Buying Guide
How to Buy a Gaming Monitor
This quick guide helps you pick the right gaming monitor by focusing on the most important decisions: size and resolution, panel type, refresh rate, connectivity and practical risks such as burn in. It draws on real product examples across a wide price range to give clear, actionable advice.
Key factors to consider
Size and resolution
- Match screen size to pixel density: 27 to 32 inches is common. A 27 inch with 2560x1440 gives sharper text than a 32 inch at 1920x1080.
- Higher refresh rates (240Hz and above) and low response times suit competitive gaming. Check whether the spec is GtG or MPRT and what the manufacturer measures.
- OLED gives superior contrast and deep blacks with near-instant response. VA panels give strong contrast and cheaper large curved screens. IPS types offer wider viewing angles and reliable colour reproduction.
- OLED panels can suffer burn in if static elements are on screen for long periods. Look for built in care features and custom heatsinks to reduce risk.
- Expect a broad price range. Entry competitive options can be around £120 to £160 while higher‑end OLED/QD-OLED models sit near £400 in this sample set.
Types and categories
Esports and high frame rate monitors
- Ultra high refresh (240Hz to 280Hz and beyond) and very low latency for first person shooters and racing titles.
- OLED and Quantum Dot OLED panels offer best contrast, often with HDR certifications and high peak brightness for highlights.
- Curved VA panels up to 32 inch provide immersion for single‑player and racing simulations but may be lower resolution on larger sizes.
- Fast IPS variants give a compromise between motion clarity and colour accuracy for mixed gaming and creative work.
Important features and specifications to check
Connectivity
- Ensure the monitor has the ports you need: DisplayPort 1.4 for high refresh on PC, HDMI 2.1 for modern consoles and laptops. Check whether the monitor supports the same resolution and refresh over each port.
- Look for FreeSync or G-SYNC compatibility to avoid tearing. Verify variable refresh works at the resolution and refresh rate you plan to use.
- Colour gamut figures such as 99% DCI‑P3 and low Delta E values indicate strong colour accuracy. For HDR, check peak nit values and any recognised HDR certification.
- Check for height, tilt and swivel adjustment and VESA mounting if you plan to use an arm. Confirm whether cables and a stand are included.
- Eye care features like low blue light and anti flicker, built in burn in protection tools, PiP/PbP for multi‑source use and software utilities for calibration are useful.
Where to buy, common mistakes to avoid and expert tips
Online versus retail
- Buy online for selection and price comparison. Buy in store if you need to inspect colour, gloss level and build quality in person.
- Always check the returns policy and warranty length before purchase.
- Buying a large screen at low resolution and then being disappointed by soft text and UI elements.
- Assuming all high refresh rates work over HDMI. Some ports limit resolution or refresh rate.
- Neglecting burn in risk on OLED when using the screen for long static tasks.
- If you play competitively, prioritise refresh rate, low input lag and the right sync tech for your GPU.
- If you want cinematic visuals, prioritise OLED or QD-OLED with good HDR peak brightness and a wide colour gamut.
- Match resolution to GPU power and desk distance: 2560x1440 is a sweet spot for 27 inch; 1920x1080 is fine for fast 240Hz on smaller screens but loses sharpness on larger panels.
- Look for built in burn in mitigation and keep panel brightness reasonable to extend lifespan.
- Confirm included cables or budget for a DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 cable if needed.
Final Thoughts
Decide first on the balance you need between motion clarity and image quality, then check resolution, panel type, refresh rate and connectivity. Use in‑store checks where possible, confirm warranty and returns, and follow the simple expert tips above to get a monitor that suits your games, desk and budget.
