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Are curved monitors good for gaming?The Definitive Guide to Curved Monitors
Curved gaming monitors have been floating around the industry for a good while now, providing a more immersive experience to those that have the cash to splash out on such luxuries. Whilst yesteryear’s curved monitors weren’t exactly groundbreaking when it came to gaming, the same most certainly can’t be said for today’s offerings. The latest arrivals to today’s marketplace offer up a whole plethora of high-performance specifications and benefits that actually make them the perfect choice for a lot of modern-day gamers.
In today’s article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the main benefits that come equipped with buying a curved monitor for gaming. We’ll see how they compare to flat monitors in price, performance, and overall value for money, alongside individuals tests and whether or not a curved monitor is right for your specific needs.
Monitors Specifications And What They Mean
If you’re new to the PC game, or monitors in general, the following section is going to help you understand the specifications a monitor comes equipped with. Whilst explaining (in brief) what each does, we’ll also be explaining which is most important when looking to purchase a monitor for gaming.
So, that being said, let’s get into it.
Refresh Rate
The monitor’s refresh rate is one of, if not the most important specification it comes equipped with when referencing gaming. The refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz) and tells us how many times the monitor refreshes the picture it’s displaying, in seconds. So, a monitor that has a 144Hz refresh rate, refreshes it’s image 144 times per second.
The quicker the monitor can refresh the image it’s displaying, the smoother the picture will be, naturally. Gamers should concern themselves with this specification as it has a direct impact on the overall gameplay – with lower refresh rates falling victim to screen artifacts such as screen tear and jitter. Two things no gamer should encounter.
Response Time
Response time is the 2nd “R” in the triad that makes up a great gaming monitor. The response time is in reference to how quickly the pixels can change color, usually using the GTG (Gray-to-gray) color transition. Gamers should definitely make themselves aware of what this specification does, as slow pixel response time can lead to ghosting – a visual artifact that washes out colors and leaves a ghostly trail behind fast-moving images.
As a general rule, gamers should be looking for a response time of under 2ms for the absolute best results. As we’ll see later, however, that isn’t always possible with curved gaming monitors.
Resolution
Resolution refers to the physical number of pixels your monitor can display at any one time. Resolution is the final piece of the gaming puzzle when it comes to a monitor’s specifications. Finding the right resolution for your specific needs is a careful balance between computational demand and required image clarity.
A monitor that displays a max resolution of 1920×1080 will display 1920 pixels horizontally by 1080 pixels vertically. Use the same ideology with a 4K monitor (3840×2160) and it’s easy to understand why 4K offers far better picture clarity.
That being said, higher resolutions put a lot more stress and demand on your system and graphics card. The bottom line is: ensure your computer can handle the performance demands of the resolution you plan to play on before splashing out on a fancy high-end monitor.
Panel Technology
There are three main panel technologies used in today’s monitors (IPS, TN, VA), all of which come equipped with their own unique set of pros and cons – tailoring them for specific usage scenarios. Choosing which panel technology is right for you comes down to your specific needs. See the table below for a better understanding of the main panel technologies:
Color
The color of your monitor isn’t going to affect gaming performance massively, but it will affect the immersive experience it gives you as a user.
Most of today’s monitors display their color accuracy via a percentage of a color gamut. A color gamut is a spectrum of color, with some offering a wider range of colors than others. sRGB, for example, doesn’t cover nearly as much color variation as Adobe RGB does.
When comparing the color accuracy of individual monitors, look for high percentage coverage of a wide gamut, such as Adobe RGB or DCI-P3. This will give you great levels of immersion and a more realistic image.
Variable Refresh Technology
Variable refresh technology is fairly new in the larger scale of things, bringing impressive levels of smoothness to gamers who desire it.
Better known as G-Sync and FreeSync, variable refresh technology is used within today’s monitors to help synchronize the PC’s frame rate output with the monitors refresh rate. This, in turn, removes visual artifacts like screen tear from occurring and provides an extremely smooth picture image.
If you’re looking at a gaming monitor, be sure to choose a monitor that has the specific refresh technology to match your GPU. Remember, G-sync is Nvidia, and FreeSync is AMD.
Curved Monitor Vs. Flat Monitor
So, now you’ve had a closer look at some of the specifications that go into making a monitor, it’s probably a good time to compare the two screen types to see which comes out of on top.
First, let’s start with the pros and cons of curved monitors:
Pros
Immersion – Curved monitors have a lot going for them, but maybe the best of the bunch, is the levels of immersion they create when used for gaming. Thanks to a number of different factors (many of which will be in the pros), the curved monitor is not only more exciting, but it captivates you for longer – allowing you to concentrate and enjoy your virtual environment.
Less distortion – Thanks to the curvature of the curved monitor, the picture you’re seeing isn’t being distorted in any way. Where a curved monitor points the picture at you directly, a flat monitor is projecting the image in a straight line – some of which is past your field of view. Even though it might not be apparent, distortion occurs in this type of scenario. Another plus to the curved monitor.
More comfortable on your eyes – A curved monitor almost copies the curvature of your eye, allowing for a more natural viewing experience. Unlike a flat monitor, the curved monitor is less stressful on our eye, meaning you can game harder, for longer.
Aesthetics – Aesthetically speaking, nine times out of ten, the curved monitor outshines its flat counterpart. It isn’t going to please everyone’s needs, but there’s something oddly beautiful about a widescreen curve.
Cons
Expensive – Whilst the above is all true, so are the cost issues that come with getting curved. Now, that’s not to say you can’t purchase a curved gaming monitor on the cheap, because you can. However, if you compare two monitors (curved and flat) with similar specs, more often than not, the curved will be more expensive.
Price to performance – If you’re already well versed in curved monitors, you’ll understand the difficulty in finding one that offers good gaming specifications at a decent price. Refresh rate and response time, as we said earlier, are very important when it comes to gaming. Realistically, you want to be aiming for 144Hz refresh and 1ms response for the best gaming experience. Finding a curved monitor with those specifications cheaper than a flat alternative is hard to come by.
