Best Monitor Size for Gaming [How to Choose the Ideal Size?]

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How do you determine the best monitor size for gaming? It’s a question that doesn’t always have a straightforward answer, as different gamers prefer different sizes, and what works for one person might not work for another. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to choose the best monitor size for your needs based on different factors. So, whether you’re looking for a basic 24-inch monitor or something larger, we’ve got you covered!

How Is Monitor Size Measured?

If you’re not sure what size monitor you currently have or you’re shopping for a new one, it’s helpful to know how to measure it—and the best way to do so is by using a tape measure or ruler. To determine your gaming monitor size, place the tape measure or ruler at the bottom left corner of the screen and extend it diagonally to the top right corner to get the monitor’s diagonal measurement.

So, a 22-inch display will be about 18 inches wide and 10 inches tall, while a 24-inch display will be about 20 inches wide and 12 inches tall. Although this doesn’t seem like much of a difference, every few diagonal inches you gain provides you with considerably more screen space.

Best Monitor Size for Gaming

Now that we know how monitor size is measured, let’s talk about what size monitor is the most suitable for gaming. With so many options and models to choose from, picking the right one might be difficult. As we mentioned earlier, this will vary depending on personal preference, but let’s take a look at the screen sizes most gamers prefer to use:

24/25-Inch Monitors

One of the most popular sizes for gaming monitors is 24 or 25 inches, which is a good middle ground between too small and too large. It’s also a relatively affordable option, so it’s a great choice for budget-conscious gamers.

As these days you shouldn’t get anything smaller than a 24-inch monitor with a 1920×1080 resolution, it’s a good thing such monitors are quite affordable. When looking for the best size monitor for gaming, you should also pay attention to image details and screen space. A full HD resolution of 24 inches provides a pixel density of around 91 PPI, allowing for decent image quality.

For competitive FPS gaming, most customers choose a 24″ display, as it allows them to view the action from all angles without having to move their eyes/neck as far as they would on larger monitors. The refresh rate of these displays is satisfactory, ranging from 60 to 340 Hz.

DID YOU KNOW: The majority of professional gamers use 24” displays for competitive gaming. If you’re looking for the best gaming monitor size to enter the hardcore FPS gaming scene, go with a screen with a resolution/screen real-estate of at least 1920 x 1080.

27-Inch Monitors

If you’re looking for something a little bit bigger, 27-inch monitors provide a significant increase in screen real estate without being overwhelmingly big. The 2560 x 1440 resolution is particularly suited to 27-inch monitors. You get 108 PPI, which is the optimum balance between picture sharpness and screen real estate, and you won’t need to do any scaling.

A 27-inch monitor is what is usually considered the best size monitor for gaming in the monitor world, as you get a larger screen and higher resolution than with 24-inch monitors while still being equipped for casual or FPS gaming. This monitor size is also commonly used by a distinct group of e-sports athletes.

In the end, it all boils down to personal preference. The 27-inch is sometimes considered the largest display most gamers believe they could comfortably use while playing competitive high FPS shooters where they have to sit close to the screen.

28–32-Inch Monitors

For gamers who want the biggest and best gaming experience unrivaled by smaller monitors, 28–32-inch monitors are the way to go. If you’re searching for the best size for gaming monitor, note that 28” to 32” monitors are a better fit for 1440p or 4k resolutions, and not as appropriate for playing high FPS shooter games competitively.

These monitors’ high resolution also implies the images will be more crisp, which is why any monitor above 27 inches is considered ideal for single-player or adventure games. High resolution also means you’ll need a powerful graphics card to display pictures at high refresh rates—the refresh rate on these monitors typically ranges between 144 and 240 HZ.

A 4k resolution on a 28–inch display necessitates scaling, since text may become tiny. Many gamers don’t find 28’’ to 32’’ screens the perfect monitor size for gaming because they find them too big, although it’s a matter of personal preference.

DID YOU KNOW: If you’re planning to build your own gaming PC, the quality and features of the monitor you choose can significantly affect the overall cost.

Ultrawide Monitors

Ultrawide monitors are a newer option on the market offering an even wider field of view than traditional wide screen monitors. They’re perfect for gamers who want to make the most of their gaming setup.

Compared to typical monitors, which have a 16:9 aspect ratio, the majority of ultrawide screens have a 21:9, 32:9, 32:10, and 48:9 aspect ratio. These monitors are designed to be the best size monitor for immersive gaming, but there’s one issue—some games aren’t made to support the aspect ratio ultrawide monitors have, which means the choice of games you’ll be able to play is limited.

