Top 5 1080p Gaming Monitors of 2025

In the world of PC gaming, discussions often revolve around 1440p and 4K monitors. However, according to Steam's Hardware Survey, the majority of gamers still prefer 1080p. This preference is driven by factors like cost and performance ease. When shopping for a new monitor, you'll find a wide range of options, making it challenging to determine the best choice.

Fear not, as I'm here to guide you through the process. Having covered gaming monitors extensively, I know what makes a monitor exceptional. My top pick, the Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM, stands out as a testament to quality. If you're looking to skip the hassle of shopping and dive straight into an enhanced gaming experience, you've come to the right place. Here are the best 1080p gaming monitors of 2025.

TL;DR – These Are the Best 1080p Gaming Monitors:

Our Top Pick: Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM

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Samsung Odyssey G30D

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AOC Gaming C27F2Z

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Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)

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BenQ Zowie XL2586X+

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Choosing a 1080p gaming monitor offers several advantages. They are generally more affordable than 1440p and 4K options, can boast high refresh rates up to 500Hz, and often support features like AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. A key benefit is their lower demand on graphics cards, allowing for a great gaming experience even with entry-level GPUs.

However, at sizes above 27 inches, 1080p monitors can appear less sharp. If you're after higher resolution, be sure to check out 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

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A 27-inch Full HD display with an overclockable 240Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and adaptive sync for seamless gameplay.

Product Specifications
Screen size: 27"
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
Panel type: IPS, FreeSync, G-Sync compatible
Brightness: 400cd/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 is the best 1080p gaming monitor for most people. For under $300, it offers a fast, colorful screen with a 280Hz refresh rate, low input lag, variable refresh rate support, and high peak brightness. This ensures your games always look vibrant with crisp motion clarity, especially during intense moments.

While I didn't review this monitor personally, our reviewer was impressed by its balanced features. Whether you're using an AMD or Nvidia GPU, you can enjoy variable refresh rate support with FreeSync or G-Sync, eliminating screen tearing. The monitor's near-instantaneous response time is thanks to its fast 280Hz refresh rate.

Its 27-inch size is ideal for 1080p resolution, providing ample screen space without compromising image quality. With a brightness of 400 nits, it performs well even in well-lit rooms. Its high peak brightness enhances dynamic range and color vibrancy.

It's also DisplayHDR 400 certified, although true HDR typically requires 1,000 nits, so keep your expectations realistic.

The VG279QM excels in its combination of price, features, and performance, making it a top contender in 2025.

2. Samsung Odyssey G30D

Best Budget 1080p Monitor

Samsung Odyssey G30D

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This compact yet powerful monitor offers a solid picture and excellent gaming performance at a budget-friendly price.

Product Specifications
Screen size: 24"
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
Panel type: IPS, FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible
Brightness: 250cd/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

When shopping for a budget-friendly gaming monitor, the Samsung Odyssey G30D is a reliable choice. Priced at around $120, it's a 24-inch monitor from a reputable brand, promising vibrant colors and swift responsiveness.

With an IPS panel, it delivers rich colors and a gaming-grade 1ms response time. Its 180Hz refresh rate enhances responsiveness and motion clarity. It also supports variable refresh rates, compatible with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, ensuring smooth gameplay even at lower frame rates.

While it only has one HDMI and one DisplayPort, this isn't a significant drawback for single-PC setups. Its peak brightness of 250 nits might be less vibrant in direct sunlight, but it performs well in typical room lighting.

Buying from a well-known brand like Samsung provides peace of mind with a one-year warranty. Despite its minor limitations, the Odyssey G30D offers great value and performance for budget-conscious gamers.

3. AOC Gaming C27G2Z

Best Curved 1080p Monitor

AOC Gaming C27F2Z

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This monitor offers an immersive curve, a spacious screen, and a fast refresh rate, ideal for 1080p gamers.

Product Specifications
Screen size: 27" 1500R
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
Panel type: VA, FreeSync
Brightness: 300cd/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

Priced at around $150, the AOC Gaming C27G2Z offers exceptional value. This curved monitor features a 1500R curve, 300cd/m² brightness, a 240Hz refresh rate, and a 0.5ms response time, ensuring your games look great and feel instantaneous.

