Top 5 1080p Gaming Monitors of 2025

Within the PC gaming community, discussions often revolve around 1440p and 4K monitors. However, Steam's Hardware Survey reveals that the majority of gamers still prefer 1080p due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of performance. With a saturated market of 1080p monitors, choosing the right one can be daunting. But don't worry—I've been covering gaming monitors for years and know exactly what makes a monitor stand out. Here's my guide to the best 1080p gaming monitors of 2025, ensuring you can 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 AmazonOpting for a 1080p gaming monitor offers several advantages. They are generally more affordable than their 1440p and 4K counterparts, often feature high refresh rates up to 500Hz, and support technologies like AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. The lower pixel count makes them easier to run, ensuring a smooth gaming experience even with entry-level GPUs. However, at sizes above 27 inches, the image may appear less crisp. For higher resolutions, 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 a 27-inch Full HD display with an overclockable 240Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and adaptive sync for seamless gameplay. 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 1.2PROSExcellent value for moneyFreeSync and G-Sync compatibilityCONSNo local dimmingThe Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM stands out as the best 1080p gaming monitor for most gamers, offering a fast, vibrant screen at a price under $300. With a refresh rate reaching up to 280Hz, it provides low input lag and variable refresh rate support, ensuring your games look their best with crisp motion clarity. Our reviewer praised its balanced features, noting its compatibility with both AMD and Nvidia GPUs, eliminating screen tearing and delivering near-instantaneous response times. The 27-inch size is ideal for 1080p, providing a spacious yet sharp image, while its 400 nits brightness is suitable for well-lit environments. It's DisplayHDR 400 certified, though for true HDR, higher brightness levels are needed. Overall, the VG279QM is a top choice in 2025 for its price, features, and performance.

2. Samsung Odyssey G30D

Best Budget 1080p Monitor

### Samsung Odyssey G30D

1The Samsung Odyssey G30D offers a budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance, with a vibrant IPS panel and a 180Hz refresh rate. 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 brightnessFinding a budget-friendly gaming monitor can be challenging, but the Samsung Odyssey G30D offers a compelling solution at around $120. This 24-inch IPS monitor delivers vibrant colors and a gaming-grade 1ms response time, complemented by a high 180Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay. It supports variable refresh rate technology with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, ensuring tear-free gaming even at lower frame rates. The main compromises are limited to a single HDMI and DisplayPort each and a peak brightness of 250 nits, which may not be ideal in bright environments. However, its reliability and one-year warranty from a trusted brand add significant value, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.

3. AOC Gaming C27G2Z

Best Curved 1080p Monitor

### AOC Gaming C27F2Z

2The AOC Gaming C27G2Z combines a 1500R curve with a fast 240Hz refresh rate, making it an immersive choice for 1080p gamers. 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 adjustmentsThe AOC Gaming C27G2Z offers a compelling value at around $150, featuring a 27-inch 1500R curved display with a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.5ms response time. Its VA panel provides rich colors and a 3000:1 contrast ratio, enhancing picture quality. While its out-of-the-box settings may need some tweaking for optimal performance, the monitor's responsiveness and immersive curve make it a standout choice for gamers looking for a competitive edge. Its curve is neither too gentle nor too pronounced, striking a perfect balance for gaming immersion without distorting text.

4. Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)

Best Ultrawide 1080p Monitor

### Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)

2The Acer Nitro ED6 offers a spacious 29.5-inch ultrawide display with a 200Hz refresh rate and a 1500R curve, providing an immersive gaming experience. 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 curveMultiple HDMI and DisplayPort jacksCONSRequires out-of-the-box color calibrationThe Acer Nitro ED6 is a standout ultrawide monitor, featuring a 29.5-inch screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio. Its VA panel offers great colors and contrast, enhanced by a 200Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay. The 1500R curve adds to the immersive experience, and its 30-inch size is ideal for its resolution, ensuring a sharp image without visible pixels. With its versatile design suitable for both single-player and competitive gaming, the Acer Nitro ED6 is an excellent choice for those seeking an ultrawide 1080p monitor.

5. BenQ Zowie XL2586X+

Best 1080p Monitor for Esports

### BenQ Zowie XL2586X+

0The BenQ Zowie XL2586X+ is the ultimate choice for esports enthusiasts, boasting a 600Hz refresh rate and specialized features for competitive gaming. 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 jackPROSIncredibly fastDyAc 2 for improved motion clarityEnhanced color filmTrusted esports brandCONSVery expensiveTN panel limitationsIn competitive esports, the BenQ Zowie XL2586X+ is unrivaled, featuring a 600Hz refresh rate for unparalleled responsiveness. While its TN panel compromises on color quality and viewing angles, it's enhanced with Zowie's VividFilm layer for better color reproduction and DyAc2 technology for clearer motion. At $999, it's a premium investment, but for those who need the fastest possible response times in competitive play, it's the top choice.

How to Choose a 1080p Monitor

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

Size: Opt for a monitor size that suits your space. For 1080p, I recommend no larger than 27 inches to avoid visible pixels.

Panel Type: Choose between IPS and VA panels. IPS offers superior color and viewing angles but lower contrast, while VA provides better contrast and less backlight bleed, though with narrower viewing angles. TN panels are fast but generally not recommended for their color and viewing angle limitations, except in competitive esports.

Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate, ideally 120Hz or more, enhances gaming smoothness. The sweet spot is around 144Hz, though higher rates like 200Hz are great for competitive shooters.

Brightness: Aim for monitors with at least 300 nits for well-lit environments, with 400 nits or more offering the best vividness.

Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate support (FreeSync or G-Sync) to eliminate screen tearing, along with other useful features like on-screen reticles and customizable settings.

1080p Gaming Monitor FAQ

Is a 1080p monitor worse than 1440p?

A 1080p monitor has a resolution of 1920x1080, totaling 2.07 million pixels, while a 1440p monitor has 2560x1440, totaling 3.69 million pixels, making the latter crisper. However, at smaller sizes like 24 inches, the difference may not be noticeable. 1080p monitors are easier to run and more cost-effective, making them a popular choice for gamers on a budget or with less powerful GPUs.

What is the best size for a 1080p monitor?

For optimal clarity and space, a 1080p monitor should be 27 inches or smaller. At this size, the resolution remains sharp without visible pixels, ensuring a pleasant gaming experience.

How much should I pay for a 1080p monitor?

The price of a 1080p monitor varies based on size, features, and capabilities, but you can find excellent options under $200. New PC gamers should aim for this price range, allowing some flexibility for additional features that meet their specific needs.