What to look for in a gaming monitor
A gaming monitor is more than just a screen for your PC or console—it’s a gateway to a more immersive, responsive, and enjoyable gaming experience. Choosing the right monitor means understanding how various features, such as refresh rate, resolution, and screen type, impact your gameplay. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision and find the perfect gaming monitor.
What is a gaming PC monitor?
A gaming PC monitor is specifically designed to meet the unique demands of gaming by delivering optimised performance features that go beyond what standard monitors offer. These monitors boast higher refresh rates, lower response times, and even adaptive sync technologies, all of which help reduce motion blur, screen tearing, and input lag. In essence, gaming monitors make the action look smoother and feel more responsive, giving gamers a competitive edge. High-quality gaming monitors also incorporate technology to enhance colour accuracy and contrast, resulting in more vivid and realistic visuals.
High Refresh Rate
Low Response Time
Adaptive Sync Technology
Superior Picture Quality
What is the best refresh rate (Hz) for gaming?
Refresh rate, measured in Hertz, indicates how many times per second the monitor refreshes the image. A higher refresh rate results in smoother motion and a more responsive gaming experience.
Notice the appearance of cars passing by on the screens with refresh rates of 240Hz, 144Hz, and 60Hz below. At 60Hz, the cars appear to move in a choppy, less fluid manner, while at higher refresh rates like 144Hz and 240Hz, their motion becomes noticeably smoother and more lifelike.
Video simulated for illustrative purposes.
Let’s take a closer look at different refresh rates and which one might be right for you:
- 100Hz-120Hz: Entry-level gaming
A refresh rate of 100Hz to 120Hz provides a noticeable improvement over the standard 60Hz, delivering smoother visuals and reduced motion blur. This range is ideal for casual gamers or those who enjoy a balance between smooth gameplay and affordability. While not as fluid as monitors with higher refresh rates, it still offers a significant upgrade for genres like turn-based strategies or slower-paced games. For more fast-paced or competitive gaming, moving up to a higher refresh rate will further enhance fluidity and responsiveness.
- 144Hz-200Hz: The sweet spot for most gamers
A refresh rate of 144Hz is widely considered the gold standard for gaming. It offers a significant improvement over 60Hz monitors by delivering smoother visuals and reducing motion blur. This refresh rate is especially beneficial for genres such as first-person shooters, racing games, and action titles, where fast movements are common. Upgrading to a 200Hz refresh rate can further enhance the experience by making the visuals even more fluid.
- 240Hz, 360Hz and Beyond: The ultimate monitor for competitive gamers
For those who play at a professional level or in eSports competitions, refresh rates starting at 240Hz and going up to 360Hz or higher can make a world of difference. These ultra-high refresh rates make each movement appear more fluid and reduce input lag to a minimum. In essence, having a high refresh rate monitor can significantly improve your gameplay.
How does response time affect my gaming?
The response time of a monitor measures how long it takes for a pixel to change colour. Faster response times mean the monitor updates its images more quickly, which is super important when playing a fast or competitive game. Response time doesn't matter as much for people doing level browsing or office work. But for gaming, you'll want a fast response time: under 1 ms(milliseconds). That will help keep your image clear from ghosting, trailing effects or blur that can distract you and throw off your aim.
What is G-Sync and FreeSync?
Screen tearing happens when the monitor displays portions of multiple frames simultaneously, causing a split or “tear” in the image. Adaptive sync technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync help prevent screen tearing and stuttering by matching the monitor's refresh rate with the frame rate output from the GPU. G-Sync is developed by NVIDIA for use with its GPUs, and FreeSync is created by AMD for its GPUs. Many modern gaming monitors support both G-Sync and FreeSync, allowing gamers to choose the compatible technologies based on their hardware and their preferences.
Video simulated for illustrative purposes.
What is the best monitor size for gaming?
When choosing the ideal monitor size, it's important to consider your gaming style, the types of games you play, and the space available in your gaming setup. The right size will not only improve immersion but also affect how you perceive and react to on-screen events. Here’s an expanded look at different size categories:
28" and Smaller
See everything quickly
Monitors ranging from 22 to 28 inches are ideal for gamers with limited space or those who prefer a more compact setup. While they may not provide the same immersive experience as larger screens, they are practical for setups where space is a priority. For certain game genres like RTS or MOBA, having a more contained view can be beneficial, as it allows players to easily monitor the entire display and make quick, strategic decisions.
32" - 34"
Balance space and experience
Monitors between 32 and 34 inches strike a balance between screen space and immersion, offering a more expansive view without overwhelming your desk. This size works well for a range of game genres, from action-adventure to RPGs, enhancing the sense of depth and detail. Higher resolutions, like 4K, are also supported, giving you sharper visuals for an enjoyable gaming experience.
43" and Bigger
Immersion and multitasking
Monitors 43 inches and larger offer a truly immersive gaming experience, with expansive displays that enhance both gameplay and multitasking. These screens are ideal for genres like simulation and open-world games, where a wider field of view adds depth and realism. While they require more desk space and a powerful GPU, the level of immersion and flexibility for multitasking make them a top choice for serious gamers.
What is the right resolution for gaming?
