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Gamers know that to get the most out of any gaming experience, you’ve got to have a great system. It’s critical to have a high-powered gaming CPU, a CPU cooler and a motherboard that can handle your obsession.
It’s even important to have the right case for your computer. But there’s one other component that you can’t overlook—the monitor. You can have the best graphics card or processor in the world, but it won’t mean anything if you don’t have a quality monitor.
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There are tons of different gaming-specific monitors on the market to choose from. Some are better than others, and it can be difficult to know which one is best for you. The type of screen you need depends on the type of experience you’re looking for.
You’ll find monitors at a variety of different price points, so it’s important to research your options. We’ve compiled a list of the five best monitors designed for gaming. Keep reading to help determine which one is right for you.
Contents:
- The Different Types of Gaming Monitors
- Why Choosing a Certain Gaming Monitor Is Important
- The Five Best Monitors for Gaming
- So What One Is the Best?
Table of Contents
The Different Types of Gaming Monitors
Before you can know which one to buy, it’s important to understand the differences between the types of monitors that exist.
Today, we’re breaking down the differences between TN, IPS, and VA gaming monitors to give you some insight into what each has to offer.
TN Gaming Monitor
TS panel technology is found in monitors that range between 19″ and 28″ inches, with 16:9 aspect ratios. You’ll enjoy these ratios at popular resolutions such as 1920 x 1080 (full HD), 2560 x 1440 (QHD), and 3840 x 2160 (4K).
Aside from being the most affordable, these models include a variety of great features. They are the most responsive monitors and have the lowest levels of display lag. With less display lag, it takes less time to transfer a video output from the computer’s graphics to the image that gets displayed on the screen.
IPS Gaming Monitors
It improves upon the less-than-ideal viewing angles of TN panels and provides better color and image quality.
IPS gaming monitors provide more accurate color by using true 8-bit color depth panels. These panels also allow them to display more colors than the 64-bit panels on most TN monitors. Most TN monitors use a technique called dithering and frame-rate control (FRC) to simulate the depth of an 8-bit color monitor.
VA Gaming Monitors
There are two main VA panel categories: Multi-Domain Vertical Alignment (MVA) and Patterned Vertical Alignment (PVA). They are similar in nature, but as most manufacturers have moved toward IPS monitors, the PVA version has fallen from favor.
VA monitors are the least common monitors on the market. They have wider viewing angles than TN monitors, and they feature 8-bit color depth like the IPS. The response time is like IPS monitors and they usually offer higher contrast ratios than the preferred IPS.
Why Choosing a Certain Gaming Monitor Is Important
The monitor you use can make a great deal of difference in the type of experience you can have. When it comes time to buy your next screen, the key features to look for are the resolution, refresh rate, adaptive sync, and panel technology. You also have to consider the response time, screen size, and the type of connectors.
There’s no point in using an old model from the ’90s to run your most advanced games. It might not even be possible to do that! So to keep up to date with the newest technology, you’ve got to have a screen that can handle those demands.
The type of games you play will likely determine the type of monitor you need, so do your research before you buy. If you’re still not sure which one is right for you, consult with some hardcore gamers (you probably know at least one) for their expert opinion.
The Five Best Monitors for Gaming
Keep reading to see our top 5 picks for the best gaming monitors available today. From Acer, ASUS, and AOC, these five monitors are sure to provide you with the ultimate experience.
Acer Predator XB252Q
With 1920 x 1080 resolution, the Acer Predator XB252Q monitor features a 24.5″ Full HD Widescreen with NVIDIA G-SYNC technology. Featuring TN panel technology, it boasts a very high refresh rate of 240Hz using a display port with an impressive response time of 1 ms GTG.
Flicker-less technology reduces annoying screen flickering, which can cause irritating eye strain. If you spend hours in front of your gaming monitor, you know exactly what this feels like. It has a pixel pitch of 0.283 mm with one DisplayPort 1.2 and one HDMI signal input.
Acer describes the Predator XB252Q as a screen designed to “turbocharge your gaming experience.” It includes LED backlight technology, twisted nematic film (TN film) panel technology, and a Bluelight Shield. 8-bit color technology allows you to see 16.7 million colors, while 400 Nit brightness and a contrast ratio of 1000:1 provide incredible graphics.
This sleek black monitor has a depth of 2.8 inches, and the colors remain clear and true no matter what angle you view it from. It includes a movable stand that allows you to pivot, tilt, and swivel the screen to your optimal viewing angle.
Acer Predator XB271HK
3840 x 2160 4K resolution makes the Acer Predator XB271HK a beast among monitors. Acer definitely had the avid gamer in mind when they made this model with 4 ms GTG response time, 60Hz, and G-Sync with NVIDIA Adaptive Sync.
It is VESA mountable, powered by IPS panel technology, and designed with HDMI, DisplayPort, and four USB 3.0 ports.
This high-performance 4k monitor boasts UHD resolution with a 1000 to 1 static contrast ratio. It produces amazing visuals, making it perfect for the gamer who wants to bring their online world to life.
