If you’re a long-time gaming fan, you can likely recall the days when the very best offers—in terms of both games and monitors—came with choppy graphics, jerky movements, and worst of all, those polygons which made up each image on full display.

The best gaming monitor options were the bold, blocky CRT styles of yesteryear, which made us feel as though we had attained boss-level status at the time.

What can we say? We hardly knew any better.

Mercifully, those days are now a distant memory. Massive advances have been made to both games and peripherals, such as the best gaming headsets, the coolest mice for gaming, and extremely comfortable gaming chairs. The PC platform has evolved towards tinier CPUs and even larger (but slimmer) monitors capable of displaying cutting-edge game graphics in all their glory.

We’ve researched and listed 10 of the best gaming monitor choices on the market in 2020, and we're happy to report that all of them have the power to transform your gaming experience, be it for your favorite action-adventure games, sports games, RPGs—whatever you love most!

Like all of the best gaming monitors, the ASUS 24" Eyecare Gaming Monitor features a coveted, ultra-slim design, in addition to excellent performance.

This monitor boasts the ability to render colors wonderfully, thanks to the presence of Full HD 1080p (1920x1080) support, as well as a response time of one millisecond, and highly effective Video Intelligence Technology. These specs work together to help you enjoy improved color, contrast, and sharpness while you game.

The impressive response time above also means you will be able to play your games without having to worry about any ghosting or tracer effects—a common problem for fast-paced favorites.

This ASUS monitor goes beyond what several other competing options provide and will actually take care of your eyes while you explore new worlds, face down foes, and take on that final level boss.

Best of all, there’s no reason why you have to reserve your enjoyment merely for playing that long-awaited sequel, since this gaming monitor also comes with additional connectivity options; as a result, you will be able to connect your monitor to Full HD Blu-ray Disc players, DVD players, and set-top boxes. Whether you’re gaming or watching movies, you’ll be afforded quality, crisp detail.

If you like the way it all looks (just like we did when we first glimpsed all of these wonderful qualities), then the ASUS 24" Eyecare Gaming Monitor might just be what you need to experience entertainment like never before.

Key Features
  • Rapid response times for eliminating ghosting
  • Eye care technology for preventing eye strain
  • Versatile connectivity to suitable devices
  • Improved color, contrast, and sharpness
Specifications
  • Screen Size: 24"
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Max. Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Connectivity: Dual HDMI, D-sub
  • Brand: ASUS
Pros
  • Sharp, clear images
  • Vivid colors and bold contrasts
  • Designed for stability and durability
Cons
  • Screen may appear blurred
  • Defective pixels may appear

The Alienware 34.1" LED-Lit Curved Gaming Monitor has been crafted by a manufacturer which prides itself on the product’s futuristic appeal, unparalleled quality, and its ability to provide improved levels of game immersion.

Helping accomplish these goals, the screen boasts a 21:9 ratio and 1900 radius, as well as breakthrough display technology and an impressive refresh rate of 120Hz, to ensure a gaming experience that is as smooth as possible.

It’s also worth mentioning this monitor’s response time of 4 milliseconds, which, although not quite as low as a number of other options, still qualifies for being remarkably fast.

This curved gaming monitor features a resolution of 3440x1440, providing you with stunning images almost twice as detailed as those an FHD is able to provide. Since it’s been designed to enable you to get the better of your opponents, as well, you’ll also have the option of selecting from six available game modes—with three of them being preset for optimum visuals across different game categories.

This monitor also features a unique hinge design which will let you tilt, swivel, or adjust the screen until it feels just right so you can embark on your gaming adventures in the ultimate, personalized comfort.

Together, the top-notch features ensure that the Alienware 34.1" LED-Lit Curved Gaming Monitor is capable of living up to its manufacturer’s claims of being able to provide you with a gaming experience quite unlike any other.

