While 1440p, 4K, and even 8K displays continue to rise in popularity, the best 1080p gaming monitors remain a top choice, especially for competitive gamers.
Offering smoother performance with less strain on your system, 1080p screens are ideal for fast-paced FPS titles thanks to higher frame rates and lower input lag—don't just take it from us here at Siege.gg, as Steam’s Hardware Survey shows the majority of gamers agree.
Not all 1080p monitors are created equal, though. Many lack the high refresh rates, quick response times, and screen-tearing reduction tech needed for a truly top-tier gaming experience.
Fortunately, this guide covers five of the best 1080p gaming monitors available right now to help out here, with each selected for its performance, features, user feedback, and value.
Quick List: Best 1080p Gaming Monitors
- Best 1080p gaming monitor overall — Alienware AW2523HF
- Best budget 1080p gaming monitor — AOC 25G42E
- Best 1080p gaming monitor for esports — BenQ ZOWIE XL2586X+
- Best curved 1080p gaming monitor — AOC C27G2Z
- Best G-Sync 1080p gaming monitor — ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP
Why we chose the Alienware AW2523HF
Put simply, the Alienware AW2523HF is one of the best 360Hz monitors you can buy. Its refresh rate makes it faster and smoother than most monitors you'll come across, while its 1080p resolution brings exceptional visual clarity without sacrificing speed by putting excessive strain on your CPU and GPU.
Key Features:
- 360Hz Refresh Rate & 0.5ms GtG Response Time: Combined, they deliver smooth motion and near-instant pixel transitions for a serious edge in fast-paced games.
- AMD FreeSync Premium & VESA AdaptiveSync Certified: Eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for fluid visuals, even during chaotic gunfights.
- Fast IPS Panel with sRGB 99% + HDR Support: Ensures accurate, vibrant colors across wide angles.
- AlienVision Game Enhancements (Night/Clear/Chroma/Crosshair Vision): Real-time overlays improve visibility in dark scenes, enhance sharpness, and keep your aim true.
- Revamped Hexagonal Base & Integrated Headset Hanger: Designed with esports in mind, these help free desk space for mouse movement, and help to remove clutter for streamlined setups.
- ComfortView Eye Care: Reduce eye strain during long practice or tournament sessions.
So, not only does it offer the kind of speed and performance you need to keep up with the best, but its clever design, namely the hexagonal base and built-in eye care technology, makes it extremely well suited to esports and competitive gameplay.
Take it from me, someone who uses this monitor every day, the AOC 25G42E punches well above its weight, thanks to features that far outweigh its price tag.
Key Features:
- 180Hz Refresh Rate & 1ms GtG (0.5ms MPRT): Delivers ultra-smooth motion clarity and minimal blur—essential for tracking fast enemies and landing flick shots.
- Fast IPS Panel with Wide Viewing Angles: Combines vivid color accuracy with speed, letting you enjoy sharp visuals and accurate target tracking from nearly any angle.
- Adaptive Sync & Low Input Lag Mode: Eliminates screen tearing and reduces latency, giving you the split-second responsiveness needed in clutch moments.
- HDR10 Support: Enhances contrast and brightness, making it easier to spot enemies in high dynamic range scenes and improving immersion overall.
- Frameless 3-Side Design: Ideal for dual-monitor setups and focused gameplay without distraction—plus it just looks clean and modern.
- Customizable G-Menu Software: Lets you fine-tune visuals and performance settings for each game, making it easy to optimize your FPS experience.
Ultimately, the AOC 25G42E is an extremely well-designed and feature-rich gaming monitor for the price. I can't recommend it enough if you are seeking a 1080p screen that's much cheaper than most of its rivals.
Why we chose the BenQ ZOWIE XL2586X+
In games where gaining a split-second advantage is everything, the BenQ ZOWIE XL2586X+ is without a doubt one of the best monitors you can buy. That's because it's one of the quickest, smoothest screens on the market, all thanks to BenQ's incredible design.
Key Features:
- 600Hz Refresh Rate: Simply put, the highest refresh rate around, meaning you're one step ahead of everyone else.
- DyAc2 Motion Clarity: Dual backlight tech provides unmatched blur reduction, making it easier to track fast-moving enemies and maintain aim precision.
- Fast TN Panel with Minimal Overshoot: Newly engineered for esports, it delivers incredibly fast response times with reduced visual artifacts.
