Gaming at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 (also known as 1080p or Full HD) remains extremely popular even in today’s world of 4K displays. There are good reasons why 1080p gaming is still the monitor resolution of choice for many PC gamers.
Firstly, 1080p strikes the ideal balance between image sharpness and gaming performance. While higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K offer more screen real estate and crisper visuals, they require significantly more graphics horsepower to maintain smooth frame rates in games. 1080p gaming monitors allow you to take full advantage of high refresh rates beyond 100Hz even with mid-range graphics cards.
Additionally, 1080p monitors are very affordable compared to higher-resolution displays. You can find high-quality 1080p gaming monitors for well under $300, with many good options below $200. This makes 1080p the perfect resolution for budget-minded gamers who still want a great experience.
But not all 1080p gaming monitors are created equal. When choosing the best 1080p display for your needs, here are some key factors to consider:
What to Look for in a 1080p Gaming Monitor
Refresh Rate
Measured in Hz, the refresh rate determines how many times the monitor updates with new image frames per second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother and more responsive games will feel. For 1080p gaming, a refresh rate of 144Hz or above is ideal.
Competitive esports gamers may opt for 240Hz, 280Hz, or even 360Hz monitors for extremely fluid motion clarity. But anything above 144Hz will provide a great high-framerate gaming experience at 1080p resolution.
Higher refresh rates lead to smoother, more fluid gaming motion
Response Time
Expressed in ms (milliseconds), response time measures how quickly pixels can change from one color to another. Faster response times allow for crisper motion clarity with less motion blur, which is vital in fast-paced games.
For 1080p gaming monitors, a response time of 1ms is optimal. However, monitors with 4-5ms response times can still deliver great gaming experiences. Just avoid displays slower than 5ms which may exhibit distracting motion blur.
Faster response times reduce motion blur in gaming
Adaptive Sync
Technologies like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync match the monitor’s refresh rate with the game’s frame rate for super smooth gameplay free of stuttering and tearing. This variable refresh rate (VRR) synchronization is a must-have feature for gaming.
Both G-Sync and FreeSync work very well, so opting for a monitor with either tech is recommended. Just make sure the graphics card and monitor brands match for compatibility.
G-Sync and FreeSync both provide stutter-free, tear-free gaming through variable refresh rates
Panel Type
The monitor panel technology affects factors like viewing angles, color reproduction, contrast ratio, and response times. The most common gaming panel types are:
TN – Very fast response times but poor viewing angles and color accuracy. Budget choice.
IPS – Offers the best blend of fast response times along with vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. Ideal for gaming.
VA – High contrast ratio and good colors but slower response times than IPS. Worth considering.
For the best gaming experience, a high-quality IPS panel is recommended. But decent TN options are available if seeking the fastest response times for competitive gaming.
IPS panels offer the best all-around gaming experience
Extra Features
Additional aspects that enhance the gaming experience include:
- Ergonomic stand – Allows adjusting height, tilt, swivel and rotation for optimal viewing comfort.
- Connectivity ports – Look for HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort and USB ports needed to connect peripherals.
- Blue light filter – Reduces eye strain during extended gaming sessions by limiting blue light exposure.
- Speakers – Built-in speakers provide audio convenience, though dedicated speakers are recommended for best sound quality.
Prioritize features that fit your preferences, desk setup, and gaming habits when choosing a 1080p gaming monitor.
The 5 Best 1080p Gaming Monitors
Based on the criteria above, these are top-rated 1080p monitors offering great gaming performance and value:
1. Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM
-
- Screen Size: 27″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Panel Type: IPS
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz (280Hz OC)
- Response Time: 1ms (GTG)
- Brightness: 400cd/m2
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
| Pros:
AffordabilityOverclockable refresh rate (280Hz) Low input lag Adaptive sync for smooth action |
Cons:
Possible pixel peeping for a more immersive experience Not recommended for HDR gaming |
2. Alienware 500Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2524H)
- Screen Size: 24.5″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Panel Type: Fast IPS G-Sync
- Refresh Rate: 480Hz (500Hz OC)
- Response Time: 1ms
- Brightness: 400cd/m2
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 4 x USB 3.2
| Pros:
Extremely high refresh rate (500Hz OC) G-Sync support for tear-free visuals Nvidia Reflex Latency Analyzer for pro gamers |
Cons:
Requires a powerful PC to fully utilize the high refresh rate Higher price compared to some other options |
3. Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor (AW2523HF)
- Screen Size: 24.5″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Panel Type: IPS FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible
- Refresh Rate: 360Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Brightness: 400cd/m2
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 4 x USB 3.2
| Pros:
Excellent for esports with high refresh rate FreeSync support and G-Sync compatibility Virtually no motion blur and low input lag |
Cons:
1080p resolution might not be the sharpest Higher price for the features offered |
4. Asus TUF Gaming VG259QR
- Screen Size: 24.5″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Panel Type: IPS G-Sync Compatible
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Brightness: 300cd/m2
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
| Pros:
Budget-friendly (around $200) G-Sync compatibility for smooth frames Wide viewing angles |
Cons:
Not the brightest display Less stellar contrast ratio |
5. ViewSonic Elite XG251G
- Screen Size: 25″
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Panel Type: IPS G-Sync
- Refresh Rate: 360Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Brightness: 400cd/m2
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort, 3 x USB-A
| Pros:
High refresh rate for smooth gaming Full G-Sync support Bright display with thin bezels |
Cons:
Higher price compared to other options Potential overspending for features not fully utilized |
The 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate deliver incredibly fluid motion clarity. The Black eQualizer increases visibility in dark scenes. Flexible display modes, including an “FPS mode”, ensure optimal performance for different game genres.
