Best monitor 2017

Winner: Acer Predator XB271HU

Even though it was originally launched last year, the 27" Acer Predator XB271HU stoically stood the test of time and managed to be one of the most desired gaming monitors in 2017 as well. It wouldn't be completely fair to say that this is the same monitor as when it was first released, though, as Acer issued several revisions of it to resolve some of the issues that were present originally. Their efforts resulted in a fantastic gaming monitor that offers what we currently consider to be the optimal combination of specifications; 27" screen size, 1440p resolution, AHVA (IPS-like) panel technology, 165 Hz refresh rate, and G-Sync support. The native refresh rate of the panel is actually 144 Hz, but "overclocking" it to 165 Hz comes down to changing a single option in the OSD. Until high-end graphics cards reach a level where they can push 100+ frames per second in 4K resolution at fairly high detail settings, the Predator XB271HU will remain a terrific choice for hardcore gamers. Oh, and just look at the thinness of its bezels - sweet!

Read our review

Runner-up: AOC AGON AG271QG

The AOC AGON AG271QG is basically a direct competitor to the Acer Predator XB271HU - its spec sheet is pretty much the same, which means it's another 27" AHVA 1440p 165 Hz G-Sync monitor for hardcore gamers. Even though its bezels are slightly thicker and some aspects of its picture performance are marginally worse than with the Acer Predator XB271HU, once the virtual bullets start flying, you'll hardly be able to tell the difference, but you'll be well aware of the fact that you paid a full $100 less for the AGON AG271QG. Nearly identical top-class experience for less money earns the AOC AGON AG271QG a runner-up position in this year's election.

Read our review

Looking forward to 2018

In 2018, we should see a wider penetration of 4K 144 Hz monitors, including those with screen sizes of 32" and more. AU Optronics, a manufacturer of monitor panels, also announced 1440p TN panels with a 240 Hz refresh rate. The thing is, it's only worth pushing those specs up to a level that can be properly backed with in-game performance. In other words, until we have graphics cards that can reliably push 100+ FPS at 4K and 200+ FPS at 1440p, we won't be able to fully utilize the killer feature of monitors equipped with the aforementioned panels. That's why we're more looking forward to something with a clearly derivable benefit from the moment we turn our PCs on: HDR. HDR monitors still haven't caught on as a massive trend, but 2018 should change that. Gaming models will be accompanied by FreeSync HDR and G-Sync HDR, so we won't have to pick between buttery smoothness and richness of colors. Finally, expect to see a wider adoption of USB-C monitors. For anyone who owns a laptop with a USB-C port, those are extremely convenient and completely remove the need to buy a separate docking station, port replicator, or anything of the sort. You simply plug your peripherals directly into the monitor and connect it to the laptop with a single USB-C cable - it will immediately extend or mirror your desktop, which means you can start using your peripherals, or even charge your laptop's battery.