Category: Buying Guides

How to choose a monitor

  • IPS vs VA vs TN Panels: Which Monitor Panel Is Best for Gaming?

    Choosing between IPS, VA, and TN panels is one of the most important decisions when buying a gaming monitor. Each technology has distinct strengths and weaknesses that suit different gaming styles and budgets.

    📊 Panel Technology Comparison at a Glance

    Feature IPS VA TN
    Response Time 1ms (Fast IPS) 1ms MPRT 0.5ms or less
    Contrast Ratio 1000:1 typical 2500:1–6000:1 600:1–1000:1
    Color Accuracy Excellent Good Average
    Viewing Angles 178°/178° 178°/178° 170°/160°
    Price Mid–High Low–Mid Low
    Best For All-round gaming Immersive/RPG Pro competitive

    🟦 IPS (In-Plane Switching) Panels

    IPS panels are the most versatile for gaming. They offer accurate colors, wide viewing angles, and with modern Fast IPS technology, response times now match or beat TN panels. Models like the LG 27GP850-B use Nano IPS to push color gamut even further.

    👉 Best for: Gamers who want great colors, competitive response times, and do not want to compromise on image quality.

    🟣 VA (Vertical Alignment) Panels

    VA panels produce the deepest blacks of any LCD technology, with contrast ratios often exceeding 2500:1. This makes them ideal for dark environments and immersive gaming in RPGs and horror titles. The Samsung Odyssey G5 and Dell S2722DGM are excellent examples.

    👉 Best for: Single-player immersive gaming, dark room setups, and gamers who value contrast over absolute speed.

    🟡 TN (Twisted Nematic) Panels

    TN panels are the oldest gaming panel technology and offer the fastest raw response times. However, poor viewing angles and washed-out colors make them increasingly hard to recommend in 2026 when fast IPS has largely eliminated their speed advantage.

    👉 Best for: Budget-conscious esports players who prioritize response time above all else.

    🏆 Our Verdict

    For most gamers in 2026, IPS is the best choice. If you want the deepest blacks and love immersive single-player games, choose VA. Only choose TN if you are on a very tight budget and play purely competitive esports.

    🛒 See Best IPS Gaming Monitor on Amazon

  • Curved vs Flat Gaming Monitor: Which Should You Choose?

    The debate between curved and flat gaming monitors has intensified as curved panels have dropped in price and increased in quality. Here is everything you need to know to make the right choice for your setup.

    📊 Curved vs Flat: Side-by-Side Comparison

    Feature Curved Flat
    Immersion ✅ Superior ❌ Standard
    Competitive Gaming ❌ Not preferred ✅ Industry standard
    Multi-monitor Setup ❌ Awkward edges ✅ Seamless tiling
    Image Distortion Slight at edges None
    Price Similar in 2026 Slightly lower
    Best Game Genres RPG, Racing, Open World FPS, RTS, MOBA

    🌀 When to Choose Curved

    👉 You play immersive single-player games where peripheral wrap enhances the experience.
    👉 You want a wide or ultrawide display (34”+) where curvature reduces edge distortion.
    👉 You sit close to your monitor (under 70cm) and want the screen to fill your field of vision naturally.

    Top curved recommendation: Samsung Odyssey G5 — 1000R curve, 1440p, 165Hz

    🛒 Check Samsung Odyssey G5 on Amazon

    ◻ When to Choose Flat

    👉 You play competitive FPS or esports titles where visual consistency across the screen matters.
    👉 You use the monitor for work alongside gaming (curved panels can distort straight lines in documents).
    👉 You run a multi-monitor setup where flat panels tile together cleanly.

    Top flat recommendation: ASUS TUF VG279QM — 280Hz, Fast IPS, competitive-grade

    🛒 Check ASUS TUF VG279QM on Amazon

    💡 Final Recommendation

    There is no universally superior option. For immersive gaming, go curved. For competitive play or productivity use, go flat. In 2026, both options are available at every price point, so the decision comes down purely to your gaming habits.

  • Best 144Hz Monitors 2026: The Sweet Spot for Gaming

    144Hz remains the most popular refresh rate for gaming monitors in 2026 for good reason: it offers a dramatic improvement over 60Hz while keeping GPU requirements and prices reasonable. Here are the best 144Hz monitors you can buy right now.

    🏆 Top 144Hz Gaming Monitors 2026

    Monitor Panel Resolution Price
    LG 27GP850-B Nano IPS 1440p ~€380
    Dell S2722DGM VA Curved 1440p ~€260
    MSI MAG274QRF Rapid IPS 1440p ~€350
    AOC 24G2 IPS 1080p ~€150

    💡 Why 144Hz Is Still the Best Choice in 2026

    👉 GPU efficiency: Most mid-range GPUs can sustain 144fps in demanding titles at 1440p.
    👉 Price-to-performance: The best 144Hz monitors offer 1440p resolution that 240Hz+ panels at the same price cannot match.
    👉 Versatility: 144Hz works equally well for competitive gaming and immersive single-player experiences.

