When selecting the best 1080p gaming monitor, look for essential features such as a 1080p resolution for sharp visuals, input lag under 15ms for quick response, and a contrast ratio of 1000:1 or higher for visual depth. Key features also include good brightness for clear visibility and wide color gamut coverage for vibrant colors. Low response times reduce motion blur for smooth gameplay, making these monitors ideal for fast-paced action.
In our comprehensive analysis, five monitors made the cut from an initial pool of 196. We evaluated 322,018 reviews, filtering out 71% of experts who failed our trustworthiness criteria. Our rigorous process certifies and verifies products based on True Score and Trust Score, ensuring the winning monitors deliver outstanding performance in real-world gaming scenarios.
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?
To create our “Best 1080p Gaming Monitors” guide, we meticulously examined over 200 websites, scrutinizing testing methodologies, and dissecting customer and expert reviews. Our approach zeroes in on the essential aspects that define top-tier 1080p gaming monitors. We distilled the criteria that matter most: 2 required test results, 1 nice-to-have test results, and 2 must-have specifications. Our analysis ensures that you get a comprehensive, accurate, and reliable buying guide, making it easier to find the perfect monitor for your gaming 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
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
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.
True Score
83846Experts
89143Customers
Absolutely Fresh
$544.48
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional 360Hz refresh rate
- Wide viewing angles
- Rapid response time
- Great ergonomics
- High color accuracy
Reasons to Avoid
- Mediocre HDR performance
- Low contrast ratio
- Screen may be small for some
Specifications
Display Type LCD HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format Yes Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 
Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 360 Hz 
Response Time 0.3 ms Screen size 24.5″ 
Sync Technology G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 430 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,150 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 77 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 99 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 70 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 99 All Retailers
$544.48Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you need a gaming monitor that balances performance and value, the Acer Predator X25 BMIIPRZX is an outstanding choice. Designed for gamers who demand responsiveness, this monitor has a best-in-class response time of 2.9 ms and an unmatched low input lag of 8.1 ms, paired with an incredible 360 Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for competitive gaming and esports where every millisecond counts. Compared to the Alienware AW2521H, which boasts higher brightness, the Acer stands out with its superior responsiveness, making it the go-to for serious gamers who prioritize speed over luminance.
If you’re focused on visual fidelity alongside performance, its contrast ratio of 1150:1 and brightness of 429.5 nits are impressive, creating vivid visuals with deep blacks. The sRGB color gamut coverage is impressive at 98.7% for more accurate color reproduction and immersive gaming experience, but it’s at 77.1% for the DCI P3 color space, which isn’t completely bad for gaming, but it’s not ideal for color-critical work like design and photography. Reflection management is unmatched, with a total reflection rate of 5.5%, minimizing distractions during gameplay.
The Acer Predator X25 BMIIPRZX delivers an unparalleled competitive gaming experience thanks to its best-in-class responsiveness and refresh rate. While it may not offer the highest resolution or the widest color gamut for more visually intensive use cases and has a premium price, its strengths in speed and reflections make it ideal for gamers who value performance.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
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.
True Score
83812Experts
913kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
$299.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent 7.4 ms input lag
- Decent 7.5 ms response time
- FreeSync support
- Very wide horizontal and viewing angles
- Good reflection handling
Reasons to Avoid
- Stand supports only limited adjustment
- Lacks DisplayPort connector
- Relatively small screen
- So-so text clarity
- Low 1,126:1 contrast ratio
Specifications
Display Type LCD HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format n/a Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 75 Hz Response Time 4 ms Screen size 24″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 250 Contrast Ratio (as ratio x:1) 1,126 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 0 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 96 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 74 All Retailers
- $299.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
The Dell S2421H balances performance with affordability as a 1080p gaming monitor. Ideal for casual gaming, everyday computing, and streaming content, it caters to users seeking a solid gaming experience without demanding the deepest blacks or the highest brightness. Featuring a 75 Hz refresh rate and a 7.2 ms response time, the Dell S2421H provides a smooth and responsive gaming experience for most casual and indie titles. Compared to the MSI Optix G27C5, the Dell S2421H has a lower input lag of 8.9 ms, making it a great pick for gamers who value swift reaction times over the higher contrast and brightness levels offered by the MSI model.
