• Size: 32 inches
• Panel type: IPS
• Style: Flat panel
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 175Hz
• Response Time: 1ms
• VRR: Nvidia G-Sync
• Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0 (x2), USB hub (four ports)
• Speakers: No

Picking the best overall gaming monitor is next to impossible, because some people prefer larger monitors, while others want less screen real estate. Some swear by curved displays, while others can't stand them. And then there's the fact that your gaming rig significantly impacts monitor performance. You can't take advantage of high refresh rates, 4K resolutions, and other performance-related traits without the proper hardware.

With that said, our recommendation for the best gaming monitor sits at the sweet spot of price and performance, making it a great all-around pick for most players.

The Asus ROG Strix XG32AQ is a 32-inch flat gaming monitor that punches above its $395 list price--and it's often on sale for less. Its picture quality hits levels normally found on models that cost hundreds of dollars more. The spacious IPS screen offers a crisp, vibrant 1440p picture with accurate color display in both HDR and SDR color modes, and the 175Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and Nvidia G-Sync keep gameplay smooth.

The one notable downside with this ROG Strix is it utilizes HDMI 2.0 rather than the newer HDMI 2.1. It does have an ample number of ports overall, though. Along with two HDMI ports, you'll get a DisplayPort and USB hub with two USB 3.2 and two USB 3.0 ports.

If you'd like a slightly smaller ROG Strix monitor, the 27-inch XG27ACS has very similar specs and retails for $300.

• Size: 27 inches
• Panel type: Mini LED
• Style: Flat panel
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 180Hz (DisplayPort); 120Hz (HDMI)
• Response Time: 1ms
• VRR: VESA Adaptive-Sync
• Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, audio out
• Speakers: No

We're awarding the AOC Q27G3XMN as the best budget PC gaming monitor, but that does not mean it's lacking in features or specs. In fact, the 27-inch display's numbers look excellent on paper--it has a 1440p resolution, is capable of up to 180Hz refresh rate with 1ms input response time via DisplayPort (or 120Hz via HDMI), and supports multiple VRR technologies. It also uses mini-LED backlighting--something you don't typically find on lower-priced models like this.

So, where does the "budget" part come in? Well, it's mostly in the actual viewing experience and a small handful of missing features compared to other models. Many reviews note a visible flicker when using G-Sync or FreeSync, as well as diminished contrast and smeary blacks in well-lit rooms. It also uses HDMI 2.0 rather than the latest 2.1 standard. While that is less of an issue on a 1440p monitor, it does lock you out of HDMI 2.1-specific features like eARC that will likely become more common in the future. Luckily, it supports DisplayPort 1.4, which enables its 180Hz refresh rate.

• Size: 49 inches
• Panel type: Quantum Dot OLED
• Style: Curved Super-Ultrawide 1000R
• Resolution: 5120 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Response Time: 1ms
• VRR: Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
• Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, USB, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Speakers: No

There are multiple models in Samsung's Odyssey G9 line and all of them are excellent high-end monitors, but the G95SC is our pick for the best among the bunch. The G95SC is a massive 49-inch monitor rocking a quantum dot OLED display with a 5120x1440 resolution, ultrawide 32:9 aspect ratio, and an 1800R curve. The the giant screen makes for an immersive viewing experience that stretches out to your peripheral vision. Even better, it can reach 240Hz refresh rate via DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1, and it supports multiple VRR formats including Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and the built-in VRR capabilities of HDMI 2.1. To top it off, the G97SC runs Samsung's Tizen operating system, which is compatible with numerous streaming apps--meaning you can watch video content directly from the monitor without needing a PC, console, or streaming device.

The G95SC is an awesome monitor, but all those premium specs and features will cost you. If the $2,000 MSRP is too high, you could opt for one of the older G9 models that cost a bit less, such as the G93SC, or if you want the newest model, you can opt for the $2,200 Neo G9 G95NA, which has similar specs but trades the QD-OLED display for a quantum matrix mini-LED panel and a 1000R curve.

For a "budget" 49-inch Samsung gaming monitor, the Odyssey G9 DQHD is worth checking out. This particular Odyssey G9 has a Dual QHD panel, which isn't as nice as the OLED or mini LED models, but it carries a $1,300 retail price that has dropped to as low as $800 in the past. If you can find it on sale, it's certainly worth considering if you want a monitor this size without breaking the bank (as much).

