PROS
With a wide ration, this monitor lets you see more of the action as it unfolds on the screen. It also features a design that improves its response time and shows you brighter colors.
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Best Gaming Monitor
UPDATED January 2020
A gaming monitor will take your playing to the next level. To find the best gaming monitor suitable for your games, check out our shopping guide.
BEST GAMING
MONITOR 2019
BOTTOM LINE
With multiple built-in ports, this monitor will work with any computer or game console. You get a joystick that acts as a controller and gives you access to all its features too.
PROS
ASUS Eye Care Technology keeps the screen on this model from flickering and damaging your eyes. It has a joystick control for fast and convenient access to all of its settings also.
CONS
Some gamers had issues with clouding, which created black spots on the screen. You might notice one or more dead pixels the first time you set it up too.
BOTTOM LINE
With a curved design and a rapid response rate, this monitor will stand up to the most exciting of games. The 24” size makes it suitable for any room too.
PROS
This monitor comes with its own stand that helps you set it up faster. It weighs less than seven pounds without the addition of the stand and is easy to move.
CONS
The included AC adapter is quite large and features a short cord. Some disliked the design of the speakers, which sit on the back of the monitor.
BOTTOM LINE
The 35” size of this monitor is popular among frequent gamers and those who love watching films. Its High Dynamic Range provides both a bright screen and good contrast.
PROS
This monitor features AMD Free Sync to reduce flickering and make the action you see happen in real time. It also has a design that lets you sync the monitor with one cord.
CONS
You need to make a few changes and adjustments when you first set up the monitor. Some shoppers had problems using the menu.
BOTTOM LINE
Thanks to multiple ports, this monitor will work with multiple computers and accessories at the same time. It has a bright display that provides good contrast as you play.
PROS
With a rapid response time and a large screen, this monitor is perfect for all types of games. It works best with widescreen titles and adjusts to reduce eye strain.
CONS
You’ll need a separate graphics card to use all the features of this monitor. It also takes quite a bit of power to run.
BOTTOM LINE
This is a solid little monitor that is suitable for gamers on a budget. It has features that let you use it as a computer monitor and for gaming and watching videos.
CONS
A few shoppers received monitors that had one or more dead pixels. Other customers had issues with the inputs dying or the monitor losing its signal.
Shopping Guide for the Best Gaming Monitor
The best gaming monitor for 2018 can completely change the way you look at some of your favorite games and how you play those titles. Whether you only get the chance to play on the weekends or you take time out of every day to play, you’ll still want a good screen. The right screen will help you keep track of the action and see every movement that your on-screen character makes. You may want to look at multiple models and some of the top features before picking the best gaming monitor for you.
As we looked for the top gaming monitor of 2018, we thought about what our readers might want and how much they can afford to spend. Other shopping guides tell you that you should spend $800 or more on a simple monitor, but we found a few models that retail for $300 or even less. You can use one for anything you do on your computer, including as you check your email or shop for a new game. Our shopping guide does more than just list the best gaming monitors though. You’ll also find out how to clean your monitor and how much you should spend on a new one.
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Selection Criteria
Though you can do your own research when looking for a new monitor, all the advice and feedback that you see can make your head spin. If you visit a dozen websites and look at the best monitors, you’ll likely find 50 different models listed. When we started working on our shopping guide, we checked the top websites and made a list of all the gaming monitors that experts recommend. We then narrowed down that list to include those that appeared on two or more websites. That helped us identify the 27 top monitors that are suitable for all types of gamers.
We then checked with Amazon to see how much each of those monitors cost and what customers thought about each model. That helped us create a list that includes only the top five models. We took into account the top features of those models and some of the problems that customers had with them, including dead pixels and a slow reaction or response time. Once we had our top five models in hand, we set about finding more information for our readers. As you move from the top of this page to the bottom, you’ll find everything you need to know about the top gaming monitors today.
Most Important Features to Consider When Choosing a Gaming Monitor
- Resolution
- Response time
- Size
- Cost
- Refresh rate
Benefits of a Gaming Monitor
- See all the action: The biggest benefit of using a gaming monitor is that it lets you see all of the action. With a standard monitor, the refresh rate is slower, which can prevent you from keeping up with your team and cause you to miss a turn that you need to make. Gaming monitors have a faster refresh rate that helps it keep up with the action.