Ultrawide monitors have a wider field of view than standard displays, which many gamers consider a significant benefit. Most high-quality ultrawide monitors offer high-resolution with 2k to 8k options available, their size usually ranging from 25 to 49 inches In addition, ultrawide monitors have their own sweet spots of screen sizes and resolutions—here are some recommendations for what resolution and size monitor is best for gaming:

  • 25″ to 29″ for 2560×1080 resolution
  • 34″ for 3440×1440 resolution
  • 38″ for 3840×1600 resolution
  • 43-inch for 3840×1080, 3840×1200 resolution
  • 49-inch for 5120×1440 resolution

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right monitor size is important for the quality of your gaming experience.
The size of a monitor is typically measured in inches, diagonally from corner to corner.
The most popular gaming monitors range from 24” to 32”.
Apart from the size of the monitor, you also have to consider its resolution, refresh rate, your sitting distance and desk size, etc.

Other Important Factors to Consider Besides Monitor Size

Now that we’ve gone over the different sizes of gaming monitors, let’s talk about some other important factors to consider when choosing one. In addition to size, here’s what else you’ll need to take into account when looking for a gaming monitor:

Resolution

The number of pixels that make up a monitor’s screen is known as its resolution. A larger screen doesn’t necessarily imply a better picture—on average, gaming monitors of any size but with higher resolutions have more pixel density and provide sharper, more detailed picture displays. Pro gamers prefer the most frequent screen resolution options, including 1080P, 1440P, 2K, and Ultra HD 4K in their gaming monitor.
However, remember that the higher your screen resolution, the lower your frame rate, which is why you’ll need to strike a balance between the two so as not to lose speed for resolution or vice versa.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate is how often the image on your screen is refreshed—a higher refresh rate means your games will look smoother and more fluid.
If you’re asking yourself “What size gaming monitor should I get,” go for ones with the highest refresh rate feasible for your budget. In today’s gaming environment, we recommend a minimum refresh rate of 144 HZ, but anything equal to or above that is a good buy. Also, keep in mind that higher resolution and refresh rate need a powerful graphics card.

Distance

The viewing distance will also impact your choice of monitor size. If you’re going to be sitting close to the screen, you might want to opt for a smaller monitor with a higher resolution. Conversely, if you’re going to be sitting further away, a larger monitor with a lower resolution might be a better choice for best monitor size, even for competitive gaming.

HDR

The term “HDR” stands for “High Dynamic Range,” which refers to your gaming monitor’s ability to display a wider range of colors and contrasts, resulting in a much more vibrant display. HDR compatibility is closely related to the presence of other components, such as the computer GPU, operating system, gaming console, compatible input cables, etc.

Panel Types

When it comes to computer monitors, there are three distinct panel types: Twisted Nematic (TN), Vertical Alignment (VA), and In-plane Switching (IPS):

  • TN monitors are best for gamers searching for the best response time without sacrificing visual appeal. They’re ideal for competitive, multiplayer fighting games where every millisecond counts.
  • A VA monitor could be the best gaming monitor, regardless of its size in terms of high-contrast displays. It provides excellent contrast, and can display HDR content.
  • For gamers that enjoy the depth of the visual experience and want to absorb all the game artists had in mind when developing the atmosphere, IPS monitors are ideal.

Desk Size

You can’t purchase a monitor that won’t properly fit on your gaming desk. If your gaming area is limited but you still want as much screen space as possible, a curved monitor may be an excellent choice, since it will increase your screen real estate while taking up minimal more room.

Mounting is another possible solution for fitting a monitor larger in size in a smaller space for gaming. If your desk isn’t an adjustable standing desk, consider whether you can mount your monitor to the wall, and possibly use an ultrawide monitor that can work independently of your workstation area.

DID YOU KNOW: If the quality of your gaming experience depends on the size of your monitor screen area, another possible solution would be to buy monitors and place them on a dual stand next to one another.

Conclusion

So, the ideal monitor size for playing games really depends on a few different factors. A good gaming monitor size is one that meets your budget while also providing the features and specs you desire. Before purchasing a monitor, make sure to also consider the panel type, resolution, refresh rate, as well as the distance you’ll be sitting at relative to the monitor.

 

FAQ

What is the average size of a gaming monitor?

The average size of a gaming monitor is 24-25 inches. However, there are various sizes available on the market, from smaller monitors great for cramped spaces to larger monitors that offer more screen real estate.

What's the best monitor size for gaming?

Your budget, the games you play, and image quality are all important when looking for the best monitor size for gaming. Once you’ve considered all these factors, you should have a good idea of what size of gaming monitor is right for you.

Are bigger monitors better for gaming?

This depends on what you value most in a gaming monitor—if you’re looking for the best image quality, a bigger monitor is definitely the way to go. However, if you’re more concerned with response time and competitive gaming, a smaller monitor might be better suited for your needs.

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