Top 5 1080p Gaming Monitors of 2025 Revealed

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 opt for 1080p resolutions. This preference is largely driven by cost-effectiveness and the ease of achieving high performance. The market is saturated with 1080p monitors, which can make choosing the right one a daunting task. But don't worry—I'm here to help you navigate through the options and find the best 1080p gaming monitors of 2025.

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 compelling advantages. They are generally more affordable than their higher-resolution counterparts, capable of achieving high refresh rates—up to 500Hz and beyond—and often support technologies like AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. Moreover, these monitors are easier to run and don't require top-tier graphics cards, making them an excellent choice for gamers looking to maximize performance without breaking the bank. While they may not be as sharp as 1440p or 4K monitors, especially on larger screens, they provide a great gaming experience even with entry-level GPUs. For those interested in higher resolutions, 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

2A 27-inch Full HD display with 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: 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 stands out as the best 1080p gaming monitor for most users, priced under $300. It boasts a fast, vibrant screen that can reach up to 280Hz, offering low input lag and variable refresh rate support for smooth gameplay. Its IPS panel delivers excellent colors and high brightness of 400 nits, ensuring vibrant visuals and crisp motion clarity, even in well-lit environments. Although it's DisplayHDR 400 certified, it's important to manage expectations regarding true HDR performance. Overall, the VG279QM's combination of price, features, and performance makes it a top choice for 2025.

2. Samsung Odyssey G30D

Best Budget 1080p Monitor

### Samsung Odyssey G30D

1This gaming monitor is small but mighty, offering a solid picture and great gaming performance at a low 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: 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

For budget-conscious gamers, the Samsung Odyssey G30D is an excellent choice. Priced at around $120, this 24-inch monitor from a trusted brand offers vibrant colors and a gaming-grade 1ms response time. It supports a high 180Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate technology, ensuring smooth gameplay free from screen tearing. While it has a modest peak brightness of 250 nits, it performs well in typical room lighting. 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

21080p gamers will love this monitor's balance of an immersive curve, spacious screen, and fast refresh rate. 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: 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 to bring it to taste

The AOC Gaming C27G2Z offers fantastic value at around $150, featuring a curved 240Hz monitor with a 1500R curve that enhances immersion without distorting text. Its VA panel delivers rich colors and a high 3000:1 contrast ratio, ensuring excellent picture quality. With a 0.5ms response time and variable refresh rate support, this monitor is competitively capable and perfect for gamers seeking a competitive edge. While it may require some initial calibration for optimal performance, its overall value and performance make it a compelling choice.

4. Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)

Best Ultrawide 1080p Monitor

### Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)

2At less than $200, this curved gaming monitor offers a great picture, fast refresh rate, solid color coverage, and an immersive curve. 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: 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 ultrawide monitor, featuring a spacious 30-inch screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio. Its VA panel offers excellent color and contrast, complemented by a rapid 200Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay. The 1500R curve enhances immersion, making it ideal for both single-player and competitive gaming. While its out-of-the-box color accuracy may need tweaking, its overall performance and design make it a top pick for ultrawide 1080p gaming.

5. BenQ Zowie XL2586X+

Best 1080p Monitor for Esports

### BenQ Zowie XL2586X+

0This monitor is as fast as they come with its 600Hz refresh rate but also includes additional features to offer an engaging picture and a competitive edge. See it at Amazon

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 commonly found in professional tournaments

CONS

• Very expensive
• TN colors and viewing angles aren't great

For competitive esports, the BenQ Zowie XL2586X+ is unmatched, boasting a staggering 600Hz refresh rate. While its TN panel sacrifices color quality and viewing angles, it excels in responsiveness, making it a favorite among professional gamers. Features like DyAc 2 technology enhance motion clarity, and a special VividFilm layer improves color reproduction. Priced at $999, it's a significant investment, but for those seeking the ultimate competitive edge, it's the top choice.

How to Choose a 1080p Monitor

When shopping for a 1080p monitor, consider the following key factors:

• Size: Opt for a monitor that fits your space. To avoid the screen door effect, limit the size to 27 inches or less.
• Panel Type: Choose between IPS and VA panels. IPS panels offer superior color and viewing angles, while VA panels provide better contrast. TN panels are best for esports due to their fast response times but are less ideal for color accuracy.
• Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate, typically 120Hz or above, enhances gaming smoothness. 144Hz is often considered the sweet spot for most gamers.
• Brightness: Aim for monitors with at least 300 nits for good visibility, with 400 nits or more being ideal for vivid images.
• Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate support like FreeSync or G-Sync, along with other gaming-specific features such as on-screen reticles and customizable settings.

1080p Gaming Monitor FAQ

Is a 1080p monitor worse than 1440p?

While 1440p offers a sharper image due to higher pixel density, 1080p monitors are easier to run and more cost-effective. For smaller screen sizes, the difference in clarity may be minimal, making 1080p a practical choice for many gamers.

What is the best size for a 1080p monitor?

For optimal clarity and space, a 1080p monitor should ideally be 27 inches or smaller to avoid pixel visibility and maintain image sharpness.

How much should I pay for a 1080p monitor?

1080p gaming monitors are typically more affordable than higher-resolution options. You can find excellent models for under $200, making them a great choice for budget-conscious gamers looking for performance and value.