Number 1. Samsung 57“Odyssey Neo G9

This 57-inch ultrawide gaming monitor is enormous

Pros

• Premium build quality and styling.
• Super smooth at 240 Hz.
• Vivid image quality.
• Immersive 57-inch curved display.
• Attractive design

Cons

• Expensive.
• No internal Speaker.
• Requires DisplayPort 2.1 to make full use of 240Hz refresh rate.
• No joystick menu control.

Nothing else can match the immersive experience of the Samsung Odyssey Neo 57 G9. The screen boasts a stunning Dual UHD resolution of 7680×2160, a refresh rate of 240Hz, and an extended color gamut with HDR10+ support. Gamers in pursuit of perfection will appreciate the size and performance this monitor has to offer, negating any need for multi-monitor setups. While expensive, around $2,500, you will often find it at a discounted price of $1,800. It’s one of the nicest monitors, with unparalleled clarity, brightness, and speed. Great for first-person shooters and simulators alike.

Its 1,000-nit brightness and 2,392 dimming zones make for vivid contrasts, while Adaptive-Sync technology keeps the gameplay smooth. Certification for Nvidia G-Sync is pending, but tests confirm compatibility. The requirement of a DisplayPort 2.1 or HDMI 2.1 connection to run the 57G9 at full 240Hz limits some systems to 120Hz at full resolution. Lower the resolution to 5120×1440, and the full 240Hz is available, although in that case, too, overdrive remains unavailable when Adaptive-Sync is on.

But for all its vaunted performance, there are limits to this monitor: no speakers, no remote, no on-screen timers or frame rate counters. This is a big monitor that requires a large desk, with no TV or streaming capabilities. For those serious about gaming, though, the visual quality and performance far outstrip all of those petty quibbles. The Odyssey Neo 57 G9 is a premium investment, unparalleled in taking gaming to new dimensions.

Number 2. Alienware AW3423DWF

Scion of the OLED gaming monitor throne

Pros

• Displays bright and dark colors well.
• Low input lag.
• Extremely competitive price.
• Respectable HDR performance.
•  The glossy OLED panel really rips.

Cons

• Light causes the black levels to raise.
• No USB-C.
• Non-standard subpixel structure.

When OLED technology first emerged, it was seen as groundbreaking but costly and impractical due to low production yields. Today, while OLED displays are still premium, they’ve become more accessible, especially in smartphones, though desktop monitors remain limited. Alienware’s AW3423DFW changes that, offering a 34-inch ultra-wide curved QD-OLED display with 3440×1440 resolution, 175 Hz refresh rate, and HDR with 1,000 nits peak brightness. Its slim design features a customizable LED and a solid, deep stand, requiring 15 inches of desk space. Despite lacking portrait mode rotation, it offers ergonomic tilt and swivel adjustments.

The $1,099 AW3423DFW introduces Quantum Dot technology to OLED displays, enhancing color and brightness. It covers over 99.3% of DCI-P3, outperforming most OLEDs in color accuracy and brightness, especially in HDR mode. Its gaming capabilities are notable, with a 175 Hz refresh rate, 0.1 ms response time, and support for AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, delivering a smoother experience comparable to 240 Hz screens. The 1800R curvature and 21:9 aspect ratio enhance immersion without distortion.

While ideal for gaming, the monitor is also suited for professional work, particularly photography, due to its color precision. The factory-calibrated display even offers a Creator mode for DCI-P3 and sRGB color spaces, making it a versatile choice for both entertainment and productivity.

Number 3. Corsair XENEON Flex 45WQHD240 

The ultimate in gaming immersion

Pros

• Stellar performance.
• Vivid colors.
• Rich colors with deep blacks.
• Fast Response Time.
• Immersive 45-inch ultrawide display.

Cons

• Low pixel density.
• Expensive.
• Enabling HDR disables other display modes.
• Bending feels clunky.