Now let’s take a look at the flat monitor in comparison:
Pros
Better aspect ratio for competitive gaming – Most modern games work perfectly well on widescreen/ultrawide curved monitors. However, there are still plenty of titles that work better under 4:3 aspect ratios – mainly highly-competitive FPS titles. Keep this in mind if you do plan to play at a competitive level.
Better value for money – It’s safe to say that, almost always, the flat monitor showcases better value for money. You can pick up a relatively good gaming monitor for around $250-$300. I’m not so sure the same can be said for a curved alternative.
More functional stand – It’s safe to say that, more often than not, the stand that comes with a flat monitor is more versatile than its curved counterpart. Swivel, tilt, height, and rotational adjustment are fairly common in flat offerings. Versatility is not always as easy to find in curved options.
Cons
Can be basic in design – Unlike curved monitors which scream luxury and style, the same can’t always be said for the flat monitors out there. Some offer very basic designs that look, well, pretty cheap and tacky.
So, as you can see, both flat and curved monitors have plenty of pros and cons to their names. Many of you may be surprised by the number of pros the curved monitor comes equipped with – but you shouldn’t be. We’ve seen a large increase in curved monitor sales over the past five to ten years, with the above pros being the main reason.
We still haven’t really answered the big question though, are curved monitors good for gaming? Well, let’s take a look.
Are Curved Monitors Good For Gaming?
The fast answer is yes. Modern-day curved monitors come with all the bells and whistles that we see on the best flat monitors – instantly making them great for gaming. Gone are the days when you’d struggle to find a curved monitor that has a good refresh rate, low response time, and offers a playable resolution. Today, monitor manufacturers are well ahead of the curve (mind the pun), providing high-performance options in most price ranges.
That being said, below is a quick comparison between one of my favorite curved monitors vs. one of my favorite flat monitors:
As you can see from the image above, there are clear differences between the two monitors – most glaringly being the price. Whilst the Alienware has lower refresh rates and slower response times, they aren’t terrible when you consider this is a 34″ beast of a monitor. Both monitors have IPS panels, both have very similar color accuracy and brightness, and both offer 1440p picture quality with around 300 nits of brightness. However, the curved panel is still over a third more expensive.
But, that isn’t answering our question, are curved monitors good for gaming,? The answer is yes – just be ready to fork out for one.
Related Pages
Below are some pages we feel you may be interested in:
Conclusion
So, there you have it, our complete rundown of whether or not curved monitors are good for gaming. We came to the simple conclusion that, yes they are, but you’ll have to fork out the right cash for a good one.
With that in mind, below are some of the best curved monitors for gaming:
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Samsung Notebook 9 Pro Review: Good At Almost Everything, Including Light Gaming
In use: A well-balanced machine
Melissa Riofrio/IDG
The 360-degree hinge lets you use the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro in orientations from clamshell to tent mode (shown) to tablet mode.
The Notebook 9 Pro has its quirks, but overall it’s a well thought-out product. Sure, you won’t get the charisma and drama of a flagship, but pretty much everything works.
The matte-aluminum chassis with chromed Samsung logo is tasteful and sturdy. There’s barely any flex in either half of the body, and the 360-degree hinges feel rock-solid. We appreciate the lighter weight as well—bringing it along doesn’t feel like a hard choice.
Melissa Riofrio/IDG
The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro has a comfortable keyboard, with slightly concave keys for easier typing.
The keyboard texture is slippery, but the slightly concave keys help keep fingers where they’re supposed to be. The keys feel comfortably spaced, none are in an odd location, and their travel feels comfortable. The trackpad is very large and responsive, and its centered location is great—it’s always disconcerting when it shifts to one side.
Melissa Riofrio/IDG
The S-Pen tucks into its own slot on the front of the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro.
In addition to its support for Windows 10 inking features, the S-Pen comes with its own note-taking, drawing, and other productivity apps. Collectively called Active Command, they’re easily summoned when you remove the pen from its slot or press its button when it’s near the display. I enjoyed all of them, especially how you can digitally mix colors in the drawing app, and how you can select video clips with the pen to make your own animated GIFs.
Melissa Riofrio/IDG
Press the S-Pen’s button to summon the Air Command menu of Samsung pen apps. The S-Pen also works with Windows 10’s inking features.
There was only one glaring fault in our test unit, and that was the audio. The dual speakers in the Notebook 9 Pro, nestled into the bottom panel, have a surprisingly limited volume range, especially considering that this laptop is meant to play games as well as stream media.
On the brighter side, the Notebook 9 Pro’s discrete GPU runs pretty cool. The slender intake grille on the bottom panel and the exhaust vent between the hinges murmur gently during operation.
Performance: Happy mediumOur first test is PCMark Work 8 Conventional, which simulates everyday activities like web browsing, video chat, and document editing. It’s a good test for isolating the CPU’s role in everyday use. Any machine scoring 2,000 or above will sail along smoothly during these low-intensity tasks.
Melissa Riofrio/IDG
The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro can hold its own in mainstream applications, even against quad-core competition.
It’s a light test, so it’s not surprising that the Notebook 9 Pro gets right into the mix with the quad-core competition. The HP Spectre x360 lagged behind somewhat because of its 4K display, which simply demands more processing power.
Melissa Riofrio/IDG
In the CPU-intensive Cinebench test, the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro performs as we’d expect for a dual-core CPU, hanging far back compared to quad-core CPUs.
Melissa Riofrio/IDG
The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro surprised us in the Handbrake test, performing its video conversion faster than the similar HP Spectre x360.
As you can see in the chart above, the quad-core Lenovo Yoga 720 and Dell XPS 15 handily beat the dual-core Notebook 9 Pro at this intensive task. However, the Notebook 9 Pro in turn makes the HP Spectre x360 look like a laggard, likely because of thermal throttling.
Futuremark’s 3DMark Sky Diver is a synthetic test that measures the graphics performance of a PC. Although it doesn’t use an actual video game engine, it’s still well respected and clearly shows what you get if you opt for a discrete GPU.
Melissa Riofrio/IDG
The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro performs predictably in the GPU-intensive 3DMark Skydiver test given its moderately powerful RX 540 GPU.
