How to Choose a Gaming Monitor
A good gaming monitor makes the biggest difference to how a game looks and feels, but the spec sheets are crowded with numbers. This guide explains the ones that matter and how to match them to the graphics card or console you actually have.
Start with resolution and your graphics card
Full HD (1920 x 1080), QHD (2560 x 1440) and 4K (3840 x 2160) need progressively more graphics power. A monitor is only as sharp as the frames your PC can produce, so pick a resolution your GPU can drive at a comfortable frame rate. If you play competitive shooters, a lower resolution at a very high frame rate is often the better trade; for single-player games, sharper is usually worth it. Browse our 4K monitors if you have a recent high-end graphics card.
Refresh rate
Refresh rate, in hertz, is how many times per second the screen updates. 60Hz is standard office speed, 120Hz to 165Hz is a clear step up for most games, and 240Hz and above mainly benefits fast competitive play. You only see the benefit if your system delivers frames that fast, and the monitor must be set to its top refresh rate in your display settings.
Panel type
- IPS: strong colour and wide viewing angles, a good all-rounder.
- VA: higher contrast in dark scenes, though motion can be slower on some models.
- OLED and QD-OLED: each pixel lights itself, giving very deep blacks and very fast response. Static content shown for long periods can cause image retention, so check the maker’s care advice.
Response time and adaptive sync
Lower response times reduce motion blur. Manufacturers measure this differently, so treat it as a rough guide. Adaptive sync (FreeSync or G-SYNC Compatible) matches the monitor to your frame rate to prevent tearing and stutter and is worth having.
Screen shape and size
27 inches suits most desks at normal viewing distance. Ultrawide screens add horizontal space for immersion and multitasking; see our ultrawide monitors. Check that your game supports the wider aspect ratio.
Connections
To reach a monitor’s top resolution and refresh rate you need the right port and cable: DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 for high-refresh 4K. Check both the monitor and your graphics card or console.
Ready to shop?
See all of our gaming monitors. Each product page lists the resolution, refresh rate, panel type and ports so you can compare them against this checklist.