With the introduction of powerful game engines like Unreal Engine 5, games look much more realistic than ever before. With the dynamic mechanics of terrain, water, and other realistic textures, modern video games look more immersive. However, witnessing such in-depth details requires displays that boast a high resolution and good picture quality.
Gaming at 2K resolution offers a balance between graphics quality and performance, creating an immersive experience that captivates players’ attention and also enhances gameplay. The market is brimming with 2K gaming monitors, each with unique features and specifications designed to cater to diverse gaming needs. This guide is dedicated to helping gamers find the best gaming monitors, ensuring a purchase that is both satisfying and future-proofed.
When choosing a 2K gaming monitor, consider these factors
- Panel Type: The type of panel affects color accuracy, response time, and viewing angles. OLED and IPS panels are the best in the industry but VA and TN panels are much cheaper.
- Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate ensures smoother visuals, which is essential for fast-paced games. It's recommended to choose a monitor with at least a 144Hz refresh rate or higher. However, the system should be able to provide 144+ fps to achieve that smoothness on these displays.
- Connectivity Options: Adequate ports allow for seamless integration with gaming consoles and PCs. Good gaming monitors should come with the latest HDMI and Display ports that allow higher refresh rates.
- Sync Technologies: AMD FreeSync/Premium and Nvidia G-Sync help monitors attain tear-free gaming by syncing the fps to the monitor's refresh rate.
Looking to further upgrade the gaming setup? Consider adding a wired keyboard for a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience, worthy of a new 2K gaming monitor.
The Best War Games's Picks for the Best 2K Gaming Monitors
AOC Agon Pro AG276QZD Gaming Monitor
- Brand
- AOC
- Screen Size
- 27
- Display Technology
- OLED
- HDR
- HDR10
- Resolution
- 2560x1440
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
The AOC Agon Pro AG276QZD is a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor with a 240 Hz refresh rate and a blazing fast 0.03ms response time. It has a 2560x1440 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio with 110 PPI pixel density. The display is color-accurate with 100% coverage of sRGB, 98.3% DCI-P3, 91.9 Adobe RGB, and 92.5% NTSC color space. It also comes with two 5W speakers and a highly adjustable stand that allows for portrait mode operation.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Refresh Rate
- 240 Hz
- Response Time
- 0.03ms
- Ports
- 2 HDMI 2.0, 2 DisplayPort 1.4, 2 USB 3.2 (Gen 1), 1 headphone out
- Weight
- 4.9 kg
- Mounting Options
- VESA 100x100
- Sound
- 2x5W
- Tilt
- -4° to 21.5°
- OLED panel with excellent color gamut and contrast
- 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time
- Compatible with PS5, Xbox, and Switch
- Costs much higher than IPS and VA panels
It's hard to believe that the AOC Agon Pro AG276QZD goes unnoticed when 2K gaming monitors are put into discussion. Even though AOC doesn't enjoy the same popularity as some tier 1 brands like Asus and MSI, AOC manages to bring excellent gaming monitors at affordable prices. The Agon Pro 27" OLED monitor may not be cheap, but it is cheaper than the Asus ROG Strix 27" OLED gaming monitor, which is $200 more expensive, and yet the difference between the two is nearly non-existent.
Nothing can provide a better picture quality than an OLED panel, which brings an almost infinite contrast ratio with true blacks as each pixel emits its own light and has an incredibly low response time. The Agon Pro monitor boasts a response time of 0.03ms, which is unparalleled and makes it perfect for competitive gaming. To further elevate the gaming experience, the 240Hz refresh rate provides high fluidity in movements without ghosting.
Unlike most OLED panels, the Agon Pro OLED monitor doesn't suffer from poor brightness issues and can go as high as 1000 Nits to allow playing even in a well-lit room. Being G-Sync compatible further helps it achieve a tear-free gaming experience. The monitor has a wide color gamut with multiple color spaces that provide a wide range of vibrant and accurate colors. Therefore, not only is it perfect for gaming, but it is also ideal for color grading. If the wallet allows, the AG276QZD should be the first choice for every enthusiast.
