Top 5 1080p Gaming Monitors of 2025

In the world of PC gaming, 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 driven by factors such as affordability and performance ease. With the market saturated with 1080p monitor options, finding the best one can be overwhelming. But don't worry—I'm here to guide you through the top picks for 2025, ensuring you 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 generally more affordable than 1440p and 4K monitors, can boast refresh rates as high as 500Hz, and often support technologies like AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. Their lower pixel count makes them easier to drive, allowing for a stellar gaming experience even with entry-level GPUs. However, they may appear less sharp, especially on screens larger than 27 inches. For higher resolution options, consider 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 ultimate choice for gamers seeking a high-performance 1080p monitor at a reasonable price. With its 27-inch Full HD display, you can overclock to a 280Hz refresh rate, ensuring low input lag and smooth gameplay. It supports both FreeSync and G-Sync, eliminating screen tearing and providing a vibrant, crisp image. This monitor is perfect for both AMD and Nvidia users, offering near-instantaneous response times and high peak brightness of 400 nits for excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. While it doesn't feature local dimming, its DisplayHDR 400 certification still enhances color vibrancy. At under $300, it's a top contender for value, performance, and visual quality in 2025.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size27"Aspect ratio16:9Resolution1,920 x 1,080Panel typeIPS FreeSync, G-Sync compatibleBrightness400cd/m2 Refresh rate240Hz, 280Hz (OC) Response time1 ms (GTG) Inputs2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2PROSGreat value for moneyFreeSync support and G-Sync compatibilityCONSNo local dimming

2. Samsung Odyssey G30D

Best Budget 1080p Monitor

### Samsung Odyssey G30D

1The Samsung Odyssey G30D is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers. Priced around $120, this 24-inch monitor features an IPS panel that delivers vibrant colors and a 1ms response time for smooth, responsive gameplay. With a 180Hz refresh rate and support for both FreeSync and G-Sync, it ensures a tear-free gaming experience. While its peak brightness of 250 nits may not be ideal for brightly lit environments, it performs well in typical room lighting. The monitor's single HDMI and DisplayPort inputs are sufficient for most gamers, and its reliability is backed by a one-year warranty from a trusted brand.

See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy Product SpecificationsScreen size24"Aspect ratio16:9Resolution1,920 x 1,080Panel typeIPS FreeSync, G-Sync CompatibleBrightness250cd/m2 Refresh rate180HzResponse time1msInputs 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPortPROSColor rich screen1ms response time High refresh rateCONSMiddling peak brightness

3. AOC Gaming C27G2Z

Best Curved 1080p Monitor

### AOC Gaming C27F2Z

2The AOC Gaming C27G2Z offers a compelling combination of an immersive curve and high performance for 1080p gamers. At around $150, this 27-inch monitor boasts a 1500R curve, 240Hz refresh rate, and an impressive 0.5ms response time. Its VA panel delivers vibrant colors and a high contrast ratio of 3000:1, enhancing the visual experience. While it may require some calibration out of the box, the C27G2Z's responsiveness and curve make it ideal for competitive gaming, providing a sense of depth without text distortion. It's an exceptional value for gamers looking to enhance their setup without breaking the bank.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size27" 1500R Aspect ratio16:9Resolution1,920 x 1,080Panel typeVA FreeSyncBrightness300cd/m2 Refresh rate240HzResponse time0.5msInputs2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPortPROSLow input latencyRapid response timeVibrant colors and good contrastCONSMay require calibration and OSD adjustments to bring it to taste

4. Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)

Best Ultrawide 1080p Monitor

### Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)

2The Acer Nitro ED6 stands out as a top ultrawide 1080p monitor, priced under $200. Its 29.5-inch screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio provides a spacious and immersive gaming experience. The VA panel offers excellent color coverage and contrast, while the 200Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay. Its 1500R curve enhances the visual immersion, making it suitable for both single-player and competitive gaming. Although it might need some initial color calibration, the ED6's performance and value make it an ideal choice for those seeking an ultrawide monitor.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size29.5"Aspect ratio21:9Resolution2,560x1,080Panel typeVA, AMD FreeSync Premium, Nvidia G-Sync compatibleBrightness350cd/m2Refresh rate200Hz Response time1msInputs2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.2PROSGood color coverage and deep contrastImmersive 1500R curve2x HDMI and DisplayPort jacksCONSOut of the box color accuracy

5. BenQ Zowie XL2586X+

Best 1080p Monitor for Esports

### BenQ Zowie XL2586X+

0For esports enthusiasts, the BenQ Zowie XL2586X+ is unmatched with its 600Hz refresh rate, providing the ultimate competitive edge. Priced at $999, this 24.1-inch monitor uses a TN panel to achieve unparalleled responsiveness. While TN panels typically sacrifice color quality and viewing angles, Zowie's VividFilm layer and DyAc2 technology enhance motion clarity and color reproduction. Although expensive and not suited for everyone, the XL2586X+ is the top choice for professional esports players seeking the fastest possible performance.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size24.1"Aspect ratio16:9Resolution1,920 x 1,080Panel typeTNBrightness320cd/m2Refresh rate600HzInputs3 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x 3.5mm audio jackPROSInsanely fastDyAc 2 for improved motion clarityColor enhancing filmTrusted esports brand commonly found in professional tournamentsCONSVery expensiveTN colors and viewing angles aren't great

How to Choose a 1080p Monitor

When shopping for a 1080p monitor, consider these key factors:

Size: Opt for a monitor size of 27 inches or less to maintain pixel density and avoid a screen door effect. A 25-inch screen is ideal for crispness and clarity.

Panel Type: Choose between IPS and VA panels. IPS offers superior color accuracy and viewing angles, while VA panels provide better contrast but narrower viewing angles. TN panels are less recommended unless you're focused on esports, where their speed is beneficial.

Refresh Rate: Look for a refresh rate of at least 120Hz for smoother gameplay, with 144Hz being a popular sweet spot. Higher rates like 200Hz or above are ideal for competitive gaming.

Brightness: A brightness level of 300 to 400 nits is suitable for most environments. Monitors with 400 nits or higher provide a vivid picture, even in well-lit rooms.

Additional Features: Features like variable refresh rate support (FreeSync or G-Sync), on-screen reticles, and customizable settings can enhance your gaming experience.

1080p Gaming Monitor FAQ

Is a 1080p monitor worse than 1440p?

A 1080p monitor has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, while a 1440p monitor boasts 2560x1440 pixels, offering a crisper image. However, the difference in clarity may be less noticeable on smaller screens, and 1080p monitors are easier to run, making them a more affordable and performance-friendly option for many gamers.

What is the best size for a 1080p monitor?

For optimal clarity and pixel density, a 1080p monitor should ideally be 27 inches or smaller. A 25-inch screen strikes a perfect balance between size and sharpness.

How much should I pay for a 1080p monitor?

You can find excellent 1080p gaming monitors for under $200, with higher-end models offering advanced features at a higher price. New gamers should target this price range while considering their specific needs and preferences.