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Best Gaming Monitor (2022): Top Picks For Best 1440p Monitor, Best 4K Monitor and More

Investing in the best gaming monitor that you can buy is probably one of the smartest things that you can do if you enjoy gaming a lot. An excellent gaming monitor improves immersion and it will enhance your overall gaming experience with features such as faster refresh rates, crisp images and more. In this post, we round up the best gaming monitors for all types of gamers, including picks from Samsung, LG and ASUS.

Best Gaming Monitor Comparison Chart

ModelSamsung Odyssey G7LG 27GN950-BASUS VG279QM LG 34GN850-BSamsung Odyssey G9
 Amazon productAmazon productAmazon productAmazon productAmazon product
PriceAmazon productAmazon productAmazon productAmazon productAmazon product
Screen Size27 or 32 inches27 inches27 inches34 inches49 inches
Resolution2560 x 14403840 x 21601920 x 10803440 x 14405120 x 1440
Refresh Rate240Hz144Hz (160Hz)280Hz144Hz (160Hz)240Hz
PanelVAIPSIPSIPSVA
Response Time1ms gtg1ms gtg1ms gtg1ms gtg1ms gtg
Variable Refresh RateFreesync
G-Sync
Freesync
G-Sync
Freesync
G-Sync
Freesync
G-Sync
Freesync
G-Sync
Ports2x DP 1.4
1x HDMI 2.0
2x USB 3.0
1x 3.5mm audio out
1x DP 1.4
2x HDMI 2.0
2x USB 3.0
1x 3.5mm audio out
1x DP 1.2
2x HDMI 2.0
1x USB 3.0
1x 3.5mm audio out
1x DP 1.4
2x HDMI 2.0
2x USB 3.0
1x 3.5mm audio out
2x DP 1.4
1x HDMI 2.0
2x USB 3.0
1x 3.5mm audio out

Samsung Odyssey G7

Best 1440p gaming monitor

best gaming monitor Samsung Odyssey G7
Front and back view of the Samsung Odyssey G7 27-inch model.

The Samsung Odyssey G7 is our pick for the best gaming monitor for PC. With its 2560 x 1440 resolution, it has way better image quality than 1080p monitors without being as hard to drive as 4K monitors. It also has a 240Hz refresh rate so if you have a beefy gaming PC, you’ll be able to enjoy excellent images with very smooth gameplay.

Aside from its 1440p resolution and 240Hz refresh rate, the Samsung Odyssey G7 also offers a fast response time that results in clear images even when there are a lot of moving things on the screen. It is Freesync and G-Sync compatible so you can still experience reduced screen tearing no matter what GPU you use.

The Samsung Odyssey G7 has a VA panel that features a high contrast ratio and deep blacks. The only downside with a VA panel is that it has narrow viewing angles, but this shouldn’t be an issue if you are the only one using the screen. Overall, this is the best gaming monitor that you can buy if you want something that can display excellent images and offer smooth gameplay.

If you prefer an IPS panel monitor, a good alternative is the Alienware AW2721D. It has the same 1440p resolution and 240Hz refresh rate as the Samsung Odyssey G7, but it comes with an IPS panel. However, it is about a couple of hundred dollars more expensive.

Pros

  • Cheaper than other monitors with comparable specs
  • Fast 240Hz refresh rate
  • Not as demanding as 4K monitors

Cons

  • Narrow viewing angles
  • HDR implementation is not the best

LG 27GN950-B

Best 4K gaming monitor

best gaming monitor LG 27GN950-B
Front and back view of the LG 27GN950-B.

If you have a rig that can run games at 4K, the best monitor that you can get is the LG 27GN950-B. With its IPS panel, this monitor offers vibrant images that are extra crisp and detailed due to its high resolution. At 27 inches, the PPI is very high and as a result, everything looks sharp, perhaps, too sharp for some.

The LG 27GN950-B is excellent for gaming due to its 144Hz refresh rate, which is overclockable to up to 160Hz, if you want to push it that far. Of course, you’ll be needing a very fast gaming PC to take advantage of all the features that this monitor has to offer. However, even if you don’t, you can still enjoy stutter-free gaming with it since it is Freesync and G-Sync compatible.

One of the best features of the LG 27GN950-B is its HDR10 support. While it is not as good as high-end TVs, for a monitor, it is still very good. This monitor also has a fast response time so blurring is not an issue in moving scenes.

If you prefer a larger 4K screen, consider getting the LG OLED CX instead of a monitor. It is expensive but it is the best 4K 120Hz TV that you can buy right now that can also work as a monitor.

Pros

  • Very good HDR
  • Crisp and clear pictures
  • Fast refresh rate and response time

Cons

  • Stand does not swivel
  • Only one DP port

ASUS VG279QM 

Best 1080p gaming monitor

best gaming monitor ASUS VG279QM
Here’s a look at the front and back of the ASUS VG279QM.

If you still play at 1080p, the ASUS VG279QM is definitely the best monitor for you. It is a 27-inch display that has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a refresh rate of 280Hz. Since it is a 1080p screen, it’s much easier to drive than higher resolution monitors, so even if you don’t have the most powerful PC, you can still enjoy smooth gaming.

It has an IPS panel that provides excellent viewing angles and vibrant colors. At 27 inches though, the image quality might not be the best, but you’ll get used to it in time. Aside from a fast refresh rate, the ASUS VG279QM also has a fast response time and low input lag. This is designed for competitive gamers, but casual gamers will also benefit from this monitor’s feature set.

