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The 7 Best PC Gaming Monitors from HP
Jolene Dobbin
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January 20, 2019
Whether you’re a PC or console gamer, gaming monitors can dramatically enhance your gaming experience.
With richer colors, higher refresh rates, and generally more sophisticated image detail and fidelity, the right gaming monitor can make or break your gaming sessions. We’ve narrowed down the options to the best PC gaming monitors that you can get from HP.
Common gaming monitor features
But before we get into the monitors themselves, it helps to have an idea of the specs you should look for in as you choose the best gaming monitor for you.
1. Resolution
The resolution of monitors refers to the number of pixels in each dimension of display. And the dimensions are cited as width by height (W x H). For example, a monitor listed with a resolution of 1280 x 720 means that it is 1280 pixels wide and 720 pixels high.
The larger the number of pixels in a monitor’s display means it has a higher resolution which usually equates to a better quality of display. So when it comes to gaming monitors, it makes sense that the larger monitors with higher resolutions are often sought-after.
Here are a few common resolutions of monitors, both gaming and otherwise:
- High Definition (HD): 1280 x 720 pixels
- Full HD (FHD): 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Quad HD (QHD): 2560 x 1440 pixels
- Wide Quad HD (WQHD): 3440 x 1440 pixels
- Ultra High Definition (UHD) or 4K: 3840 x 2160 pixels (note: 4K monitors offer 4 times the resolution of standard HD; that equates into more than 8 million pixels)
- 8K: 7680 x 4320
What resolution should I look for in my perfect gaming monitor?
Look for the highest resolution you can afford. Most dedicated gaming displays are QHD or UHD. FHD is the minimum we recommend.
2. Refresh rates and frame rates
A monitor’s refresh rate is the number of times per second that it updates the on-screen images, expressed in hertz (Hz). For example, a 60 Hz refresh rate means the display updates 60 times per second.
This is different from the frame rate, which measures the frequency that consecutive images appear on the screen, and is expressed in frames per second (fps). A frame refers to one single, motionless image.
How are frame rate and refresh rate different?
The key difference between refresh rate and frame rate is that the refresh rate (Hz) is how many times the monitor is refreshing the images on the screen, while the frame rate (fps) is how many actual frames that your computer is drawing each second.
While your monitor’s refresh rate (Hz) doesn’t affect the frame rate (fps) that your computer produces, if the fps is higher than the Hz, then your monitor may not be able to display all the images that your computer is actually creating.
Most monitors have a 60 Hz refresh rate. But this rate may not be fast enough for many quick-moving gaming applications, which often require 144 Hz or higher. A higher refresh rate results in a smoother picture.
What refresh rate and frame rate should I look for in the best computer monitor for gaming?
A frame rate of 60 fps is an optimal amount for games. Also, look for 144 Hz in your gaming monitor.
3. Response time
The response time of a monitor is how fast a pixel can display a change from either black to white or from one shade of gray to another shade of gray (also called “gray to gray”). It’s measured in milliseconds (ms) as a single frame on a standard 60 Hz monitor remains on screen for just below 17 milliseconds.
The lower the response time the better. A typical response time for good gaming monitors is 5 ms or lower, with the ideal being 1 ms. Longer response times often result in ghosting, which is when you’ll see the trails that moving objects leave behind on-screen. That’s why they’re not ideal for fast-moving gaming applications.
Both refresh rates and response times should be inversely proportional for idyllic gameplay. For instance, monitors with higher refresh rates and lower response times work best for gaming applications.
And if your monitor has a high refresh rate, but also a high response time, the pixels won’t be able to respond fast enough; this can have an adverse effect on your gameplay and visual experience.
What response time should I look for in the gaming monitor I buy?
Look for 5 ms or lower.
4. Brightness
Within monitor specs, you’ll probably notice a term called “brightness.” This refers to the monitor’s brightness, also called “luminance,” which is the amount of light that is emitted from a particular area.
The standardized measurement unit is expressed in candela per square meter (cd/m2). Typical monitor “brightness” displays range anywhere from 100 to 350 cd/m2. To put those measurements into perspective, one single candle emits light with approximately 1 candela (or cd) of luminous intensity.
Too much brightness can cause eyestrain, not enough means you’ll lose the ability to distinguish enemies in the shadows.
Since brightness in monitors is adjustable, you simply need to make sure it falls within an acceptable range for your gaming style and where you play - from a bright sunlit room to a dark basement.
What brightness do I need for ideal gameplay?
