As a streamer, your monitor is arguably the most important component in your setup. It not only enables you to play your game fluidly but also allows you to monitor live chat and control your stream. Consequently, choosing the right monitor is an essential step for any good streaming setup.
Unfortunately, with the number of options out there, it can be a challenge to find the perfect one. On this list, I’ve done the legwork for you and picked out seven of the very best ones you can buy in 2022. Whether you have a white setup and need a monitor to match or if you’re on a budget and want the best bang for your buck, I’ve got something for you on this list.
Best Gaming/Streaming Monitor: Top 3 Features to Prioritize
Before you go ahead and browse the list, let’s discuss three main features you need to prioritize to get the best gaming and streaming monitor for yourself:
Refresh Rate
Measured in Hertz (cycles per second), the refresh rate of a monitor denotes how quickly the pixels change to a new frame from the GPU. The most commonly-available monitors generally have a 60Hz refresh rate, the most popular choice for gaming is 144Hz, but you can also go for 240Hz or above.
It’s a whole different experience, and essential in any gaming setup. Plus, it also gives you a massive advantage over the 60Hz crowd when gaming, especially in competitive games like CSGO and Overwatch.
Resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels on a display found in each dimension, usually measured in width × height. So, a display with the resolution of “1920 × 1080” has a 1920-pixel width and a 1080-pixel height. So, the total number of pixels on-screen is 2,073,600.
The higher the resolution of the monitor you’re using, the more GPU power you need for a smooth experience, unless you deliberately lower the resolution. Now, because a high-resolution monitor has more pixels than a low-resolution monitor, it can display clearer and more detailed content.
Response Time
Any monitor, switched on but with no input to display, will usually show a black screen. The time it takes to display a gray or white pixel from that state is recorded as its response time.
Those shiny logos that you see on the marketing page or packaging of the monitor you’ve purchased saying “2MS” or “1MS” and so on represent this measurement, and it’s important for a smooth gaming experience since slow response times leads to ghosting, a blur trailing the objects you pass by, most noticeable in fast-paced games.
Without further ado, let’s get into the seven best monitors for streamers available in 2022…
Top 7 Best Monitors for Streamers in 2022:
1. LG 27GN750-B – Best All Round
SPECS:
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Response Time: 1MS
- Resolution: FHD (1920 × 1080)
- Display Size: 27 inch
- Panel Type: Nano IPS
- G-Sync/FreeSync Enabled: Yes
The best all-round monitor for gaming and streaming on this list is the LG 27GN750-B, a product from the UltraGear lineup. It hits the perfect balance between price and performance, not only coming within the budget of most users but also delivering a high refresh rate and a quick response time.
First, let’s talk about the panel. It has an FHD Nano IPS panel with G-sync support. Plus, a color gamut that covers 99% of the sRGB reproduces even more impressive color accuracy compared to standard IPS displays, delivering lifelike images for an enjoyable gaming experience.
IPS panels are generally not known for their responsiveness. Fortunately, this monitor offers a quick 1MS response time. When combined with the super-fast 240Hz refresh rate, you get almost magical smoothness.
Tim ‘TimTheTatman’ Betar also used this monitor at one point, so it carries his approval too. In short, the LG 27GN750-B is a great gaming and streaming monitor. If you’re building a mid-range setup on a budget, keep an eye on this one.
Pros
- Ample output ports
- Vibrant and smooth display
- Sleek and durable V-shape stand
Cons
- Mediocre and standard design
2. Sceptre E248W-19203R – Best on a Budget
SPECS:
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz
- Response Time: 5MS
- Resolution: FHD (1920 × 1080)
- Display Size: 24 inch
- Panel Type: LED
- G-Sync/FreeSync Enabled: No
If you’re on a tight budget but want a solid monitor, definitely consider taking a look at the Sceptre E248W-19203R. It’s thin, elegant, and carries a minimalist design that fits well in any setup.
This monitor does fall back in certain aspects when compared to other options: refresh rate, response time, and resolution. However, considering the price, it’s still impressive and will provide you with a decent gaming and streaming experience.
