Best 1080p Monitor for Gaming – [Top 6 Picks]


A gaming monitor stands front and center in your gaming setup, and it has a massive impact on your overall gaming experience. You can swap parts to update a gaming PC or jump to the next generation of consoles. However, if you make the right investment, you might not need to upgrade your gaming monitor for a long time to come.

In this guide, we put together a list of some of the best 1080p gaming monitors in the market to help you choose what better suits your budget and gaming setup.

These are our choice for the best 1080p gaming monitors:

Top 6 1080p Monitor for Gaming – (Comparison Table)

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Best Overall
ASUS VG248QG
ASUS VG248QG
  • Size: 24 in.
  • Refresh Rate: 165hz
  • Response Time: 0.5ms
  • Panel: TN
  • Sync: Nvidia G-sync
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Budget Pick
Sceptre E225W
Sceptre E225W
  • Size: 22 in.
  • Refresh Rate: 75hz
  • Response Time: 5ms
  • Panel: TN
  • Sync:
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Best 240Hz Monitor
Samsung CRG5 Curved Gaming Monitor
Samsung CRG5 Curved Gaming Monitor
  • Size: 27 in.
  • Refresh Rate: 240hz
  • Response Time: 4ms
  • Panel: VA
  • Sync: Nvidia G-sync
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Best 144Hz Monitor
AOC 24G2
AOC 24G2
  • Size: 24 in.
  • Refresh Rate: 144hz
  • Response Time: 4ms
  • Panel: IPS
  • Sync: AMD FreeSync
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Most Premium
Alienware AW2518H
Alienware AW2518H
  • Size: 25  in.
  • Refresh Rate: 240hz
  • Response Time: 1ms
  • Panel: TN
  • Sync: Nvidia G-sync
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Environmentally-Friendly Pick
Omen by HP 25-Inch FHD Gaming Monitor
Omen by HP 25-Inch FHD Gaming Monitor
  • Size: 25  in.
  • Refresh Rate: 144hz
  • Response Time: 1ms
  • Panel: TN
  • Sync: AMD FreeSync
VIEW ON AMAZON →

The 6 Best 1080p Gaming Monitors

1#. ASUS VG248QG – Best Overall

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Asus managed to tick all the boxes and deliver the features that define a gaming monitor at a reasonable price. The high refresh rate is the selling point for a gaming monitor, and Asus VG248QG offers a 144hz panel that can overclock to 165hz in performance-intensive games.

The variable refresh rate makes the screen power-efficient and, at the same time, a beast when it comes to performance. If you’re browsing through menus, the refresh rate can halt temporarily to kick back in when you jump into the action for a smooth gaming experience.

The monitor’s response time is kept at 0.5ms, which eliminates any screen treating, blurring, or ghosting. It also supports Nvidia G-sync technology, making sure that the display is well-optimized for your machine’s graphics card.

Asus managed to squeeze in some additional features that are usually overlooked, nonetheless make a huge difference. Asus “Eye Care” technology, for instance, ensures that the display is gentle on your eyes by the elimination of flickers to minimize eye fatigue.

Moreover, the included stand has impressive adjustability allowing you to control its height and rotation. The monitor is also compatible with wall mounts, giving you the freedom to play your games your way.

Asus implemented its GameVisual & GamePlus technologies in their display for advanced color control that allows your games to run at their full glory with crisp, vibrant colors.

Pros:

  • The display’s refresh rate can be overclocked up to 165Hz
  • Minimal eye strain

Cons:

  • The colors might need some adjustment out of the box

Bottom Line

ASUS VG248QG delivers one of the best 1080p gaming monitors on the market, which remains popular year after year among gamers for its buttery-smooth gaming experience.

Click here to buy these ASUS – VG248QZ 24 “Gaming Monitors available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

2#. Sceptre E225W – Budget Pick

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You don’t have to spend big bucks to get a decent gaming setup. Sceptre E225W offers a lot of value for an affordable entry price. Whether you’re a PC or console gamer, you’d be happy with the package Sceptre delivers.

