Editor’s Choice Monitors – 1080p
- AOC 24G2 – Best 144Hz Gaming Monitor with Excellent Value
- Acer Nitro XV273 X – Must Buy Premium 240Hz Gaming Monitor
- Samsung C27RG50 – Most Affordable 240Hz Monitor
Editor’s Choice Monitors -1440p
- Razer Raptor – Best-Designed High Performance 1440p Gaming Monitor
- ViewSonic XG270QC – Best 1440p Gaming Monitor with HDR
Editor’s Choice Monitors – 4K
- Acer CP7271K – Best 4K 144Hz HDR Monitor for Gaming and Design
- Asus PG43UQ – Best LFGD 4K Monitor with FreeSync and G-Sync Compatibility
- BenQ EW2780U – Best Midrange 4K Monitor for Mixed Use
- PA32UCX – Ultimate HDR Monitor for Professionals
- Asus PG27UQ – Best 4K 144Hz G-Sync HDR Gaming Monitor
Selecting Monitornerds’ Editor’s Choice gaming monitors is a grueling task. New models become better and better with lesser faults and issues in each release cycle. Over the years, we have chosen the best at 
mixing performance, design, and value to recommend to users so they can get the best bang for every hard-earned buck. Greatness isn’t limited to this list, but each one is a superb example of what a responsive and visually stunning gaming monitor should be.
How We Select Editor’s Choice Gaming Monitors
1. Performance
We treat our selection of editor’s choice gaming monitors as if we were buying them for our gaming rigs at home. Before pulling the trigger on any gadget or device, we usually consult an expert or tester’s advice regarding a product’s capabilities before gauging anything else. We test these displays according to a fixed standard which includes color vibrancy and accuracy, speed, responsiveness, and panel uniformity.
Getting eye-popping color with just the right amount of saturation plus low input lag ratings usually, makes the job easier. These two are what gamers usually look for to determine how enjoyable and lifelike the image output will be and at the same time how responsive a monitor is from input to output. After measuring, hours of testing with select titles will ensue, since let’s face it, games are the industry standard for benchmarking raw performance.
We avoid adding in panel uniformity in rating those eligible as editor’s choice gaming monitors because simply put; this facet varies from unit to unit. Sometimes, poor quality control is to blame, but these defects are natural limitations of LCD and LED screen technologies. Manufacturers have come a long way in advancements, but these flaws are almost impossible to avoid.
2. Design and Features
Again, just like buying it for ourselves, the selection is also based on how good a monitor looks. We adhere to the concept of form follows function, so making a gaming monitor look good without and practical reason isn’t well-liked. There are exceptional cases, but ergonomics, ease of use, dimensions, weight, and the general appearance of the whole product weigh a lot in selection.
We also rate according to how robust and durable a monitor feels. Premium models often use thick, and high-quality materials which do not flex or creak, but we have seen some with almost brittle plastic or flimsy mechanics. Some have metal reinforcements to add heft and structural strength, while some trim their products’ dimensions to avoid adding unnecessary materials and bulk.
We also add in the factor of extra features in selecting editor’s choice gaming monitors because these additions often raise the value of the product against the dollar. Paying exorbitant amounts for a ho-hum product should always be avoided. We consider nifty extras such as remotes and headset hangers, but we also check software-based add-ons like gaming overlays and filters. A well-rounded product usually has a lot to offer for owners to be able to customize and use a product with great results according to their desires. Selecting comfortable angles and image output, enhancements, or better yet fine-tuning via calibration should always be flexible with numerous choices to enable personal optimization.
3. Value
After seeking out the best performance and wide array of features, we then come to pricing which seals the deal for selecting an editor’s choice gaming monitor. We generally take estimated average prices of the products we test and compare how much consumers save or add to that median. It’s a big plus if a cheaper option can outperform a more expensive unit, but we also have to balance the practicality of the premium other commands.
No matter how fantastic a monitor can be, if it’s too expensive, we typically can’t add it to the list of editor’s choice gaming monitors. Although these models become cheaper over time or during sales, we only take into consideration its current price within a week of publishing the review. No matter how much we all deliberate each of a gaming monitor’s aspects, it will always come down to cost versus your budget.
