Though we’re deep into the era of OLED gaming monitors, LCD display technology remains prominent thanks to LCD gaming monitors’ incredible accessibility. These monitors get better every year, with upgraded tech specs, feature sets, and more, all while keeping prices relatively affordable. Let’s look at today’s LCD monitors and explore what makes them a compelling choice for the contemporary gamer.
LCD vs OLED: What’s the difference?
If you’re wondering what the difference is between LCD and OLED monitors, we have an in-depth explainer that breaks down all the technical nitty-gritty between the two. But here’s a quick comparison in the simplest terms.
OLED displays produce incredibly dark blacks for heightened color contrast, resulting in the richest colors imaginable. This makes images pop with a vibrancy unmatched by other display technologies.
LCD monitors, on the other hand, can offer higher brightness for full-screen content (on average), meaning their imagery stands up well against external light — perfect for daytime gaming. LCD monitors generally also have the longest monitor lifespans, in case you want a real workhorse of a panel ready for nonstop gaming 24/7/365. LCD monitors tend to be the most budget-friendly screens, too, making them perfect for gamers who demand peak bang-for-their-buck.
Don’t sleep on LCD monitors’ killer gaming specs
While OLED monitors chalk up wins against LCD monitors in many display specifications, LCDs are quite competitive in others. When you go LCD, you can score many great monitor perks at hard-to-beat prices.
For starters, many LCD monitors these days pack killer resolutions like 4K and 1440p, giving you the fine detail you need to properly appreciate the latest AAA games. Just look at monitors like the TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A, a 27-inch 1440p stunner that’s basically inviting you to crank up your in-game graphics settings. At 1440p, every particle effect and finely textured terrain element in your favorite game will be crystal clear.
LCD monitors are no slouches when it comes to competitive specs, either. Plenty pack killer refresh rates that’ll feed you on-screen info so quickly that you have a visual advantage over foes in online multiplayer. For example, the ROG Strix XG259CMS’s 310Hz refresh rate means that even if your game is running at a blazing 310 FPS, every single frame will make it onto the screen. Against players with slower monitor refresh rates, you’ll have a chance to spot them before they see you. Many of our LCD monitors, including the XG259CMS, also pack ASUS Fast IPS technology, ensuring your high framerate gameplay is silky smooth, visually clear, and minimizes on-screen ghosting. These aren’t the smeary LCDs of yore – the latest LCD tech can even give OLEDs a run for their money in motion clarity.
LCD monitors often pack plenty of bonus features to keep themselves competitive. Look at the TUF Gaming VG259Q3A, a petite 25-inch monitor that houses built-in speakers. For those who put a premium on desk space, this compact all-in-one package is a convenient option. And the ROG Strix XG27UCG-W features dual-mode technology, which lets you switch between 4K @ 160Hz or FHD @ 320Hz whenever you want — perfect for gamers who oscillate between AAA and competitive games.
The XG27UCG-W, like many of our ROG Strix monitors, has a tripod socket to make attaching peripherals easy. We also include a USB-C port with power delivery and integrate a smartphone holder into the monitor stand so you can easily use and charge your phone while you game.
An LCD screen of every size for every budget
Whether you like compact screens for desk-based gaming or want to kick back on the couch with a hefty monitor, LCDs come in a whole range of value-maximizing screen sizes.
24-inch monitors are perfect for small desks, gamers who want to keep costs down, and esports fans who need all corners of a screen visible without much eye movement. The TUF Gaming VG259Q3A and ROG Strix XG259CMS are our go-to recommendations here. The size and relatively inexpensive nature of 24-inch LCD monitors make them perfect for space-efficient, budget-friendly multi-monitor setups.
27-inch LCD monitors are a great all-rounder pick for most gamers, packing substantial screen size without much disruption to desk space. Plenty of 27-inch monitor variations abound, giving you maximum choice when picking bonuses features. For example, the TUF Gaming VG27AQ3A, ROG Strix XG27ACS, and ROG Strix XG27UCG-W all bring different perks to the table in a convenient, versatile 27-inch form factor — it’s just a question of which features you prefer and what your budget is.
32-inchers are ideal when you want gaming monitor tech specs that you can appreciate from the comfort of a couch. If you love to game with a controller and lean back in your gaming chair or play from a distance, you’ll want the extra size these hefty screens pack. The TUF Gaming VG32VQ1B and ROG Strix XG32WCS are two options to consider when you want a big-screen gaming experience.
And these are just some standard 16:9 monitor options. If you fancy an ultrawide with a screen that stretches out into the periphery of your vision, there’s an LCD gaming monitor with your name on it.
Play with pride on an LCD gaming monitor
LCD gaming monitors give you tons of model choices at reasonable prices. There’s bound to be an LCD monitor that fits your exact needs and wants. And for value hunters looking to maximize their gaming gains for the lowest cost possible, LCD monitors offer a value proposition that’s hard to beat. So the next time you’re screen shopping and want the best gaming monitor for your budget, be sure to give LCD options a good look.