Ideal for: Serious esports gaming where performance is paramount.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1080p Gaming Monitors
Is a 1080p monitor still good for gaming in 2023?
Yes, absolutely. 1080p resolution still looks sharp on monitor sizes 24 inches and below. And the performance benefits versus higher resolutions make 1080p monitors a great choice for high-framerate gaming. Most competitive esports gamers still prefer 1080p.
The lower pixel density places less demand on your graphics card, so it’s easier to maintain FPS rates above 100 or even 200. This allows for incredibly fluid, responsive gameplay. So there are practical reasons why 1920 x 1080 resolution remains so popular for PC gaming.
What refresh rate do I need for 1080p gaming?
A refresh rate of at least 144Hz is recommended for 1080p gaming to take full advantage of the lower resolution with higher frame rates.
Competitive gamers may want 240Hz or even 360Hz monitors to keep up with games exceeding 200 FPS. But anything above 144Hz will provide an excellent high-framerate gaming experience at 1080p.
This table summarizes typical gaming PC performance at different resolutions:
| Resolution | Refresh Rate | Typical FPS |
| 1080p | 60Hz | 80-100+ FPS |
| 1080p | 144Hz | 100-200+ FPS |
| 1440p | 144Hz | 70-120 FPS |
| 1440p | 240Hz | 120-200+ FPS |
So at 1080p, you can fully leverage monitors with refresh rates above 100Hz without needing an extremely powerful computer.
Is response time an important factor for gaming monitors?
Yes, response time directly impacts motion blur, so faster response times lead to crisper motion clarity with less blurring, especially in fast gaming action.
For 1080p gaming monitors, a response time of 1ms is optimal. However, monitors with 4-5ms response times can still deliver great gaming experiences. Just avoid displays slower than 5ms which may exhibit distracting motion blur and ghosting effects.
Do I need G-Sync or FreeSync for a variable refresh rate?
Adaptive sync technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync are highly recommended for smooth, stutter-free gaming. They match the monitor’s refresh rate in real-time to the game’s frame rate for tear-free variable refresh rate (VRR) synchronization.
Without G-Sync / FreeSync, you may experience screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay anytime the frame rate fluctuates and gets misaligned from the monitor’s refresh rate. Eliminating these visual artifacts improves the gaming experience significantly.
Both technologies perform very similarly, so having either G-Sync or FreeSync support provides an excellent gaming experience.
Does panel type make a big difference for gaming?
Panel technology impacts viewing angles, color reproduction, contrast ratio, and response times.
- IPS panels offer the best all-around gaming experience – fast response for smooth gameplay along with vibrant colors and wide viewing angles.
- TN panels have quick response times but poor color accuracy and viewing angles. They are budget options for competitive gaming.
- VA panels deliver deep contrast and good colors but aren’t as fast as IPS panels.
So yes, opting for a high-quality IPS gaming monitor does make a noticeable difference compared to monitors using TN or VA panel technology. IPS is usually worth the extra investment for gaming.
Are curved monitors better for gaming?
A curved display can provide a more immersive gaming experience but isn’t necessarily required. Ultra-wide and certain large gaming monitors benefit from a curved design, but for standard 16:9 displays under 30 inches a good flat gaming monitor will provide an equally great experience.
The gentle wrap-around effect from a curved screen creates more immersion in a wider field of view. But it doesn’t offer any real performance advantage. So it comes down to personal preference.
A curved screen may also introduce subtle image distortion around the edges. It’s not ideal if you frequently use the monitor for non-gaming purposes too. Generally a flat screen is more versatile, especially for smaller 16:9 displays.
What’s the ideal screen size for 1080p gaming?
The pixel density of a 1080p monitor can start to look fuzzy and pixelated above 27-inch screen sizes. So for the best balance of screen space versus picture crispness, a 24-27 inch monitor is the recommended sweet spot for Full HD 1080p gaming.
- 24-inch – Ideal for competitive esports gaming where high framerates are prioritized. Still provides an immersive experience.
- 27-inch – Allow more screen real estate for cinematic single-player gaming while still looking sharp.
Professional gamers tend to opt for 24-inch displays currently. But picking between 24 vs 27-inch comes down to your space, budget, and personal preference.
Should I upgrade from 1080p to 1440p for gaming?
A jump to 1440p QHD resolution does provide more screen real estate along with sharper, crisper visuals. But it also requires a more powerful graphics card to maintain high frame rates of about 100 FPS for a great gaming experience at 1440p.
Since 1080p monitors can leverage extremely high refresh rates beyond 144Hz, many gamers are perfectly satisfied sticking with 1080p resolution. The lower pixel count makes it easier to drive at consistently high framerates.
Consider upgrading if you want more immersive visuals and have a GPU that can handle 1440p well, like an Nvidia RTX 3070 / 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 and above. Otherwise, excellent 1080p displays are more affordable and still look great.
Final Thoughts
- 1080p resolution strikes the ideal balance between image fidelity and gaming performance. It allows for achieving high FPS counts that take full advantage of monitors with 144Hz+ refresh rates.
- When choosing a 1080p gaming monitor, prioritize refresh rate, response times under 5ms, and adaptive sync support. IPS panels offer the best overall gaming experience.
- Aim for a screen size between 24-27 inches to avoid pixelation while still enjoying an immersive gaming experience at 1080p resolution.
- 144Hz is the gaming sweet spot, but 240Hz monitors provide even smoother motion clarity for competitive esports.
- Technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync are highly recommended for tear-free, stutter-free variable refresh rate gaming.
With the right 1080p gaming monitor that checks all the boxes, you can enjoy stunning high-framerate gameplay without breaking the bank compared to higher-resolution displays.