Joybuy Insights

Buying a gaming monitor: how to choose a screen that suits your games and workspace

Buying a gaming monitor seems straightforward, until you discover that terms such as 1 ms, HDR10 and 240Hz don’t always mean the same thing. A high refresh rate is of little use if your PC can’t deliver enough frames per second. A large screen can be impractical if your desk isn’t deep enough. And a low price may seem appealing, but could mean compromising on connections, adjustability or image sharpness.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I sift through the key product specifications and turn marketing terms into practical buying criteria.

Three pitfalls to avoid when buying a gaming monitor

1. Looking only at the highest Hz figure

A 144Hz monitor, 180Hz monitor, 240Hz monitor or 320Hz monitor can display motion more smoothly than a 60Hz screen. You’ll notice the difference most in fast-paced games. However, your graphics card needs to produce enough frames. For an entry-level PC, a QHD screen at 180Hz may therefore make less sense than a Full HD monitor at 144Hz or 240Hz.

Also check whether the right connection supports the speed you want. DisplayPort and HDMI versions vary by model. In some cases, the maximum refresh rate is only available via DisplayPort.

2. Treating response time as the whole story

A stated response time, such as 0.5 ms MPRT or 1 ms GTG, depends on the measurement method and settings. MPRT and GTG aren’t directly comparable. So also look at Adaptive Sync, overdrive settings and independent user reviews.

A FreeSync monitor can help reduce screen tearing when your graphics card’s frame rate varies. For a G-SYNC monitor, check whether the screen is officially G-SYNC Compatible. G-SYNC may work via the driver on some models, but without an official compatibility listing, the results aren’t guaranteed.

3. Mismatching the resolution and screen size

A 27-inch gaming monitor with QHD resolution, or 2560 × 1440 pixels, generally offers more detail than a 27-inch Full HD screen. However, Full HD can be a practical choice for esports and systems that need to deliver a high frame rate.

With an ultrawide monitor, it’s not just the width that matters. Check that you have enough desk space and that your favourite games support 21:9 or 32:9. A 34-inch UltraWide such as the LG 34WR50QK-B uses 3440 × 1440 pixels and has a 21:9 aspect ratio. That gives you room for multiple windows, but also puts more demands on your graphics card.

Key specifications explained

Resolution, screen size and panel type

  • Full HD: 1920 × 1080 pixels. Suitable for affordable setups and high frame rates.
  • QHD or Wide Quad HD: 2560 × 1440 pixels. A practical balance between sharpness and graphics processing demands.
  • UltraWide QHD: for example, 3440 × 1440 pixels on a 34-inch screen. Useful for multitasking, simulation games and video editing.
  • IPS monitor: usually offers wide viewing angles and consistent colour reproduction.
  • VA monitor: often has higher static contrast, which can make dark scenes look richer.
  • OLED gaming monitor: self-lit pixels, deep blacks and typically very fast pixel response. For long periods of use with static interface elements, follow the manufacturer’s guidance on care and use.

Refresh rate and response time

Refresh rate is measured in hertz. 100Hz, 144Hz and 180Hz are suitable for smooth gaming and everyday use. 240Hz and 320Hz are aimed mainly at competitive players with systems capable of achieving high frame rates.

Bear in mind that a higher Hz figure doesn’t automatically mean better image quality. A QHD gaming monitor at 180Hz may be more appealing to an all-round gamer than a Full HD screen at 320Hz, while esports fans may prefer to prioritise speed.

HDR, brightness and colour

HDR10 means that a monitor can process HDR10 signals. The overall HDR experience also depends on brightness, contrast, local dimming or OLED technology, and the content you’re watching. So an HDR10 monitor isn’t automatically comparable to a screen with a higher DisplayHDR rating.

For creative work, colour coverage and factory calibration are important. Check whether the specifications mention sRGB, DCI-P3 or Adobe RGB, and whether your software and workflow can make use of them.

Recommended models by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Acer SA242YH1 24-inch Full HD Monitor

Acer SA242YH1 24" Full HD Monitor

Why it suits this profile: This 23.8-inch Full HD monitor is compact enough for a smaller workspace and combines 100Hz with connections for a PC, laptop or console.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications are well suited to everyday use, without paying for a high QHD or esports refresh rate that not every PC can make the most of.

Key benefit & features

Full HD, 100Hz, VA panel and a slim ZeroFrame design.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
LG UltraGear 45GX900A-B OLED gaming monitor

LG UltraGear 45GX900A-B 44.5"

Why it suits this profile: This model combines an OLED panel, 3440 × 1440 pixels, 240Hz and an 800R curve for users who want to bring gaming, entertainment and creative work together on one large screen.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details list more than just 240Hz: they also include OLED, 10-bit colour, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 and USB-C with up to 65W Power Delivery.

Key benefit & features

OLED, 240Hz, 0.03 ms GTG, HDR10 and G-SYNC Compatible plus FreeSync Premium Pro.

Suitable for: Specific needs & heavy users
Alienware AW2525HM 320Hz gaming monitor

Alienware AW2525HM 24.5"

Why it suits this profile: For esports fans who value Full HD and an exceptionally high refresh rate more than a larger resolution.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 24.5-inch Full HD resolution places less demand on your graphics card than QHD, allowing a powerful PC to aim for higher frame rates.

Key benefit & features

320Hz, Fast IPS, 0.5 ms response time, HDMI 2.1 and support for FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC Compatible.

Suitable for: Home workers and all-round gamers
Philips Evnia 27-inch QHD gaming monitor

Philips Evnia 27M2N3500NF 27"

Why it suits this profile: The combination of IPS, QHD, 144Hz and HDR10 suits users who switch between gaming, office work, films and general productivity.

How this product avoids the pitfall

It’s not just about speed: the 2560 × 1440 resolution, IPS technology and 178° viewing angle also support work and entertainment.

Key benefit & features

QHD, IPS, 144Hz, 0.5 ms Smart MBR, HDR10 and Adaptive Sync.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Practical checks before you order

  1. Measure your desk. Check the width, depth and space behind the screen. A 34-inch or 49-inch ultrawide monitor needs a sturdy, deep surface.
  2. Check the ports. Compare HDMI and DisplayPort versions with your PC, laptop or console. Also look for USB-C Power Delivery if you want to connect a laptop with a single cable.
  3. Check the stand. Height adjustment, tilt, swivel and VESA 100 × 100 mm support make the screen more flexible in a work or gaming setup.
  4. Check power consumption. A screen with high brightness, OLED technology or a large size may use more energy. Check the energy label information and typical power consumption.
  5. Keep the product information. In the EU, you’re entitled to a minimum statutory guarantee of conformity. Keep your invoice, accessories and packaging in case you need support.

Frequently asked questions about gaming monitors

Is 144Hz enough for gaming?

For many gamers, 144Hz offers a practical balance between smooth visuals, system requirements and price. For competitive esports, 240Hz or 320Hz may be worth considering, but only if your PC can actually reach those frame rates.

Is QHD better than Full HD?

QHD displays more pixels and can look sharper on a 27-inch screen. Full HD puts less demand on your graphics card and works well with smaller screens or high frame rates. The right choice depends on your hardware, screen size and games.

How long does a gaming monitor last?

Lifespan depends on build quality, daily use, heat, brightness and panel type. For OLED models, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for static images and screen care. With any type of monitor, a stable setup with good ventilation helps avoid unnecessary strain.