It’s also ideal as a secondary display for controlling your stream and managing your chat. You can plug in many input sources: dual HDMI ports, a single VGA port, and it also comes with an HDMI to DVI cable in the box. Thanks to the VESA mounting points, it can easily be used as a vertical display too.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Decent build quality and aesthetics
- Plenty of input options
Cons
- Limited to 75Hz refresh rate
3. BenQ Zowie XL2540K – Best Value For Money
SPECS:
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Response Time: 1MS
- Resolution: FHD (1920 × 1080)
- Display Size: 24.5 inch
- Panel Type: TN
- G-Sync/FreeSync Enabled: Yes
If you’re not after fancy aesthetics or cool RGB features and just want a monitor that delivers A+ performance where it matters most, don’t look any further than the BenQ Zowie XL2540K. With a 240Hz refresh rate, 1MS response time, and height adjustment, it’s made for streamers looking to enjoy their game and great ergonomics too.
Where this monitor falls back is with its TN panel, which unfortunately doesn’t offer great color reproduction. However, it makes up for that with a special black equalizer for enhanced visibility in dark areas in video games and multiple game modes for quick switching of preset settings in titles.
Everything considered, the BenQ Zowie XL2540K offers the best bang for your buck when compared to other options on the market today. It doesn’t offer any vibrant RGB lighting or a cool exterior design. You’re only paying for what matters most, which makes it a great value for money monitor.
Pros
- User-friendly ergonomic features
- Blazing-fast 240Hz refresh rate
- Stealthy no-RGB design
Cons
- TN panel isn’t good at color reproduction
Samsung Odyssey G7 – Best For FPS Games
SPECS:
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Response Time: 1MS
- Resolution: WQHD (2560 × 1440)
- Display Size: 32 inch
- Panel Type: VA
- G-Sync/FreeSync Enabled: Yes
Samsung makes some highly impressive monitors, and the Odyssey G7 is no exception. With a 32-inch WQHD VA panel that can go all the way up to 240Hz, it’s definitely sufficient for your gaming and live streaming needs. However, what sets it apart from the pack is its 1000R panel curvature, which matches the human eye.
This not only improves immersion but can also help in lowering eye strain. When it comes to visual quality, you get the Quantum Dot technology, which has 125% more color space than sRGB. Plus, the native G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility will ensure a smooth live streaming experience too.
Overall, the Odyssey G7 is a great monitor from Samsung. While a bit on the pricier side, it also offers sufficient features to match, and also looks cool in any setup with the dark finish and small RGB lights.
Pros
- 1000R panel curvature
- Innovative outer design
- Durable build quality
Cons
- Overpriced
Sceptre E248B-FWN168W – Best White Monitor
SPECS:
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 1MS
- Resolution: FHD (1920 × 1080)
- Display Size: 24 inch
- Panel Type: VA
- G-Sync/FreeSync Enabled: No
If you have a white-themed streaming setup, it can be a challenge to find the right monitor since most of them come in either black or gray chassis. However, with the Sceptre E248B-FWN168W, you get a monitor that not only looks awesome but performs well too.
You get a full HD VA panel with a refresh rate of 165Hz and a response time of 1MS. This combined with 98% sRGB coverage and 320 cd/m² brightness makes it a great monitor for gaming and streaming. The lack of G-Sync compatibility does hurt a bit, but the overall spec list is still good.
The Sceptre E248B-FWN168W proves that you don’t need to compromise on performance to get the aesthetics you want in a monitor. Although Alienware has some white monitors too, those tend to be on the premium side. This one hits the perfect balance between price and performance and fits well in the mid-range segment.
Pros
- Attractive white-themed outer chassis
- Impressive 165Hz refresh rate
- Blue Light Shift feature for lower eye strain
Cons
- Lacks G-Sync native support
MSI Optix MPG341CQR – Best Ultrawide Monitor
SPECS:
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1MS
- Resolution: UWQHD (3440 × 1440)
- Display Size: 34 inch
- Panel Type: VA
- G-Sync/FreeSync Enabled: Yes
For users who have a lot of extra space to spare for their monitor and want a bigger display that immerses them in the game, consider the MSI Optix MPG341CQR. With a 21:9 aspect ratio and a curvature of 1800R, along with a 144Hz refresh rate and UWQHD display, this monitor will make you feel like you’re standing on the battlefield yourself.
It also offers some extra goodies for streamers who struggle with cable management: a built-in camera cradle and mouse bungee. Along with that, there’s also FreeSync support and vibrant RGB lighting.
