Choosing the right monitor size can dramatically shape your gaming experience, even if it’s not immediately obvious. That's because the size of your screen plays a crucial role in your comfort, reaction time, and overall performance. In fact, using a monitor that's too large or too small for your preferred game genres can actually hinder your gameplay.
At Siege.gg, we often talk about first-person shooters (FPS), where precision and speed matter most. For these games, monitors 27 inches or smaller tend to offer the best performance. That said, massive ultra-wide displays—like 49-inch monitors—definitely have their place, especially in other gaming genres. That's why we've put together this guide to break down the most popular monitor sizes and help you choose the best fit based on what you play.
How Monitor Size Impacts Gaming
Larger monitors (27 inches and up) offer a more immersive experience, especially for visually rich, open-world, or cinematic games. The extended screen real estate means your entire field of view is consumed by gameplay, allowing you to better engage with your environment and notice in-game details.
However, there are trade-offs. Larger displays can lead to more eye and neck movement, potentially causing fatigue over long sessions. They may also require you to sit farther back for optimal viewing, which can impact precision in competitive games. Additionally, if the resolution isn't scaled appropriately (e.g., 1080p on a 32-inch monitor), image sharpness can suffer.
Because of these trade-offs, smaller monitors (typically 24 to 27 inches) are often favored in competitive gaming. They keep all action within a tighter field of view, allowing quicker reaction times and less eye strain. They usually support higher refresh rates and lower input lag, too, which are essential for esports-level responsiveness.
Ultimately, the best monitor size depends on what kind of games you play, how far you sit from the screen, and whether you prioritize immersion or performance. With this in mind...
What Monitor Size is Best for Gaming
For fast-paced, competitive games like Call of Duty, a 24 to 27-inch monitor is often ideal, especially at 1080p resolution. This size keeps all the action within your immediate field of view, which usually allows for quicker reactions, all while the lower resolution means there's less strain on your gaming rig. Also, screens larger than 27 inches may appear pixelated or blurry due to lower pixel density for 1080p.
If you're gaming at 1440p, a 27 to 32-inch monitor strikes a good balance. The higher resolution means you can enjoy a larger display without sacrificing clarity. Also, this size provides more screen space for immersive gameplay, which works well for some competitive games but, more importantly, casual, single-player titles.
4K gaming is a step up, especially with story-driven or cinematic games. When you're in the 4K realm, screens around 32 inches or larger tend to bring the most immersive gaming experience possible, adding more to open-world or single-player experiences than you get with a smaller, 1080p display.
Because of all this, your ideal monitor size should match both your preferred resolution and gaming style. Resolution, viewing distance, and frame rate considerations all play a role, but for most gamers, pairing screen size with resolution ensures the best experience. Here are some of the best monitors to consider for each of the most popular screen sizes...
The BenQ Zowie XL2586X+ is one of the very best monitors you can buy for competitive gaming, which is where a 24-inch screen thrives best.
It features an ultra-fast TN panel with native Full HD resolution, while DyAc 2 dual backlight technology reduces motion blur without harsh lighting. This panel is also the key to this monitor's insanely impressive 600Hz refresh rate, which makes it one of the highest refresh rate monitors you can buy.
With auto game mode for seamless visual optimization and an industrial-grade adjustable stand for comfort, the XL2586X+ really is built for serious gamers seeking performance and precision.
A 27-inch monitor is, essentially, the most balanced size for all types of gaming, and when it comes to the best in class, the MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED is definitely tough to beat.
With a stunning 360Hz refresh rate, ultra-fast 0.03ms response time, and VESA ClearMR 13000 certification, it is set up to deliver buttery-smooth motion without any performance hiccups. Meanwhile, advanced features like OLED Care 2.0, AI game tools, console support, and versatile connectivity help it stand out even further as an exceptional choice for serious and casual gamers alike looking for a high-performance screen at a balanced size.
For a more immersive gaming experience, the Samsung Odyssey G65B is worth checking out thanks to its QHD resolution and dramatic 1000R curve that wraps around your field of view. With a blazing 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, too, it's capable of delivering ultra-smooth, tear-free action in fast-paced titles as well as cinematic scenes.
Moreover, the G65B features a 21:9 Ultrawide Game View that offers broader perspectives, while its adjustable ergonomic stand and intuitive in-game settings help make the G65B ideal for long, comfortable gaming sessions.
At 34 inches, you're probably after something built for open-world games and single-player action above anything fast-paced and highly competitive. That said, the Alienware AW3423DWF manages to juggle being suitable for both, even though its size isn't entirely optimal for genres like FPS.
It features a more than respectable 165Hz refresh rate, a competitive 0.1ms response time, and additions like AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and a VESA AdaptiveSync Display certification to keep screen-tearing at bay. Plus, it's a QD-OLED monitor with a 1800R panel to wrap all the action around your field of view.
The Samsung Odyssey G95SC is among the very best 49-inch monitors you can buy, of which there aren't that many. Still, this one is by far in a way one of the best, with it boasting a 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, AMD Freestyle Premium Pro, and G-Sync compatibility. While these aren't super important for the cinematic games this monitor is built to play, it's definitely a huge bonus if you fancy jumping into something like Warzone once you're done with story-based action.
However, when you are using the G95SC for a game like Assassin's Creed Shadows, let's say, its QD-OLED panel and Dual QHD resolution mean it can showcase cinematic scenes in exceptional detail with excellent contrast and color accuracy. This makes it a top pick within the 49-inch gaming monitor niche.
Final Thoughts: Which Monitor Size Should You Choose?
In short, the best monitor size for gaming depends on your preferred genres, resolution needs, and setup. Competitive players will benefit most from 24 to 27-inch displays for speed and precision, while immersive, story-driven titles shine on larger screens—32 inches and up.
Remember, though, it's important to pair the right size with the right resolution to ensure optimal clarity and performance, no matter what you play.