gaming
The Best Gaming Monitors for 2026
High-refresh gaming monitors with fast IPS panels, led by the 165Hz LG 27GP850 and the budget Acer Nitro VG270.
Our top picks at a glance
The LG 27GP850 is the best gaming monitor here: a 165Hz Nano IPS panel with quick response times and strong color. On a tight budget, the Acer Nitro VG270 delivers the same 165Hz refresh rate at 1080p for far less money.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Size | Resolution | Panel | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Best gamingLG UltraGear 27GP850 | 27 in | 2560 × 1440 (QHD) | Nano IPS | Check price |
 Best budget gamingAcer Nitro VG270 | 27 in | 1920 × 1080 (FHD) | IPS | Check price |
Best gaming
LG UltraGear 27GP850
Fast Nano IPS gaming without the flagship tax.
Strengths
- 165Hz (180Hz OC) refresh rate
- Nano IPS with wide color gamut
- G-Sync and FreeSync Premium support
Limitations
- IPS contrast is average
- HDR is basic
- Stand is bulky
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Fast, smooth 165Hz+ gameplay with low blur
- Vivid Nano IPS colors
- Good value for a high-refresh 1440p monitor
Common complaints
- IPS glow in dark scenes is a common complaint, and it varies unit to unit
- Some buyers exchange units over backlight bleed
- Contrast is limited in dark rooms
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Size | 27 in |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 2560 × 1440 (QHD) |
| Panel | Nano IPS |
| Refresh rate | 165 Hz (180 Hz OC) |
| Response | 1 ms GtG |
Best for: Gamers who want 165Hz smoothness and good color in one 1440p panel.
Skip if: You do color-critical creative work.
Best budget gaming
Acer Nitro VG270
Budget 165Hz gaming that gets the basics right.
Strengths
- 165Hz refresh rate at a budget price
- Decent color for the class
- FreeSync support
Limitations
- 1080p on 27 in looks soft
- Basic stand with limited adjustment
- No USB-C
| Size | 27 in |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 (FHD) |
| Panel | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 165 Hz |
Best for: Budget gamers who want high refresh rates without spending much.
Skip if: You need accurate color or USB-C docking.
Questions, answered
Is 1440p or 1080p better for gaming?
1440p looks noticeably sharper at 27 inches and is the current sweet spot, but it demands more GPU power. 1080p at 27 inches is softer, yet it lets modest GPUs hit high frame rates, which competitive players often prefer.
Do I need G-Sync or FreeSync?
Adaptive sync eliminates screen tearing by matching the refresh rate to the GPU's output. Both gaming picks here support it, and it works with NVIDIA and AMD cards on modern models, so leave it enabled.