These are the best G-SYNC monitors money can buy

Choosing the best monitor for your setup can be a confusing process. There are so many different technologies and acronyms to keep a hold of that it is easy to lose track and figure out exactly what you need. Do you want an IPS, TN or VA Panel? What refresh rate? How big? What about variable refresh technologies such as G-SYNC and Freesync? In this article we will be focussing on the former, G-SYNC, and using that as the basis for this list of monitors.

So what is G-SYNC? It is a proprietary variable refresh technology created by NVidia exclusively for their GPUs (those with AMD GPUs will be needing to look at Freesync). On normal monitors the refresh rate stays at a fixed value (the value differs depending on the monitor and settings), when something like a game that is locked at the refresh rate and the framerate dips, screen tearing occurs. With something like G-SYNC the refresh rate is matched to the framerate (within a monitors specific operational range) meaning that screen tearing doesn’t occur.

G-SYNC is very useful for high refresh monitors with resolutions of 1080p+, it allows a GPU to drop frames without it having a significant impact on the user experience. G-SYNC allows you to get just that little bit extra from your GPU, with no overhead. In fact, G-SYNC eliminates the input lag that is introduced when using traditional VSYNC, making it a great choice for those that play fast paced games often.

This list will be separated by screen size and aspect ratio. If you have any suggestions to monitors that aren’t featured on this list, feel free to post them below. A full, separate list of all G-SYNC monitors on the market can be found here.

24 Inch G-SYNC Monitors

1. Acer Predator XB241H – $390

Acer have become well known for their quality budget gaming monitors and their Predator series is a really impressive range of products. The XB241H is a 1080p monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz, interestingly Acer quotes that you can overclock the monitor to 180Hz. That is very impressive for a monitor of just $390, overclocking is usually not manufacturer recommended so for Acer to say their panel supports 180Hz just not out of the box is a unique move. This monitor uses a TN panel (Twisted Nematic Film), this means great response times (1ms) but colour shifting will be present when viewed at an angle.

Input wise there are single ports for both HDMI and DisplayPort 1.2, a little disappointing perhaps for those that plan to use this monitor for more than just their PC. The XB241H has a very distinct look with red tipped feet for the stand. The stand also rotates a full 180 degrees, so you have the choice of landscape or portrait depending on your needs. A nice inclusion for the price point. There are also built in speakers but the sound quality won’t be the most impressive, another useful inclusion though for those that don’t prioritise sound quality.

Overall the Predator XB241H is a really impressive bit of kit for the money, if you are looking for a 24” 1080p monitor that is geared towards fast and responsive gaming, the XB241H is definitely the pick of the bunch.

2. Dell Gaming S2417DG – $400

Dell are very well known for their reliable monitors, they may be expensive at times but this S2417DG is right in the correct price bracket, at just ten dollars more than the Acer previous. We have done a long test review of the S2417DG that you can view here.

This Dell Monitor is 2560×1440 as opposed to the 1080p Acer, making it ideal for those looking for something more than the bog standard 1080p. Though at this size, it may be possible that 1440p is slightly overkill. It is important to note that you will need a powerful machine to be playing games at 1440p, meaning 1080p in some cases is the better choice. The S2417DG has a refresh rate of 144Hz but Dell claim that it can be overclocked to 165Hz. The panel used in this monitor is a TN meaning you get the best response times, ideal for the first person shooters out there.

The Dell comes with a very sturdy stand that can be rotated 180 degrees. Connection wise you have access to DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, 5 USB 3.0 ports and an audio out jack. The downside to this monitor being that there are no built in speakers, though if you already have your own separate audio setup, this is not a problem.

The Dell Gaming S2417DG is a bargain at 400 dollars considering the specs. G-SYNC, 1440p and a 165Hz refresh rate make it a great choice for those looking for a high resolution 24 inch gaming monitor.

27 Inch G-SYNC Monitors

1. Lenovo Y27g – $470

Lenovo may be more well known for their laptops but their monitor offerings are not too shabby either. The Y27g is a great budget G-SYNC monitor.

The Y27g is a curved monitor, whilst it may be that curved screens reduce viewing angles, for a monitor this isn’t so much a problem, seeing as you’ll be sitting directly in front of it in a normal use case situation. It is 1080p, so maybe perfect for those that don’t have the strongest PCs. Refresh rate supported is 144Hz through the DisplayPort.

