56 Best Monitors for Gamers, According to Gamers 2025

For bargain hunters the Sceptre 27-inch offers a lot of speed for very little money, with a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time that made gameplay feel smooth in our experience. It’s clearly aimed at value buyers — the stand lacks height and swivel adjustments and the built-in speakers don’t deliver much depth, so ergonomics and audio are compromises you’ll likely address with a separate mount and speakers. Given its sub-$100 price, we found it’s a pragmatic choice if you want fast, affordable Full HD gaming.

The AOC 24G4 is a compact Full HD IPS monitor that performs well for competitive players, with a 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time that kept action smooth in our testing. It’s a solid budget contender and earned a mid-range score, but we found connectivity is constrained by the lack of USB ports which can complicate tidy desk setups and peripheral charging. If you want a small, responsive screen for esports, this is an efficient pick—just plan for extra hubs or a different accessory arrangement.

The ViewSonic VX3276-MHD is a slim, stylish 27-inch Full HD monitor that scored 5.5/10 and looks great on a minimalist desk thanks to minimal bezels and a thin profile. During our review we liked the clean aesthetics, but our experience shows practical shortcomings: there’s no height adjustment which hurts ergonomics and the control buttons on the back make quick tuning awkward. If you want an inexpensive, attractive display for casual gaming or productivity and don’t need advanced ergonomics or adaptive sync, it’s an affordable option.

The Acer Nitro 27" is a budget-focused IPS gaming monitor that scored 6.5/10 by delivering a high 180Hz refresh and 1ms response at a very approachable price. In our testing the panel’s wide viewing angles and smooth frame rates make it a great starter screen for competitive play, but we found limited brightness and mediocre built-in speakers hold it back in bright rooms and for immersive sound. If you’re building a budget rig and plan to add better audio or a brighter setup, the Nitro gives excellent bang for the buck.

The HP M22f is an attractive, space-saving 22-inch IPS display that looks great on a minimalist desk and earned only a 5/10 because its gaming chops are modest — the 75Hz refresh and 5ms response are fine for casual titles. During our review we liked the thin profile, but we found the lack of built-in speakers and only tilt adjustment limiting for a modern setup; you’ll need external audio and a VESA arm or new stand for ergonomic comfort. At $189 it’s best as a compact secondary screen or a budget starter for casual gamers.

The AOC G2490VXS serves up deep image depth with a striking 4000:1 contrast ratio and a competitive 144Hz/1ms spec that keeps motion sharp in many titles. In our testing that high contrast made blacks pop on the VA panel, but we found the monitor’s limited tilt-only stand and lack of HDR support reduce its versatility and real-world punch — those compromises contribute to its 5.5/10 score. If you value richer contrast on a Full HD panel and plan to use a separate stand or arm, it’s a sensible midbudget pick at $209.99.

ViewSonic’s VA2456a-MHD punches above its price with a 120Hz refresh and a 1ms (MPRT) response that keeps motion smoother than typical office screens — in our testing those specs made casual gaming and video playback feel snappy. We found the monitor’s connectivity (HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA) flexible, but the 24-inch Full HD canvas and weak 2W speakers limit immersion, and the tilt-only stand hurts ergonomic customization, which helps explain its 5.5/10 score. At $119.99 it’s a budget-friendly option for a second monitor or an entry-level gaming display if you add better audio and a stand.

If you’re building a budget rig, the Acer Nitro XFA243Y punches above its weight with a 165Hz refresh and 1ms response that kept action smooth in our testing. Its VA panel gives decent contrast for darker scenes and the ergonomic height and tilt adjustments are practical touches, but we found the 250-nit brightness struggles in very bright rooms and the lack of built-in speakers forces you to add audio. At about $158.88 it’s a pragmatic, value-oriented pick that earned a 6/10 due to those compromises.

If you want a roomy 27-inch at a low cost, the Sceptre 27-inch LED monitor gives strong gaming specs for the money — we found its 165Hz refresh and 1ms response reduce motion blur effectively. Its affordability is the standout, but during our review the limited adjustability (tilt-only), flimsy stand that can wobble, and weak built-in speakers undercut long-session comfort. For casual gamers on a budget this is a pragmatic buy; it earned a 6/10 because ergonomics and audio trail behind its performance.

