Best gaming monitors for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The LG UltraGear 27GP850-B is the best overall gaming monitor, delivering a blistering 165Hz refresh rate and near-perfect color accuracy out of the box.
The Gigabyte M27Q is the best value pick for gamers who want high performance without breaking the bank, while the Samsung Odyssey G7 is the best curved option for immersive single-player titles.
A high-refresh-rate, low-latency monitor is the single biggest upgrade you can make to your gaming setup, it makes everything feel smoother and more responsive, whether you’re grinding ranked matches or exploring vast open worlds. The key choices are panel type (IPS for color, VA for contrast, TN for speed), resolution (1440p is the sweet spot right now), and size (27 inches is the most versatile). Your budget and preferred game genres will narrow the field quickly.
LG UltraGear 27GP850-B
the do-it-all default
4.8out of 5A true all-rounder that excels in color, speed, and build quality. Its 165Hz IPS panel delivers stunning images and buttery motion, and the wide color gamut makes it just as good for creative work. The only real compromise is contrast, which is typical for IPS.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Gigabyte M27Q
best value gaming
4.5out of 5The M27Q punches well above its price with a sharp 170Hz IPS panel and surprisingly vivid colors. It lacks the premium build and wide color gamut of the LG, but for the money it’s unbeatable. The built-in KVM switch is a bonus for multi-device users.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →Samsung Odyssey G7
best curved
4.6out of 5Samsung’s 1000R curve wraps around you for intense immersion, and the VA panel delivers excellent contrast and deep blacks that IPS panels can’t match. The 240Hz refresh rate is overkill for most, but it’s a thrill in fast shooters. Just be aware that VA smearing in dark transitions can bother some players.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | LG UltraGear 27GP850-B | 4.8 / 5 | $$ | Anyone who wants a single monitor for competitive gaming, single-player adventures, and ev | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Gigabyte M27Q | 4.5 / 5 | $ | Budget-conscious gamers who want smooth 1440p gaming and don’t mind a basic stand. | Check price → |
| Best value | Samsung Odyssey G7 | 4.6 / 5 | $$$ | Gamers who prioritize immersion and single-player games where high contrast and a curved s | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. LG UltraGear 27GP850-B: the do-it-all default
Best overallA true all-rounder that excels in color, speed, and build quality. Its 165Hz IPS panel delivers stunning images and buttery motion, and the wide color gamut makes it just as good for creative work. The only real compromise is contrast, which is typical for IPS.
Pros
- Outstanding factory color accuracy and wide DCI-P3 coverage
- Very responsive 1ms GtG with minimal ghosting
- Excellent ergonomic stand with tilt, swivel, and height adjustment
- USB hub and headphone jack add desktop convenience
Cons
- Lower contrast ratio than VA panels
- HDR performance is only passable due to limited peak brightness
- OSD joystick can be slightly finicky
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants a single monitor for competitive gaming, single-player adventures, and even photo editing or design work.Who should skip it
You absolutely need deep blacks for a dark room; a VA panel would serve you better.2. Gigabyte M27Q: best value gaming
Runner-upThe M27Q punches well above its price with a sharp 170Hz IPS panel and surprisingly vivid colors. It lacks the premium build and wide color gamut of the LG, but for the money it’s unbeatable. The built-in KVM switch is a bonus for multi-device users.
Pros
- Excellent 170Hz refresh rate and responsive 0.5ms MPRT
- Sharp 1440p resolution at a budget-friendly price
- Built-in KVM switch simplifies using the monitor with a laptop and desktop
- Solid OSD controls and customizable crosshair overlay
Cons
- Color accuracy out of the box is good but not as consistent as the LG
- Stand is functional but doesn’t offer height adjustment
- Older DisplayPort 1.2 limits bandwidth for very high refresh rates at 1440p
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious gamers who want smooth 1440p gaming and don’t mind a basic stand.Who should skip it
You need factory-calibrated colors for creative work or prefer a fully adjustable stand.3. Samsung Odyssey G7: best curved
Best valueSamsung’s 1000R curve wraps around you for intense immersion, and the VA panel delivers excellent contrast and deep blacks that IPS panels can’t match. The 240Hz refresh rate is overkill for most, but it’s a thrill in fast shooters. Just be aware that VA smearing in dark transitions can bother some players.
