Key Points
- The best monitor size for gaming is a matter of personal preference and depends on the type of games you play.
- Smaller 24-inch monitors are ideal for competitive gamers, while mid-range 27-inch monitors offer a balance between size and resolution.
- For 1440p gaming, a 27-inch monitor with a high refresh rate and fast response time is recommended.
- For 4K gaming, a larger 32-inch monitor with a high resolution and refresh rate is ideal.
- Ultrawide monitors, such as a 34-inch curved monitor, provide an immersive gaming experience with a wider field of view.
Size matters — at least when it comes to choosing a gaming monitor. The best monitor size for gaming is a matter of some opinion; and as with all game-related matters, is hotly debated. A monitor that is too large can cause eye strain from too much eye movement, while a monitor that is too small may not provide the level of detail needed for many modern games.
Conversely, larger or high-resolution monitors place a greater load on your GPU and can cause the game to function erratically. However, everyone knows that high-resolution monitors of the correct size make any game appear better. Of course, your graphics card must be powerful enough to handle it.
The best monitor size for gaming is ideally tailored to your desired gaming experience. Smaller 24-inch monitors are for more competitive gamers. Mid-range 27-inch monitors are noticeably larger than their 24-inch cousins but do not require more eye movement; plus, they can handle higher-resolution games. Big 32-inch monitors are good for single-player game environments and allow deeper immersion into the game.
Dive in with us as we discover the best monitor size for gaming and share our recommendations for each screen resolution.
History-Computer’s Top Picks for the Best Monitor Size for Gaming
$469.99Buy Now on Amazon- Rapid 240Hz refresh rate
- The curvature of the 1000R panel matches the human eye for best-in-class immersion
- Infinity Core Lighting adds a terrific visual design
- Available in both 27- and 32-inch sizes
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11/25/2023 03:41 pm GMT
$609.95Buy Now- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles
- Refresh rates of 240Hz over HDMI and 360Hz over DisplayPort
- Includes five USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports
- 16.7-million colors
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11/25/2023 03:56 pm GMT
$839.99Buy Now- QHD (2560x1440)
- 240Hz refresh rate
- 0.03ms response time
- G-SYNC Compatible
- Anti-glare coating
- 99% DCI-P3
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11/25/2023 03:56 pm GMT
$619.99Buy on Amazon- 31.5-inch IPS display
- 3,840 x 2,160 4K resolution
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 1ms response time
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11/25/2023 03:56 pm GMT
$239.97Buy Now- 3440x1440 HD resolution
- 30% more screen space
- Up to 165Hz refresh rate
- 1ms response time
- 2x DisplayPort
- 99% sRGB
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11/25/2023 04:01 pm GMT
#1 Best Overall Monitor Size for Gaming: 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 WQHD
- Rapid 240Hz refresh rate
- The curvature of the 1000R panel matches the human eye for best-in-class immersion
- Infinity Core Lighting adds a terrific visual design
- Available in both 27- and 32-inch sizes
We believe the #1 Best Overall Monitor Size for Gaming is a 27-inch model like the Samsung Odyssey G7 WQHD. A 27-inch curved monitor like the Samsung Odyssey G7 with an impressive 2560×1440 resolution can smoothly display most high-end games without blur or pixelation. The fast 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make this VESA DisplayHDR 600 product by far the overall best monitor size for gaming.
The 1000R curve of this monitor is the closest to filling a normal field of view, so little extra eye movement is needed for most action games. This QLED panel produces superior brightness and contrast ratio, with 1.7 times the pixel density of full HD for the best possible viewing experience in any type of game.
