Best Overall
#1
Best for budget-conscious gamers wanting smooth, colorful 24-inch curved performance.
10 Best Gaming-Monitors of 2026
Best Overall
#2
Great affordable high-refresh monitor for competitive gamers needing fast, color-accurate 1080p performance.
#3
Balanced fast IPS monitor for gamers wanting crisp colors and speed.
#4
Excellent budget esports display for high-frame-rate competitive gaming.
Best Budget QHD
#5
Large, affordable QHD curved monitor for smooth, immersive gaming.
#6
Budget ultrawide that prioritizes contrast and refresh over polish.
#7
Good ultrawide mid-range pick for immersive gaming and productivity.
Best 27-inch
#8
Excellent 27-inch fast IPS for competitive gamers and console owners.
Best Overall
#9
Top-performing ultrawide for high-frame competitive and immersive gaming.
Best Value Ultrawide
#10
Great choice for budget-conscious ultrawide gamers wanting immersive curve.
Buying Guide
Resolution and screen size
Choose a resolution that suits your GPU and desk space: 1080p is fine for competitive play on 24–25in screens, while 1440p on 27in gives a sharper image without the GPU cost of 4K. If you have a high-end GPU and want cinematic visuals, 4K or ultrawide options are worthwhile but require more powerful hardware.
Refresh rate and response time
Higher refresh rates (144Hz, 240Hz, 360Hz) make motion smoother and reduce input lag, which is especially important for FPS and competitive games. Look for low grey-to-grey response times (1–4ms) and features like motion compensation to avoid ghosting.
Panel type and colour performance
IPS panels offer the best colours and viewing angles, VA panels deliver stronger contrast, and OLED offers perfect blacks and excellent response but can be pricier. Consider HDR support and colour coverage (sRGB/Display P3/Adobe RGB) if you also use the monitor for content creation.
Adaptive sync and GPU compatibility
Make sure the monitor supports FreeSync (AMD) or G-Sync Compatible/Certified (Nvidia) depending on your GPU; many modern panels support both via Adaptive-Sync. Variable refresh helps eliminate tearing and stuttering for a smoother experience.
Connectivity and ergonomics
Check for DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1 (important for current console owners), USB hubs and headphone jacks. Adjustable stands, VESA mounting and anti-glare coatings improve comfort for long sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gaming monitor in 2026?
The 'best' monitor depends on your priorities: for competitive FPS players a high-refresh 240–360Hz 1080p or 1080p–1440p panel is ideal, while creators and immersion fans will favour 1440p/4K IPS or OLED ultrawide panels with excellent colour and HDR. Popular flagship picks in 2026 include high-refresh OLED and mini‑LED models from brands like ASUS, Samsung and LG, but choose based on resolution, refresh rate and GPU compatibility.
Is a 4K gaming monitor worth buying in the UK?
4K is worth it if you have a GPU capable of delivering high frame rates at 4K or you value image fidelity over ultra-high refresh. For many UK gamers on mid-range hardware, 1440p at 144–165Hz offers a better balance of visuals and performance.
Which gaming monitor offers the best value for money?
Value often comes from 27in 1440p IPS monitors at 144–165Hz, which balance price, image quality and performance. Budget favourites in the UK tend to be models from AOC, Gigabyte or Samsung's mid-range line-up, and sales at Currys, Scan or Amazon UK can make them especially good buys.
ASUS vs Samsung - which should I buy?
Choose ASUS if you prioritise extremely high refresh rates, esports features and extensive OSD/customisation; Samsung is strong on curved VA panels, contrast and competitive mid-range pricing. Compare specific models for resolution, panel type and adaptive sync support to decide which matches your needs.
Do I need G-Sync or FreeSync?
Adaptive sync technology reduces tearing and stutter. FreeSync is common and works well with modern Nvidia cards in G-Sync Compatible mode; buy a monitor that explicitly lists compatibility with your GPU for the best experience.
Is an ultrawide monitor better for gaming?
Ultrawide monitors (21:9 or 32:9) offer greater immersion and more horizontal screen space, which is great for racing, simulation and open-world games. However, some competitive titles and eSports use standard 16:9 formats or restrict field of view, so ultrawide may be a disadvantage in those cases.
What refresh rate should I buy for competitive gaming?
Aim for at least 144Hz for a clear improvement over standard 60Hz; serious competitive players often prefer 240Hz or higher if their PC can consistently deliver the frame rates. The jump to 360Hz yields diminishing returns for many players unless you have top-tier hardware.
Where can I buy gaming monitors in the UK and how much should I expect to spend?
You can buy from Currys, Scan, Overclockers UK, Amazon UK, Box and large retailers; specialist PC shops often have the latest models and price-matching. Expect to pay roughly £150–£300 for a good budget 1080p/144Hz monitor, £300–£700 for a 27in 1440p 144–240Hz panel, and £700+ for top-end 4K, ultrawide or OLED gaming monitors.
What is the best gaming monitor for competitive FPS in 2026?
The best choice is a 24–27in 1080p or 1440p monitor with 240–360Hz refresh and 1ms response (GTG), plus low input lag and reliable adaptive sync. Models that fit this profile typically feature fast IPS panels, e.g. high‑refresh ASUS ROG and Acer Predator series, which combine speed, low latency and strong esports features.
Is a 4K 144Hz gaming monitor worth it in 2026?
A 4K 144Hz monitor is worth it if you own a flagship GPU (or a console that supports HDMI 2.1) and want both high resolution and high refresh; look for HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 and a fast IPS or mini‑LED panel for the best results. Otherwise, 1440p at 144–240Hz gives better value for most UK gamers on mainstream hardware.
ASUS ROG Swift vs Samsung Odyssey - which should I buy?
Choose ASUS ROG Swift for ultra-high refresh rates, esports‑focused features and extensive on-screen tuning; pick Samsung Odyssey if you prefer strong contrast, aggressive curves and value in mid-range VA panels. Compare the exact model specifications - resolution, refresh rate, panel type, HDR level and adaptive sync certification - to match your priorities.
Which gaming monitor is best value for money in the UK?
The best value monitors are typically 27in 1440p IPS panels running 144–165Hz, offering excellent image quality and smooth gameplay without the premium of 4K or OLED; look for models from AOC, Gigabyte and Samsung during sales at Currys or Amazon UK. Key attributes to check are panel type, refresh rate, adaptive sync and connectivity (DisplayPort/HDMI).
Product Selection: Products are sourced via Amazon's Product Advertising API based on relevance, availability, and customer ratings.
Review Analysis: We use AI to analyze customer review trends, identify common themes, and summarize the key strengths and weaknesses of each product.
Scoring Independence: Our rankings and fit scores are generated algorithmically and are not influenced by commission rates or advertising relationships.
Affiliate Disclosure: We earn commissions from qualifying Amazon purchases made through our links at no additional cost to you.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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