If you’re looking for a 1080p gaming monitor then you probably fit into one of these 3 categories:
- You’re on a strict budget
- You want to absolutely maximize your framerate
- You have an older video card that can still push 1080p but not higher resolutions
Did I get that right? If so, read on! These picks are pretty clear cut and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
If you’re considering other monitors or just want to know what to look out for read our everything you need to know about gaming monitors post.
The 4 Best 1080p Gaming Monitors 2018
There are essentially only four 1080p gaming monitors you should consider at the moment.
Unfortunately, there aren’t very many good IPS and G-Sync options for 1080p considering the cost of those components, we’ve tried to give some well rounded recommendations.
1. ViewSonic XG2402
The highest quality 1080p monitor available, the BEST Freesync choice @ 1080p
Reasons to buy
-
- The best looking TN panel after calibrating, lots of tuning options
- No glow, no clouding
- Great responsiveness and motion clarity
- Good Freesync range
- Good pricing
- Clean, minimal gaming styling
Reasons not to buy
- Still a TN, has limited viewing angles
- Not absolute perfect colour, but very very good for a TN
- “Only” 144Hz, there are faster 1080p screens out there if you’re looking for that.
If you’re looking for a great bang for buck 1080p monitor then the Viewsonic XG2402 is it. Carrying on the strong performance from the XG2401, released at the end of 2017, the XG2402 adds a bunch of gamma control and more OSD options to better fine tune the image on the already strong XG2401.
XG2402 Specs
| Screen Size | 24 inches |
| Panel Type | Twisted Nematic (TN) |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Adaptive Refresh | Freesync |
| Connections | DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, HDMI 1.4 |
| Speakers | Yes (2 x 2 watts) |
| VESA compatible | Yes |
2. ASUS ROG SWIFT PG258Q
The 1080p gaming monitor with 240Hz refresh rate and GSync
Reasons to buy
- Super fast response rate, 240Hz, really useful for high response games like CS:GO and Overwatch
- Fantastic motion clarity and low input lag
Reasons not to buy
- Pricey, you’re paying for the extra refresh rate
- Still a TN, has limited viewing angles
- Middle of the road for colour as far as TN panels go
- Need a pretty strong PC to push 240Hz
The PG258Q is made more specifically for gamers that require super high response times and motion clarity. CS:GO players should definitely be considering this monitor before all else. And yes, you can tell the difference between 144Hz and 240Hz, if you can’t see the difference, a lot of gamers have reported feeling the difference, and performing better in game.
PG258Q Specs
| Screen Size | 24.5 inches |
| Panel Type | Twisted Nematic (TN) |
| Refresh rate | 240Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Adaptive Refresh | Gsync |
| Connections | DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0 |
| Speakers | Yes (2 x 2 watts) |
| VESA compatible | Yes |
3. Samsung C24FG73
One of the few non-TN 1080p gaming monitors
Reasons to buy
- VA Panel, better colours and viewing angles versus TN
- Great pricing
- Slight curvature for more immersive gaming
Reasons not to buy
- Limited Freesync range (70-144Hz)
- Back light bleed concerns with curvature, there’s a bit of a panel lottery
C24FG73 Specs
| Screen Size | 23.6 inches |
| Panel Type | Vertical Alignment (VA) |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Adaptive Refresh | Freesync |
| Connections | DisplayPort 1.2, 2xHDMI 1.4 |
| Speakers | No |
| VESA compatible | Yes |
4. BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P
Great budget 1080p gaming monitor
Reasons to buy
-
- Very well priced
- Clean minimal design
- Good motion clarity
- Used by a lot of pros
Reasons not to buy
- No Freesync or Gsync
- P version has improved colour over the original, but still limited by TN tech
- No display port or speakers
You should really only consider the 2411p if you’ve decided that you don’t need Freesync or Gsync and you need to save as much money as possible. The Viewsonic XG2402 listed above outclasses this monitor in pretty much all respects. BUT, if this monitor is within your budget, the 2411P will serve you very well with great motion for competitive gaming, the colour on this panel might not be the best for cinematic gaming in darker games however.
XL2411P Specs
| Screen Size | 24 inches |
| Panel Type | Twisted Nematic (TN) |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Adaptive Refresh | None |
| Connections | DVI-DL, HDMI 2.0, D-Sub |
| Speakers | None |
| VESA compatible | Yes |