Plus, your SAMSUNG Odyssey monitor matches every frame in sync with your GPU with G-SYNC and FreeSynch Premium Pro technology.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Samsung Odyssey G7 27-inch monitor boasts an impressive 2560×1440 resolution. | Some gamers may not like curved monitors like the SAMSUNG Odyssey G7. |
| It has a 240Hz refresh rate with a 1ms response time for top game speeds. | |
| This QLED monitor has 1.7 times the pixel density of other full HD panels. | |
| This 1000R curved monitor matches the normal eye view to minimize eye movement and resulting strain. | |
| A 27-inch monitor like the Samsung Odyssey G7 is only slightly larger than a 24-inch monitor but supports higher 1440p resolution games. |
Best Monitor Size for 1080p Gaming: 24-inch Alienware AW2521H
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles
- Refresh rates of 240Hz over HDMI and 360Hz over DisplayPort
- Includes five USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports
- 16.7-million colors
Common 1080p games typically show better on a 24-inch monitor like the Alienware AW2521H Gaming Monitor. This product gives you 24.5 inches, but the extra half-inch isn’t noticeable. This In-Plane Switching (IPS) display supports high refresh rates of 240Hz over HDMI and stunning 360Hz over DisplayPort connections. Five USB 3.2 ports allow many connections for better system consolidation.
The supported screen resolution is 1920×1080 with wide horizontal and vertical viewing angles that offer improved immersion for better gaming experiences. Enjoy substantial brightness, 16.7-million color support, and a 1000:1 contrast ratio for extremely clear and easily viewable games.
Professional gamers prefer the smaller 24-inch screen size because they can take in the entire screen without eye or head movements that may cause delays in critical game responses. Hi-res 24-inch monitors like the Alienware AW2521H are standard equipment at professional gaming tournaments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Alienware AW2521H has an extremely high refresh rate of 360Hz over DisplayPort connections. | This product is somewhat expensive for a 24-inch monitor. |
| In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology enables a screen resolution of 1920×1080 and wide horizontal and vertical viewing angles. | |
| This panel supports 16.7 million colors and a 1000:1 contrast ratio. | |
| Five USB 3.2 ports facilitate better system consolidation and cable routing. | |
| This product includes a headphone extender and an LCD cleaning kit. |
Best Monitor Size for 1440p Gaming: 27-inch ASUS ROG Swift OLED DSC
- QHD (2560x1440)
- 240Hz refresh rate
- 0.03ms response time
- G-SYNC Compatible
- Anti-glare coating
- 99% DCI-P3
The new standard for gaming is 1440p resolution, and the Best Monitor Size for 1440p Gaming is 27 inches, like the ASUS ROG Swift OLED DSC Gaming Monitor. Serious gamers enjoy the higher resolution with more pixels in an image for sharper pictures and a better in-game experience. Although only slightly larger than 24-inch monitors, 27-inch monitors offer more viewing surface for clearer pictures with 1440p.
The ASUS ROG Swift 27-inch monitor offers full QHD 2560×1440 resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate, a super fast 0.03ms response time, and 108 PPI, perfect for gaming. Advanced gamers know that 1440p allows higher refresh rates than 4K if your build can handle it. It is also G-SYNC Compatible and the OLED screen delivers the ultimate in color expression. It even comes with Anti-Glare Micro-Texture Coating to ease eye strain.
This product also includes a blue light filter and easy adjustments for height, pivot, tilt, and swivel for creating the perfect ergonomic setup and viewing distance.
Mid-range 27-inch panels are certainly bigger than 24-inch models, but they are not large enough to require constant eye and head movement to see everything on the screen. There is just enough extra space to allow higher resolutions their fullest benefits, creating a more enjoyable gaming experience. This is especially true for single-player games.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The ASUS ROG Swift 27-inch Gaming Monitor has a fast 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time. | This monitor is quite expensive for most gamers. |
| This monitor’s OLED screen delivers astounding color saturation and expression. | |
| 1440p 27-inch monitors allow higher refresh rates than 4K if your PC is built to handle it. | |
| This product includes anti-glare micro-texture coating to prevent eye strain after prolonged use. | |
| This monitor can be connected with ultra high-speed HDMI or DisplayPort cabling. |
Best Monitor Size for 4K Gaming: 32-inch GIGABYTE M32U 144Hz 4K Gaming Monitor
- 31.5-inch IPS display
- 3,840 x 2,160 4K resolution
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 1ms response time
The 32-inch GIGABYTE M32U 144Hz 4K Gaming Monitor is a great example of the best Monitor Size for 4K Gaming. Modern 4K monitors provide vastly superior image sharpness compared to 1080p and 1440p. This product’s 4K Ultra HD resolution fits images perfectly onto a larger 32-inch display without the need to scale and disrupt the picture.
