How much should I spend on a gaming monitor?

For casual gaming: $150-200 for a solid 1080p 144Hz IPS monitor. For PC gaming that shows off your GPU: $250-350 for QHD 165-180Hz. For competitive multiplayer where frame rate matters most: $300+ for 240Hz+ 1080p. The biggest step up from no gaming monitor is going from a 60Hz office panel to any 144Hz gaming monitor.

Is 1080p or 1440p better for gaming?

1440p (QHD) looks noticeably better at 27 inches — text and textures are sharper, and you see more detail in open-world games. 1080p makes sense at 24-25 inches (pixel density is adequate) or if your GPU can't maintain 60fps+ at 1440p (you'll want the lower resolution for higher frames). On modern mid-range GPUs (RTX 4060/RX 7700 XT and above), 1440p is the ideal resolution.

Does G-Sync Compatible or FreeSync make a difference?

Adaptive sync (G-Sync/FreeSync) eliminates screen tearing and reduces stuttering by syncing the monitor's refresh rate to your GPU's output. The difference between VSync enabled and adaptive sync at variable framerates is immediate and obvious — no more stuttering or tearing. G-Sync Compatible (NVIDIA certified) and FreeSync Premium work similarly. Most modern IPS gaming monitors support both.

Is HDR worth it on a budget gaming monitor?

DisplayHDR 400 certification (on most budget monitors) has minimal impact — it indicates the backlight can hit 400 nits peak, but no local dimming, so blacks are still washed out in HDR mode. True HDR benefit requires DisplayHDR 600+ with local dimming or OLED. For budget monitors, HDR is a checkbox feature rather than a meaningful visual benefit.

Should I get a 24-inch or 27-inch gaming monitor?

27-inch is the sweet spot for desktop gaming — large enough for immersion, small enough that your eyes cover the whole screen without moving your head. 24-inch is better for competitive FPS gaming where eye movement covering a smaller screen is actually faster. 1080p at 27 inches looks noticeably less sharp than at 24 inches; QHD at 27 inches is the ideal pairing.

Best Budget Gaming Monitors 2026