Best monitors for PC gaming in 2020

So, you’ve got your great new computer all built and ready to go. Now it’s time to boot up and start gaming but, wait, you’re still using that 15-inch square LCD monitor from 2011. After spending all that time, effort, and money to build the best PC you can for gaming, don’t you want to effectively utilize its graphical power with the best monitor?

When looking for a new display, there are so many things to consider. What type of refresh rate do you want? Do you want the highest resolution possible or are you willing to go with a lower resolution in favor of a better response time? No matter what the answers are, it’s important to narrow down your priorities and set a max price that you can comfortably afford when shopping. 

If you find yourself struggling to make a choice, take a look below for the best monitors for gaming in 2020 no matter your needs or budget.

For more help with your PC build, be sure to check out the best CPUs, Motherboards, and Graphics Cards available for gaming right now. 

All monitor prices are listed in USD.

Acer Predator XB273K

credit: Acer

Product Specs:

Screen size: 27 in. | Panel type: IPS | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Response time: 4ms | Refresh rate: 144Hz | G-Sync/FreeSync: G-Sync

Average Price: $699.99

Rundown: Boasting crisp colors, sharp images, and solid response time, the Acer Predator XB273K is definitely the best all-around monitor for any type of PC gamer. The monitor features a DisplayPort and an HDMI input along with four USB 3.0 inputs for various peripherals. The built-in 4W speakers aren’t anything to write home about, but they can definitely get the job done if space for external speakers is limited.

The price may scare some away, but, if you can swing it, it’s hard to pass this up.

BenQ EL2870U

credit: BenQ

Product Specs:

Screen size: 28 in. | Panel type: TN | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Response time: 1ms | Refresh rate: 60Hz | G-Sync/FreeSync: FreeSync

Average Price: $299.99

Rundown: With a 1ms response time on a 4K monitor, the BenQ EL2870U is one of the best 4K monitors on the market, especially when you consider the $300 (or less) price tag. The monitor comes with two HDMI 2.0 inputs and one DisplayPort 1.4 input, allowing you to connect almost any device. The monitor features HDR that you can conveniently toggle on and off with a button on the bottom of the display.

With such an affordable price there are sure to be drawbacks, like the low 60Hz refresh rate and the lack of USB ports. But the benefits on this display far outweigh any limitations. Also, with it being a TN panel display, the viewing angles aren’t the greatest, but, more often than not, you shouldn’t find yourself hampered by that.

Samsung CHG70

credit: Samsung

Product Specs:

Screen size: 32 in. | Panel type: VA | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | Response time: 1ms| Refresh rate: 144Hz| G-Sync/FreeSync: FreeSync

Average Price: $449.99

Rundown: The largest non-ultrawide monitor on this list, the Samsung CHG70 is the best 1440p curved PC gaming monitor available right now. The 32-inch display doesn’t feel overwhelming, and the colors you get out of the box are almost on par with any of the more expensive monitors. With a fast 1ms response time and a 144Hz refresh rate, gaming feels smooth and can support higher frame rates if your PC can handle it.

The monitor comes with one DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs along with two USB 3.0 ports. It also features one of the best stock stands you can get that’s easily adjustable to suit any setup.

ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C

credit: ViewSonic

Product Specs:

Screen size: 35 in. | Panel type: MVA | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3440 x 1440 | Response time: 3ms | Refresh rate: 100Hz | G-Sync/FreeSync: FreeSync

Average Price: $659.99

Rundown: Don’t be alarmed by the near-$700 price tag, because the ViewSonic Elite XG350R-C easily justifies it. The 1440p ultrawide display is a comfortable view with smooth framerates and sharp colors for no matter what you play. Elements like skin tones and skylight look natural while artifacting is nonexistent.

The monitor features one DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs along with three USB 3.0 ports. The dual 5W built-in speakers also pack a nice punch while the LED backlighting is a nice little touch.

ViewSonic XG2401

credit: ViewSonic

Product Specs:

Screen size: 24 in. | Panel type: TN  | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080| Response time: 1ms| Refresh rate: 144Hz| G-Sync/FreeSync: FreeSync  

Average Price: $189.99

Rundown: If you thought the budget gamer was going to be left out, fear not because the ViewSonic XG2401 is the best entry-level 1080p monitor you can find. At 144Hz with a 1ms response time, you’ll be able to play any game at the highest frame rates and quality at 1080p. With FreeSync available at a low price, AMD GPU users should be more inclined to pick this up if they want to utilize the Adaptive-Sync technology.

Despite the price, the monitor comes with a nice allotment of ports with two HDMI inputs, one DisplayPort input, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, and a single USB 3.0 Type-B port. If you just want a solid monitor to game on that won’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with this display.