In the PC gaming community, 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 largely due to cost and performance advantages. When shopping for a new monitor, you'll find a saturated market with numerous options, which can make choosing the best one challenging.
Don't worry, I'm here to help. With years of experience reviewing gaming monitors, I know what it takes for a monitor to stand out, like my top pick, the Asus TUF Gaming VG279QM. If you want to save time and enjoy a superior gaming experience, these are 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 advantages. They are more affordable than 1440p and 4K monitors, can achieve high refresh rates up to 500Hz, and often support technologies like AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. A key benefit is their ease of use; they don't require high-end, expensive graphics cards to perform at their best due to their lower pixel count. This means you can enjoy a great gaming experience even with an entry-level GPU.
However, at sizes above 27 inches, 1080p monitors can appear less sharp. If you're looking for 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
2
This 27-inch Full HD monitor boasts an overclockable 240Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and adaptive sync for smooth gameplay. It's an excellent value for money, offering vibrant colors and a crisp picture, perfect for both AMD and Nvidia users.
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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 delivers a fast, colorful display capable of reaching 280Hz. It features low input lag, variable refresh rate support, and a high peak brightness, ensuring your games always look their best with clear motion.
While I didn't personally review this monitor, our reviewer praised its balanced features. It supports variable refresh rates with AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, eliminating screen tearing and offering a near-instantaneous response time thanks to its 280Hz refresh rate.
At 27 inches, it's the ideal size for 1080p resolution, providing a spacious yet sharp image. With a brightness of 400 nits, it's suitable for use in well-lit environments. Its DisplayHDR 400 certification adds to its appeal, though it falls short of "true" HDR standards requiring 1,000 nits.
Overall, the VG279QM's combination of price, features, and performance makes it the top choice for 2025.
2. Samsung Odyssey G30D
Best Budget 1080p Monitor
### Samsung Odyssey G30D
1
This compact yet powerful monitor offers a solid picture and great gaming performance at an affordable price.
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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
Shopping for a budget gaming monitor can be daunting, but the Samsung Odyssey G30D offers a reliable choice. At around $120, this 24-inch monitor from a reputable brand delivers vibrant colors and a 1ms response time. With a 180Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate support for both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, it provides smooth gameplay and eliminates screen tearing.
It comes with one HDMI and one DisplayPort, suitable for single-device setups. However, its peak brightness of 250 nits may limit its use in bright environments. Still, in typical room lighting, it performs well.
The assurance of buying from a well-known brand, coupled with a one-year warranty, adds value to this monitor. It's a full-featured package at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent choice for cost-conscious gamers.
3. AOC Gaming C27G2Z
Best Curved 1080p Monitor
### AOC Gaming C27F2Z
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This monitor strikes a balance between an immersive curve, spacious screen, and fast refresh rate, ideal for 1080p gamers.
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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
Priced around $150, the AOC Gaming C27G2Z offers great value with its 1500R curve, 300cd/m² brightness, 240Hz refresh rate, and 0.5ms response time. The curve enhances immersion without distorting text, and its VA panel provides rich colors and a 3000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks and shadows.
Its responsiveness is a major highlight, with a 240Hz refresh rate and VRR support for both AMD and Nvidia. While its out-of-the-box settings may need adjustments, the monitor offers excellent performance for gaming at this price point.
For 1080p gamers looking for an immersive experience without breaking the bank, the AOC C27G2Z is a solid recommendation.
4. Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)
Best Ultrawide 1080p Monitor
### Acer Nitro ED6 (ED306C Xbmiippx)
2
This curved ultrawide monitor offers a great picture, fast refresh rate, and immersive curve for less than $200.
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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 option with its 30-inch screen and 21:9 aspect ratio. Its VA panel delivers excellent colors and contrast, while a 200Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay. The 1500R curve enhances immersion, making it versatile for both single-player and competitive gaming.
Despite its slightly higher resolution, the monitor's vertical height remains close to that of a 24-inch display, ensuring sharpness. With robust warranty support from Acer, this monitor is an excellent choice for ultrawide enthusiasts.
5. BenQ Zowie XL2586X+
Best 1080p Monitor for Esports
### BenQ Zowie XL2586X+
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This monitor offers an unparalleled 600Hz refresh rate and additional features for competitive gaming.
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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 unrivaled with its 600Hz refresh rate. This monitor is a favorite among esports professionals, offering exceptional responsiveness and motion clarity. Its TN panel may compromise color and viewing angles, but Zowie's VividFilm layer and DyAc2 technology enhance the visual experience.
Priced at $999, it's a premium investment, but it delivers unmatched performance for those who need every competitive advantage.
How to Choose a 1080p Monitor
When shopping for a 1080p monitor, consider these key factors:
Size: Choose a monitor that fits your space. To avoid visible pixels, stick to 27 inches or smaller.
Panel Type: IPS panels offer the best colors and viewing angles, while VA panels provide better contrast. TN panels are best for competitive esports due to their speed but have inferior color and viewing angles.
Refresh Rate: Higher refresh rates offer smoother gameplay. 144Hz is considered a sweet spot, but rates above 200Hz are ideal for competitive gaming.
Brightness: Look for monitors with at least 300 nits for a vivid picture in most lighting conditions.
Additional Features: Variable refresh rate support like FreeSync or G-Sync enhances gameplay by eliminating screen tearing. Other features like on-screen reticles and timers can also add value.
1080p Gaming Monitor FAQ
Is a 1080p monitor worse than 1440p?
A 1080p monitor has a resolution of 1920x1080, totaling 2.07 million pixels, while a 1440p monitor has a resolution of 2560x1440, with 3.69 million pixels, offering a crisper image. However, the difference may not be noticeable at smaller sizes, and 1080p monitors are easier to run and more cost-effective, making them a popular choice among gamers.
What is the best size for a 1080p monitor?
For optimal clarity and space, the ideal size for a 1080p monitor is around 25 inches. Larger sizes may show visible pixels and result in a softer image.
How much should I pay for a 1080p monitor?
Prices vary based on size, capabilities, and features, but you can find excellent 1080p gaming monitors for under $200. This is a good target for new PC gamers, with some flexibility for additional features that meet your specific needs.