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Home > Blog > Top 5 Reasons to Choose OLED Gaming Monitors

POSTED: 07 November, 2024

Top 5 Reasons to Choose OLED Gaming Monitors

Tired of screen lag and washed-out colours holding back your gaming experience? OLED monitors are here to change that. With faster response times, vibrant visuals, and stunning contrast, OLED technology takes your gameplay to a whole new level of immersion and performance. 

Manufacturers today use several types of panels in gaming monitors, including Twisted Nematic (TN), Vertical Alignment (VA), In-Plane Switching (IPS), and Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED). Of these options, OLED is the newest and, while it’s often seen as the most expensive, it’s quickly becoming a favourite for elite gaming setups. OLED monitors are quickly becoming the go-to choice for gamers who demand more from their displays. The deep blacks, brilliant colours, and razor-sharp clarity these screens provide are unmatched by traditional monitors, giving you a competitive edge and making every detail in your games pop. With their fluid performance and immersive visuals, they offer everything gamers need to stay ahead.   

This article will discover the best OLED and curved gaming monitors and see how much better your gaming can be. But before that, let’s look at the 5 reasons to choose the OLED gaming monitors.  

Unmatched Picture Quality 

You're deep into an epic gaming session, navigating through the dark parts of a fantasy realm in Elden Ring, or racing through the neon-lit streets of Cyberpunk 2077. As you dodge shadows and explore vibrant landscapes, the last thing you want is for the colours to appear dull or the blacks to look grey. That's where OLED technology comes in. 

With OLED monitors, each pixel emits its own light, which means they can achieve true blacks that traditional LCDs simply can’t match. While LCDs rely on backlighting that can lead to washed-out colours and poor black levels, OLEDs provide stunning contrast that makes every detail pop. This creates a more immersive experience, allowing you to see the subtle nuances in games that use shadowing, like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla or the visually rich worlds of Horizon Zero Dawn.  

The result? Richer colours and lifelike imagery transport you right into the heart of the action. 

Best OLED Monitor: Acer Predator X27U  

This powerful monitor features a 26.5-inch-Wide Quad HD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440, ensuring that every pixel is sharp and clear. With an incredible 0.03 ms response time and a refresh rate of 240 Hz, it’s designed for fast-paced gaming, making it perfect for competitive titles like Call of Duty: Warzone. Plus, its AMD FreeSync Premium technology guarantees smooth, tear-free gameplay, so you can focus on your game without distractions. 

Pros & Cons  

Pros 

Cons 

  •  Self-lit pixels provide stunning contrast with true blacks and vibrant colours. 
  •  Ultra-fast response enhances performance, ideal for fast-action gaming. 
  •  Ensures smooth gameplay, especially in fast-paced genres. 
  •  Includes HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.2, and USB-C for versatile connections. 
  •  Provides a smooth gaming experience without screen tearing. 
  •  OLED monitors can be pricier than traditional displays. 
  • The 26.5-inch screen may feel cramped for gamers who prefer larger monitors. 
  • Potential for image burn-in if static images are displayed for too long, though manufacturers now offer warranties to mitigate this risk. 
  • While WQHD is excellent, some gamers may still prefer the higher resolution of 4K. 

 

 True HDR Experience 

When it comes to immersive gaming, nothing beats the magic of High Dynamic Range (HDR), and OLED monitors deliver it like no other. These displays offer an exceptional dynamic range that brings out the best in both bright and dark scenes, making games feel more realistic than ever before.  

As you travel through a sun-drenched landscape in Forza Horizon 5, the sun glints off your car's surface, while the shadows cast by nearby trees are deep and rich. This contrast creates an experience where you can feel the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the shade, adding layers of depth to your gameplay. 

Unlike traditional LCDs, which often struggle with contrast, OLED monitors have the unique ability to turn off individual pixels completely. This means you get true blacks that enhance the overall image quality. The result? Games that utilise HDR, like Resident Evil Village or Spider-Man: Miles Morales, come to life with a vibrancy and clarity that’s simply unmatched. 

Best 4K Gaming Monitor: ASUS ROG Swift

One fantastic option for experiencing this premium visual quality is the ASUS ROG Swift. This powerhouse boasts a stunning 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160, ensuring that every detail is crystal clear, and with a lightning-fast 0.1 ms response time, you won’t miss a beat during those intense gaming sessions. Plus, the 138 Hz refresh rate means buttery smooth motion that’s essential for fast-paced games, allowing you to react quicker than your opponents. 