The Acer Nitro KG241Y X1biip is a no-nonsense Full HD option that stood out in our testing for its 200Hz refresh and 0.5ms response — excellent for high-frame competitive play on a budget. We found the glossy screen can cause glare in bright rooms and the limited tilt-only ergonomics mean you’ll want a better stand or arm for longer sessions. At its low price it’s a smart pick for frame-rate hunters, but those needing flexible ergonomics or matte anti-glare will rank it lower, which is reflected in its 6.5/10 score.

The GIGABYTE M27Q X is a speed-focused 27-inch QHD IPS display that earned a solid 7.5/10 for gamers who prize responsiveness — in our testing its 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time and exceptionally low input lag make competitive play feel instant. We found motion clarity excellent at peak refresh, though the screen’s mediocre contrast and HDR limitations mean highlights don’t pop the way they do on pricier panels. If you want blistering FPS performance with accurate colors for an IPS, this is a great value, but know that lower refresh settings introduce a bit more blur.

If you’re on a tight budget but want silky smooth gameplay, the Sceptre 24.5-inch curved monitor delivers impressive value at 240Hz and a 1ms response time — during our review the curve added welcome immersion without breaking the bank. The VA panel gives deeper blacks than most budget IPS displays, but we found it can show ghosting at lower refresh rates and the built-in speakers are weak, so plan on external audio. Also note the stand’s limited adjustability; you’ll likely need a VESA arm for perfect ergonomics.

Acer’s Nitro XV323QU is a QHD IPS monitor that leans into smoothness with a high 180Hz refresh rate and a lightning-fast 0.5ms response, which we found keeps motion crisp in fast shooters. However, during our testing its 250-nit brightness and 8-bit color depth hold it back in bright rooms and for color-critical work — HDR and punchy visuals are limited as a result. If you prioritize frame rates on a midrange budget, it’s a fine pick, but don’t expect vivid HDR or studio-level color performance.

The LG UltraGear 27 is a high-end QHD IPS monitor that scored 8.5/10 by combining a pro-level 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time with broad compatibility — our testing shows consistent tear-free play thanks to G-SYNC and FreeSync support. It’s pricey, and HDR is limited to HDR400 so highlights lack real punch while blacks are typical IPS depth rather than true deep contrast. If you want one of the fastest 27-inch panels with top-tier adaptive sync, this is a strong choice if you can live with modest HDR and the short power cord.

ASUS’s ROG Strix XG27UCG-W is a versatile monitor that scored 7/10 by offering a rare dual-mode advantage: switch between 4K at 160Hz for immersive single-player experiences and Full HD at 320Hz for esports-level frame rates — in our testing this flexibility proved useful across different genres. It’s an IPS panel with 1ms response and G-SYNC support, but we found the lack of built-in speakers means you’ll need external audio. If you want one screen to handle both cinematic visuals and blistering refresh, this is a compelling pick.

Sony’s INZONE M10S is an esports-focused OLED that earned an 8/10 by pushing an extraordinary 480Hz refresh rate alongside OLED contrast for ultra-smooth competitive play. In our testing the 0.03ms response and deep blacks made motion feel supremely fluid, and the panel’s color richness helps clarity in fast matches, but we found the price is high relative to other competitive displays and it lacks USB-C for modern peripheral convenience. If you chase every frame for esports, this delivers unparalleled refresh and responsiveness — just be prepared to pay a premium.

The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD mixes a fast 165Hz refresh and 1ms GTG response with Quantum Dot color that popped during our review, making it an excellent midrange pick for vivid QHD gaming. We found color accuracy and a wide gamut impressive for vibrant visuals, and G-SYNC compatibility keeps competitive sessions tear-free. That said, the lack of an sRGB mode can leave standard content looking oversaturated, HDR offers little real benefit, and backlight strobing sometimes introduces artifacts — overall a 7.5/10 performer for gamers who value punchy color.

If you want buttery motion on a budget, the LG UltraGear’s 180Hz VA panel delivers very smooth gameplay and a 5ms response that keeps action readable — in our testing higher frame rates felt fluid. Priced at $169.99 but scoring just 5.5/10, it’s hamstrung by a Full HD resolution that won’t satisfy players craving sharper detail and by the lack of built-in speakers, so you’ll need external audio. We found FreeSync helps cut tearing, but the limited resolution and basic ergonomics keep this as an entry-level pick rather than a long-term upgrade.