Acer Nitro EDA270U Pbmiipx
- Brand
- Acer
- Resolution
- 2560x1440
- Screen Size
- 27"
- Response Time
- 1ms VRB
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 170Hz
- Connectivity
- 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DP 1.2
Acer Nitro EDA270U Pbmiipx brings a high refresh rate of 170Hz on gamers' desks without being too costly. Its QHD resolution with a curved display allows better immersion than the regular screen. Moreover, the FreeSync Premium is pretty capable of providing tear-free gameplay. A stylish-looking display packed with the best gaming features is just under 200 bucks.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Cheaper than most 2K monitors with better specifications
- Max refresh rate of 170Hz for fluidity in gameplay
- AMD FreeSync Premium for tear-free gaming
- Curved display for more immersion
- Max brightness of 250 nits
- VA panel isn't the best for accurate color representation
One of the cheapest yet one of the strongest competitors in the 2K gaming monitors category is the Acer Nitro EDA270U Pbmiipx which boasts a high refresh rate of up to 170Hz. With a quick response time of 1ms and 170Hz refresh rate, it serves as an affordable option for competitive gaming by eliminating ghosting and blur. While the VA panel isn't the best in the industry, it still gives users a good 178/178-degree viewing angle to make sure the colors just don't fade away when looking from either side.
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Moreover, the panel has a 1500R curvature that wraps from both sides in a way that reduces discomfort when looking at the extreme corners and provides more immersion. AMD FreeSync Premium is also available for eliminating any tears when there are quick movements on the screen. Lastly, users also get built-in 2x 2W speakers that come in handy occasionally.
Acer Predator XB273U V3bmiiprx
- Brand
- Acer
- Screen Size
- 27"
- Display Technology
- IPS
- Resolution
- 2560x1440p
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Refresh Rate
- 180Hz Max
Acer Predator XB273U V3bmiiprx is an affordable yet beastly 2K gaming monitor, featuring an IPS panel with a quick response time. The display runs at a max 180Hz refresh rate, provides an excellent color gamut for vibrant colors, and is equipped with FreeSync Premium for a tear-free experience.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Variable Refresh
- Yes, AMD FreeSync Premium
- Response Time
- 0.5ms(GtG min)
- Screen Brightness
- 400 Nits
- Sound
- 2W x2 speakers
- Can run at a max refresh rate of 180Hz
- Highly responsive with up to 0.5ms GtG
- Wide color gamut
- Monitor stand needs a lot of desk space
- Lackluster HDR
Users don't necessarily need to spend several hundred dollars for a competitive 2K gaming monitor. In the past few years, gaming monitors have become much more affordable, and now it's easier to get hands on a high refresh rate IPS panel for just 200 bucks or fewer. The Acer Predator XB273U is the perfect example of why cheap doesn't mean bad. It is superior to most 2K gaming monitors listed under $250 and boasts an IPS panel with a quick response time of 0.5ms GtG, which is much lower than standard IPS panels.
The 27-inch screen size is ample for sharp details and the wide color gamut of 95% DCI-P3 will make the colors vibrant for a mesmerizing gaming world. On top of that, FreeSync Premium makes gaming tear-free and the HDR400 increases the picture quality for vivid details. The monitor also gets standard built-in speakers for general purposes and has an ergonomic stand that allows for adjustment in height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. However, the stand can take up a good amount of space on the desk, though buying a larger desk will solve this problem.
MSI G274QPX
- Brand
- MSI
- Resolution
- 2560x1440
- Screen Size
- 27"
- Response Time
- 1ms GtG
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 240Hz
- Connectivity
- 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DP 1.4
MSI G274QPX is a no-compromise mid-range 2K gaming display with a super high refresh rate of 240Hz and a vivid display with HDR support, great color gamut, and excellent game-enhancing technologies. Whether users are looking for a monitor that provides buttery smooth gameplay or detailed images with a wide range of colors, it has it all.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- High refresh rate of 240Hz for less blur and smooth gaming
- Rapid IPS panel with excellent color gamut
- Impressive brightness and HDR400 support
- Type-C port for both display output and charging
- No built-in speakers
Crafted for competitive players, the MSI G274QPX is the ultimate option for enthusiast gamers who want premium features without breaking the bank. With a Rapid IPS display featuring a quick 1ms response time, it is going to provide excellent visuals from different angles and no input delay. Unlike most high refresh monitors, it not only comes with a super high refresh rate of 240Hz but also with an excellent color gamut that covers multiple color spaces, including 97% A-RGB, 98% DCI-P3, and 136% sRGB for vibrant details and consistent colors across the screen.
