Best Gaming Monitor Canada: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Navigating the world of gaming monitors in Canada can be a daunting task, with endless specs and features to compare. After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, we’ve cut through the noise to bring you the definitive list of the best displays for every type of gamer. From high-refresh-rate beasts for competitive play to stunning 4K panels for immersive adventures, we’ve put them all through their paces. Our top pick, the cocopar 18.5 inch 1080P 100Hz Portable Monitor, stands out for its incredible versatility. It masterfully blends gaming-grade performance, like a 100Hz refresh rate and rich 125% sRGB color, into a featherlight, plug-and-play design, making it the perfect companion for gaming on the go.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Gaming Monitor Canada

#1 cocopar 18.5 inch 1080P 100Hz Portable Monitor – Ideal for: Gaming On The Go

Upon unboxing the cocopar 18.5 inch 1080P 100Hz Portable Monitor, we were immediately struck by its svelte and lightweight design. At just 1.59 pounds and remarkably thin, it’s a game-changer for those who travel or simply want a flexible second screen. The setup was refreshingly simple; we connected it to a MacBook Pro and a Windows laptop via a single USB-C cable, and it worked instantly as an extended display. This plug-and-play simplicity was a common point of praise among users we surveyed. The visual performance is where this monitor truly shines. The 100Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time delivered a smooth and responsive experience in fast-paced games, a noticeable step up from standard 60Hz portable screens. The 125% sRGB color gamut coverage produced exceptionally vibrant and accurate colors, making both games and media consumption a treat. Its 320 nits of brightness combined with a matte screen finish meant we had no issues with glare, even in well-lit rooms. The built-in kickstand is sturdy and offers a wide 180° range of adjustment, which we found incredibly useful for finding the perfect viewing angle.

#2 HP Series 5 24” FHD 100Hz Monitor – Perfect for: Stylish and Budget-Friendly Setups

The HP Series 5 24” FHD 100Hz Monitor offers a compelling blend of style, performance, and value. The silver and white design is sleek and modern, adding a touch of elegance to our workspace that you don’t often find at this price point. We found the build quality to be surprisingly premium. The IPS panel delivered on its promise of accurate colors with its 99% sRGB coverage, and the 178-degree viewing angles were excellent, with no color shifting as we moved around. The 100Hz refresh rate provided a noticeable improvement over standard 60Hz monitors, making everything from scrolling through web pages to light gaming feel smoother and more responsive. Our experience was confirmed by several users who noted the great picture quality and easy, plug-and-play setup. The HP Eye Ease with Eyesafe certification is a standout feature, effectively reducing blue light without the typical yellow tint, which we appreciated during long work and gaming sessions. It kept our eyes comfortable without compromising color accuracy. While the built-in speakers are absent, its visual performance and design more than make up for it, making it a fantastic choice for a home office or a secondary gaming display.

#3 ViewSonic VX3276-MHD 32-Inch IPS Monitor – Suits: Immersive Large-Screen Entertainment

If you’re looking for an expansive, immersive viewing experience without breaking the bank, the ViewSonic VX3276-MHD 32-Inch IPS Monitor is a formidable contender. The first thing we noticed was its stunning, ultra-slim design. The thin bezels and metallic stand give it a high-end look that elevates any desk setup. The 32-inch SuperClear IPS panel is the star of the show, providing vibrant colors and consistent brightness from ultra-wide viewing angles. While it’s a 1080p resolution, which can look a bit soft when stretched across a 32-inch screen for close-up text work, it’s fantastic for media consumption and casual gaming from a slight distance. During our testing, movies and games felt incredibly immersive. The 75Hz refresh rate offers a modest but welcome improvement over 60Hz, making motion feel a bit smoother. Many users agreed, praising the monitor for its excellent value and large, beautiful display perfect for work and entertainment. We also appreciated the inclusion of both Flicker-Free technology and a Blue Light Filter, which helped reduce eye strain during our longer testing periods. The built-in speakers are decent for system sounds and casual video watching, though for a truly cinematic experience, external speakers are recommended.