If raw speed and motion clarity are your obsession, the ZOWIE XL2586X+ is an esports-oriented beast — its 600Hz refresh and 0.5ms response with DyAc 2 give exceptional clarity in fast shooters, which is why it scored a high 9/10 in our testing. Our experience shows the TN panel and narrow viewing angles trade color fidelity for speed, so visuals look less vibrant than IPS alternatives. At $999.99 you’re paying for peak competitive performance and an ergonomic stand, but casual or color-conscious gamers may find the price hard to justify.

Acer’s Nitro XV0 is a strong midrange performer that balanced a 240Hz refresh, 1ms response and an IPS panel for consistent color and wide 178° viewing in our testing — that combo helped it earn a 7.5/10. We found the QHD resolution delivers sharper detail for modern titles, but the 300-nit brightness can be limiting in bright rooms and the included 4W speakers won’t replace a proper sound system. If you want high refresh smoothness and accurate colors for $299.99, it’s a great all-rounder provided you don’t need HDR or extreme peak brightness.

The Sceptre 24.5-inch curved model delivers impressive smoothness at a 240Hz refresh and 1ms response while the 1000R-style curve enhances immersion for racing and single-player titles — in our testing that curve felt surprisingly engaging at close distances. Our experience shows the VA panel gives good blacks, but the stand’s lack of height and swivel adjustments plus weak built-in speakers reduce long-term comfort and audio quality; those trade-offs explain its 6.5/10 score. If you want a fast, curved Full HD screen without breaking the bank, it’s a compelling pick at $267.97 with the caveat you’ll likely add a better audio setup.

The Dell S3222DGM is a color-forward 32-inch curved VA display that impressed us with rich contrast and robust build quality, helping it earn a 7.5/10 for gamers who value visual depth. During our review the 165Hz refresh and 2ms response reduced ghosting, but we found viewing angles suffer and minor blurring appears in some fast scenes; it also lacks built-in speakers and USB ports which limits convenience. If you want a durable, color-rich QHD curved screen for immersive play at $450, it’s a solid pick as long as you plan for external audio and cautious viewing angles.

MSI’s MAG 271QPX is an impressive speed-and-color combo — in our testing the QD‑OLED delivered exceptionally rich colors while the blistering 360Hz refresh made motion feel absurdly fluid. That said, our experience shows firmware update frustrations and some reports of mushy text due to a non-standard sub-pixel layout limit its everyday polish. If you chase peak refresh and OLED vibrancy for competitive 1440p play, it’s compelling at $749.99, but plan for potential quirks; we scored it 7.5/10.

If raw refresh is your obsession, the Dell AW2524HF is a specialist: during our review its 500Hz refresh and 0.5ms response delivered ultra-smooth, low-latency motion that competitive players will love. It’s a Full HD panel, so our experience shows you trade density and visual detail for frame-rate supremacy, and the lack of NVIDIA G‑SYNC support limits compatibility for some GPU owners. We rated it 8/10 because it nails esports responsiveness, but you’ll need a very powerful GPU and can’t expect high-resolution fidelity.

The AOC CQ27G3Z is a strong color-forward 27-inch QHD VA that earned a 7/10 for delivering 240Hz and striking gamut—during our testing we measured 100% sRGB, 93% DCI-P3 and a high 3788:1 contrast that deepens dark scenes. We found its claimed 0.5ms spec doesn’t fully prevent pixel transition blur in very fast motion, and our experience shows the lack of USB ports and fiddly OSD buttons dent convenience. If you want vivid color and high refresh on a budget, it’s a great value with some motion trade-offs.

Samsung’s Odyssey G50D is a budget-friendly QHD IPS monitor that earned a 6.5/10 by prioritizing smooth play—during our testing its 180Hz refresh and 1ms response felt snappy and we appreciated compatibility with both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync for tear-free gaming. We found its low contrast causes blacks to look gray and the 400-nit peak brightness limits HDR performance, so cinematic highlights don’t pop. Our experience shows the lack of built-in speakers requires external audio, but at $229.99 it’s a sensible midrange choice focused on frame-rate value.

