How to Choose the Best Gaming Monitor for PC and Console

Let’s be real — picking the best gaming monitor in 2024 feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. With so many specs, brands, and price tags, it's easy to overspend on features you don’t need or miss out on game-changers that actually matter. As someone who’s tested over 50 monitors across PC and console setups, I’m breaking down exactly what you should care about — and what’s just marketing fluff.

Refresh Rate vs. Resolution: What Matters Most?

If you're into fast-paced shooters like Apex Legends or competitive Fortnite, prioritize refresh rate. A 144Hz or 240Hz panel gives buttery-smooth motion, reducing blur during quick turns. But if you’re deep into story-driven games like The Last of Us or Red Dead Redemption 2, resolution (1440p or 4K) will wow you more.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Pro tip: Consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X max out at 120Hz, so spending on a 240Hz monitor won’t give you an edge there. Save that cash.

Panel Type: IPS, VA, or OLED?

• IPS: Great color accuracy and wide viewing angles. Perfect for streamers or shared gaming sessions. Slight downside? Lower contrast than VA.
• VA: Deeper blacks and better contrast. Ideal for dark room gaming. But motion blur can creep in during fast scenes.
• OLED: The king of image quality. Infinite contrast, instant response times. But prices are steep, and burn-in is still a risk with static HUDs.

Adaptive Sync: Don’t Skip This

Whether you call it G-Sync, FreeSync, or HDMI VRR (for consoles), adaptive sync eliminates screen tearing without the input lag of V-Sync. Good news: most modern monitors support both FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible, so you’re covered whether you’re on NVIDIA or AMD.

Size & Curvature: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

For desks under 48 inches, stick with 24–27”. Go 32” only if you're playing at 1440p or higher — otherwise, pixels become visible. Curved monitors (like Samsung’s Odyssey series) shine at 32”+ and wrap your vision nicely, especially in racing or flight sims.

Bottom line? Know your setup. If you’re building a hybrid PC/console rig, aim for a 27” 1440p 165Hz IPS panel with HDMI 2.1 — it’s the sweet spot. That’s also where you’ll find the best gaming monitor value right now.