PC Gamer Hardware Awards: 2025’s Best Gaming Monitor

(Image credit: Future)

In 2025, as graphics cards, system memory, and high-speed storage continue to fluctuate wildly in price and availability, one PC component has steadily moved in the opposite direction. Gaming monitors have become better value than ever, delivering higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, and improved panel technology at increasingly reasonable prices.

For players with the hardware capable of driving it, there has arguably never been a better time to upgrade to a 4K display. Manufacturers have been aggressive this year, pushing features that were once premium-only into more accessible price brackets.

Philips has remained particularly strong, with its Evnia lineup offering some of the most competitive pricing in the 4K space, including clever features such as dual-resolution modes. MSI narrowly missed a nomination this year with a fast and vibrant OLED panel, while brands such as Acer, Asus, LG, and AOC also delivered impressive releases across multiple segments.

However, in a year packed with quality screens, only a select few could be shortlisted. Alienware and KTC ultimately edged out the competition. Alienware’s entry delivers exceptional speed paired with a stunning HDR QD-OLED panel, while KTC proves that lesser-known brands can still compete aggressively on price and performance.

If you are considering a monitor upgrade, three displays stood out above the rest and earned nominations for gaming monitor of the year. The final winner will be announced on New Year’s Eve.

Best gaming monitor 2025: the nominees

Philips Evnia 27M2N3800A

The Philips Evnia 27M2N3800A is one of the most versatile and aggressively priced 4K monitors released this year. Its standout feature is the ability to switch between 4K resolution at 160 Hz and 1080p at a blistering 320 Hz, making it suitable for both high-fidelity gaming and competitive esports-style play.

At 27 inches, the screen size is on the smaller side for 4K, but the panel punches above its weight. It uses an IPS display with a rapid 0.5 ms response time, and even at its list price it undercuts many competing 4K monitors. In terms of pure value for money, it fights hard for every dollar it costs.

There are compromises, as expected at this price point. HDR performance is limited, the chassis feels relatively basic, and the absence of USB Type-C means the monitor cannot double as a connectivity hub. Still, these trade-offs are reasonable considering the performance on offer.

Perhaps the most notable takeaway from this display is how stark the contrast has become between affordable 4K monitors and the expensive PCs required to run modern games at that resolution. Even so, the Evnia 27M2N3800A is a reminder of just how far monitor pricing has come.

Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED

Alienware is not typically associated with affordability, yet this 27-inch QD-OLED monitor manages to undercut many of its direct competitors while delivering excellent HDR performance. It may sound surprising, but in the current market, this display represents comparatively strong value for a premium OLED panel.

The full-screen brightness tops out at 250 nits, which is modest, and the 27-inch size may feel small for some users at 4K. However, the strengths of this panel quickly become apparent. The 4th generation QD-OLED technology delivers rich colours, deep contrast, and a smooth 240 Hz refresh rate paired with an ultra-fast 0.03 ms response time.

From a performance perspective, this monitor offers competitive-level responsiveness while still delivering the visual quality expected from OLED technology. It is equally suited to fast-paced multiplayer games and visually demanding single-player titles.

While some may prefer a larger 32-inch 4K display for a single-monitor setup, the pixel density and clarity on this panel are exceptional. OLED remains a premium option, but this Alienware screen demonstrates that prices are slowly becoming more approachable.

KTC H27T22C-3

As OLED and 4K displays trend downward in price, 1440p monitors have become even more affordable. The KTC H27T22C-3 is priced similarly to many 1080p screens, yet offers a sharper 1440p resolution alongside a fast 210 Hz refresh rate and a respectable 1 ms response time.

One important detail is model selection. The version with “-3” at the end of the name is essential, as other variants sacrifice brightness and refresh rate. Naming aside, this monitor delivers excellent fundamentals for the money.

Its IPS panel provides solid brightness, good viewing angles, and pleasing colour accuracy straight out of the box. DisplayHDR 400 support is serviceable rather than impressive, and cost-saving measures are evident. There are no USB ports, and the stand only supports tilt adjustments, which can limit ergonomic flexibility.

Despite these limitations, the KTC H27T22C-3 avoids many of the pitfalls associated with budget monitors. It does not require calibration to look good, and it delivers all the essentials without cutting corners on image quality. For buyers on a tight budget, it comfortably outperforms similarly priced 1080p alternatives.

With these three nominees, the competition for gaming monitor of the year is exceptionally close. Alienware and Philips are well-established contenders, while KTC has already made a strong impression by challenging far more recognisable brands. The final winner will be revealed on New Year’s Eve.