The recon-blue metallic finish looks brilliant. The sleek profile effortlessly complements just about any setup, creating a unified look and an immersive gaming experience. The three-sided thin bezel design is also excellent for creating a seamless multi-monitor setup, so you'll be able to easily expand your gaming landscape.
The model's not energy efficient.
The Dell S2719DGF will let you play like a king without paying a king's ransom. The model's specs are fantastic for the price. You'll be able to enjoy the fastest-moving visuals in captivating detail. Plus, the monitor can work with many different peripherals.
27"
2560 x 1440 (16:9)
TN
Refresh Rate: 155 Hz
Brightness: 350 cd/m²
Static contrast ratio: 1000:1
Response time: 1 ms
Viewing angles: 170°(H)/160°(V)
1 x DisplayPort, 2 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone jack, 1 x Audio-out, 1 x USB upstream port, 4 x USB downstream ports
No
3 years
Use the remote control, 5-way navigator, or volume wheel to quickly adjust the settings. This monitor offers the excellent sound quality thanks to the subwoofer, and supports the automatic brightness control that helps reduce the strain on your eyes.
The HDR mode is too dark.
A great solution for console gamers due to excellent compatibility with Xbox. The FreeSync Premium, HDRi, and 144Hz refresh rate provide the smooth, crisp, and vivid images in shooters and other games.
27"
2560 x 1440 (16:9)
IPS
Refresh rate: 144 Hz
Brightness: 350 cd/m²
Static contrast ratio: 1000:1
Response time: 5 ms
Viewing angles: 178°(H)/178°(V)
1 x DisplayPort, 2 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone jack, 1 x USB upstream port
2 x 2 W
Subwoofer 5W
3 years
The company's very own Extreme Low Motion Blur technology makes objects in motion appear even sharper. The GameFast Input technology further minimizes input lag. The Game Visual function improves color performance and control. The ASUS Eye Care technology will keep eye fatigue to a minimum.
Initial brightness and color settings require adjustment.
The ASUS VG278Q is a widescreen monitor with 0.5 ms response time that is all about gaming. You won't find any extra nonsense here, just a variety of useful features that will improve your gaming experience and give you an advantage over your online opponents. Also suitable for watching action movies.
27"
1920 x 1080
TN
144 Hz (overclocking to 165Hz) / 0.5 ms
1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x DVI-D, 1 x 3.5 mm audio in/out
NVIDIA® G-SYNC™ technology, GameFast Input technology, Extreme Low Motion Blur technology, ASUS Eye Care technology, Game Visual and Game Plus functions, 2 x 2 W speakers
3 years on casing and panel
1 year on cables and bundled gifts
Picture In Picture mode allows you to display another source of images on the screen: for example, you can simultaneously watch video in a small window while you wait for the game to start or play. Powerful built-in speakers (2 x 3 Watts) will help you fully enjoy the sound effects or hear the enemy lurking.
The stand is somewhat unstable.
With an impressive 30-inch diagonal (21: 9 aspect ratio) and 1800-R curvature, this monitor is ideal for MMORPG and MOBA games where you need a good overview of everything that happens. Also suitable for working with CAD / CAM programs.
30"
2560 x 1080 (21:9)
VA
Refresh rate: 200 Hz
Brightness: 270 cd/m²
Static contrast ratio: 3000:1
Response time: 5 ms
Viewing angles: 170°(H)/160°(V)
1 x DisplayPort, 3 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone jack
2 x 3 W speakers
1 year
The included 2 HDMI inputs + 1 DisplayPort will be indispensable for the simultaneous connection of multiple image sources (personal computer, game console, travel laptop, projector, etc.). Moreover, you can switch between them by pressing just one button.
The brightness index is poor (250 cd / m²).
The ViewSonic XG2705 is equipped with a high-quality IPS matrix panel and therefore compares favorably with most TN / VA monitors with increased viewing angles of 178 degrees vertically and horizontally. It doesn't matter if you sit in front of the monitor or to the side - the picture will not be distorted.