- Fast response: You’ll also find that a new monitor has a faster response time than your old one had. With a faster response time, any button that you press on your controller or mouse will change what happens in your game. The monitor can quickly keep up with those changes.
- Crisp contrast: The top monitors also provide the crisp contrast that lets you see each individual object on the screen. Even when playing extremely dark games, you can see everything without squinting or straining your eyes.
- Bold colors: If you think that any monitor will work for gaming, you should compare the colors across different types. Those designed for gaming feature much brighter and bolder colors. You can often see almost every color and version of each color in the rainbow.
What Can You Do With a Gaming Monitor?
- Watch films and TV shows on streaming sites
- Access programs and use other types of software
- Check your email
- Play both online and offline games
- Read ebooks
The larger 34” size of this monitor makes it great for games that you play online and those you play with friends in the same room. You can even set it up on one side of the room and still see all the amazing colors while playing on the couch or while in bed. Its 100Hz response rate ensures that you see everything that happens in your game and that you never miss an important shot. We really like the Eye Care Technology designed by ASUS too. This stops the screen from flickering and allows you to see clearly without any eye strain. That feature works even better when paired with other ergonomic accessories.
One of the top features that you might like is the joystick controller, which replaces an ordinary remote. This controller gives you complete access to all the features of the monitor and is easy to use in the middle of a game. It also works with different hotkeys. You can select from four different crosshair options and use a built-in counter. This model even has a timer that you can set to count down to anything you need. ASUS designed this one to feature all the ports that you need too.
What Resolution is Best?
One of the first things you should look at when comparing gaming monitors is the screen resolution. The top resolutions include:
- 1080p
- 1440p
- 2160p
The resolution of a monitor tells you the exact number of pixels found on the screen. When you play on a screen with more pixels and a better resolution, you can more easily follow the action. The main issue when looking at this feature is that a larger resolution may not work with all the hardware you want to run. There is a chance that some hardware may slow down the action on the screen and keep you from following along with your game.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the resolution may impact how long the monitor lasts. If you buy one with a lower resolution and use it with the wrong hardware, you might notice more dead pixels appearing on the screen. You may even experience a complete hardware failure. It’s really important that you consider the amount of power that your computer has and that you pick a monitor compatible with it. This will prevent some of the more common problems that other gamers had with their monitors in the past.
How to Test Your Resolution
- Visit one of the free websites that let you test your screen's resolution
- Follow the prompts given on the screen, which usually ask you to identify colors or pick which option looks the best
- Adjust your screen settings to make sure you optimize it
- Compare the results given to the resolution listed on your monitor's paperwork
How Important is Response Time?
Let’s say that you love racing games that let you pick a vehicle that you race on open courses and on city streets in virtual worlds. If you play those games on a monitor with a slower response time, you’ll likely see blurry spots forming on the screen. The response time tells you exactly how long it takes for the choices that you make to appear in your game. Manufacturers also use this term to describe how quickly an individual pixel will change colors. If the monitor has a slow response time, you can expect to see blurry spots around the wheels of your car when playing racing games. A slower response time can also make certain scenes look darker or lighter than they should.
Most manufacturers will give you a response time in terms of milliseconds. Some of the best models have a response time of just four milliseconds. This allows the monitor to react and make changes in the blink of an eye. You may not even realize that the colors changed because the process happens of fast. Ordinary computer monitors have a much slower response time and can take 10 to 20 milliseconds or more to change the color of each individual pixel.
Choosing a Monitor Based on Inputs and Outputs
You should really take a look at the inputs and outputs on the monitor, which some manufacturers call ports. This tells you what types of accessories and hardware you can use with that monitor. The inputs and outputs may be on the front, side or the back of the monitor. Some of the more popular types of ports include:
- 5mm port: If you want to hook up a headset to talk with others as you play, you must look for a monitor that features a 5mm port. Most headsets use a 5mm jack. This type of port will also work with most speakers and headphones.
- HDMI: Gaming monitors with HDMI ports will work with any accessories that use that same type of cable. Many speakers use an HDMI cord, but you’ll also find these cables used by accessories that transfer both audio and video signals at the same time. If you want a monitor that is compatible with a gaming console, you’ll also want to look for one with an HDMI port.