No surprise, the more powerful graphics engines in the Lenovo Yoga 720 and Dell XPS 15 prevail in this test. To its credit, the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro achieves a lot with what it has, especially compared to the HP Spectre x360.
Outstanding battery lifeMelissa Riofrio/IDG
The Notebook 9 Pro has a 4-cell, 3,530 mAh/54Whr lithium ion battery, which lasts up to 11.5 hours, per Samsung. In our test it lasted 590 minutes, or nearly 10 hours, long enough for most people to get through their day. The other laptops in this chart have much larger batteries (79.2Whr for the HP Spectre x360, 97Whr for the Dell XPS 15, and 72Whr for the Lenovo Yoga 720), but they can’t keep up with the Notebook 9 Pro—their systems demand more power.
A bonus feature we didn’t test: You can squeeze a little more life out of your laptop by charging it with any USB-C-connected smartphone battery pack. You won’t be able to recharge the laptop fully, but it’s a nice backup if you’re running on fumes. Anecdotally we also tried a third-party USB charger on the Notebook 9 Pro, and it was willing to take a charge.
ConclusionSamsung’s Notebook 9 Pro does a very good job of balancing performance and features with battery life. It’s the kind of laptop a mainstream user can get without feeling they’ve compromised much. The discrete GPU, while modest, gives it a notable boost over laptops with integrated graphics. Best of all, the pen support and the long-lasting battery offer lots of productivity for the money. The tough choice is between this model and the Lenovo Yoga 720. It comes down to how much graphics power you want, and for what sort of tradeoff. The casual gamers will likely come down on the side of the Notebook 9 Pro.
Best 240Hz Monitors Of 2023
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Written By Chris Coke
Published May 26, 2023 4:00 PM
A great monitor can elevate your gaming experience, but a fast gaming monitor can give you the dose of clarity you need to land a win. A 240Hz monitor delivers esports-grade speed so you can see every little indicator of your opponent’s next move. We’ve gathered the top choices, whether you’re looking for a competitive monitor on a budget, or simply the best of the best. Together, we’ll sort through the fluff and find the cutting-edge monitor that’s right for you. These are the best 240Hz monitors of 2023.
How we selected the best 240Hz monitorsThroughout my career in tech journalism, I’ve been privileged to test and review a wide array of computer monitors for publications like IGN and MMORPG. They’ve spanned the gamut from affordable 1080p displays to high-end, big-screen panels with 4K resolutions and fast refresh rates. My work in the field has allowed me to build a history with displays and the hardware that drives them. That expertise allows me to filter through the noise and dial in on the best monitor choices for different types of users.
I selected the best 240Hz monitor based on extensive testing and research. I began by looking at the specs: screen size, resolution, brightness, all of the things that make a monitor look good on paper. Then I dove deep, looking into the supporting features of each of the different candidates to narrow the search further. Finally, I settled on the best choices based on four key elements: personal testing, professional reviews plus user feedback, and the brand’s reputation for quality, reliability, and support.
Things to consider before buying a 240Hz monitorIt can be tempting to assume that all 240Hz monitors will perform the same since they have the same refresh rate, but there are definitely winners and losers. Here are the most important things to consider before pulling the trigger on a new display.
Do you really need 240Hz? Screen size and resolutionThe first decisions most people make when picking a monitor are their preferred resolution and screen size. While it is definitely considered a luxury feature for competitive gamers, manufacturers are making more and more 240Hz monitors. Over the last couple of years, we’ve started seeing it available on 27- and 32-inch panels. There are even 240Hz ultrawide monitors. Be sure to look at your available space before making a purchase, and take the time to consider the monitor size you’re currently used to. Jumping from a 27- to a 32-inch monitor won’t feel like a big jump, but if you’ve spent years gaming on a smaller panel, those larger sizes will have an adjustment period.
We recommend you pick a target screen size and resolution at the same time, rather than picking one and then the other. Remember that the pixel density and, therefore, sharpness of a resolution will decline as you stretch it over larger screen sizes. We think 1080p, or Full HD, gives you a great value on a 24-inch display, but you should consider 1440p (QHD) for anything larger. If getting a 240Hz monitor is your top priority, you may find your options beyond 1080p to be limited and expensive.
Panel typeAnother thing to consider is the type of panel a potential monitor uses. Generally speaking, monitors tend to use one of three types of display panels: Twisted Nematic (TN), In-Plane Switching (IPS), or Vertical Alignment (VA). They each have important differences and individual strengths and weaknesses. Here’s how they shake out:
TN: A TN panel is the fastest of the three main types, enabling the lowest input lag and least ghosting. They’re often chosen for esports displays because of their reliably fast speed and clarity. This performance comes at the expense of color depth and viewing angles, however, and can look noticeably duller compared to their IPS or VA counterparts.
VA: VA panels are a middle ground between IPS and TN panels. They’re typically faster than IPS panels, but usually slower than TN. They offer better colors and viewing angles than TN but still don’t rise to the level of IPS. Where VA panels lead both is in contrast. A good IPS panel can have a 1000:1 contrast ratio, but even an average VA panel can boast a 3000:1 ratio, leading to better blacks.
HDR and brightnessHDR support is typically measured in the following steps: HDR400, HDR600, and HDR1000. The best monitors are DisplayHDR certified by VESA, which means they’ve met certain criteria and aren’t just using the term for marketing purposes. These steps indicate the maximum brightness the panel is able to provide (measured in nits) and go alongside the maximum color depth of the panel, which for HDR should be at least 10-bit.
These are important specifications because many monitors claim HDR support among their key features. While it’s true that an HDR400 monitor can process and display HDR content, you won’t necessarily be able to see the distinctions between brightest and darkest corners of the screen.
Additional featuresAlong with the core features listed above, take a second to look at all of the extras a monitor may provide to improve your gaming experience. Variable refresh rate support (Freesync for AMD, G-Sync for Nvidia) is common among gaming monitors and enhances the smoothness of games by eliminating screen tearing.
