Best Gaming Monitors Uk: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

In the world of competitive and immersive gaming, your monitor is your window to the virtual world, and a subpar display can be the difference between victory and defeat. We’ve spent countless hours testing, tweaking, and gaming on the latest displays to find the absolute best for every type of player in the UK. After rigorous evaluation, we’ve crowned the ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM1A 270Hz Gaming Monitor our top pick. It delivers an astonishingly fast 270Hz refresh rate on a vibrant Fast IPS panel, a combination that provides the buttery-smooth motion and rapid response needed to dominate the competition, all at a surprisingly accessible price point.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Gaming Monitors Uk

#1 ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM1A 270Hz Gaming Monitor – Best for: Competitive Esports Performance

When it comes to competitive gaming, speed is king, and the ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM1A 270Hz Gaming Monitor wears the crown. From the moment we powered it on and jumped into a fast-paced shooter, the difference was palpable. The overclockable 270Hz refresh rate delivered an unbelievably fluid experience, making target tracking and flick shots feel instantaneous and precise. This isn’t just a number on a spec sheet; it’s a tangible competitive advantage. The Fast IPS panel is the perfect partner to this speed, providing a crisp 1ms GTG response time that completely eliminated motion blur and ghosting in our tests. Colours were vibrant and accurate, thanks to the 99% sRGB coverage, a strength noted by many users who praised its outstanding picture quality right out of the box. While the 1080p resolution on a 24-inch screen is the sweet spot for maximising frame rates, those used to 1440p or 4K might find it a step back in sheer crispness. However, for the target audience of esports enthusiasts, this is a calculated and correct trade-off. We found the G-Sync and FreeSync Premium compatibility worked flawlessly, ensuring a tear-free experience. A few users mentioned receiving units with dead pixels, but our test model was flawless, though it’s always wise to check your panel upon arrival.

#2 Dell S2725DS 27 Inch QHD Monitor 100Hz – Ideal for: Stylish All-Round Use and Casual Gaming

The Dell S2725DS 27 Inch QHD Monitor 100Hz immediately impressed us with its clean, modern aesthetic. The white finish and minimalist design make it a great fit for any home office or stylish gaming setup that needs to blend in. But it’s more than just a pretty face. The 27-inch QHD (2560×1440) IPS panel is the star of the show, delivering sharp details and vibrant, accurate colours that make both productivity tasks and games look fantastic. We found the 100Hz refresh rate to be a significant step up from standard 60Hz monitors, providing noticeably smoother scrolling and a more responsive feel in casual gaming. While it won’t satisfy hardcore competitive players, it’s more than enough for immersive single-player titles. One of the standout features we appreciated was the fully adjustable stand, allowing for easy height, tilt, pivot, and swivel adjustments—a sentiment echoed by users who loved its ergonomic flexibility. The built-in 5W speakers were also a pleasant surprise, offering clearer and fuller sound than the typical tinny monitor audio. We did notice some minor IPS glow in the corners on a completely black screen, a common trait of this panel technology that a few users also pointed out, but it was unnoticeable during regular use.

#3 Dell P2425H 24 Inch 100Hz IPS Monitor – Perfect for: Budget-Conscious Productivity and Light Gaming

For those who need a reliable workhorse monitor that can also handle some gaming without breaking the bank, the Dell P2425H 24 Inch 100Hz IPS Monitor is an excellent choice. Our testing confirmed this is a productivity-first display that punches above its weight. The 24-inch Full HD IPS panel provides great text clarity and consistent colours, making it easy on the eyes for long work sessions. This is bolstered by Dell’s ComfortView Plus technology, which we found genuinely reduced eye strain without the aggressive yellow tint common to many low blue light modes. The upgrade to a 100Hz refresh rate is a welcome one; it makes everyday tasks like web browsing and document scrolling feel significantly smoother. In our gaming tests, it performed admirably for casual titles, and the inclusion of FreeSync helps prevent screen tearing. The extensive connectivity, including USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, and even VGA, is a huge plus for versatility. Many users agreed, praising it as a fantastic all-in-one hub for their laptops. While the 5ms response time and 100Hz cap mean it’s not built for the esports arena, it provides a quality, feature-rich experience that’s hard to beat at this price point for a home office setup.

