The gaming monitor market continues to grow, offering a variety of options for PC and console gamers. Choosing a monitor involves balancing resolution, refresh rate, response time, and overall picture quality. Competitive gamers may prioritize higher refresh rates and lower resolutions to maintain smooth frame rates, while players looking for more immersive experiences often focus on 4k displays with HDR support. High-resolution monitors with high refresh rates exist, but they typically require premium graphics hardware to fully utilize.
Best Gaming Monitors of 2025
Best Gaming Monitors of 2025
- ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM
- ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27ACDNG
- ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG
- AOC Q27G3XMN
- MSI G274QPF-QD
Key Features to Consider
When evaluating a gaming monitor, several features stand out:
- Response Time: Faster response times reduce motion blur and ghosting.
- Input Lag: Low input lag is crucial for both PC and console gaming.
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): VRR support helps minimize screen tearing.
- Picture Quality: Premium monitors offer deep blacks, bright highlights, and vivid colors. Some entry-level monitors provide good image quality but are less common.
Top Gaming Monitors
Best Gaming Monitor:
ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM
- Resolution: 4k (3840 x 2160)
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Size: 27-inch
- Highlights: Near-instantaneous response time, Dolby Vision support, USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, KVM switch.
This monitor delivers excellent picture quality with deep blacks and vivid colors. It is suitable for both PC and console gaming, though in bright rooms, blacks may appear slightly purple. For users seeking a larger screen, the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM offers a similar experience.
Best Upper Mid-Range Gaming Monitor:
ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27ACDNG
- Resolution: 1440p (2560 x 1440)
- Refresh Rate: 360Hz
- Size: 27-inch
- Highlights: High refresh rate ideal for competitive gaming, USB hub, HDMI 2.1 support.
This monitor balances speed and visual quality. While it lacks Dolby Vision and DisplayPort 2.1, it provides deep blacks and vivid colors, especially in darker rooms.
Best Mid-Range Gaming Monitor:
ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG
- Resolution: 1440p (2560 x 1440)
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Size: 27-inch
- Highlights: Low input lag, sharp motion handling, consistent black levels.
This model offers strong performance for gamers seeking a balance between cost and quality. Although it lacks some high-end features, it maintains accurate motion and deep blacks in various lighting conditions.
Best Budget Gaming Monitor:
AOC Q27G3XMN
- Resolution: 1440p (2560 x 1440)
- Refresh Rate: 180Hz
- Size: 27-inch
- Highlights: Mini LED backlighting, good HDR quality, bright highlights.
This budget-friendly monitor delivers good performance, although some black smearing is noticeable. HDMI 2.1 is not supported, but it remains a solid choice for most gamers.
Best Cheap Gaming Monitor:
MSI G274QPF-QD
- Resolution: 1440p (2560 x 1440)
- Refresh Rate: 170Hz
- Size: 27-inch
- Highlights: USB-C connectivity, minimal motion blur, wide color range.
As an entry-level monitor, it offers decent performance at a low price point. HDR performance is limited, with grayish blacks in dark scenes and less vivid highlights.
Notable Mentions
Several other monitors are worth considering:
- Dell Alienware AW2725Q: 4k 240Hz QD-OLED, fewer features than the ASUS PG27UCDM.
- Gigabyte AORUS FO27Q3: Competes with ASUS XG27ACDNG, similar performance.
- LG 27GX790A-B: 1440p with high refresh rate (up to 480Hz).
- BenQ MOBIUZ EX321UX: 4k Mini LED with good brightness but lower refresh rate.
How Monitors Are Tested
Each monitor is purchased independently and tested with custom tools for objective performance data. Testing covers PC and console performance, motion handling, color accuracy, brightness, HDR quality, and feature set. Recommendations consider cost, availability, and overall performance.
Conclusion
Selecting the right gaming monitor depends on individual needs, from competitive gaming to immersive 4k visuals. The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM remains the top choice for premium setups, while options like the AOC Q27G3XMN and MSI G274QPF-QD provide solid alternatives for mid-range and budget buyers.
Make sure to check out our articles on best gaming gadgets in 2025:
Best Apple Products for Gaming
Best Nintendo Switch Accessories
Best Gaming Androids (phones)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best gaming monitor for 4k gaming on PC and console?
The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM is currently the top choice for 4k gaming. It combines a 240Hz refresh rate with QD-OLED picture quality, low input lag, and broad connectivity options, making it suitable for both PC and console setups.
Are 1440p monitors good for competitive gaming?
Yes, 1440p monitors like the ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27ACDNG offer high refresh rates up to 360Hz, which is ideal for competitive gaming. Lower resolution helps maintain consistent frame rates on mid- to high-end systems.
Do budget monitors compromise on picture quality?
Budget monitors often have fewer features, but some, like the AOC Q27G3XMN, still provide solid HDR performance and deep blacks thanks to Mini LED or VA panels. Entry-level options may have limited HDR and minor motion artifacts but remain suitable for casual gaming.
Is a high refresh rate more important than 4k resolution?
It depends on your gaming style. Competitive gamers generally benefit more from higher refresh rates, while immersive single-player games are enhanced by higher resolution and color accuracy. Many gamers seek a balance between both, considering their hardware capabilities.
How should I choose between OLED and Mini LED monitors?
OLED monitors provide deeper blacks and more vivid colors, particularly in dark environments. Mini LED monitors are generally brighter and perform well in well-lit rooms, but blacks may not be as deep. Choice depends on room lighting, budget, and personal preference.