Pros & Cons 

Pros 

Cons 

  • Delivers deeper contrast and vibrant colours for a more realistic gaming experience. 
  • Provides an expansive view for immersive gaming sessions. 
  • Minimises motion blur and ensures sharp visuals in fast-paced games. 
  • Reduces screen tearing and stuttering for smoother gameplay. 
  •  Provides deeper blacks and brighter whites for stunning visuals. 
  • Premium features come with a higher price tag. 
  • The large screen may not fit in smaller gaming setups. 
  • Larger monitors can be cumbersome to mount or move. 
  • Like other OLED displays, there’s a potential for image retention if static images are displayed for too long, though warranties can help. 

 

Quality Tests for Gaming Monitors! 
Before using your new gaming monitor, it's essential to conduct a few quick tests to ensure its quality and performance. These tests include checking for colour uniformity across the screen, measuring input lag for smooth gameplay, and verifying that the monitor doesn't suffer from burn-in, which can cause permanent ghosting.  

Instant Response Time for Competitive Edge 

Let’s take it like that; you’re deep in a fast-paced online match in Call of Duty, and every millisecond counts. Your opponent appears out of nowhere, and you only have a fraction of a second to aim and fire. With traditional monitors, motion blur or ghosting could mean the difference between landing a headshot or missing completely. OLED gaming monitors provide the lightning-fast response times sometimes as low as 0.1ms. OLED screens eliminate motion blur and ghosting, ensuring that every frame of your gameplay is sharp, smooth, and crystal-clear. 

For competitive gamers, response time can be a game-changer. The faster the pixels can change, the quicker you can react to in-game action. Whether you're fighting for survival in Fortnite or playing an intense round of Rocket League, having ultra-responsive visuals means that you’ll see your opponent before they see you, giving you a critical advantage in fast-moving scenarios. 

144HZ Gaming Monitor: ASUS ROG Swift 

OLED monitors with 144Hz refresh rates, take things up a notch. A higher refresh rate, combined with ultra-fast response times, delivers smooth motion that is perfect for competitive FPS, racing games, and MOBAs. The ASUS ROG Swift Curved Gaming Monitor, with a massive 49-inch curved display and a 0.03ms response time, offers you not only an immersive field of view but also a fluid, lag-free experience. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures that every movement feels responsive, whether you're drifting in Forza Motorsport or gunning down enemies in Apex Legends. 

Pros & Cons 

Pros 

Cons 

  •  It Eliminates motion blur and ghosting, perfect for competitive gaming. 
  •  Provides smoother motion and higher frame rates for a more immersive experience. 
  • Immersive and expansive field of view, great for multi-tasking and ultra-wide gaming. 
  • It reduces screen tearing and improves gameplay smoothness. 
  • Deeper blacks and more vibrant colours enhance visual quality. 
  • 49-inch curved monitor may require a larger setup or desk space. 
  • The advanced features come at a premium cost. 
  • While 5120x1440 is excellent for gaming, not all games may support ultra-wide resolutions. 
  • Like other OLED displays, prolonged display of static images may result in image retention, though warranties and technology have minimised this risk. 
  • Larger monitors like this can be harder to move and set up. 

Energy Efficiency and Low Heat Emission 

Unlike traditional monitors that rely on a constant backlight, OLED monitors have self-lit pixels. That means they only use energy where it’s needed—when the pixels light up—especially when displaying brighter images. When showing black or darker tones, the OLED pixels simply turn off, conserving energy and offering true black levels at the same time. This leads to significant energy savings compared to LCD or IPS panels, which constantly use a backlight, whether the screen is black or not. 

But that’s not all. OLED screens generate less heat because they don't have an always-on backlight, making them ideal for gamers who enjoy extended playtime. No more worrying about your monitor overheating during those all-night Call of Duty or FIFA sessions. Lower heat also means the monitor stays cooler to the touch, and your room doesn’t heat up as much, keeping things comfortable during long gaming marathons. 

Best 4K Gaming Monitor: ASUS ROG Swift 

 ASUS ROG Swift XG32AQ 32" WQHD IPS 175Hz

For those who love 4K gaming but are concerned about the power demands of such high-resolution displays, OLED monitors offer a solution. The ASUS ROG Swift PG49WCD 49" 4K Ultra HD OLED 144Hz FreeSync Curved Gaming Monitor is a great example. It provides an ultra-wide 5120 x 1440 resolution while still being more energy-efficient than traditional 4K monitors. 