If you are an ultra competitive gamer that prioritizes speed over everything, consider getting the ASUS PG259QN instead. It is also a 1080p screen but it has a faster 360Hz refresh rate. If your PC can pump out the frames needed, this monitor will provide a smoother experience than the VG279QM.

Pros

  • Very fast 280Hz refresh rate
  • Affordable
  • Great colors out of the box

Cons

  • HDR is not good
  • Only one DP port

Click here for our list of the best budget gaming monitors

LG 34GN850-B

Best ultrawide gaming monitor

best gaming monitor LG 34GN850-B
The LG 34GN850-B has that gamer aesthetic that some people love.

If you want a more immersive gaming experience, going with an ultrawide monitor might be the best option for you. An ultrawide monitor is about 30% wider than a standard 16:9 widescreen monitor and because of this, you’ll see more of the game. This improved FOV is more immersive and offers a better gaming experience. That said, our pick for the best ultrawide gaming monitor is the LG 34GN850-B.

The LG 34GN850-B is a curved 34-inch monitor with a 3440 x 1440 resolution. Since it has an IPS panel, viewing angles are excellent. It has a 144Hz refresh rate that you can overclock to up to 160Hz and coupled with its fast response time, gaming on this monitor is a joy. In addition to those, the LG 34GN850-B also supports both Freesync and G-Sync.

The only downside to this monitor is that the stand is limited to only tilt and height adjustments. Other than that, we can’t really find any other faults. If you’re looking to getting into ultrawide gaming, this monitor is definitely the best one available.

Pros

  • More immersive gaming than standard 16:9 monitors
  • 144Hz refresh rate
  • Excellent colors

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Limited stand positions

Samsung Odyssey G9

Best super ultrawide gaming monitor

best gaming monitor Samsung Odyssey G9
The Samsung Odyssey G9 has a 1000R curvature for enhanced immersion when gaming.

Multi-monitor gaming is exclusive to PC gamers but it is rarely an enjoyable experience due to the distracting bezels in this setup. A super ultrawide monitor basically eliminates this issue, at least for those who want to play with two screens side-by-side. The Samsung Odyssey G9 is our pick for the best super ultrawide gaming monitor and with it, you basically have two 27-inch monitors without the bezels in the middle.

With its 5120 x 1440 resolution, it is just like having two 27-inch monitors in one. With this extended FOV, it is even more immersive than ultrawide monitors. What’s more impressive with the Samsung Odyssey G9 is its fast 240Hz refresh rate at this screen size. Combined with its low input lag and fast response time, you can definitely enjoy the smoothest gameplay with this monitor. Of course, it’s a given that you also need a powerful PC for it.

The only downside to the Odyssey G9 is its price. It’s very expensive and for a lot of people, this monitor is simply not an option. However, if you have the money for it and you want the most immersive gaming experience, this monitor is definitely worth getting.

Pros

  • Dual monitor gaming without the bezels in the middle
  • Very fast for a monitor this size
  • Even more immersive than ultrawide monitors

Cons

  • Very expensive

Verdict

The Samsung Odyssey G7 is our top pick for the best overall gaming monitor for PC.

Amazon product

For 1440p high refresh rate gaming, the best option is the Samsung Odyssey G7. It outputs excellent images and with its fast 240Hz refresh rate, your gameplay will be smooth as butter. For 4K gaming, our pick is the LG 27GN950-B. It’s hard to drive due to its very high resolution, but if you have the PC for it, it is unmatched when it comes to image quality.

If you are a competitive gamer or you just want the fastest gaming monitor, you should get either the ASUS VG279QM or the ASUS PG259QN. Both are 1080p monitors but the former has a 280Hz refresh rate while the latter comes with a 360Hz panel. The two are great for competitive gamers since they are 1080p, so you can still take advantage of their high refresh rates even if your PC is not the most powerful.

The LG 34GN850-B offers immersive gaming due to its wider FOV and it is our pick for the best ultrawide monitor for gaming. If you want the most immersive experience though, you should get the Samsung Odyssey G9. It is a 49-inch super ultrawide monitor with a resolution of 5120 x 1440 and a very fast 240Hz refresh rate. With this monitor, you basically have two 27-inch monitors side-by-side, but without the bezels in the middle.

FAQs

๐Ÿ“Œ What is the best monitor for gaming?

Our pick for the best monitor for gaming is the Samsung Odyssey G7. With its 1440p resolution, it displays excellent visuals without requiring the best and most expensive graphics cards. In addition to that its 240Hz refresh rate offers a very smooth gaming experience.

๐Ÿ“Œ Is a 27-inch monitor good for gaming?

For 1440p, a 27-inch is the sweet spot as it offers enough screen space without sacrificing image quality. For 1080p, a 27-inch monitor might be too big and as a result, images are not as crisp.

๐Ÿ“Œ What’s the best 2K gaming monitor?

A lot of people refer to 2560 x 1440 as 2K but that is actually wrong since 2K is actually 2048 x 1080. That said, our pick for the best 2560 x 1440 gaming monitor is the Samsung Odyssey G7 and for 1080p, it’s the ASUS VG279QM.

๐Ÿ“Œ What’s the best gaming monitor 4K 240Hz?

Unfortunately, a 4K 240Hz monitor does not exist, yet. In the future, there will surely be a 4K 240Hz monitor but for now, the best is the LG 34GN850-B—a 4K 144Hz monitor.

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Carlo Salvador

Senior Editor at Compare Before Buying. Writer and researcher passionate about fitness, gaming and music.