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Looking for the best monitor size for gaming? You’ve come to the right place!
Depending on your desired resolution and existing setup, the best monitor size for gaming varies widely. From the standard 24” screen to a respectable 32” and beyond– choosing the right option is incredibly important if you want to get the most out of your display. But with all the different sizes, it can be hard to pick the right one.
To make things easier, this article breaks down the tricky technical jargon and helps you choose the best monitor size for your gaming rig. Ready to gear up and play with the pros? Let’s check things out.
What is Monitor Size, and Why is it Important?
The display size of a monitor is the viewing area, aka the screen, measured diagonally from one corner to another. Simple, right?
That said, there is no best monitor size, as it depends on your personal preferences and how much space you have available. Generally speaking, larger monitors cost more than small ones and feature sharper on-screen images. But this isn’t always the case, as it really depends on the monitor’s resolution.
Resolution is measured in pixel density or PPI. The more pixels per inch, the higher the resolution. And the higher the resolution, the clearer the on-screen images.
Let’s look at an example:
If a 24” screen features 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels across the horizontal and vertical axis), the pixels per inch come out to 91 PPI. However, if you have a 30” screen with 1080p resolution, the pixels are stretched out further. This leaves you with only 75 PPI. Far too grainy for modern-day gaming, if you ask us.
Pro Tip: You can use this handy calculator to determine the exact PPI of any given monitor size and resolution.
The Best Monitor Size for Gaming
Given the relationship between screen size and image quality, we’ve categorized the following guidelines based on monitor resolutions. Simply consult each option to find the optimal gaming monitor size for your setup:
Best 1080p Monitor Size
It’s 2019 and there is no reason to game on anything less than 1080p resolution. 1080p monitors feature sharp graphics and they’re widely available across the market. Moreover, you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a proper setup (which also makes them great for dual monitor gaming).
That said, you’ll need to stick with modest screen size, or risk blurry images and pixelated graphics. While you can theoretically go as low or high as you want, we recommend sticking between 22” to 24” for the best monitor size for 1080p. This will give you between 91 and 103 PPI, plenty of eye candy for most modern titles.
The Verdict: Choose a 22” to 24” monitor for 1080p resolution. You can find a list of the best 1080p monitors here.
Best 1440p Monitor Size
The perfect size monitor for gaming may very well rest in the sweet spot between HD and 4K, also known as 1440p or QHD. It combines the best of both worlds to deliver breathtaking graphics while remaining relatively affordable. Not only that, but 1440p monitors have often loaded with the latest FreeSync or G-Sync tech for insanely high refresh rates.
While you’ll find options in a variety of different sizes, we recommend looking for a 27” or 28” monitor for the perfect PPI.
The Verdict: Choose a 27” or 28” monitor for 1440p resolution. You can find a list of the best 1440p monitors here.
Best 4K Monitor Size
If you’re a resolution junkie looking for unrivaled immersion, 4K monitors are your best bet. They deliver roughly 8 million pixels for crazy high PPI, and you’re guaranteed pixel-perfect clarity whether you game on PC or console.
Do note, however, that not all games support 4K. In addition, you’ll have to spend a pretty penny for a respectable model. But if you’re set on moving forward, a 30” monitor delivers unrivaled 4K immersion that’ll leave you stunned. Plus, with a large 30” screen, it’s quite possibly the best screen size for gaming on the market.
The Verdict: Choose a 30” monitor for 4K resolution. You can find a list of the best 4K monitors here.
Best 8K Monitor Size
While 8K monitor gaming is still in its infancy, some hardcore gamers are getting an early start. That’s because 8K monitors boast roughly 33 million pixels alongside a 7680 x 4320 resolution! Unfortunately, there aren’t a whole lot of affordable options yet, and the industry standards are still changing. But if you’re willing to shell out a few grand, we recommend choosing an 8K monitor that’s at least 32” for optimal output.
The Verdict: Choose a 32” or higher monitor for 8K resolution.
Best Ultrawide Monitor Size
While the monitors listed above feature a 16:9 aspect ratio, there is another type of monitor on the market. Namely, the ultrawide.
Ultrawide monitors boast screens with longer horizontal widths. This gives them a different aspect ratio, such as 21:9, which changes the way their resolution displays on the screen. For that reason, we’ve listed the best sizes and resolutions below.
Keep in mind that as you’re searching for the right fit, you’ll find many ultrawide monitors with curved displays. This curvature compensates for natural screen distortion on ultrawide monitors and gives the image an even sharper look. An excellent boon for gaming.
The Verdict:
Choose a 25” to 29” ultrawide monitor for 2560×1080 resolution
Choose a 34” ultrawide monitor for 3440×1440 resolution
Choose a 38” ultrawide monitor for 3840×1600 resolution
Further Reading
No matter what size monitor for gaming you choose, you’ll want to pick up one that offers the latest technology and ergonomics. To help you find the right fit, we’ve curated the following lists of today’s best monitors. Check them out below:
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