Its IPS panel boasts an sRGB coverage of 95.9%, ensuring colors are accurate and vibrant for various games, media, and design work. While the contrast ratio of 1126:1 and brightness of 250 nits may not be the highest on the list, they are competent for gaming and work in indoor settings. This monitor is a good fit for you if you prioritize quick inputs and consistent color representation over ultra-high refresh rates or deep contrast. Its strengths lie in delivering a balanced, eye-pleasing visual experience and reliable performance for day-to-day tasks and casual gaming sessions.
The Dell S2421H is a versatile monitor that stands out for its responsive gameplay and accurate color display. It is a sensible choice if you work in design or enjoy a variety of content, from gaming to movie watching. The primary trade-off involves its modest contrast and brightness, but if your gaming and work are mostly indoors, these factors won’t diminish its overall appeal.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
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.
True Score
82804Experts
901kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional contrast
- Low input lag
- High 165Hz refresh rate
- High color accuracy
- Good response time
Reasons to Avoid
- No support for HDR content
- Narrow viewing angles
- Poor reflection handling
Specifications
Display Type VA HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format n/a Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) Panel Type VA Refresh Rate 165 Hz Response Time 1 ms Screen size 27″ Sync Technology AMD FreeSync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 287 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 3,676 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 0 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 81 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 97 All Retailers
Availability
Free Shipping
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a gaming monitor that delivers on performance without breaking the bank, the MSI Optix G27C5 is a superb contender. This monitor is a perfect match for gamers seeking deep blacks and high contrast, with its VA panel providing a best-in-class contrast ratio of 3676:1, though the brightness could be better since it’s at 287 nits, which is better for indoors and limited ambient light. It’s suited for casual gaming, streaming, and content consumption. While the Dell S2421H, another budget model, offers lower input lag, the MSI Optix G27C5 counters with superior contrast and brightness.
The MSI Optix G27C5 has a great 97.2% sRGB coverage, ensuring accurate colors for a broad spectrum of games, content creation, and movie watching. Its response time of 6.6 ms and refresh rate of 165 Hz strike a balance between speed and visual quality, suitable for both competitive and immersive gaming experiences. With an input lag of 9.3 ms, it offers a responsive gaming experience, minimizing the delay between your actions and what’s displayed on the screen. The monitor’s total reflection rate of 5.4% also means it handles glare well, keeping distractions to a minimum.
The MSI Optix G27C5’s value lies in its blend of visual quality and performance at a competitive cost. Its standout feature is the exceptional contrast, enhancing the gaming ambiance, especially in darker scenes. While not the top pick for bright rooms, it’s suited for gamers and general users who prioritize immersive visuals with good contrast and fluid gameplay.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
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.
True Score
79794Experts
86474Customers
Mixed Reviews
$825.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Extremely high refresh rate
- Ultra Low Motion Blur technology for exceptional responsiveness
- Great viewing angles
- Ergonomic stand
- Good reflection handling
Reasons to Avoid
- Poor black levels
- Low contrast levels
- No local dimming feature
- No FreeSync
Specifications
Display Type LED HDMI Inputs 2 HDR Format Yes Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 360 Hz Response Time 1 ms Screen size 25″ Sync Technology G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 432 Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) 1,113 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 81 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 73 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 106 All Retailers
- $825.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes 
$1,150.80Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
If you prioritize high frame rates, vibrant colors, and games in a very bright room, the Alienware AW2521H offers great value for your lifestyle. This model is appealing to competitive gamers and esports enthusiasts thanks to its incredible 360 Hz refresh rate and swift 3.7 ms response time, which ensure smooth gameplay without motion blur. With an input lag of 13.7 ms, it remains highly responsive, a crucial feature for fast-paced gaming where every millisecond counts.
Sporting a best-in-class brightness of 432.4 nits, this monitor delivers clear, vivid images in well-lit environments with a lot of ambient light. The contrast ratio of 1113:1, combined with HDR support, enhances visual depth, making dark scenes in games more detailed. While the Acer Predator X25 may boast slightly faster response times and lower input lag, the Alienware AW2521H has superior color performance, offering an impressive 105.54% sRGB coverage and 81.3% DCI-P3 coverage, rendering it perfect for games that benefit from rich, accurate colors. With a reflection rate of 5.8%, the monitor effectively minimizes glare and reflections, ensuring clear visibility even in brightly lit environments.