100 to 250 cd/m2 is fine. More doesn’t hurt.
5. Contrast ratio
Another term within specs that you’ll come across is the contrast ratio. This term refers to the difference between the brightest colors (or whites) to that of the darkest colors (or blacks) that the monitor can produce.
It’s expressed in a ratio format, and most monitors have a contrast ratio of approximately 1,000:1 on average. Also, specs often separate the contrast ratio into two distinctions: static and dynamic.
Having the right amount of brightness for certain areas on the screen can be really important for making darker areas look appropriately dark, but without losing crucial details and for the best visibility in bright areas.
What contrast do I need?
1,000:1 or better.
6. Connectors
You’ll see the term DisplayPort listed in the specs of all the monitors. The DisplayPort (DP) is the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)-standardized digital display interface that’s used to connect a video source to a monitor. It’s also used to carry other types of data device input including USB, audio, and more.
The audio and video interface for transmitting data from monitors to controllers is called High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), which is the digital replacement for analog video standards. Good gaming monitors offer one dedicated HDMI input to plug in PCs or consoles to the monitors.
All of the monitors on our list feature at least one HDMI input, and some offer two. Having two HDMI inputs give you more connectivity options for expanding your current (or future) setup, such as dual monitors.
Connect your Xbox One or PS4 to a gaming monitor
If your monitor has at least one HDMI connection then you’re good to go, since both Xbox One and PS4 consoles use these connectors.
And since many monitors have more than one HDMI in addition to other connectors, you can also connect other devices and peripherals.
The best HP gaming PC monitors
1. HP OMEN 25-inch gaming monitor
One of the best computer monitors for gaming, the HP OMEN 25-inch gaming monitor offers a crystal-clear 22-inch screen with an FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution. While it’s not the largest-sized monitor, it does offer considerable clarity with a brightness measurement of 400 cd/m².
And it’s truly made for gaming with an incredibly fast refresh rate of 144 Hz and a 1 ms lightning-fast response time to reduce input lag on your game.
This monitor boasts AMD FreeSync™ technology, which is high-caliber adaptive synchronization technology that ensures your monitor and graphics card refresh simultaneously. This dramatically reduces display errors and glitches of all types, like screen tearing, input lag, and stutters. So your HP OMEN 25 display can provide smooth, crystal-clear visuals.
Enjoy convenient connection options for your entire game setup. This display has one DisplayPort, two HDMI ports, and two USB 3.0 ports. It’s even got a convenient hook for your headset.
2. HP OMEN X 35-inch curved gaming monitor
The HP OMEN X 35-inch curved gaming monitor is a standout player on the gaming-centric HP OMEN team of innovative gaming systems and devices. It’s a curved 35-inch diagonal display that delivers an unmatched viewing experience with a WQHD (3440 x 1440) resolution and 21:9 aspect ratio.
With 34% more space than a 16:9 display, the stretched screen and curved edges enable more content to fill in the display and surround you, emulating an immersive and more realistic field of vision.
Jump in and immerse yourself fully into your triple-A (AAA) game. Because you’re able to see more, including the corners of the screen, you’ll be able to sense any imminent threats to engage and react faster.
With an 8-bit VA (AMVA+) panel that provides a higher contrast ratio of 2,500:1 static and 10,000,000:1 dynamic, you’ll be able to see your game with clarity. A 100 Hz refresh rate and 4 ms response time give you smooth, responsive visuals that won’t stutter or interrupt your gameplay.
A variable overdrive eliminates ghosting by predicting the next frame and adjusting the LCD overdrive’s parameters. At the same time, NVIDIA G-SYNC™ technology seamlessly links your graphics card and display.
You’ll also be able to play for prolonged periods – and outlast your opponent – thanks to a comfortable, height-adjustable screen. You can tilt and swivel the display to your ideal height with a range of -5 to +23 degrees.
The wrapped display reduces distortion by directing light to your eye rather than to the side of your head. And in dark rooms, ambient lighting diffuses your display’s brightness and reduces eye strain.
3. HP OMEN 32-inch gaming monitor
The HP OMEN 32-inch gaming monitor offers a seriously large 32-inch screen for incredible viewing power. Built for gaming, the massive, crystal-clear QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution panel offers extreme detail with 77% more pixels than standard FHD displays. It provides an immersive and complex visual experience that lets you get as close to, or as far away from, the action as you’d like.
The HP OMEN 32 is a performance display designed with the crucial balance of speed and power in mind. With AMD FreeSync synchronization technology, your monitor’s graphics will experience an extreme boost with each frame transition for very smooth viewing. And you’ll probably see (and feel) the responsiveness in your gameplay.