Key Features
  • Enhanced game immersion
  • Stunning, detailed images due to 3440x1440 resolution
  • A rapid response time of 4ms
  • An impressive refresh rate of 120Hz
Specifications
  • Screen Size: 34.1"
  • Resolution: 3440x1440
  • Max. Refresh Rate: 120Hz
  • Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort
  • Brand: Alienware
Pros
  • Adjustable screen pivot
  • A seamless gaming experience
Cons
  • The screen may flicker
  • The backlight may be uneven

It’s elegant, space-efficient, and promises to not only provide optimal brightness and amazing sound, but to also take care of your eyes, too.

But just how capable is the BenQ 24" Ultra-Slim Bezel IPS Gaming Monitor when it comes to keeping each of these promises?

Starting with its 1920x1080 resolution, you’ll be able to look forward to exquisitely rendered images in perfect detail. You will also be able to enjoy perfect illumination thanks to a sufficient 250 nits of brightness.

When it comes to taking care of your eyes, the manufacturer has incorporated Low Blue Light technology to reduce strain, especially after a particularly lengthy session of seeing off your foes in spectacular fashion.

This computer screen also comes with Flicker-Free Technology, which will help in the quest to relieve eye strain. Brightness Intelligence Technology will adjust the monitor’s brightness while taking into account both the images on the screen and ambient illumination.

This monitor boasts built-in speakers as well, in addition to a sleek, carbon fiber design and texture for improved durability.

Thanks to all of these amazing qualities, it’s clear that the BenQ 24" Ultra-Slim Bezel IPS Gaming Monitor does have what it takes to make it past several potential candidates and right onto your shortlist of the best gaming monitors.

Key Features
  • Low Blue Light Technology for reducing eye strain
  • Brightness Intelligence Technology for adjusting illumination
  • Efficient illumination due 250 nits of brightness
  • Carbon-fiber design for improved durability
Specifications
  • Screen Size: 24"
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Max. Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Connectivity: VGA, HDMI, DSub, and DisplayPort
  • Brand: BenQ
Pros
  • Improved stability and durability
  • Automatic brightness regulation
  • Scratch-resistant carbon fiber manufacture
  • Accurate color and image rendering
Cons
  • Speakers may be omitted
  • Screen may go blank suddenly

Brought to you by a highly popular computing hardware manufacturer, the Dell 27" LED-Lit FreeSync Gaming Monitor simply outdoes a number of similar options in terms of brightness and its refresh rate.

These values, which are 400 nits and 144Hz respectively, mean you will be able to enjoy clear images and extremely fast image processing times. The presence of AMD FreeSync technology also means you’ll also be able to look forward to a fluid frame rate across your favorite games.

Despite the fact that its response time of two milliseconds is slower than the one millisecond provided by certain other options, it is still significantly faster than the five-millisecond recommended maximum for gaming.

Like all top tier products, the manufacturer has also gone the extra mile to ensure that more than just your visuals are taken care of: Dell has provided integrated speakers to ensure you get to hear that ominous roar while you’re exploring an unknown desert ruin. Thanks to its LED backlighting, you will also be able to enjoy improved levels of energy efficiency.

Ticking virtually all the right boxes, the Dell 27" LED-Lit FreeSync Gaming Monitor is an excellent choice of screen for getting the most out of your gaming sessions.

Key Features
  • Enhanced levels of energy efficiency
  • AMD FreeSync technology for a smooth frame rate
  • Impressive brightness and refresh rate
  • A rapid response time of 2ms
Specifications
  • Screen Size: 27"
  • Resolution: 1920x 080
  • Max. Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Connectivity: HDMI
  • Brand: Dell
Pros
  • Sleek, modern design
  • Compatible with other CPU brands
  • Durable and suitable for long term use
  • Smooth, detailed images
Cons
  • Sound quality may not be satisfactory
  • May not display images clearly

The first thing that stands out to us when we take a glimpse at the Samsung 49" Super Ultrawide QLED FreeSync Curved Gaming Monitor is, of course, that super wide screen. Due to its surprising and considerable width, you will be able to view each long-awaited game release exactly the way you’re meant to - in all its glory.