NVIDIA G-Sync technology syncs the display refresh rate. Designed for use with a high-end GPU, it eliminates tearing and minimizes stuttering so there’s very little delay. Like the Acer Predator XB252Q, this model features Flicker-less technology and a blue light filter.
If you’re looking for the most comfortable viewing option and reduced eye strain, this model is for you. You’ll be able to enjoy prolonged periods of play without having to rub your eyes and step away from your screen.
Other features of this model include 300 Nit brightness and the ability to display 1.07 billion colors. It has a sleek black design that measures at 2.4 inches in depth, making it easy to position on any desk or table.
AOC G2460PG
Thrill-seeking gamers will love the powerful, incredible graphics of the AOC G2460PG monitor. With 1920 x 1080 (FHD) resolution and 1 ms GTG response time, this model delivers speed that allows for fast-moving action and transitions.
A 144Hz refresh rate allows you to enjoy twice the frame rate of other monitors, and you won’t have to deal with stuttering and blurry motion.
It features 100 x 100 mm VESA mountable design, and has a dynamic contrast ratio of 80,000,000:1 with 350 cd/m2 brightness. ULMB and NVIDIA 3D Vision ready, it includes a DisplayPort 1.2 and USB 3.0. This model will give you a competitive edge, and it minimizes input lag and screen-tearing.
With this model, you can immerse yourself in gameplay and enjoy clear on-screen action to give you the edge over other players. You can dominate any game and enjoy the ultimate experience with fast, smooth performance.
This monitor measures 24 inches with Full HD resolution, and it swivels and tilts so you can view your games from your preferred angle. For the serious gamer looking to build a powerful machine, this is the perfect monitor to boost your system.
Acer Predator XB321HK
As the third Acer model to make our top five list, the Acer Predator XB321HK lets you enjoy an impressive gaming experience. Featuring IPS panel technology and a response time of 4 ms GTG, it’s rivaled only by the other Acer models on this list.
This monitor measures 32″ and features an IPS UHD widescreen with 3840 x 2160 resolution. You’ll enjoy a title angle of -5° to 25°, a pixel pitch of 0.185mm, and Flicker-less technology.
There’s reduced screen flickering so you can save your eyes from strain after long periods of use. Signal inputs include one HDMI port and one DisplayPort (v1.2), and it boasts 350 cd/m2 brightness.
Simply put, this monitor will immerse you in your gaming universe. The intense display shows all details to draw you into the action, regardless of what type of games you like to play.
For the avid gamer searching for the ultimate entertainment experience, this is an ideal option. Every corner of the screen is at the same distance from your eyes, so you’ll never have to worry about blind spots.
It has an aspect ratio of 16:9 and an adjustable maximum height of 120 mm, along with a standard refresh rate of 60Hz. With NVIDIA G-SYNC technology for tearing prevention, this model is one of the best you can buy.
ASUS ROG SWIFT PG348Q
A 34″ screen with an IPS panel and NVIDIA G-SYNC technology makes the ASUS ROG Swift PG348Q one of our favorite monitors on the market. It delivers excellent resolution and color, allowing you to dive into your favorite games.
The curved ultra-wide monitor features a 21:9 aspect ratio for panoramic viewing. It has a 100Hz refresh rate, a smoother and faster response time, and built-in LED effects. NVIDIA G-SYNC technology reduces screen tearing and stuttering.
The Asus Eye Care technology lowers the blue light and eliminates flickering. You’ll be able to play for hours on end.
Other features include a five-way OSD joystick that delivers intuitive control. This allows you to access features such as ASUS gameplay. With an ASUS rapid replacement three year warranty, free cross-shipping is included so you can enjoy more gameplay.
This model is the new flagship monitor of the ROG collection, and it expands your scope so you can enjoy faster target acquisition. With this monitor, you’ll enjoy total immersion, and there’s a good chance you’re going to find yourself playing more than ever before.
So What One Is the Best?
With three different types of monitors on the market and a variety of models to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Before you buy one for your new system, make sure you do your homework so you know what you need.
Some monitors are better than others and prices vary, so you have to know what you need before you can figure out which one to buy. Determine if you want the panel technology of a TN, IPS, or VA design.
Think about the resolution, size, refresh rate, adaptive sync options, and response time. You’ll also need to decide how big or small you want your screen to be.
We’ve outlined some incredible monitors from ASUS, Acer, and AOC, but it’s always wise to do extra research before you buy.
Browse the online forums and read reviews from actual customers to help guide you in making your ultimate decision.
It’s important to invest the time in research to know exactly what each screen has to offer. At the same time, you might have to invest a good bit of money to get a screen that delivers top-quality performance and long-lasting use.
If you buy an inexpensive monitor, it might not offer the performance you need. Buy one that doesn’t provide top quality and you might need to replace it within a short amount of time.
If you’re a serious gamer, spend the time and spend the money to buy a great monitor that you can enjoy for years to come.
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