The best gaming monitor 2021: the 10 best gaming screens of the year

Date:
Wed, 23 Jun 2021 15:40:19 +0000

Description:
With the best gaming monitors, your games will come alive, whether you're playing PC games in 4K, or you're just playing on the PS4.

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You need to get one of the best gaming monitors of 2021 to truly get the most out of your games. By investing in one of these gaming-centric displays,
youll benefit from useful features like a wide aspect ratio, faster refresh rate, and possibly curvature. And, if you want the Nvidia RTX 3000 series GPU thats powering your gaming PC to really fly, one of these monitors will be able to not only keep up but offer an immersive and seamless experience.

Its not that simple picking out the best gaming monitor, though. You might think its about getting the highest possible resolution. And, for some, that might be true. But, different gamers have different needs. And, just like the best gaming mouse and the best gaming keyboard , whats best changes depending on a few factors. If youre into expansive open-world games , a 4K monitor might be the most ideal option. However, if youre into Esports, a speedy monitor with quick refresh rates is the way to go.

Maybe run-of-the-mill computer monitors are ok if youre working on regular computers . However, no matter if you have the best budget gaming PC or are considering buying a top-of-the-line behemoth, youll want to get the best gaming monitor, and by extension best gaming experience, that you can. If
your productivity or creative workflow is a priority, consider looking at the best monitor for MacBook Pros . And, if you want to game on the road, check out the best gaming laptops . These are the best PC gaming headsets These are our top picks for the best gaming desks Save money and check out the best
free PC games Best gaming monitors at a glance LG UltraGear 38GN950 Samsung Odyssey G7 Samsung CRG9 Alienware AW3418DW AOC Agon AG352UCG6 BenQ PD3200U Porsche Design AOC Agon PD27 MSI Optix MPG341CQR Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q Acer Predator CG7 (Image credit: LG) 1. LG UltraGear 38GN950

A killer ultra-wide gaming monitor Screen size: 38-inch | Aspect ratio: 21:9
| Resolution: 3840 x 1600 | Brightness: 450cd/m | Response time: 1ms | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: DCI-P3 98% | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Weight: 20.3 lbs 160Hz refresh rate Super-responsive Expensive HDR cant compete with high-end TVs

Its hard not to be impressed by the LG UltraGear 38GN950. If youre looking
for the ultimate gaming monitor, this is certainly the one to beat, with a 144Hz refresh rate that can be easily overclocked to 160Hz, 1ms response
time, spectacular image quality, and many other gaming features like G-Sync, an ultra-wide aspect ratio and DisplayHDR 600. If youre serious about gaming and want lots of screen real estate, then this is the best gaming monitor to get if you can afford it, that is.

Read the full review: LG UltraGear 38GN950 2. Samsung Odyssey G7

Best of both Worlds Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 | Brightness: 350 nits |
Refresh rate: 240Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) | Contrast ratio: 2,500:1 | Color support: 95% DCI-P3 Speedy refresh rate Quality HDR G-Sync and FreeSync Awkward assembly Needs to be calibrated No USB-C

The best gaming monitors typically fall into two camps: fast refresh rate or high resolution. But, they almost never do both. With the Samsung Odyssey, thats not the case. It manages to pack a 1440p resolution in the same display as a 240Hz refresh rate as well as excellent HDR, making this an ideal choice for any gamer that likes to play Esports one day and jump into an immersive open-world game the next. Its not perfect as it does take some work getting
it up and running, but the Samsung Odyssey G7 is an ideal choice for gamers who have some variety in their gaming libraries.

Read the full review: Samsung Odyssey G7 (Image credit: Samsung) 3. Samsung CRG9

How big is too big? Screen size: 49-inch | Aspect ratio: 32:9 | Resolution: 5,120 x 1,440 | Brightness: 600cd/m2 1000cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) | Contrast ratio: 3,000:1 | Color support: 1.07B Great screen size HDR Menu can be tricky Needs tweaking out of box

It may be very expensive and requires a killer gaming PC setup to run, but
the Samsung CRG9 is completely worth it if youve got the extra cash laying around. This bigger-than-average 49-incher boasts bezels thinner than most gaming monitors and a picture by picture mode feature that lets you use two different inputs, simulating a dual monitor setup in a single monitor. And, thats without mentioning that the Samsung CRG9 produces an out-of-this-world image right out of the box.