If you’re playing a game in which every second, or even millisecond, matters, you’ll be grateful for the fast 5 ms response time and 75 Hz refresh rate. Motion blur will be a thing of the past, so you can react immediately to what is on your screen.
It features several connection options with two HDMI connection inputs, and one DisplayPort 1.2, both with HDCP support. And it’s ENERGY STAR®-certified, so you can feel good about reducing your footprint while still enjoying all the cool perks of this monitor.
Monitors for additional uses
4. HP ENVY 27-inch PC monitor
The stylish HP ENVY 27-inch monitor is a mid-sized display that packs a punch in 4K (UHD) resolution with a staggering amount of pixels (about 8.2 million!). The HP ENVY 27 display seamlessly blends form and function with 27 inches of diagonal display via an elegantly designed micro-edge frame, which enables more room on the screen and reduces distractions.
It has a refresh rate of 60 Hz and a 14 ms gray-to-gray response time with AMD FreeSync technology: the dynamic system that reduces visual errors with a consistent frame rate tied to your graphics card performance.
So if you end up using your monitor to stream video or play games, you’ll experience less interference and interruptions and smoother graphics - not to mention extremely accurate color generation no matter your usage.
Speaking of color, the HP ENVY 27 provides precise, vibrant, and consistent colors with greater than 99% sRGB color accuracy. This is especially important for those applications in which visual accuracy and vivid, true-to-life colors are necessary.
The HP ENVY 27 offers versatile connection options. It features input ports that include one HDMI 1.4, one HDMI 2.0, and one DisplayPort 1.2. In addition, it includes a powerful USB Type-C cable that lets you deliver video to your display while charging your PC. And for comfort, it’s adjustable across a 30-degree range.
5. HP ENVY 34-inch curved PC monitor
The HP ENVY 34-inch ultrawide monitor is a full-featured, immersive 34-inch display with a WQHD (3440 x 1440) resolution and a sleek, micro-edge, curved design. It offers a 60 Hz refresh rate and a pretty decent 6 ms gray-to-gray response time.
This monitor delivers the ultimate cinematic experience with its spectacular resolution and superb color contrast to push your entertainment over the edge. It features premium built-in speakers with audio by Bang & Olufsen, which provide astonishing range and clarity.
With the integrated privacy webcam and dual array microphone, you’ll be able to connect with friends and family in HD. A Skype for Business-certified pop-up webcam provides remarkable clarity and conveniently appears only when you engage it.
6. HP 27b curved PC monitor
The HP 27b 27-inch curved monitor is made for digital productivity. This innovative display in FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution offers a high refresh rate of 75 Hz and a fast response time of 5 ms (gray to gray) so you can immerse yourself in your work or play with a unique viewing area.
Unlike a flat display, this curved monitor allows you to see nearly everything on the screen that’s within your range of vision. So every web page, video, picture, or application is rendered in stunning high definition without compromising viewing angles.
It features a superb color contrast and greater than 99% sRGB for awesome color accuracy, so you can experience deeper blacks and brighter whites.
Easily connect your digital devices right out of the box with HDMI input, DisplayPort, and audio out. It supports modern and legacy connections, both VGA and HDMI, so you can use it with almost any computer.
You can also combine it with additional HP curved monitors to make a complete display arc, offering an impressive combination of screen real estate and viewing angles to create even more.
7. HP Pavilion 32-inch PC monitor
The HP Pavilion 32-inch monitor is a graphics powerhouse with QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, and a solid 7 ms gray to gray response time. This 32-inch diagonal display from the dependable HP Pavilion line offers a premium viewing experience with consistent clarity and extreme visual acuity for a variety of applications.
It features standard 100% sRGB color space with accurate visuals that appear exactly as you see them in reality. This HP Pavilion monitor is also loaded with connectivity options that let you easily integrate it into your existing or future dual-monitor setup, and enjoy large-screen visuals without unnecessary adapters. There are two HDMI inputs and one DisplayPort 1.2 cable and connection.
In summary
Finding the best HP gaming monitor for you means doing your homework, weighing the options, and determining the key specs for the way you play. Once you’ve made your selection, it’s time to sit back and get ready to take on the competition in vibrant, vivid detail.
About the Author: Jolene Dobbin is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Jolene is an East Coast-based writer with experience creating strategic messaging, marketing, and sales content for companies in the high-tech industry.
