Low latency gaming monitors

We use the same testing process as for the first test, only we now enable the respective variable refresh rate feature for the monitor. As the title suggests, this is the monitor's input lag with VRR enabled and the refresh rate at 60Hz. It's done the same way as the other tests, but with a 60Hz signal. It tells us if the input lag increases with VRR enabled or if it increases at lower refresh rates.

This number is important for modern HDR games and for those planning on using their monitor for HDR content production. We measure this with a bit signal at the monitor's max refresh rate. However, there are times that we don't measure the HDR input lag because we can't achieve the max refresh rate using a bit signal. Also, our input lag measurement tool is limited to HDMI 2.

Lastly, the black frame insertion input lag is the input lag when the black frame insertion or backlight strobing features are enabled. This number is important for people that use their monitor's BFI feature to reduce blur and enhance motion clarity.

There's no one correct way to measure input lag because testing depends on two varying factors: the type of source and the monitor's settings. Our testing requires a specialized tool that not everyone has. The easiest way you can measure input lag is by connecting a computer to two different screens a base screen and the test screen. You either have to know the input lag of your base screen or use a virtually instant CRT display.

You can display a timer on both screens at once preferably one with milliseconds included , and you take a picture of the screens; this is your monitor's input lag. In this image example, an input lag of 40 ms — is indicated.

This is, however, an approximation because your computer doesn't necessarily output both signals at once. It's also not very accurate because it depends on your camera's shutter speed and whether you can capture the correct frame with the time on it. It can give you a good indication, though.

Our input lag testing for TVs uses the same tool and testing process, but we take many different measurements. We take it with different resolutions to see how upscaling affects the input lag, in and out of Game Mode, with motion interpolation, and with VRR.

TVs have more results than monitors because of the way people use their TVs. People don't watch content from one source using the same settings, as they often change their settings and sources with TVs, and with that comes different input lag. On monitors, most people are just using their PCs, and there aren't as many image processing settings, so we don't need to test those. PC monitors tend to have a much lower input lag than the average TV, making input lag less of an issue for most people.

More sensitive users can adjust settings on most monitors to reduce it even further. As a general rule, try the following which is how we set up the displays in our tests :. Most people won't even see when there's any delay as it's not noticeable during desktop use, but gamers might be more sensitive to lag. Your peripherals like keyboards and mice add more latency than the monitor, so if you notice any delay, it's likely because of those and not your screen.

If that's the case, try using wired connections or use USB receivers if your wireless mice and keyboards come with them because their latency is a lot lower than Bluetooth.

There's no definitive amount of input lag when people will start noticing it because everyone is different. You can try this tool that adds lag to simulate the difference between high and low input lag. You can use it to estimate how much input lag bothers you, but keep in mind this tool is relative and adds lag to the latency you already have. Input lag is the amount of time that elapses between performing an action with a source device and seeing the result displayed on a monitor's screen.

We test to find the lowest amount of lag a monitor can have, as well as how much lag is present when a monitor is displaying a non-native resolution, or when it has features enabled like HDR or VRR. Get insider access. Best Monitors. Monitor Recommendations. View all monitor recommendations. All Monitor Reviews Samsung. Odyssey G9. Odyssey Neo G9. Odyssey G7 S28AG Odyssey G3 S24AG UltraSharp UQ.

Optix G Optix G27C4. Optix GQF. Optix G27C5. Optix G27CQ4. Optix G27C. Optix MAGV. Nitro XFY Pbmiiprx. Nitro VG Pbmiipx. Predator X27 bmiphzx. Predator Z35P Bmiphz. OMEN 27i. OMEN Pavilion 22CWA. OMEN X OMEN X 25f. Raptor 27 Hz. View all monitor reviews.

Latest Monitor Activity. View all monitor activity. How We Test We purchase our own monitors and put them under the same test bench, so that you can compare the results easily. View all monitor articles. Monitor Tools Compare monitors. Having trouble deciding between two monitors? This tool will clearly show you the differences.

Table tool. With that let's discuss several great low-input-lag monitors that are at the top of their game for responsiveness. Picks for are towards the top; however, I left some of my older recommendations you may still be able to find on a deal today. Want to be competitive in a twitch-sensitive genre? I'm not going to put this list into any rigorous order as different monitors are better for different budgets and genres.

However, all of these monitors have Input lags that are competition-worthy. I wouldn't necessarily pick the monitor with the lowest input lag.

Rather go with the monitor here that you like the best. A few years ago IPS panels had a hurdle that few manufacturers could get over. Refresh rate. And while most gamers preferred an IPS monitor for watching movies or everyday work, many of them couldn't get past the motion blur they'd see.

While the LG 27GLB makes for a great gaming monitor, it also can double as a monitor for photo editing. It comes with a factory-calibrated sRGB mode which achieves 2. For me, it was plenty. Testing and numbers aside these monitors both look amazing on all the games I tested them on. Yes, you may get a small bit of backlight bleeding. For photo editing, the solid calibration and wide gamut backlight set it apart from similar options on the market, and with a low response time and input lag, it's an ideal option for gamers.

