HDR monitors for gaming are in many ways imperfect due to a myriad of reasons such as poor content compatibility and confusing industry standards. This category met setbacks, but that hasn’t stop manufacturers from attempting to make amazing iterations. These select few are your best bets if you are looking to buy one of the HDR monitors for gaming available today.
Note: If you want to know more about HDR monitors, check out this article.
Best HDR Monitors for Gaming
1. BenQ EW3270U
The BenQ EW3270U is one of the best 4K monitors with HDR you can pair with your PC or console like the Xbox One X. The VA panel in this device works well to provide extra vibrant colors which are a bit off the ideal accuracy level, but excellent for eye-popping visuals. The design is relatively simple, but the size fits 4K gaming perfectly while the functionalities sufficiently take care of your needs.
This model utilizes BenQ’s exclusive HDR function and Brightness Intelligence Plus to boost visibility and the dynamic range of the image. What’s great about this monitor is you can activate these special features with a press of the button that’s easily accessible up front. The low input lag of the screen and the good pixel response makes it a joy to play games and watch movies on this monitor.
2. Dell UP2718Q
The Dell UP2718Q is the only FALD (Full Array Local Dimming) backlight equipped model in this lineup. The multiple individually dimming zones which can pulse up to a 1000cd/m2 brightness enables this option to create an accurate representation of HDR imagery for both games and movies. The 10-bit IPS panel in this model is capable of perfect gamut sRGB and Adobe RGB, plus 97.7% DCI-P3 with spot-on accuracy.
The Dell UP2718Q is built to cater to enthusiasts who want HDR imaging, but it still can handle both a gaming PC and an HDR console. The monitor’s connectivity (DisplayPort 1.4 for PC, HDMI 2.0a for consoles) can accept HDR signals without any issues, making it the most potent option in this list.
3. LG 32UD99
The LG 32UD99 is another professional display which we found to be quite excellent for gaming purposes thanks to its superb image quality and responsiveness. This IPS monitor’s backlight comes with LEDs on the screen’s edge to give it some individual-zone dimming capabilities. This feature is automatically activated if the display detects an HDR signal, so there is no need for some OSD trickery to enjoy gaming.
We like using professional monitors for gaming because of their superb imaging capabilities. The LG 32UD99 posted tight scores in color fidelity and contrast, plus comprehensive gamut volumes for eye-popping color. The LG 32UD99 is one of the better HDR monitors for gaming out there, although the 20ms input lag (which is acceptable for most users) might turn off some meticulous users.
4. BenQ EX3501R
The BenQ EX3501R marries HDR compatibility into a well-loved form factor for enthusiast or high-end gaming. Like the EW3270U, this monitor comes with an exclusive HDR filter and Brightness Intelligence Plus which you can activate with the press of a button on the screen’s bottom bezel. The product’s design biases towards professional uses, but the monitor’s capabilities cannot be ignored when it comes to enjoying our favorite hobby.
If your game is HDR-compatible, the BenQ EX3501R’s software will render HDR images beautifully. It’s a hit or miss depending on the media, but this new generation of HDR monitors for gaming from BenQ offers the best performance possible outside of FALD or OLED equipped displays.
5. Samsung C32HG70
The Samsung C32HG70 relies on a Quantum-Dot treated VA panel and edge-lit local dimming zones to create HDR imagery for gaming and entertainment. The 32-inch curved screen is also capable of a 144Hz refresh rate, so responsiveness and fluid motion are part of the package. The monitor’s size is also what we consider the bare minimum for curved displays for its immersive property to be fully experienced.
Vibrant images are guaranteed with the Samsung C32HG70 thanks to its Quantum Dot tech which allows the monitor to reproduce 94% of the DCI-P3 gamut. The monitor can also achieve a contrast ratio well over 2000:1 which go well with the edge-lit array to make HDR visuals a reality.
Thoughts on HDR Monitors for Gaming
Unfortunately, the display industry has not yet perfected HDR monitors to make them perfect for gaming. Manufacturers and engineers have a long way to go before this mess is sorted out, despite the massive demand and complaints from those who are eagerly anticipating. However, if budget permits and the time to upgrade is right this moment, then these HDR monitors are your best options.
However, take note that you may encounter some compatibility issues with these monitors and some titles. You also can’t expect these products to match the OLED HDR TVs in the market when it comes to vibrancy and depth. But if you want a level of future proofing or to simply test the waters, we recommend these excellent monitors.
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