If youre willing to buy a new monitor, variable refresh rate is one of the best upgrades features you can get. Known as G-Sync on the Nvidia side and FreeSync on the AMD side, they reduce screen tearing and sync your monitors refresh rate with your video cards output for a smoother experience. While FreeSync are easy to come by and affordable, monitors with NVIDIAs G-Sync are always more expensive, leaving budget-minded GTX users out in the cold, until just recently.At CES 2019, Nvidia announced that it was bringing G-Sync compatibility to some FreeSync monitors with a new driver update. Theyve officially validated numerous monitors as G-Sync compatible, but anyone can enable variable refresh rate (VRR) if they have the latest Nvidia drivers and a FreeSync-enabled displayand many have found certain uncertified monitors to work just fine.We’ve researched many G-Sync compatible monitorsboth certified and uncertifiedto round up the best ones you can buy. There may be others that work beyond the ones on this list that folks havent discovered yet, and it seems likely that NVIDIAs supported list will continue to grow. But for now, there’s still a pretty decent selection.
TL;DR These are the Best G-Sync Compatible Gaming Monitors:
1. Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ
Best G-Sync Compatible Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 27″ Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 Panel type: IPS FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible HDR Compatibility: HDR10 Brightness: 350cd/m2 Refresh Rate: 155Hz Response time: 4ms Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 Color support: 8-bit Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 Weight: 12.79 pounds Size: 24.4″ x 14.8″ x 8.31″
The Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ offers some pretty astounding specs for its $430 price tag making it the perfect pic for those who are already in the mindset of sticking to a budget It’s a 27-inch monitor with a sharp 2,560 x 1,440 resolution that offers a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. While that’s all par for the course on most TN and VA screen, this is an IPS panel so its extra impressive.Aside from smooth, responsive gameplay, you also get a peak brightness of 350-nits and plenty of vibrant colors too. All together, this monitor will delight you if you’re looking for something affordable. This is the best G-Sync Compatible displays you can get right now.
2. Pixio PX247
Best Budget G-Sync Compatible Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 24″ Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 Panel type: IPS FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible (tested) Brightness: 350cd/m2 Refresh rate: 144Hz Response time: 1ms Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 Color support: 16.7M, 8-bit Inputs: 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 Weight: 9.28 pounds Size: 24.25″ x 18.45″ x 4″
Usually, when you find a really cheap gaming monitor, there are some big tradeoffs. But, with the Pixio PX247 (read our review), you’re still getting a lot of the stuff that would have been left behind on a monitor this far below $200. The Pixio PX247 delivers a Full HD picture on a 24-inch IPS panel. While that combination isn’t too rare, it’s not so common to see it running at a smooth 144Hz as this monitor does. That means you’re getting both the great colors and viewing angles of an IPS display while getting the fast refresh rate and pixel response time more typically associated with TN or VA panels in this budget section of the market.It’s all the better that this monitor is topped off with FreeSync functionality and the ability to support G-Sync. Just note that the full 144Hz refresh rate is limited to a DisplayPort 1.2 connection, as the HDMI 1.4 port on this monitor can only handle 120Hz.
3. Acer Nitro XV273K
Best HDR FreeSync Gaming Monitor for Nvidia GPUs
Screen size: 27″ Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 Panel type: IPS FreeSync2 HDR Brightness: 400cd/m2 Refresh rate: 144Hz Response time: 4ms Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 Color support: 100% sRGB, 90% DCI P3 Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4 Weight: 8.8 pounds Size: 21.8″ x 16.6″ x 8.0″
If you want a monitor that can do it allor at least come incredibly closethe 27-inch Acer Nitro XV273K is the monitor to beat. While most 4K monitors have a paltry 60Hz refresh rate, the Nitro clocks in at 144Hz, not to mention it has an HDR-capable quantum dot panel. Its IPS panel means you get great color accuracy, better viewing angles, and a solid response time, albeit with grayish blacks and a bit of glow around the edges. But when it comes to straight up specs, its hard to beat the Acer Nitro, especially when you consider its built-in USB hub and four inputstwo HDMI and two DisplayPort. Youll pay a hefty price tag for those features, but there arent many monitors that can check all those boxes.Note that in order to support this specced-out monster, youll need to connect it with two DisplayPort 1.4 cables, and its FreeSync range is technically limited to 48-120Hz at 4K (though you can go all the way to 144Hz at 1440p). So while it isnt truly without compromises, you get a lot of choice over how you playand its certified to work with NVIDIA’s graphics cards.
4. Acer Predator CG437K
Best 4K G-Sync Compatible Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 43″ Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 Panel type: VA FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync Compatible HDR compatibility: DisplayHDR 1000 Brightness: 1,000cd/m2 Refresh rate: 144Hz Response time: 4ms (1ms with VRB) Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) Contrast ratio: 4,000:1 Color support: 1.07B, 10-bit (8-bit + FRC) Inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB-C Weight: 41.12 pounds Size: 38.5″ x 26.5″ x 10.4″
You can go fully premium on your quest for a FreeSync monitor that supports G-Sync. The Acer Predator CG437K is a champion. This 43-inch display is a monster in more ways than one. On top of its massive size, it has a pair of 10W speakers to pump out audio. It also packs a 4K 144Hz panel, so you’ll want to pair it with a beast of a computer. Given you’ll almost surely have a hard time hitting 144fps at 4K in recent titles, the support for G-Sync will help keep your games looking great.There’s plenty more on offer here to make your games look stellar. The Acer Predator CG437K has an incredibly bright display, earning VESA’s DisplayHDR 1000 certification. It also supports 10-bit color while covering 90% of the DCI-P3 color space. This is a monitor that will offer a high bar of quality for a while.