This monitor is also notable for its Quantum Dot Technology, as well as High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Radeon FreeSync 2 technology support, which will bestow your games with a whole new dimension of color and bring them to life in a way few other gaming monitors can.

This computer screen also boasts one of the fastest response times, placing it on par with some of the best options in this regard at a value of one millisecond. What’s more, its response rate of 144Hz means that it’s actually capable of processing data at a rate which is almost twice as fast as standard gaming monitors that come with the minimum 75Hz.

In light of these awesome features, there’s no doubt that the Samsung 49" Super Ultrawide QLED FreeSync Curved Gaming Monitor has been designed to take your gaming sessions to the next level no matter what you choose to play.

Key Features
  • Reduced blur, ghosting, and lag
  • High Dynamic Range (HDR) support for detailed display
  • Above-average refresh rate (144Hz)
  • Impressively rendered graphics
Specifications
  • Screen Size: 49"
  • Resolution: 3840x1080
  • Max. Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Connectivity: HDMI
  • Brand: Samsung
Pros
  • Enhanced immersion due to curved panel
  • Lifelike images thanks to Quantum Dot technology
  • Ability to render detailed images
Cons
  • May spontaneously change illumination
  • May spontaneously sleep for long periods

Excellent values for both resolution and response times set the Acer 24" Widescreen 3D Gaming Monitor apart from the rest.

The refresh rate of this monitor is especially impressive at 144Hz, meaning you will be able to immerse yourself in new worlds that are filled with bursts of color which feel as lifelike as can be. You will even be able to enjoy 3D images that are clearer than much of the competition, thanks to the presence of NVIDIA’s 3D Lightboost.

This Acer monitor also features advanced, active shutter 3D technology, making it the ideal choice for home viewing—and that is by no means all you will be able to enjoy once you purchase this product!

The presence of DVI and HDMI inputs will also provide you with the option of watching video files from your smartphone or tablet in an even larger and clearer display. Thanks to a super slim profile, this gaming monitor will provide you with the viewing experience you deserve while taking up minimal space.

The computer component of this monitor is also safe for you and the environment, too, since it has not only been manufactured by recyclable materials, but also makes use of Acer EcoDisplay technologies, which have been proven to provide impressive savings on energy.

All of these features show that the Acer 24" Widescreen 3D Gaming Monitor ticks all the right boxes and has what it takes to provide an excellent gaming experience.

Key Features
  • Versatile connectivity for an improved experience
  • Ideal for advanced gaming and entertainment
  • Environmentally friendly design
  • Advanced active shutter 3D technology for home viewing
Specifications
  • Screen Size: 24"
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Max. Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Connectivity: HDMI, DVI, VGA
  • Brand: acer
Pros
  • Detailed, colorful images and environments
  • May be used with portable electronic devices
  • Super slim profile for minimal space requirements
Cons
  • May be affected by ghosting
  • May have issues with brightness

Another monitor on our list of all-time greats is the ASUS 28" 4K/UHD FreeSync Gaming Monitor, which promises to provide you with the illumination and color you need to be able to distinguish friend from foe while exploring your favorite virtual world. As a result, you will be able to steer clear of danger - or even take it on, if you’re feeling up to the task - and navigate any wonderful, colorful gamescape on your own terms.

Thanks to the clarity provided by its 4K UHD resolution, you’ll get to experience any gaming environment with stunning detail, providing you with a level of immersion which is quite simply beyond what several other options are able to provide.

The presence of ASUS Eye care technology with TUV-certified, Flicker Free and Blue Light Filter also means a reduced risk of eye strain, too—and we all know how important that is for any frequent gamer.

What’s more, this monitor’s impressive response time of one millisecond, coupled with Adaptive Sync Technology, will smoothly provide those perfectly displayed graphics that are central to the gaming experience.

To ensure that you get to enjoy worry-free gaming and focus on thoroughly immersing yourself in each brand new adventure, the manufacturer has also provided a Rapid Replacement warranty for three years.