    ⭐ Best 144Hz Pick: LG 27GP850-B

    The 27GP850-B pairs 165Hz (backward-compatible to 144Hz) with 1440p Nano IPS to create the definitive 144Hz gaming experience. Color accuracy and response time are class-leading.

    🛒 Check Price on Amazon

    💰 Best Budget 144Hz: Dell S2722DGM

    The Dell S2722DGM delivers 1440p at 165Hz on a curved VA panel for around €260, making it one of the best value gaming monitors of 2026. Deep contrast and reliable Dell quality round out the package.

    🛒 Check Dell S2722DGM on Amazon

  • Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitors 2026: Immersive 21:9 Displays

    Ultrawide monitors deliver an immersive 21:9 aspect ratio that wraps around your field of vision, transforming the gaming experience in open-world, racing, and simulation titles. These are the best ultrawide monitors of 2026.

    🏆 Top Ultrawide Gaming Monitors 2026

    Monitor Size Resolution Refresh Rate Price
    LG 34GN850-B 34” 3440×1440 160Hz ~€650
    Samsung Odyssey G9 (34”) 34” 3440×1440 180Hz ~€750
    MSI MAG401QR 40” 3440×1440 144Hz ~€900
    AOC CU34G2X 34” 3440×1440 144Hz ~€450

    ⭐ Best Ultrawide: LG 34GN850-B

    LG's 34-inch Nano IPS ultrawide monitor with 160Hz and 3440×1440 resolution is the benchmark for ultrawide gaming. Colors are stunning, motion is fluid, and the panel is large enough to deliver true immersion without requiring a huge desk.

    ✅ 160Hz Nano IPS — fast and vivid
    ✅ 3440×1440 gives 77% more pixels than 1080p ultrawide
    ✅ Wide color gamut for cinematic visuals
    ❌ Premium price
    ❌ GPU-intensive resolution

    🛒 Check Price on Amazon

    💰 Budget Ultrawide: AOC CU34G2X

    For under €450, the AOC CU34G2X delivers the full ultrawide 3440×1440 experience at 144Hz on a VA panel. It is the entry point for ultrawide gaming and represents tremendous value.

    🛒 Check AOC CU34G2X on Amazon

    ❓ Ultrawide Gaming FAQ

    Do all games support ultrawide?
    Most modern games support 21:9 natively. A few competitive titles (Valorant, CS2 ranked) restrict to 16:9. Check before buying.

    What GPU do I need for ultrawide?
    3440×1440 at 144Hz requires at least an RTX 4070 or RX 7800 XT for demanding titles.

  • Monitor Response Time vs Refresh Rate: What Actually Matters for Gaming?

    Response time and refresh rate are the two most misunderstood specifications in gaming monitors. Marketers use them interchangeably, but they measure completely different things. Here is what you actually need to know.

    🔄 Refresh Rate Explained

    Refresh rate (measured in Hz) is how many times per second the monitor draws a new image. At 60Hz, you see 60 frames per second. At 144Hz, 144 frames. At 240Hz, 240 frames.

    A higher refresh rate makes motion appear smoother and more fluid. The difference between 60Hz and 144Hz is dramatic and immediately visible to almost all players. The jump from 144Hz to 240Hz is smaller but still perceptible, especially in fast FPS games.

    👉 In simple terms: More Hz = smoother motion. Your GPU must output enough frames to take advantage of it.

    ⚡ Response Time Explained

    Response time (measured in milliseconds) is how quickly a single pixel can change color. The most common measurement is GtG (Grey-to-Grey), representing a typical mid-tone transition.

    A high response time creates ghosting — a smear or trail following fast-moving objects. A 1ms GtG response virtually eliminates visible ghosting. A 5ms or higher response time can create noticeable artifacts in fast-paced games.

    👉 In simple terms: Lower ms = sharper motion. Ghosting only appears when response time is too slow for the refresh rate.

    📊 Refresh Rate vs Response Time: The Key Facts

    Spec Unit Higher = Better? Affects
    Refresh Rate Hz ✅ Yes Motion smoothness, input lag perception
    Response Time ms ❌ No (lower is better) Ghost trails, motion clarity
    Input Lag ms ❌ No (lower is better) Time from input to visible result

    🏆 What Should You Prioritize?

    👉 Casual gaming: 144Hz + 1ms GtG is more than enough. Response time matters less at lower refresh rates.
    👉 Competitive FPS: 240Hz is worth it. Pair with 1ms GtG to ensure response time keeps up with refresh rate.
    👉 RPG / Single-player: Prioritize resolution and panel quality over raw speed. 144Hz + 1ms GtG is perfect.