#4 AOC Q27G3XMN 27″ QHD Mini LED 180Hz Gaming Monitor – Suits: Gamers Seeking Premium HDR Performance

The AOC Q27G3XMN 27″ QHD Mini LED 180Hz Gaming Monitor is a game-changer for anyone who craves a truly stunning HDR experience. The moment we enabled HDR in a supported game, the Mini LED backlight with its 336 local dimming zones came to life. The results were spectacular: deep, inky blacks coexisting with incredibly bright highlights, creating a level of contrast and depth that standard monitors simply cannot match. This monitor’s HDR1000 certification is no joke; highlights were dazzlingly bright, adding incredible realism to explosions and sunlit scenes. Beyond the HDR prowess, its core gaming performance is top-notch. The 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time provided a fast and fluid experience, perfect for both competitive and cinematic games. The QHD resolution on the 27-inch VA panel is a great combination, offering sharp visuals and the inherent high contrast of VA technology. Our experience was confirmed by several users who were “blown away” by the picture quality. One minor drawback we noticed, typical of some VA panels, is a slight bit of black smearing in the fastest-moving scenes, though it was minimal. The stand is also quite large, as one user pointed out, so a monitor arm might be a worthy investment to reclaim desk space.

#5 BenQ PD2705U 27″ 4K UHD Designer Monitor with USB-C – Ideal for: Creative Professionals Who Also Game

While not strictly a gaming monitor, the BenQ PD2705U 27″ 4K UHD Designer Monitor with USB-C is a phenomenal choice for creative professionals who want a colour-accurate display that can also handle gaming sessions. The first thing we noticed was the incredible sharpness of the 4K panel; text and images were razor-sharp, making it a joy for design work and photo editing. BenQ’s AQCOLOR technology is truly impressive, delivering factory-calibrated 99% sRGB coverage that was spot-on in our tests. This accuracy is a sentiment echoed by many creative users. The single-cable USB-C connectivity with 65W power delivery is a massive convenience, allowing us to connect and charge our laptop while decluttering the desk. For gaming, the experience is more cinematic than competitive. The 60Hz refresh rate is a limitation for fast-paced titles, but for visually stunning adventure games or strategy titles, the 4K resolution is breathtaking. The inclusion of a KVM switch is a fantastic productivity booster, letting you control two different systems with one keyboard and mouse. A few users mentioned the contrast could be better, and we agree that blacks aren’t as deep as on a VA panel, but for an IPS display focused on colour accuracy, it performs as expected.

#6 Philips Evnia 34M2C5501A 34 inch Curved Gaming Monitor 180Hz – Perfect for: Immersive Ultrawide Gaming

Stepping up to an ultrawide monitor is a transformative experience, and the Philips Evnia 34M2C5501A 34 inch Curved Gaming Monitor 180Hz delivers that immersion in spades. The 34-inch curved WQHD (3440×1440) panel immediately enveloped our field of view, making racing games and open-world adventures feel incredibly engaging. The expanded peripheral vision provides a genuine competitive advantage in supported titles. We were very impressed with the core gaming specs; the 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time ensured gameplay was fluid and responsive, with no noticeable ghosting. The Ambiglow feature, which projects light onto the wall behind the monitor to match the on-screen action, was a fantastic addition that genuinely enhanced immersion during our evening gaming sessions. Many users praised the monitor’s aesthetics and vibrant picture quality, and we have to agree. The built-in speakers are serviceable for casual use, but as some owners noted, a dedicated headset or external speakers are necessary for a truly immersive audio experience. The VA panel provides great contrast, though viewing angles aren’t as wide as an IPS panel. Overall, this is a superb package for anyone looking to dive into the world of ultrawide gaming.

#7 KOORUI 27 Inch 1440P 180Hz Curved Gaming Monitor – Best for: High-Refresh-Rate Gaming on a Tight Budget

The KOORUI 27 Inch 1440P 180Hz Curved Gaming Monitor proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high-performance gaming experience. We were initially sceptical given the price, but our testing quickly won us over. The combination of a 27-inch, 1440p panel with a 180Hz refresh rate is the current sweet spot for PC gaming, and this monitor delivers it at an incredible value. Gameplay felt incredibly smooth and responsive, a finding confirmed by numerous users who upgraded from 60Hz or 1080p panels and were thrilled with the difference. The 1500R curve adds a nice touch of immersion without being overly aggressive. The VA panel delivers deep blacks and a strong contrast ratio, making games and movies look rich and vibrant. However, out of the box, we found the colours needed some tweaking to look their best. As one user noted, colours can appear “VERY off” initially, but we were able to achieve a much more balanced picture after a few minutes in the OSD and our graphics card control panel. For this price, some compromises are expected; the stand only offers tilt adjustment, and the build is functional rather than premium. But for pure gaming performance for the money, it’s an undeniable bargain.

