The best monitors for gaming - 144Hz, 4K, 1ms Gamers know: The gaming experience depends on the monitor. High-quality equipment and sophisti...

The best monitors for gaming - 144Hz, 4K, 1ms

Gamers know: The gaming experience depends on the monitor. High-quality equipment and sophisticated playing techniques are of no use if the picture is jerky, the resolution is too low or the ergonomics are not right. We, therefore, introduce you to the ten best gaming monitors for gaming.

1. Acer Predator CG437KP: An extraordinary range of features with razor-sharp images

With the Acer Predator CG7, you get a 43-inch monitor. It is probably due to this size that you cannot rotate the monitor or adjust its height. But the resolution makes you quickly forget this problem: 4K, UHD and extremely low latencies of one millisecond provide you with razor-sharp images despite the sheer size.

The extreme brightness of 1000 cd/m2 of the VA panel makes your game shine. Very strong contrasts, G-Sync and colour-true images further support this gaming experience. Technically, the Acer Predator CG7 can still come up with viewing angle stability, sufficient interfaces and a solid base.

What is special about this monitor, however, are the numerous features: The RGB lighting can synchronize with your games, there is a remote control, and a light sensor adjusts the screen brightness to the environment. A presence sensor ensures automatic shutdown. Anyone who has the opportunity will probably be happy to pay the quite high price of 1500 euros for all these gimmicks.

With 49 inches and a 32:9 ratio, the Samsung CRG9 seems almost too big. But he isn't. The curved panel makes it particularly suitable for displaying car racing games or the like as authentically as possible. In strategy games, it offers the advantage of displaying a larger field of view than a normal monitor. Height and inclination are adjustable, the monitor also offers a picture-by-picture function and thus replaces two monitors standing side by side.

The Samsung CRG9 offers outstanding picture quality thanks to strong contrasts, great colour depth and the high resolution of 5120×1440. Due to the high brightness value of 600 cd/m2, the gaming experience remains true to colour even during the day. The small distortions at the edge of the screen caused by the ultra widescreen are forgivable given these performances.

The only downsides: At 120 Hertz and 4 milliseconds, the refresh rate and latency are surprisingly average. However, because the Samsung CRG9 otherwise delivers an almost unearthly performance, it can still afford a price of 700 to 800 euros.

3. MSI Optix MPG341CQR: Fantastic ergonomics and numerous additional features

The MSI Optix MPG341CQR presents itself as all-encompassing: the refresh rate is high, the latencies are low, the VA panel is of high quality and shows authentic images with strong contrasts and outstanding colours. At 400 cd/m2, the brightness value is also high on the list of strengths of this 34-inch monitor.

One of the greatest strengths of the Optix MPG341CQR is its ergonomics. The screen can be tilted, rotated and adjusted in height. Even wall mounting is possible. There is also a mount for the webcam and wonderful viewing angle stability.

At almost 900 euros, MSI is asking a lot of money for its new gaming monitor. However, the large range of additional services can justify this. Five LED strips offer coloured displays, a fold-out mouse bungee and numerous connections for modern hardware are included. There's even a facial recognition camera -- albeit unconvincing.

4. Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ: Exceptional image quality on a flexible screen

The ASUS ROG Swift PG27UQ is a 27-inch screen with average latencies of 4 ms and a good refresh rate of 144 Hertz. Its strengths lie above all in the images: the strong contrasts and high colour support are complemented by a high brightness of 600 cd/m2. This means that you can play in true colours even during the day.

4K and Ultra HD ensure excellent resolution, while G-Sync and HDR perfect the experience. The monitor can be tilted and adjusted in height and has a pivot function. An adapter plate is included for an additional display mount.

By the way: Have you already checked out the new graphics cards from Nvidia? The RTX 3080 is our favourite!

Probably the only downside is the moderate energy efficiency of the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ - and its price. With almost two thousand euros, this shoots into undiscovered spheres. However, the monitor offers the best picture quality that any display will offer and is almost like a professional graphics display. Who cares about the price?

5. AOC Agon AG352UCG6 Black Edition: Flexible curved monitor with true colour images

The AOC Agon AG352UCG6 is not only a 35-inch ultra-widescreen but also a curved panel with a high radius of curvature. The big difference to other screens of this size: it can still be rotated, tilted and adjusted in height. The monitor always remains stable in terms of viewing angles. The three-legged base ensures sufficient stability despite flexible ergonomics.

The AOC Agon AG352UCG6 scores in the game with detailed images, high contrast and fantastic colour fidelity through G-Sync. A blue light filter and white LED to ensure the flicker-free illumination of the display. Further strengths can be seen in the USB connection with quick charge function and the high-gloss finish of the monitor.