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Furthermore, the G-Sync compatibility syncs the framerates with the monitor's refresh rate for tear-free gaming. The brightness is also impressive with up to 400 nits at maximum level and through the DisplayHDR400 compatibility, the images will be more vivid and full of details. At the back, users will find multiple output ports for display and an additional USB Type-C port that can serve both purposes of display and charging. It's hands down the best mid-range option for gamers looking to spend a little over $300.
Acer Nitro XR343CK
- Brand
- Acer
- Resolution
- 3440x1440
- Screen Size
- 34"
- Response Time
- 1ms
- Max. Refresh Rate
- 180Hz
- Connectivity
- 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x DP 1.4
Acer Nitro XR343CK makes gaming more immersive through its ultrawide IPS display, boasting a resolution of 3440x1440 pixels. The monitor has an excellent DCI-P3 color space and supports DisplayHDR400 for providing more detailed visuals. With a 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and FreeSync Premium, the monitor shows its true competitive nature.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- UWQHD resolution with curved display for more immersion
- High refresh rate of up to 180Hz
- FreeSync Premium compatible for tear-free gaming
- Excellent color space with 98% DCI-P3
- Will need a high-end gaming system to push the performance
- No Nvidia G-Sync support
For more immersive gaming sessions, gamers should opt for an ultrawide QHD monitor like the Acer Nitro XR343CK which boasts a higher resolution of 3440x1440 on a 1900R curved screen. Despite being so huge, the monitor doesn't lack any of the premium specifications and brings a maximum refresh rate of 180Hz with 1ms of response time for smoother and lag-free gaming. While it lacks G-sync support, AMD FreeSync Premium should be adequate for most users if they care about a tear-free gaming experience.
The color gamut is excellent with up to 98% DCI-P3 of color space that will display a wide range of colors throughout the screen. Also, the outstanding brightness of up to 550 Nits and DisplayHDR 400 support will present extraordinary details that will not only make it ideal for immersive gaming but also for watching movies. It's heavy and consumes more power than normal QHD monitors, but it does stand out due to the unique experience it provides through its wider screen.
LG 27" Ultragear OLED (27GR95QE-B)
- Brand
- LG
- Resolution
- 2560 x 1440
- Refresh Rate
- 240Hz
- Screen Size
- 26.5"
- Ports
- HDMI x 2, DP x 1
The LG 27-inch Ultragear OLED 27GR95QE-B is part of LG's latest and greatest OLED offerings. It targets enthusiast gamers with its 240Hz refresh rate and bleeding edge 0.03ms response times on a QHD OLED panel that delivers the goods on gaming and then some. With excellent color reproduction and HDR support out of the box, the LG 27GR95QE-B OLED monitor is worth a look if players are looking for a premium display option in 2024.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Display Technology
- OLED
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Screen Brightness
- 1000 Nits
- Sound
- No built-in speaker, headphone out available
- HDR
- Yes, HDR10
- Variable Refresh
- Yes
- Response Time
- 0.03ms
- Exceptional 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time for competitive edge
- Versatile connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4
- Brightness levels may not be as high as some competitors
- Some controls and UI elements require remote, complicating the user experience
The LG 27" Ultragear OLED QHD Gaming Monitor is truly a game-changer in the high-end 2K gaming category. With a stunning 27" QHD OLED display that offers DCI-P3 98.5%, the color reproduction is beyond impressive, setting a new standard for visual excellence in gaming monitors. Add to that the 240Hz refresh rate and an incredibly low 0.03ms response time, and it's clear why this monitor stands out. Gamers can expect unparalleled smoothness during intense gaming sessions, a necessity for staying ahead in competitive games. Additionally, the versatility of HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 connectivity options ensures that the monitor is future-proof, a feature not commonly found in the competition.
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The LG Ultragear OLED also focuses on the user experience. An anti-glare screen, for instance, ensures that reflections don't interfere with gameplay, eliminating a common point of frustration among gamers. High-end gamers looking for the pinnacle of display technology will find the LG 27" Ultragear OLED QHD Gaming Monitor to be an exceptional addition to their setup.