- DisplayPort: You may want to consider a monitor with a DisplayPort also. Experts often recommend this type of port for use with any item that will send both audio and video signals to the monitor.
Expert Tip:
Most gamers prefer monitors with ports located on the front rather than on the back. This helps you identify each port and what you can use it for and will keep you from fumbling around with your cables.
One look at the curved design of this monitor and you might just fall in love with it. That curved design lets you surround yourself with the action from your favorite games and ensures that you never again miss out any of that action. Built into this monitor are multiple ports that work with the audio cables from your computer and HDMI cables among others. Those ports help you easily connect your computer to the monitor and use any of your top gaming consoles with it too. There are multiple speakers located on the back side of the screen that help draw you into your games.
At 24” in size, this Sceptre model is best for smaller homes and rooms. It provides all the same features as larger models do but has a compact size that won’t take up as much space. The included stand lifts the screen off your desk and makes the monitor look much larger. Without that stand, it weighs less than six pounds. When you add that stand, it still weighs less than seven pounds. You can easily move the monitor to any room in your home too. We also like its rapid response rate, which shows all the action of your game on the screen.
What is Refresh Rate and Why is It Important?
Have you ever played a game before and saw a number of glitches on the screen? While some glitches are the result of errors in the game itself, others can appear because of the monitor that you use. If your monitor has a lower refresh rate, you can expect to see glitches each time that you play. The term refresh rate tells you how many times the image that you see on the screen will refresh each second. A higher refresh rate will update that image for often and let you keep track of anything that happens on the screen. Though some of the cheaper and more affordable monitors have a refresh rate of 60Hz, the more expensive models can have a refresh rate of up to 240Hz.
The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a monitor based on its refresh rate is the type of graphics card that you own and use. Your graphics card must be compatible with that refresh rate. If it’s not, the monitor cannot refresh at the rate that the manufacturer stated in the product description. You can, however, replace your existing graphics card to make your computer work with a new monitor with a better refresh rate.
Benefits of a Higher Refresh Rate
- Allows you to more easily follow your game
- Cuts down on some of the glitches you might otherwise see
- Shows more of the action every second
- Keeps games running more smoothly
- Works on any type of game or video
What Size Screen Do You Need?
When you watch television shows and films that depict gamers, you’ll often see them playing on large screens that are almost the same size as a wall. Most gamers prefer smaller monitors that they can watch without keeping their heads up and without feeling any strain in their eyes. In the same way that TV manufacturers measure television screens diagonally, so to do computer monitor manufacturers. They often tell you the size of the monitor in terms of its width and height too. You should keep in mind that you can use a stand to add a few extra inches to the height of the screen also.
The smallest gaming monitors currently available range in size from around 21 to 24 inches. Those monitors are suitable for use in a smaller room such as your bedroom or den. If you want a larger monitor that you can use in the middle of your living room, you might go with a larger model of 27 to 35 inches in size. You should compare the size of the monitor to its resolution though. If you go too large but choose one with a lower resolution, you might see some glitches and other problems on the screen.
Tips for Picking the Right Size Monitor
- Consider the size of the room where you want to use it
- Think about the resolution and whether it will work with that screen size
- Measure the size of the wall where you'll hang it or the desk where you'll set it
- Don't forget to compensate for the height added by the stand
Curved vs. Flat Monitors
Gamers today can choose between a flat monitor or one with a curved design. Though flat monitors are more affordable, some prefer curved designs because they can more easily move their eyes across those screens. As your eyeballs are actually curved, you may find that using one of these monitors decreases the discomfort and strain that you usually feel. Some also like curved monitors because they can see any tiny movements happening around the edges from the corners of their eyes. Both curved and flat panel monitors come in some of the same sizes.
Even if you decide on a curved model, you may want to think about some of the problems that other gamers encountered. One of those problems is that the monitor will not sit flat against a wall. If you want to hang it, you’ll need to use special hardware. You may notice the sides of the monitor sticking out from that wall too. Another thing to keep in mind is that curved models often have a larger widescreen ratio. The black bars located at the top and bottom of the screen can be distracting, but this ratio ensures that you see more of the game on your screen.