The LG UltraGear 45" OLED is an immersive 21:9 ultrawide that earned an 8/10 for delivering a cinematic gaming experience with OLED contrast and a speedy 240Hz refresh and 0.03ms response time. We found the wide field of view and G-SYNC/FreeSync Premium Pro support smooth out tearing and make cockpit-style and racing games feel incredible, but during our review some units arrived with dead pixels which points to quality-control risks. The aggressive 800R curve and near-$2,000 price mean you should try it first — it’s stunning if the panel is perfect, but not budget-friendly nor universally comfortable.

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 is a visual knockout with a 4K OLED panel, 240Hz refresh and an astonishing 0.03ms response that kept motion razor-sharp during our testing. We found the near-infinite contrast makes blacks in single-player games truly immersive, and its 240Hz keeps competitive play smooth — it earned an 8/10 from us. On the downside, limited ports (Mini-DisplayPort and Micro HDMI), muddy built-in speakers and a tendency for ambient light to shift blacks toward purple mean you'll want careful placement and external audio for the best experience.

This 34-inch curved QHD IPS monitor delivers a spacious 3440 x 1440 canvas that made immersion easy in our testing, and the large screen is terrific for cockpit-style games and multitasking. However, we found practical drawbacks: the 60Hz refresh and 5ms response hold it back for fast competitive play, and the stand only offers tilt so ergonomic tuning is limited. It also lacks USB-C, which hurts modern connectivity — overall it’s enjoyable for relaxed gaming but not ideal for fast-action esports, reflected by its 6/10 score.

The Dell U3419W is a great pick if immersion and workspace real estate matter — we found its 34-inch ultrawide QHD canvas excellent for panoramic single-player experiences and multitasking. During our review the 60Hz/5ms performance felt fine for relaxed gaming, but competitive players will miss higher refresh and adaptive sync since it lacks FreeSync or G-SYNC. Priced near $999, it’s more of a productivity-first ultrawide that scored 6.5/10 because gamers seeking speed will want a more performance-focused panel.

The Alienware AW3425DW surprised us with an excellent balance of speed and picture quality — in our testing the QD‑OLED panel delivered vibrant colors and deep blacks while a 240Hz refresh and 0.03ms response kept motion shockingly smooth. At $450 it represents outstanding value for a high-refresh QD-OLED, though we noted it lacks USB-C PD and doesn’t include speakers, which could complicate a streamlined setup. Its strong performance and panel quality helped it earn an 8.5/10 in our rankings.

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A is a 28-inch 4K IPS monitor that, despite offering HDR10 and FreeSync, scored only 5/10 because its ergonomics and color accuracy didn’t match the high asking price — during our review the 60Hz refresh and 5ms response felt dated for fast gaming. We also found the OSD menu cluttered and the lack of a USB hub inconvenient for modern setups. It’s okay for casual 4K productivity, but gamers seeking premium features will likely want better ergonomics and color performance for the money.

The Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED is our top-tier pick for balanced performance, scoring 9.5/10 thanks to a vibrant QD-OLED display, bright HDR, and a slick 240Hz refresh that delivers both stunning visuals and competitive smoothness. In our testing the 0.03ms response and solid G-SYNC support made fast-paced shooters feel instant, and we appreciated the sturdy swivel/pivot hinge and distinctive opalescent blue finish. Our experience shows SDR brightness can lag in very bright rooms and running 4K at 240Hz demands very high-end GPU power, but if you can supply that hardware this monitor is hard to beat.

Philips’ Momentum 329M1RV scored 7/10 as a color-accurate 4K gaming monitor that pairs IPS imaging with console-ready HDMI 2.1 and an eye-catching Ambiglow backlight for immersion. In our testing the panel’s color fidelity and 144Hz refresh made both competitive and cinematic games look excellent, but we found HDR performance is limited by its HDR 400 certification and the price leans high for what you get, plus availability can be spotty. If you value accurate colors and console features like HDMI 2.1, this is a compelling albeit pricey pick.

The MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED is a visual powerhouse with vibrant QD-OLED color, deep blacks and a 4K panel that runs at 240Hz with a 0.03ms response — in our experience visuals and responsiveness are excellent for both cinematic and competitive play. We liked the modern connectivity suite, including HDMI 2.1 and USB-C with 90W PD, which makes it a versatile center for a high-end setup. Downsides we found include awkward bottom-facing ports, a glossy anti-reflective finish that can glare in bright rooms, and a price that feels steep given the plastic-feel materials.