Such an array of impressive qualities makes the ASUS 28" 4K/UHD FreeSync Gaming Monitor one computer screen that’s pretty hard to beat in terms of sheer performance, bringing it much closer to perfection.

Key Features
  • Exclusive technologies for tactical assistance
  • Adaptive Sync technology for perfect graphics
  • Rapid Replacement 3-year warranty
  • ASUS Eye care technology for reduced risk of eye fatigue
Specifications
  • Screen Size: 28"
  • Resolution: 3840x2160
  • Max. Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort
  • Brand: ASUS
Pros
  • Impressively detailed landscapes
  • Exquisitely rendered graphics
  • Vivid colors and excellent illumination
Cons
  • May not display contrasts evenly
  • May produce discoloration

When we first spotted the BenQ 27" 1080p Gaming Monitor, we were thoroughly impressed with its promise to do away with all those little inconveniences that often translate into major issues for gamers (think lag, ghosting, and blurred images).

To ensure that it’s capable of delivering these promises as effortlessly as advertised, we decided to take a closer look at all this gaming monitor has to offer.

We discovered optimized display presets for three different game modes, as well as the customized viewing experience it provides thanks to its smart/scaling/display modes.

This BenQ gem features Exclusive Color Vibrance and Black eQualizer technology, which works to provide that essential edge against foes on the battlefield by helping you see every frame with astounding clarity.

The FHD gaming monitor also comes with a resolution of 1920x1080, a refresh rate of 75Hz, and a one-millisecond response time. To us, these specs mean that this product definitely has what it takes to display images optimally. Unsurprisingly, we deemed it deserving of a spot on that all-important shopping shortlist.

With these impressive features, you can be certain that the BenQ 27" 1080p Gaming Monitor is an ideal companion for embarking on new adventures of discovery.

Key Features
  • Exclusive Color Vibrance and Black eQualizer technology
  • Optimized display presets for various modes
  • An above average refresh rate of 75Hz
  • An impressive response time of 1ms
Specifications
  • Screen Size: 27"
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Max. Refresh Rate: 75Hz
  • Connectivity: HDMI
  • Brand: BenQ
Pros
  • Specific modes for FPS, RTS, and combat games
  • Smart/scaling/display modes for a customized experience
  • An extremely fast response time of 1ms
Cons
  • The HDMI connection may not function correctly
  • Defective pixels may appear

There’s something extra special about products that provide us with as many options as possible while doing all the things we already know we want them to.

This principle is what makes the ASUS 24" Full HD Gaming Monitor stand out to us. We found its ergonomically designed stand—which features tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment options—to be a rather welcome feature, for example.

We are also pleased with the opportunity to connect this monitor to a variety of devices thanks to the presence of DisplayPort, Dual link DVI D, and HDMI ports.

In addition to these welcome features, this FHD gaming monitor also comes with a refresh rate of 144Hz and a response time of one millisecond, promising a gaming experience which is as seamless as possible as a result.

The 1920x1080 resolution also means that the ASUS 24" Full HD Gaming Monitor is capable of displaying graphics in bold, beautiful color. There is even another set of welcome extras in the form of built-in, 2W speakers, which serve to add an extra layer of depth to the entire gaming experience.

Are we delighted we came across this efficient, no-frills gaming monitor? We most certainly are, and we believe there’s every chance that you, too, might get to experience the joy of wonderful discovery during each gaming session.

Key Features
  • Multi device connectivity
  • An impressive response time of 1ms
  • An above-average refresh rate of 144Hz
Specifications
  • Screen Size: 24"
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Max. Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Connectivity: DisplayPort, Dual-link DVI-D, and HDMI
  • Brand: ASUS
Pros
  • Built-in speakers for a fuller experience
  • A remarkable response time and refresh rate
  • Height adjustment and tilt for additional comfort
Cons
  • Built-in speakers may not function effectively
  • May be unsuitable for fast-paced games

The first question we ask each time we find ourselves wondering whether a product is worth considering or not is just how many of the right boxes it ticks. An initial peek at the Sceptre 24" LED Ultra Thin Metal Curved Gaming Monitor revealed that this product comes with all the right stones upturned.