#8 KTC 27 Inch 2K 210Hz Gaming Monitor – Ideal for: Gamers Prioritizing Speed and Colour

The KTC 27 Inch 2K 210Hz Gaming Monitor is a speed demon with a surprisingly artistic side. Pushing an overclocked 210Hz on a 2K (2560×1440) Fast IPS panel, this monitor is built for those who refuse to compromise on speed or visual fidelity. In our tests, motion was exceptionally clear and fluid, rivaling some of the best esports monitors on the market. The 1ms response time held up, keeping ghosting to an absolute minimum. What truly set it apart at this price point, however, was its colour performance. With 131% sRGB and 101% DCI-P3 coverage, the colours were incredibly vibrant and saturated, making games look stunningly rich. We did find, as one helpful user pointed out, that the “Black Equalize” setting should be turned down to zero for the best contrast and true blacks. The HDR400 support adds a nice pop to highlights, though it’s not on the same level as true HDR displays like the AOC Mini LED. The built-in speakers are a functional inclusion but, as is often the case, they lack bass and overall quality. Some users reported issues with customer support and build quality, but our unit performed flawlessly throughout testing, feeling solid and well-constructed.

#9 AOC 27G2ZNE 27 inch 240Hz Full HD Monitor – Perfect for: High-Framerate 1080p Gaming

The AOC 27G2ZNE 27 inch 240Hz Full HD Monitor is a focused and formidable display for gamers who prioritize frame rates above all else. By pairing a lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate with a 1080p resolution, this monitor allows even mid-range gaming PCs to push incredibly high frames for the smoothest possible experience. During our testing in fast-paced shooters, the responsiveness was phenomenal. The combination of the high refresh rate and a rapid 0.5ms MPRT response time made for a crisp, clear image with virtually no motion blur. This is a monitor designed to give you a competitive edge. The VA panel provided a surprisingly strong contrast ratio, leading to deep blacks and a punchy image that many users found impressive. We found the out-of-the-box colours to be good, though a little calibration can always bring out the best in any display. The main trade-off here is pixel density. At 27 inches, a 1080p resolution can look slightly grainy to those accustomed to 1440p, particularly for desktop use. However, for pure gaming, it’s less noticeable and a worthy compromise for the performance gains. The stand is fixed, which several users noted as a drawback, so be sure the height works for your setup or plan to use a VESA mount.

#10 ARZOPA 16.1″ 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor – Suits: Gamers on the Go

Portable monitors are no longer just for productivity, and the ARZOPA 16.1″ 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor is a prime example. We were incredibly impressed by how this slim, lightweight display packs a true gaming punch. Hooking it up to a gaming laptop via a single USB-C cable, we were immediately greeted with a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate. The difference this makes for gaming on the move is night and day compared to a standard 60Hz portable screen. The 1080p resolution is perfectly sharp for the 16.1-inch screen size, and the 100% sRGB colour gamut ensures games look vibrant and full of life. We found the build quality to be surprisingly robust, with a solid integrated kickstand that holds the monitor securely in both landscape and portrait orientations. Many users praised its plug-and-play simplicity and premium feel. The biggest weakness, as we and other users found, is the built-in speakers. They are functional for system sounds but are too quiet and tinny for any serious gaming or media consumption. However, given that most gamers will be using a headset anyway, this is a minor issue. For a portable, high-refresh-rate gaming experience, this is a fantastic piece of kit.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

• Resolution vs. Refresh Rate: This is the fundamental trade-off. For competitive games like Valorant or CS:GO, a higher refresh rate (144Hz+) is paramount for smooth motion and quick reactions, making 1080p a popular choice. For immersive, single-player games, a higher resolution like 1440p (QHD) or 4K (UHD) will provide stunning visual detail, even at a lower refresh rate like 60-100Hz.
• Panel Type: There are three main types. IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels offer the best colour accuracy and viewing angles, with modern “Fast IPS” variants providing excellent response times. VA (Vertical Alignment) panels have superior contrast ratios, meaning deeper blacks, which is great for dark scenes in games and movies. Mini LED is an advanced backlight technology (often on VA or IPS panels) that offers incredible brightness and contrast for a premium HDR experience.
• Response Time: Measured in milliseconds (ms), this indicates how quickly a pixel can change colour. For gaming, a response time of 5ms or less is good, while 1ms is the gold standard for eliminating “ghosting” or motion blur in fast-paced action.
• Adaptive Sync (G-Sync/FreeSync): This technology synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with your graphics card’s frame output, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. NVIDIA cards use G-Sync, while AMD cards use FreeSync. Many modern monitors are “G-Sync Compatible,” meaning they are FreeSync monitors certified to work well with NVIDIA cards.

