Our Top 5 Pick’s (Comparison Table)
Gaming monitors are slightly costly but pack quite a punch in terms of superior frame rates, response time, and resolution. Even if you don’t game professionally, switching to the best gaming monitors can help you experience better visual fidelity. Newer generation AAA games are designed with stunning graphics and an expansive world, which looks best on a gaming monitor.
Response time is also a pickle for eSports players who cannot afford to miss even a millisecond of action while playing competitively. Plus if you are packing a rig with the latest generation components like Eight-core processors and RTX series graphics cards, a subpar monitor can act as a severe bottleneck. I have tabulated the best gaming monitors available on various e-commerce websites and have picked out the best of the best to alleviate your sluggish frame rates and response time woes. For the convenience of understanding, I have subdivided this post into the following parts:
- Which are the best gaming monitors?
- Detailed Comparison and Review of best gaming monitors.
- What are their pros & cons?
- Which are the best gaming monitors that you should buy?
Excited? So Let’s Get Started
Types of LCD Display Panels:
Monitors come with different types of LCD panels that determine their pricing, color production, and refresh rate. There are three types of LCD panels used in the best gaming monitors of the present age.
- TN Panels
TN Panels are the absolute cheapest option that can be installed on a gaming monitor. They boast of a high refresh rate but poor color production, contrast ratio, and have poor viewing angles.
- VA Panels
VA Panels are the sweetest deal if you want to venture into eSports gaming. They boast of the highest refresh rates, appreciable contrast ratio but the average picture quality and viewing angles. They are pricier than TN Panels but considered economical as compared to IPS panels.
- IPS Panels
IPS Panels are known for their alluring color production, great viewing angles, and hefty price tag. They are better in color correction tasks and video playback and can provide a stellar visual experience while playing modern gaming titles. Their contrast is a little lower and tye refresh rates are also lower than VA panels.
Best Gaming Monitors in 2021
LG Ultragear 27 – Best Gaming Monitors
LG Ultragear 27 is the top-of-the-line gaming monitor from the brand that can satiate the inner gamer inside you. LG Ultragear 27 is the most compelling selection in our list of the best gaming monitors that are anything but affordable.
Specifications:
| Response Time | 1 millisecond |
| Panel Type | IPS Panel |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Display Size | 27 inches |
| Display Type | Flat |
| G-Sync | Supported |
| FreeSync | Supported |
Build and Design:
LG Ultragear 27 is a bulky design and measures 6.4 kg on the scale. The gaming monitor features a virtually borderless design with an adjustable base. You can easily tilt, raise the height and even rotate the monitor to ninety degrees without buying a special stand.
LG Ultragear 27 comes with two USB 3.0 ports, two HDMI ports as well as a display port. Even if you want to connect headphones, there is a combo headphone jack present.
Features:
LG Ultragear 27 uses true nano IPS technology that delivers an ultra-fine response time of 1 ms with a color production that looks vivid and sharp. The gaming monitor is certified by NVIDIA for G-Sync compatibility and adaptive free sync. The monitor has a 144 Hz display meaning eSports titles like Overwatch and Fortnite will not present any display lag.
The display bears a QHD resolution with a 136 percent sRGB color gamut and a 98 percent DCI color gamut. It supports HDR 10 is fit for both content consumption and professional gaming.
Verdict:
LG Ultragear 27 accommodates all the much-needed features that have to be present in the best gaming monitors. It requires heavy calibration to fit your gaming profiles and the HDR 10 mode isn’t a joy either.
“LG Ultragear 27 dominates the market in the category of the best gaming monitors.”
- G-Sync and free sync compatible
- HDR 10 support with 144 Hz refresh rate
- No wall mount included
- Blacks aren’t too deep
Gigabyte G27Q – Best Monitors For Gaming
Gigabyte G27Q is the best alternative in case you are not a fan of LG gaming monitors and wish for more subtlety in your monitor design.
Specifications:
| Response Time | 1 millisecond |
| Panel Type | IPS Panel |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Display Size | 27 inches |
| Display Type | Curved |
| G-Sync | Not Supported |
| FreeSync | Supported |
Build and Design:
Gigabyte G27Q offers nothing fancy for users and weighs more than the lightweight LG gaming monitor on our list. The monitor has a hole in the stand to run the cable from the back but the port layout is slightly inaccessible as they face downwards.
Gigabyte G27Q comes with two USB Type-A 3.0 upstream and one USB 3.0 downstream port. A dedicated display port option with two HDMI 1.4 ports along with a headphone jack. The display bezels are incredibly slim and nothing to complain about despite the bland design.
Features:
Gigabyte G27Q is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a gorgeous display that is IPS and comes with a 1440 pixel resolution. It is also VESA HDR400 certified although the HDR experience is asking a bit too much from this monitor.
The curved display of the Gigabyte G27Q can go as high as 144 Hz refresh rate and has a simple setting to tone it down to 60 Hz when not needed. Gigabyte G27Q has great software tweaking available that helps you to reach your desired settings within a few simple adjustments.