GIGABYTE’s M32U monitor boasts fast IPS with 90% DCI-P3 wide color for bold viewing enjoyment and exceptional game environments. Connect with either ultra high-speed HDMI or DisplayPort cables. The 3840×2160 4K display has a 144Hz Refresh Rate and 1ms response time. Streaming gamers will love the built-in KVM switch. Control peripherals can connect to the monitor’s USB ports so you can switch to different devices.
A 32-inch monitor like the M32U is ideal for 4K gaming because gamers don’t like to manually scale applications for optimum viewing. Many games don’t offer custom scaling and even when they do, many UI elements are tiny or off-sized, and the overall experience is degraded. A high-end gaming PC equipped to handle 4K games and monitors can display your game without the need for scaling or making other visual changes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The GIGABYTE M32U has a 3840×2160 4K display with 144Hz refresh rates and a 1ms response time. | This monitor is somewhat pricey. |
| USB-C connections are supported on this product. | |
| This monitor has a built-in KVM switch to facilitate fast switching to different game devices. | |
| Connect to this monitor with either ultra high-speed HDMI or DisplayPort cables. | |
| Adaptive Sync Technology and Auto Noise Cancellation are included with this monitor. |
Best Ultrawide Monitor for Gaming: 34-inch Sceptre Curved WQHD Monitor
- 3440x1440 HD resolution
- 30% more screen space
- Up to 165Hz refresh rate
- 1ms response time
- 2x DisplayPort
- 99% sRGB
The 34-inch Sceptre Curved WQHD Monitor is a prime example of the Best Ultrawide Monitor for Gaming. Ultrawide monitors with 21:9 or 32:9 aspect ratios are the new “extra” for serious gamers looking for the most immersive experience possible. The mostly curved, long horizontal screens enclose your peripheral vision for an impressive wide view. The most common resolution is 3440×1440, and on a 34-inch monitor, this results in a pixel density similar to that of a 27-inch 1440p display. This means lots of screen area and sharp details with no need for scaling your game.
This 34-inch Sceptre monitor has Wide Quad HD (WQHD) 2440×1440 resolution in 21:9, which provides 30% more screen space than smaller monitors. This next-level resolution is far superior to older 1080p standards. A 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time keep up with the fastest high-energy games.
The 1500R curvature of this monitor creates the ultimate immersive gaming experience, especially in first-person games. It is also thin and frameless to take up less space, comes with full tilt adjustments, and includes a built-in blue light filter to reduce eye strain.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The 34-inch Sceptre Curved WQHD monitor features an incredible 3440×1440 resolution in 21:9. | Competition gamers may not like ultrawide monitors like the 34-inch Sceptre because of professional gaming requirements. |
| The pixel density of this 34-inch monitor is similar to that of a 27-inch 1440p display. | |
| A 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time keep up with the fastest high-energy games. | |
| This monitor is curved at 1500R for maximum game immersion and viewability. | |
| This product is very affordable when compared to other monitors. |
How to Pick the Best Monitor Size for Gaming: Step by Step
Every gamer has their own personal preference for monitor sizes and solid reasons for them. Your best monitor size for gaming considers the games you play, the highest resolution your system will support, the best size for that resolution, refresh rates, and your viewing preferences. Of course, what your budget will support is also critical. So consider the following in your discovery of the best monitor sizes for gaming:
- Game Types You Play
- Game Resolutions
- Size to Resolution Compatibility
- Refresh Rate
- Viewing Preferences
- Price
Let’s review each of these criteria in more detail.