The resolution of a gaming monitor is a key factor in determining how clear and detailed the visuals will appear. Higher resolutions use more pixels to create an image, resulting in sharper and more realistic visuals. Here’s a closer look at the most common gaming resolutions and their benefits:
Full HD, FHD or 1080P (1920x1080)
Simple and practical
Full HD (1080p) is a common choice for gamers looking for a balance between image quality and system demands. It allows for smooth performance without the need for high-end hardware, but lacks the sharpness of higher resolutions like QHD or 4K. It’s a practical choice for those with simpler setups, though not ideal for gamers seeking the best visual quality.
Quad HD, or QHD (2560x1440)
Accessible gaming performance
Quad HD, or 1440p, provides a step up in image quality compared to Full HD, offering more pixels for increased detail and clarity. This resolution is popular among gamers who want a sharper picture without the demanding requirements of 4K resolution. It’s considered a "sweet spot" for many gamers who seek a balance between performance and visual quality.
4K
(3840x2160)
Extreme detail and visual quality
For gamers who want the most detailed and realistic visuals, 4K resolution, also known as Ultra High Definition (UHD), delivers four times the pixel count of Full HD. This results in incredibly sharp images and an immersive gaming experience. However, 4K gaming requires a powerful GPU to achieve high frame rates, especially in graphically demanding titles. If you want one of the best visual experience and have the hardware to support it, 4K is an ideal choice.
Ultrawide Screens
(21:9/ 32:9)
Expansive and immersive gaming
Ultrawide monitors, like the 21:9 Ultra WQHD or the 32:9 Dual QHD and Dual UHD models, offer an expansive field of view compared to standard 16:9 screens. These broader displays provide a more immersive gaming experience, particularly in genres such as simulation and racing. The wider screen real estate also allows for enhanced multitasking, making ultrawide monitors a versatile choice for both gaming and productivity.
Which type of monitor is best for my gaming?
Curved screens
Immersion and comfort
Curved gaming monitors, like the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9, are designed to enhance immersion by wrapping the display around your field of vision. This curvature matches the natural shape of the human eye, reducing edge distortion and creating a more realistic, immersive experience. Curved screens also help reduce eye strain by maintaining a consistent distance from your eyes to the screen.
The larger the screen or ultra-wide monitor, the more pronounced the immersive effect becomes, especially with tighter curves like 1000R. This makes curved monitors particularly beneficial for gaming genres that thrive on immersion, such as open-world games and driving simulators.
Flat screens
A clean and simple setup
Flat gaming monitors are ideal for gamers who need a minimal, space-saving solution that fits neatly into any setup. With a clean and simple design, they provide consistent image quality across the display, making them perfect for split-screen co-op gaming or for strategy and multiplayer games that don’t require the immersive feel of curved screens. This makes flat screens a practical choice for those who prioritise simplicity and versatility in their gaming environment.
FAQ
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What is the ideal monitor size for gaming?The best monitor size depends on your gaming style and setup. Monitors 27 inches and smaller are ideal for competitive gaming where fast reactions are important. Monitors in the 28-34 inch range offer a more immersive experience for a variety of genres, while larger monitors (43 inches and above) are suited for simulation and open-world games.
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Is a 4K gaming monitor worth it?If you want to create the best gaming setup and experience possible then a 4K gaming monitor can be worth it, as it offers a high-resolution display with 4 times the number of pixels compared to a 1080p monitor, resulting in clearer and more detailed images. However, 4K gaming also requires a more powerful GPU to run games smoothly at this higher resolution and may not be necessary for some players who are satisfied with lower resolutions. It is ultimately up to the player to decide whether the added visual quality is worth the cost and performance requirements.
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Is a 144Hz monitor or a 165Hz monitor better for gaming?A 165Hz monitor is better for gaming than a 144Hz monitor, as it has a higher refresh rate and the higher the hz rate the better as it results in smoother and more fluid gameplay. However, the difference in performance between 144Hz and 165Hz is not too noticeable and may not be worth the extra cost for some players. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on the player's budget and preferences.
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What is a good refresh rate for gaming?For most gamers, a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher is recommended. Competitive players may benefit from 240Hz to 360Hz refresh rates, which provide the smoothest and most responsive gameplay.
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Is a curved or flat monitor better for gaming?Curved monitors enhance immersion by wrapping around your field of view, making them ideal for genres like open-world and driving games. Flat monitors, on the other hand, are a great option for setups with limited space and could be ideal for gamers who mainly play strategy, battle, or multiplayer games that don’t require the immersive experience of curved screens. Ultimately, the choice between curved and flat monitors comes down to personal preference and the type of gaming experience you're seeking.
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Are OLED monitors good for gaming?Yes, OLED monitors are known for their excellent gaming performance due to deep blacks, high contrast ratios, and ultra-fast response times. These features make OLED ideal for visually demanding games and competitive gaming where image quality and speed are crucial.
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How important is resolution in gaming?The most common sizes for curved monitors are 27 inches and 32 inches, ideal for general work and casual gaming. For those needing more screen real estate, 34-inch ultra-wide monitors provide ample space for multitasking and immersive gaming. If you're looking for the ultimate setup, 49-inch monitors offer an expansive, panoramic view that elevates both gaming and productivity to a whole new level of immersion.
Got questions about monitors? Check out our quick-tip articles below for answers:
Screen images simulated for illustrative purposes.
