refresh rates at a reasonable price. With its 1440p resolution and a staggering 240Hz refresh rate, it’s positioned as a top choice for competitive and casual gamers alike. Let’s dive into a detailed description based on the video content:
Design and Build Quality
The XV272 UW2 features a straightforward, no-frills design typical of the Acer Nitro series. It’s built primarily from standard black plastic, with a design that prioritizes function over form. The stand is noted for its thin pillar and circular base, providing height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments. Despite offering a full range of ergonomic adjustments, the stand’s construction leads to a bit of wobble, indicating a compromise made to hit the monitor’s price point.
Display Specifications and Performance
Panel Type and Features: This monitor uses an IPS panel, which promises good color accuracy and viewing angles. It supports adaptive sync technology, making it compatible with both NVIDIA’s G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync for tear-free gaming.
Resolution and Refresh Rate: The standout feature is undoubtedly its 1440p resolution paired with a 240Hz refresh rate, providing sharp visuals and smooth motion for fast-paced games.
HDR and Color Performance: While it comes with DisplayHDR 400 certification, the actual HDR experience is limited due to the lack of hardware capable of delivering true HDR performance. The monitor covers 99% of the sRGB color space, although it’s actually a wide-gamut monitor, hinting at broader color coverage than typical sRGB monitors.
Connectivity and Features
The XV272 UW2 includes one DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports. However, it’s noted that the HDMI 2.1 ports do not leverage the full bandwidth capabilities associated with HDMI 2.1, effectively functioning as HDMI 2.0 ports despite the labeling. This discrepancy points to a broader issue within the industry concerning HDMI specifications and labeling practices.
Gaming Performance
The monitor’s high refresh rate and adaptive sync support are its main selling points for gaming. Initial testing suggests that motion performance is acceptable at 240Hz with moderate overshoot, placing it within the expected range for modern IPS gaming monitors. However, performance at lower refresh rates shows noticeable inverse ghosting, particularly below 120Hz, indicating that the monitor is best used at higher refresh rates for optimal gaming performance.
Price and Value
Initially purchased for $300 (excluding shipping and taxes for international buyers), the XV272 UW2 seems to offer excellent value for its specifications. However, the review notes that this may have been a promotional price, with the current MSRP sitting around $400. Even at the higher price, it remains one of the more affordable options for gamers seeking a 1440p 240Hz IPS display, though potential buyers should weigh this against the monitor’s performance characteristics and feature set.
LG 27GP850 monitor
The LG 27GP850 monitor is the highly anticipated successor to the widely acclaimed 27GL850, known as one of the most popular 1440p IPS gaming monitors in recent years. This new model brings significant improvements and features, aiming to reclaim the top spot in its class. Here’s a detailed overview of the LG 27GP850 based on the content extracted from the provided video:
Design and Build Quality
The 27GP850 maintains the sleek, gamer-focused design characteristic of LG’s UltraGear series. The stand and overall build have been updated, reflecting LG’s 2020 design language with more angular lines and a robust stand that offers tilt, pivot, and height adjustments. This design not only looks good but also provides stability and versatility for various gaming setups.
Display Specifications
Panel Type: The monitor utilizes LG’s Nano IPS technology, delivering a 27-inch 2560×1440 resolution display.
Refresh Rate: It boasts a base refresh rate of 165Hz, with an overclocking capability up to 180Hz, a significant step up from its predecessor’s 144Hz.
Color Gamut: The 27GP850 covers 98% of the DCI-P3 color space, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors for gaming and content creation.
Adaptive Sync: It supports both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, providing a smooth, tear-free gaming experience across various graphics platforms.
Key Features and Performance
Overdrive Optimization: LG has fine-tuned the overdrive settings to enhance performance and reduce overshoot, boasting a 1 millisecond response time class while minimizing ghosting effects.
Backlight Strobing: For the first time in an LG Nano IPS monitor, full backlight strobing support is introduced, enhancing motion clarity and providing an option for gamers sensitive to motion blur.
Connectivity: The rear panel offers easy access to its ports, including DisplayPort, two HDMI connectors, and a couple of USB ports, balancing ease of access with the potential for wall mounting.
Gaming Performance
The monitor’s higher refresh rate and overdrive optimizations contribute to its excellent gaming performance. The 27GP850 is designed to deliver fast and responsive gameplay, with LG’s adjustments ensuring that motion clarity and response times are top-notch across the entire refresh rate range.
Price and Availability
Priced at $500 USD, the 27GP850 positions itself as a competitive option in the high-refresh-rate gaming monitor market. It is expected to be available for purchase in most regions in the upcoming month, offering a substantial update over its predecessors without a price increase.
Conclusion
The best gaming monitor for you depends on your specific needs, whether it’s competitive gaming, immersive gaming experience, or simply enjoying the latest HDR games. By considering the essential features, such as panel technology, refresh rate, and adaptive sync, you can find a gaming monitor that fits your gaming style and budget, enhancing your overall gaming experience.
As the gaming monitor market continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest gaming monitor deals and technologies will ensure that your gaming setup remains on the cutting edge. Whether you opt for an OLED monitor, a 1440p gaming monitor, or the latest QD OLED marvel, the right gaming monitor can transform your gaming sessions into a truly extraordinary gaming adventure.
