10 Best 1080p Gaming Monitors

Updated: Feb 22, 2024 3:40 AM
best 1080p gaming monitors featured image that shows the top three best gaming monitor models

To help you find the best 1080p gaming monitor, we thoroughly researched a multitude of top displays, researching to ensure they featured vivid resolutions, a suite of gaming-centric features, and minimal lag. We also liked monitors with a bevy of ports, for connectivity, and those that were integrated with adjustable and VESA-mountable stands.

The best 1080p gaming monitor we researched was easily the LG Ultragear 27GL650F-B. This best 1080p IPS monitor is filled with high-end features, including HDR10 compatibility, AMD Radeon FreeSync integration, and serious specs including a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. Keep reading to learn more about other quality monitors out there.

Top 10 Best 1080p Gaming Monitors

 #1  LG Ultragear 27GL650F-B 1080p Gaming Monitor

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: Incredible display with some beefy specs, including a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and full integration with FreeSync, along with HDR10 compatibility.

Read Full Review: LG 27GP850-B Inch Full HD Ultragear G-Sync Compatible Gaming Monitor

Pros
  • Highly adjustable ergonomic stand
  • 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time
  • HDR10 compatible
Cons
  • No USB-C port
  • No built-in speakers

The LG Ultragear 27GL650F-B is the best 1080p monitor, thanks to a suite of amazing features. There is a 144Hz refresh rate here and a 1ms response time, with full integration with AMD FreeSync and HDR10 compatibility. The display integrates with an ergonomic stand that can be adjusted along with a wide variety of metrics, including height, tilt, and pivot. The color fidelity here is also fantastic, as this monitor reproduces 99% coverage of the sRGB color spectrum. Those using this monitor for visual tasks will appreciate the rich image quality and RGB lighting on this model with its larger screen size. The lack of the newer USB ports is a let-down, but keep in mind your needs and that no monitor is a perfect monitor.

You should compare this LG Ultragear with one of the best 1440P monitors if you’re looking for a better resolution. And although there is a DisplayPort and an HDMI port on the rear of this LG display, there is no USB-C port. Additionally, there are no built-in speakers, though there is a headphone jack and an audio in/out. If you play Fortnite, consider checking out the best monitor for fortnite too. Or if you like other games but you need powerful refresh rate technology to help playthroughs go smoothly, consider the best G Sync monitors.

 #2  Asus VG278QR 1080p Gaming Monitor

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: Extreme low motion blur (ELMB) functionality, thanks to a stellar 0.5ms response time, with a 165Hz refresh rate and full integration with Nvidia G-Sync graphics cards.

Pros
  • Integrated tech to reduce visual fatigue
  • 165Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time
  • Highly ergonomic and adjustable stand
Cons
  • 2w speakers are fairly quiet
  • No USB-C port, though plenty of other options

The Asus VG278QR is a great choice for competitive gamers, thanks to extreme low motion blur technology, otherwise known as ELMB, a super-quick response time of 0.5ms and a stellar refresh rate of 165Hz, which is 144Hz compatible. There is some nifty integrated tech to help reduce eye fatigue due to prolonged use and it ships attached to an ergonomically designed stand that can adjust along a number of metrics, including height, tilt, swivel, and pivot.

Related: Discover other popular displays in our list of the best 144hz gaming monitors.

Though this monitor does include built-in speakers, which is a nice bonus, they are only two watts each and on the quiet side. Also, there is no USB-C port here, despite offering a DisplayPort, HDMI, and dual-link DVI-D. All in all, this is one of the best gaming monitors available on the market today.

 #3  Sceptre C326B-185RD Curved 1080p Gaming Monitor

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: High-quality curved display that offers plenty of immersion, with a max 185Hz refresh rate that can be downscaled and plenty of customization options to suit different playstyles.