5. Asus ROG Strix XG279Q
Best 1440p G-Sync Compatible Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 27″ Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 Panel type: IPS FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible Brightness: 400cd/m2 Refresh rate: 170Hz Response time: 1ms Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 Color support: 16.7M, 8-bit Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 Weight: 15.43 pounds Size: 24.1″ x 16.2″ x 10.6″
Give yourself a break from trying to figure out if those little pixels on your screen are an enemy player. With a bigger, 27″ 1440p monitor, you’ll hit a sweet spot where enemies are bigger, sharper, and easier to see. The Asus ROG Strix XG279Q is ready to help you out on that front, and it can do so with excellent performance to boot.The Asus ROG Strix XG279Q can display up to 170fps when it’s overclocked, giving you even smoother gaming. And, when you don’t hit those high frame rates, it can smooth your games out with G-Sync. It’s not just sharp and smooth, though. With 400 nits of brightness, it’s also going to be clear in brighter settings.
6. Asus TUF Gaming VG259Q
Best 1080p G-Sync Compatible Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 24.5″ Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 Panel type: IPS FreeSync, G-Sync compatible Brightness: 400cd/m2 Refresh rate: 144Hz Response time: 1ms Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 Color support: 16.7M Inputs: 2 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 Weight: 11.24 pounds Size: 22.16″ x 14″ x 8.7″
If you’re getting into esports, you’ll probably want to aim for a 1080p, 144Hz monitor. And, the Asus TUF Gaming VG259Q is our pick when you want G-Sync to help you keep your visuals clear. The fast refresh rate will help you track your enemies, and the display’s 1ms response time will ensure ghosting doesn’t imapct your view.Making matters better, this monitor uses an IPS panel that can offer wider viewing angles than the TN panels you’ll often find in high-refresh-rate displays. The monitor has one built-in technology to also help you see more clearly, and that’s Shadow Boost, which can brighten up dark sections of the screen to bring details out of the dark.
7. LG UltraGear 34GN850-B
Best Ultrawide G-Sync Compatible Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 34″ 1800R Aspect ratio: 21:9 Resolution: 3,440 x 1,440 Panel type: Nano IPS FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible HDR compatibility: HDR10, DisplayHDR 400 Brightness: 440cd/m2 Refresh rate: 144Hz Response time: 3.5ms Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 Color support: 1.07B, 10-bit (8-bit+FRC) Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 Weight: 16.76 pounds Size: 32.25″ x 18.27″ x 12.29″
You don’t need to limit yourself to 16:9 when you’re getting a G-Sync Compatible monitor. LG’s UltraGear 34GN850-B serves up a massive, 34-inch display that will curve around your field of view. You’ll get a sharp, 3,440 x 1,440 picture that can run at up to 144Hz as well, so your games will look clean and smooth.LG didn’t stop there, either. This monitor musters some extra brightness and color to deliver 10-bit color and earn DisplayHDR 400 certification. If you want to really feel like you’re in your games, this monitor can help.
8. Samsung Odyssey G9
Best Superwide G-Sync Compatible Gaming Monitor
Screen size: 48.8″ 1000R Aspect ratio: 32:9 Resolution: 5,120 x 1,440 Panel type: QLED FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync Compatible HDR compatibility: Samsung HDR 1000, DisplayHDR 1000 Brightness: 1,000cd/m2 Refresh rate: 240Hz Response time: 1ms Viewing angle: 178(H)/178(V) Contrast ratio: 2,500:1 Color support: 1.07B, 10-bit Inputs: 1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4 Weight: 36.82 pounds Size: 45.18″ x 16.42″ x 16.39″
Samsung has taken its curved monitors to the next level with the Odyssey G9. This massive, wide monitor has a sprawling 32:9 aspect ratio that will wrap up your vision in a tight, 1000R curvature. Where many curved monitors have a subtle curvature, this monitor’s curve is dramatic.The tight curve isn’t all, as Samsung is delivering a 5,120 x 1,440 resolution that can zoom at up to 240Hz with proper G-Sync Compatibility. Then there’s the stunning level of brightness achieved by this monitor’s 1,000-nit QLED panel, which combines with 10-bit color for some truly stunning visuals.
What to Look For in a G-Sync Compatible Gaming Monitor
Luckily for you it’s pretty easy to start your search for a G-Sync compatible gaming monitor because Nvidia keeps a constantly updating list of them on its website. You can pretty much refer to this list as a starting point. While they’re are 50 of them currently on the list, you can whiddle down your options pretty quickly just by thinking about what screen size, refresh rate, and panel type you want.One important thing to note about Nvidia’s list of G-Sync compatible displays is they only include models that have been officially certified. There are plenty of gaming monitors out there that haven’t gone through the processor really paid to be certified.
Gigabyte has told us that pretty much every one of its Freesync gaming monitors has been designed to work with Nvidia GPUs and G-Sync. From the ones we’ve tested, we can confirm this is true.
There are plenty of other gaming monitors out there will also G-Sync even if they haven’t been certifiedheck you can technically turn it on with any monitor that supports adaptive sync. Be aware, though, that your results may vary, and in some cases turning on G-Sync on an untested montior could introduce stutters and other graphical glitches.
If you want to skip all that experimentation, you can just look to our list as we’ve included only officially certified G-Sync Compatible gaming monitors or those we’ve tested ourselves.
Looking for more monitor info? Be sure to check out our list of the best 240Hz monitors, or check out the best 4K gaming monitors, if you’re looking to spend your tax refund. Don’t forget to check out our guide to the best computer desks, so you have somewhere to rest your new display.
Kevin Lee is IGN’s Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspamMark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark
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