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Door staff@engadget.com (Max Miller) - 03 Nov 2026
After determining the refresh rate, resolution and aspect ratio ideal to your setup, the biggest choice you'll make is the type of panel your monitor is fitted with. For most gamers, the two best choices are OLED and Fast IPS, in that order.
OLED is well known for its technically infinite contrast ratios, accurate colors and near-instant response times. Because each pixel is self-emissive, it produces its own light rather than relying on a backlight; OLED pixels simply do not illuminate where an image is truly black, meaning they stay black rather than turning dark grey in the way LCD panels do. That makes them ideal for gaming, especially if you value HDR performance.
However, OLED displays have their drawbacks. They require more care to prevent OLED burn-in, a condition in which leaving a static image on screen for too long leaves a permanent ghost of that image on the screen. Newer OLEDs address this with pixel-shifting that slightly moves the picture around and pixel-cleaning cycles that help keep wear and tear even across the display. If you're the sort of person who leaves your monitor on for hours when you're not using it, an OLED will force you to change that behavior.
OLEDs are also dimmer than LCDs and are consequently worse in well-lit environments. Some manufacturers offer matte coatings on their OLED models, which can help, but these displays look best in a dim or dark room. Text fringing is another issue, as is motion flicker and while the latest generation of OLED has come a long way in minimizing them, gamers who also work with documents and spreadsheets should take those issues into consideration before paying the higher cost for an OLED. Thatcost is perhaps the biggest downside, as even entry-level OLEDs start around $400 in late 2026. If you do choose to go OLED, scout for sales.
LCD panels lack the sheer wow factor of OLED, but they are more versatile. There are a range of LCD types, but Fast IPS is generally the best for gaming. IPS panels deliver excellent colors, great viewing angles and they have very consistent performance. However, regular IPS can introduce significant motion blur, which is reduced in a Fast IPS panel. For users who game in bright environments, plan to do productivity work on their gaming PC, or are on a budget, Fast IPS is an easy recommendation.
OLED is well known for its technically infinite contrast ratios, accurate colors and near-instant response times. Because each pixel is self-emissive, it produces its own light rather than relying on a backlight; OLED pixels simply do not illuminate where an image is truly black, meaning they stay black rather than turning dark grey in the way LCD panels do. That makes them ideal for gaming, especially if you value HDR performance.
However, OLED displays have their drawbacks. They require more care to prevent OLED burn-in, a condition in which leaving a static image on screen for too long leaves a permanent ghost of that image on the screen. Newer OLEDs address this with pixel-shifting that slightly moves the picture around and pixel-cleaning cycles that help keep wear and tear even across the display. If you're the sort of person who leaves your monitor on for hours when you're not using it, an OLED will force you to change that behavior.
OLEDs are also dimmer than LCDs and are consequently worse in well-lit environments. Some manufacturers offer matte coatings on their OLED models, which can help, but these displays look best in a dim or dark room. Text fringing is another issue, as is motion flicker and while the latest generation of OLED has come a long way in minimizing them, gamers who also work with documents and spreadsheets should take those issues into consideration before paying the higher cost for an OLED. Thatcost is perhaps the biggest downside, as even entry-level OLEDs start around $400 in late 2026. If you do choose to go OLED, scout for sales.
LCD panels lack the sheer wow factor of OLED, but they are more versatile. There are a range of LCD types, but Fast IPS is generally the best for gaming. IPS panels deliver excellent colors, great viewing angles and they have very consistent performance. However, regular IPS can introduce significant motion blur, which is reduced in a Fast IPS panel. For users who game in bright environments, plan to do productivity work on their gaming PC, or are on a budget, Fast IPS is an easy recommendation.