Read Full Review: Sceptre A658CV-U

Pros
  • Optimizes to 3 stellar refresh rates
  • Can be customized to different game genres
  • Immersive 1800R degree curve
Cons
  • Stand is aesthetically pleasing, but not that adjustable
  • 3ms response time

This Sceptre C326B-185RD curved gaming monitor is an excellent choice for serious gamers and competitive gaming, featuring a 1800R curvature that offers plenty of immersion and a bevy of HDMI ports that support different refresh rates, from 144Hz to 185Hz. The display itself can also be customized to suit different game genres and playstyles, with the colors, contrast ratio, and brightness level changing to enhance competitive play.

The integrated stand is certainly aesthetically pleasing, but has limited adjustment options, with some minor height and tilt adjustment available. Additionally, this display does integrate with AMD Radeon Freesync graphics cards, but only boasts a 3ms response time. There are some very competitive models with better response times and a 240hz refresh rate from some of the best 240Hz gaming monitors available.

 #4  Viotek SUW49C Ultrawide 1080p Gaming Monitor

Award: BEST LARGE DISPLAY

WHY WE LIKE IT: Ultrawide curved 49” display that increases immersion and is perfect for multitasking, with HDR integration, FreeSync functionality, and a decent 144Hz refresh rate. This refresh rate is similar to what you’ll find in some of the top-rated 4K monitors, especially if you want the best display performance.

Pros
  • Integrated crosshairs for shooters
  • HDR and FreeSync functionality
  • 144Hz refresh rate
Cons
  • 4ms response time
  • On the pricier side

The Viotek SUW49C is a massive curved display, coming in at 49 inches wide, with a high dynamic range (HDR) resolution and full integration with AMD Radeon Freesync graphics cards. This monitor offers a 144Hz refresh rate, which is decent considering the size and allows access to the company’s proprietary GamePlus feature set, which allows for on-screen crosshairs while playing first-person shooters, among other functions.

Though the refresh rate matches the industry standard, the response time here is 4ms, but slightly slower response times are common with ultra-large VA panels. Compare this with some of the best ultrawide gaming monitors or the best FreeSync gaming monitors for more options. This Viotek model is also a feature-packed display and, as such, it is on the pricier side. It is also one of the best HDR gaming monitors.

 #5  BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P 1080p Gaming Monitor

Award: BEST FOR ESPORTS

WHY WE LIKE IT: Designed to give players a competitive edge while competing in eSports, with proprietary equalizer tech to enhance visual clarity and a smooth 144Hz refresh rate.

Read Full Review: BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P 24 Inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor

Pros
  • Adjustable stand with VESA mounts
  • Flicker-free tech helps reduce eye strain
  • 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time
Cons
  • Displays sizes max out at 27”
  • No USB-C port

The BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P is a great option for competitive gamers, such as those who participate in eSports, thanks to proprietary equalizer technology that enhances visual clarity and eliminates shadow spots. There is also a smooth 144Hz refresh rate and flicker-free tech to help reduce eye strain due to prolonged use. The integrated stand can be adjusted via height, tilt, and swivel, and features VESA 100×100 mounts for wall hanging.

Though this monitor is designed to give you a competitive edge during intense play sessions, the display sizes here do max out at 27 inches, which is on the smaller side. Although, keep in mind that some of the top-rated 27-inch monitors work perfectly despite their small size. This particular model number is a 24 inch monitor, which is still a size used by professional gamers too. However, on this model, there is no USB-C port included, though this display does feature HDMI ports, a DisplayPort and a dual-link DVI-D port. You will definitely need these ports if at all you want to use one of the best TV monitors for gaming. Also consider reading about the benefits of dual monitor gaming and getting two of these for your gaming sessions.

 #6  Acer SB220Q 1080p Gaming Monitor

Award: BEST BORDERLESS DESIGN

WHY WE LIKE IT: Ultra-thin bezel for a frameless and borderless design, with full support for AMD FreeSync graphics cards and an ultra-thin form factor that can fit just about anywhere, including walls via VESA mount.