27"
1920 x 1080 (16:9)
IPS
Refresh rate: 144 Hz
Brightness: 250 cd/m²
Static contrast ratio: 1000:1
Response time: 1 ms
Viewing angles: 178°(H)/178°(V)
1 x DisplayPort, 2 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone jack
2 x 2 W speakers
3 years
High End Specs At a Mid Range Price
The Dell S2719DGF is a mid-range gaming monitor with more or less high-end specs. The only difference between this model and just about every other high-end screen on the market today is the TN panel. Other than that, what we're dealing with here is about as good as monitors get in the sub-500-pound price range.
Ports Galore
The Dell S2719DGF is the only model here right now that boasts a QHD 2560 x 1440 native resolution. That is 3.68 million pixels we're talking about here, meaning practically two times more details on your screen compared to the usual full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution. It will enable you to enjoy vivid edge-to-edge gameplay and crisp imagery. Apart from that, it is the little things that sell this product, including the three gaming profiles that will let you personalise and preset the right settings with a gamer-geared menu (that is in addition to three factory preset modes).
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $446.33 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00N2L5CXO |
Upscale Image Quality
Gaming, streaming, or working, the BenQ 27" IPS monitor can cover it all on the top level. The boosted picture quality and versatile controls are only some of the amazing features that it has to offer.
First things first; the BenQ provides 2K QHD 2560x1440 resolution. In terms of picture quality vs. gaming performance, it definitely focuses on the former, so consider this before you make a purchase. The only problem is that the HDR mode appears to be too dark. Overall, you’ll be able to see the landscape and character designs in full detail, which will bring your gaming to the whole next level of enjoyment.
Speaking of the gaming, you get the FreeSync Premium, HDRi, and the 144Hz refresh rate. These enhanced features will give you images that are crisp and clear, with vivid colors and real smoothness. Forget the cringey picture you used to get from your old monitor; this one lets you experience your favorite titles the way they were meant to be.
Great, but what about the sound? Never worry; the BenQ has two 2W speakers plus a 5W subwoofer, reinforced with the DSP. This makes for the upscale audio quality compared to other similar units.
You’re in Control
The BenQ monitor is super easy to control, and here’s why. To start with, you have the remote for the extra lazy users who don’t want to reach out for the buttons. Yes, this isn’t typical for monitors, but you’ll be sure to like it after a few tries; just wait and see. Next, you get the 5-way navigator and a volume wheel to set your preferences. Adjust this monitor the way you want – and be rewarded with a unique gaming experience.
If you’re one of those avid gamers spending hours behind the screen, you must know what eye fatigue is. The BenQ optimizes the brightness and color temperature based on a) the ambient light conditions and b) the screen content. Remember when the extra brightness made your eyes hurt – or when you couldn’t see a thing on the super dark screen? This monitor delivers the well-balanced picture that you need and deserve.
Can you game on consoles with this unit? Absolutely. The BenQ is compatible with the Xbox Series X at 1440p/120Hz. What’s more, it works really well, feeling like a premium product but costing less.
To sum up, the BenQ gaming monitor is pure gold for the PC and modern console users who want the quality in-game picture plus the upscale sound.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07X51X3CB |
What customers say about this product
Key Specs(4.8)
Display(4.8)
Features(4.7)
Connectivity(4.8)
No Gimmicks Here
ASUS with their VG series has been one of the first companies to hop on the 144 Hz train, so it really shouldn't come as any surprise that one of their models has been able to make our list again. What we have here is a monitor that was strictly devised with the gaming demographic in mind. You won't find any unnecessary components here nor will you have to deal with gimmicky features.
The first and one of the most important aspects of a modern-day gaming display is the refresh time. And, as we've said earlier, this desktop monitor features the VG series' staple 144 Hz refresh rate. So, as long as you have the right PC that will give you about 144 frame rates in your favorite video games, you'll be able to play with a serious competitive advantage over your online opponents, helping you get an upper-hand in games like League of Legends or Dota 2, or giving you a serious advantage over your opponents in Fortnite and Overwatch. And it will allow you to simply decimate those Counter-Strike and other FPS enemies that are not yet equipped with a 144 Hz monitor.
Every Trick In The Book
Though everything that we've mentioned earlier pretty much covers the gaming basics, there are still a couple of things that make this monitor a more appealing choice than most of its competition. For example, there's the company's very own Extreme Low Motion Blur, a technology that makes objects in motion appear even sharper. With it, the gameplay will look and feel more fluid and much more responsive. The monitor also comes equipped with the so-called Adaptive-Sync (a variation of FreeSync). If you happen to be an AMD graphics card owner, you'll be able to experience smooth gameplay and seamless visuals as the technology works with AMD cards to eliminate choppy frames and screen tearing.