Some monitors, like the Gigabyte Aorus FI25F, boast unique capabilities, like adding environmental active noise canceling to your microphone. The BenQ ZOWIE XL2546K comes with a controller to enable gaming features on the fly. The ASUS Tuf Gaming VG259QM’s 240Hz panel can be overclocked to 280Hz.
Competition is fierce in the gaming monitor marketplace. Manufacturers can and will try to one-up one another with added features. Don’t be afraid to shop around and see what add-ons appeal to you. At the same time, though, we’ve never seen a bell or whistle that made up for excellent performance, so don’t let a fun idea distract you from a monitor’s essential qualities.
The best 240Hz monitors: Reviews & RecommendationsWith so many monitors to choose from, deciding on the right panel can be confusing. Knowing what to look for and how those qualities impact performance can make all the difference to finding the monitor that’s right for you. We’ve done the homework to save you the guesswork. These are the best 240Hz monitors you can buy right now.
Best overall: Samsung Odyssey G7Buy it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the cut: The Samsung Odyssey G7 is feature-rich, high-resolution, and well-priced.
Specs
Price: $699.99
Screen size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560×1440
Panel type: QLED
Brightness/HDR: DisplayHDR600
Response time: 1ms
Pros
1440p resolution
Deep 1000R curved screen
SVA QLED
High peak brightness
Cons
1000R Curve may be too deep for some
Firmware update required for full functionality
Potential quality control issues
The Samsung Odyssey G7 offers more bang for your buck than any other 240Hz monitor. It’s packed with more features than any other monitor we could find at this price and has tricks it has up its sleeve that can impress even highly discerning players.
The G7 isn’t just fast, it’s immersive and great for far more than just esports. It features a QLED panel, enhancing its colors and brightness for a more vivid image. Those quantum dots also allow the G7 to reach an impressive 600 nits of peak brightness for improved HDR performance. If that weren’t enough, it also features a deep 1000R curve, one of the deepest you can find on a display, taking up more of your field of view and drawing you further into your favorite games. (We recommend testing the G7 or another curved monitor before buying it, though. Not everyone loves using a curved display.)
The G7 isn’t the only monitor with an impressive feature list, but it wins out in value due to its $599.99 price point. That’s hardly cheap but it’s a full $100 less than its closest competitor, the Alienware AW2721D. The biggest difference between the two displays is that the G7 uses an SVA panel (in shorts, a VA with improved viewing angles) while the Alienware uses IPS. With that kind of savings, it doesn’t need to be perfect to still be an incredible choice.
Best 1440p gaming monitor: Dell Alienware AW2721DBuy it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the cut: The Alienware AW2721D is a class-leading flat panel for users that don’t want the curve and crave the brightest HDR.
Specs
Price: $829.99
Screen size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560×1440
Panel type: IPS
Brightness/HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 600
Response time: 1ms
Pros
1440p resolution
VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified
Local dimming
Color rich IPS panel
Cons
Backlight bleed
1ms response time only in Extreme mode
The 27-inch Alienware AW2721D offers class-leading performance on par with our top pick but in a conventional flat display. On top of its 240Hz refresh rate, this 1440p IPS panel looks crisp and extra bright thanks to its 600 nits of brightness with local dimming. It also sports Nvidia’s G-Sync Ultimate certification, which means this monitor has been through more than 300 tests by Nvidia itself to ensure it delivers a premium, artifact, and screen tearing-free gameplay experience.
While many IPS monitors suffer ghosting due to their slower response time, that’s no issue for the AW2721D. Alienware is a bit overzealous when quoting a 1ms response time (this is only available in Extreme overdrive mode, which causes inverse ghosting), but the experts at DisplayNinja found that leaving the monitor in Fast mode solves this issue while still only featuring 2ms of input lag. Even for the best players, that’s an imperceptible difference.
It isn’t perfect, though. A number of users have also complained about backlight bleed and IPS glow, which cause the edges or dark areas of the screen to glow due to the backlight. It’s a small issue, though, and the vast majority of users report glowing impressions.
Best 1080p monitor: Gigabyte Aorus FI25FBut it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the cut: The Aorus FI25F is packed with features and offers next-level responsiveness compared to other 1080p monitors.
Specs
Price: $475
Screen size: 24.5 inches
Resolution: 1920×1080
Panel type: Super Speed IPS
Brightness/HDR: 400 Nits
Response time: 0.4ms
Pros
Packed with gaming features
OSD settings can be controlled with hotkeys
Ridiculously fast
Unique, eye-catching style
Cons
Weak HDR
May require calibration
The Aorus FI25F is a prime example of why Aorus monitors have become a hot commodity since they debuted in 2023. This display features a great IPS panel that’s fast, bright, and color-rich. It’s also packed with gaming-first features that are actually useful in enhancing your day-to-day gaming experience.
Gigabyte built the Aorus FI25F around its Super Speed IPS technology, which slashes the display’s response time without compromising color accuracy or viewing angles. In its fastest overdrive mode, the response time drops to 0.4ms, though it also generates some visual blemishes. You can still hit a high-performing 1ms time, though, without worrying about ghosting.
The FI25F stands above other 1080p 240Hz monitors because of its array of gaming features. Like every monitor in this round-up, you can enable FreeSync or G-Sync for variable refresh rate support, but hidden in the menu are other options, like Black Equalizer to peek into the shadows, a system monitor to keep an eye on your hardware, or the ability to create your own reticle for games that don’t offer one.
Best 24-inch monitor: ASUS Tuf Gaming VG259QMBuy it used or refurbished: Amazon
Why it made the cut: The ASUS Tuf Gaming VG259QM offers the perfect balance of price, performance, and a faster-than-fast 280Hz refresh rate.
Specs
Price: $299.99
Screen size: 24.5 inches
Resolution: 1920×1080
Panel type: IPS
Brightness/HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400
Response time: 1ms
Pros
Well-priced
Overclockable up to 280Hz
Highly adjustable stand
Cons
IPS glow and limited contrast limit performance in dark rooms
The ASUS Tuf Gaming VG259QM offers an outstanding balance of price to performance for a 24-inch 240Hz display. It features a bright IPS panel that’s largely color accurate out of the box. What really makes it shine, however, is its ability to overclock all the way to 280Hz.
