Unlock the Best Gaming Monitors: A Comprehensive Guide to Top-Notch Visuals in Every Budget
The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Gaming Monitor for Your Budget
Shopping for a gaming monitor can be overwhelming, especially with so many specs, brands, and price points to consider. That’s why we’ve created this straightforward guide: a no-frills, no-guesswork list of the best gaming monitors you can buy at each major price point, starting at $100 and going all the way up to $1,000 (and beyond).
TL;DR
If you just want to know what the best monitor is for your budget without wading through endless specs and reviews, this is for you. Our recommendations are based on extensive hands-on testing, and we’ll help you find the perfect gaming monitor for your needs.
Under $100:
- AOC 24G4 (or equivalent 1080p): A reliable 1080p display that sticks to the basics and performs well overall. If you can grab one near $120, you’ve done pretty well.
$100-$150:
- Asrock PG27QFT2A: A 27-inch 1440p 180Hz IPS LCD that offers a noticeable step up from other entry-level monitors due to its higher 1440p resolution. It’s a great option for those on a budget.
$150-$300:
- MSI MPG 321URX: A 32-inch 4K 240Hz OLED that left us very impressed with its calibration in both SDR and HDR modes. Brightness characteristics are strong, panel performance is excellent, and it’s a great option for those who want the best.
$300-$500:
- Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM: A 32-inch 4K 240Hz QD-OLED that follows the same format as the MSI 321UPX and 321URX, but with additional features like ELMB black frame insertion and Dolby Vision support.
$500-$1000:
- MSI 321UPX: A 32-inch 4K 240Hz QD-OLED that offers great performance and is a great option for those who want the best.
Over $1000:
- Asus ROG OLED PG32UCDP: A 32-inch 4K 240Hz WOLED with dual-mode 1080p 480Hz functionality. While we would personally prefer the PG32UCDM over the PG32UCDP, the UCDP is also a great option if you’re interested in dual-mode support.
Conclusion:
That’s not to say there aren’t more expensive monitors – because there are – but once you go above $1,300 – 1,400, it’s hard to recommend them. Most of the time, they aren’t any better for gaming than the options we’ve already mentioned. You can get top-end performance from these 4K OLEDs starting at $900. We’d hate for you to waste money on pricier products without a clear reason, so we won’t bother discussing anything higher in price.