Our Editor’s Choice Gaming Monitors: Best of the Best
1.AOC 24G2 – Best 144Hz Gaming Monitor with Excellent Value
The AOC 24G2 is our favorite budget gaming monitor thanks to its low price and excellent performance that punches above its category. It’s one of the first to offer a 144Hz 1080p screen that uses IPS technology in a market niche that’s saturated with TN options. IPS is better when it comes to the color output yet slower in pixel transitions, but the 24G2 doesn’t have this issue.
What we absolutely loved about the AOC 24G2 is it managed to pull off fantastic color accuracy and imaging despite its low price point. It also includes a fully adjustable stand and a slim design whereas comparably priced models usually only offer limited stands and lesser build quality. The AOC 24G2 is the monitor to get if you simply want a gaming display for E-Sports that will not put a dent in your finances.
2. Acer Nitro XV273 X – Must Buy Premium 240Hz Gaming Monitor
The Acer Nitro XV273 X is our top pick for those who want a familiar screen format for competitive gaming with a more premium appeal. It also features a fast IPS panel, so you can forget about poor viewing angles and limited color pop. It’s also one of the most accurate IPS gaming monitors we’ve reviewed, so it is usable for editing and content creation.
It’s great that the brand decided to use the same aesthetic as some of its 4K 144Hz offering which mixes functionality with a subtle gaming appeal. It’s got neat extras like a USB hub at the side and a fully adjustable stand that can make you forget about VESA mounts. The Acer Nitro XV273 X is also G-Sync and FreeSync compatible, so it still is a practical purchase even if it is at the top of the price tiers in its category.
3. Samsung C27RG50 – Affordable 240Hz Monitor with Great Colors and Contrast
The Samsung C27RG50 broke price barriers in the 240Hz market when it released, and it still is one of the most affordable solutions if you want top-tier speed. It also uses VA technology, so it was a viable alternative for those who wanted better contrast and vibrancy compared to the TN alternatives that dominated the 240Hz scene. It is also compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync, so you don’t have to ditch it if you change GPU brands.
The downside with the Samsung C27RG50 is it doesn’t offer a lot of features, and it doesn’t even have VESA mounting built into the chassis. Most of the price you pay went to the screen and its quality, so it’s easy to forgive its limitations.
4. Razer Raptor – Best-Designed High-Performance 1440p Gaming Monitor
The Razer Raptor gaming monitor is probably the unicorn of this market since it only takes a short peek on the retailer’s shelves then it vanishes again. However, we think it’s one of the rare monitors that changed monitor functionality with the way its functionalities are designed. The uniquely engineered chassis gives a whole new meaning to neat and cable-managed setups, plus it’s riddled with Chroma RGB so it can complete your theme.
But one thing about the Razer Raptor is it is not all about looks since it has a very capable IPS panel that aced reviewer’s tests. It has one of the top results in accuracy and contrast, plus its FreeSync and G-Sync compatible. It’s one of the monitors we won’t hesitate to buy at full price, especially since it is difficult to get a unit until now.
5. ViewSonic XG270QC – Best 1440p Gaming Monitor with HDR
The ViewSonic XG270QC is an underrated 1440p IPS gaming monitor that completely surprised us with its amazing performance. It features a fast and vibrant IPS panel, but the main kicker with it is its HDR performance which exceeds its certification. It’s rated for HDR 400, but it feels closer to an HDR 600 monitor which usually costs a lot higher.
You lose sRGB functionality with this monitor, but its punchy colors and deep hues make it a fantastic choice to use for AAA games. It is also quite fast for a VA panel, so dabbling in competitive titles won’t be an issue for most users. It’s also quite hefty for a 27-inch screen, but its great build quality and RGB lighting will make up for that.
6. Acer CP7271K – Best 4K 144Hz HDR Monitor for Gaming and Design
The Acer CP7271K is our favorite 4K 144Hz monitor because it excels with both gaming and design use due to its unique characteristics. Its has top of the line features for gaming such as G-Sync Ultimate and DSC, but it’s also Pantone Validated for the best possible accuracy. It is not common to find a gaming monitor that’s accurate enough for color-critical work, but this product’s combination of the two characteristics is unique in the market.