Pros & Cons 

Pros 

Cons 

  • Self-lit pixels use less power, especially in darker scenes, reducing energy consumption. 
  • Ideal for long gaming sessions, preventing overheating and keeping your space cooler. 
  • Crisp, vibrant visuals with true blacks and a wide colour range. 
  • Smooth gameplay for competitive gamers, offering fluid motion even in fast-paced games. 
  • Reduces screen tearing for smoother visuals during fast action scenes. 
  • OLED monitors tend to be more expensive upfront. 
  • Though less common with newer models, prolonged static images can still risk burn-in. 
  • At 49 inches, this monitor may require ample desk space or mounting options. 
  • While great for immersive games, some games may not support this ratio, resulting in black bars. 
  • Larger, curved monitors like this can be more challenging to set up or reposition. 

OLED Monitors Aren’t as Expensive as You Think 

That’s a common myth that OLED monitors are only for gamers with deep pockets, but that’s not entirely true. While OLED technology does offer premium features, it doesn't always come with an unaffordable price tag. In fact, there are many budget-friendly OLED gaming monitors that deliver stunning performance.  

Budget-Friendly Gaming Monitor: AOC AGON PRO 

 AOC AGON PRO AG276QZD 26.5" OLED Quad HD 240Hz 0.03ms

The AOC AGON PRO, a 26.5" Quad HD OLED Gaming Monitor, is available at Box.co.uk for £599.99. Yes, you read that right. At under £600, you can get OLED-level visuals with features that rival the most expensive monitors on the market. It’s equipped with NVIDIA G-SYNC for smooth gameplay and a 240Hz refresh rate that’s perfect for competitive gaming. Whether you're playing Apex Legends, Call of Duty, or any fast-paced FPS game, the 0.03ms response time ensures you won’t experience lag or ghosting. 

Not only do you get the rich blacks and vibrant colours that OLED technology is known for, but the Quad HD resolution (2560 x 1440) offers a sweet spot between 4K and Full HD, delivering crystal-clear graphics without putting too much strain on your hardware. 

Pros & Cons  

Pros 

Cons 

  • This is one of the more budget-friendly OLED gaming monitors available. 
  • Ideal for competitive gaming, offering ultra-smooth gameplay even in the most action-packed moments. 
  • Reduces screen tearing and stuttering for smoother visuals during gameplay. 
  • Eliminates input lag and ghosting, perfect for fast-paced games. 
  • 1500000:1 for true blacks and deep contrasts. 
  • Quad HD is lower than 4K, so you won’t get the same level of detail as higher-end OLED monitors. 
  • At 26.5 inches, it may be smaller for gamers seeking a more immersive or cinematic experience. 
  • Some gamers prefer the immersion of a curved monitor, which this model doesn’t offer. 
  • The standard black colour and design may not appeal to those who want a more visually distinctive setup. 
  • While the contrast is great, HDR is missing, which may affect peak brightness in some games. 

Buyer’s Guide: 7 Key Considerations 

When making a purchase, it's essential to do your research and consider various factors to ensure you make an informed decision. This buyer's guide will provide you with seven key considerations to keep in mind as you navigate the shopping process. 

 

Details 

Resolution and Size 

Higher resolution (1440p/4K) offers sharper visuals. Larger screens immerse you in gameplay. 

Refresh Rate 

144Hz or more is ideal for smooth gameplay, especially in fast-paced, competitive titles. 

Response Time 

Less than 1 ms is crucial for eliminating motion blur, perfect for FPS and racing games. 

Connectivity 

Ensure multiple ports (HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, USB-C) for compatibility with various devices. 

Ergonomics and Design 

Adjustable stands, tilt, and eye-care features improve comfort during long gaming sessions. 

Brand Reputation 

Choose brands with solid warranties and responsive after-sales support (ASUS, LG, Samsung). 

Price vs. Performance 

Balance features with budget. OLED monitors can be worth the investment for premium gaming. 

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them 

But wait! It's crucial to be aware of potential pitfalls that can affect your overall experience. This section will highlight common issues and provide practical tips on how to avoid them. 

Pitfall 

How to Avoid 

Burn-In Risk 

Choose monitors with burn-in prevention tech, such as pixel-shifting or screensaver modes. 

Brightness Variation 

Research models for consistent brightness across the screen; check user reviews. 

Colour Accuracy 

Look for professional calibration reports or test it yourself for accurate out-of-the-box settings. 

Why Wait? Elevate Your Game with OLED Monitors Today! 

OLED gaming monitors offer a host of unbeatable benefits for gamers. From their unmatched picture quality with true blacks and vivid colours, to competitive response times that give you the edge in fast-paced games, OLED technology enhances every aspect of gaming. Add to that the true HDR experience, energy efficiency, and surprising affordability, and it's easy to see why they’re the go-to choice for both casual and competitive gamers. 

If you’re ready to upgrade your setup, explore the fantastic range of OLED and curved monitors available at Box.co.uk. There’s an option to suit every budget and gaming style, offering premium features to level up your experience!