Game Types You Play
Ask any gamer what they love to play and you will get as many answers as there are games available. Names like Call of Duty, Valorant, Red Dead Redemption, Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto, League of Legends, Fortnite, and ROBLOX are among the most popular in 2023. Most of these, and other popular games, require high-resolution monitors and kicked-up GPUs for the best gameplay.
Moreover, how you play these games factors into which monitor is the best for you. First-person gaming has different demands than competitive gaming and occasional gaming. Games that require higher attention to detail and faster responses need a monitor that displays sharp, clear images at insane speeds that can be viewed with minimal head or eye movements.
Game Resolutions
It comes as no surprise that 1080p is the most common resolution in gaming, closely followed by 1440p. The most popular games are designed with this in mind. However, as more attention falls on 4K, and even advanced 8K gaming, more companies will offer games tailored to those higher resolutions.
Your favorite games and the recommended resolutions for best gameplay must shape your monitor size choices. Consider how your most-played games appear in different resolutions and how those are displayed on the different-size monitors available. Then choose the best combination that works for you.
Size-to-Resolution Compatibility
Different-sized monitors display different resolutions with varying levels of clarity. For example, most 24-inch monitors cannot handle anything above 1080p due to the difficulty of fitting pixel density into a smaller viewing space. Conversely, 27-inch and 32-inch monitors don’t support 1080p because the pixel density would be horrible. They work better with 1440p or 4K resolution.
Depending on your game, you may have to sit back farther from the monitor and move your eyes and head around more to absorb the entire game if your monitor is a bad fit. Keeping up with the fast pace of League of Legends may be harder on a larger monitor, even with the extra resolution for better clarity. It’s all about balance.
Refresh Rate
Your monitor refresh rate is expressed in hertz. A higher number of hertz like 144Hz or 240Hz means more pictures per second for smoother picture displays and a better gaming experience. Some monitors even offer 360Hz with a higher speed connecting cable and a high-end GPU. Gameplay quality is essential for serious gamers or competitors, so this consideration is high on the list of must-haves when monitor shopping.
Viewing Preferences
How you enjoy gaming is also a consideration. Do you sit close to the monitor or far back? Do you prefer minimal head and eye movement as a professional gamer, or do you relish the full wraparound experience of an ultrawide curved monitor? Some games lend themselves to different modes of viewing, and some gamers have their own personal quirks about how and where they sit while playing.
Ideally, you want a monitor size and resolution that is compatible with how you are positioned while gaming. Models with several adjustable factors to tailor it perfectly are prized and worth considering.
Price
Monitors run the gamut of pricing from affordable to outrageous. Our recommendations span that range. Most high-end monitors will cost several hundred dollars, and some over a thousand are not uncommon. Be sure to consider what you get for that price and shop around for comparable products at better prices. Better yet, hold out for the best deals around the holidays to save even more money.
What to Know Before Buying the Best Monitor Size for Gaming
Any size gaming monitor needs a PC powerful enough to support it. For running a high-end 27-inch 1440p or 4K monitor, we recommend a Radeon 6800 XT or NVIDIA RTX 3080 with 10GB or 12GB of VRAM. Of course, this also means you will need a PSU powerful enough to support them. Larger monitors with high resolutions and refresh rates need top-end graphics cards.
All this goes back to planning the best system design for your needs. Building the ultimate gaming computer factors in every component and how it relies on the others for seamless gameplay and no lag.
Using the Best Monitor Size for Gaming: What It’s Like
We’ve already established that different monitor sizes cater to different audiences. Competitive gamers prefer 24-inch monitors because they offer advantages in the game. Bigger 32- or 34-inch monitors, including ultrawide models, offer superior single-player experiences with better immersion and higher resolutions for clarity. More popular 27-inch monitors offer extra screen space without sacrificing clarity, pixels, or excessive head-swivel action in the game.
Why do you choose the size monitor you use for gaming? Your reasons are as valid as everyone else’s. What matters is that you get the best performance for the most enjoyable gameplay.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ivan Acedo/Shutterstock.com.