If the idea of overclocking makes you nervous, don’t be: all you need to do is select “max refresh rate” in the OSD and it becomes another refresh rate option in Windows. Once enabled, it even supports Freesync and G-Sync all the way to 280Hz, so you won’t need to sacrifice smoothness for speed.
With a peak brightness of 400-nits and DisplayHDR 400 certification, the VG259QM lacks local dimming and is limited to 8-bit color, so you won’t get the dynamic range of brighter, more colorful panels. Taking it in is easy, though, due to its highly adjustable stand that can even pivot to portrait orientation.
This monitor suffers the same shortcomings as most other IPS panels: a low contrast ratio and IPS glow. In bright rooms, this isn’t a big issue, but if you enjoy gaming in the dark, you’ll notice that blacks tend to look more washed out than competing VA panels. It also only covers 99% of the sRGB color space while others on this list reach to 100% or higher, but these are small handicaps for this otherwise great display.
Best for esports: BenQ Zowie XL2546KBuy it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the cut: The official monitor of the ESL Pro League, the BenQ Zowie XL2546K offers speed, clarity, easy configuration, and an esports-first design.
Specs
Price: $499.99
Screen size: 24.5 inches
Resolution: 1920×1080
Panel type: TN
Brightness/HDR: 320 Nits
Response time: 1ms
Pros
Outstanding responsiveness
DyAc+ adds reduces blur without limiting brightness brightness
5-way controller for quick settings changes
Cons
Lower maximum brightness
No HDR support
Poor contrast and color depth
Quite expensive
The BenQ Zowie XL2546K is built to compete. It strips away the frills to put the focus entirely on speed, clarity, and providing you the edge you need in competitive games. With a TN panel, the monitor is effortlessly fast even without enabling overdrive and has no traces of ghosting whatsoever. That does come with the usual TN limitations of reduced contrast and color depth, but since this monitor supports importing and exporting picture profiles, you can easily download custom settings for individual games to make the most of its capabilities.
A 240Hz TN panel should be enough to give players an edge, but the XL2546K takes it multiple steps further. Zowie’s DyAc+ technology reduces motion blur during shaking animations like firing a gun to maintain your visibility. Motion blur reduction can be found on other gaming monitors, but DyAc+ stands apart by doing so without reducing your brightness. It’s a zero-compromise solution.
Other competitive high points include a controller that can swap picture profiles on the fly. Pairing this with the display’s Black Equalizer function, you can literally peek into the shadows and pick out enemies with the push of a button. Both sides of the screen feature flap to block out distractions and keep competitors from peeking at your screen, and a smaller than average stand allows you to position your peripherals comfortably, even if you prefer them farther out.
The XL2546K doesn’t support HDR and has a very peak brightness, so there are meaningful trade-offs here, but there’s no mistaking the competitive design it brings to the table. There’s a reason the ESL Pro League uses these displays at pro esports events.
Best budget: AOC C27G2ZBuy it used or refurbished: eBay
Why it made the cut: The AOC C27G2Z offers a lot for little. Its large VA panel is color-rich, curved, and immersive. For gamers on a budget, this is a great choice.
Specs
Price: $239.99
Screen size: 27 inches
Resolution: 1920×1080
Panel type: VA
Brightness/HDR: 250 Nits
Response time: 0.5ms (reported)
Pros
Spacious, curved screen
Good contrast
120% sRGB coverage
Very affordable
Cons
Low peak brightness
No HDR
Actual response time higher than reported
The AOC C27G2Z is an affordably excellent choice for gamers on a budget. For its relatively low cost, it offers quite a bit, including a large 27-inch screen with a medium 1500R curvature. Its 240Hz refresh rate will see you through even the most intense battles with motion clarity that trumps slower displays, but excellent color coverage and deep contrast make it a good choice for content creators and single-player games too.
With such a low price, you know some things had to be sacrificed to get those strong core specs. In this case, the C27G2Z falls short of every other monitor on this list with a brightness of only 250 nits and 8-bit color, so there’s no HDR support here. And though AOC markets this display with a 0.5ms response time, the testers at Display Ninja and Monitor Nerds both found it gets closer to 3ms at 240Hz. This is still fast enough that most players would have trouble seeing a difference, but it’s an important point nonetheless.
Even with these caveats, it’s hard to get over just how much monitor you’re getting for the price. A sub-$250 monitor that’s 27-inches, curved, 240Hz, sub-5ms of input delay, and also has a stylish aesthetic? That’s a great deal no matter how you look at it.
FAQsBest Monitors For Video Editing 2023: Screens That Make A Splash
To learn about what to look for in a monitor for video editing, scroll below our recommendations.
For even more monitor recommendations, check out our roundup of the best monitors across all categories.
Updated 05/11/2023: To include the Asus ProArt PA279CRV as our new choice for the best budget monitor for video editing. You can read more about this great new pick in the summary below.
Asus ProArt OLED PA32DC – Best monitor for video editing
Pros
The best SDR image quality yet
Good HDR performance
Long list of image quality features
Exceptionally sturdy
Numerous inputs, plus USB hub
Cons
HDR brightness could be better
Glare can be an issue in bright rooms
Only 60Hz, no adaptive sync
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Asus’ ProArt PA32DC is best in class if you need a top-tier monitor for video editing. It will set you back $3,499—and it’s worth every penny
This monitor has a 32-inch 4K OLED panel that delivers super-sharp video, excellent color accuracy, and covers a wide range of professional color gamuts including Rec.2023 and DCI-P3. The OLED panel also has superior contrast and looks great in HDR, which is good news if you need to edit HDR content. No other monitor on this list comes close to matching the PA32DC’s HDR quality.
The ProArt PA32DC’s professional focus is obvious from its design. It’s extremely sturdy and includes a built-in handle. The height-adjustable stand can be detached and replaced with a pair of screw-on legs that collapse flat. These features might seem odd for a 32-inch monitor but are great if your work requires that you travel to a client’s worksite or assist filmmakers on-set.
