Gaming Monitor Buyers Guide: Top Picks for 2025
Choosing the right gaming monitor can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available on the market. With features like refresh rate, response time, and resolution to consider, it's easy to get overwhelmed. In this guide, we'll break down the key factors to consider when buying a gaming monitor and highlight some of the top picks from leading brands like Z-Edge, iiyama, and BenQ. Whether you're a casual gamer or a professional esports player, we've got you covered. For example, the Z-Edge - 32 Inch Curved Gaming Monitor Z-Edge 32 Inch Curved Gaming Monitor offers a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT, making it an excellent choice for fast-paced games.
What to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Monitor
Before making a purchase, there are several key factors to consider. First and foremost, you'll want to think about the monitor's refresh rate, which is measured in Hz. A higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 165Hz, will provide a smoother gaming experience, especially in fast-paced games. You'll also want to consider the response time, which is measured in milliseconds (ms). A lower response time, such as 1ms, will help to reduce ghosting and blurring. Additionally, you'll want to think about the monitor's resolution, with options ranging from Full HD (1080p) to 4K (2160p). The iiyama G-Master GB3271QSU-B1 - 32 Inch Gaming Monitor iiyama G-Master GB3271QSU-B1 32 Inch IPS LCD is a great example of a monitor that balances these features, with a 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and 2560x1440 resolution.
Key Features Explained
In addition to refresh rate, response time, and resolution, there are several other key features to consider when buying a gaming monitor. These include the type of panel used, such as IPS, VA, or TN, as well as the presence of features like G-Sync or FreeSync, which can help to reduce screen tearing. You'll also want to think about the monitor's connectivity options, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports. The BenQ - GW2490E 24 Inch Gaming Monitor BenQ GW2490E 24 Inch Monitor is a great option for those looking for a monitor with a range of connectivity options, including two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
When buying a gaming monitor, there are several common pitfalls to avoid. One of the biggest mistakes is not considering the monitor's compatibility with your graphics card. Make sure to check that the monitor's refresh rate and resolution are supported by your graphics card. You'll also want to avoid monitors with low-quality panels or poor build quality. The AOC - 24G2SP Gaming Monitor AOC Gaming 24G2SP is a great example of a monitor that avoids these pitfalls, with a high-quality IPS panel and a range of features like FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility.
Price Range Expectations
Gaming monitors can range in price from under £100 to over £500, depending on the features and quality of the monitor. At the budget end, you can expect to find monitors with lower refresh rates and resolutions, while at the high end, you'll find monitors with advanced features like 4K resolution and high refresh rates. The AOC - 27G4XE 27" Gaming Monitor AOC Gaming 27G4XE is a great option for those looking for a high-end monitor, with a 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.
Maintenance and Care Tips
To get the most out of your gaming monitor, it's essential to properly maintain and care for it. This includes cleaning the screen regularly, updating the monitor's drivers, and adjusting the display settings to optimize performance. You'll also want to consider using a monitor calibration tool to ensure that the colors and brightness are accurate. The Minifire - 27" 180Hz Gaming Monitor Minifire Gaming Monitor is a great example of a monitor that is easy to maintain, with a simple and intuitive menu system.
Best Buying Factors
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a monitor, measured in Hz, determines how often the image on the screen is updated. A higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 165Hz, will provide a smoother gaming experience, especially in fast-paced games. The Z-Edge - 32 Inch Curved Gaming Monitor Z-Edge 32 Inch Curved Gaming Monitor is a great example of a monitor with a high refresh rate, offering a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT.
Response Time
The response time of a monitor, measured in milliseconds (ms), determines how quickly the pixels can change color. A lower response time, such as 1ms, will help to reduce ghosting and blurring. The iiyama G-Master GB3271QSU-B1 - 32 Inch Gaming Monitor iiyama G-Master GB3271QSU-B1 32 Inch IPS LCD is a great example of a monitor with a fast response time, offering a 1ms response time and 165Hz refresh rate.
Resolution
The resolution of a monitor, measured in pixels, determines the level of detail that can be displayed. A higher resolution, such as 4K (2160p), will provide a more detailed and immersive gaming experience. The BenQ - GW2490E 24 Inch Gaming Monitor BenQ GW2490E 24 Inch Monitor is a great example of a monitor with a high resolution, offering a 2560x1440 resolution and 100Hz refresh rate.
When choosing a gaming monitor, there are several key factors to consider, including refresh rate, response time, and resolution. By considering these factors and doing your research, you can find the perfect monitor for your gaming needs. Whether you're a casual gamer or a professional esports player, there's a gaming monitor out there for you. Be sure to check out our top picks, including the Z-Edge - 32 Inch Curved Gaming Monitor Z-Edge 32 Inch Curved Gaming Monitor, the iiyama G-Master GB3271QSU-B1 - 32 Inch Gaming Monitor iiyama G-Master GB3271QSU-B1 32 Inch IPS LCD, and the BenQ - GW2490E 24 Inch Gaming Monitor BenQ GW2490E 24 Inch Monitor.
Sophia Patel
on Feb 02 2025