For the ultimate and most immersive gaming experience, you need a larger monitor such as this 35” model from BenQ. The nicely curved design surrounds you with all the action of a game and allows you to both see and everything that happens within that game. It also has the high resolution that you need to see each character that appears on the screen and any background objects. Though the monitor itself is quite large, you can use the included stand to make it appear even larger. That stand adjusts to reach the height that works best for you too.
One of the other features that we like is its High Dynamic Range, which helps you see both brighter and darker colors with ease. That range also increases the contrast of the monitor to give you the sharpness that you desire. Unlike other models that require a number of cables and cords to connect, this one lets you connect your system to the monitor with a single cable. It also features AMD Free Sync to cut down on any flickering that you might otherwise see. With this model, you can customize all the features to create an ergonomic viewing and playing experience.
Panel Types
Twisted Nematic Panel
One type of panel used by monitors today is a twisted nematic panel. Also called TN, this is usually the cheapest type of panel. It’s suitable for gaming but may not work as well with other types of software or applications. A TN panel will have a higher refresh rate that cuts down on blurred spots and a feature that prevents any movements on the screen from looking blurry too. Most do not experience any lag times either, which means that everything you do happens in real time. The downside to a TN panel is that you cannot see the whole screen from all positions.
Vertical Alignment Panel
A vertical alignment panel, also called a VA panel, is one that can perform just as well as a TN panel. Most perform slightly better though, which explains their higher price tags. Not only does it provide lots of bright colors and good contrast, but it can provide a greater depth too. That depth helps pull you into a game and feel like you’re really there. VA panels have the slowest response time of all monitors though. You might find that you prefer one when writing on your computer or surfing the web rather than playing games.
In-Plane Switching Panel
You’ll also find an in-plane switching panel. Also called an IPS panel, it features a slower response time than you might need when playing games. Most gamers find that the response time slows down their progress and makes open world games harder to play. IPS panels do provide good contrast and bright colors though. You’ll also find that you can easily see all areas of the screen while sitting further away or while sitting at an angle to the monitor. IPS panels are the most expensive type available today. Many professional offices use them every day.
Benefits of TN Panels
- Has the best refresh rates
- Uses a fast response time
- Often cheaper than other models and can help you save money
- Prevents blurs and glitches from appearing on your screen
- Works well with any action game
Why You Need Motion Blur Reduction
Have you ever been in the middle of a racing game and found a blur following your vehicle around on the screen? As we already mentioned, gaming monitors feature pixels that change from lighter to darker colors and back again as the settings on the screen change. When it takes those pixels longer to keep up with those changes, you’ll notice blurry spots on the screen. Those spots can remain on the screen for a few seconds or longer after you move and can actually follow along with anything that moves on the screen. If you want to avoid those problems, you should look for a monitor with a motion blur reduction feature.
This feature actually works because it adjusts the brightness of your display. When the screen is even slightly darker, you won’t notice the pixels changing colors. This also keeps blurry spots from appearing in the game. When you this type of feature though, you often cannot use any features designed to keep your screen from flickering. There are also monitors that use an overdrive feature, which increases the speed at which the pixels change. This feature encourages the monitor to react faster and can make the pixels change colors faster without affecting the brightness of your display.
LCD vs. LED Monitors
Most of the computer monitors released in past years were LCD monitors. While you can still find some of these today, they’re often cheaper than LED models. The reason so many choose an LED monitor is because it features a backlit display. That display uses backlighting to increase the brightness of the screen without making the monitor run hotter. LCD monitors do not have a backlit display. If you use one for a longer gaming session, you might notice that it runs hot. It can even run so hot that it makes the entire room feel hot and muggy.
Some prefer LCD monitors when playing classic games. You can now download some of your favorite NES games and titles for other consoles from the 1990s and earlier that let you play on your standard computer. With an LCD monitor, you can really recreate the experiences you had as a child as you played. Those monitors can show some of the same bugs and glitches as your old television set did and can make you feel like a kid again. Those with more money to spend who want a better experience though will usually pick an LED monitor over an LCD model.
Benefits of LED Monitors
- Use less power
- Run without producing as much heat
- Have a sharper contrast
- Produce a brighter display
- Are lighter and thinner than LCD monitors
Designed for use with widescreen games and films, this monitor comes backed with a warranty from Acer. Acer, which has years of experience making some of the best laptop and computer accessories, created this 32” model for those who want a good aspect ratio and a bright screen. It has a response time of just 4ms to ensure that your screen shows the action as it unfolds in real time. When you take a shot or race around a corner, the screen will show everything in perfect clarity. It comes with a stand that lets you adjust both the height of the monitor and its angle to your eyes.