Pros
- Immersive 1000R curve that feels natural at size
- High contrast ratio produces rich blacks and vibrant HDR highlights
- Fast 240Hz refresh rate with good response time for a VA panel
- G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro support for smooth variable refresh
Cons
- Dark-level smearing can be noticeable in low-light scenes
- Extremely aggressive curve may be disorienting for desktop work
- Expensive compared to flat panels with similar specs
Who it’s for
Gamers who prioritize immersion and single-player games where high contrast and a curved screen make a real difference.Who should skip it
You play a lot of competitive esports titles (flat IPS is better) or you need a monitor for productivity as well as gaming.Best for specific needs
Best for competitive esports
If your focus is twitch shooters like Valorant or Overwatch, the LG UltraGear 27GP850-B’s lightning-fast response and excellent motion handling keep everything crystal clear during frantic moments. Its flat IPS panel also avoids the distortion a curved screen can introduce when you’re tracking targets across a wide field of view. For sheer speed and accuracy, it’s the top choice. Our pick: LG UltraGear 27GP850-B.
Best for budget gaming
The Gigabyte M27Q offers 1440p at a 170Hz refresh rate for a price that often undercuts similar monitors by or more. It’s a fantastic entry point for high-refresh gaming without sacrificing resolution. You miss out on height adjustment and perfect factory colors, but the raw performance per dollar is tough to beat. Our pick: Gigabyte M27Q.
Best for immersive single-player experiences
The Samsung Odyssey G7’s aggressive 1000R curve and VA contrast create a theater-like atmosphere in RPGs and story-driven games. Deep shadows and bright highlights pop, and the 240Hz refresh ensures butter-smooth exploration. If you spend most of your time in single-player worlds and can tolerate the curve, this monitor transforms the experience. Our pick: Samsung Odyssey G7.
Our verdict
Ultimately, the right gaming monitor comes down to your priorities. If you need one screen that handles everything from competitive matches to editing photos, the LG UltraGear 27GP850-B is the clear winner. If price is your primary concern, the Gigabyte M27Q delivers 90% of the experience for significantly less. And for those who live for immersive open worlds, the Samsung Odyssey G7’s curved VA panel is a joy. Choose the one that fits your gaming style and enjoy the upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
What refresh rate do I need for gaming?
144Hz is the practical sweet spot, a huge, clearly visible jump over 60Hz that most modern GPUs can drive in many games. 240Hz and beyond benefit competitive players chasing every advantage, but the gains get smaller. For most people, a quality 144Hz or 165Hz monitor delivers smooth, responsive gaming without overspending.
Is 1ms response time important for gaming?
Low response time reduces motion blur and ghosting behind fast-moving objects, which matters in fast games. But marketed 1ms figures are measured generously and vary by panel, so judge real-world reviews rather than the number alone. A good fast IPS panel often looks better in motion than a TN panel quoting a lower spec.
What is FreeSync and G-Sync, and do I need it?
They’re adaptive-sync technologies that match the monitor’s refresh to your GPU’s frame rate, eliminating screen tearing and stutter for smoother gameplay. It’s genuinely worth having, pick a monitor whose adaptive sync matches your graphics card brand, though most modern monitors and GPUs now work together across both standards.
Is a curved monitor better for gaming?
On larger and ultrawide screens, a curve wraps the edges slightly toward you, which many find more immersive and easier on the eyes. On a standard 27-inch monitor the benefit is subtle. It comes down to preference, a curve helps most at bigger sizes and does little on smaller flat-friendly screens.
Should I prioritise resolution or refresh rate for gaming?
For competitive and fast-paced games, refresh rate and responsiveness usually win, smoothness and low latency matter more than extra pixels. For slower, visually rich single-player games, higher resolution showcases the detail. Balance both to your GPU: a 1440p 144Hz panel is the popular all-round sweet spot.