Top 5 Gaming Monitors of 2018

A critical piece to any PC build is often the one most overlooked. You get all of your components, the best CPU you’ll need, the highest rated Graphics card you can afford, and sure, maybe a little RGB.  You may not even notice it but when you take all of this newly acquired power and plug it into a regular old office monitor, you’re essentially bottle-necking your experience

If you’re looking for the best gaming monitor money can buy, look no further than the new ASUS PG27UQ.  This monitor currently the best performance money can buy, but not without it’s drawbacks.  If you’d like to find out why, keep reading below.

In this article we will be looking at 5 of the best gaming monitors of 2018.  These displays were chosen based on their specs, technologies and bang for the buck.

5. ASUS PG348Q

Biggest of the Baddest

The Asus PG348Q is one of the largest monitors of the top 5.  This display measures in as a 34-inch 21:9 Ultra-wide.  The PG348Q is unique because of the size of the display while housing such impressive internals.  In addition to the capabilities of this displays Asus has always been a company that takes pride in it’s aesthetics.  This display is no exception to the rule.

Features:

The PG348Q is a 2k (ultrawide)  display, which equates to a 3440 x 1440 resolution with a 21:9 aspect ratio.  Most displays this size don’t typically have the best refresh rate for those planning to game.  Thankfully this unit supports up to 100Hz refresh rate, to allow plenty of room at a 2k resolution.  In addition to this higher refresh rate Asus has implemented NVIDIA G-SYNC support.  For those unfamiliar, G-SYNC will eliminate screen tearing and jumpy gameplay without putting added pressure on the GPU.

Like many of Asus’ displays, the PG348Q includes ASUS Eye care with blue light filter.  This added tech provides a less eye straining experience but filtering out blue light, and eliminating back-light flickering for longer periods of use.

Keep in Mind:

For those who haven’t used an ultrawide monitor in the past, these displays can appear overwhelming.  When shopping for displays a 34-inch display may sound great, but looking at it in person may provide a different experience.  Make sure you’re completely comfortable with this size before committing.

Bottom-line:

The PG348Q is a great display for those of you looking for a nice centerpiece display.  This monitor will take up a good amount of real estate, while also providing a lot of real estate for viewing.  If you’re willing to take the plunge into the realm of ultrawide’s, this is likely one of your best bets.  It has the G-SYNC you will want to pair with your NVIDIA GPU, has a great resolution, and some of the better aesthetics in the game with it’s propeller themed base, and down-fire LED Logo.

4. Zowie XL2735

Next on our list is a monitor put out by a company primarily focused on the professional level.  The best part about this contender is, although it packs a punch, it won’t break the wallet.  We are talking about the Zowie XL2735.  This is a 27-inch 144hz display with a 1920x1080p resolution and many useful tools that are specific to Zowie gaming monitors.

Features:

The Zowie XL2735 is primarily designed for the pro CS Go player.  If you remember we previously looked at the Zowie XL2546 which is somewhat of a little brother to this monitor.  The main component to this monitor that makes it desirable for those CS Go players is the Dynamic Accuracy (DyAc).  This function was designed for spraying of the gun in CS Go and that is it.  What it will allow is for increased visibility while spraying the gun, providing a slight edge.

In addition to the DyAc, the XL2735 also include Color Vibrance which provides an epic edge in games such as CS Go, and more noticeably PUBG.  It basically turns your colors so vibrant that you can get a result similar to using the reshade app but at a hardware level.  Finally, the final big perk is the Black eQualizer.  What this functionality will do is brighten up dark areas such as caves or dark rocky areas in a bright map for again, increased visibility.

One final piece here that you will only see with our most budget item in this list of top 5 are accessories.  I’m not talking about power cords and display port cables.  I’m referring mostly to the hinged blinders on each side (which are removable), and the S-Switch.  The blinders provide a way for players to be more full immersed in the game without background distraction.  The S-Switch is a key component to the display which allows for pre-programmed modes to be stored in the puck shaped device.  If you switch between games or modes, this provides an easy method of changing your visuals.

Bottom Line:

The XL2735 is a great monitor for those who don’t need the frills, but just want an excellent performing monitor.  The quality of the hardware itself is excellent, and should hold up through the test of time.  You may not be getting the most beautiful stand and bezel, but it’s not a deal breaker.  If fps type games are you go-to, this may be your best bet on a budget.  Priced usually under $500 US it’s hard to beat!

3. ASUS PG279Q

in the number three spot is a display from Asus that is probably my go-to out of the whole list.  The reason I believe it’s a contender is because the Asus PG279Q is probably the best bang for your buck.  I wouldn’t say this monitor is a budget display by any means, but for the hardware provided, it’s definitely fairly priced.