Read the full review: Sa msung C RG9 (Image credit: Alienware) 4. Alienware AW3418DW

The fastest ultrawide yet Screen size: 34-inch | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440 | Brightness: 300 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 | Color support: sRGB 100% | Weight: 26 pounds Highest refresh rate in an ultrawide Alienware design and build quality Expensive Takes up a lot of space

The Alienware AW3418DW is one of the few gaming monitors that deliver a level of immersion that only a 21:9 aspect ratio can, while also offering up a high refresh rate. With a dense 3,440 x 1,440 resolution, ridiculously fast 4ms response times and a speedy 120Hz refresh rate, this ultrawide monitor gives you the best of both worlds. All these features dont come cheap though, so budget-minded gamers might want to look elsewhere or start saving up.

Read the full review: Alienware AW3418DW (Image credit: AOC) 5. AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition

Blacker than black Screen size: 35-inch | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440 | Brightness: 300 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Response time: 4ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 2,500:1: | Color support: sRGB 100% | Weight: 26 pounds Phenomenal color performance 120Hz refresh rate Clunky OSD menu

The AOC Agon AG352UCG was one of the best gaming monitors we ever got our hands on, so when we heard that a follow-up was coming one that comes with a higher refresh rate and better contrast it was hard not to get excited. The AOC Agon AC352UCG6 Black Edition carries over the originals best features but ramps them up to 11, making it a stunning display on which to experience ultra-wide gaming. Its expensive, yeah, but if you have the hardware to back it up, youll be doing yourself a disservice by not investing.

Read the full review: AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition (Image credit: BenQ) 6. BenQ PD3200U

A large 4K screen for your desk Screen Size: 32-inch | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Brightness: 350 cd/m2 | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response Time: 4ms | Viewing Angle: 178/178 | Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1 | Color Support: sRGB 100% | Weight: 19 lbs 4K UHD resolution Large Screen
Inexpensive relatively Design is a little bland Professional tools are niche Takes up a lot of space

While originally made for CAD professionals, the BenQ PD3200U is also great for gaming. This is mostly thanks to its rock-solid focus on graphic design
so its able to offer incredibly wide viewing angles, which means that your friends can watch your game in comfort. And, unlike most 4K monitors on the market, you wont have to mess around with the settings to get the best picture, since every unit is individually calibrated by BenQ before shipping. This is definitely one of the best gaming monitors out there, even though it wasnt actually designed for gaming.

Read the full review: BenQ PD3200U (Image credit: Porsche ) 7. Porsche
Design AOC Agon PD27

Fast 1440p monitor Screen size: 27-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Brightness: 550 nits | Refresh rate: 240Hz | Response time: 0.5ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 2500:1 | Color support:
16.7 Million | Weight: 8.9Kg Built for speed Beautiful performance That 1000R curvature is a dream RGB might be too subtle for some Basic HDR

If youve got the need for speed in your gaming, that is then you have the need for this Porsche-inspired monitor by AOC. Abandoning the usual tapered red-on-black look that many gaming monitors have, this one comes with racing car design elements so that spectators know exactly that when it comes to speed, it doesnt mess around. Just take a look at its specs of 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time. It also comes with DisplayHDR 400 support, classy RGB lighting, and a 1000R curvature.

Read the full review: Porsche Design AOC Agon PD27 (Image credit: MSI) 8.
MSI Optix MPG341CQR

MSIs hot new 34-inch gaming monitor Screen size: 34-inch | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440 | Brightness: 400 nits | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 3000:1 | Color support: sRGB 105% | Weight: 21.16 pounds Punchy VA panel Great gaming performance Really strong overall feature set This class of monitor is expensive

While all of its extra frills make the MSI Optix MPG341CQR an even more appealing selection for potential buyers, it does an outstanding job of standing out on its own. The use of VA rather than IPS panel technology, for one, is a welcome advantage, offering punchier colors and better contrast. Plus, its super-wide 1440p resolution and 144Hz refresh certainly give gamers an edge. The best part might be that this display is also reasonably priced, making it one of the best gaming monitors to consider in 2021.

Read the full review: MSI Optix MPG341CQR (Image credit: Asus) 9. Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q

4K meets affordability Screen size: 28-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 |
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Brightness: 350 cd/ | Response time: 5ms |
Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 | Color support: 90% color gamut, 1073.7M (10bit) | Weight: 7.6 kg Incredibly affordable Extremely flexible in viewing positions Gorgeous, accurate colors Some stuttering at higher settings Not true HDR

With the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q, youre getting a lot of value for your money especially considering the small price of entry. One of the most affordable
4K gaming monitors right now, this 28-incher can swivel, pivot and tilt practically however which way you need it (within reason, naturally) to serve your purpose. It also has deliciously thin bezels and a nifty cable
management solution, as well as a few display settings to boost your viewing experience. Thanks to its rich vibrant colors, super sharp image quality and
a design that is only subtly gaming-centric, this is among the best 4K monitors not only for gamers but for regular users who consume a lot of
visual media as well.