• Size: 34.18 inches
• Panel type: Quantum Dot OLED
• Style: Curved screen
• Resolution: 3440 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 165Hz (DisplayPort); 100Hz (HDMI)
• Response Time: 0.1 ms
• VRR: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, VESA Adaptive-Sync
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB, 3.5mm Aux, audio line-out.
• Speakers: No

The Dell Alienware AW3423DWF takes our best widescreen category for being a widescreen monitor that does most things very well. The 34-inch quantum dot OLED display has all the features you'd expect at this price point--including AMD FreeSync support, picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes, 165Hz refresh rate, and a low 0.1ms response time. The quantum dot OLED panel also allows for better contrast in well-lit environments, something that can be an issue on standard OLED monitors. While those make it an excellent choice for PC gamers looking for a widescreen display, the Alienware AW3423DWF is also a great pick for console players thanks to its Console Mode, which shifts the screen's display settings to work better with the PS5 and Xbox Series X and can match most of either console's output modes up to 4K 60fps.

• Size: 34 inches
• Panel type: QHD
• Style: Curved widescreen, 1500R
• Resolution: 3440 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 180Hz
• Response Time: 1ms
• VRR: AMD FreeSync Premium pro
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB
• Speakers: No

Curved screens aren't locked to premium tier monitors. In fact, models like the TUF Gaming VG34VQL3A offer a striking Ultra-wide curved display without breaking the bank. The VG34VQL3A is a 34-inch QHD (3440 x 1440p) monitor with a 1500R curve, which will make for a striking and immersive image without taking over your entire desk. It also has great specs for gaming, such as a 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. Add in Asus' proprietary Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, and you have a decently-price ultra-wide monitor that can provide smooth, fast gameplay with low lag and no screen tearing.

• Size: 28 inches
• Panel type: IPS
• Style: Flat screen
• Resolution: 4K UHD
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Response Time:
• VRR: AMD FreeSync, VESA Adaptive-Sync
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Speakers: No

We have another Asus TUF pick for our favorite budget 4K monitor. The TUF Gaming VG289Q is a flat screen monitor that uses an IPS panel with 4K USD resolution and HDR support. Its compact 28-inch size means you're getting super-concentrated pixel density for ultra-clear visuals. Its refresh rate is only 60Hz, which is the lowest on this list, but 60Hz is entirely sufficient for the average gamer, and its equipped with AMD FreeSync and Adaptive-Sync VRR support to reduce screen tearing and keep input latency as low as possible. Those that want something above 60Hz refresh rate will want to look else where, but for those that prioritize resolution and affordability above all else, the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q1A is a perfect choice.

• Size: 27 inches
• Panel type: IPS
• Style: Flat panel
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Refresh rate:
• Response Time: 1ms
• VRR: Nivida G-Sync, VESA Adaptive-Sync
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C, USB, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Speakers: Yes

Sony's Inzone M9, like all Inzone monitors and headphones, was designed for PC gaming. However, Sony made sure to include full support for the PlayStation 5's range of visual and audio features. The M9 is pricey, but it is a high-end monitor with impressive specs and performance. It's also arguably the most stylish monitor on this list, and the black and white color scheme perfectly matches the PS5.

At 27 inches, its size is roughly in step with many of the other picks on this list, and its 4K UHD resolution, VESA HDR400 certification, and 144Hz refresh rate with VRR support via HDMI 2.1 and Nvidia G-Sync can take full advantage of the PS5's video output modes (and the Xbox Series X|S, for that matter). While the M9 contrast ratio won't outclass an OLED screen, its local dimming backlighting allows for deeper black levels than other IPS panels.

While these features are great for all consoles and PC, the Sony Inzone M9 also features PS5-specific features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. If you use the M9 on PC, you'll have access to the Inzone Hub, a proprietary app that lets you create custom sound profiles for each game.

For a cheaper alternative, you can grab the Inzone M3 instead, which is largely identical to the M9 except for a lower 1080p resolution but an even higher 240Hz refresh rate. If you buy a Sony gaming monitor, you should also check out the Inzone H series headsets and Inzone Buds for private listening.