The only disadvantage: The latencies and the brightness value remain quite average at 4 ms and 350 cd/m2. The refresh rate only reaches 100 Hz and can therefore be classified as moderate. The price of 700 to 800 euros is still justified by the intensive images and the flexibility of the monitor.

6. Acer Predator XB271HUA: Gaming experience with few weaknesses

Another model from Acer's Predator series has made it into our list and is again aimed at demanding gamers. A resolution of 2560×1440 on 27 inches, low latencies of 1 ms and G-Sync ensure smooth and true-colour images in rich tones. The refresh rate is a good 144 Hertz. Thanks to WQHD, the picture is even sharper than with the Full HD standard.

The Predator XB27IHUA is ergonomically adaptable: it is easy to adjust, tilt and rotate, but still stands firmly on the table. Acer didn't skimp on a pivot function either. The only disadvantages: There is only one interface each for HDMI and DisplayPort, and you also have to be satisfied with colour banding at times.

Nevertheless, the Predator XB27IHUA is probably the only monitor that offers such good reaction speed, colorfastness and ergonomics for the price of only 500 euros. The weaknesses of the monitor are absolutely forgivable due to this price-performance ratio.

7. AOC Gaming CU34G2: Fast, fluid images even with shooters

At 34 inches, this monitor is quite large - although not quite as large as some of the other models mentioned. The VA panel impresses with impressive response times of one millisecond and a curved display, making it equally suitable for shooters, racers and strategists.

The average brightness of the AOC Gaming CU34G2 is 300 cd/m2. The manufacturer gives a guarantee for flicker-free images. The colour representation is authentic, the extremely sharp widescreen resolution ensures sharp and fluid images. The equipment is rounded off by sufficient interfaces and a height-adjustable stand.

AOC offers two options for this model: The CU34G2X version is slightly more expensive, but offers a refresh rate of 144 Hertz. In the cheaper version, this is unfortunately only 100 Hertz. If you have to be content with that, you probably have fewer smooth images – but you have to pay less.

8. Dell Alienware AW2720HF: ergonomics and high speed

The Alienware AW2720HF is characterized above all by its speed: The latencies are fantastic at only around 1 ms, the refresh rates at 240 Hertz are extraordinary. Added to this is the ergonomics: A flexible stand is combined with height adjustability and a pivot function, while the viewing angle stability always remains high.

Unfortunately, the Alienware AW2720HF only delivers a Full HD display, but the strong colours and high brightness still result in good image quality. The monitor is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync. Unfortunately, as with many other IPS monitors, some backlight bleeding can occur.

Although we are dealing with a 27-inch display, the resolution is more like 23 or 24 inches. This problem is certainly outweighed by the minimal latencies, the high refresh rate and the price: the Alienware AW2720HF is nowhere near as expensive as some other devices with the same label.

9. Asus ROG PG43UQ: Sharp images with outstanding coloring

What is striking about the ASUS ROG PG43UQ is not only its size of 43 inches but also the high price of 1200 to 1400 euros. Despite the mediocre response times of 4 ms, the monitor guarantees lag-free gaming. The ergonomics are limited by the lack of height adjustment and a small tilt range, which can be explained by the size of the monitor.

The strengths of the VA panel are clearly in the images. The admirably sharp 4K resolution, G-Sync and 144 Hertz refresh rate deliver sharp, fluid action. Due to a high colour space coverage and strong contrasts, all images remain true to colour. The brightness of the monitor is high, but it doesn't look completely homogeneously illuminated.

10. BenQ GL2480: Sufficient features for a small budget

The BenQ GL2480 is the solution for a low budget of under 150 euros. The TN panel can be tilted, but not adjusted in height. The viewing angles remain small and the connections are limited to a minimum. For the low price, however, this performance is completely acceptable.

At 24 inches, the BenQ GL2480 is rather small. The Full HD resolution is sufficient for this. With a refresh rate of 75 Hertz, the movements appear smoother and sharper than the 60 Hz standard. The authentic colours and sharp images are complemented by wonderful response times of just one millisecond.

The BenQ GL2480 is the model for gamers with a small budget and rather low demands. It is well suited for beginners, advanced users will probably want more. If you want to buy the same model in a different size, you can do so for just a little more money.

Our conclusion

Acer's Predator models certainly offer the best value for money. The CG7 model in particular scores with remote control, sensors and an incredibly bright screen. If you have enough money, you can also opt for the Samsung CRG9, which impresses with numerous technical features and amazing picture quality. The Alienware AW2720HF and the BenQ GL2480 are satisfactory for a small budget and offer sufficient performance, especially for beginners.

You can use your favourite monitor of the post for your personal setup. Be sure to read our post on the ultimate setup if you still see room for improvement on your desk.

Fortunately, all these monitors are delivered to your home already fully assembled. Quite in contrast to many a PC that you put together from individual parts. Our PC construction guide can help.