To conclude, the MSI Optix MPG341CQR is a fantastic ultrawide monitor. It not only looks awesome but performs great too. We’ve also written a special guide on how to stream on an ultrawide monitor. Feel free to check it out here.
Pros
- Unique 21:9 aspect ratio
- Provides a competitive edge with a wide field of view
- Glossy display finish
Cons
- Volatile availability issues
ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A – Best 4k Monitor
SPECS:
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1MS
- Resolution: 4K (3840 × 2160)
- Display Size: 28 inch
- Panel Type: IPS
- G-Sync/FreeSync Enabled: Yes
If you’re after the best display quality rather than refresh rate, then the ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A could be a solid option to go for. It’s perfect if you’re more into visual and story-driven gaming experiences rather than competitive FPS ones. Although this monitor has a relatively decent refresh rate, with a 4K HDR10 display it makes up for it in visual clarity.
Similar to the LG 27GN750-B, it has an IPS panel too, but with a much higher resolution and a slightly bigger display size. All of this leads to crisp and detailed visuals that can immerse you in the game you’re playing. Plus, you also get ample connectivity options with HDMI v2.0 and dual DisplayPort 1.2 ports.
All in all, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A is worth checking out if you prioritize visual clarity over refresh rate and have a GPU capable of powering up all those pixels.
Pros
- HDR10 compatibility
- Impressive DPI count
- Stylish design
Cons
- Slightly overpriced
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Dual-Monitor Setup a Requirement for Streaming?
As you’ll notice, most live streamers have a dual-monitor setup. Is this a strict requirement, or can you make do with a single monitor? The truth is, while it’s entirely possible to just stream with a single monitor, having a dual-monitor setup makes things a lot easier and gives you much more free space to work with too.
Fortunately, this doesn’t need to cost a fortune. If you play your cards right, you could save money too. For your primary monitor, you can get one that has a high refresh rate and decent resolution, like the Samsung Odyssey G7. However, for your secondary monitor, you can go for one that offers basic functionality, like the Sceptre E248W.
Since you won’t be actively gaming on it, you don’t really need a high refresh rate or a good resolution anyway. This way you can save money but also have the extra screen real estate that a dual-monitor setup offers, which is great.
What Display Size and Aspect Ratio Is Best for a Streaming/Gaming Monitor?
When it comes to choosing a monitor, the display size is also an important factor to consider for a gaming and streaming setup. You don’t want a monitor that is too small for gaming, nor do you want one that’s too large to the point of being distracting.
Of course, it’s not only about screen real estate. Your GPU’s ability to drive that display, the amount of space on your desk, and your future upgrade plans also matter a lot.
Aspect ratio is a corollary of display size. It’s defined as the proportion of the width to the height of the monitor. Although 16:9 widescreen monitors are the de-facto standard these days, you may also want to consider an ultrawide display with an aspect ratio of 21:9, such as the MSI Optix MPG341CQR, or even the Samsung Odyssey G9 at 32:9!
These displays give you a competitive edge by bringing you a wider field of view of the game world. Of course, the bigger the display size, the higher resolution is required for clear image quality. This can end up being a slippery slope, because then you also need a more powerful GPU.
That’s why many top streamers like Shroud have said that a 16:9 24-inch monitor is often the sweet spot. Overall, there’s really no blanket recommendation to be made here. Try to consider your technical requirements and pick the monitor with a display size that best suits your use case.
Wrap Up
Finding the right streaming monitor in today’s oversaturated market is no easy feat. There’s almost an endless amount of options out there and several factors to keep in mind: refresh rate, build quality, display size, panel type, response time, and so much more.
If you’re passionate about live streaming on a professional level and doing it the right way, you can’t really go wrong with any of the monitors on the above list. However, here’s a quick rundown of all the monitors we discussed, and who they’re suitable for:
- LG 27GN750-B is Best All Round
- Sceptre E248W-19203R is Best on a Budget
- BenQ Zowie XL2540K is Best Value for Money
- Samsung Odyssey G7 is Best for FPS Games
- Sceptre E248B-FWN168W is Best White Monitor
- MSI Optix MPG341CQR is Best Ultrawide Monitor
- ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A is Best 4K Monitor
I hope this post helped you move forward in the right direction and find the perfect monitor to complete your gaming and live streaming setup!
