In the PC gaming world, 1440p and 4K displays often steal the spotlight. Yet, Steam's Hardware Survey shows most gamers still prefer 1080p. This choice is driven by affordability and performance ease, among other factors. When searching for a new monitor, you'll encounter a crowded market with countless options, making it tough to pinpoint the best one.
No worries, though—I’ve got you covered. With years of experience reviewing gaming monitors, I know what separates a decent display from an exceptional one, like my top choice, the Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM. If you want to skip the hassle of shopping and dive into an amazing gaming experience, read on. Here are the top 1080p gaming monitors for 2025.
TL;DR – Top 1080p Gaming Monitors:
Our Top PickAsus 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 AmazonChoosing a 1080p gaming monitor offers several benefits. They’re far more affordable than 1440p or 4K models, support high refresh rates up to 500Hz and beyond, and include features like AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync for seamless gameplay.
A major advantage is their ease of use. With fewer pixels to render, these monitors don’t demand expensive, high-end graphics cards to deliver peak performance, enabling smooth gaming even on budget GPUs.
However, 1080p displays can appear less sharp, especially on screens larger than 27 inches. For those seeking higher resolution, explore our guide to the best gaming monitors of 2025.
1. Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM
Top 1080p Gaming Monitor
Our Top PickAsus TUF Gaming VG279QM
2A 27-inch Full HD monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 280Hz), low input lag, and adaptive sync for fluid gameplay.See it at AmazonFor most gamers, the Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM is the ultimate 1080p monitor. Priced under $300, it delivers a vibrant, fast display capable of hitting 280Hz. With low input lag, variable refresh rate support, and high peak brightness, it ensures stunning visuals and crisp motion for immersive gaming.
Though I didn’t test this monitor myself, our reviewer praised its balanced performance. It supports variable refresh rates with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, eliminating screen tearing. The 280Hz refresh rate offers near-instant response times, perfect for fast-paced games.
At 27 inches, it’s the ideal size for 1080p, providing ample screen space without pixelation. Its 400-nit brightness suits well-lit rooms, enhancing dynamic range and making colors vivid.
Certified for DisplayHDR 400, it falls short of true HDR’s 1,000-nit standard, so temper expectations. Still, its price, features, and performance make it the top 1080p monitor for 2025.
2. Samsung Odyssey G30D
Top Budget 1080p Monitor
Samsung Odyssey G30D
1Compact yet powerful, this monitor delivers vibrant visuals and solid gaming performance at an affordable price.See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyFinding a budget gaming monitor can feel daunting, with unfamiliar brands making big promises. The Samsung Odyssey G30D stands out as a reliable choice. This 24-inch monitor from a trusted brand offers rich colors and quick response for just $120.
It features an IPS panel with vibrant hues and a 1ms response time, ideal for gaming. Running at 180Hz, it ensures smooth motion clarity and supports variable refresh rates with FreeSync and G-Sync, preventing tearing even on older GPUs.
Its drawbacks include limited connectivity—one HDMI and one DisplayPort—and a 250-nit brightness that struggles in bright environments. In typical or dim lighting, however, it performs admirably.
Buying from Samsung ensures reliable warranty support, adding peace of mind. For budget-conscious gamers, this monitor’s performance and value are hard to beat.
3. AOC Gaming C27G2Z
Top Curved 1080p Monitor
AOC Gaming C27F2Z
2This monitor blends an immersive curve, large display, and rapid refresh rate, perfect for 1080p gamers.See it at AmazonPriced around $150, the AOC Gaming C27G2Z redefines affordability with its 240Hz curved display. Boasting a 1500R curve, 300cd/m² brightness, and 0.5ms response time, it delivers stunning visuals and instant responsiveness for competitive gaming.
The 1500R curve strikes a perfect balance—more immersive than 1800R but less intense than 800R, enhancing depth without distorting text. Its VA panel offers vibrant colors and a 3000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks and improved picture quality.
With a 240Hz refresh rate and FreeSync/G-Sync support, it ensures tear-free, fluid gameplay. The 0.5ms response time makes it a strong contender for esports without the premium price tag.
Out-of-the-box colors may need tweaking for optimal vibrancy, and creative professionals might require calibration. Still, at this price, its performance and curve make it a fantastic value.
4. Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)
Top Ultrawide 1080p Monitor
Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)
2For under $200, this curved monitor delivers vibrant visuals, a fast refresh rate, and an immersive 1500R curve.See it at AmazonThe Acer Nitro ED6 is a standout newcomer, featuring a 30-inch ultrawide 21:9 display. Its VA panel delivers rich colors, deep contrast, and a 200Hz refresh rate, excelling in both single-player and competitive gaming.
The 2560x1080 resolution fits perfectly on its 30-inch screen, offering the equivalent of two 24-inch monitors without a bezel. The 1500R curve enhances immersion, making games feel more engaging without overwhelming the viewer.
With a 3000:1 contrast ratio and solid color reproduction, it rivals pricier monitors. The 200Hz refresh rate ensures smooth motion, ideal for fast-paced titles, while FreeSync and G-Sync support eliminates tearing.
Its out-of-the-box color accuracy may require tweaking, but for under $200, its design, performance, and warranty support from Acer make it the top ultrawide 1080p choice.
5. BenQ Zowie XL2586X+
Top 1080p Monitor for Esports
BenQ Zowie XL2586X+
0With a blazing 600Hz refresh rate, this monitor offers unmatched speed and features for a competitive edge.See it at AmazonFor competitive gamers, the BenQ Zowie XL2586X+ is a game-changer. Its 600Hz refresh rate delivers unrivaled speed, making it ideal for high-stakes esports or anyone seeking peak performance.
A staple in esports tournaments, Zowie’s reliability shines here. The XL2586X+ is designed for top-tier players but includes features to appeal beyond competitive settings.
Its 600Hz refresh rate eliminates motion blur, with class-leading input latency. Using a TN panel, it prioritizes speed over color accuracy or viewing angles, typical of esports-focused displays.
To counter TN limitations, Zowie’s VividFilm layer boosts color vibrancy, outperforming other TN panels. DyAc2 technology uses dual backlights to enhance motion clarity, ideal for tracking fast-moving targets.
At $999, it’s a premium choice not suited for everyone. For esports enthusiasts, though, its unmatched performance justifies the cost.
How to Choose a 1080p Monitor
When selecting a 1080p monitor, focus on size, panel type, refresh rate, brightness, and extra features that boost value.
Size: Pick a monitor that fits your setup. To avoid pixelation, stick to 27 inches or smaller for a crisp image.
Panel Type: Choose between IPS and VA panels. IPS offers superior colors and viewing angles but lower contrast. VA provides deep contrast and good colors but narrower angles. TN panels, like those in esports models, prioritize speed but sacrifice color and contrast.
Most modern monitors achieve 1ms response times, minimizing ghosting concerns. Select a panel that aligns with your gaming priorities.
Refresh Rate: Measured in hertz, refresh rate determines how often the screen updates. Gaming monitors typically offer 120Hz or higher, with 144Hz as a sweet spot for smooth gameplay. Higher rates like 240Hz suit competitive titles.
Brightness: Look for 400 nits or higher for vivid visuals. Monitors between 300-400 nits work well in most lighting, while below 300 nits may appear dim in bright rooms.
Additional Features: Variable refresh rate support (FreeSync or G-Sync) eliminates tearing. Look for extras like on-screen reticles, timers, or quick-access settings for added convenience.
1080p Gaming Monitor FAQ
Is 1080p inferior to 1440p?
A 1080p monitor has 1920x1080 pixels (2.07 million), while 1440p offers 2560x1440 (3.69 million), resulting in sharper visuals. However, at 24 inches, the clarity difference is minimal, and 1080p is easier to run, requiring less GPU power.
Its affordability and performance make 1080p a popular choice, especially with mid-range GPUs like the Nvidia RTX 4050, which handle demanding games well at this resolution.
What’s the ideal size for a 1080p monitor?
Stick to 27 inches or less to maintain clarity and avoid visible pixels. Around 25 inches is optimal for balancing crispness and screen space.
How much should a 1080p monitor cost?
Prices vary by size and features, but quality 1080p monitors are often under $200. New gamers should aim for this range, with some flexibility for desired specs.
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