Best 1080p Gaming Monitors in 2024

Evan Shephard Avatar

Reviewed By

Evan Shephard

(ISF Certified)

True Score Methodology

v1.5

286,489

Reviews Analyzed

Updated Apr 30, 2024 7:33 PM
best 1080p gaming monitors guide that shows the top best gaming monitor model

Our concise best 1080p gaming monitors buying guide cuts through the clutter of fake reviews and insufficient expert analysis by digging into data and real-world testing. We scrutinized 286489 reviews (customer & expert) from 196 computer monitors, evaluating essential performance aspects like input lag and contrast ratio. Our research revealed that 71% of experts are sub-par in their testing, but we’ve identified the credible few. Our meticulous process has allowed us to curate a list of 5 top-performing 1080p gaming monitors, providing you with the confidence to make an informed decision based on reliable test data and genuine insights.

Below is our list of the 5 best 1080p gaming monitors. Our comprehensive reviews also include the best computer monitor options across various resolutions. For those seeking higher clarity and detail, our guide features the best 1440P monitors and top-rated 4K monitors, ensuring you find the best gaming monitors to suit all your high-definition gaming needs.

How Did We Rank the Best 1080p Gaming Monitors?

We’ve redefined computer monitor buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach leverages a comprehensive dataset from 200+ trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics (2 required, 1 nice to have) and 1 specification to rank the top-rated 1080p gaming monitors and ensure our recommendations meet your specific needs. Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.

🛠️ Minimum Specifications

  • A max resolution of 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
  • Must have FreeSync or G-Sync.

🧪 Test Criteria

  • Input Lag: An input lag of less than 15 milliseconds ensures a highly responsive gaming experience with minimal delay between action and on-screen response.
  • Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1 or higher (infinite), offering deep blacks and bright whites for an exceptional viewing experience.

👍 “Nice To Haves”

  • Fast Response Time: 13ms or less, ensuring smooth transitions without motion blur.

Latest Updates

  • 04/30/2024: Republished the list to include the best 1080p gaming monitors based on our True Score system.

Top 1080p Gaming Monitors For 2024

Prices accurate at the time of publishing

See how we test the testers

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Acer Predator X25 BMIIPRZX

    The Acer Predator X25 BMIIPRZX excels in speed with best-in-class response time, high refresh rate, and low input lag, ideal for competitive gaming. Its impressive contrast, brightness, and sRGB coverage also enhance visual fidelity.

    Acer Predator X25 BMIIPRZX Review →

    True Score

    82
    84
    6

    Experts

    88
    143

    Customers

    $544.48
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Dell S2421H

    The Dell S2421H is a great 1080p monitor. It combines affordability with solid performance for casual gaming and daily use. It’s responsive with a smooth refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and decent contrast for indoor environments.

    Dell S2421H Review →

    True Score

    82
    81
    2

    Experts

    91
    986

    Customers

    SAVE $40
    $159.99
    $119.99

    Did you know 71% of computer monitor reviewers are untrustworthy?

    Our research found only 33 of 110+ computer monitor reviewers as of May 2024 can be trusted. This is why Gadget Review is committed to calculating the most accurate product scores on the web.

    To do this, we give every computer monitor review site a Trust Score, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Score with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.

    286,489

    Monitor Reviews Analyzed

    196

    Total Products Analyzed

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    MSI Optix G27C5

    The MSI Optix G27C5 is a strong pick for gamers valuing performance and affordability, offering high contrast for vibrant visuals. It balances speed with a high refresh rate and responsive gameplay and is suitable for casual gaming and media.

    MSI Optix G27C5 Review →

    True Score

    82
    81
    4

    Experts

    90
    90

    Customers

    SAVE $31
    $200.48
    $169.71

    DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

    Read our LG 27GP850 B review for an excellent 27-inch monitor, especially noted for its performance in fast-paced games like Fortnite. For those seeking higher refresh rates, the best 144hz gaming monitors and top 240Hz gaming monitors provide smooth gameplay, while G Sync monitors and FreeSync monitors ensure minimal screen tearing. The Sceptre A658CV-U is a versatile TV that can be used as a monitor, while the Samsung Odyssey G3 S24AG30 offers competitive specs for serious gamers.

