Best gaming monitor 2022. What is the best gaming monitor

This 27 ” IPS screen with 1440p edge-to-edge resolution from LG is the best choice for a responsive, lag-free monitor with 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time and LG’s proprietary “Dynamic Action Sync” that reduces input lag after switching on.

Best Gaming Monitor 2022 • 7 Gaming Monitors Reviews

Putting together a new gaming monitor can be quite stressful, but exciting. Due to the huge variety of gaming monitors that are currently available in the US market, it can sometimes be a bit difficult to find the perfect one for you. The gaming monitor will help you get the most out of your favorite video games.

Last update: 12/31/2021

What is a gaming monitor and how does it work?

Gaming engines are similar to other types of monitors, but are designed with a higher quality in mind. Many manufacturers add LED lighting to these devices. They are made for professional use and have high expectations in mind to give you the best video game experience. These devices are usually much larger than traditional monitors as they can be anywhere from 24 ” to 50 ” wide.

What are the types of gaming monitors?

There are currently three different types of gaming monitor panels: TN, IPS, and VA. However, the most common types are TN and IPS.

TN (Twisted Nematic)

This type usually has poorer color rendering. This means that the colors may be slightly less sharp compared to IPS and VA panels. Contrast and brightness may also change depending on the angle you are viewing the screen.

However, TN panels have a faster response time than the other two, only 1 ms. One pixel responds to a color change within one millisecond. Therefore, professional gamers often choose this type of panel over IPS or VA.

VA (Vertical Alignment)

This type of gaming panel has the best contrast, which, according to tests, allows for very deep shades of black, thanks to which the VA panel achieves much more realistic and vivid details and colors. Unfortunately, VA panels have the worst response time compared to the other two.

However, this is not a problem for most players due to the intense colors. If you are a competitive gamer or you play very fast games, you may want to consider one of the other two panel types.

IPS (In-Plane Switching)

IPS panels have much more precise and consistent colors, but don’t have as high contrast as VA panels. They also have the best viewing angles, which means you can see the screen clearly from any angle. However, response time is somewhat limited; it is not as fast as TN panels and not as slow as VA panels. The main problem that users face with IPS panels is brightness as there is usually light at the corners of the screen.

If you have a fairly modest setup (you don’t need to go to a 240Hz beast monitor if your hardware isn’t capable of generating enough frames) or are on a budget but want to get a competitive edge then one of your best options right now.

Best Gaming Monitors 2022

MSI Oculux NXG253R – Best Overall

• Pros
  • Super speed in games
  • The highest quality of workmanship
  • Impressive features
  • Expensive
  • Too fast for mainstream players
  • Rivals have better image quality
  • Best Price Today:

  24.5 inches | Full HD | Flat

  MSI Oculux NXG253R supports a refresh rate of 360Hz and its performance in fast games is sensational: fast, smooth and crisp.

  If you are an advanced esports player, this is the best option for you right now. Elsewhere, MSI has impressive build quality and adjustment options, decent USB connectivity, and reasonable image quality.

  However, it’s not the best image quality you can get for the money, and you’ll find features that are better suited to single-player games and popular esports elsewhere – and often at a lower price.

  This monitor is currently the best option on the market for esports gamers, but it’s overkill for mere mortals.

  MSI Optix MAG272CQR – Best 27in Curved

  

  27in | Wide Quad HD | Curved

  This latest Optix model from MSI is a rare case of a product getting both better and cheaper.

  It meets many requirements for those looking for a curved gaming monitor without straining to the budget, starting with solid build quality, lighting, and a new USB hub.

  More importantly, the display offers a high-quality display with excellent specifications and performance. Just remember that this isn’t the correct HDR, so don’t buy it on that basis.

  LG UltraGear 32GP850-B – Best 32in

  

  • Pros
    • great color accuracy
    • Large, easy-to-use design
    • Impressive mainstream refresh rate
    • medium contrast
    • It’s not fast enough for high-end esports
    • Not 4K
    • Best Price Today:

    32 inches | Wide Quad HD | Flat

    The LG UltraGear 32GP850-B is one of the best gaming displays available.

    The 2560 x 1440 resolution and the overclockable 165Hz refresh rate ensure smooth, crisp gameplay in all common situations, and UltraGear also has a reasonable, slim design, great color quality and a reasonable price. It’s a top-notch choice for everyday games.