The Alienware AW2521H, despite its premium price, justifies its cost for users who value performance and visual fidelity. It’s especially suited for competitive gaming, where its refresh rate and response time give an edge, and for content creators who can benefit from its wide color gamut. The main compromise lies in its higher input lag and price, making it ideal for serious gamers and professionals looking for top-tier performance and display quality.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
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.
True Score
70703Experts
76204Customers
Mixed Reviews
$449.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- It comes with a built-in high-capacity 7800mAh battery
- Exceptionally low input lag and response time
- Supremely wide viewing angles
- Extremely sturdy built-in fold-out kickstand
- Native 144 Hz display refresh rate
Reasons to Avoid
- It does not have HDMI 2.1
- Limited to only 8-bit color
- No presence of Black Frame Insertion feature
- Limited color gamuts
- Mediocre native contrast ratio and black levels
Specifications
Display Type LCD HDMI Inputs 1 HDR Format n/a Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) Panel Type IPS Refresh Rate 144 Hz Response Time 3 ms Screen size 15.6″ Sync Technology G-Sync All Specs
Test Results
Brightness (nits) 295 Contrast Ratio (as ratio x:1) 1,216 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) 73 Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv) 0 Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy) 74 Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy) 99 All Retailers
- $449.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
The Asus Rog Strix XG16AHPE is a reliable choice for gamers seeking portability without sacrificing performance. This 15.6″ monitor offers a 144 Hz refresh rate and a 5.6 ms response time, making it responsive enough for competitive gaming and esports on the go. The monitor’s 9.0 ms input lag ensures swift and responsive gameplay, minimizing the delay between user action and on-screen reaction. Its portability factor distinguishes it from models like the MSI Optix G27C5, which offers a higher contrast ratio with deeper black levels but lacks Asus’s mobility and versatility. Designed for gamers who need a reliable secondary screen or a compact option for travel, its performance is commendable.
With a brightness of 295 nits and a contrast ratio of 1216:1, the Asus Rog Strix XG16AHPE provides vibrant visuals for its size. The color accuracy is notable, with a 99.3% sRGB coverage ensuring rich and accurate colors for a variety of content. Although its 73.4% DCI-P3 coverage doesn’t make it the top choice for color-critical work, it still performs admirably for gaming and general media consumption. The monitor’s low reflection rate of 5.2% enhances visibility in bright environments, complementing its portable design.
If you’re a gamer or a content creator who is often on the move, the Asus Rog Strix XG16AHPE adapts to your dynamic lifestyle. It stands out with its blend of high refresh rate, commendable color accuracy, and portability. The main compromise is choosing this monitor over larger, potentially more immersive options with higher refresh rates for gaming, but this monitor prioritizes space-saving and mobility. Suitable for a wide range of applications beyond gaming, it’s ideal for those who value flexibility and performance in a compact form.
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.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contrast Ratio | >1000:1 | Yes | The difference in brightness between the whites (lit sections) and blacks (dim or unlit sections) of a monitor panel. |
| Input Lag | < 15 ms | Yes | The time it takes for the monitor to register inputs from the user and process them as action. |
| Response Time | < 13 ms | No (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 Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for computer monitors.
- Samuel Breton – Rtings, MuckRack
- Chris Eberle – Tom’s Hardware, LinkedIn
- 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 Ratings 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
> 1000:1
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How bright the monitor will get, usually under specific testing conditions, like 10% windows (which means 10% of the screen is a white box.)
Units of Measurement: Ratio
Tools to Measure: Luminance meter or photometer or colorimeter
Why It’s Important:
Contrast ratio is how dynamic images are given detail and dramatic effect, with very dark areas appearing truly dark, while bright areas are bright and pop.
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 (ms)
< 15 ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of time it takes for a monitor to register an input from the user and display it.
Units of Measurement: Milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Input Lag Meter
Why It’s Important:
Input lag introduces artificial delay when gaming, which creates a mismatch between your reactions and on-screen action and creates frustration.
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 (ms)
< 13 ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of time it takes for pixels on a monitor to shift from one color to another.
Units of Measurement: Milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Response time tool, camera
Why It’s Important:
Faster response times keep the screen from becoming muddied and blurred when fast-paced action scenes in movies or games start.
Response Time (in ms; lower is better)
Best 1080p Gaming Monitors: Mistakes To Avoid
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 83 |
|
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|  $544.48 |
| 83 |
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| $299.99 |
| 82 |
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79 |
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| $825.00 | |
| 70 |
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| $449.99 |