The two built-in speakers add to the immersive experience of any game. It also features four USB ports that let you hook up a mouse and other accessories. All the other ports are compatible with both computers and popular gaming systems. Acer designed this model with flickering in mind. It added features that ensure each pixel remains as crisp as the next and that those pixels don’t flicker and damage your eyes. The only issue with this gaming monitor is that you need a separate graphics card to use some of its features.
No More Flickering
The biggest problem that you might experience when buying a monitor is that you purchase one with a flickering screen. This often occurs because the monitor has a refresh rate that cannot keep up with your game. Some manufacturers include features designed by either AMD or Nvidia. Nvidia makes G-Sync, which will keep your screen from flickering during even the fastest of game playing. This is one of the top features around but costs quite a bit of money. If you already have a computer with Nvidia parts or compatible parts, feel free to buy a monitor that works with G-Sync. Adding new hardware to your computer that will take advantage of this feature can cost $1,000 or more.
An alternative that works just as well is the Free Sync from AMD. Not only does this bring down the cost of the monitor, but it also helps cut down on the costs of operating your gaming rig. You should always think about the type of graphics card that you already run and make sure that it’s compatible with one of these features before you buy. Both features will keep your screen from flickering and shifting between lighter and darker colors as you play.
Signs of a Good Ergonomic Design
- Textured grips or surfaces on the sides
- Angled blades
- The indicator light is visible from all angles
Does Viewing Angle Matter?
No matter what games you play, you probably sit in the same spot each time you play. Though some sit directly in front of the screen, others like to sit off to one side. Depending on how you play, you may want to give some thought to the monitor’s viewing angle. Viewing angle is a term that manufacturers use when describing how you can sit near the monitor and still see everything. If you only use your monitor for gaming, the viewing angle might not be important to you. This is especially true if you sit in the same chair or position when you play. If, however, you want to use that console for other purposes, you should look at the viewing angle.
Let’s say that you want to use that monitor when streaming a new film on Netflix that you want to watch with friends. You’ll want to make sure that everyone in the room can see the screen and that they don’t miss out on any of the action. The viewing angle is also important for monitors that you’ll use for work or school. You want to make sure that anyone in the room can see the information on the screen.
Choosing the Right Length
- Short beards: 0.5mm up to 4mm
- Medium beards: 5mm up to 12mm
- Long or bushy beards: 12mm up to 20mm
Display Aspect and Ratio
Another option you may want to consider when looking at gaming monitors is the aspect ratio or display. A good way to look at this is to think about widescreen displays vs. standard displays. When your favorite director films a new movie or an episode of a TV show, the director shoots in a widescreen format. As you see that film on the big screen, you’ll see it in the way the director intended. If you watch the same film at home though, you might notice some of the backgrounds are missing. This occurs because some televisions squash the aspect ratio to make it fit onto the screen.
If you want to watch films at home and get the big screen experience, you’ll want a monitor with a widescreen display. This shows you every single element of the background, but it also places black bars across the top and the bottom of your screen. Monitors with a standard display ratio or aspect will remove those bars but push the top and bottom together. This reduces what you see on your screen and can make you miss out on elements on each side. Gamers often prefer monitors with a widescreen aspect ratio because they don’t want to miss out on anything.
Accessories You Can Use With a Gaming Monitor
- Headsets
- Microphones
- Headphones
- Gaming mice
- External hard drives
While some gaming monitors cost quite a bit of money, this LG monitor lets you save money, which is why we recommend it for gamers on a budget. Not only can you use this as a monitor with your computer as you use software and programs, but it also works well when watching films and playing games. As it has a wider aspect ratio, it actually lets you see more of what happens on your screen. While it pulls you into games and videos, it also has a 25” size and will work in the tightest of rooms.
This is one of the few monitors we found with an Energy Star rating, which means that LG allowed that government agency to test it. Energy Star found that this model uses less energy than some of the other monitors on the market do. Designed to show as many colors as possible in the spectrum, this monitor does a good job of showing you the slight color variations between different characters and objects on your screen. You can pick up the smallest of details in any background too. This LG monitor can support different types of viewing, including splitting the screen into two or four parts.