It also packs plenty of connectivity including a total of five video inputs. One is a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 65 watts of Power Delivery for charging connected devices. The on-screen menu system is extensive and offers a buffet of image-quality customization. The monitor even has a built-in colorimeter to assist with calibration.
Read our full
Dell U3223QE – Best 4K monitor for video editing
Pros
IPS Black panel fulfills its promise
Accurate color with wide gamut
High brightness in SDR
USB-C hub with 90 watts of power
Cons
USB-C hub lacks video-out or ethernet
HDR is merely passable
Best Prices Today:
The Dell U3223QE is a 32-inch monitor with 4K resolution and an IPS Black display panel. This panel, which is found in just a handful of monitors, has an improved contrast ratio when compared to older IPS panels. The result is a better sense of realism and dimensionality. The monitor also has a wide color gamut, great color accuracy, and a high maximum brightness.
HDR is supported and looks acceptable, though the Dell U3223QE is significantly behind the more expensive Asus ProArt PA32DC. However, alternative monitors in the sub-$1,000 bracket aren’t any better.
Connectivity is excellent. The monitor has a USB-C port with 95 watts of Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode. It also drives a USB-C hub that expands connectivity to multiple USB-A ports, ethernet, and DisplayPort-out.
Video editors who want a smaller monitor should consider the 27-inch Dell U2723QE. It packs nearly identical features for a couple hundred dollars less than the U3223QE.
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Asus ProArt PA348CGV – Best ultrawide for video editing
Pros
Excellent SDR image quality
Sturdy, hefty design
Wide range of customization
120Hz refresh rate
Cons
USB-C hub lacks video-out or ethernet
HDR is merely passable
Best Prices Today:
Asus’ ProArt PA348CGV is a versatile ultrawide monitor that’s great for video editing—and many other tasks.
This monitor has a 34-inch ultrawide panel with 3440×1440 resolution. The resolution might be an issue for video editors who need to work in 4K, but very few ultrawide monitors offer a higher resolution than this. Video editors will appreciate the ultrawide screen’s improved multitasking and ability to show more of a video timeline at once.
The ProArt PA348CGV’s default color accuracy is superior to all other monitors on this list, despite its reasonable price, and it supports up to 98 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. This monitor has a standard IPS panel, so its contrast ratio doesn’t live up to the Dell U3223QE, but it otherwise goes toe-to-toe with Dell’s premium 4K monitor. HDR support is a bit better than the Dell, ranking it among the best you’ll find below $1,000.
Asus sweetens the deal with a wide range of features. The monitor has a USB-C port that can deliver up to 95 watts of Power Delivery for charging a connected laptop or tablet. It also supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, which makes this a proper PC gaming monitor.
The Asus ProArt PA348CGV retails at an MSRP of $749.99, undercutting alternative ultrawide monitors with similar performance and features. Its versatility and pricing make it perfect for video editors who work from a home office.
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Asus ProArt PA279CRV – Best budget monitor for video editing
Pros
Plenty of connectivity
Numerous image-quality options
Extremely wide color-gamut
Good value for money
Cons
Mediocre contrast and brightness
Subpar HDR performance
Unimpressive motion clarity
The Asus ProArt PA279CRV is an easy choice for video editors who need a 27-inch 4K monitor that delivers a wide color gamut on a tight budget.
This monitor has an extremely wide color gamut covering 100 percent of sRGB, 99 percent of DCI-P3, and 98 percent of AdobeRGB. Its color performance is well suited to color grading and provides a realistic, lifelike look. Asus includes extensive image-quality adjustment options that help video editors tailor the display to their specific needs.
The monitor’s connectivity caters to the needs of video editors. It includes a USB-C port DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 96 watts Power Delivery, and this port can be used to drive a USB hub with three USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports. The monitor has extensive video inputs including one DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0, which, alongside the USB-C port, brings the total inputs to four. There’s even a DisplayPort 1.4-out port which can be used to connect a second monitor directly to the PA279CRV.
Still, the PA279CRV’s image quality is solid. And here’s the kicker: It carries an MSRP of just $469. That’s a great price for a monitor with this level of color performance. Video editors who don’t need to meet extremely rigorous color gamut and accuracy standards may see no reason to buy a more expensive alternative—the PA279CRV is just that good.
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Viewsonic ColorPro VP16 OLED – Best portable monitor for video editing
Pros
Versatile, useful stands
Good connectivity, cables included
Numerous image quality customization options
Top-tier image quality even at default settings
Cons
Speakers are included, but weak
Pricey for a portable monitor
No HDR
Best Prices Today:
The Viewsonic VP16-OLED is an unparalleled portable OLED monitor that combines excellent image quality with a versatile stand.
Video editors will appreciate the monitor’s 15.6-inch, 1080p OLED panel. It delivers on color accuracy and gamut, with 100 percent coverage of the sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamut, as well as 97 percent coverage of AdobeRGB. This surpasses many full-sized OLED monitors and beats virtually all portable competitors, making it an excellent choice for video editors who need a portable, accurate display.
The monitor’s stand is a highlight. It can be used as a kickstand or expanded to hold the monitor upright, improving ergonomics and making it easier to use alongside a full-sized monitor. The stand features two USB-C ports for power and video input and a micro-HDMI port for use with devices lacking USB-C. Viewsonic includes necessary cables and a USB-C power brick, so you don’t need to purchase accessories.
Videographers will also love the monitor’s tripod screw mount. The VP16-OLED can be used as an external display with video cameras that support external display connections over HDMI or USB-C. Viewsonic bundles a display hood that reduces glare when using the monitor in a brightly lit studio or outdoors.
The VP16-OLED’s only drawback is its price tag of $399.99, which is significantly higher than a basic 1080p portable monitor. Even so, the VP16-OLED is a worthwhile investment for professional video editors who need excellent image quality and versatility in a portable display.
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Video editors, like most people, will enjoy a monitor with excellent image quality—but most video editors have specific and demanding needs. Video editing can demand great color accuracy, 4K resolution, and support for HDR, among other features. Here’s what to look for in a video editing monitor.