This monitor boasts refresh and response times of 75Hz and five milliseconds, respectively, which means it will display images as smoothly as possible, and in brilliant color. In addition to crafting this monitor to ensure it is capable of perfectly rendering intense game graphics, Sceptre also fitted the screen with built-in speakers.

The fact that this gaming monitor also comes with the option of being supported on a stand or simply being hung on a wall is another added plus. What’s more, it also comes with a number of ports for added versatility, including HDMI, VGA, and PC audio.

We also love this monitor’s curved display, which makes us feel as though we are surrounded by our virtual environment, providing an extra dimension of immersion in our favorite virtual worlds.

If you would like a gaming monitor that will come fully equipped with what it takes to make your gaming sessions feel extra special, then the Sceptre NEW 24" Curved 75Hz Gaming LED Monitor might be just what you’ve been searching for.

Key Features
  • Suitable for mounting on wall or stand
  • HDMI, VGA, and PC audio ports for added versatility
  • 75Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time
  • Unique curved design for enhanced immersion
Specifications
  • Screen Size: 24"
  • Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Max. Refresh Rate: 75Hz
  • Connectivity: HDMI, VGA, and PC audio ports
  • Brand: Sceptre
Pros
  • Compatible with all gaming and video devices
  • Curved display for enhanced game immersion
  • Fast response time and refresh rate for smoother images
Cons
  • HDMI port may not function correctly
  • May be incapable of preventing ghosting

Selecting the Gaming Monitor Dreams Are Made Of

When it comes to graphics, choosing the right gaming monitor will directly influence your experience. Certain factors about your monitor (commonly referred to as “specs”) can make all the difference between experiencing the visual wonders of your favorite game releases as the developers intended—or not.

Below is a discussion of some of the key specs that serve as great indicators of a gaming monitor’s ability to provide you with a truly elevated experience.

Resolution

This value is an indicator of just how many pixels (the tiny dots computer images are made of), the monitor will be capable of displaying. Generally speaking, the higher the value, the better, since this will translate to crisp, clear images.

Examples of common monitor categories and their values include:

  • Full High-Definition (FHD) monitors: Maximum values are known to reach 1920 x 1080 pixels.
  • Wide Quad High-Definition (WQHD) monitors: With maximum values of 2560 x 1440 pixels, these are known to surpass FHD monitors in their image rendering capabilities.
  • Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) monitors: True heavyweights, UHDs are known to go as high as 3840 x 2160 resolution-wise, a value which bestows them with the ability to produce truly wondrous images.

Refresh Rates

This term will let you know how promptly your monitor will be able to process new data and create new images. Especially for those who game competitively, it is of paramount importance to have a high refresh rate, since it plays a role in determining the number of frames a monitor will be able to display per second.

As is the case with resolution, higher figures spell good news; the minimum that experts recommend for gaming monitors is 75Hz.

Response Times

A gaming monitor’s response time has to do with the time it takes for it to swap a pixel between its active and inactive states.

Unlike refresh rates and resolution values, going for the lowest possible values when considering response times is highly recommended, since faster response times mean images of higher quality. These are typically measured in milliseconds.

Your Gaming Monitor Choice

We’ve done the legwork, and we know that there’s a gaming monitor for every gamer out there! Still, you’re not alone if you feel like navigating the vast shopping space throughout your quest for the right monitor can feel rather intimidating. This can even be the case when you’re fully armed with helpful pointers to guide you towards making the right choice for your needs and setup.

Luckily, we’re working to create a shortcut to that happiness for you, and in this case, it's our list of the 10 best gaming monitors of 2020, which will enable you to find the product that’s just right for you with minimal fuss.

ResourcesGamingScan, PC Mag, Tom's Hardware

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