Other Types of Computer Monitors
In addition to monitors designed for gamers, you may want to take a look at some of the other types that are out there. No matter what you use your computer for, you’ll find a monitor suitable for you.
- Standard monitors: Standard monitors come in both larger and smaller models. This type is suitable for anyone who uses a computer at home. It can tackle all the surfing that you do on the web and can check your email and play some basic games.
- Touchscreen monitors: If you love playing games on Facebook and other social media sites, you might prefer a touchscreen monitor. These monitors are also great for anyone who likes mobile games. You can touch the screen to move across the screen and beat each level.
- Professional monitors: We recommend professional monitors for those who work from home and run their own businesses. Not only can you use one to keep in touch with clients, but you can also use one when hosting a presentation at home. Professional models are usually much larger in size and have a good display with a high contrast. Those designed for audio and video specialists have a faster response time than other models do.
How to Clean a Computer Monitor
Grease, animal hair and cigarette smoke are just some of the things that can build up on your computer monitor over time. The best way to clean your monitor is with a simple microfiber cloth. After unplugging the monitor, you can run this cloth right over the surface. It’s soft enough that it won’t scratch the screen but will pick up any of the debris that the cloth touches. If you notice debris stuck to the surface that won’t come off with that cloth, you can use a specialized cleaner designed for electronics. Water will work well for this step too. We recommend using distilled water rather than tap water though.
You’ll want to spray or pour the water onto the cloth and then run the material over the surface of the screen. If the debris still won’t come off, you can use a little pressure while keeping your hand firmly on the top to keep the monitor from falling over. You’ll want to use a circular motion and move in small circles as you run your hand over the monitor. Once the screen dries and feels dry to the touch, you can plug it back in and start playing again.
Expert Tip:
Both isopropyl alcohol and vodka will work well to clean a computer monitor. Before applying the liquid to the screen though, you should mix it with an equal part of distilled or filtered water.
What Not to do When Cleaning Your Monitor
- Apply water right onto the screen: In our section on cleaning, we told you to put the cleaning product or water on a cloth and then to apply the cloth to the screen. If you spray any liquid directly onto the screen, it can seep into the panel before you wipe it off and create permanent water spots or completely kill the monitor.
- Use tap water: You should never use tap water when cleaning a computer monitor or any type of electronic because of the impurities in that water. Hard water contains calcium and lime that can leave behind marks on the screen. Tap water can also damage the screen in other ways.
- Scrape the screen: When you see a stray hair or a tiny spot on the monitor, you might feel tempted to use your fingernail and gently scrape it off. No matter how gentle you are, you can do some significant damage to the monitor. If there is stuck-on debris, rub a damp cloth across the debris until you loosen it.
- Use paper towels or tissues: No matter how many paper towels or tissues you have laying around the house, never use one on your gaming monitor. Those products are rougher than you might think and can severely scratch the screen.
WARNING:
You should never place the monitor flat on the ground or on its back to clean it. This can severely damage some of the internal parts and leave behind dead pixels and other damage.
Tips for Maintaining Your New Gaming Monitor
- Protect against power surges: The best way to maintain your new gaming monitor and make it last longer is to use a surge protector. Instead of using the closest outlet, plug the protector into the outlet and then plug your monitor into the protector. This will keep the monitor safe during both power surges and failures.
- Let it run: Though you might want to turn the monitor on and off each time you finish a gaming session, you should really let it run as long as possible. Modern designs will not use much power and will keep your energy bill low. If you constantly turn it on and off, you risk the monitor damaging itself due to the frequent temperature changes.
- Use compressed air: Compressed air is one of the best cleaning tools for those who own electronics. This simple can lets you remove any pet hair or other solid debris clinging to the monitor, which can make it last longer.
- Check the vents: Modern gaming monitors have small vents that push out any warm air to regulate the temperature inside and to keep the monitor from overheating. You should check those vents regularly to make sure that each one is open and to look for any clogs that will stop the flow of air.
Expert Tip:
A good way to keep track of any cables or cords that you use with the monitor is with a few pieces of colored tape. You can place one color of tape on a cable and a second piece of the same color on the accessory or item you use with that cable.