The monitor embraces a minimal bezel design that makes you sink all your attention in the 1080p 22 inches, frameless, TN panel. It offers a decent refresh rate of 75hz, which might turn some people off. Still, generally speaking for the average gaming setup, the refresh rate is just on point, especially as it’s a notch above the slow 60hz monitors, all in an affordable overall package.

The LED panel has some surprises under its sleeve; it implements “Adaptive-Sync” technology for better coordination between your machine’s graphics card and the monitor’s refresh rate. The end result is a smooth gaming experience without dropped frames or image tearing.

Beyond the specs and features, Sceptre E225W made sure that it is an accessible plug-and-play monitor out of the box without any proprietary accessories you have to buy. It comes with an office-quality built-in speaker, two HDMI ports and one VGA port.

Moreover, it implements VESA Mounting Standard, so there is an excellent chance that the monitor mount you have lying around will fit just fine. For all its features and affordable price, it would be a no-brainer for people looking to have a multi-screen setup without hurting their wallets.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • User-friendly and doesn’t require calibration out of the box
  • 75hz panel with 5ms response time
  • VESA wall mount ready

Cons:

  • Not the best build quality

Bottom Line

Sceptre E225W managed to pull off one of the finest entry-level gaming monitors on the market. For its affordable price, it’s perfect for gamers and content creators who want to have a decent multi-screen setup.

Click here to buy these Sceptre E225W-19203R 22″ Ultra-Thin Monitor available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

3#. Samsung CRG5 Curved – Best 240Hz Monitor

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Competitive gamers playing in Esports are always looking for ways to eliminate input lag, enabling their lightning-fast reflexes to kick in and respond to whatever is happening on the screen, giving them an edge above other players.

Playing on a 240hz panel is a real game-changer, as the screen is capable of refreshing 240 times per second, which eliminates image tears and ensures a smooth experience. For better optimization, Samsung made sure that the monitor is Nvidia G-sync ready for better compatibility with your machine’s graphics card.

All of this technology won’t matter if the panel itself is not a joy to look at. Samsung CRG5 incorporates a gorgeous curved VA panel that immerses you in your games and enables a 3000:1 contrast ratio making it possible to spot enemies in dark environments.

Samsung implements similar comfort features to what you find in Asus VG248QG. The monitor has an “Eye Saver” mode that eliminates blue light to keep your eyes comfortable when gaming for extended periods. Moreover, there is another dedicated mode that removes irritating screen flickers allowing you to focus on your games without eye strains.

Samsung CRG5 comes with infinite screen customization; you can tone the black gamma levels, contrast, and sharpness, then save your profile to make sure that different game genres are running in the best specs that heighten your gaming experience.

Pros:

  • Super-fast refresh rate
  • Curved panel for greater immersion

Cons:

  • Relatively high pixel response time of 4ms
  • The bundled stand doesn’t allow height adjustment

Bottom Line

Samsung CRG5 is a 240hz monitor at a reasonable price, which makes it popular among competitive gamers. The curved display has top-notch eye comfort features that enable strain-free, immersive, long gaming sessions.

Click here to buy these Samsung 27-Inch CRG5 240Hz Curved Gaming Monitors available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

Check Out Our list of the best 240Hz gaming monitors

4#. AOC 24G2 – Best 144Hz Monitor

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This is the current price of these AOC 24G2 24″ Frameless Gaming IPS Monitors available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

144hz monitors make perfect sense for casual multiplayer gamers who want a smooth experience without having to commit to a 240hz panel. AOC 24G2 strikes the right balance of delivering just that.

The monitor features an IPS display that offers the best color accuracy and viewing angles, making it a perfect fit for media consumption and content creation. This added value makes the purchase decision easier, especially for casual gamers who want one monitor for everyday use.

AOC 24G2 has some shortcomings that you need to be aware of because of its IPS panel. It has lower brightness (250nits), not that impressive contrast (1000:1), and slower response time than similar TN panels. However, the overall package delivers a bunch of balanced features that will elevate your gaming experience, especially if you’re coming from slower monitors.

In terms of adjustability, AOC comes with an ergonomic stand that allows a wide range of tilt, rotation, and height adjustment. 

Moreover, the monitor comes with a 3-year warranty for bright dots and other monitor defects giving you peace of mind. It even offers a 1-year warranty program for accidental damage, which makes the customer support more impressive.