- Optimized for Pro Resolutions: Native 1920x1080 panel gives sharper visuals at 1280x960 and 1920x1080 (common pro player resolutions), helping clearly define enemy outlines.
- Improved Color Accuracy (35% Boost): A new vivid color film significantly enhances TN panel colors, improving target visibility against backgrounds and fixing typical TN washout issues.
- Auto Game Mode Switching: Automatically adjusts color profiles based on the game you’re playing for consistently optimal visual performance in different FPS titles.
While its refresh rate is the statement feature here, don't overlook features like BenQ's Auto Game Mode Switching and DyAc2 Motion Clarity, as they all add to the ZOWIE XL2586X+ and its ability to make you a better gamer, regardless of what you're playing.
Why we chose the AOC C27G2Z
Both a great 240Hz option and an excellent curved gaming monitor, the AOC C27G2Z is a true powerhouse when it comes to 1080p displays. It's fast, powerful, and more immersive to look at the flat screens, making it ideal if you're looking for something bigger for your gaming setup.
Key Features:
- 240Hz Refresh Rate & 0.5ms MPRT: The high refresh complements the response time for ultra-low motion blur and lightning-fast frame updates.
- AMD FreeSync Premium: Synchronizes the display with your GPU for tear-free, stutter-free performance.
- 1500R Curved VA Panel: The curved screen wraps around your field of view, boosting immersion and awareness—helpful for peripheral enemy spotting.
- Low Input Lag Mode: Prioritizes raw responsiveness, reducing delay between your inputs and on-screen actions.
- Game Color & Shadow Control: Brighten dark areas or boost contrast on the fly to spot enemies hiding in shadows without washing out the whole image.
- Custom Game Presets (6 Modes): Quickly switch between FPS, RTS, racing, or your own custom settings with a dedicated keypad.
With a high refresh rate and strong curve, this monitor is perfectly set up to draw you into the action without a downturn in speed and precision. Plus, that 1080p resolution is ideal for gaming, particularly the fastest-paced and most tactical shooters around.
A top-tier G-Sync gaming monitor is a little different from just a G-Sync-compatible monitor. Screens in this field come with built-in NVIDIA processors, giving them ultra-low latency that has passed over 300 of NVIDIA's certification tests. It's a bit of a gaming niche, but among the true G-Sync range, the ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP is arguably the best.
Key Features:
- 540Hz Overclocked Refresh Rate: One of the world’s fastest refresh rates on a 24.1" Esports-TN panel for ultra-smooth, blur-free visuals.
- NVIDIA ULMB 2: Advanced motion blur reduction, helping you spot enemy movement with surgical precision.
- NVIDIA Reflex Analyzer: Measures end-to-end system latency, allowing you to optimize your setup for the lowest possible delay.
- Adjustable Base with Retractable Claws: Pro-tuned ergonomic stand keeps your mouse space clear and lets you set up for low-sense FPS play styles without interference.
- DisplayHDR 400: While focused on speed, it still delivers respectable HDR visuals.
Not only is the Swift Pro PG248QP a superb G-Sync gaming monitor, but it doubles as an excellent 1080p display, too. It also boasts one of the highest refresh rates on the market right now, making it an excellent option to consider for high-end competitive gameplay.
Factors to Consider When Buying a 1080p Gaming Monitor
- Refresh Rate (Hz): Aim for 144Hz or higher (e.g., 240Hz or 360Hz) for smoother gameplay and faster reactions.
- Response Time: Look for 1ms GtG (gray-to-gray) or better to keep motion blur and ghosting at bay.
- Input Lag: Choose monitors with low input lag (under 5ms) for more immediate responsiveness.
- Panel Type: TN panels usually offer the fastest response but poorer color/viewing angles, while IPS panels have better visuals with solid speed.
- Adaptive Sync Technology: A monitor that supports G-Sync (NVIDIA) or FreeSync (AMD) can eliminate screen tearing.
- Screen Size: 24–25" is ideal for most competitive players for better focus and eye tracking.
- Ergonomics: Height, tilt, and swivel adjustments can improve posture and comfort during long sessions.
- Connectivity Options: Ensure it has DisplayPort and/or HDMI 2.0 or better for high refresh rate support at 1080p.
- Color Accuracy: Less critical for competitive gaming, but good to have for daily use and if you're also creating content.
Final Thoughts
No matter your skill level or budget, the right 1080p monitor can make a noticeable difference in how you play and experience games. With the monitors we've selected, you're set to enjoy smooth, competitive performance without breaking the bank.