The stand only moves up and down with tilt, so there is no option for rotation but the stand is sturdy and will keep the screen secure and still. There is one port for HDMI and one for DisplayPort. There is even a Razer edition that allows you to hook it up to an RGB lighting system if that is something important to you. There are no integrated speakers so a separate audio system will be required. There are also two USB 3.0 ports on the side of the monitor.

Overall the Lenovo Y27g is a nice budget 27 inch monitor especially curved, so those looking for a cheap and able curved monitor need look no further.

2. ASUS PG278QR – $610

ASUS monitors are well known to be some of the best on the market, they offer such a wide range there is bound to be something that fits your needs.

The PG278QR has a resolution of 1440p and a refresh rate of 165Hz, boasting a 1ms response time due to its TN panel. These ASUS monitors come with some great tech inside them to help with your gaming, things such as a built in FPS counter are a nice addition. The interface is navigated using a joystick nub that makes navigating the interface a breeze. If you’re looking for a high refresh monitor, we actually have a complete list of all high refresh monitors currently available – check it out!

The PG278QR can be rotated 180 degrees with its very stable stand. Unlike some of the other hardware in the Republic of Gamers range, it doesn’t go overboard with tacky plastic motifs and instead keeps the front looking clean and professional. There is one HDMI and one DisplayPort, along with two USB 3.0 ports.

A really impressive monitor for the money, if you are in need for a monitor with quick response times at 1440p with a high refresh rate the PG278QR is a great choice, though it is a little expensive, you definitely get your money’s worth.  

Ultrawide G-Sync Monitors

1. ASUS ROG PG348Q 34 Inch – $1200

Now these ultrawide G-Sync monitors are very expensive, they are certainly a niche product, but the ASUS ROG PG348Q is a really premium product. 

The PG348Q features a 3440×1440 IPS panel, this means response times aren’t as good as TN but viewing angles and colours are much improved. The response time for this monitor is 4ms, which is actually quite impressive for an IPS panel. Similarly to the other ASUS monitor on this list, the joystick is present, making the interface feel very intuitive to navigate. The 100Hz refresh rate is also impressive, another IPS disadvantage is being able to get these high frequencies out of the panels. This model is curved also, really making for quite a behemoth of a monitor.

The stand is a little garish with the exposed copper wiring effect but the tripod setup of the feet should keep it plenty sturdy. There is one HDMI port and one DisplayPort alongside 4 USB 3.0 ports. Also included is a 3.5mm audio jack to go with the stereo speakers that are built in.

The price may be high but the ASUS ROG PG348Q just screams quality, though the design may be a little distracting to some, the performance of the actual monitor itself will easily steal the show. Our in-depth review of the Asus PG348Q can be found here.

2. HP OMEN X 35 Inch – $1200

HP’s OMEN range is their latest attempt at the PC gaming market, going for a more minimalistic cube motif, a lot of the hardware in the OMEN range looks very pretty and the OMEN X is no exception.

Boasting a 3440×1440 resolution but perhaps disappointingly only at 60Hz the OMEN X is sure to impress quality wise. The IPS panel helps the colours stand out compared to other panels. The OMEN X is also curved like the ASUS before it making for a very immersive experience. Response time is also rated at 4ms, so just as impressive as the ASUS on that count.

Look wise, the OMEN X puts the ASUS to shame, with a very professional and minimalistic design that puts all of the focus on the screen itself. The stand is diamond shaped with the OMEN logo embossed in a glossy black at the front of the matte black stand. You have the usual suspects in HDMI and DisplayPort available alongside three USB 3.0 ports. There is also a audio out jack to use in case the integrated speakers aren’t up to your standards.

At $1400 it is a lot to swallow but the OMEN X looks pretty and performs marvellously. The only downside to the monitor is the 60Hz refresh rate, for the money you would at least expect something higher. If 60Hz is enough for your needs, the OMEN X is a fantastic choice if you have the money.

There you have it, the best G-SYNC monitors money can buy. Though G-SYNC may be more expensive than its Freesync counterpart, there are still some bargains to be had allowing even the most budget conscious of buyers to take advantage of the various benefits G-SYNC has to offer.

GPUN Administr@tr