Other than that, there's a lot about this model that will improve your performance or the overall gaming experience. For instance, there's the GameFast Input technology that further minimizes input lag. The Game Visual function also improves color performance and control. The ASUS Eye Care Technology will keep eye fatigue to a minimum. Finally, the stand is ergonomically sound, with full height/tilt/swivel/pivot adjustments that will do a great job accommodating any desk.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $229.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07XV1519W |
What customers say about this product
Key Specs(4.6)
Display(4.5)
Features(4.6)
Connectivity(4.3)
Widescreen Curved Monitor
Those who have top-of-the-line gaming systems will want only the best products to use with their computer, no matter what they are. Mice, keyboards, and even monitors need to measure up to allow for the very best of the best gaming experience, and anything less simply will not do. This is especially true of any monitor, as not having the right monitor can be a real bottleneck to getting the best gaming experience. With the Sceptre 30-inch Curved 21:9 Gaming Monitor, though, you won't have to worry about it being any kind of bottleneck to your gaming rig.
To start with, the dimensions of this monitor are surely going to be of great interest for anyone wanting the most immersive gaming experience. This monitor sports a widescreen aspect ratio of 21:9, essentially giving you a 50% wider view of the game world than what you'll get with a standard 16:9 monitor. The 30-inch size of the monitor also makes it the biggest one in this review, so it will certainly be worth a look to anyone who wants a large monitor that will still fit on a relatively small desk. While the 2560 x 1080 resolution isn't quite up to 4K standards, it is certainly the next best thing, giving you an extremely sharp and detailed image.
Extra Screen Real Estate
Although the dimensions of this monitor are quite impressive enough, they actually give you the ability to take advantage of some special features that just aren't practical on a standard 16:9 display. For instance, this monitor features a Picture-in-Picture mode, which lets you view the screen of multiple video inputs. For instance, you can play a game while also having TV, or a live video stream in the PIP window without it taking up much of the view of your game. Also, you can even have two games playing side-by-side in windowed mode on your system, which is great for when you're playing slow, leisurely-paced games yet don't want to miss out on something else.
Another great feature of this monitor is that it has built-in speakers, which are actually quite good. The 2 x 3 W speakers give you great sound reproduction that shouldn't be a disappointment to anyone. Gaming performance on this monitor is also exceptional, thanks to the inclusion of AMD's FreeSync technology, which lets your monitor's refresh rate keep up with the super-high framerates that many people enjoy when playing on a monster gaming PC. As you can see, this curved widescreen monitor from Sceptre gives you an amazing all-around computer experience, whether it is for gaming or for anything else.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $324.97 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07TXM7K4T |
View From Anywhere
One of the biggest drawbacks of many LCD and LED monitors is that they often suffer from at least somewhat limited viewing angles. Back in the old CRT days, you could always view the image without distortion when sitting even off to the side of the monitor. With the move to LCD technology, though, those days seemed to be long-passed - until now. Some of the most recent monitors that have come out, with the ViewSonic 27-Inch 1080p Frameless IPS Gaming Monitor being an excellent example, have brought back the ability to see a crystal-clear image from virtually any viewing angle.
This is done largely thanks to the IPS panel that this monitor uses. With IPS technology, you get the best of every other LCD-based panel technology such as from TN and VA panel types, plus the inclusion of wide viewing angles. And with this particular monitor, you get a viewing angle of up to 178 degrees, meaning that if you can physically see the front of the monitor, then you'll be seeing a crystal-clear image, without any distortion or color warping. That means that even if you have to move off to the side to do something, you'll still get a great view of the monitor from anywhere in the room. Thankfully, the benefits of this monitor don't stop there.
Frameless Design
With many LED monitors from the past, it was quite common for the displays to have rather large bezels, meaning that you always had a huge black border around the screen. Although this doesn't bother some people, it can bother many others. If you fall into this latter group, then this monitor will definitely catch your attention with its frameless design. The extremely thin bezels give this monitor the appearance of the image just floating in front of your eyes instead of having a large black border around it. This helps to maximize the immersion of whatever you are viewing on it, whether it be one of your favorite computer games or the latest blockbuster movie.