#4 ARZOPA S1 Table Portable Monitor 15.6″ FHD – Ideal for: The Ultimate Mobile Workstation

The ARZOPA S1 Table Portable Monitor 15.6″ FHD is an absolute game-changer for anyone who needs to be productive on the move. We were impressed by how incredibly light and slim it is, easily slipping into a laptop bag alongside our main device without adding significant bulk. As many users have celebrated, the plug-and-play functionality is flawless. We connected it to our laptop with a single USB-C cable, and it instantly powered on and extended our desktop—no drivers, no fuss. The 15.6-inch FHD IPS screen is bright, clear, and provides excellent color for everyday tasks like working on documents, browsing the web, and watching videos. While its 60Hz refresh rate isn’t geared towards competitive gaming, it’s more than sufficient for casual titles and productivity. The anti-glare screen and eye-care technology were effective in reducing strain during long work sessions in various lighting conditions. The included smart cover, which doubles as a stand, is a clever addition, providing protection during transit and a stable base during use. While the color vibrancy may not satisfy professional graphic designers, as some have noted, it’s a fantastic and affordable tool for drastically improving workflow efficiency when away from your main desk.

#5 Dell S2722DC 27-inch QHD USB-C Monitor – Perfect for: The All-in-One Productivity and Gaming Hub

The Dell S2722DC 27-inch QHD USB-C Monitor immediately impressed us as a do-it-all display perfect for a modern, clutter-free desk. The single USB-C cable connection is its killer feature, allowing us to connect our MacBook Pro to transmit video, audio, and data while simultaneously delivering up to 65W of power. This streamlined our setup instantly. The 27-inch QHD (2560×1440) resolution is the sweet spot for this size, providing sharp text and detailed images without needing to scale. The IPS panel offers fantastic color reproduction with 99% sRGB coverage, making it great for both work and play. We found the fully adjustable stand to be a huge ergonomic win; being able to tilt, swivel, pivot, and adjust the height made finding the perfect position effortless. This sentiment was echoed by users who praised its versatility, especially the ability to rotate it into a vertical orientation for coding or document editing. For gaming, the 75Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support provide a smooth, tear-free experience for casual to moderate gaming. While the built-in speakers are quite basic, as noted by several owners, the overall package of connectivity, image quality, and ergonomics is outstanding.

#6 Asus TUF VG34VQ3B 34” Ultra-Wide Curved Gaming Monitor 180Hz – Suits: Hardcore Immersive Gaming

For gamers seeking maximum immersion, the Asus TUF VG34VQ3B 34” Ultra-Wide Curved Gaming Monitor 180Hz is an absolute beast. The 34-inch, 21:9 QHD panel completely filled our peripheral vision, pulling us deep into the game worlds of titles like Cyberpunk 2077. The 1500R curvature felt natural and comfortable, enhancing the sense of depth without causing distortion. Performance is where this monitor truly excels. The lightning-fast 180Hz refresh rate combined with a 1ms response time created an incredibly fluid and responsive experience. We detected virtually no motion blur or ghosting, even in the most frantic FPS battles, thanks to the effective Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) Sync and FreeSync Premium technologies. The 90% DCI-P3 color gamut provided rich, punchy colors that made games look spectacular. Several users confirmed our findings, highlighting how brilliant and beautiful games run on this display. The stand is sturdy and stable, a necessity for a monitor of this size. While the built-in speakers are a nice bonus, they won’t replace a dedicated sound system. This monitor is a top-tier choice for gamers who want a competitive edge without sacrificing cinematic immersion.

#7 acer Nitro ED270R 27-inch FHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor – Ideal for: Competitive 1080p Gaming on a Budget

The acer Nitro ED270R 27-inch FHD 165Hz Gaming Monitor hits a fantastic sweet spot for competitive gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. During our tests with fast-paced shooters like Valorant, the 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time delivered the buttery-smooth gameplay needed for high-level play. We experienced no noticeable ghosting or input lag, which is critical when every millisecond counts. This experience is backed by numerous users who compete in high-ranked lobbies and praise its responsiveness. The 1500R curve on the 27-inch panel adds a nice touch of immersion, wrapping the action around you. AMD FreeSync Premium worked flawlessly to eliminate screen tearing, keeping the visuals clean and coherent even when frame rates fluctuated. The ZeroFrame design is also a great feature, making it a solid candidate for multi-monitor setups with its nearly seamless bezels. While the 1080p resolution on a 27-inch screen means it’s not the sharpest display for productivity, it’s a perfect match for achieving high frame rates with mid-range graphics cards. For a pure gaming focus at this price, the performance is hard to beat.

