What actually matters
- 1Refresh rate (Hz) — match it to your hardware. 144Hz is the great-value standard; 240Hz+ suits competitive players with a powerful PC. A console (PS5/Series X) tops out at 120Hz, so don't pay for more.
- 2Resolution & size go together. 1080p for fast esports on a budget; 1440p is the sweet spot for most at 27"; 4K looks stunning but needs a strong GPU. Bigger isn't better if the resolution doesn't scale with it.
- 3Panel type. IPS for great colour and viewing angles (most people); OLED for the best contrast and response (premium); fast VA for deep blacks on a budget.
- 4VRR (G-Sync/FreeSync) removes tearing and is near-universal now — just check it's supported for your GPU/console.
Typical UK price bands (2026)
| Budget | What you get |
|---|---|
| £120–£220 | Solid 1080p/1440p 144Hz IPS — superb value for most gamers. |
| £250–£500 | High-refresh 1440p or entry 4K, better panels and HDR. |
| £600+ | OLED and high-refresh 4K — premium, GPU-dependent. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Buying 240Hz 4K with a mid-range GPU that can't feed it — you pay for frames you'll never see.
- ✕Chasing "HDR" on a cheap panel — budget HDR often looks worse than good SDR.
- ✕Paying RRP — monitors discount hard and often; the "sale" is frequently the real price.
See today's top gaming monitors — with live UK prices
Savvey Search asks your hardware, resolution and budget, then shows three current, in-stock picks with live verified UK prices. Strong options span LG, Samsung, AOC, MSI and Gigabyte at every level — check what's current and cheapest now.
Get my monitor picks →Is it actually a good price?
Monitors are a deal-hunter's category — the same panel can be £80+ cheaper at one retailer than another, and last-gen models linger at confusing prices. Savvey checks 40+ UK retailers for the exact model and shows the cheapest verified price against the median, so you can tell a real deal from a fake "was".
FAQ
144Hz or 240Hz?
144Hz is the value sweet spot and plenty for most. 240Hz+ only pays off for competitive play with a GPU that can hit those frames.
1440p or 4K?
1440p at 27" is the best balance for most. 4K is gorgeous but demands a powerful GPU; consoles handle it well at 60–120Hz.
Is OLED worth it for gaming?
It has the best contrast and response, but costs more and needs care over burn-in. Excellent if it's in budget.