    But remember that the contrast is okay but not great – you’ll find more depth elsewhere. You should also consider a different monitor if you want a 4K panel or specialized screen for high-end eSports.

    Asus ROG Swift PG259QNR – Speedy 360Hz Refresh Rate

    

    • Pros
      • Incredible 360 ​​Hz performance
      • Solid image quality
      • Features to prevent lag
      • Brilliant build

      How to choose a gaming monitor

      Unless you are an expert in display technology, it can be difficult to understand all the jargon related to gaming monitors. However, these are a significant investment, so it’s worth understanding which features are most important to your gaming experience.

      If you’re not sure what a particular aspect means or how it will affect your experience, please read our detailed buying guide before making your purchase. We also have a dedicated section on what to look for when buying for a student.

      You will need a compatible AMD card for FreeSync monitors or a compatible NVIDIA card for G-SYNC monitors for this feature to work. However, some FreeSync monitors are G-SYNC compatible and will work with NVIDIA cards.

      How we test our gaming monitors

      When we get a gaming monitor for testing, we measure panel color accuracy, contrast level, brightness and black levels – both Katharine and I use the X-Rite i1 DisplayPro Calibrator for this. We’ll start by measuring the default settings you get out of the box, then we’ll look at optimizing them using the monitor’s built-in menu system. The best gaming monitors won’t require any tweaks at all, as their panels should be properly configured as soon as you take them out of the box.

      HDR monitors require a few more detailed tests, namely using specific scenes in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Final Fantasy XV to measure the peak brightness level of the monitor. To do this, the calibrator sits over their bright in-game suns to see just how high your monitor’s brightness levels can be. We also see how easy it is to get the HDR of a monitor working and properly configured. After all, no one wants to spend ages tinkering with monitor menu settings just to get a single game to function properly.

      As for what to expect from the various types of gaming monitor panels, IPS screens tend to have the most accurate colors, but there are also plenty of good looking TN and VA panels out there today. TN panels often have faster response times than other panel types, which may make them a good choice for fast-paced, competitive esports gaming, but there is little chance that you’ll have a serious problem playing games on slower IPS or VA panels. Often we’re only talking about a few milliseconds here, and most people won’t notice the difference at all.

      We also test to see how well the monitor can handle different types of graphics cards if they support AMD Freesync or Nvidia G-Sync. This is especially important if they are not one of Nvidia’s officially certified G-Sync compatible monitors. While all Freesync monitors are technically compatible with G-Sync (with a small “c”), some are better suited than others. For example, Bad G-Sync compatible screens can sometimes flicker, flicker, cause discoloration, or other visual defect, and nobody wants that. If you want to avoid the hassle of potentially using a small screen that is G-Sync “c” compatible, you can always get one that has been officially Nvidia certified as compatible with the big “C” G-Sync (and you will find the full list linked above to the right).

      You might not be using a gaming PC, but a gaming laptop, but if it has a tiny 13 ” screen, you may need a gaming monitor when you’re at home with a desk. You may even want to use a gaming monitor with a console like the PS5 or the Xbox Series X.

      Asus ROG Strix XG32VQR

      The best FreeSync monitor is the Asus ROG Strix XG32VQR.

      This Asus Strix screen replaces one of the best FreeSync gaming monitors we’ve ever tested, the Asus ROG Strix XG32VQ, so you can be damn sure it’s a good choice by today’s standards. Thanks to the excellent VA panel compared to its predecessor, it offers a bright and colorful image of 1440p, 144 Hz enriched with HDR.

      As Nvidia succumbs to the pressure of adaptive timing, AMD Freesync panels like this one now have even more value for gamers – even though HDR is still a big mess on Windows. And don’t worry, it still has all those beautiful RGB LEDs on the back of the monitor and shining brightly from under the base.

      What do we like…
      Excellent VA panel
      Responsive refresh rate of 144 Hz
      AMD FreeSync 2 HDR

      Asus ROG Strix XG32VQR specification
      Panel size	32 inch
      Native resolution	2560 x 1440
      Maximum refresh rate	144 Hz
      Panel technology	VA

      Read PCGamesN Asus ROG Strix XG32VQR review for full verdict and score.

      Eve Spectrum 4K 144Hz

      The best 4K monitor is the Eve Spectrum 4K 144 Hz.