Verdict:
Gigabyte G27Q is second to none if you compare the visual performance and the support for AMD Freesync that makes screen tearing vanish. It has a high refresh rate too but the only disappointment is the bleak connectivity layout and the HDR support which is a hit or miss for most users.
“Gigabyte G27Q is the best AMD Freesync supported monitor.”
- Supports AMD Freesync
- Rich color gamut
- Average refresh rate
- Poor port positioning
MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD – Best Gaming Monitors
MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD is a gaming monitor by the brand that tends to offer the best color production in our lineup of the best gaming monitors.
Specifications:
| Response Time | 1 millisecond |
| Panel Type | IPS Panel |
| Refresh Rate | 165 Hz |
| Display Size | 27 inches |
| Display Type | Flat |
| G-Sync | Supported |
| FreeSync | Supported |
Build and Design:
MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD isn’t a bland design like the Gigabyte G27Q mentioned above. It features a VESA mounted stand that can do all the tricks include tilt, swivel, heights adjustment, and vertical orientation.
The design is quite gameresque like it is with most of the MSI products with a subtle hint of RGB lighting strip behind the panel. The port layout continues to be downward facing which is a slight letdown for me personally.
Features:
MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD is a non-curved affair that is better at aesthetics than the Gigabyte gaming monitor. It supports HDR and Rapid IPS, both of which lend a vivid picture quality to the panel.
The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD is a slight step up in refresh rate and supports a 165 Hz refresh rate. The makers have been considerate enough to provide elaborate software to tweak the colors and refresh rate along with other features such as HDR. It is a 2K resolution IPS panel that has a great level of detail, and pixel density for viewing up close.
Verdict:
MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD is certainly lighter than the Gigabyte gaming monitor in our list of the best gaming monitors. It has a dedicated adjustable stand with the support for a wall mount. A few disappointing areas include the lack of an sRGB mode and the visible parallax effect and ghosting.
“MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD is bright and vivid up close.”
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- 165 Hz refresh rate display
- Widest DCI P3 color gamut
- No sRGB color mode
- HDR is a letdown
GIGABYTE AORUS CV27F – Best Gaming Monitors 2021
GIGABYTE AORUS CV27F is another deserving gem of a gaming monitor that scores a spot on our list of the best gaming monitors. It is a curved display with a few software tweaks to assist you in making the perfect kill.
Specifications:
| Response Time | 1 millisecond |
| Panel Type | IPS Panel |
| Refresh Rate | 165 Hz |
| Display Size | 27 inches |
| Display Type | Curved |
| G-Sync | Supported |
| FreeSync | Supported |
Build and Design:
GIGABYTE AORUS CV27F is a curved gaming monitor and if you are buying it for vertical orientation, it is the wrong choice. That being said, the gaming monitor looks fairly sleek and a stark upgrade in comparison to the aesthetics of the Gigabyte gaming monitor in our list.
The display is slightly tiltable and has a blue lighting effect in the background. It is customizable by the software bundled with the monitor. The port layout consists of the fairly newer version of two HDMI 2.0 ports with two USB Type-A 3.0 and one display port.
Features:
GIGABYTE AORUS CV27F comes with the whole shebang. It has the HDR400 certification, a 90 percent DCI P3 color gamut, 1 ms response time, and a 165 Hz refresh rate. Despite being a 1080 panel the color accuracy is commendable with a contrast output that would put many contenders to shame.
The software side of things is also great with the GIGABYTE AORUS CV27F. You get the OSD Sidekick software support that can help you cycle through the abundant features of the monitor. It also comes with inbuilt active noise cancellation, and aim assists, both of which are okay at best.
Verdict:
GIGABYTE AORUS CV27F’s only problem or inadequacy is the 1080 pixel panel. Despite the shortcomings, the visual experience from a curved gaming monitor is great. Like the MSI gaming monitor, it also lacks the sRGB mode which is disappointing for users who like to have both modes present.
“GIGABYTE AORUS CV27F provides an immersive experience with the best contrast.”
- 165 Hz refresh rate
- Curved display
- No sRGB mode
- HDR is a no-show
ASUS TUF VG27AQL1A – Best Gaming Monitors
ASUS TUF VG27AQL1A is another great alternative for the best gaming monitors that come with a working solution for motion blur.
Specifications:
| Response Time | 1 millisecond |
| Panel Type | IPS Panel |
| Refresh Rate | 170 Hz |
| Display Size | 27 inches |
| Display Type | Flat |
| G-Sync | Supported |
| FreeSync | Supported |
Build and Design:
ASUS TUF VG27AQL1A is a workable design that can adapt to your visual adjustments in height, angle, and orientation. All these can be done using the smooth stand bundled with the monitor. The gaming monitor uses the latest and greatest in terms of connectivity options with two HDMI 2.0 ports, USB 3.0 ports, and a display port output.
You do get a headphone jack on this one but no RGB lighting effects like the one on MSI and Aurous gaming monitors. The weight won’t be an issue as it is a fairly lightweight design weighing under the 7 kilograms mark.
Features:
ASUS TUF VG27AQL1A is packed with features that include ELMB technology to counter motion blur problems along with a 170 Hz refresh rate display. Its bezels are incredibly slim but the display isn’t curved like you see on the Aurous gaming monitor. Being a 27 inch IPS panel, the 1440 resolution is adequate for gaming.