Great color accuracy is a must-haveColor accuracy is a key benchmark for video editing. Video editors are responsible for ensuring a video looks right when viewed on a wide variety of displays and that its presentation fits the style the project demands. It’s hard to judge this, however, when working on a monitor with inaccurate color. High color accuracy is necessary for a video editor to guarantee the final cut looks right.
Thankfully, all the monitors on this list provide superb color accuracy. They back it up with a wide range of on-screen menu options that allow color and general image-quality customization. This helps a video editor dial in the monitor’s color accuracy and eliminate any small errors they notice.
4K is the standard4K resolution is the gold standard for video editing among an extremely broad range of video editing projects, from Hollywood films to YouTube videos. Most video editors will rarely need to support a resolution beyond 4K.
It’s technically possible to edit a video for 4K on a monitor with sub-4K resolution. This is especially true of less “traditional” content, such as video created for YouTube or social media. Still, 4K is preferable since it offers a 1:1 representation of the final cut.
Great HDR is ideal, but hard to findHigh Dynamic Range (HDR) video is now rather common. Many devices, from smartphones to laptops and televisions, can display HDR content. That makes HDR alluring for video editors. Unfortunately, great HDR monitors are hard to find, and the best are very expensive.
All the monitors on this list can support HDR, which technically means it’s possible to use them for HDR video editing. Odds are you’ll have no problem editing HDR video for less-demanding platforms, like YouTube and social media, on any monitor listed here. However, the pricey Asus ProArt PA32DC is the only monitor on this list that holds up if you need to guarantee brilliant, accurate HDR results.
USB-C is a handy perkUSB-C has evolved into an excellent connection option that’s well suited to video editing. A single USB-C port can handle both Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode. A monitor with a USB-C port that supports these features effectively doubles as a USB-C. hub, reducing clutter on a desk. It’s ideal for video editors who often use a USB-C compatible laptop to travel to, and edit at, remote worksites.
All the monitors on this list have a USB-C port with Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode, though the amount of power and number of downstream ports varies. Dell’s U3223QE is the standout choice for connectivity, as it offers ethernet and DisplayPort-out in addition to multiple USB-A ports.
How we test monitorsPCWorld’s monitor reviews are written by staff and freelance writers. Monitors are tested with the SpyderXElite color calibration tool to objectively measure brightness, contrast, color gamut, and color accuracy, among other metrics. Objective measurements let us directly compare dozens of monitors at once.
FAQ1.
What makes a monitor good for video editing?A great video editing monitor should have 4K resolution, good color accuracy, a high maximum brightness, an acceptable contrast ratio, and at least support the full sRGB color gamut. Premium video editing monitors should throw in a wide color gamut, excellent connectivity, superior contrast, and HDR.
2.
What is the best resolution for video editing?4K is the standard. Nearly all video editors will work with 4K content at some point, and many work in 4K exclusively. It’s rare to work with a resolution above 4K, even in professional Hollywood and streaming workflows, though it does occur.
3.
Do I need HDR for video editing?That depends on whether you’ll edit projects that need HDR.
Creators working on YouTube and other online platforms can easily make the choice to ditch HDR: most viewers won’t notice.
If you’re video editor with clients who need content for HDR, however, then you’ll need a monitor that can properly display it.
4.
Is an ultrawide monitor good for video editing?Ultrawide monitors can be great for video editing, but they’re not universally better than a widescreen display.
Going ultrawide is helpful if you work on hefty video edits with lots of extra content thrown into the timeline. They can also be preferable when editing a project in an ultrawide aspect ratio.
Most ultrawide monitors don’t support 4K resolution, however, which might be an obstacle. Ultrawide is also an awkward fit for widescreen content and especially bad for portrait video: a rare situation, perhaps, but one that’s becoming more common as TikTok and YouTube Shorts gain popularity.
Professional Designers Explain Why The Space Force Logos Are No Good
The six Space Force logo concepts. Space Force
In June, President Donald Trump called for the creation of a sixth branch of the U.S. military. To the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, he hopes to add… the Space Force.
On Thursday, Vice President Mike Pence and U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis held a press conference at the Pentagon to discuss their vision for the Space Force. With the announcement came some visual aids: six potential Space Force logos. It may have seemed a minor point in the morning’s proceedings—who cares about color choice when the militarization of the moon might be on the table!—but designers say the images could offer insight into the current state of the project and what’s to come, whether they end up on official uniforms or serve as simple marketing tools.
The NASA standards manual, featuring the so-called “worm logo.” Courtesy of Standards Manual
“Whenever you create a new identity, you’re signaling something,” says Jesse Reed, co-founder of the design firm Order and the Standards Manual publishing project, which has brought technical design documents, like those guiding graphics at NASA, the EPA, and the New York City subways out of the shadows and onto coffee tables across the country. “Whether that’s a new idea, a change in leadership, or a new way this company’s doing something, you can sign that through visual design.”
In 1975, for example, designers Richard Danne and Bruce Blackburn won the competition to design NASA’s visual identity. Where the Space Force intends to bring military politics, strategy, and perhaps even weapons into space, NASA and peer space agencies in dozens of countries peacefully probed the cosmos. Their concept, commonly called “the worm logo,” centered around a stylized version of the letters N-A-S-A depicted in a simple red zigzag. “It really is a quintessential identity mark,” Reed says. “It’s very simple, it’s easy to draw, it’s easy to identify. Anyone could create these—maybe not in a perfect rendition—but it’s clear.”
The NASA “meatball” logo. NASA
The worm complimented NASA’s other icon: the star-spotted blue circle known as “the meatball.” “The meatball was derived from something that was already part of the NASA visual language—it was the NASA seal,” Reed says. “It really is meant for something to go on the arm of a uniform, on maybe very high-level communication materials, as literally a seal of approval that is a little more historical in nature.” Reed compares the two graphics to a university mascot, running around at football games, and the elegant seal on your diploma.
The worm provides “a quick read” and some good marketing material, the meatball; despite its name, signals seriousness and sophistication.
