9 Best Gaming Monitors in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by IT Specialist

Screen resolution and screen size go hand in hand. After all, you're only getting the most out of 4K panels if your monitor is large enough to utilize the pixels. Below, we've listed the most optimal combinations so you can get the most out of your screen.

• 1080p / 24" display - Considered as the minimum standard for an almost "high definition" resolution for monitors and TVs. Graphics cards won't have any problems rendering games at this resolution, even at maximum settings. It will have lower sharpness and pixel density but higher frame rates and less motion blur.
• 1440p / 27" display - Mid-range computers will be able to handle this combination well. But a low-tiered PC will need to tweak its display to lower settings, so the graphics card won't go bonkers in the middle of a game.
• 4K / 27" and above display - This is the above standard when it comes to screen resolution. It can be extra tedious for a mid-range computer to run this display, but a high-end graphics card should be able to handle it. 

The three main panel technologies that are in the market today are TN, VA, and IPS. Let's differentiate them and look at the merits each one has to offer.

Response time refers to how fast a pixel can change from one color to another. In other words, how fast a monitor can output different backgrounds. Ideally, you want a response time of 5 milliseconds (ms) or below. Anything higher can lead to ghosting, which is when you see traces of previous images even when your character has already moved. 

That said, competitive gamers should look at a response time below 3 milliseconds. The additional fidelity gives a better representation of what's happening in-game, allowing you to better pop off enemies, hold an angle, or even maneuver across the battlefield.

In simple terms, refresh rate is the number of times a monitor refreshes the picture on the screen. Ideally, you want the highest refresh rate possible as this gives you smoother-looking motion. For competitive games, a single frame is the difference between victory and defeat. That said, below are some of the refresh rates to consider:

• 60Hz - The minimum required refresh rate for a smooth gaming experience.
• 120Hz - Provides a visible difference in display quality and playability.
• 144Hz - No huge difference from 120Hz but the more popular standard. It's your best option for future-proofing your displays.
• 240Hz - A less significant leap compared to jumping from 60 to 144 Hz. Most current hardware cannot support this frame rate at this point, but a good choice to be future-ready. 

Screen tearing is when frames are rendered incorrectly, resulting in jagged lines on the background. Adaptive Sync technology remedies this by synchronizing your GPU to your display. Currently, NVIDIA's G-Sync provides the best performance with virtually no screen tears at all. However, it's designed to only work with NVIDIA graphics card, so be sure that you're one of their users.

Meanwhile, FreeSync works with all kinds of GPUs at the expense of varying degrees of effectiveness. Some users claim that the performance is similar to G-Sync's, while others say that the effect is subpar. Regardless of what you get, adaptive-sync technology is excellent in preventing ghosting or stuttering during gameplay.

Aside from technical specifications, you may also want to consider what type of screen to go for. Straight or flat screens are similar to TVs. They're designed for simplicity and they tend to be more sturdy than their curved counterparts as well. Plus, it's easier to share screens when playing co-op games!

On the other hand, curved monitors give a more immersive experience. The angular design takes up your peripheral vision to pull you into the game. They also cause less eye strain, making them a great choice if you play games for long periods of time. However, it may take a while to get used to, especially when working on documents or other non-gaming tasks.

A connection port is crucial in determining how well your monitor will perform. Depending on the type, you'll sometimes get a higher refresh rate or a better resolution. Let's take a quick rundown of the available connection types for your gaming monitor.

• High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI): The industry standard to transmit audio and video signals; best for PCs or consoles to connect to a monitor
• DisplayPort (DP): Currently the best connector for an audio and video signal as it can transmit 144Hz in a 4K resolution
  
• Video Graphics Array (VGA): Old, legacy video connector suitable when nothing else is available
• Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB-C): The newest audio, video, data, and power connector. The best connection for laptops and mobile devices

Some monitors will have other features that aim to make your gaming experience more comfortable. This includes anti-glare or anti-flicker features to lessen eye strain and different adjustable options for set-up, such as the ability to be wall-mountable.

If you're getting a higher-end gaming monitor and want to get your money's worth, get one with at least one of these features, especially if you're looking for something super flexible that you can set up in any way. This will ensure that you can achieve your dream gaming set up.