Pros:

  • Excellent for media consumption and content creation
  • Color accurate with a wide range of viewing angles
  • Excellent post-purchase customer support

Cons:

  • Relatively slower response times

Bottom Line

AOC 24G2 is a balanced gaming monitor that knows when to deliver and when to compromise, giving you an overall versatile package that shines in fast-paced games and allows you to use it for other purposes thanks to its color accuracy and wide range of viewing angles.

5#. Alienware AW2518H – Most Premium

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This is the current price of these Alienware 25 Gaming Monitors available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

You’d know how serious this gaming monitor is when you realize that pro gamer Ninja uses it for his gaming sessions. 

Alienware AW2518H offers an impressive 240hz display that manages to keep the response time as low as 1ms, which is ¼ of what is being provided by the Samsung CRG5 Curved Gaming Monitor. So, you’d expect no input lag whatsoever and lightning-fast performance.

When it comes to aesthetics, Alienware has a futuristic style with a premium build quality. It offers customizable backlighting effects that give you room to express yourself and make your gaming setup pop.

Alienware’s engineering was put to good use in designing a versatile stand that shares the same futuristic design language as the monitor itself. It allows height, tilt, swivel, and even pivot adjustments.

The monitor offers the features you’d expect from a dedicated gaming display like supporting Nvidia’s G-sync technology for the smoothest experience, in addition to a specific gaming-themed OSD (On Screen Display) that offers a UI built from the ground-up for gamers.

Pros:

  • 240hz display at 1ms response time
  • Premium build quality
  • Specific gaming-themed OSD

Cons:

  • Expensive

Bottom Line

If money is no issue and you’re a pro gamer with a top-notch PC that can make use of the lightning-fast refresh rate this display offers, we recommend you go for it. Alienware AW2518H is also a joy to look at thanks to its striking design language, which makes it a unique gadget sitting on your desk.

Click here to buy these Alienware 25 Gaming Monitors available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

6#. Omen by HP 25-Inch FHD – Environmentally-Friendly Pick

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This is the current price of these Omen by HP 25-Inch FHD Gaming Monitor available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

HP took their expertise in consumer electronics to build their most environmentally-friendly gaming monitor without compromising the exceptional performance you’d expect.

Omen comes in a 25 inches display real-estate that offers a 144hz refresh rate at an impressive response time of 1ms. They worked with AMD to implement FreeSync technology to ensure that the display adapts to the game’s frame rate in no time, so each game runs at its best.

The monitor comes in a 16:9 aspect ratio for full immersion, and you have to experience it yourself to believe how crisp the 2 million pixel-display is. Omen keeps your content front and center and makes you focus on your games.

Moreover, the display features an anti-glare panel that allows you to enjoy your games without having to block the sunlight and tightly close your curtains.

HP went the extra mile to build their monitor around a mercury-free LED backlighting, arsenic-free glass, and low-voltage halogen design. So, you’d be enjoying your games at their full glory without doing harm to mother nature.

The ports situation here is typically what you’d expect with a few surprises. The monitor features two HDMI ports, in addition to two USB 3.0 ports that support external hard drives playback and audio output, allowing you to plug and play your favorite movies.

As for post-purchase support, Omen Monitor comes with HP’s one-year limited warranty with 24/7 customer service web support to help you at any time.

Pros:

  • Environmentally-friendly
  • Anti-glare display
  • One-year limited warranty

Cons:

  • Non-adjustable stand

Bottom Line

Omen by HP is for gamers looking for an environmentally-friendly gaming monitor that doesn’t compromise when it comes to performance.

Click here to buy these Omen by HP 25-Inch FHD Gaming Monitor available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

How to Pick a Gaming Monitor?

1. Refresh Rate

A simple feat such as getting a higher refresh rate monitor can drastically change your gaming experience. The refresh rate determines how many times the monitor updates with a new frame in one second. For example, a monitor with a refresh rate of 60hz is capable of buffering 60 different frames every second.