The Corsair Xeneon Flex is a foldable 45-inch gaming monitor with a bright OLED display and lightning-fast performance. However, the bendability feature feels gimmicky and does not justify the monitor’s high price. It offers a 21:9 aspect ratio and the ability to switch between a flat screen and a curved display with up to an 800R curvature. This flexibility makes it adaptable for productivity and immersive gaming. However, the bending process is far from smooth. Users must manually flex the screen, which feels precarious due to the plastic panel’s creaking.

Despite claims of durability, withstanding up to 15,000 bends, the uneven curvature causes distortions in some areas. The monitor’s size, width, and integrated stand make it a challenging fit for smaller desks. Unlike most monitors, the stand houses connectivity and on-screen controls, but it limits adjustability and cannot be mounted on a monitor arm.

In terms of performance, the Xeneon Flex boasts great color accuracy, vividness, and a high refresh rate of 240Hz, making it a strong choice for gaming. However, brightness levels in both SDR and HDR are modest, and the pixel density may disappoint those seeking extreme sharpness. Still, the monitor’s fast response time and motion clarity excel in competitive games, although its high price tag and cumbersome design may deter some. Ultimately, the Corsair Xeneon Flex pushes OLED gaming forward but isn’t without compromises.

Number 4. LG UltraGear 45GR95QE-B

A dramatic curve makes the case for OLED

Pros

• Effective RGB backlighting.
• Attractive design.
• Gorgeous 45-inch OLED display.
• Super-smooth 240Hz refresh rate.

Cons

• 1440p slightly soft at this screen size.
• Low SDR brightness.
• No USB-C input.
• No built-in speakers.

LG, widely recognized for its TVs, also excels in gaming monitors, especially with its latest UltraGear 45 OLED Curved Gaming Monitor. Priced at $1,699.99, this 44.5-inch ultrawide OLED display brings an 800R curvature, creating an immersive gaming experience. While it falls short of 4K resolution, the 3,440 x 1,440-pixel panel compensates with an impressive 240Hz refresh rate, ideal for fluid gameplay. Despite minor setbacks like low brightness and a remote-dependent interface, the monitor stands out with its robust performance, deep blacks, and vibrant colors, thanks to OLED technology.

Gamers will appreciate its 0.03ms Response Time and support for AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, ensuring smooth gameplay. Although it lacks built-in speakers, its DTS Headphone

support offers an excellent audio experience for games utilizing 3D sound. The monitor covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut, offering exceptional color accuracy.

However, its size and brightness may not be ideal for every environment, and OLED’s susceptibility to burn-in could be a concern. That said, its 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio and superior color range ensure vivid visuals in darker settings. Overall, with its sturdy build, tilt and swivel options, and excellent gaming features, this monitor is an impressive choice for gamers seeking immersive visuals.

Number 5. Dell S3422DWG

Solid ultrawide performance with no extra frills

Pros

• Awesome value for money.
• Reasonably quick and responsive.
• Very good peak brightness in SDR.

Cons

• Takes up a ton of space.
• Small highlights don’t pop in HDR.

These monitor is a 34-inch ultrawide designed for both gaming and productivity. Its 1440p resolution at 144Hz hits a sweet spot between ultra-smooth esports displays and super-sharp 4K monitors, offering a balance most gamers seek. With a 21:9 VA panel, 1800R curve, and DCI-P3 color gamut, it delivers immersive visuals, enhanced by FreeSync Premium Pro for smooth gameplay.

Its design is sleek but subtle, with a sturdy, ergonomic stand that supports height and tilt adjustments. Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 inputs, a DisplayPort 1.4, USB pass-through ports, and a convenient headphone jack. While there are no built-in speakers, a 3.5mm audio output is available. Out of the box, the monitor’s color calibration impresses, especially with deep blacks and vibrant colors. Its 144Hz refresh rate offers ultra-smooth motion, especially when paired with a powerful graphics card. However, viewing angles are slightly limited, but not a major issue given the curved design.

For gamers playing titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the performance is strong, with frame rates consistently high. The display excels in dark scenes, offering rich detail without needing extra adjustments. Though it’s an investment low price at $320, the S3422DWG provides an immersive, versatile experience for gamers and creatives alike.