The Acer Predator XB323QK is a 4K IPS monitor that surprised us with versatile connectivity — USB-C and HDMI 2.1 make it great for modern consoles and laptops — and a 144Hz refresh that kept games smooth in our testing. We found adaptive sync support for both FreeSync and G-SYNC useful for tear-free play, but HDR performance is limited by the lack of local dimming and the built-in speakers are underwhelming. OSD buttons are awkwardly placed, so while it scored 6.5/10 for value and features, it’s not without ergonomic compromises.

If you want budget 4K on a 27-inch IPS panel, the Sceptre U275W-UPT gives surprisingly sharp 3840 x 2160 visuals for the price and was fine for casual gaming in our testing. The 70Hz refresh and 5ms response are modest but serviceable for single-player titles, which helps explain its 6/10 score as a value option. Our experience shows the built-in speakers lack bass and clarity, and the stand only tilts, so plan on external audio and a VESA arm for better ergonomics if you buy this as an entry-level 4K display.

BenQ’s EW3280U is aimed at multimedia-first users who also game casually: the 4K IPS panel gives saturated, accurate color and effective HDR emulation that impressed us during our review, earning it a solid 7/10. However, we found the 60Hz refresh and relatively low contrast make it less suited for fast-paced esports where high refresh matters, and the limited stand adjustments hamper long-session ergonomics. At $499.99 its USB-C and build quality make it a versatile desktop centerpiece for single-player and content consumption rather than competitive gaming.

If color accuracy is your priority, the BenQ PD3205U delivers — in our testing its factory-calibrated IPS panel produced exceptionally accurate hues that designers will appreciate. We found the versatile USB-C with 90W power delivery and built-in KVM make it a tidy all-in-one hub for a laptop-based workflow, and its designer-specific modes are genuinely useful for content work. That said, the 60Hz/5ms spec and weak built-in speakers feel underwhelming for gamers, and at $699.99 its premium price hurts value compared with faster, more game-focused options; it earned a respectable 7/10 overall.

The LG UltraGear OLED is a thrill for image-first gamers — during our review the 240Hz refresh and 0.03ms response paired with OLED contrast delivered stunningly smooth motion and inky blacks that make single-player titles pop. G-SYNC support helps keep competitive sessions tear-free, and the 4K resolution gives pixel-perfect detail. Our experience shows the main downside is cost: at $1,119.99 the high price drops accessibility, and like several OLEDs the speakers are underwhelming, which is why it scores an 8/10 rather than top billing.

The Acer Nitro 34-inch ultrawide is an immersive UWQHD IPS option that scored a respectable 7/10 by delivering up to 180Hz and a 0.5ms response for fluid, panoramic gameplay. During our review the curved 34-inch screen made cockpit and strategy games feel much more engaging, but built-in speakers were middling and HDR performance felt underwhelming, so visuals and audio won’t replace dedicated gear. It’s a great pick for immersion-focused gamers who want high refresh on an ultrawide, provided you budget for better audio and HDR expectations.

Samsung’s Odyssey OLED G9 is our top-tier standout, earning a 9/10 for jaw-dropping image quality thanks to OLED’s deep contrast and vibrant colors plus an insane 240Hz refresh and 0.03ms response time that kept motion absolutely tack-sharp in our testing. We found the immersive ultra-wide curve and color depth transformational for both single-player and competitive play, though the built-in speakers sound thin and the menu navigation can be clunky. If you want the best visuals and aren’t constrained by the premium $1,299 price, it’s hard to beat.

If you want TV-sized OLED for gaming the LG OLED evo C4 (scored 8.5/10) delivers stunning 4K visuals with deep blacks and vibrant color that really make single-player titles pop. In our testing its 120Hz panel and 0.1ms response combined with G-SYNC produced impressively low input lag for competitive sessions, and webOS 24 plus voice control give useful smart features. During our review we found setup can be fiddly — multiple permissions and a limited app ecosystem are annoyances, and the remote feels a bit cheap. If you can live with the premium $3,699.99 price and a clunkier setup, it’s one of the best picture-first gaming displays you can buy.

The LG UltraGear 32" is a budget-friendly QHD VA option that scored 6.5/10 — it gives immersive 1000R curvature and a high 180Hz refresh for smooth gameplay but cuts corners elsewhere. During our review we found the curvature helps draw you into single-player titles, yet the included stand only offers tilt so you’ll likely need a VESA arm for proper ergonomics, and there’s no USB-C or built-in speakers which limits modern connectivity and convenience. If you want a curved 32-inch panel for under $300 and plan to add your own mount and audio, it’s a decent value, but don’t expect premium extras.