      Over the years, 4K resolution has either been burdened with a lower refresh rate or has been stuck with costs that will make your bank account cry. Eve has funded the development of the Eve Spectrum to change all this by introducing a monitor that is ready and willing to show you all the frames your system is capable of at a more affordable price.

      One of three models to choose from, the Eve Spectrum 4K 144Hz is packed to the brim with features including HDMI 2.1 support, VESA HDR600 700 nits display, and FreeSync Premium Pro with G-Sync certified compatibility; all hidden behind a 27-inch IPS panel. It may seem small, but we also need to pay close attention to the stand, which has the smallest footprint we’ve seen so far, and is completely optional – saving you money if you just want to attach it.

      What do we like…
      Cinema visualizations
      HDR support
      4K resolution with high refresh rate

      Eve Spectrum 4K 144 Hz specification
      Panel size	27 inch
      Native resolution	3840 × 2160
      Maximum refresh rate	144 Hz
      Panel technology	Nano IPS

      Read the PCGamesN Eve Spectrum 4K 144Hz review for the full verdict and rating.

      © 2018 NVIDIA, NVIDIA logo, GeForce, GeForce RTX, GeForce MAX-Q, GRID, SHIELD, Battery Boost, CUDA, FXAA, GameStream, G-Sync, NVLINK, ShadowPlay, SLI, TXAA, PhysX, GeForce Experience, GeForce NOW, Maxwell, Pascal, and Turing are trademarks and / or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the US and other countries.

      What makes the best 4K gaming monitor?

      Whether you’re connecting to a gaming tower or a laptop, it’s important to have a monitor that will show you everything your graphics card is capable of. The best 4K gaming monitors combine 4K displays with other monitor technologies and multiple connectivity options to give you the ability to connect to more systems and accessories. Additional features that should be noted are high refresh rates and FreeSync or G-Sync technology. In addition to the accompanying possibilities, the screen size should also be considered. The best displays are at least 27 inches to properly represent every detail of the game. Purchasing the best 4K gaming monitor is a reliable investment that can provide value for years.

      

      Dell offers a wide range of 4K gaming monitors and displays that offer everything gamers need to reduce response times and explore new worlds. Alienware and Dell Gaming monitors include OLED displays which provide the highest image quality available today. With infinite contrast ratios, incredibly dark blacks, and no bloom around bright objects against a dark background, OLED displays offer a richer and more satisfying gaming experience where players can immerse themselves in vivid detail on the screen.

      • Resolution up to 4K (3840 x 2160)
      • Large screen displays up to 55 inches
      • Brightness up to 400 cd / m2
      • Response times as low as 0.5 ms (gray to gray)
      • Contrast ratios up to 130,000: 1 (typical)
      • Color support up to 1.07 billion colors
      • Pixel pitch 0.315 mm x 0.315 mm

      Why gamers choose Dell

      

      As the # 1 monitor brand in the world *, Dell supplies monitors with unique features and benefits.

      Constant innovation
      Dell’s reputation for innovation and commitment to quality has resulted in multiple awards and excellent reviews from respected publications, web sites and consumers.

      Unprecedented reliability
      Dell displays are extensively tested to ensure each monitor meets customer expectations for reliability and performance.

      Environmentally friendly production
      Dell monitors are designed to comply with environmental certifications and ship without polystyrene packaging.

      If you are an advanced esports player, this is the best option for you right now. Elsewhere, MSI has impressive build quality and adjustment options, decent USB connectivity, and reasonable image quality.

      Alienware AW2518H

      Alienware may have a bad reputation with some gamers as some of their products seemingly focus more on the aesthetic side than the performance side, but the AW2518H feels like a hit on most fronts.

      It has a refresh rate of 240Hz (along with a 1ms response time), a fully adjustable stand, and supports G-Sync and ULMB. As this is an AlienWare product, there are a few RGB LED strips on the back of the display, but as a whole the monitor doesn’t look too flashy if you ask us. And look at those thin bezels.

      This monitor is also available as a FreeSync monitor making it a bit more affordable so if you don’t need G-Sync you can save some cash and go for the AW2518HF.

      Due to the thin bezels and relatively subtle design, it’s also a great option if you want to rock your multi-monitor setup if you ask us to.