• Size: 27 inches
• Panel type: IPS
• Style: Flat panel
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 144Hz (HDMI)
• Response Time: 1ms
• VRR: AMD FreeSync, Nvidia G-Sync
• Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1 and 2.0, USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack
• Speakers: Yes

While the HP Omen 27k isn't an Xbox-specific display in the way the Sony Inzone M9 is for PlayStation, it's still our pick for Xbox players who want to play on a PC monitor. It offers low input lag, a 144Hz refresh rate, 4K resolution, and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, meaning it can take full advantage of the Xbox Series X's graphical capabilities. Plus, since it has built-in speakers, you can plug your console into the monitor and play without needing external speakers or a headset.

Despite being our pick as the best monitor for Xbox consoles, it's also great for PC (and PlayStation, for that matter), and it's an especially great choice for anyone connecting multiple devices or PCs up to it thanks to its integrated Keyboard, Video, Mice (KVM) switch. KVM switches let you connect a single mouse, monitor, and keyboard up to multiple PCs or other devices and swap between them all at the press of a button.

• Size: 27 inches
• Panel type: IPS
• Style: Flat panel
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440
• Refresh rate: 360Hz (display port), 240Hz (HDMI)
• VRR: Nvidia G-Sync
• Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, USB, 3.5mm aux
• Speakers: No

Everyone wants the highest resolution and refresh rates possible, but the current technological realities mean you'll have to choose between one or the other most of the time. It's rare for 1440p monitors to break the 240Hz range (and even less likely for 4K models), but the ROG Swift PG27AQN is one of the few to offer a super-high 360Hz refresh rate. To help you get the most out of the 27-inch monitor's high refresh rate, it offers a DisplayPort 1.4 connection and supports Nvidia G-Sync for VRR, as well as Nvidia's Reflex Latency Analyzer, which can point out performance obstacles (there's also an HDMI 2.0 connection, though that caps at "just" 240Hz).

Obviously, those features will only work with Nvidia cards, but even those without the right hardware can still enjoy the monitor's smooth picture and low response time. The only other concession to note is the low contrast ratio that results in hazy black levels, but that's a fair tradeoff for a 1440p monitor with a refresh rate this high.

• Size: 24.5 inches
• Panel type: IPS
• Style: Flat panel
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Refresh rate: 500Hz (DisplayPort OC); 480Hz (Display Port); 255Hz (HDMI)
• Response Time: 0.5-1 ms
• VRR: AMD FreeSync Premium, VESA Adaptive-Sync
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, USB
• Speakers: No

The 25-inch Dell Alienware AW2524HF's 500Hz refresh rate is among the highest currently on the market. While such a high refresh rate may be overkill for some players, it is well-suited for esports and competitive players who take performance seriously. The higher refresh rate is complemented by Nividia's G-Sync, Reflex Latency Analyzer, and ULMB, all of which help reduce screen tearing and blurring. The monitor's IPS screen also allows for low 0.5ms input latency--add that all up, and you have one of the best display for highly accurate gameplay performance and super-smooth visuals. Some reviews note the vibrancy and color clarity aren't as crisp as on other monitors, but that's a small concession to deal with when you're getting such good specs elsewhere.

While the 500Hz refresh rate earns the Alienware AW2524HF a spot on this list, there are other cool features like a built-in USB power hub and RGB lighting support that should appeal to a wider PC gaming audience.

• Size: 15.6 inches
• Panel type: OLED
• Style: Flat screen
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Response Time: 0.05ms
• Connectivity: Mini HDMI 2.0, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Speakers: Yes

If you're gaming on the go and want to maximize visual clarity, the ViewSonic VX1655 is a perfect choice. While it's lacking come features you'd find on other, larger monitors, its portable nature and surprisingly high resolution make some of those a moot point. The tiny 15.6-inch OLED screen offers a 4K resolution, which makes for a a highly concentrated pixel density nearing that of a flagship smartphone. Unsurprisingly, it only has a 60Hz refresh rate, but 4K @ 60 is excellent output for a screen this small, and it has a super-low response time for virtually imperceptible input latency. For connectivity, it offer a mini HDMI 2.0 port, USB-C connect, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.