In the world of PC gaming, while 1440p and 4K monitors often steal the spotlight, Steam's Hardware Survey reveals that the majority of gamers still prefer 1080p. This preference is driven largely by cost and performance considerations. With a flood of 1080p monitor options on the market, choosing the right one can be daunting. But don't worry—I'm here to guide you through 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 Amazon
Opting for a 1080p gaming monitor offers several advantages. They are typically more affordable than their 1440p and 4K counterparts, boast high refresh rates up to 500Hz, and often support technologies like AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. One of the key benefits is their ease of use with less demanding hardware, allowing you to enjoy a great gaming experience even with entry-level GPUs. However, at sizes above 27 inches, the image can appear less sharp. If you're interested in higher resolutions, 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
2This 27-inch Full HD display features 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 is the best 1080p gaming monitor for most people, offering a fast and vibrant screen for under $300. With a refresh rate of 280Hz when overclocked, low input lag, and variable refresh rate support, this monitor ensures that your games look their best with crisp motion clarity. Whether you're using an AMD or Nvidia GPU, you'll benefit from FreeSync or G-Sync compatibility, eliminating screen tearing and ensuring near-instantaneous response times. At 27 inches, the screen size is ideal for 1080p resolution, providing a spacious yet sharp image. Its 400-nit brightness is suitable for use in brightly lit rooms, and its DisplayHDR 400 certification enhances color vibrancy. Overall, the VG279QM delivers exceptional value, performance, and features, making it the top choice for 2025.
2. Samsung Odyssey G30D
Best Budget 1080p Monitor
### Samsung Odyssey G30D
1A compact yet powerful 24-inch monitor that offers solid picture quality and excellent gaming performance at a budget-friendly 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 budget-friendly gaming monitor, the Samsung Odyssey G30D is a reliable choice from a trusted brand, available for about $120. This 24-inch IPS panel delivers vibrant colors and a swift 1ms response time, paired with a 180Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay. It also supports variable refresh rate technology with both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, ensuring tear-free gaming even at lower frame rates. While it only features one HDMI and one DisplayPort, it's perfect for single-computer setups. Its 250-nit brightness is adequate for typical room lighting but may struggle in direct sunlight. The assurance of buying from a well-known brand, coupled with a one-year warranty, adds significant value to this affordable option.
3. AOC Gaming C27G2Z
Best Curved 1080p Monitor
### AOC Gaming C27F2Z
2This curved monitor offers an immersive gaming experience with its 1500R curvature, fast refresh rate, and vibrant colors. 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 around $150, the AOC Gaming C27G2Z redefines value with its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time. Its 1500R curvature strikes the perfect balance, immersing you in the game without distorting text. The VA panel provides rich colors and a 3000:1 contrast ratio, enhancing picture quality. While the out-of-the-box settings may need some tweaking, the monitor's responsiveness and competitive capabilities make it an excellent choice for gamers seeking performance at a budget-friendly price.
4. Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)
Best Ultrawide 1080p Monitor
### Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)
2This ultrawide monitor offers a spacious 30-inch screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio, delivering a great picture and immersive gaming experience. 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 may need adjustment
The Acer Nitro ED6 stands out as one of the best ultrawide 1080p monitors, priced under $200. Its 30-inch screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio and 1500R curve provides an immersive gaming experience. The VA panel offers excellent color reproduction and contrast, while its 200Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay. This monitor is versatile enough for both single-player and competitive gaming, and its high-quality build from a reputable brand ensures reliability and proper warranty support.
5. BenQ Zowie XL2586X+
Best 1080p Monitor for Esports
### BenQ Zowie XL2586X+
0Designed for competitive gaming, this monitor boasts an unprecedented 600Hz refresh rate, offering unparalleled speed and motion clarity. 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 esports players, the BenQ Zowie XL2586X+ is the ultimate choice, featuring a staggering 600Hz refresh rate. Its TN panel ensures the fastest response times, making it a staple in professional tournaments. While TN panels typically have limitations in color and viewing angles, Zowie has enhanced color reproduction with its VividFilm layer and improved motion clarity with DyAc2 technology. Priced at $999, this monitor is a significant investment but offers unmatched performance for those who need every competitive edge.
How to Choose a 1080p Monitor
When selecting a 1080p monitor, consider the following key factors:
- Size: Choose a monitor size that suits your space. For 1080p, I recommend sticking to 27 inches or below to avoid visible pixels and maintain image clarity.
- Panel Type: Opt for IPS or VA panels, which offer better color and contrast compared to TN panels. IPS panels are known for superior color accuracy and viewing angles, while VA panels provide better contrast.
- Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate, ideally 120Hz or above, ensures smoother gameplay. For competitive gaming, aim for 200Hz or higher.
- Brightness: Look for monitors with at least 300 nits for a vivid picture, with 400 nits or more being ideal for brighter environments.
- Additional Features: Features like variable refresh rate support (FreeSync or G-Sync), on-screen reticles, and hotkeys can enhance your gaming experience.
1080p Gaming Monitor FAQ
Is a 1080p monitor worse than 1440p?
While 1440p offers a higher resolution and crisper image, 1080p monitors are easier to run and more affordable. At smaller sizes, the difference in clarity may not be noticeable, and 1080p allows for smoother gameplay with less demanding hardware.
What is the best size for a 1080p monitor?
For optimal clarity and space, I recommend a 1080p monitor size of around 25 inches. Monitors larger than 27 inches may show visible pixels, resulting in a softer image.
How much should I pay for a 1080p monitor?
The price of a 1080p monitor varies based on size, features, and performance. You can find excellent options for under $200, making them a great choice for new PC gamers looking to balance cost and performance.