The colors on this look amazing. So, if good gaming specs, no noticeable blur, and ghosting, and some eye candy for a decent price are what you're looking for, this is a good monitor to explore. Top it off with a 1ms response time and you've got a good start for a competitor to the LG 27L83A-B above.

This is an inexpensive IPS panel done right. It gives you that TN panel performance use action mode with fast response times and a great picture. I highly recommend you enable HDR. It definitely makes a huge difference. Backlight bleed will vary from panel to panel and for me was minimal with this one.

In the curved and ultra-wide space, I really like what Samsung is doing right now. I'm going to warn you ahead of time that these monitors aren't perfect when it comes to ghosting. It's not something that bothered me while I was gaming but the response time did have a slight blur when tested at BlurBusters without FreeSync and pretty much was crystal clear with FreeSync on.

If you set this monitor to overdrive mode it's also a bit more noticeable. With that out of the way, I'll mention why I still like these monitors. First, when compared to the G7 and G9 lines, you're getting pretty much everything here at half the price.

These are not flagship prices and therefore you're not getting a perfect experience here. However, you're coming pretty close. If you're looking for a gaming monitor that can also do some video and photo editing for you, I really like the Acer Predator XBK in the 4k Hz space. The Predator gives you an amazing G-Sync Hz HDR experience with a bright and beautiful picture along with all of the responsiveness you're looking for in competitive gaming. To get everything functioning, you need to use the 2 DisplayPort setup.

This is a bit tricky to set up at first, but once you get it going it works just fine. You can pay more for a monitor that doesn't eschew the full array backlight, but you probably won't feel much of a difference. It's a little pricey for a 24" LED screen, but not compared to similar hz monitors.

It can be adapted for both 3D and G-Sync. The transmitter that you need to use this monitor for 3D is not included in the package, which keeps the price down.

That being said, I'd highly recommend you don't do this. If you want a G-Sync monitor, simply buy one that already has it incorporated into the monitor. Tom's Hardware reported a screen draw time of just 7ms. This, along with G-sync and a high refresh rate mean you'll finally get the type of responsiveness you're looking for in a high refresh rate, 4k, and G-Sync monitor. In addition, in terms of viewing angles, you're getting an IPS monitor here that has viewing angles as good as most premium panels.

If you're like me, and can only justify the cost of a monitor like this if you can use it for work as well, you'll like that the Predator out of the gate comes calibrated. Overall, this is one of my favorite high-end gaming monitors of the past couple of years.

If you've got the money, and don't mind a slightly thicker monitor, I highly recommend it. When looking at the specifications you may think that a p monitor in no way deserves a price tag at this level. However, the new Dynamic Accuracy technology along with super-fast Hz refresh rate make up for the price.

Dynamic Accuracy gives you unprecedented clarity while you're in fast motion gameplay. If you've never used it before, it reduces ghosting and trailing to a level I've never seen before and is definitely something you have to try.

Cons: In spite of all the pros this monitor is still only p. Plus, the bezels are a bit thicker than some other options out there. So, I definitely wouldn't recommend it for a double or triple monitor setup. In addition, this is a TN panel monitor. So, it's certainly not for editing photos. Console Input Lag for this is good with around an average of 13ms. That's while running at 60Hz. While I'm not sure why you'd choose this for console, it is important to note that using it at Hz on PC shows considerably less lag.

This is a competitive gaming monitor. So, if that's what you're looking for, this would be the first monitor I'd recommend for PC. Yes, there are cons, but the pros while gaming, for me, are too much to ignore.

There are, admittedly, a few monitors in this space with similar panels. Whether you're looking for a cheap hz gaming monitor or want a FreeSync option, there's a lot of value in the Acer XFH. It's an impressive G-Sync monitor. This monitor is similar to the PGQ but you're more likely to find a good panel with the newer option. So, go with the new model if it's in stock. Its pixel panel is one of the best IPS options I've seen, with crisp detail and a good level of brightness. If you're looking for a budget g-sync monitor, the XBHU is a decent option.

Joker Productions. I found the PGQ to just have slightly better quality for the panel. There are also other cool features like Brightness Intelligence Plus which allows the monitor to automatically adjust the brightness and color temperature.

In terms of lag, 4k isn't always the best way to go. So, remember that. That being said, this monitor averages around 10ms. This monitor isn't flawless and this is a TN panel. It's also a couple of years old at this point.

So, viewing angles are not wide but it is responsive and bright when placed in front of you. I'd recommend it for all types of games. Whether you're looking for a low input lag console gaming monitor or simply want a PC gaming monitor with FreeSync, the Asus VGH is a fantastic value.

It has virtually no input lag and comes with a ton of features gamers will love. This adaptive sync technology does a lot of what G-Sync does without the G-Sync cost. Keep in mind, it'll only work with an AMD graphics card. For console gamers looking for a good monitor, the Asus VGH is a fantastic option. It has deep blacks, Asus eye care technology to minimize your eye fatigue, and Dual HDMI connectivity so you can have your console and another device on at the same time.

The GamePlus hotkey is useful for all types of gamers. It's a hotkey you can use to give you in-game enhancements. Overall budget-minded gamers should definitely be looking at this monitor.