This monitor packs in so many great features it is hard to list them all without this review going on forever. For gamers, you get extremely high refresh rates of up to 144 Hz to keep up with your games, and a super-fast response time of 1 ms, so all actions you take in any game are instantaneous. You also get multiple video inputs, including two HDMI and a DisplayPort, allowing you to connect multiple devices such as gaming consoles and media players. Best of all, though, you get the extremely high quality that ViewSonic is known for, and this monitor carries on that quality by being one of the best ones you can buy.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $319.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B084JNYTYV |
Infographics
What Is a Gaming Monitor?
In modern days we see computer accessories with the word "gaming" in their name more and more often. Anything can be "gaming" - keyboards, mice, headphones, mouse pads, etc. Monitors are not an exception. At first sight, most users will not see any difference between a traditional and gaming display. Well, maybe they will notice that the design has become brighter. But, same as with other gaming tools for computers, these monitors are also primarily directed at dynamic games. For this very reason, their manufacturers point out such features as speed, convenience of use and general performance, all important for your comfortable gaming experience. If you are a hardcore passionate gamer, or you simply like to play computer games in your free time, then buying this type of monitor for PC will be a nice investment.
If you are only starting to immerse yourself into the world of gaming, and you have decided to substitute your gaming equipment, then you without a doubt will be interested in our reviews on headsets, mouse and PCs for gaming.
What Features to Compare
Choose the Right Size
The modern market offers a large selection of monitors. Therefore, it's important that you follow some simple guides when selecting a display for gaming. The first aspects to consider are size and connectivity. The display size, shown in inches, will tell you of its diagonal length. The height and width of the screen may vary, depending on the aspect ratio. Most PC monitors for gaming have an aspect ratio of 16:9, but it is not that strange to see, for example, a 16:10 ratio, and the 21:9 aspect ratio now grows more and more popular. When deciding on the dimensions of the display, consider where you will place it. If you have enough space, we recommend you to purchase a monitor with a big diagonal, 27" or more. This way you will be able to embrace the whole field of your game. But if your space is limited by, say, side shelves or an alcove, we'd offer you a 24" PC monitor.
Check out Screen Resolution
When you have decided on the size of your future gaming PC monitor, look at its resolution. The monitor's resolution is the number of pixels the panel includes. The bigger number of pixels mean a more clear picture and, consequently, more enjoyable gaming experience. Most PC screens have panels with a Full HD resolution (1920x1080) that allows you to obtain a very clear picture on displays with sizes up to 27". Monitors with greater diagonals often have WQHD panels with a resolution of 2560x1440, which provide a clear picture on the increased monitor size. And the manufacturers of 21:9 PC screens use panels with Ultra HD resolution (3440x1440) to maintain the image's ratio. But note that the bigger the resolution of the screen is, the more powerful video card you will need.
Also, do not forget about types of supported incoming video signals. You should select a monitor with the same ports your computer has, otherwise connecting the screen to PC will pose a problem. In the latest years, almost all gaming displays implement various connectivity interfaces. The most widespread are the following:
- VGA is an analog interface that conveys video with a resolution of 640x480. This technology itself is quite outdated, but a lot of users still have devices with this connectivity type.
- DVI is an interface that transfers both analog and digital signals. There are a few types of a DVI: DVI-I is able to transfer both signals, and DVI-D only transfers digital signals. Depending on its mode, this interface can convey video with a resolution of up to 1920x1080 in Single Link, and up to 2560x1600 in Dual Link.
- HDMI is a modern digital interface for transferring data, high-resolution video and multichannel sound. Maximum transferable video resolution is 3840x2160 pixels. It is the most popular video transferring interface.
- Display Port is a digital interface that now grows in its popularity. It conveys data, high-resolution video, and multichannel sound, which makes it the main competitor for the HDMI. Also transfers video of up to 3840x2160 pixels.