Pros
  • AMD FreeSync integration
  • Ultra-thin design is great for wall mounting
  • Kensington lock slot for theft deterrence
Cons
  • 75Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time
  • Does not ship with HDMI cable

The Acer SB220Q offers an immersive experience during intense gaming sessions, thanks to ultra-slim bezels that offer a borderless design. This is also an extremely thin display, at 0.24”, making it easy to fit on nearly any computer desk or a living room wall via integrated VESA mounts. There is also a built-in Kensington lock, for theft deterrence, and seamless functionality with AMD Radeon FreeSync.

The specs here are decent though somewhat lower than some comparable displays, with a 75Hz refresh rate and a 4ms response time. Also, this monitor does not ship with an HDMI cable, so you’ll have to buy your own if you want to use the port on the back.

 #7  Sceptre C248W-1920RN 1080p Gaming Monitor

Award: BEST VALUE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Value-friendly display with plenty of high-end features, including a near borderless frame, immersive curved design, and integrated anti-flicker technology.

Pros
  • Anti-flicker technology
  • Immersive 1800R curved design
  • Thin near borderless frame
Cons
  • Base model does not include HDMI cable
  • 24” size on smaller side

The Sceptre C248W-1920RN comes in at a value-conscious price while offering a feature set in line with higher-priced competitors, with integrated anti-flicker technology to provide a crisper-than-average picture. This display boasts an immersive 1800R curvature and an ultra-thin bezel, both adding to the overall experience during gameplay. The integrated stand is height adjustable and includes VESA mounts.

The display here is just 24 inches wide, which may be too small for certain consumers. Additionally, the base model does not come with an HDMI cable, despite offering a port, so you’ll have to purchase your own.

 #8  ViewSonic VX2252MH 1080p Gaming Monitor

Award: BEST FOR RETRO PLAYERS

WHY WE LIKE IT: Ideal for those who still use retro consoles, such as the Nintendo Gamecube or Sega Dreamcast, thanks to a built-in VGA port and customizable visual modes. It’s one of the best 1080p 60Hz monitors available.

Read Full Review: ViewSonic VX2252MH 22 Inch 2ms 75Hz 1080p Gaming Monitor

Pros
  • Customizable visual modes are useful
  • Decent 2ms response time
  • Ships with all necessary cables
Cons
  • Sizes max out at 24”
  • Stand isn’t that adjustable

The ViewSonic VX2252MH is a great choice for retro gamers, as this monitor includes a VGA port, which is often used by retro consoles, in addition to HDMI and DVI ports. There are also some highly customizable visual modes, for different game genres, and a decent 2ms response time, though the refresh rate is just 60Hz. The built-in two-watt speakers sound surprisingly robust, given their size, and this display ships with VGA cables, audio cables, and a DVI-D cable.

The sizes here do max out at 24 inches, which may not suit the desires of all gamers. Also, the stand, while attractive, isn’t that adjustable, only offering some slight tilt adjustments.

 #9  BenQ GW2480 1080p Gaming Monitor

Award: BEST ON A BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-conscious display with plenty of serious features, such as a built-in cable management system and an ultra-slim bezel design that helps to create an immersive gaming experience. This may be one of the best budget gaming monitors that improve your gaming experience while not spending too much.

Pros
  • Integrated cable management system
  • Ultra-slim side bezel
  • Automatic brightness adjustment
Cons
  • Sizes max out at 27”
  • Built-in speakers on quieter side

The BenQ GW2480 comes in at a budget-friendly price while offering a feature set in line with higher-priced competitors, including integrated sensors that detect ambient light and adjust the screen’s brightness accordingly to complement scenes. This display also boasts an ultra-slim side bezel, for immersion, and a highly useful cable management system. If you are looking for an easy wall-mount, this screen does come with VESA mounts, which are handy.

