G-Sync is a must-have feature in a gaming monitor if you own an Nvidia graphics card. It synchronizes the refresh rate of your display with the frame rate of the games you play, smoothing away stuttering and screen tearing. Believe it or not, these problems were the norm as recently as a decade ago.
However, choosing the right G-Sync gaming monitor can be complex. You must select from several levels of G-Sync certification while also separating out great FreeSync gaming monitors that work with AMD’s video cards. If you don’t want to dig into the details, however, we’ve done the legwork for you and picked out the best G-sync gaming monitors – and click here to see them in the UK.
TL;DR – These are the Best G-Sync Gaming Monitors:
- ViewSonic Elite XG271QG
- Asus VG248QG
- Acer Predator X253Q GW
- Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor (AW2723DF)
- Asus ROG Swift PG32UQR
- Samsung Odyssey G7
- Alienware AW3821DW
- Asus ROG Swift PG259QN
- Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX
- LG C2 OLED Evo
ViewSonic Elite XG271QG
Best G-Sync Gaming Monitor
Bigger, brighter, sharper, and faster — the ViewSonic Elite XG271QG ticks all those boxes. Its 1440p resolution keeps visuals crisp while managing an insane 240Hz refresh rate. A true G-Sync module ensures motion fidelity at those high frame rates and pairs well with the wickedly fast response time for a superbly smooth gameplay experience.
The ViewSonic Elite XG271QG puts a sizable 27-inch display on your desk, making it easier to spot enemies in the distance. Its IPS panel delivers an extremely wide color gamut and great color accuracy, so all your images will pop. You don’t get the deepest blacks, similar to other IPS panels, but RGB lighting on the back of the display can act as bias lighting to help remedy the issue.
To round out this solid monitor is a sturdy stand that’s height, tilt, and swivel adjustable. And, you’ll be good to hook up a PC and your gaming consoles with three video ports on board; a DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0. There’s also a USB hub for up to three wired USB-A peripherals.
Asus VG248QG
Best Budget G-Sync Gaming Monitor
You don’t need to spend a fortune for a smooth gaming experience, and the Asus VG248QG is proof of this. This ergonomic 23.8-inch monitor is the predecessor of one of our previous favorites, the Asus VG248QE. Its latest iteration offers 1080p, 165Hz, and uses a TN panel to shave the price below $200. Though it's not the largest or most capable monitor out there, it sure beats the typical boring 24-inch, 60Hz office monitor.
You get G-Sync compatibility with this option, the least strenuous of the G-Sync standards available. However, the support of any refresh rate between 1Hz and 165Hz using the DisplayPort connection provides a broad frame rate range and prevents screen tearing. The HDMI port doesn’t support G-Sync, but there’s also native FreeSync if you’ve got an AMD graphics card in another rig. You get smooth motion due to a speedy response time, and input lag is low for responsive gaming. Therefore, you’re getting an overall pleasant gaming experience.
The downside? Image quality is not the best out there, and the viewing angles are limited. Its TN panel doesn’t handle contrast ratio well, and you don’t get deep blacks. However, for budget competitive gaming, motion clarity is key, not image quality, so this is the perfect monitor.
Acer Predator XB253Q GW
Best 1080p G-Sync Gaming Monitor
The Acer Predator XB253Q GW remains our go-to recommendation for a mid-range 1080p gaming monitor. The 24.5-inch display earns the nod largely on its image quality and impressive refresh rate of 280Hz. The monitor has great color accuracy, outstanding motion clarity, and a good contrast ratio—for an IPS panel, at least. It also gets pretty bright and supports HDR gaming, though you don’t get backlight dimming.
This G-Sync compatible monitor doesn’t have a full G-Sync module baked in. The lack of a true G-Sync is disappointing, but that ups the price of a monitor quickly. It still works with G-Sync at a refresh rate between 50Hz and 240Hz, but when you overclock to 280Hz, you do lose support. The 50Hz lower limit on G-Sync compatibility shouldn’t be an issue with most games, as running games at 1080p isn’t very demanding. That solid motion clarity and a quick response time should keep you immersed in the action for hours.
This monitor is built like a tank, and the stand lets you get the proper ergonimics to be comfortable during marathon gaming sessions. There’s plenty of connectivity, including two HDMI 2.0 ports and a DisplayPort 1.2 that supports the 280Hz refresh rate. Beyond that, there’s an audio out jack and four USB Type-A ports—two on the side bezel and two around the back.
Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor (AW2723DF)
Best 1440p G-Sync Gaming Monitor
Alienware’s 27 Gaming Monitor nearly bumped our top pick out of its spot thanks to its impressive specs and equally great price. The 27-inch, 1440p display offers a 240Hz refresh rate, which you can overclock a bit higher. A G-Sync compatibility certification keeps your GPU and monitor playing nicely to eliminate screen tearing while hitting those speedy frame rates.
Not only are you getting a super-fast IPS panel with excellent motion handling and low input lag, but also a high peak brightness of 600 nits alongside 95% DCI-P3 color coverage for visual fidelity. HDR support is a nice bonus, though it’s only on par with budget HDR TVs. However, unfortunately, it doesn’t have the best native contrast ratio, so you’ll lose the deep blacks when playing in darker spaces.