The Acer Predator XB271HU has one of the most appealing aesthetics for gamers the market has seen. The aggressive matte black accented with bloody red fits a lot of build schemes, making this a top pick for players who want a unified look. The borderless screen plus the unique but fully ergonomic stand adds a ton of appeal, pushing the success of this editor’s choice gaming monitor in the market.
7. Asus PG43UQ – Best LFGD 4K Monitor with FreeSync and G-Sync Compatibility
The Asus PG43UQ offers top-of-the-line specifications while breaking the standards of the ROG Swift monitors. It’s a G-Sync display, but it will also work with AMD’s FreeSync. It has a massive 4K 144Hz display that’s great for PC and console gaming along with HDR 1000 certification for the best possible visual experience. It’s also one of the monitors build with DSC so it compromises as little as possible when a single DisplayPort connection is used.
The Asus PG43UQ is part of the brand’s premium bracket, so it isn’t surprising that it’s tuned from the factory to impress. Most users won’t need to calibrate it, plus they don’t have to suffer through the usual flaws such as high input lag or stuttering graphics. It is even equipped with RGB features so you can always set the mood or match it with your setup’s current theme.
8. BenQ EW2780U – Best Midrange 4K Monitor for Mixed-Use
The BenQ EW2780U provides an excellent 4K 60Hz IPS panel that’s great as an all-around solution for entertainment. Its also designed for productivity thanks to its USB-C connector that supports DP Alt Mode. the IPS panel on the monitor provides great color accuracy and vibrancy, so it can be used for editing work aside from media consumption and casual gaming.
The stand on the BenQ EW2780U isn’t as flexible as we hoped, but it makes up for that with improved speakers that sound considerably better than its competitors. It also has the brand’s Brightness Intelligence Plus feature which will help keep your eyes comfortable and healthy through extended hours of use.
9. Asus PA32UCX – Ultimate HDR Monitor for Professionals
The Asus PA32UCX is the most accurate 4K professional monitor we’ve tested and it’s the most capable when it comes to HDR. The pre-calibrated IPS panel on it features top-notch color fidelity while its 1000-zone FALD expands its contrast and depth exponentially. It is a must-buy if you want a prosumer monitor for color-grading, but it’s also the best solution if you want to enjoy high-fidelity HDR videos and games on the side.
It is also a gorgeous monitor that’s clad in metal and excellent build quality, so anyone will be impressed as soon as it is unboxed. You will notice that it’s quite thick, but that is understandable since it has a layer of small LEDs that help it achieve its fantastic HDR performance. It’s not designed for gaming, but we absolutely loved its performance in HDR games, so it is easy to ignore its slower pixel response time and slightly higher input lag.
10. Asus PG27UQ – Best 4K 144Hz G-Sync HDR Gaming Monitor
The Asus PG27UQ is the new king of gaming monitors thanks to its 4K 144Hz display that is also capable of HDR1000 imagery. This model is tremendously expensive, but it packs the best the industry has to offer such as Quantum Dot technology and an individually dimming backlight array. The colors of the IPS panel are professional-grade, while the FALD backlight is agile enough to keep up with fast-paced action.
No high-end gaming monitor is complete without Nvidia G-Sync which is a feature necessary for monitors like the Asus PG27UQ. 4K 144Hz needs a ton of graphics horsepower to run natively, so having a solution that can cure tears and stutters is a must. Asus also designed the PG27UQ with high-end setups in mind, giving it the distinct ROG treatment that now includes a slick RGB logo that is compatible with the brand’s Aura Sync ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
Choosing Editor’s Choice gaming monitors is becoming more challenging by the day due to the boom in display technology in the last year. At the time of this writing, we are all already anticipating newer breeds with HDR, faster refresh rates, 2nd Generation VRR tech and more, feeding the market with diversity. This fact, however, is good for the community, because the more modern choices we get, the more enhancements become available for our enjoyment.
Despite all that, these models we selected are some of the best we have seen throughout the years. They serve as standard-bearers which should still shine even if newer and better models come out. With that being said, you can’t go wrong with these beasts if you want a fantastic upgrade from your vanilla office monitor.
About the Author:
Paolo is a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since his junior high years. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations and he believes that it’s every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.