The 1500R curve is perfect, offering immersion without warping text. Its VA panel provides rich colors and a 3000:1 contrast ratio, enhancing blacks and shadows for superior picture quality.

The monitor's responsiveness is its biggest selling point, with a 240Hz refresh rate and VRR support for both AMD and Nvidia. AOC's panel offers a competitive edge without the usual premium of esports monitors.

However, its out-of-the-box settings may need adjustment for optimal picture quality. Creative professionals might need to calibrate it for their work, but for gaming, it's an excellent choice.

At this price, the AOC C27G2Z is a fantastic value for 1080p gaming, making it an easy recommendation.

4. Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)

Best Ultrawide 1080p Monitor

Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)

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This curved gaming monitor offers a great picture, fast refresh rate, solid color coverage, and an immersive curve, all under $200.

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: 350cd/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 with its 30-inch ultrawide screen and 21:9 aspect ratio. Its VA panel offers excellent colors and contrast, and it runs at a rapid 200Hz for smooth gaming.

Its size is perfect for the 2560x1080 resolution, providing a seamless experience without visible pixels. It's like having two 24-inch monitors side-by-side without the middle bezel.

The monitor's high-quality VA panel boasts a 3000:1 contrast ratio, and its 200Hz refresh rate ensures crisp visuals. It's versatile for both single-player RPGs and competitive shooters, with a 1500R curve enhancing immersion.

Acer's design and performance make the Nitro ED6 the top choice for an affordable 1080p ultrawide monitor. With robust warranty support from a major brand, it's an excellent option for ultrawide enthusiasts.

5. BenQ Zowie XL2586X+

Best 1080p Monitor for Esports

BenQ Zowie XL2586X+

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This monitor boasts an unparalleled 600Hz refresh rate and additional features for a competitive edge.

Product Specifications
Screen size: 24.1"
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080
Panel type: TN
Brightness: 320cd/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

CONS
- Very expensive
- TN colors and viewing angles aren't great

In competitive gaming, speed and accuracy are paramount. The BenQ Zowie XL2586X+ is the ultimate choice for those seeking every possible advantage. Its 600Hz refresh rate is unmatched, providing unparalleled motion clarity and minimal input latency.

Zowie's reputation in esports is well-established, and the XL2586X+ is their highest-performing monitor yet. It uses a TN panel, known for its speed, and includes a VividFilm layer to enhance color reproduction.

The DyAc2 technology further improves motion clarity, making it easier to track moving objects during intense gameplay. At $999, it's a premium investment, but for top-tier esports competitors, it's the best choice available.

How to Choose a 1080p Monitor

When selecting a 1080p monitor, consider these key factors:

Size: Choose a monitor that fits your space. For 1080p, I recommend no more than 27 inches to avoid visible pixels.

Panel Type: Opt for IPS or VA panels. IPS offers the best colors and viewing angles but lower contrast. VA panels provide good colors and better contrast but have narrower viewing angles. TN panels are fast but have poor color and viewing quality, suitable mainly for esports.

Refresh Rate: Aim for at least 120Hz for a smoother gaming experience. 144Hz is a sweet spot, while 200Hz and above are ideal for competitive gaming.

Brightness: Look for monitors with at least 300 nits for good visibility in typical lighting conditions. 400 nits or higher is ideal for vibrant pictures.

Additional Features: Variable refresh rate support like FreeSync or G-Sync is crucial for smooth gameplay. Other features like 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 has 2560x1440, offering a crisper image. However, at smaller sizes like 24 inches, the difference may not be significant. 1080p monitors are easier to run and more affordable, making them a popular choice for many gamers.

What is the best size for a 1080p monitor?

I recommend sticking to 27 inches or below. This size ensures clarity without visible pixels, with 25 inches being ideal for 1080p resolution.

How much should I pay for a 1080p monitor?

The cost depends on size, capabilities, and features. A very good 1080p monitor can be found for under $200. New PC gamers should target this price range, allowing flexibility for specific needs.