Opting for a higher refresh rate like 120hz or 144hz will significantly minimize your input lag. This can be much appreciated by competitive gamers who play tons of shooters or compete in Esports. You can push the frame rate all the way to 240hz, but you need to have one of the high-end GPUs that can make use of the super-fast monitor for you to notice a difference in performance.

If you’re a console gamer, you will be happy with 60hz monitors, as the current consoles don’t support higher refresh rates anyways. However, it’s always nice to future-proof your purchase, especially because the new generation of more powerful consoles is one its way.

In a nutshell, before you opt for a fast screen, you should make sure that your games and your gaming platform of choice can make use of the added horse-power in order not to end up spending money on a feature you won’t be using.

2. Response Time

The monitor’s response time is a measure of how fast it takes every single pixel to shift color. This sounds a lot similar to the refresh rate we just discussed, but you shouldn’t confuse the two as the refresh rate is a measure of the number of new images per second.

Different manufacturers have different standards for measuring their monitor’s response time. Without confusing you with all the technicalities, the take-home message is that lower response time is always better because it eliminates image artifacts like blurring and ghosting.

3. Type of Panel

Understanding the different types of panels can narrow down the options you consider for your next gaming monitor and make your purchase decision easier. When browsing through a monitor’s spec sheet, you will notice that it has either a TN, a VA, or an IPS panel.

IPS panels are color accurate and can display a wider gamut of colors, which makes them a preferred choice for content creators and people who want their media to pop out. They also allow a wider range of viewing angles; that’s why they are the primary displays of our smartphones.

However, IPS panels are generally more expensive than their TN counterparts. Some gaming monitors implement this technology, but it comes with the downside of lower response time, which is not ideal for fast-paced games.

VA panels, for the most part, represent the middle ground between the other two options. They offer the best contrast and image depth of all three. However, they have the longest response time. Colors and viewing angles sit right in the middle between IPS and TN panels.

On the other hand, TN panels are much more prevalent in gaming monitors’ space in particular, and computer monitors in general. They benefit from fast response time up to 1ms, which is not achievable by current IPS technology.

Moreover, those panels are much cheaper to produce, allowing the monitor’s overall cost to get down. This is convenient, especially for people who want to have a multi-screen setup.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1#. Should I Opt for a 4K monitor or 1080p is Enough?

Should I Opt for a 4K monitor or 1080p is Enough?

This is a very reasonable question to have if you’re in the market for a new gaming monitor. If we have to choose between resolution or frame rate, we’d always go for a smoother frame rate.

The majority of gaming PCs and consoles can’t run games at a crisp 4k resolution while retaining a high frame rate, so we’re limited by the technical capacities of our machines, and we have to choose between the two.

However, the choice is more straightforward than you’d think. At screen sizes of 22 to 27 screen inches, which is the range for most gaming monitors, you will not appreciate the higher resolution. Since the pixels are tightly packed in a smaller screen real-estate, the image will remain crisp enough.

2#. Nvidia G-Sync vs. AMD Freesync?

Both technologies enable your monitor to run at variable frame rates when it needs to, to remain in sync with the frames generated by your machine’s graphics card. The monitor displays every frame entirely before jumping to the next one; this way, it eliminates screen tearing and image artifacts.

For the most part, these technologies are open source and will run flawlessly with most of the graphics cards on the market. The one area where there can be a difference is how a screen with a lower refresh rate handles more powerful graphics cards.

G-sync locks the frame rate to the maximum value the screen can achieve, while Freesync allows the graphics card to run at its full potential and produce higher frame rates than the monitor’s capacity.

How Freesync works can produce screen tearing, but technically it’s still trying to keep the input lag to a minimum. 

For most gamers, both technologies can be interchangeable without affecting the purchase decision. By this out of the way, you can pay closer attention to the monitor’s specs that will actually impact your gaming experience.

In Conclusion

A dedicated gaming monitor is built from the ground up to take advantage of your gaming platform of choice and display games the way they were intended to be experienced. Deciding on which monitor to get can be overwhelming, but as a rule of thumb frame rate should be the single most important aspect to guide your purchase.

We hope our list was comprehensive enough, as we went through different options built for different gamers, but they all share in providing you with the best bang for your buck and elevating your gaming experience to new heights

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