    For enthusiasts of immersive gameplay, top-rated ultrawide gaming monitors expand your visual field dramatically. If resolution is a key factor, consider the differences in 1080p vs 4K to find what best suits your needs. Additionally, gamers looking to streamline their setup might explore the best monitor with speakers, combining quality audio and display capabilities.

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Alienware AW2521H

    The Alienware AW2521H excels at competitive gaming with its high refresh rate and swift response. It boasts vibrant colors and clear visibility in bright settings, ideal for gamers and content creators who value performance and visual fidelity.

    Alienware AW2521H Review →

    True Score

    79
    79
    4

    Experts

    87
    474

    Customers

    $825.00

    Category Snapshot

    Computer Monitors

    • Total Brands/Products Tested

      27 Brands, 196 Products

    • Top 2 Brands

      Dell, HP

    • Price Range (Budget-Premium)

      $100-$1,500

    • Average True Score

      74.46

    • Important Test Criteria

      Brightness (cd/m2)
      Contrast Ratio (1000:1)

    • Most Trusted Testers

    • Top Monitor Experts

      Samuel Breton, Chris Eberle

    • Typical Warranty

      2 years

    • Covered by Insurance

      Yes – AKKO

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Asus Rog Strix XG16AHPE

    The Asus Rog Strix XG16AHPE combines portability with impressive gaming performance. It offers vibrant visuals, commendable color accuracy, and a high refresh rate in a compact, travel-friendly design.

    Asus Rog Strix XG16AHPE Review →

    True Score

    69
    70
    3

    Experts

    76
    204

    Customers

    $449.99

Our Approach to Testing the Best 1080p Gaming Monitors

We’ve redefined computer monitor buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach uses a comprehensive dataset from trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics like contrast ratio, color gamut, and input lag.

We aggregate and analyze this data, ensuring our recommendations meet the specific needs. Specifically, when it comes to best 1080p gaming monitors that have an input lag of under 15 ms. Discover our data-driven methodology for precise, reliable gaming monitor recommendations.

Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best 1080p Gaming Monitors?

By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 1 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these computer monitors and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase the best 1080p gaming monitor.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
Contrast Ratio>1000:1YesThe difference in brightness between the whites (lit sections) and blacks (dim or unlit sections) of a monitor panel.
Input Lag< 15 msYesThe time it takes for the monitor to register inputs from the user and process them as action.
Response Time< 13 msNo (Nice to have)The time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another.

Our Trusted Data Sources

We looked at 110+ computer monitor reviewers and found that 33 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Score). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for computer monitors.

  1. Samuel Breton – Rtings, MuckRack
  2. Chris Eberle – Tom’s Hardware, LinkedIn
  3. Tony Hoffman – PC Mag, MuckRack

Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every computer monitor review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Scores from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.

Computer Monitor Test Data & Results

1. Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) Test Results

Contrast ratio is responsible for making images appear “dynamic” and “dramatic.” By having a good contrast ratio, a monitor is able to recreate dramatic differences between light and dark spots in scenes, images and games accurately.

At a minimum, we recommend a contrast ratio of 1000:1, as this will do a good enough job at allow for detail in dark scenes and images. If contrast ratio gets too low, the picture quality suffers, and the monitor performs worse across the board, no matter the lighting condition. By getting a monitor with a sufficiently high contrast ratio, you can ensure the picture quality doesn’t suffer, and dramatic scenes with stark shifts in lighting, whether they be in games or videos, are created as accurately as possible.

Contrast Ratio (higher is better)

2. Input Lag (ms) Test Results

Input lag is more of a concern when it comes to gaming, but if you plan on using a monitor for a bit of gaming when you aren’t focused on productivity, editing or other tasks, lower values help improve responsiveness. High input lag means your actions take longer to register on the monitor, effectively introducing an artificial delay to your reactions.