Reed’s historically-informed expectations suggest a central problem with the Space Force logos is memorability. “Really none of them are good,” he says. “Obviously, that’s a very subjective point of view, but from a designer’s perspective, if you’re creating an identity… you really want them to be memorable. And for things to be memorable, you want them to be understandable and simple so that anyone with any educational background or language background can understand what they’re seeing. All of these are very complex. They’re more illustrations than they are logos.”
The first design is a rip-off of both of NASA’s logos, says Reed. It even copies the two forking lines which original meatball designer James J. Modarelli intended to represent a supersonic wing model used in early wind tunnel testing. While Reed says most contemporary design is derivative of some earlier artistry, this logo’s reliance on historical analogs goes much further. “I see it as a lack of confidence and really a lack of building something new,” Reed says. “This one just looks like, ‘We don’t really know what we’re doing, so we’re going to take two old things and put them together like they’re new.’” (The third logo, which depicts a starscape encircled by swirling red jet streams, also draws heavily on NASA’s iconography, especially its color scheme.)
The Space Force logo one PopSci editor described as a Lisa Frank creation. Space Force
The other designs have also engendered criticism, both online and off. Miriam Kramer, science editor for Mashable, noted that the red planet seemed misplaced in this graphical lineup. “Cute, but like… The Space Force would have literally nothing to do with Mars?” she tweeted. “Unless… I guess we could go to war with Martians, then this this logo might be relevant.” And one PopSci editor said the fourth logo looks like it “was designed by Lisa Frank.”
For his part, typographer Chester Jenkins said the proposals ranged from “insulting to laughable.” “The other logos all seem to have been put together with clip art components. The rocket ships are comical, as are the flame/thrust elements,” he wrote in an email. “One logo states that ‘MARS AWAITS’ in Futura—a classic typeface from 100 years ago—on a design which might be a background from Two Dots,” a puzzle game for smartphones.
The Space Force “Mars Awaits” concept confused many viewers. Space Force
For Reed, these reactions reveal a fundamental flaw with all of the designs: they’re too trendy. “The less sort of style and expression you have within that mark, typically the longer it has a shelf life,” he says. “With most of these, I think in a few years, they will either look dated or really bad or very trendy. And then this whole [design] process needs to start over again.”
The future of the Space Force does not rest on its logo, but on Congress, which must approve the creation of a new branch of the military—and fund whatever results. But the visual identity of this proposed branch matters nonetheless. “I am left wondering about the purpose of Space Force,” Jenkins wrote. “Is it a new arm of the military? Is the U.S. going to defend outer space from other countries’ space forces? Are we annexing Mars? Are we getting ready to fight off any intergalactic baddies who show up in our neighbourhood?” For now, Reed says the designs “lack a clarity and focus”—much like the Space Force itself.
Leishmania Parasite: Deadly For Humans, But Good For Flies?
No human would be inclined to think favorably of leishmaniasis, caused by a parasite spread by sand flies, which infects about 12 million people worldwide and kills 20,000 to 30,000 per year.
Leishmaniasis comes in two basic forms, cutaneous and visceral. The second is more serious, attacking the internal organs, and can lead to death if it’s not treated. But cutaneous leishmaniasis is more visible, causing large (and egregious, unsightly) skin sores and lesion that can leave behind nasty scars. The cutaneous variety can also spread to the body’s mucous membranes, creating sores in the sinuses and mouth–which can end up destroying them. Leishmaniasis is found in 90 countries, mostly in the tropics, from Latin America to Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. “Collectively the leishmaniases present a major global health problem, and are the second biggest parasitic killers worldwide after Malaria,” Owens said.
But it turns out that this “parasite” may actually be beneficial for the flies that carry it, by helping them to fight off infection from a different type of pathogen, new research shows.
It was previously known that various species of the Leishmania protozoa can shorten the lifespan of sand flies, especially if they are stressed (hey, flies get stressed too)–but according to the new study, published in the journal Parasites and Vectors, nobody had looked to see if the microbe might have beneficial effects for the insect. But that’s just what a team of Brazilian and British researchers has done. When they exposed sand flies to a form of Leishmania protozoa found throughout Latin America, then exposed the insects to pathogenic bacteria, many more of the protozoa-carrying flies survived. In fact, at least five times more of the Leishmania-carrying flies lived after exposure to the bacterium (known as Serratia marcescens), compared to flies free of the protozoa.
The Leishmania parasite “works as a kind of probiotic and reduces the mortality of the fly,” said study co-author Rod Dillon, a researcher at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.
“This is very interesting, as it is suggestive that similar mechanisms are operating here in the sandfly, as occurs in humans–i.e. that the [‘good’] bacteria that inhabit your gut can protect you from pathogenic bacteria,” said Ben Owens, an immunologist at the University of Oxford, who wasn’t involved in the study. But in this case the Leishmania “is acting as a ‘good’ bug.’”
There are other instances of “parasites” having some beneficial effects for their hosts. For example, some helminths, or worms, can help regulate the immune system of animals that carry them, Owens told Popular Science. In fact, various helminths have potential to treat human autoimmune and gastrointestinal disorders like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
But not everybody is convinced. “I think it is really a stretch to say that the parasite has evolved to provide this protection,” George Dimopoulos, a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore told The Scientist. “It’s more likely that Leishmania, as with all parasites that are transmitted by vectors, will turn on the sand fly’s immune system, which in turn is going to provide some level of protection against any other type of microorganism.” He added: “It’s not something that is necessarily specific to [Leishmania].”
The team had originally been looking to see whether they might be able to halt the spread of leishmaniasis by exposing sand flies to bacteria (to kill the flies, but perhaps also make the flies less likely to carry the protozoa). But exposing the flies to this bacterium, could ironically do quite the opposite. “Sand flies not carrying Leishmania may succumb more rapidly to the biological control agent and this would lead to the development of a wild sand fly population containing an increased proportion of the surviving flies carrying the human disease”, the authors wrote. A scary thought.
There is no vaccine for leishmaniasis, and it can be difficult to treat–the standard therapy to date usually involves injecting patients with an antimony-containing compound that can have bad side effects. But for sand flies, Leishmania is not the horror it is for humans.
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