Nothing makes a great video game even better like a gorgeous monitor designed to render those advanced graphics in all their glory. But how can you tell what kind of gaming monitor to buy?
We’ll explain what make up the best gaming monitors for PS4 and Xbox One down below, as well as explain why their internal specs matter and which ones you should focus on. That way, you can make sure you pick the monitor that’s right for you!
#1 - Acer XFA240 |
 |
Best for Professional or Serious Gamers |
24" Display (1920 x 1080) |
144 Hz Refresh Rate |
Response Time: 1ms |
Supports swivel and tilt |
Buy on Amazon.com |
#2 - Dell LED-lit |
 |
Best for Single-Player or Cinematic Games |
27" Display (1920 x 1080) |
144 Hz Refresh Rate |
Response Time: 2ms |
AMD FreeSync |
Buy on Amazon.com |
#3 - Asus VG245H |
 |
Best for Comfort or the Lazy |
24" Display (1920 x 1080) |
75 Hz Refresh Rate |
Response Time: 1ms |
FreeSync/Adaptive Sync |
Buy on Amazon.com |
Table of Contents
Best Gaming Monitors for PS4 and Xbox One - Comparison Table
| Pictures | Monitor | Screen Size | Response Time | Refresh Rate | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | BenQ Zowie 27-inch Gaming Monitor | 27 inch | 1ms | 60 Hz | Buy on Amazon |
 | Samsung IT 24-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor | 24 inch | 4ms | 60 Hz | Buy on Amazon |
 | Acer XFA240 Gaming Monitor | 24 inch | 1ms | 144 Hz | Buy on Amazon |
 | Asus VG245H Gaming Monitor | 24 inch | 1ms | 75 Hz | Buy on Amazon |
 | Sceptre C248B Curved Gaming Monitor | 24 inch | 3ms | 144 Hz | Buy on Amazon |
 | BenQ Zowie 24-inch Gaming Monitor | 24 inch | 1ms | 60 Hz | Buy on Amazon |
 | Dell LED-lit Gaming Monitor | 27 inch | 2ms | 144 Hz | Buy on Amazon |
#1. BenQ Zowie 27-inch Gaming Monitor
Let's start with the first of the two 27-inch monitors on our list. The BenQ Zowie 27-inch Gaming Monitor has an excellent response time at 1ms and a decent refresh rate of 60 Hz. This is good enough for most pro-gaming needs, although several other monitors having higher refresh rates. The low blue light filter reduces eye strain, particularly when gaming in a dark room or at night. In addition, the color-enhancing tech built into the BenQ Zowie 27-inch Gaming Monitor makes varying colors pop in contrast to one another, creating richer pallets for any game with vibrant environments.
My Impressions
The BenQ Zowie 27-inch Gaming Monitor is a pretty pricey gaming monitor that has most of its value in its color tech and the blue light filter. The screen size makes the most of both of these perks, and the headphone hook is a nice finish to an altogether-valuable piece of technology. This is a good monitor for those looking for casual gaming since the big screen and middle-of-the-road refresh rate make this a worse choice for more serious pro-gamers.
What Could be Better
The refresh rate isn’t as high as many other gaming monitors and that holds it back for certain gamers. In addition, the stand isn’t flexible in any way, so you have to make the most of the stand and the angle at which it sits on your desk.
#2. Samsung IT 24-inch Curved Gaming Monitor
The Samsung IT 24-inch Curved Gaming Monitor is optimized across the board for quality gaming experiences. Its curved shape is meant to truly engulf the player on all sides as they play, creating an immersive feeling that enhances the feeling of any gaming session. The Gaming Mode built into the monitor is a pre-programmed combination of settings and special software that excels at showcasing video game graphics in all their glory. Finally, the eco-friendly power setting allows you to save energy without having to worry about remembering to turn the monitor off.
My Impressions
The Samsung IT 24-inch Curved Gaming Monitor is another great-looking monitor, and the curved design is very slick and narrow. It’s a gradual, well-molded curve that makes gaming much more immersive. However, the relatively slow response time of 4 milliseconds means that any gamer looking to become competitive is going to be fighting against a high lag time compared to other pros. This monitor would be better for single-player games or those looking to just enjoy great, smooth graphics.
What Could be Better
The low response time really hurts the Samsung IT 24-inch Curved Gaming Monitor as a pro-gaming accessory. The high refresh rate can make use of a much higher response time, which is a shame.
#3. Acer XFA240 Gaming Monitor
This is the powerhouse of the gaming monitors on our list. The Acer XFA240 Gaming Monitor boasts an astounding 144 Hz for a refresh rate and a fantastic 1ms response time. Combined, these two factors ensure that any game played on the Acer XFA240 Gaming Monitor is going to be smooth and crisp, and any inputs from a controller will be reflected instantly on the screen. The monitor comes with 2 speakers, although these aren’t the best quality and are more an extra. Finally, the monitor is adjustable either by swiveling or tilting, which is great if you view the screen from lower or higher than desk or table level.
