Best IPS Gaming Monitor

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In the past, the perfect gaming monitor was an elusive machine. The available technology forced you to choose between impressive graphics and quick speeds. It was impossible to find a monitor that excelled at both active gameplay and visuals.

Now, thanks to technological innovations, you can have it all in a gaming monitor. IPS monitors have the most stunning display of any computer screen on the market, maintaining their clarity and color from almost any angle.

Now, you can enjoy majestic digital views while still maintaining a competitive edge in battle, on the sports field, or as you adventure through uncharted territory. The notorious screen lags, image stutters, and ghosting are phenomena of the past.

We’ve put together a list of the best IPS gaming monitors on the market today. Scroll down for our full reviews, including a detailed analysis of both the visual and mechanical specifications.

1) Best Overall: ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q

 

If you’re ready for a monitor that displays your game in wide-angle, high-definition glory, then the ROG Swift PG279Q is ideal for you. The 27-inch screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio, which provides ample viewing area. You don’t have to worry about blurry images thanks to the 2560 x 1440 resolution.

Often, as screens become bigger and images brighter, it becomes more uncomfortable to play for long periods. Eye fatigue and neck strain are real, especially when you find yourself sitting very close to a large IPS gaming monitor. The bezel design of this setup helps to balance the screen and keep the visuals sharp, even if you sit further away. Flicker reduction and blue light technologies let you stare at the screen for hours without problems.

The gaming world ignored IPS panels in the past because they were too slow to keep up with the action, but this monitor has a quick 165 Hz refresh rate. It also has G SYNC variable refresh rate technology to prevent any image stuttering or tearing. The 4 ms response time further ensures that you can keep up with the game.

2) Best Budget: LG 27UD68-W

With 2840 x 2160 ultra-high-definition 4K resolution, the images on this monitor are stunning. The 27-inch 16:9 wide-angle screen prevents any details from becoming cut off or distorted. You’ll feel as if you’re part of the game.

Most IPS monitors are slower than traditional gaming monitors. The LG 27UD68-W is no exception to this. With a 5ms response time and 60 Hz refresh rate, the specs won’t win any speed awards.

However, thanks to built-in FreeSync technology, you won’t notice the effects of the slower speeds. There won’t be any ghosting or partial graphics uploaded to view. With this image clarity, you won’t be held back in your gaming attacks as a result of your hardware.

3) Best Value: ASUS VG248QE

If you want an HD monitor with fast speeds that doesn’t take a bite out of your savings, this is it. The VG248QE combines the swiftness of a traditional gaming monitor with the display quality you’d expect from an IPS.

This IPS gaming monitor has a 1 ms response time and a 144 Hz refresh rate. You’ll be at the front of the action, whether you’re playing a simulation, adventure, or shooter game.

The screen is slightly smaller than others on our list, coming in at 24 inches. However, its wide-angle aspect ratio of 16:9 makes it seem larger than it is. This reduced size doesn’t take anything away from the gaming experience.

Similarly, its full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 is less than you’ll see from many monitors. However, thanks to the clarity of the IPS screen, you don’t even notice the difference.

4) Alternative Pick #1: Unavailable

 

5) Alternative Pick #2: Acer Predator XB271HU

Some gaming setups become so large and immersive that you end up with blind spots, making it hard to stay on top of the events within the game. The Predator XB271HU’s 27-inch screen comes designed so that every part of the screen is the same distance from your eyes. That, combined with a 16:9 wide-angle view and a 2560 x 1440 resolution, means you won’t miss any key events.

The tremendous visual experience doesn’t stop there. This monitor has a 144 Hz refresh rate that, when overclocked, can reach 165 Hz. Ultra Low Motion Blur (UMLB) and NVIDIA G-SYNC technologies work together to prevent image tearing, stuttering, or blurring. A 4 ms response time keeps gameplay moving forward.

6) Alternative Pick #3: ASUS Designo MX27AQ

The MX27AQ is an excellent monitor choice for those who prioritize image quality over speed. The 27-inch, 16:9 wide-angle viewing area displays at a WQHD 2560 x 1550 resolution. You can see the images without color-change or distortion over a 178-degree viewing angle.

The downside to this monitor is the slower speeds – a 5 ms response time and 60 Hz refresh rate. If you’re not into multi-gamer events or aren’t overly competitive with those you play, then you probably won’t find yourself bothered by these specs. However, with graphics this incredible, you’ll hardly notice.

7) Alternative Pick #4: LG 34UC79G-B

If you’re seeking a completely immersive visual experience to draw you into the world of the game, consider the 34UC79G-B. It has a 34-inch curved screen with a 21:9 UltraWide angle aspect ratio that requires you to turn your head and look around as if you were there in person.

The full HD resolution of 2560 x 1080 isn’t the highest on our list, but still provides an adequately detailed portrayal of the graphics on the screen.

What it lacks in resolution, it makes up for with graphics specs. The 1 ms response time is assisted by blur reduction, so even the fastest animations remain clear. Similarly, FreeSync variable refresh rate technology supports the rapid 144 Hz refresh rate for consistently complete images without stutter or tearing.

IPS Panel FAQ

What is an IPS panel monitor?

IPS monitors use in-plane switching technology to bring images to the screen. It involves rearranging liquid crystal molecules between glass plates. The result is a monitor with top-notch color reproduction and lifelike images.

Is IPS better than LED?

When it comes to visuals, IPS is the best screen style around. It has a depth of color unmatched by other models. You can also see the screen, without distortion, from many angles.

If you consider energy consumption, LEDs do have a lower power draw. However, they also have limited viewing angles and less crisp graphics.

Is IPS good for gaming?

In the past, IPS monitors transitioned too slowly for games. However, technology has come a long way. Now, you can have the great pictures of IPS and the response times required for competitive gaming.

Available technologies like variable refresh rates (VRR) with improvements in response times and overall graphics refreshing make it possible.

Conclusion

All of the best IPS gaming monitors on our list of reviews bring impressive visual qualities to the table. These models prove that you no longer have to choose between high-quality graphics and gaming speeds. You can have it all.

We recommend looking at the ideal setup specs for your favorite games before making your next monitor purchase. If your new investment can’t keep up with your go-to virtual experiences, you’re likely to be disappointed. Choose a monitor that at least meets the lowest recommended refresh and response rates. You won’t regret it taking the extra research to get it right the first time.