How to Choose the Best Spot for Your Monitor
The chances are good that you probably already know exactly where you want to use your new monitor. You may want to use one in your man cave to go online and play with friends without bothering your family, or you may want one that you can use in the center of your living room when friends come over to play a new game. Even if you only want one to replace an old monitor, you should still give some thought to where you’ll place it.
You must pick a location in your home that puts you close to an outlet. We highly warn against using a monitor with an extension cord because those cords do not offer protection during power failures. You may want to look at the length of the included cord to make sure that it will work with your surge protector too. Most monitors have a cord of at least three feet long. Another thing to consider is whether you want to use it on a desk or a table. Many of the models we looked at come with a stand. If you purchase one that lacks a stand, you’ll want to buy one separately that will support the weight of the monitor and keep it at the right height for you.
Where Not to Place a Gaming Monitor
- Near any heat source, including next to windows that face the sun or a heater
- Around any vents in your home that release hot or cold air
- In a location with objects that block one or more of the monitor's vents
- On any surface that is not completely flat or stable
- In a spot that can get in the way of others and cause them to knock it over
How to Hang Your Computer Monitor
- Choose the right mounting hardware: Screen mounting kits come in two different types. There are some that are flat and sit right on the surface of the wall. Others let you pull the screen out and change the angle with which it sits against the wall. Gamers often prefer adjustable mounting systems.
- Find studs: A stud finder helps you find any studs in the wall, which can help you decide where you want to hang the monitor. When you install the mount on a stud, it won’t fall out due to the weight of the monitor. This also lets you adjust the monitor without it coming away from the wall.
- Pick the right height: Before hanging your monitor, you need to pick the right height for it. If you want to sit in front of your desk and use it, you’ll want to hang the monitor at eye level on the wall behind the desk. For larger monitors that you use in other rooms, you may want to place it higher up on the wall.
- Install the bracket: Mounting kits come with a bracket that you can install on the wall. You’ll want to install the bracket first, which will require the use of a drill. If you can’t find a stud, you’ll want to use anchors to secure those brackets to the wall. It’s then a simple matter of attaching the mount to the bracket and then connecting the monitor to the mount.
Tips for Reducing Eye Strain As You Play
- Set up your monitor in a place that lets you see each corner and area as you move your eyes
- Sit further back from the screen than you think you should
- Take frequent breaks when you notice that your eyes feel dry or uncomfortable
- Find out how far you should place the screen from viewers when setting up a larger model
- Adjust the brightness and contrast settings on the monitor until it looks right to you
What is the Average Price for a Gaming Monitor?
There is no such thing as an average price for a gaming monitor because the manufacturers of these products offer them at so many different prices. Some of the cheapest models are available for right around $150 or less. These models come in smaller sizes of no more than 24” and typically feature a TN panel. You can get one that is suitable for use in your bedroom or your den. If you want one that you can put right in the center of your living room though, you’ll want to spend more. Some models retail for up to $250 and feature a screen of up to 32” in size. A few of the more popular curved monitors fall into this price range.
If you have your heart set on a top of the line monitor though, you’ll want to spend at least $500. You can get a model with a 34” screen within this price range. Those that are even larger in size will cost at least $1,000 and will cost quite a bit to run too. We recommend spending between $500 and $1,000 on a good monitor that will last for years. Budget shoppers can easily find a monitor that retails for $300 or less.
How Much Do the Top Five Gaming Monitors Cost?
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Ghosting is a type of blur that occurs as you move rapidly across the screen. Instead of seeing blurry spots where you once were or where you currently are, you’ll see cloudy and blurry trails that travel between your former and current positions. A monitor with a blur reduction feature can prevent these blurs from forming and will work on any other types of blurs.
A: Contrast is a term that describes the differences between lighter and darker colors. The manufacturers of gaming monitors use a contrast ratio to let you know how sharp the contrast is between those shades. If you want to use your monitor for both gaming and watching videos as well as when online, you’ll want one with a sharper contrast ratio.
A: Though you can use an ordinary television when playing games, a specialized monitor will enhance your experience. Monitors provide a much sharper contrast and can show many more colors and shades than a television can. You can also reduce some of the wear and tear on your television too. It often costs less to replace a monitor than it does to replace your TV.
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