    ⚠ Marketing Warning: MPRT vs GtG

    Many manufacturers advertise “1ms response time” using MPRT (Motion Picture Response Time) measurement, which uses backlight strobing and does not reflect actual pixel transition speed. Always look for GtG (Grey-to-Grey) measurements for accurate comparison.

    🛒 See Best Fast Gaming Monitor on Amazon

  • Best Gaming Monitors 2026: Top Picks for Every Budget

    Choosing the right gaming monitor in 2026 can make the difference between winning and losing. After testing dozens of panels, we have selected the best gaming monitors across every price range so you can find the perfect match for your setup.

    🏆 Top 5 Gaming Monitors of 2026 at a Glance

    Monitor Panel Resolution Refresh Rate Price
    ASUS TUF VG279QM IPS 1080p 280Hz ~€300
    LG 27GP850-B Nano IPS 1440p 165Hz ~€380
    Samsung Odyssey G5 VA Curved 1440p 165Hz ~€280
    Dell S2722DGM VA Curved 1440p 165Hz ~€260
    AOC C27G2Z VA Curved 1080p 240Hz ~€220

    📊 Detailed Reviews

    ⭐ ASUS TUF VG279QM — Best Overall

    The ASUS TUF VG279QM delivers blazing 280Hz refresh rates on a fast IPS panel, making it the top choice for competitive gamers who demand the lowest input lag and the clearest motion.

    ✅ Pros:
    ✅ 280Hz refresh rate — industry-leading speed
    ✅ Fast IPS with excellent color accuracy
    ✅ G-Sync Compatible + FreeSync Premium
    ❌ Cons:
    ❌ 1080p only at this size
    ❌ Limited HDR performance

    🛒 Check Price on Amazon

    🥇 LG 27GP850-B — Best 1440p Pick

    For gamers who want the perfect balance of resolution and speed, the LG 27GP850-B hits the sweet spot with 1440p at 165Hz on a Nano IPS panel with wide color gamut.

    ✅ Pros:
    ✅ Sharp 1440p resolution
    ✅ Nano IPS with wide color gamut (98% DCI-P3)
    ✅ 1ms GtG response time
    ❌ Cons:
    ❌ Premium price
    ❌ Backlight bleed can occur

    🛒 Check Price on Amazon

    💡 How to Choose the Right Gaming Monitor

    👉 Resolution: 1080p for competitive play, 1440p for the best balance, 4K for immersive single-player.
    👉 Refresh Rate: 144Hz minimum for gaming; 240Hz+ for esports.
    👉 Panel Type: IPS for color and viewing angles, VA for contrast, TN for raw speed.
    👉 Response Time: 1ms GtG eliminates ghosting in fast-paced games.

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

    Is 144Hz enough for gaming in 2026?
    144Hz is still a great experience for most games. For competitive esports, 240Hz or higher gives you an edge.

    Does monitor size matter for gaming?
    27 inches at 1440p is the most popular gaming configuration for desk use, offering great detail without needing to move your head.

  • Best Budget Gaming Monitors Under €200 in 2026

    You do not need to spend a fortune to game on a great monitor. The sub-€200 segment has seen remarkable improvements in 2026, with fast IPS and VA panels offering features that were premium-only just two years ago.

    🏆 Best Budget Gaming Monitors Under €200

    Monitor Panel Resolution Refresh Rate Price
    AOC C27G2Z VA Curved 1080p 240Hz ~€180
    AOC 24G2 IPS 1080p 144Hz ~€150
    Samsung Odyssey G5 27" VA Curved 1440p 165Hz ~€195
    MSI G2412 IPS 1080p 170Hz ~€130

    🥇 Best Budget Pick: AOC C27G2Z

    The AOC C27G2Z is a standout value: a 27-inch curved VA panel with 240Hz refresh and 0.5ms response time for well under €200. It delivers competitive-grade performance without the premium price tag.

    ✅ Pros:
    ✅ 240Hz — exceptional for the price
    ✅ Immersive 1500R curved screen
    ✅ 0.5ms response eliminates ghosting
    ✅ FreeSync Premium support
    ❌ Cons:
    ❌ 1080p only
    ❌ VA blacks can crush dark detail

    🛒 Check Price on Amazon

    🥈 Runner-Up: Samsung Odyssey G5 27" — Best 1440p Under €200

    If you can stretch your budget to €195, the Samsung Odyssey G5 delivers 1440p resolution at 165Hz — an astonishing value that used to cost twice as much.

    ✅ Pros:
    ✅ 1440p resolution at budget price
    ✅ 165Hz for smooth gameplay
    ✅ Deep VA contrast for vibrant visuals
    ❌ Cons:
    ❌ Slower pixel response than IPS
    ❌ No USB hub

    🛒 Check Price on Amazon

    💡 Budget Monitor Buying Tips

    👉 Prioritize refresh rate over resolution at this price point.
    👉 IPS panels offer better colors but VA panels have superior contrast.
    👉 Always check for FreeSync/G-Sync support to eliminate screen tearing.