Understanding Panel Technology

The panel is the heart of your monitor. An IPS panel is the all-rounder, beloved by creators and many gamers for its beautiful, accurate colours. If you play a wide variety of games and also use your PC for photo editing or watching movies, an IPS is a safe and excellent bet. A VA panel is the contrast king. If you love playing horror games or watching films in a dark room, the deep, inky blacks of a VA panel will provide a more immersive experience. The trade-off can sometimes be a slightly slower response time, which can lead to minor “black smearing” in very fast scenes, though this has improved significantly in modern panels. Technologies like Mini LED and OLED are the premium tier, focusing on per-pixel or zoned lighting control to produce true blacks and outstanding HDR, but they come at a higher cost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mismatching Your GPU: Buying a 4K 144Hz monitor is pointless if your graphics card can only run games at 60 frames per second at that resolution. Ensure your GPU can push enough frames to take advantage of your monitor’s high refresh rate.
• Ignoring Ergonomics: A monitor with a fixed, non-adjustable stand can lead to neck and back strain. Look for stands that offer height, tilt, and swivel adjustments to position the screen perfectly at eye level. If a monitor you like has a poor stand, ensure it’s VESA compatible so you can mount it on a separate monitor arm.
• Forgetting Connectivity: Check that the monitor has the ports you need. For high refresh rates at high resolutions, you will almost always need to use a DisplayPort connection, not HDMI (unless both devices support the newer HDMI 2.1 standard).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is more important for gaming: resolution or refresh rate?

This depends on the type of games you play. For competitive, fast-paced games (like FPS, MOBAs, or racing sims), refresh rate is more important. The smoother motion provided by 144Hz or higher gives you a clearer picture of the action and can improve your reaction time. For slower-paced, visually rich games (like RPGs or cinematic single-player adventures), a higher resolution (1440p or 4K) will have a greater impact on your immersion and enjoyment.

Is G-Sync or FreeSync better for gaming?

Both technologies achieve the same goal: eliminating screen tearing. G-Sync is NVIDIA’s proprietary technology, while FreeSync is an open standard from AMD. In the past, G-Sync was considered superior but came at a premium. Today, the lines have blurred. Many FreeSync monitors are certified as “G-Sync Compatible,” offering a great variable refresh rate experience for NVIDIA users without the extra cost. The most important thing is to ensure your monitor’s adaptive sync technology is compatible with your graphics card.

What is a good response time for a gaming monitor?

For gaming, you should look for a response time of 5ms or lower. For competitive gamers, 1ms (GTG or MPRT) is the target to minimise motion blur and ghosting, ensuring the image stays as sharp as possible during fast movements.

Are curved monitors better for an immersive gaming experience?

Curved monitors, especially in ultrawide (21:9) aspect ratios, can enhance immersion by filling more of your peripheral vision and creating a slight “wraparound” effect. This can make you feel more involved in the game world. However, it is largely a matter of personal preference. For standard 16:9 monitors, the benefit of a curve is less pronounced.

What is the best budget gaming monitor available in the UK?

Based on our testing, the KOORUI 27 Inch 1440P 180Hz Curved Gaming Monitor offers one of the best performance-for-price ratios. It delivers the highly sought-after combination of 1440p resolution and a high 180Hz refresh rate at a price point that is hard to beat, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.

Do I need a 4K monitor for competitive gaming?

No, and in most cases, it’s not recommended. Competitive gamers and esports professionals almost always prioritize frame rates over resolution. They typically play at 1080p or 1440p to ensure their PC can maintain a very high and stable frame rate (e.g., 240 FPS or more) to match their high-refresh-rate monitors. 4K is very demanding on hardware and is better suited for cinematic, single-player experiences.

Which panel type is best for fast-paced games like FPS?

Modern Fast IPS panels are generally considered the best for fast-paced games. They combine the extremely fast response times once exclusive to TN panels with the superior colour accuracy and viewing angles of traditional IPS technology. This gives you a clear, blur-free image without sacrificing visual quality.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, we are confident in naming the ASUS TUF Gaming VG249QM1A 270Hz Gaming Monitor as the best gaming monitor for most players in the UK. It hits the perfect sweet spot for competitive gaming, delivering an elite-tier 270Hz refresh rate that provides a tangible advantage in speed and clarity. The Fast IPS panel ensures that this speed doesn’t come at the cost of colour or sharpness, eliminating motion blur with its 1ms response time. While it sticks to a 1080p resolution, this is a strategic choice that enables a wider range of gaming PCs to achieve the high frame rates necessary to unlock this monitor’s true potential. For its incredible performance, smart design, and excellent value, the ASUS TUF is our definitive top choice.