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These days, even quite affordable GPUs can consistently push frame rates beyond 60fps, so a screen with a high-enough refresh rate to actually display all the frames is a good start. Gaming monitors also (mostly) include technology such as Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, which matches the screens refresh rate to the frame rate coming from the computer. This eliminates a mismatch between the two rates, and ensures a smooth experience without any tearing or stuttering.

Gaming monitors are also focused on having a fast response time, which reduces ghosting. They also offer other gaming focused features, such as on-screen crosshairs and different display modes for each game type. While you won’t see a gaming monitor with a resolution under 1,920 x 1,080, 2K (2,560 x 1,440) and 4K (3,840 x 2,160) screens are common. While budget models do without, gaming screens tend to have excellent stands with full height, pivot, swivel and tilt adjustments to get the perfect viewing position.

It’s not all kittens and sunshine, though, and all the extra bells and whistles mean gaming monitors typically cost more than their everyday counterparts. Many gaming monitors tend to prioritise low lag and a smooth experience over pure image quality, and many use lower-end (but fast) TN panels. There are some monitors that offer a crossover experience, where they can handle gaming quite well, but also use high-quality panels that have accurate colours needed for other uses.

HOW WE TESTED

Each monitor was tested on a high-end gaming PC, running either an AMD or Nvidia GPU for testing both FreeSync and G-Sync. Connection was via DisplayPort or, where not available, HDMI. Each monitor was tested with a variety of games including Ashes of the Singularity, League of Legends, Elite Dangerous, StarCraft II, Counter Strike and GTA V.