Features:

The PG279Q is a 27-inch Quad HD 1440 Display equipped with G-SYNC.  As mentioned prior, the main benefit of G-SYNC is it removes stutter and screen tearing for the smoothest gaming experience.  This chip does add to cost, but allows your monitor to take a small load off of your GPU and only adds to the experience.  To add to the benefits of G-SYNC, this display is also equipped with 144Hz panel which can be overclocked easily in it’s onboard interface to 165Hz.

This PG279Q is an IPS panel for those of you hoping for the best viewing angles.  Being an IPS panel also benefits those of you hoping to use this display for photography.  The reason is because you’re going to get the same rich vibrant colors at all angles.  This is in comparison to a TN panel which is on many other budget displays.  The TN panels will only provide good viewing from directly in front of the display, and often times lacks the brightness seen in a good IPS panel.

Finally, like many Asus displays, the PG279Q has a low-blue light mode Eye Care mode.  This provides an easy on the eyes experience for those who use the display for long hours.

Bottom Line:

The reason this Display makes the mark is it’s great amount of features packed into a nice sized display.  This is one of the few 27″ IPS monitors you’ll find with quality craftsmanship, GSYNC, and QHD Resolution.  The price of this display is usually right under $700 US, and is worth every penny!

2. Acer Predator X27

In second place on the list we have a display that will provide a new unique view, while providing a cutting edge experience.  This display is the Acer Predator X27.  This display is a 4K 27-inch HDR display with quantum dot technology.  Did I mention G-SYNC?  Oh yea, it has G-SYNC!

Features:

The Predator X27 is one of the first displays of it’s kind.  4K monitors are aplenty these days, but it’s not often you see one with a 144Hz refresh rate.  In addition to the buttery smooth refresh rate, the display is implemented with G-SYNC.  As we mentioned prior, this chip implemented into a display allows a load to be taken off the GPU and provide an additionally smoother experience.

One of the other new features on this display that adds to its place on the list is it’s Quantum Dot technology.   Quantum dot technology for the difference between a colorful display, and an immersive colorful screen.  These tiny nano size dots emit specific colors onto the display allowing for an amazing spectrum of color.

Lastly, the Predator X27 does support HDR.  HDR or High Dynamic Range basically provides brighter whites and blacker blacks.  This will provide more detail in both well lit and dark areas of games or other media that supports HDR.

Bottom Line:

The Predator X27 is a cutting edge display that provides all of the hardware your could want for years to come.  Not only is it equipped with this amazing technology but it doesn’t look half bad either.  Keep in mind, with capabilities like this, you will need some hefty hardware to even get close to the limits.  With even one 1080ti you likely wouldn’t be close to maxing out fps on most modern AAA titles.

That being said, if you want the best of the best, the Predator X27 definitely makes the short list.  It’s currently available for around $2000 US from most retailers.

1. ASUS PG27UQ

Finally, we’ve made it to the top of the list.  If your read from the beginning, you already know which display tops the list.  The Asus PG27UQ is Asus’ newest and most advanced display.  This monitor is another 4K 27-inch , IPS, HDR capable display with Quantum dot technology and G-SYNC.

Features:

The PG27UQ is a 27-inch display with a 3840 x 2160 resolution.  Sporting the same panel as the Acer Predator in the number 4 position, this display also supports a refresh rate of 144Hz.  Again, tying this high refresh rate to a G-SYNC module will provide a more fluid experience without screen tearing.

In addition to the superior refresh rate and resolution, this display is also HDR capable.  As we discussed HDR will provide blacker blacks and whiter whites.  This added color range provides for a better viewing experience.  When it comes to games you may also notice darker areas are more clearly defined providing additional vision that may go unnoticed on other displays.

Adding to the viewing experience is the included Quantum Dot technology.  These are tiny nano size dots that emit specific colors onto the display adding to that immersive experience by adding vibrancy.

Finally, the PG27UQ is also an IPS panel.  This will provide great viewing experience and brighter colors at most viewing angles.  This will also be something to keep in mind if you’re hoping to use this display for photo editing or other content creation.

Why is it the best Monitor?

As you may have noticed, the ASUS PG27UQ is very similar spec-wise to the Acer X27 we looked at above.  In fact, the panel within the display is manufactured by the same company.  Although technology between the two is very similar, the aesthetics on the Asus PG27UQ are what really allows it to shine.

The rear of the display is equipped with an RGB Asus ROG logo.  The color coordination can be controlled using any software that is Aura Sync compatible.  Asus has also included a down-fire LED logo that will illuminate the same ROG logo in red onto the table’s surface below.

These aesthetics are not necessary, but they do provide an incentive for those hoping to add flare to their setup, without the extra cost.  If for some reason you didn’t want to buy the Asus name, you will likely get a similar experience with our number 4 pick.  For those of you shopping, this display can be purchased for just under $2000 USD.

What are your thoughts on our list of displays?  Do you have your eye on any of these we discussed?  Let us know in the comments section below!