Gaming monitors are not specific to PC gamers, those on Xbox and PlayStation have come to realise that their consoles pair up very nicely indeed with a gaming monitor. This includes PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
PS5 and Xbox Series X|S outputs
Gaming monitors are particularly well suited to Xbox Series X|S because they can both operate at an output 1440p, which has become the new 'standard' for many gaming monitors. The Xbox Series X can operate at 4K too, and there are many 4K gaming monitors with that kind of punch these days as well.
The PS5 does not support 1440p, which has been a source of criticism. It's either 4K, or it defaults to 1080p even if the screen in 1440p. But if you want a silver lining to this, it means that you can either experience Gran Turismo 7 in 4K, or you can have a more budget screen with 1080p but a high refresh rate, which is the key to getting the most from fast-paced games like racing games.
What size should you get?
The best monitor size for gaming depends on the pixel density and how far away you're sitting from the screen. A high pixel density means the display can show more detail, this is why we don't recommend anything below 24 inches as it won't have a good enough display.
If you're sitting relatively close to your screen, we recommend between 27 to 32 inches. Any larger and you won't be able to focus on your game and you're much more likely to strain your eyes.
However, if you're sitting further away from the screen, and you want one of the best resolutions a monitor can offer, a high refresh rate, as well as other top specs, opting for a larger screen is an excellent way to have a truly immersive gaming experience.
The best gaming monitors for racing games
Editor's pick
If you're looking for a feature packed gaming monitor, then you should consider the ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q. It comes with an excellent price tag and boasts a 4K resolution and HDR10, two components that produce superb imagery with bright and vivid colours, helping create a truly immersive experience.
It also features low blue light which is pretty handy if you want to reduce eye strain. However, it's 60Hz refresh rate makes it more suited to console gamers rather than PC gamers. And there are monitors with a faster response time.
Pros:
• Fantastic image quality
• Good size for many scenarios
Cons:
• Better suited to console gamers
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 28-inch |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz |
| Response time | 5ms |
| Contrast ratio | 1000:1 |
2.
BenQ EL2870U
Best value gaming monitor
The EL2870U is a marvel: a 4K HDR monitor which won't bust the bank. It's packing AMD FreeSync and a sharp response which is ideal for the console gamer with a PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, or even a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S. The colour depth and clarity isn't quite on par with the ASUS monitor above but it's very good indeed for the price.
What it does have in common with the ASUS monitor above, this that is best suited to console gamers, unless the PC gamer has a 4K GPU.
Pros:
• Impressive value
• Fast response time
Cons:
• ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q has better image quality
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 28-inch |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz |
| Response time | 1ms |
| Contrast ratio | 1000:1 |
Best curved gaming monitor
The AOC CU34G2X is an excellent model that excels in delivering the curved gaming experience to your PC or console (especially Xbox, given the 1440p resolution). It pushes a 144Hz refresh rate for silky gameplay, and the 1500R VA panel kicks out nice vibrant colours with plenty of contrast (SRGB is 119%). There's a minimal bezel too, just in case you fancy building a wall of the things, plenty of inputs for multiple devices and a USB hub for charging peripherals.
Pros:
• Easy to pair with another screen
• 144Hz refresh rate
Cons:
• A bit pricey for 1440p
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 34-inch |
| Resolution | 1440p |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz |
| Response time | 1ms |
| Contrast ratio | 3000:1 |
Best budget curved monitor
Gaming giant MSI has pulled it out of the bag with this offering, with the deep contrast ratio and crisp curved screen providing gamers with a new and exciting perspective on their favourite titles, while the refresh rate, response time, and AMD FreeSync all operate to provide stunning visuals and a true tactical edge.
Pros:
• Great value
• Fast response time
• Decent refresh rate
Cons:
• Only 1080p
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 24-inch |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 75Hz |
| Response time | 1ms |
| Contrast ratio | 3000:1 |
Most versatile
www.currys.co.uk
This monitor is a 27-inch behemoth, loaded with a razor-sharp response time, stunning display, and enough customisable settings to keep even the most avid tinkerers happy.
As a VA panel monitor with 121% sRGB coverage, the colour representation is deep and vibrant, and it's a real treat to be able to access its colour credentials with such respectable speeds. We used it for everything – gaming on PC, PS4 Pro and Switch, watching Netflix, and even during the 9-5 workday. It's immersive, versatile, and an absolute bargain.
Pros:
• Use for everything
• Impressive
• Decent refresh rate
Cons:
• ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q has better image quality
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 27-inch |
| Resolution | 1440p |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz |
| Response time | 1ms |
| Contrast ratio | 3000:1 |