It’s for this reason that we generally recommend an input lag under 15 ms. This ensures the delay that’s introduced has minimal impact on your reactions to what’s happening on screen. It’s important to note that a high input lag won’t have any real effect on anything that isn’t gaming, so it can be safely ignored if you don’t plan on gaming on your monitor.

Input Lag (in ms; lower is better)

3. Response Time (ms) Test Results

Response time measures how long it takes pixels to change from one color to another, often gray to gray. Low response times means the monitor is able to keep up with constant shifts in colors, and helps prevent motion blur from being introduced whatever you’re watching.

We generally recommend a response time that is 13 ms or less, as this will keep motion blur to a minimum, but if you don’t watch a lot of very high intensity videos or play fast-paced games, response time isn’t going to matter much. It’s important to note that monitors will often advertise a 1ms or 2ms or 5ms response time, to name a few, but response time tests measure full color to color shifts, as well as overshoots, which produces different times than what the monitor often claims on the box. This is why response time is a listed spec, but also a testable criterion.

Response Time (in ms; lower is better)

Best 1080p Gaming Monitors: Mistakes To Avoid

  1. Overlooking Panel Type: Different panel types (TN, IPS, VA) offer distinct advantages. TN panels excel in response time, while IPS panels, like the Viewsonic VP2768, provide superior color accuracy and wider viewing angles. VA panels offer a balance between the two. Choose the type that aligns with your gaming priorities.

  2. Not Considering Connectivity Options: Sufficient connectivity options (HDMI, DisplayPort) are essential for compatibility with gaming consoles, PCs, and other devices. Ensure the monitor offers the necessary ports for your setup. For those shopping on a tighter budget, the best budget gaming monitors not only meet these connectivity standards but also offer great performance at an affordable price, proving you don’t have to sacrifice quality for cost.

  3. Ignoring Ergonomics: Adjustable stands, tilt, swivel, and height adjustments contribute to comfortable gaming sessions. Don’t overlook ergonomic features, as they can significantly impact your gaming experience over time. Additionally, exploring the benefits of dual monitor gaming, such as expanded field of view and the ability to multitask more effectively during gameplay, can further enhance your setup, making it easier to manage game interfaces and stream content simultaneously.

  4. Disregarding Color Accuracy: While fast response times are crucial, color accuracy shouldn’t be sacrificed, especially if you also use the monitor for content creation or media consumption. To achieve vibrant and precise colors, consider the best HDR gaming monitors, which enhance contrast and color range significantly, providing a superior visual experience for gaming and watching high-definition content.

The Best 1080p Gaming Monitors Tests Compared

Product
True Score
Brightness
Contrast Ratio
Color Gamut (DCI P3)
Color Gamut (sRGB)
Input Lag (ms)
Response Time (ms)
Reflections %
82
  • 429.55 nits

  • 429.55:1

  • 77.1%

  • 98.7%

  • 8.05 ms

  • 2.9 ms

  • 5.5%

$544.48

Dell S2421H

  • Best for 24-Inch

82
  • 250 nits

  • 1,126:1

  • 0

  • 95.9%

  • 8.9 ms

  • 7.2 ms

  • 5.1%

$119.99
$160
$40

MSI Optix G27C5

  • Best for 144Hz

82
  • 287 nits

  • 287:1

  • 0

  • 97.2%

  • 9.3 ms

  • 6.6 ms

  • 5.4%

$169.71
$200
$31
79
  • 432.44 nits

  • 432.44:1

  • 81.3%

  • 105.54%

  • 13.7 ms

  • 3.65 ms

  • 5.8%

$825.00
69
  • 295 nits

  • 1,215.5:1

  • 73.4%

  • 99.3%

  • 9 ms

  • 5.6 ms

  • 5.2%

$449.99

1080p Gaming Monitor Questions (FAQ)

Learn More About Computer Monitors



Computer Monitors Reviews