Top 5 1080p Gaming Monitors of 2025

In the world of PC gaming, while 1440p and 4K resolutions often steal the spotlight, Steam's Hardware Survey reveals that the majority of gamers still prefer the trusty 1080p resolution. This preference is largely driven by cost-effectiveness and the ease of achieving high performance. When shopping for a new monitor, you'll find an overwhelming variety of options, making it challenging to pinpoint the best choice. But worry not, as I'm here to guide you through the top 1080p gaming monitors of 2025, ensuring you spend less time shopping and more time enjoying your gaming experience.

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 comes with several advantages. They are significantly more affordable than 1440p and 4K monitors, often boasting high refresh rates up to 500Hz, and they support technologies like AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. The primary benefit is their ease of use; they require less powerful, and thus less expensive, graphics cards to run at full potential due to their lower pixel count. This makes it possible to enjoy a stellar gaming experience even with an entry-level GPU. However, be aware that at sizes above 27 inches, the image may appear less sharp. If you're interested in higher resolutions, take a look at 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

2A 27-inch Full HD display with an overclockable 240Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and adaptive sync for smooth action. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Screen size: 27"
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
• Panel type: IPS, FreeSync, G-Sync compatible
• Brightness: 400 cd/m²
• Refresh rate: 240Hz, 280Hz (OC)
• Response time: 1 ms (GTG)
• Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2

PROS

• Great value for money
• FreeSync support and G-Sync compatibility

CONS

• No local dimming

The Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM stands out as the best 1080p gaming monitor for most users. Priced under $300, it delivers a fast and vibrant display capable of reaching a remarkable 280Hz refresh rate. With low input lag, variable refresh rate support, and high peak brightness, it ensures your games look their best and offer crisp motion clarity. Our reviewer was impressed by how well this monitor balances its features, providing excellent performance whether you're using an AMD or Nvidia GPU. The 27-inch size is ideal for its resolution, offering a spacious yet sharp viewing experience, and its 400 nits brightness makes it suitable for use in well-lit environments. Although it's DisplayHDR 400 certified, don't expect the dynamic range of true HDR, which typically requires 1,000 nits. Overall, its combination of price, features, and performance makes it the top choice in 2025.

2. Samsung Odyssey G30D

Best Budget 1080p Monitor

### Samsung Odyssey G30D

1This gaming monitor is small but mighty, offering a solid picture and great gaming performance at a low price. See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy

Product Specifications

• Screen size: 24"
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
• Panel type: IPS, FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible
• Brightness: 250 cd/m²
• Refresh rate: 180Hz
• Response time: 1ms
• Inputs: 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort

PROS

• Color-rich screen
• 1ms response time
• High refresh rate

CONS

• Middling peak brightness

If you're shopping for a gaming monitor on a budget, the Samsung Odyssey G30D is a stellar choice. At around $120, this 24-inch monitor from a trusted brand delivers vibrant colors and a gaming-grade 1ms response time. Its 180Hz refresh rate ensures excellent responsiveness and motion clarity, and it supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, ensuring smooth gameplay without screen tearing. While it only has a single HDMI and DisplayPort each, this isn't a significant issue for most users. The main drawback is its 250 nits brightness, which may limit its use in bright environments. However, its reliability and warranty from a well-known brand provide peace of mind, making it an excellent value for budget-conscious gamers.

3. AOC Gaming C27G2Z

Best Curved 1080p Monitor

### AOC Gaming C27F2Z

21080p gamers will love this monitor's balance of an immersive curve, spacious screen, and fast refresh rate. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Screen size: 27" 1500R
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
• Panel type: VA, FreeSync
• Brightness: 300 cd/m²
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Response time: 0.5ms
• Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort

PROS

• Low input latency
• Rapid response time
• Vibrant colors and good contrast

CONS

• May require calibration and OSD adjustments to bring it to taste

Priced at around $150, the AOC Gaming C27G2Z offers exceptional value with its curved 240Hz display. The 1500R curve provides an immersive experience without warping text, making it ideal for gaming. Its VA panel delivers rich colors and a 3000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks and shadows, enhancing picture quality. The 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time make it highly competitive, offering instant responsiveness. While its out-of-the-box settings may need some adjustments for optimal color and contrast, this monitor is a great choice for 1080p gamers seeking a balance of performance and immersion.

4. Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)

Best Ultrawide 1080p Monitor

### Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)

2At less than $200, this curved gaming monitor offers a great picture, fast refresh rate, solid color coverage, and an immersive curve. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Screen size: 29.5"
• Aspect ratio: 21:9
• Resolution: 2,560x1,080
• Panel type: VA, AMD FreeSync Premium, Nvidia G-Sync compatible
• Brightness: 350 cd/m²
• Refresh rate: 200Hz
• Response time: 1ms
• Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.2

PROS

• Good color coverage and deep contrast
• Immersive 1500R curve
• 2x HDMI and DisplayPort jacks

CONS

• Out of the box color accuracy

The Acer Nitro ED6 is a standout ultrawide monitor, perfect for those looking to enhance their gaming experience without breaking the bank. Its 30-inch screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio offers a spacious view, closely approximating two 24-inch monitors side-by-side. The VA panel boasts excellent color reproduction and a 3000:1 contrast ratio, complemented by a 200Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay. Its 1500R curve adds to the immersion, making it suitable for both single-player adventures and competitive gaming. While color accuracy may require some tweaking out of the box, this monitor's blend of performance, design, and affordability makes it an excellent choice for ultrawide 1080p gaming.

5. BenQ Zowie XL2586X+

Best 1080p Monitor for Esports

### BenQ Zowie XL2586X+

0This monitor is as fast as they come with its 600Hz refresh rate but also includes additional features to offer an engaging picture and a competitive edge. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Screen size: 24.1"
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
• Panel type: TN
• Brightness: 320 cd/m²
• Refresh rate: 600Hz
• Inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack

PROS

• Insanely fast
• DyAc 2 for improved motion clarity
• Color enhancing film
• Trusted esports brand commonly found in professional tournaments

CONS

• Very expensive
• TN colors and viewing angles aren't great

For competitive gamers, the BenQ Zowie XL2586X+ is the ultimate choice. Its 600Hz refresh rate is unparalleled, offering the lowest possible input latency and eliminating motion blur. This monitor uses a fast TN panel, which, while not ideal for color and viewing angles, is the fastest option available, making it perfect for esports. Zowie enhances the TN panel with a VividFilm layer for better color reproduction and DyAc 2 technology for improved motion clarity. At $999, it's a costly investment, but for those who demand the best in competitive gaming, it's worth every penny.

How to Choose a 1080p Monitor

When selecting a 1080p monitor, consider the following factors:

Size: Opt for a monitor that fits your space. To avoid the screen door effect, limit the size to 27 inches or less.

Panel Type: Choose between IPS and VA panels. IPS offers superior color and viewing angles but lower contrast, while VA provides good color and much better contrast, though with slightly worse viewing angles. TN panels are fast but have poor color and viewing angles, suitable mainly for esports.

Refresh Rate: Aim for at least 120Hz for a smoother gaming experience. Higher refresh rates like 200Hz or above are ideal for competitive gaming.

Brightness: Look for monitors with at least 300 nits for a vivid picture, though 400 nits or more is preferable for well-lit environments.

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

1080p Gaming Monitor FAQ

Is a 1080p monitor worse than 1440p?

A 1080p monitor has a resolution of 1920x1080, while a 1440p monitor offers 2560x1440, resulting in a crisper image. However, the difference may not be noticeable on smaller screens, and 1080p monitors are easier to run and more affordable, making them a popular choice for gamers.

What is the best size for a 1080p monitor?

For optimal clarity and space, a 1080p monitor should be 27 inches or smaller. Larger sizes may result in visible pixels and a softer image.

How much should I pay for a 1080p monitor?

Prices vary based on size and features, but you can find excellent 1080p gaming monitors for under $200. This is a great starting point for new PC gamers looking to balance cost and performance.