Adding a second monitor is a great way to level up your gaming setup. You don’t need to design an entire room or build around it, adding one of the best second monitors for gaming lets you double your display space pretty quickly. You can use a second monitor to watch YouTube or Twitch in the background, follow apps like Discord, or simply make video conferencing and work applications easier.
There are plenty of options out there for a secondary monitor. These are some of the top choices to expand your set-up without having to re-work your PC.
Regarding refresh rates and Windows
If you are connecting a second monitor to your Windows-based PC, there’s a common bug you’ll want to take note of. There’s a long-standing issue within Windows 10 — but not Windows 11 — of stuttering where two monitors are running at different refresh rates.
It most commonly occurs when running fullscreen, or maximised windows, on a second monitor while running a fullscreen/fullscreen window app on the first monitor. If you’ve ever run a Twitch tab, YouTube or Spotify in full view on a second monitor while trying to game — that’s when you run into problems.
To fix this, users have typically resorted to reducing the size of the window on the second screen. If you’re watching Twitch or YouTube, this will usually resolve any playback errors. Another option is to make sure both your monitors are running at the same refresh rate, which rectifies the problem entirely as there’s no variance in how fast apps and windows will refresh. Some users have also had success by upgrading to Windows 11, which handles multi-monitor setups more intelligently than Windows 10.
ASUS ProArt Display 27″ Monitor PA278CV
Key Features
- 2560×1440 Resolution
- Daisy Chaining Display Port
- 75Hz Refresh Rate
This ASUS ProArt display is completely optimized for offering a double monitor view. It comes with DisplayPort, HSMI, and USB-C ports. It also allows for daisy-chaining which can sync your monitor up for a seamless multi-screen experience.
The monitor might be marketed as ‘ProArt’ but it has a refresh rate that can keep up with decent level performance from your existing monitor and gaming PC. There’s also some optimization here to prevent screen tearing and other problems that pop up with multiple displays.
HP VH240a 23.8-Inch Full HD 1080p
Key Features
- 1920 x 1080
- HDMI & VGA Ports
- 60 Hz Refresh Rate
This HP monitor lets you rotate it between landscape or portrait at different angles. There’s potential for some fun viewing angles here or a better top-down look at Twitch chat. With the different options you can get pretty creative. That’s not a big fator if you’re multi-tasking, but some streamer set-ups can really benefit from this.
The screen is bezel-less with multiple viewing angles this allows for complete control. It also has great performance stats though, with a response time of 5ms. The response time for this monitor is 5ms.
Dell 240Hz Gaming Monitor 24.5 Inch Full HD Monitor
Key Features
- 240hz
- 1ms Response Time
- Highly Adjustable
Response time and performance can be the most important factor in choosing the best secondary monitors for gaming. This Dell monitor is far above the norm with a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. It can add on great to even the most powerful gaming PC.
On top of the amazing performance, this monitor has all the features you’d expect to improve your experience. It offers sync technologies to keep your two screens fully lined up together. There is also software to reduce flicker and blue light emissions, making it friendly for long sessions.
BenQ 24 Inch IPS Monitor
Key Features
- 1920×1080 Resolution
- Slim Bezel Design for Better Multi-Screen Set-up
- 60Hz Refresh Rate
Eye care might not be at the top of your mind mid-way through rounds of Call of Duty. Long gaming sessions can take their toll so this monitor features low blue-light and zero-flicker technology. It reduces the strain on your eyes and helps you stay focused.
Outside of the self-care aspects, this is designed with minimal interruption to a multi-screen experience. It’s one of the best second monitors for gaming if you’re looking out for yourself along with wanting a responsive and smooth experience.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM 27” HDR Monitor, 1080P Full HD
Key features
- 280Hz
- G-Sync compatible
- ASUS ELMB Sync
This ASUS secondary gaming monitor can go all the way up to 280Hz as a refresh rate. If you’re trying to get the best FPS, you’re going to need a monster of a PC (or a willingness to reduce settings down to their lowest levels). The VG279QM also has ELMB Sync to reduce ghosting, making it much easier to spot targets at distance in games like Fortnite or PUBG.
The monitor has standard DisplayPort and HDMI inputs. The screen also features HDR. If you’re looking for either high frame rate gaming or high quality, this is a great secondary monitor — and a pretty decent choice for a main monitor, too.
Asus VP228HE 21.5” Full HD 1920×1080
Key features
- 60 Hz
- 1920 x 1080
- 1ms Response Time
This Asus secondary monitor for gaming can get below 1ms of response time, making it near-instantaneous even for demanding online gaming. This kind of performance can easily overshadow your main screen.
Outside of its stats, there is also eye care technology to reduce strain. That’s along with both VGA and HDMI options for connectivity.
HP 24mh FHD Monitor
Key features
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 2ms Response Time
- Zero-frame design
This HP monitor features a design with minimal framing. This cuts down on the edges and gaps between your two screens. It helps to create a more seamless experience.
The monitor also has a decent response time of 2ms along with 144Hz. It’ll match well with a primary high refresh rate monitor, especially if you want to avoid those pesky Windows 10 issues with refresh rates (as outlined above).
Adding a second monitor can make your gaming experience considerably better. The best gaming monitors help if you’re trying to multitask better, start a streaming journey, or just looking to expand your horizons. Those are some of the top picks for the best second monitors for gaming right now. Which is right for you just comes down to what area you want to focus on.
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