No need to invest considerable sums in supercharged components if you only connect your gaming computer to a sad screen with limited rendering! As one of the most important (and most durable) purchases, the choice of a gaming monitor should not be left to chance. Follow the guide.
If a device is necessarily associated with the use of a computer, gaming (or not for that matter), it is the screen. In the future, it is reasonable to imagine that screens will be completely replaced by other types of peripherals, such as headsets or virtual and/or augmented reality glasses, but this future is not for now and gamers of all stripes are stuck for a few more years with this imposing monitor... so might as well choose the best gaming screen!
Formerly cathodic and taking up enormous space on our desk, the monitor – if it remains imposing – has become remarkably thinner.
The LCD revolution has been there; with it, screens have often gained diagonally what they have lost in depth.
The oldest among you will remember with a certain nostalgia the purchase of their first 15-inch SVGA… or even 17 or 19 inches for the wealthiest.
Today, it is difficult to settle for a 22-inch, but things are not simpler, on the contrary even.
LCD technology encompasses multiple realities, manufacturers are all looking to do well and the gaming market – the only real growth in the PC world – makes the smallest decision particularly complex.
By targeting a product for each category that we consider "major", we try to help you a little with the jungle of models.
In total, our selection is limited to six monitors in order to really orient you and, then, we will take stock of the elements to look out for before proceeding to checkout.
We have selected 6 gaming screens in all price ranges knowing that some display very interesting promotions.
Our pick of the best gaming monitors
BenQ Zowie XL2411K
Samsung Odyssey G7 C32G75TQSU
ViewSonic XG270QG
Gigabyte M32U
Samsung C49RG90SSU
Asus ROG XG43UQ
BenQ Zowie XL2411K
Sometimes a little difficult to find given the narrower audience of its manufacturer – BenQ – the Zowie XL2411K is nevertheless an excellent entry-level model that hardly makes any concessions on gaming assets.
This is a 24-inch monitor – a very correct diagonal – which is available at an attractive price.
Of course, you shouldn't expect to see it certified G-Sync, but its refresh rate of 144 Hz at 1920 x 1080 should appeal to all eSports enthusiasts.
In addition to the inevitable DisplayPort, it is also capable of connecting via HDMI and, more rarely today, via DVI: this can still be used.
Unlike the XL2411P, this screen has three USB 3.0 ports, but still no built-in speakers.
The fact remains that BenQ, by relying on TN technology, ensures responsiveness of 1 millisecond, that the brightness is correct and the contrast is better than on many other TNs.
The Zowie is equipped with a stand capable of operating in pivot mode and a handy headphone output is also present.
A complete product, with attractive finishes and, above all, offered at a low price. An excellent deal.
WE LOVE
144 Hz for perfect fluidity
Remarkable responsiveness (1 ms) of the TN panel
Correct brightness and contrast
Good connectivity and handy pivot foot
WE DON'T LIKE
No integrated USB hub
Neither G-Sync nor Freesync
Limited viewing angles of the TN panel
Gigabyte M32U
After a 1080p reference model at a low price, we are trying to do the same on 4K… but, as you can imagine, that's another story.
The Gigabyte M32U will logically still be difficult to access for many players, but at less than 1,000 euros and, above all, without cutting corners on features or characteristics, it offers an interesting balance sheet.
Too often, under the pretext of 4K, you have to settle for a sad 60 Hz for the refresh rate. Unacceptable.
Gigabyte is not making fun of the world with a proud 144 Hz, but also a 32-inch diagonal IPS panel of excellent quality.
The blacks manage to keep a good level of depth while the uniformity of the grays is excellent.
We also enjoy vibrant colors although HDR has a problem with contrast. It's not the best in this mode.
The presence of HDMI 2.1 ports for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X | S players, on the other hand, makes it an excellent choice for console enthusiasts.
The presence of an integrated KVM, a 3-port USB hub, two small 3 W speakers and a 3.5 mm headphone output complete the picture.
WE LOVE
An IPS panel of excellent craftsmanship, bright, contrasting
HDMI 2.1 ports for PS5 / Xbox Series X|S compatibility
144Hz refresh rate
Factory settings are well above average
Freesync Premium Pro Compatibility
WE DON'T LIKE
The price is still a bit high
sRGB mode blocks custom settings
Asus ROG XG43UQ
4K on a 27-inch monitor is fine, it's precise, but it still impresses much less than on a 43-inch. So to close our selection, we decided to tease this screen diagonal which, due to a greater height than on the 32:9 models, allows a panel with a much larger area.
Beyond the 43 inches, the prices become really prohibitive but we have set our sights on the Asus ROG XG43UQ which is clearly out of reach for many budgets. Still, if you can indulge yourself, you won't regret it for a moment.
However, let's start with a small complaint: the basic calibration is imperfect and a few small things will have to be adjusted to take full advantage of the beautiful colors of this HDR-compatible VA panel.
The viewing angles are of excellent quality and, it doesn't look like much, but on a large slab, perhaps even intended to be enthroned in the living room, it's appreciable.
Of course, 144 Hz ensures remarkable visual comfort … provided you have a configuration capable of maintaining 144 fps on 4K! Finally, note the presence of Freesync Premium Pro compatibility, a 2-port USB 3.0 hub, speakers, a headphone jack, a DisplayPort connector, and no less than 4 HDMIs, including two in 2.1, just that! Let's end with a small note to thank Asus which, contrary to the trend, has decided to integrate the power supply into its screen.
Given the size of the monitor, this is almost normal, but still increasingly rare. Thanks, ASUS.
WE LOVE
4K and 144 Hz: if you have the machine, it sends heavy
Excellent brightness and contrast
Width of the viewing angles of the VA panel
Freesync Premium Pro compatible
Flawless colors once calibrated
WE DON'T LIKE
Bulky and not easy to fit on a "work" desk
Perfectible factory calibration
A slight tendency to ghosting