Whether building a PC, upgrading current hardware, or looking for something more competitive in the console atmosphere, one key item is a good gaming monitor. However, there's a ton of things to consider such as whether or not it's 4K, curved vs. regular, budget, and so much more.

As such, here's some of the best gaming monitors on the market throughout 2020. While some are capable of 4K and others are more budget-friendly, the one consistency between these monitors is the quality bang they bring for their buck.

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Alienware 25 AW2521HF Gaming Monitor

alienware monitor

The Alienware 25 AW2521HF is a straightforward machine with core functionalities: 240 Hz refresh rate (on a 24.5" inch screen), a fast IPS response, and intense color. While this monitor may not be as "tricked out" as other Alienware products, it delivers on all fronts with a very safe design. It is the definition of a monitor worth $500+, and it likely to surprise many with its functionalities.

  • The Alienware AW2521HF typically retails at $549.99, although it is currently on sale for $409.99

Acer Nitro XZ322QU Curved Gaming Monitor

acer nitro review

 

Although it comes in at less than a $500 price tag, the Acer Nitro XZ322QU checks all the right boxes for next-gen gaming. It features a curved display, which mitigates eye strain and allows for a better field of vision, and an array of other important features such as 165 Hz refresh rate, remarkable sound quality, and comfortable use. Indeed, the only real drawback is that it's not 4K, yet it should be worth mentioning that at its price, the Acer Nitro delivers on all fronts besides that one and then some.

Acer Predator X38 Curved Gaming Monitor

acer predator x38

Although Acer is a brand more commonly associated with cheaper options in the realm of tech, its Acer Predator X38 is arguably its flagship monitor, and it comes in as the most expensive monitor here at $1699.99. While that is a huge investment, it pays back in equal measure. It boasts Agiled-splendor IPS with 1ms GTG response, 175 HZ, and a 2300R curve with beautiful 21:9 immersion. Nvidia G-Sync leads the charge, offering tear-free gaming, and a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut. There's a long list of more features, as well as a slew of customization options, but in short, the Acer Predator has to be seen to be believed.

Gigabyte G27Q Gaming Monitor

gigabyte monitor

The Gigabyte G27Q is one of the best FreeSync, budget-friendly monitors on the market. With a good IPS 1440p display, the Gigabyte G27Q delivers rich color and smooth gameplay at a reliably 144 Hz. Its minimalist design means that it's not as flashy as other gaming monitors on the market, but given that it retails at $329, consumers get everything they expect and then some.

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LG 27GN950-B 4K Gaming Monitor

lg monitor

Without a doubt, the LG 27GN950-B is one of the best 4K monitors on the market with impressively low input lag and great responses. When paired with one of the latest graphics cards, it's going to deliver an experience that is well-worth the price tag. Outside its graphical prowess, it comes in the increasingly standard 27 inch and can be pivoted vertically to use in multi-monitor set-ups.

Razer Raptor 27 Gaming Monitor

razer raptor 28

Razer is a well-known name, particularly for its gaming headsets like the Razer Kraken, but it's a well-trusted brand for a reason. The Razer Raptor 27 is a high-end and stylish gaming monitor, complete with an RGB stand, green cable management system, and just overall design. It's likely to stand out in any set-up an comes with a wide array of features, including reliable 144 Hz refresh rate, the ability to deliver colors and graphics on a non-glare 27" IPS display, a factory calibrated 95% DCI-P3 wide color gamut, and more.

Samsung Odyssey G7 Curved Gaming Monitor

samsung odyssey g7

As aforementioned, a curved monitor comes with a ton of benefits, and its hard to top the Samsung Odyssey G7 when it comes to maximizing benefits. The 32-inch screen goes a long way in maximizing those, hitting 1440p while carrying the 240Hz designation proudly.

ViewSonic ELITE XG270QC Gaming Monitor

viewsonic elite

For those looking for a more middle-of-the-road, budget HDR option, the ViewSonic ELITE XG270QC delivers best on that front. With edge-lit backlighting and a VA panel, it's a big step up from SDR and comes with a solid build, strong color, and adaptive sync with HDR. The minimalist approach works well with the curved design, and with a 165HZ refresh rate, this is easily one of the best gaming monitors for less than $500. As we wrote in our review of the ViewSonic XG270QC, "the most demanding PC or next-gen games should shine on this panel."

ViewSonic XG2705 Gaming Monitor

viewsonic gaming monitor review

The ViewSonic XG2705 is the cheapest, more budget-friendly monitor here, one that excels at 1080p and runs a full gamut of gaming features. Consumers looking for a gaming monitor can't go wrong, although it should be noted that it seems to sacrifice quality in terms of normal, office usage vs. that of gaming use. It's not too big of an issue, obviously not at its price, and it excels at the basics of what one would expect. As we wrote in our review of the ViewSonic XG2705, "ViewSonic hits all the notes that it needs to with the monitor, and any who target this specific feature-set will be happy with their investment."

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