In the PC gaming community, discussions often revolve around 1440p and 4K monitors, yet Steam's Hardware Survey reveals that the majority of gamers still prefer 1080p. This preference is largely due to cost and performance considerations. With the market flooded with various 1080p monitors, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. But don't worry, I'm here to guide you through the top picks for 2025, ensuring you can spend less time shopping and more time enjoying your games.

TL;DR – These Are the Best 1080p Gaming Monitors:

Our Top Pick### Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM

2See it at Amazon### Samsung Odyssey G30D

1See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy ### AOC Gaming C27F2Z

2See it at Amazon### Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)

2See it at Amazon### BenQ Zowie XL2586X+

0See it at Amazon

Opting for a 1080p gaming monitor offers several advantages. They are typically more affordable than their higher-resolution counterparts, capable of high refresh rates up to 500Hz, and often support technologies like AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. Additionally, these monitors are easier to run and don't require high-end graphics cards, making them ideal for a great gaming experience even with entry-level GPUs. However, they may appear less sharp, especially on larger screens above 27 inches. For those interested in higher resolutions, consider checking out our list of the best gaming monitors of 2025.

1. Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM

Best 1080p Gaming Monitor

Our Top Pick### Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM

2The Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM is the top choice for most gamers, offering a 27-inch Full HD display with an overclockable 240Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and adaptive sync for seamless gameplay. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Screen size: 27"
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
• Panel type: IPS, FreeSync, G-Sync compatible
• Brightness: 400 cd/m²
• Refresh rate: 240Hz, 280Hz (OC)
• Response time: 1 ms (GTG)
• Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2

PROS

• Great value for money
• FreeSync support and G-Sync compatibility

CONS

• No local dimming

The Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM stands out as the best 1080p gaming monitor for its impressive balance of features and performance. Priced under $300, it boasts a vibrant and fast screen with a refresh rate of up to 280Hz, ensuring low input lag and smooth gameplay. It supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, eliminating screen tearing and offering near-instantaneous response times. At 27 inches, the monitor is the ideal size for 1080p, maintaining clarity without revealing individual pixels. With a brightness of 400 nits, it performs well even in brightly lit rooms and enhances color vibrancy. Although it's DisplayHDR 400 certified, true HDR enthusiasts should temper their expectations as it falls short of the 1,000 nits needed for full HDR impact. Overall, the VG279QM is a top contender in 2025 for its unbeatable combination of price, features, and performance.

2. Samsung Odyssey G30D

Best Budget 1080p Monitor

### Samsung Odyssey G30D

1The Samsung Odyssey G30D is a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on quality, delivering solid performance and vibrant colors at a very affordable price. See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy

Product Specifications

• Screen size: 24"
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
• Panel type: IPS, FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible
• Brightness: 250 cd/m²
• Refresh rate: 180Hz
• Response time: 1ms
• Inputs: 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort

PROS

• Color-rich screen
• 1ms response time
• High refresh rate

CONS

• Middling peak brightness

Shopping for a budget gaming monitor can be daunting, but the Samsung Odyssey G30D offers a reliable solution. Priced around $120, this 24-inch monitor from a reputable brand delivers vibrant colors and a 1ms response time, making it ideal for gaming. With a high 180Hz refresh rate and support for both FreeSync and G-Sync, it ensures smooth gameplay without tearing, even if you're using an older GPU. Its main drawbacks are limited to a single HDMI and DisplayPort each, and a peak brightness of 250 nits, which may affect its performance in direct sunlight. However, its affordability and the peace of mind that comes with a one-year warranty from a trusted brand make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.

3. AOC Gaming C27G2Z

Best Curved 1080p Monitor

### AOC Gaming C27F2Z

2The AOC Gaming C27G2Z offers a perfect blend of immersive curvature, spacious screen, and a fast refresh rate, all at an attractive price point. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Screen size: 27" 1500R
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
• Panel type: VA, FreeSync
• Brightness: 300 cd/m²
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Response time: 0.5ms
• Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort

PROS

• Low input latency
• Rapid response time
• Vibrant colors and good contrast

CONS

• May require calibration and OSD adjustments

Priced around $150, the AOC Gaming C27G2Z offers exceptional value with its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time. Its 1500R curve provides an immersive gaming experience without the drawbacks of excessive curvature, making it a perfect fit for 1080p gaming. The VA panel delivers rich colors and a high contrast ratio, enhancing picture quality, though some calibration may be needed for optimal performance. With support for both AMD and Nvidia's variable refresh rate technologies, this monitor is well-suited for competitive gaming, offering responsiveness and smooth gameplay. Despite requiring some initial adjustments, the C27G2Z is a strong recommendation for gamers looking for a curved monitor that doesn't break the bank.

4. Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)

Best Ultrawide 1080p Monitor

### Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)

2The Acer Nitro ED6 combines a spacious ultrawide screen, fast refresh rate, and immersive curvature, all for under $200. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Screen size: 29.5"
• Aspect ratio: 21:9
• Resolution: 2,560x1,080
• Panel type: VA, AMD FreeSync Premium, Nvidia G-Sync compatible
• Brightness: 350 cd/m²
• Refresh rate: 200Hz
• Response time: 1ms
• Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.2

PROS

• Good color coverage and deep contrast
• Immersive 1500R curve
• 2x HDMI and DisplayPort jacks

CONS

• Out-of-the-box color accuracy may need tweaking

The Acer Nitro ED6 stands out as an excellent ultrawide 1080p monitor, offering a 30-inch screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio. Its VA panel provides deep contrast and good color coverage, while its 200Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and clear gameplay. At this size, the monitor maintains sharpness without showing individual pixels, making it feel like having two 24-inch monitors side by side without a bezel. The 1500R curve enhances immersion, suitable for both single-player and competitive gaming. While out-of-the-box color accuracy might require some adjustments, the monitor's overall performance, design, and affordability from a trusted brand make it an excellent choice for ultrawide enthusiasts.

5. BenQ Zowie XL2586X+

Best 1080p Monitor for Esports

### BenQ Zowie XL2586X+

0The BenQ Zowie XL2586X+ is the ultimate choice for esports players, featuring an unmatched 600Hz refresh rate and additional features to enhance performance. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Screen size: 24.1"
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
• Panel type: TN
• Brightness: 320 cd/m²
• Refresh rate: 600Hz
• Inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack

PROS

• Insanely fast
• DyAc 2 for improved motion clarity
• Color enhancing film
• Trusted esports brand commonly found in professional tournaments

CONS

• Very expensive
• TN colors and viewing angles aren't great

For competitive gamers, the BenQ Zowie XL2586X+ is the top pick, boasting a staggering 600Hz refresh rate that eliminates motion blur and offers class-leading input latency. A staple in esports tournaments, this monitor uses a TN panel to achieve its speed, sacrificing some color quality and viewing angles. However, BenQ has incorporated a VividFilm layer to enhance color reproduction and DyAc2 technology to improve motion clarity, making it more appealing even outside of competitive play. Priced at $999, it's a premium option not suitable for everyone, but for those aiming for the highest level of esports performance, the XL2586X+ is unrivaled.

How to Choose a 1080p Monitor

When selecting a 1080p monitor, consider the following key factors:

• Size: Aim for 27 inches or smaller to avoid visible pixels and maintain image clarity.
• Panel Type: Choose between IPS for the best colors and viewing angles, or VA for better contrast and less backlight bleed. TN panels are best for esports due to their speed but are generally outdated for other uses.
• Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate (120Hz or more) provides smoother gameplay. 144Hz is a popular sweet spot, while rates above 200Hz are ideal for competitive gaming.
• Brightness: Aim for at least 300 nits for adequate brightness, with 400 nits or higher for the best visibility and color vibrancy.
• Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate support (FreeSync or G-Sync) to eliminate screen tearing, along with other gaming-specific features like on-screen reticles and customizable settings.

1080p Gaming Monitor FAQ

Is a 1080p monitor worse than 1440p?

A 1080p monitor has a resolution of 1920x1080, offering 2.07 million pixels, while a 1440p monitor boasts 2560x1440, with 3.69 million pixels. This means 1440p provides a crisper image, but the difference is less noticeable on smaller screens. The main advantage of 1080p is its ease of use with less demanding hardware, making it more affordable and easier to achieve high frame rates.

What is the best size for a 1080p monitor?

The optimal size for a 1080p monitor is around 25 inches. This size offers a good balance of screen space and image clarity without the risk of pixelation on larger screens.

How much should I pay for a 1080p monitor?

Prices vary based on size and features, but you can find excellent 1080p gaming monitors for under $200. This price range is ideal for new PC gamers looking for their first monitor, offering a balance of performance and affordability.