Read the full review: Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q (Image credit: Acer) 10. Acer Predator CG7

An epic screen Screen size: 43-inch | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Brightness: 1000 cd/m | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) | Contrast ratio: 4,000:1 | Color support: 16.7 Million Responsive G-Sync support 4K support Expensive Lacks some features
Too big for some, not big enough for others

An epic gaming experience awaits you with Acer Predator CG7s 43-inch screen, 4000:1 contrast ratio, 1ms response time and 120Hz refresh rate. To be fair, there are bigger and badder gaming monitors out there, but for some people particularly, those looking for a TV with gaming-level specs, this ones a winner. Its got some extra features as well namely, a remote control, icons on that stand to encourage game controller storage, and RGB lighting that can sync to your music and games so youre getting your moneys worth, even if you are paying for a lot.

Read the full review: Acer Predator CG7 How to buy the best gaming monitor
in 2021

If in the market for the best gaming monitor 2021 has to offer, know that there are a few things to keep in mind before choosing which display should grace your desk.

Youll want to familiarize yourself with the following terms and
specifications to help guarantee that youre getting the best gaming monitor thats most ideal for you. It also means you wont have to pay extra for additional features that you might not actually care about.

Screen size: When looking for a gaming monitor, one of the most important things to consider is the screen size. Larger display sizes can lead to more immersive gaming experiences as the game fills more of your field of vision, but you'll also have to make sure that you have the space to keep a large monitor. And, it goes without saying that the larger the monitor, the higher the price as well.

Aspect ratio: The aspect ratio of a gaming monitor helps determine the width and height of the display. Most widescreen monitors have an aspect ratio of 16:9, while older monitors have closer to a square format of 4:3 that might feel pretty out of date in 2021. Ultra-wide monitors with aspect ratios of 21:9 are rapidly growing in popularity, as they offer a wider view of your games, which is why many ultra-wides have made our list of the best gaming monitors 2021.

Resolution: One other critical factor to consider when searching for the ideal monitor for your needs is the resolution. The higher the number, the sharper the picture. You will, however, require a more powerful graphics card for anything over Full HD (1,920 x 1,080), even if many gaming monitors feature resolutions as high as 2,560 x 1,400 (WQHD) and 3,840 x 2,160 (4K).

Refresh rate: When youre mostly looking to play Counter-Strike and other first-person shooters like it, refresh rate is even more vital. The higher
the refresh rate, the more frames per second (fps) the monitor can support, leading to a considerably smoother gaming experience. A 60Hz refresh rate is still the most common in 2021, but refresh rates of 144Hz and even 200Hz are becoming more prominent not to mention, more and more necessary.

Response time: An excellent gaming monitor offers low response times, which means youre getting fast and fluid actions, with little to no input lag. The lowest response time for TN monitors (well get to this in the next section)
is 1 millisecond, whereas the newer IPS monitors typically have slower 4ms response times. When youre playing games competitively, its vital to keep
this number as low as you can in order to avoid latency.

Panel type: This is where things get a little technical. The type of panel a gaming monitor uses will largely contribute to its response time and image clarity. TN (twisted nematic) panels, which are often more affordable, have the lowest response times but usually dont come with great viewing angles.
IPS (in-plane switching) panels, on the other hand, have fantastic viewing angles and color reproduction, but usually have higher response times. Meanwhile, VA (vertical alignment) panels are between the two, although its slow response times makes these panels rare in the gaming world.

Viewing Angle: While most people play games right in front of their gaming monitor, this isnt always be the case, particularly when there is an
audience. A monitors viewing angles tell you what angle you can look at the monitor from and still make out a clear image. The closer these numbers are
to 180, the better your viewing experience will be when standing further to either side of the monitor or looking at it from above or below.

G-Sync and FreeSync: You've probably noticed that many of the best gaming monitors in 2021 come with either G-Sync or FreeSync technology sometimes even both. These help keep frames per second (fps) smooth, combat screen tearing and minimize input lag. G-Sync is developed by Nvidia, so it requires an Nvidia GPU. And, the tech is built into the monitor, which can bump up their price tag. FreeSync, on the other hand, was made by AMD. Since it is free to use by manufacturers, the monitors that have them are usually more economical.

The best gaming monitors aren't cheap, so you'll want to make sure they are insured against accidental damage or theft. If you're in the UK, then you can shop around and compare contents insurance to keep your gadgets, including monitors and other gaming peripherals, protected.

Check out our HDR Explained video below.

Gabe Carey, Bill Thomas and Michelle Rae Uy have also contributed to this article. Looking for a more general monitor? Check out our list of the best monitors



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