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If you’re after the best 1080p gaming monitor you can get your hands on, then good news – we’ve rounded up our top picks, right here.
We’re aware of how frustrating the buying process can be, considering just how many high-performance gaming monitors are on the market today.
So whether you’re building your dream gaming setup, upgrading your current one, or wanting to take your gaming to the next level, we’ve got products from ASUS, Alienware and AOC which are sure to spark your interest.
That is if you’re not interested in the best 1440p gaming monitors, which might be preferable for those who want to prioritise picture quality a little more.
So let’s jump to it, here are the best 1080p gaming monitors.
Best 1080p gaming monitor
Best 1080p gaming monitor – ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM
Screen Size
27-inch
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Resolution
1080p
Refresh Rate
280hz
Response Time
1ms
Inputs
2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2
- Very affordable
- (Overclocking) 280Hz refresh rate
- Overall impressive performance specs
- Wide color gamut
- Disappointing contrast ratio
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM makes this list because it’s nothing short of a powerhouse: both affordable and impressive performance-wise.
It can be overclocked to a lightning-fast 280Hz refresh rate, it has a native 1ms response time, and low input lag for quick and smooth motion. AMD FreeSync support and G-Sync compatibility also means you’ll have diminished screen tear. If you’re looking for the best gaming monitor, this one might just be it.
The 27-inch display is an optimal size for gaming on, and although the IPS panel brings a disappointing contrast ratio with it, there are decent viewing angles and a full range of colors that are very accurate right out of the box. The 400 nit brightness makes the monitor well-suited for bright rooms too.
If you’d like to check out a larger range of monitors that use an IPS panel, we’ve rounded up best IPS monitors currently available.
This is all to say that this monitor is ideal for individuals looking to take their gaming to the next level, as well as those who like to dabble in content creation. We think the design is a crowdpleaser too: sleek, slim-bezelled and versatile – so much so, it was also one of our top picks for best thin bezel monitor. What’s not to like?
Our friends over at WePC in their review of the monitor chose to highlight the monitor’s excellent color accuracy that paired well with its “rapid response time and refresh rate”.
The only thing we feel like it’s missing is an OLED display which would really make the colours pop. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, why not consider the best OLED gaming monitors?
Best 1080p gaming monitor for Esports – Alienware AW2521HF
Alienware AW2521H
Screen size
24.5in
Resolution
1920 x 1080
Response time
1ms
Refresh rate
360Hz
- Pro gaming refresh rate
- 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
- LED panel
- HDR
- Smaller screen might be too low for office use
This monitor is bright, clear, and fast: 24.5 inches of glorious resolution emitting 400 nits of brightness. It got a very nippy refresh rate of 360hz and, what’s more, it’s seriously great value. If you’d like to see more monitors with this kind of refresh rate, why not check out the best 360Hz gaming monitors.
It’s got native AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync which limit screen tear and stuttering. The pixel response time is 1ms too, so tearing should be a thing of the past.
It also should be said that this monitor, in typical Alienware fashion, is definitely a looker: sleek and slim with characteristic cyan accents and a metallic finish. AlienFX is also included, so you can personalize your rig however you so desire.
Specifically designed for competitive gaming, it has an internal cooling system so it keeps cool whilst you’re in battle. Safe to say, this monitor is perfect for both budding and experienced esports gamers who want to take their gameplay to new levels. With high-performance specifications to help you get the edge over your competition, this monitor may be exactly what you’re looking for.
The only potential let down is its lack of HDMI 2.1. If you’re specifcally looking for a monitor to pair with your PS5 or Xbox Series X, then we recommend checking out our best monitors for PS5 and Xbox Series X. Alternatively, have a peep at the best HDMI 2.1 monitors.
Best budget 1080p gaming monitor – AOC C27G2Z
AOC C27G2Z
Screen size
27in
Aspect ratio
16:9
Resolution
1920 x 1080
Refresh rate
240Hz
Response time
0.5ms
- Good ergonomic form
- Pro gaming refresh rate
- DisplayPort cabable of 1440p @ 144Hz
- Compatible with PS4
- Thin bezels
- Slightly dim compared to other monitors
The AOC C27G2Z is our top pick for the best budget 1080p monitor because it’s feature-packed without the price tag said features often imply. This 27-inch monitor comes with a curved VA panel, providing a great color range and contrast ratio, as well as viewing angles that are still appreciable due to its more mild curvature, so all-in-all you’ve got a very nice picture quality.
The 1080p resolution allows most modern graphics cards to reach high frame rates, so you can make full use of the monitor’s 240Hz refresh rate, which is astounding for this price bracket.
That’s right, the C27G2Z certainly doesn’t compromise on performance – with an impressive 0.5ms response time, motion blur and ghosting are pretty much out the window. The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync technology, ensuring a tear-free gaming experience on compatible graphics cards.
So, in sum, a fairly rare balance between image quality and performance at a fantastic price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shopping for your new gaming monitor can be confusing, so we’ve answered some of the more popular questions we see coming up from time to time.
Is 1080p good for a gaming monitor?
1080p monitors are pretty much the standard for gaming – they achieve higher refresh rates and tend to put less strain on your graphics card.
Is a 1080p 144Hz monitor good for gaming?
A 1080p 144hz monitor is good for entry-level gamers, with graphics cards that may not be able to reach those high frame rates.