The Alienware 34 is a strong QD-OLED ultrawide that earned a 7.5/10 by delivering deep contrast and vivid color across a 34-inch panel with a responsive 175Hz refresh and 0.1ms response. Our testing shows the ultrawide format and OLED contrast make immersive single-player and simulation titles shine, but we found the 21:9 aspect can introduce black bars on 16:9 content and the lack of built-in speakers means you’ll need external audio. For gamers who prioritize visuals and responsiveness, it’s a compelling ultrawide as long as you’re comfortable with the aspect trade-offs.

LG’s 45GX950A-B is a feature-packed 45-inch curved OLED that scored 7.5/10 by combining huge image quality with flexible refresh modes — we found the dual-mode option (5K2K at 165Hz and WFHD at 330Hz) very useful for switching between high-detail and extreme-frame-rate play. In our testing the panel’s G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Pro support kept motion smooth, but some buyers reported defective pixels out of the box and the built-in speakers are underwhelming compared with external systems. If you want a premium, adaptable OLED experience and can stomach the near-$2,000 price and possible QC risk, it’s a strong contender.

Samsung’s Odyssey CRG9 is built for immersion — its large, wide panel and strong peak brightness made games feel enveloping in our testing, and motion handling stayed smooth thanks to a high refresh rate. We liked how reflections were managed, which keeps HDR highlights readable, and its 8/10 score reflects that immersive strength. Be aware though: the VA panel’s viewing angles can degrade image quality off-center, ergonomics are constrained by the sheer size, and edge-lit local dimming doesn’t dramatically improve black levels.

Samsung’s Odyssey G55C aims for immersion with a 1000R curve and QHD resolution, and its 165Hz refresh plus 1ms response can make games feel engaging in single-player sessions. That said, our experience shows noticeable motion blur and high input lag at both 165Hz and 60Hz, which hurt responsiveness during competitive play and kept its score at 6/10. FreeSync reduces tearing but the lack of local dimming dulled HDR highlights in our testing. If you prioritize wraparound immersion and smoother visuals for casual play, it’s a strong value at $199.99, but competitive gamers should beware the latency.

If competitive speed is your priority, the BenQ Zowie XL2566K delivers with a blistering 360Hz refresh rate and DyAc⁺™ tech that gave us exceptional motion clarity in our testing. Its 0.5ms response time keeps fast-paced shooters feeling precise, which explains its solid 7/10 score for esports-focused setups. That said, we found the TN panel’s poor viewing angles and weaker color accuracy limit its appeal for content creators or shared-screen sessions. Note it also lacks HDMI 2.1, so you won’t get full 360Hz over HDMI without a compatible GPU.

ASUS’s ROG Swift PG27AQDM-R is a high-end OLED that earned its 8.5/10 by pairing stunning image quality with a 240Hz refresh and 0.03ms response, so in our testing both single-player color depth and competitive responsiveness shone. We appreciated the full ergonomic suite—tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustments—which made long sessions comfortable. That said, we found the connectivity is constrained to HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 (no USB-C), the price is high, and OLED burn-in remains a long-term risk despite preventive measures.

MSI’s MPG 271QRX is a 27-inch QD-OLED tuned for blistering speed with a 360Hz refresh and 0.03ms response, which in our testing delivered ultra-smooth motion and excellent HDR performance — that speed helps explain its strong 8.5/10 score. The QD-OLED panel gives vibrant colors and deep blacks, but we found text rendering can be less crisp than expected and typical brightness sits around 250 nits, meaning bright-room viewing requires adjustments. It’s an expensive 1440p pick, but for gamers who value color and refresh it’s compelling.

For budget-oriented competitive gamers the AOC 24G4 is a tidy option: in our testing the 180Hz refresh and 1ms response made fast shooters feel responsive and lively. We found the IPS panel’s color and viewing angles better than TN alternatives at this price, but the OSD navigation is a real frustration — face buttons instead of a directional joystick make quick tweaks cumbersome. Priced under $120, it’s a solid midrange entry that earned a 6.5/10 because of that usability hit.