My Impressions
This is definitely my pick for any serious gamer looking to compete. The adjustability is a level of customization that gamers love to have for all their gear and in terms of stats that matter you don't get much better than 144 Hz and 1ms. Games played on the Acer XFA240 Gaming Monitor are going to be both beautiful and responsive: the golden combination for any gamer looking to win against other players.
What Could be Better
The speakers are definitely an afterthought and have just been added on. Without them, the price might be even better, although it’s definitely a great bargain as it stands right now.
#4. Asus VG245H Gaming Monitor
Here we have the Asus VG245H Gaming Monitor. This monitor comes with a great blue light filter to help ease the strain on the eyes during long gaming sessions or in a dark room. The Asus VG245H Gaming Monitor also has two HDMI ports; this could be great if you wanted to plug both your PS4 and your Xbox One into the monitor at the same time without having to switch cables. Finally, an adjustable stand is always a nice feature for a good gaming monitor.
My Impressions
This is a good purchase for a fair price. The dual HDMI ports are the selling point, for me; it means I can keep both a PS4 and an Xbox One plugged in at the same time. Anything which reduces frustrating tinkering is a benefit in my eyes. The blue light filter really cements the Asus VG245H Gaming Monitor as a device designed to be comfortable for gamers. There aren’t enough products for that niche.
What Could be Better
Not much. Higher response time is always better but it’s already quite good with 75 Hz to pair with its 1ms response time. Overall this is a great product.
#5. Sceptre C248B Curved Gaming Monitor
This is another monitor designed with pre-made settings with variables set for optimal gaming experiences. The Sceptre C248B Curved Gaming Monitor comes with two modes: one for first-person-shooters and another for real-time-strategy games. Since these game types are very different, it’s good to see that the monitor goes to the effort to differentiate its ideal settings for both. The high refresh rate is a little held back by a mediocre 3 ms response time, but graphics do look very good on the curved, HD surface of the Sceptre C248B Curved Gaming Monitor.
My Impressions
It’s another monitor that’s great for viewing games but not the best for a competitive gamer. Still, I think that this product would be a great buy for anyone looking to experience games in a cinematic sense, or who prefer single-player role-playing games. The Sceptre C248B Curved Gaming Monitor definitely holds a spot in the market; it’s just not for twitchy, pro-gamer athletes.
What Could be Better
The response time is low, as noted. Furthermore, the stand isn’t adjustable, which will be a con in the eyes of many potential buyers.
#6. BenQ Zowie 24-inch Gaming Monitor
While the previous monitors with pre-programmed custom options only had one or two selections, the BenQ Zowie 24-inch Gaming Monitor comes with three: one for real-time-strategy, one for first-person-shooters, and one for fighting games. These different mixes of color and contrast will enhance the gaming experience for any of these game types. Add in a blue light filter and a glare-resistant frame and you’ve got a great, user-friendly monitor. The refresh rate is low compared to some of the higher-end monitors, but it’s more than enough for the quality graphics it’s trying to display.
My Impressions
The BenQ Zowie 24-inch Gaming Monitor is another great monitor from BenQ’s Zowie line. I think I would still give the edge to the other BenQ simply due to its greater size, but a good argument could be made for this monitor and its custom settings options. The glare-resistant frame might be good if you plan to game in a room with a lot of light.
What Could be Better
Higher response time would really make the BenQ Zowie 24-inch Gaming Monitor shine. It gets the job done well enough to still be categorized as a gaming monitor, but the line is a little thin.
#7. Dell LED-lit Gaming Monitor
For our final monitor, let’s take a look at the Dell LED-lit Gaming Monitor. This monitor comes with speakers built into its chassis, and these are actually not bad for being add-ons to the main product. They’re certainly not a detriment. The high contrast ratio ensures that color variation and depth is present at all times, making games really pop and glow on the screen. An LED backlight means that the Dell LED-lit Gaming Monitor burns less power than a lot of other models. Finally, this monitor has a high refresh rate of 144 Hz and good (but not the best) response time at 2ms.
My Impressions
This is one of the best monitors on our list for cinematic, single-player games thanks to the integrated speakers and high contrast. However, many will have speakers that are outside of the monitor which provide a better experience, so I don't know if the integrated speakers are worth the cost.
What Could be Better
The response time is good, but if it was at 1ms it would be a competitor in pro gamers’ eyes. The stand isn’t as adjustable as a lot of the other monitors we’ve looked at, too, but it’s not too flimsy, either.
Best Gaming Monitors for PS4 and Xbox One - Buying Guide
Gaming monitors, like computers or gaming consoles, have a lot of internal specs that can make it tricky to determine which ones are the best and which ones are filled with things you don’t need. To make sure you’re selecting the right one, let’s break down what all those factors listed on the box really mean and if they matter to the overall product. Keep in mind that all gaming monitors have good specifications already. All you have to do is choose from the best of the best.
Final Words
As you can see, finding the best floor-standing speakers under $500 isn’t just possible: it’s been made easy thanks to our list above. No matter if you’re completing a home theater or just starting out, you can find an affordable, great-quality option that stays within budget. Good luck shopping, and don’t forget a subwoofer!