Alienware is known for its class-leading build quality, so we love the robust, highly-adjustable stand that ensures a solid viewing angle from just about anywhere. There’s even contoured ventilation to keep the monitor cool and a cable management system for a tidier space.
Asus ROG Swift PG32UQR
Best 4K G-Sync Gaming Monitor
4K monitors stand out because of their outrageously sharp and vibrant images, and one of the best you can find is the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQR. It offers that crisp resolution at a somewhat reasonable under $1,000 price tag. Color performance is excellent, and the monitor’s high 600 nits maximum brightness adds punchy visuals to HDR games.
You sacrifice frame rates when going 4K, but the 144Hz on this monitor still provides a butter-smooth, enjoyable gaming experience. Ensuring motion fidelity is G-Sync compatibility. There may be issues at low framerates with this monitor’s high native resolution, but that can be avoided by upgrading to a much more expensive monitor like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX.
Other gaming features include a low 1ms response time to eliminate smearing alongside motion blur and auto low latency to keep visuals on point. You also get one DisplayPort that supports a 144Hz refresh rate. Otherwise, two HDMIs support 120 FPS, which is ideal for connecting the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S.
Samsung Odyssey G7 27-inch
Best FreeSync with G-Sync
Gamers don’t need to choose between AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, as Samsung’s Odyssey G7 shows it's possible to have both in one excellent display. This gaming monitor has class-leading image quality and offers smooth gameplay with AMD and Nvidia hardware. The G-Sync Compatibility between a refresh rate of 60Hz and 240Hz is a bit high, so you’ll want to pair the monitor with a fast video card for best results. Nvidia fans should note the 32-inch model has a higher minimum of 80Hz, which is why we recommend the smaller monitor for use with G-Sync.
Sticking with a 1440p monitor aids in the impressive frame rates and helps games run better. Those speeds, alongside a 600-nit peak brightness and 10-bit color depth on the VA panel mean you’ll not only be able to see a ton of frames, but each frame can look exceptional. There are also deep blacks and decent pixel density on the 27-inch model for a better viewing experience.
Samsung’s Odyssey G7 is an eye-catching display even when it’s off. It has an aggressive curve for immersive gaming and delivers an attractive design with good build quality. The monitor has two USB Type-A ports for connecting wired peripherals, while the two HDMIs or DisplayPort are great for hooking up your rig.
Alienware AW3821DW
Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor
Gaming on an ultrawide monitor, like the Alienware AW3821DW, gets you far more immersed in the action than a traditional monitor. This 38-inch ultrawide monster boasts 3,840 x 1,600 resolution for a sharp, crisp image and a 21:9 aspect ratio with a slight curve to wrap your games around your field of vision. Beyond its ample display real estate, you get decent color performance, a high maximum brightness—it totes HDR600—and superb motion clarity with its G-Sync Ultimate support.
If you’re gaming on an Nvidia GPU, this G-Sync Ultimate monitor works with a refresh rate of 1Hz all the way up to 144Hz, so you’re in for ultra-smooth, stutter-free gameplay. It works perfectly in pretty much every game in full-screen or windowed mode. Its HDR performance in compatible games is respectable and provides a punchy look, though it’s nothing to rave about.
Alienware’s outstanding build quality is in full force here. It’s a massive, hefty monitor, so much so that you may need to rearrange your desk or gaming den to make it fit. Luckily, the stand is height, tilt, and swivel adjustable, making it easier to get the most comfortable viewing angles. The monitor only offers two USB ports, which is a bit disappointing, but they use the more capable USB 3.2 Gen 1 standard—most monitors stick to USB 3.0 or 3.1.
Asus ROG Swift PG259QN
Best G-Sync for Esports
If you’re often playing League of Legends, Overwatch, or other fast-paced esports games, it’s important to grab a monitor with a high refresh rate over a high resolution. Luckily, the Asus ROG Swift PG259QN offers an absurdly fast 360fps for smooth, virtually blur-free motion—if your GPU can even keep up with those speeds. That’s paired with an equally stellar response time for virtually no flickering.
This monitor offers a G-Sync module, which means G-Sync will work at any refresh rate between 1Hz and 360Hz. That’s the widest range of G-Sync compatibility you’ll find on any monitor. The result is super-smooth gaming that always takes full advantage of your Nvidia video card’s performance. There’s even a G-Sync Esports Mode to get the ideal settings for esports games.
This 24.5-inch, 1080p monitor offers good image quality, and the small size makes it easier to see all the action on screen without constantly moving your eyes back and forth. It has excellent build quality and a large, sturdy stand. The monitor includes two USB ports for connecting wired peripherals, though they’re on the rear and can be a bit difficult to access.
Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX
Best G-Sync Ultimate
To make the most of G-Sync technology, then the ultra-premium and expensive Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX is the way to go. This monitor totes G-Sync Ultimate, so it’ll work at any refresh rate between 1Hz and 144Hz. This feature is essential, as most video cards will not be able to sustain a high framerate at this monitor’s 4K resolution, and it’s safe to say everyone wants smooth, tear-free gaming. Unlike most G-Sync Ultimate monitors, this monitor can even make the most of HDR. It’s currently the best HDR gaming monitor money can buy.
The PG32UQX rocks a Mini-LED backlight that sets a new standard for contrast ratio and dark scene performance in an IPS gaming monitor. It also blows away the competition when it comes to HDR and has an insane peak brightness. Motion performance is not outstanding, but it’s alright for a 4K monitor, and it’s ultimately about immersive visuals more than split-second responsiveness.
The build quality goes beyond great and into the realm of the absurd. The monitor is massive, thick, and even has a tiny secondary screen that can display information like GPU system temperatures or current framerate. There are three USB ports, one of which is on the top and meant for connecting a webcam.
LG C2 OLED Evo
Best G-Sync Gaming TV
The LG C2 OLED Evo has more-or-less become the default gaming television. It uses OLED technology for the fastest pixel response time currently available, and you can control color down to each individual pixel. Blacks are truly black, and there’s little worry about annoying “halo” effects around bright objects on dark backgrounds. The absolute contrast also makes colors pop and any scene from bright landscapes and skies to dark caves and creepy basements look incredible.
It’s not only great because of the excellent image quality but also totes strong support for the latest gaming standards, including multiple HDMI 2.1 ports along with Adaptive Sync, FreeSync, and G-Sync. It’s G-Sync compatible and certified to work at a refresh rate between 40Hz and 120Hz. While true G-Sync would’ve been nice, this provides a wide range of refresh rates to work. Large displays with true G-Sync are rare, and those that exist are much more expensive than the LG C2 OLED Evo.
Because it's a television, not a monitor, the LG C2 OLED Evo’s connectivity is different from other displays listed here. It offers four HDMI ports, all of which support HDMI 2.1 for hooking up your machines, but doesn’t have DisplayPort. It’s a bit pricey, though if you want the best television for gaming with no compromises, this delivers.
Where to Get the Best G-Sync Monitor in the UK
Thankfully all of the best monitors listed are also available to pick up in the UK. The retailers will certainly be different, but each and every one of the G-Sync displays we've mentioned can be purchased on the other side of the pond as well. Typically, most of these can be found on sites like Amazon, Currys PC World, Overclockers, and more. Funnily enough, Dell even stocks its own products, such as this 24-Inch Gaming Monitor, one of the best options for those on a tight budget.
What to look for in a G-Sync Gaming Monitor
Nvidia G-Sync comes in three flavors: G-Sync Ultimate, G-Sync, and G-Sync Compatible. It’s important to understand the difference between G-Sync standards before you buy.
The G-Sync Ultimate and G-Sync standards require a dedicated G-Sync hardware module inside the display. This module is a dedicated chip that synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the Nvidia video card’s output.
The G-Sync module’s key benefit is the ability to display smooth motion across a monitor’s entire refresh rate range. You will see smooth, evenly paced gameplay even when a game’s frame rate takes a dip. The motion will not feel as smooth as at a higher framerate, of course, but it will remain free of tearing and stuttering.
G-Sync Ultimate adds image quality standards including HDR and wide color gamut support. This is a sly marketing move from Nvidia, as it suggests these benefits are related to G-Sync. That’s not the case: Nvidia is only certifying the monitor performs to a certain minimum standard. The motion performance of G-Sync Ultimate is the same as standard G-Sync.
G-Sync Compatible is where things get dicey. G-Sync Compatible monitors don’t have a G-Sync module at all and instead rely on the open VESA Adaptive Sync standard. This standard is now common to a wide variety of monitors and, because it doesn’t require a G-Sync module, can hit very low price points.
However, the VESA Adaptive Sync standard does not support refresh rates any lower than 40Hz, and some monitors that are G-Sync compatible have a minimum G-Sync refresh rate even higher than that. G-Sync may not work properly at a framerate below the minimum refresh rate the monitor is G-Sync Compatible monitor is certified to support. You could see flickering or blanking (blank frames) while gaming. Nvidia maintains a database showing the certified specifications of all G-Sync and G-Sync compatible monitors.
Technically, G-Sync Compatible monitors may also have issues when a game’s framerate exceeds a monitor’s refresh rate. This is less frequently an issue, though, and can be addressed with a frame rate cap.
The downsides of G-Sync Compatible monitors are rare in practice. We test dozens of monitors every year at IGN, and it’s unusual that we see flickering or blanking during our review process. Most G-Sync Compatible monitors are certified to work down to a refresh rate of at least 48Hz, which means gameplay should remain smooth and trouble-free at 48 frames per second or above. That’s not a difficult standard to achieve, especially on 1080p and 1440p monitors.
Still, you should keep the difference between G-Sync Compatible and G-Sync in mind. If you want smooth and trouble-free G-Sync in every game, at any frame rate, you’ll want to buy a monitor with G-Sync or G-Sync Ultimate.
Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
source https://www.ign.com/articles/the-best-g-sync-monitors