      ASUS ROG Swift PG258Q

      The ASUS ROG (Republic Of Gamers) Swift PG258Q is not going to be confused anytime soon for your average office monitor with its alien-looking stand that displays the ROG logo on the surface it stands on. The ROG Swift PG258Q looks like it stands for business, and if you look at the specs you’ll see that there’s a lot going on under the hood as well.

      With a 240Hz 1ms response time display, you already have one of the fastest gaming displays, but ASUS is pushing up the stakes by turning on G-Sync and ULMB. Besides, it also comes with ASUS GamePlus technology and offers six presets for different game genres with so-called Gamevisual technology.

      The stand and panel not only look fancy; There’s a 5-way joystick on the back of the display for easy OSD navigation (which we appreciate as it can be a real pain to navigate through them) and the stand is of course fully adjustable with convenient cable management opening to help keep your desk tidy . The Ultra-Low Blue Light technology is also available for people after session hours.

      All in all, the ROG Swift PG258Q is one of the best gaming monitors right now, and if you have an NVIDIA card and want to take advantage of their G-Sync technology, this is one of the best options right now.

      5. BenQ Zowie XL2411

      HDR doesn’t always have to be at a higher price with the Dell S3220DGF 32 inch. It comes with DisplayHDR 400, which is the lowest rating you’ll find for high dynamic range, but that doesn’t stop it from delivering a sharp image packed to the brim with detail that you otherwise wouldn’t notice.

      Inputs/Outputs

      This should seem relatively simple; luckily computers have so many standards! That’s good in this case, as it seems like we’re moving towards a few specific standards that are objectively better these days. These are DisplayPort, HDMI and USB Type C / Thunderbolt ™ 3. The tough part is that they all have multiple versions and the latest are what you need.

      

      Starting with the most popular monitor inputs, we have HDMI and DisplayPort. Virtually everyone has seen HDMI – it’s everywhere these days – although DisplayPort is a very close neighbor. In the past, DisplayPort was more efficient because it provided better refresh rates and resolutions. The latest versions of HDMI have caught up, although DisplayPort has the advantage that the locking connector prevents accidental disconnection. In any case, most monitors have both.

      What you will likely find today are DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0. Both are reliable and have enough bandwidth for high 4K resolutions and a refresh rate of 60Hz, and even more if you use lower resolutions. In the future, we will start to see DisplayPort 2.0 and HDMI 2.1, bringing even higher resolutions and frame rates, such as 4K @ 120Hz or even 8K images. Today, you only need HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, which are the recommended connections.

      The new alternative is USB Type-C / Thunderbolt ™ 3. Technically, they are different connections, but they look the same. By using adapters, both can transfer essentially the same formats as DisplayPort and HDMI. With the right computer, you can use USB and / or Thunderbolt ™ to transfer data, video and power with a single cable.

      Other considerations include things like audio output, general-use USB ports, and number of connections. If you only plan on using the monitor with one computer, you probably won’t be too worried. But if you want one display to connect a desktop computer, an occasional laptop, and then have a game console to the side, you’ll want to think ahead.

      • • HDMI and DisplayPort are common standards and safe bet.
        • HDMI 2.0 is up to date and solid, but 2.1 is the best if you want to future proof it.
        • DisplayPort 1.4 is up to date, but 2.0 is coming soon and will help you protect yourself for the future.
        • USB Type-C and Thunderbolt ™ can offer DisplayPort and HDMI support via adapters.
        • Think about how many connections you need.
        • Don’t forget about USB and audio connections.
        • Cables matter here; you will need compatible cables that match the versions of your connectors.

        Panel Type

        Honestly, some people will place a lot of emphasis on the panel type, but as long as you get to the other specs you want / need, you don’t have to worry too much. Here is the summary.

        • • IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels generally offer good color reproduction with solid contrast and fast response times, but can be expensive for advanced features.
          • TN (Twisted Nematic) panels are better priced for faster response times and refresh rates, but not so good when it comes to color rendering and viewing angles.
          • VA (Vertical Alignment) panels offer great contrast, but often lose out on gaming-critical performance compared to TN and IPS, and are not highly recommended.

          Most likely, you will be pushed to one or the other, based on your own requirements and budget. There’s no problem with either of them, but if you’re deciding between two different types of panels you’ll want to know which one you personally prefer – and then you should know the above.

          This should be a solid guide to help you move from ignorance of gaming monitors to finding the one that works best for you. If you need additional help or specific recommendations, please get in touch with our sales team or stop by the Comments section below.