There is some variation when it comes to picking a size for this monitor, but the sizes max out at 27 inches, which may not suit all consumers. Additionally, the built-in speakers, while a nice bonus, are somewhat quiet during use.

 #10  KYY Portable 1080p Gaming Monitor

Award: BEST COMPACT DESIGN

WHY WE LIKE IT: Ultra-slim portable display that is perfect for home office setups or for gaming on-the-go, with a speedy USB-C port, surprisingly decent speakers, and shipping with a carry case and cover.

Pros
  • Premium metal frame design
  • 100 percent sRBG color gamut
  • USB-C port included
Cons
  • Small size may not be for everyone

The KYY Portable 1080p Gaming Monitor is light, weighing under two pounds, and eminently portable, with a compact design that is perfect for intense on-the-go gaming sessions. The FHD display comes stuffed in a sturdy and durable metal frame and features an ultra-speedy USB-C, along with HDMI and audio in/out. The colors this monitor reproduces are extremely vivid and gorgeous, thanks to displaying 100% sRBG color gamut.

Though this is the perfect choice for portable playing, the small 15.6-inch screen may not be the best choice as your main gaming monitor. The portability is upped considerably, however, by this display shipping with a premium carry case and a magnetic cover.

It makes you wonder what the difference is between 1080p vs 4K, especially if you’re considering a monitor for gaming.

How We Decided

To help narrow down to the above list, we focused primarily on the resolution, ensuring that each and every monitor boasted a vibrant and colorful 1080p resolution. To that end, we admired displays with wide color gamuts and those that were adjustable to suit the needs of different types of gamers. For instance, offering modes that reduce shadows while playing shooting games or those that can keep up with fast-paced games.

While it’s evident that 1080p displays offer great value and performance for most gamers, 4K monitors elevate the visual experience with even higher resolution, sharper details, and larger screen real estate, making them ideal for gamers seeking an immersive gaming experience. 1080p monitors are still great for gaming and tend to not only be more affordable but also are compatible with more video games.

Extra features to enhance immersion during intense gaming sessions were also enjoyed. We liked 1080p gaming monitors that feature a curved design and those that offer thin bezels along the side, both of which help with immersion. We also preferred screens with plenty of high-end specs, including stable refresh rates and speedy response times. Of course, full integration with either Nvidia G-sync or AMD Radeon FreeSync was a must.

Additional features were also important. On that front, we liked monitors that offered plenty of ports in the rear, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and the newest of the bunch, USB-C. We also liked gaming monitors that were highly adjustable, with ergonomically designed stands that could be moved around at will or hung on a wall via integrated VESA mounts. Finally, we liked displays with some sort of cable management system built-in, be it a simple loop or something more involved.

Best 1080p Gaming Monitor Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Gaming Specs
    If you are going to be using a 1080p monitor to play some graphically intensive games, you are going to want to make sure that the display you are looking to buy features some beefy specs. Look for refresh rates of around 144Hz and response times of 1ms or 2ms to really minimize lag and maximize accuracy. You will also want to ensure that the monitor integrates nicely with tech embedded in modern graphics cards, such as AMD Radeon FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync.
  2. Adjustability
    Gaming monitors are often highly adjustable in a number of different ways. There are the physical adjustments available within the stand itself, usually present along a number of metrics including height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. Additionally, modern gaming monitors typically offer a fair amount of customization within the display itself, to maximize use with graphically intensive games. Look for monitors that allow you to set custom game modes to match particular genres, such as competitive shooters.
  3. Ports
    While shopping for a 1080p gaming monitor, take a look at the rear of the display to make sure it has all of the ports you are likely to need for your gaming sessions. Modern displays offer HDMI and DisplayPort and some offer integrated with older technologies, such as VGA. Some of the higher-end screens also offer the sought after USB-C port, which is particularly speedy and well suited to modern gaming applications.

10 Best 1080p Gaming Monitors Questions (FAQ)

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