ASUS TUF VG27AQL1A supports both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD Freesync and has HDR support with a 130 percent sRGB color gamut and 95 percent DCI P3 color space. It also bears a TUV Rhineland certification to protect your eyes better from the blue light and flickering effects.
Verdict:
ASUS TUF VG27AQL1A is one of the best gaming monitors that solves the motion blur problem along with including better eye protection. The noticeable problems include the okayish HDR output and the lack of good speakers.
“ASUS TUF VG27AQL1A shuns away motion blur for hassle-free gaming.”
- 170 Hz refresh rate
- ELMB technology
- Average HDR effect
- Calibration is haywire
Samsung LC27RG50FQWXXL – Best Monitors For Gaming 2021
Samsung LC27RG50FQWXXL is one of the few gaming monitors that go up to 240 Hz refresh rate. It has great contrast and a curved display making it one of the best gaming monitors on our list.
Specifications:
| Response Time | 5 milliseconds |
| Panel Type | VA Panel |
| Refresh Rate | 240 Hz |
| Display Size | 27 inches |
| Display Type | Curved |
| G-Sync | Supported |
| FreeSync | Not Supported |
Build and Design:
Samsung didn’t play with the design too much on this gaming monitor. It has a decent U-shaped mounting stand that is sadly non-rotating or easily height adjustable like most gaming monitors on our list.
Samsung LC27RG50FQWXXL has the latest version of HDMI and a display port output along with two USB ports. The monitor has feeble speakers so I would advise you to go for a dedicated speaker setup.
Features:
Samsung LC27RG50FQWXXL is a 1080 pixel VA panel that grants better contrast and a faster refresh rate of 240 Hz. All of this comes at an expense of better color production and a slightly lower resolution.
Samsung LC27RG50FQWXXL supports G-Sync that eliminates screen tearing if you have a compatible graphics card from Nvidia. For owners with AMD graphics cards, I would advise them to go for the Gigabyte gaming monitor.
Verdict:
Samsung LC27RG50FQWXXL is best suited for eSports players that are willing to compromise the visual fidelity for an increase in the refresh rate. The major letdown is the speakers of these best gaming monitors which are meek even at the closet distance and quietest room.
“Samsung LC27RG50FQWXXL is a desirous choice for eSports evangelists.”
- 240 Hz refresh rate
- G-Sync support
- No Freesync support
- Feeble speakers system
Lenovo Legion – Best Monitors For Gaming
Lenovo Legion is a 24 inch and yet slightly expensive offering from the brand with a few quirks that makes it one of the best gaming monitors.
Specifications:
| Response Time | 3 milliseconds |
| Panel Type | IPS Panel |
| Refresh Rate | 240 Hz |
| Display Size | 24 inches |
| Display Type | Flat |
| G-Sync | Supported |
| FreeSync | Not Supported |
Build and Design:
Lenovo Legion pays attention to ferocious gaming requirements with a superlight body and a flippable stand to house the headphones. Its stand is non-swiveling and offers basic angle and height adjustment.
It has five USB ports along with a single HDMI port that can be difficult for many gamers, especially if they want to connect a gaming console to the monitor as well.
Features:
Lenovo Legion uses a 24-inch display panel with an IPS panel. It the only difference between this gaming monitor and the one by Samsung. Although you get a better color production on this, the color gamut for a 1080 pixel panel is barely adequate.
You do get a 240 Hz refresh rate on an IPS display which is an improvement over most displays. It also supports NVIDIA G-Sync provided you have the right graphics card for the same.
Verdict:
Lenovo Legion is a fairly new entrant in our list of the best gaming monitors. It has an ultra-fast 240 Hz refresh rate with an IPS panel. The major cons are the single HDMI port, no display port option, and the absence of support for Freesync.
“Lenovo Legion is the best IPS panel alternative to the 240 Hz gaming monitor.”
- 240 Hz IPS display
- Nvidia G-Sync compatibility
- Single HDMI port
- No display port
Final Words
LG tops our list of the best gaming monitors with the best picture quality and high refresh rate. Gigabyte has two good options for the list of the best gaming monitors with the latter having a great contrast ratio. For gamers that need a maximum refresh rate in their best gaming monitors, the offering from Samsung and Lenovo are decent options.
General FAQ
What is the best monitor for gaming 2020?
LG Ultragear 27 is one of the best gaming monitors for 2020.
Is 240Hz worth it over 144Hz?
Not really unless you are an avid eSports competitor or possess the latest graphics card from Nvidia or AMD that can push so many frames on the best gaming monitors.
Can 60Hz run 120fps?
It can run 120 fps but you won’t be able to distinguish the fluidity as the monitor is capable of refreshing at 60 times per second only.
How many FPS can a 120Hz monitor display?
The best gaming monitors with a 120 Hz refresh rate can display 120 frames per second.
What are good specs for a gaming monitor?
Anything above 27 inches and 144 Hz refresh rate is a decent gaming companion. The connectivity options should be factored in before making a purchase of the best gaming monitors.
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