Decide What Panel Type You Need
After you check the availability of interfaces in your computer, we offer you to consider the panel type and the speed of the chosen model. You may need to check these specs: response time, panel type, brightness, and contrast. The response time means how fast any given pixel is able to change its brightness. This parameter is measured in milliseconds. The lower these numbers, the less distortion you will notice when the shots change. The perception of shots change time is individual and varies from person to person, so don't chase the numbers, better choose what you yourself prefer. The following are the most popular panel types on the market now:
- TN panels are the most widespread and affordable. Most PC monitors are now made with TN panels. These models have a viewing angle of approximately 160-170°. They fall behind the IPS screens when it comes to contrast, but are unparalleled in response time. These panels are the best for dynamic games.
- IPS panels have a 178° viewing angle, so the image will stay clear from whatever side you look at it. These gaming displays have a very precise color rendering, but generally, have higher response time than the TN panels. If you love good rendering quality and bright colors, this type of monitor is what you need.
Depending on the panel type and technologies used, monitors also have different brightness and contrast. The brightness parameter corresponds with the intensity of screen glow, and it is measured in cd/m². The contrast is the difference between the brightness of the lightest and the darkest parts of the image. Images with higher contrast look more real. Often manufacturers specify dynamic contrast ratio. It means the difference between the lightest part of an image under the maximum brightness and the darkest part of an image under the minimum brightness. The bigger this ratio is, the more real the picture will look in dynamic action scenes.
Consider Technologies Applied
You may also want to consider the technologies that have been used to enhance screen performance. It is not a secret that manufacturers chase their clients, and for this very reason, they add more and more features to their products. Thanks to this, you can choose the exact characteristics you need.
FAQ:
Q: What is the difference between a regular monitor and a gaming one?
A: As a rule, gaming monitors are distinguished by their performance concerning the parameters that are crucial for delivering a high-quality gaming experience. There is a whole range of such parameters, which every monitor manufacturer tends to interpret individually. Speaking generally, these gaming parameters relate to image quality, sound quality (in case there are built-in speakers), monitor ergonomics and connectivity features.
Q: What parameters are the most important for a gaming monitor?
A: With the visual experience being the top priority for monitors, these monitors are usually targeted at achieving small response time and high refresh rate. These parameters define the performance of the monitor in rendering images. The response time determines the speed, with which every single pixel of the monitor panel can change its color with all the pixels together forming the resulting image we see on the screen. Thus, the smaller the response time the faster the monitor can render an image and more images it can display per second (frames per second). At that, the more frames per second the monitor renders (the higher its refresh rate) the smoother and more artifact-free gameplay experience it delivers (with 60 frames per second being a common standard of a comfortable gameplay).
Q: Is there any difference in terms of visual performance when it comes to gaming monitors?
A: The major difference between them is the type of the panel and the technologies used. While some models use the so-called TN panels that provide smaller response time, many top-tier models come with IPS or MVA/PVA panels ensuring better color rendering and bigger viewing angles. Each panel technology has its pros and cons, thus you need to decide your priorities.
Q: What is the difference between 60, 120 and 144 Hz screens?
A: As their specifications state, some monitors have a 60 Hz refresh rate, while other models offer the refresh rates from 75 to 144 Hz. As a general rule, the higher the monitor refresh rate is the better are the visuals in dynamic scenes (those with many moving objects and rapid movements on the screen) owing to reduced visual artifacts, such as object traces, image tearing and jitter, etc. However, a higher refresh rate does not always mean better image quality in dynamic episodes as the pixel response time also matters and you may experience better dynamics with a 60 Hz monitor than with some monitors that offer 100 Hz or even a higher refresh rate.
Sources:
1. John R. Delaney How to Choose the Right Monitor for Gaming, PCMag. March 2, 2015.
2. Gaming Monitors Guide, SCAN.
3. MonitorNerd Eli How to Pick the Best Gaming Monitor for You: a Guide for Beginners? Monitor Nerds. April 14, 2016.
4. Whitson Gordon How to Pick the Perfect Computer Monitor, Lifehacker. December 26, 2013.
5. Ronald Kim Five Ways a Professional Gaming Monitor Gives you a Winning Advantage, BenQ. November 10, 2015.
6. Adam Simmons Monitors for Console Gaming, PC Monitors. July 29, 2016.
7. Jarred Walton The Best Gaming Monitors, PCGAMER. June 13, 2016.
8. Matt Smith Computer Monitors For Gaming: How Do You Choose The Right One? MakeUseOf. November 18, 2013.