MSI MAG325CQRXF
- Brand
- MSI
- Screen Size
- 32"
- Display Technology
- VA
- HDR
- HDR400
- Resolution
- 2560x1440p
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
The MSI MAG325CQRXF is the latest addition to MSI's monitor catalog that brings a high refresh rate VA panel with HDR support. Ideal for gamers looking for immersive gameplay, the display is curved to wrap around the field of view. It has a QHD resolution, supports FreeSync, and has an ergonomic stand.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Refresh Rate
- 240Hz
- Variable Refresh
- Yes, AMD FreeSync
- Response Time
- 1ms GtG
- Screen Brightness
- 400 Nits
- Big 32" screen with a 1000R curvature for an immersive gameplay experience
- Fast 240Hz display panel with 1ms response time
- Good contrast ratio
- No built-in speakers
- Dull HDR
Typically, a bigger screen size is a better option when going for a curved monitor. A smaller curved display simply isn't as immersive as a big one, even if the details are sharper. This is why the The Best War Games team recommends the MSI MAG 32" gaming monitor that boasts a curvature of 1000R for highly immersive gameplay. Users need to sit no more than 1m away from the screen to create a field of view similar to an actual human eye. This makes this monitor a perfect fit for playing right on the desk from a close distance instead of hopping on the couch, allowing users to see all those crisp details closely.
It is not a regular 144Hz or 165Hz gaming display, but boasts a 240Hz refresh rate to improve the fluidity in motion. Moreover, the Rapid VA panel it boasts has a 1ms GtG response time and supports AMD FreeSync. It also comes with HDR support and has an excellent contrast ratio of 4000:1, which is four times higher than regular gaming monitors. The only thing it lacks is built-in speakers, but with the best gaming headsets, which can be connected directly to the back of the monitor, a surround sound setup can be achieved. There are plenty of USB ports too, including a Type C that supports 15W charging. All in all, it's an excellent display that won't break the bank.
How to Choose the Perfect 2K Gaming Monitor
Shopping for a 2K gaming monitor? Make sure to consider these pivotal factors:
Panel Type
The panel type directly affects a monitor's visual output, specifically color accuracy and viewing angles. With an IPS panel, users can expect better colors and wider viewing angles, which many gamers consider crucial for a high-quality gaming experience.
Refresh Rate
A monitor's refresh rate significantly impacts the visual fluidity of games. Look for higher refresh rates like 144Hz or 240Hz. These provide smoother visuals and can offer an edge in fast-paced games.
Connectivity Options
The availability of multiple ports like HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB is essential for a versatile monitor setup. These options ensure that gamers can effortlessly switch between PC and console gaming or plug in additional peripherals.
Sync Technologies
Sync technologies such as Adaptive Sync, AMD FreeSync/Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync sync the game's fps to the monitor's refresh rate, resulting in a tear-free gaming experience. Monitors with these technologies are expensive, but they make the gameplay much smoother.
Screen Size
Monitors with large screens look good and can improve the aesthetic appeal of a gaming pad. They also provide an immersive gaming experience. The downside to large monitors is that they are pretty cumbersome and are unsuitable for smaller spaces. Smaller screens are manageable, though the visual experience might not be as good like in larger monitors.
Cost
Gaming monitors are generally pricey due to their heavy-lifting capacity. However, customers can find excellent picks at reasonable costs. High-end monitors will be costly due to their standout resources. The converse is true for cheaper models with fewer interesting features.
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FAQ
Q: Is 2K resolution good for gaming?
Absolutely, 2K resolution offers a balanced mix of high-quality visuals and optimized performance. It provides enough detail for immersive gameplay without requiring extremely powerful hardware.
Q: Do I need multiple ports for a 2K gaming monitor?
Having multiple ports allows for greater flexibility in connecting different devices like gaming consoles and PCs. It's a worthwhile feature to look for in a 2K gaming monitor.
Q: Can I use a 2K monitor for tasks other than gaming?
Yes, 2K monitors are versatile and offer excellent visual quality for tasks like video editing, graphic design, and general productivity.