5 Best Gaming Monitors (September 2023)

Tired of gazing up at blurry, stuttering, and ghosting visuals? Perhaps it’s time to level up your gaming monitor to today’s standards. There are different features that gamers look for in a good monitor. Some prefer to stretch the resolution to the max with the latest 4K graphics card. Others will be glad to enjoy speedy refresh rates, but not so much the former. 

There are nitty-gritty items, too, from panel sizes to types to aspect ratios and more. Some monitors use the traditional “flat” format. Others offer more immersive experiences using the new ultrawide “curved” format. You can even choose to have the best of both worlds if you like. Or, only pick the features that matter most to you. 

Regardless, an immense number of options creates room to choose the perfect monitor that perfectly suits your taste. To get you started, we’ve rounded up the best gaming monitors. These offer high quality, stellar resolution, and speedy refresh rates at an affordable price, among other benefits. So, do enjoy it.

5. Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ

If you like gaming on a big screen, the Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ is a good option to consider. It’s a 41.5-inch screen. You can even get a 42-inch one if you like. The Asus ROG Swift offers ultra-fast refresh rates and fast response times. However, you may need to compromise on pixel density and text color fringing. 

With a whopping 138Hz refresh rate, you won’t have to worry about running demanding games. And when you combine it with the latest 4K graphics cards, the sky’s the limit. Additionally, you enjoy ultra-fast 2 ms response times, and you may continue to enjoy the benefits for the foreseeable future.

For extra buffs, the Asus ROG Swift offers additional anti-glare coating so you can enjoy longer gaming sessions without worrying about eye strain or discomfort. Both color and contrast are aesthetically pleasing, with a surreal realism attached to them. You're free to change color profiles if you like. Or, other monitor settings, however you prefer. Either way, the Asus ROG Swift nails down all aspects of a clear and smooth gaming monitor. 

Pros

• Intricate, bright pictures that have deep contrast
• Stunning motion handling
• Low input lag

Cons

• HDR red is slightly less saturated
• Bit pricey

Price: $1,399

Buy here: Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ

4. LG Ultragear 27GN950-B

LG Ultragear 27GN950-B is a 27-inch monitor that has three main things nailed down: high-quality visuals, ultra-fast speed, and innovative technology. It’s a 4K monitor that specializes in rendering the highest quality of images and videos possible. 

Both LG Ultragear’s high-fidelity color and dynamic contrast work together to render beautifully across its 16:9 screen ratio. The rendered visuals refresh at snap speed, thanks to a 144Hz refresh rate and an impressive IPS 1 ms response time. 

Furthermore, LG Ultragear 27GN950-B’s technological specifications are curated for optimum gaming experiences. Even when the screen is flat, you’re drawn into the vivid colors and intricate details with ease. 

Unlike most monitors, LG Ultragear offers a unique sound mode. You can set up your screen so it lights up based on the visuals and sounds in a game. It also adjusts itself to a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut for an accurate representation of color during the day or night. 

Combined, LG Ultragear offers smooth and clear playthroughs that nearly feel like gaming within the game itself. It specializes in curating an immersive experience that only a few monitors have achieved. 

Pros

• High-fidelity color and dynamic contrast
• FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible
• High response time

Cons

• RGB oversaturated
• Low contrast ratio

Price: $799.99

Buy here: LG Ultragear 27GN950-B

3. Dell Alienware 34 AW3423DWF

Finding the right balance between glossy and reflective is tricky. But Dell Alienware AW3423DWF has mastered the perfect coating to use. It uses a glossy anti-glare coating that is restoring OLED’s place among the greats.

In addition, Dell Alienware is a great choice if you're in the market for curve-shaped monitors. Their 34-inch ultrawide boasts a fast 165Hz refresh rate, providing an immersive gaming experience. You can also amp it up to a whopping 175Hz if you like and pair it up with its high resolution. Dell Alienware’s vibrant colors and picture quality easily jump off the screen. The visual motions run smoothly without flaws or blurs.

However, the true standout feature of Dell Alienware is its glossy display quality. Even darker shades appear intriguing, and the contrast enhances the gaming experience. Blacks are deep and inviting, while bright colors are vibrant and mesmerizing

Pros

• Deep contrast even in dark rooms
• Near-instant response time
• Glossy anti-glare coating

Cons

• Burn-in risk with static visuals
• Bit pricey

Price: $1,099.99

Buy here: Dell Alienware AW3423DWF

2. Origin Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240

Alternatively, consider the Origin Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240, another ultra-wide executive screen. This monitor boasts impressive features, such as being the world's first 45-inch OLED display that can bend from fully flat to an 800R curve. Gamers around couldn’t wait to get their hands on it, with imaginations for its extraordinary use cases running wild.

You enjoy an aspect ratio of 21:9 with the Origin Corsair Xeneon Flex. Also, the screen refresh rate is so high at an outstanding 240Hz Hz with a ridiculous 0.03ms response time. Cutscenes feel like actual cinematic sequences that can translate seamlessly into work and play. The image quality is stunning, peaking at 1000 nits of brightness and a 1.5 million to 1 contrast ratio.

The best part of the Origin Corsair Xeneon Flex is that it combines LG's long-running cutting-edge OLED technology with Corsair’s engineering prowess. Thus, bringing you the best of both worlds that can deliver on its high-quality visual promise for years to come.

Pros

• Outstanding immersive gaming experience
• Adjustable screen from flat to 800R curve
• Stunning visual quality and contrast
• Great motion clarity

Cons

• Low text quality
• Quite pricey

Price: $1,599.99

Buy here: Origin Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240

1. Razer Raptor 27

Razer brings its expertise in epitomizing gaming experiences via its Razer Raptor 27 gaming monitor. With it, you can enjoy an up to 165Hz refresh rate at a speedy 1ms response time. All it takes is a split-second to render even the most demanding AAA titles out there. At 1440p, you can enjoy pixel-perfect images for a quite favorable price of $699.99, making this one of the best gaming monitors out there.

As with most Razer products, the Razer Raptor 27 is as stylish as they come. You have an ergonomic and sleek cable management stand, so the splendid gaming experience doesn’t just end on screen. With its sharp images and smooth frame rates, you can be sure that any stutters or lags you may have had while gaming will become a thing of the past.

Pros

• 1440p resolution renders clear text
• Split-second response time
• Excellent design and quality
• Low input lag

Cons

• VRR doesn’t work well at 60Hz
• Low contrast

Price: $699.99

Buy here: Razer Raptor 27

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our best gaming monitors? Are there more gaming monitors we should know about? Do let us know over on our socials here.