#8 Samsung LS27T350FHNXZA 27-inch LED Monitor 75Hz Freesync – Perfect for: Entry-Level Gaming and Everyday Use

The Samsung LS27T350FHNXZA 27-inch LED Monitor 75Hz Freesync is an excellent choice for those new to PC gaming or looking for a versatile monitor for general use. The 3-sided borderless design immediately caught our eye, giving it a modern and sleek appearance that looks great in any setup, especially when placed next to another monitor. The IPS panel is a significant advantage at this price, delivering rich colors and wide viewing angles that are far superior to older TN panels. We found the image quality to be clear and crisp for both productivity and media. The 75Hz refresh rate is a welcome step up from the standard 60Hz, providing a noticeably smoother experience in games and even just moving the cursor around the desktop. AMD FreeSync technology effectively prevents screen tearing, which is a great feature for gaming. We also appreciated the dedicated Eye-Saver Mode, which visibly reduced blue light and made for more comfortable viewing over extended periods. While it’s a basic monitor without high-end gaming features, as some users pointed out, it reliably covers all the essentials with good image quality and a touch of modern design, making it a fantastic value.

#9 Asus ProArt PA278QV WQHD Monitor – Suits: Content Creators Who Also Game

The Asus ProArt PA278QV WQHD Monitor is built from the ground up for creative professionals, and it shows. The standout feature is its phenomenal color accuracy. Out of the box, our unit was Calman Verified with a Delta E of less than 2, meaning the colors we saw on screen were virtually indistinguishable from real life. Covering 100% of both the sRGB and Rec. 709 color gamuts, it’s an ideal canvas for photo editing, video work, and graphic design. The 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS panel is incredibly sharp, providing ample detail and screen real estate. But it’s not just for work. We found it to be a very capable gaming monitor for non-competitive titles. The 75Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time delivered a smooth and enjoyable experience in games like Far Cry 5, as one user also noted. The highly ergonomic stand is another major plus, offering full tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment. This allowed us to easily switch to a vertical orientation for coding and writing. While the built-in speakers are underwhelming, anyone serious about audio will have external speakers anyway. This monitor is the perfect hybrid for creators who demand color precision but also enjoy gaming in their downtime.

#10 Asus ProArt Display PA248QV 24.1” WUXGA Monitor – Ideal for: Aspiring Creatives and Coders

The Asus ProArt Display PA248QV 24.1” WUXGA Monitor is a fantastic tool for those who need professional-grade color accuracy in a more compact and affordable package. We were immediately impressed by its 16:10 aspect ratio. The extra vertical space from the 1920×1200 resolution is a significant quality-of-life improvement for coding, writing, and navigating timelines in editing software. Just like its larger sibling, this monitor boasts superb, factory-calibrated color accuracy, covering 100% of the sRGB and Rec. 709 gamuts. For any design or photo work, this is a monitor we could trust. The build quality feels excellent, and the fully adjustable stand is a joy to use, allowing for easy height adjustment and a quick pivot to portrait mode. Several users highlighted this sturdy, versatile stand as a major benefit. While its 75Hz refresh rate makes it suitable for casual gaming, its primary strength lies in productivity and creative work. The built-in USB hub is also a convenient feature for connecting peripherals directly to the monitor. This is an easy recommendation for students, programmers, and budding creatives who need a reliable and color-accurate display without a huge footprint or price tag.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

When choosing a gaming monitor, it’s easy to get lost in the technical jargon. Here are the most important factors to focus on:

• Resolution: This determines the sharpness of the image. 1080p (Full HD) is the baseline for gaming, 1440p (QHD) offers a significant step up in detail and is the current sweet spot, while 4K (UHD) provides incredible clarity but requires a powerful graphics card to run games smoothly.
• Refresh Rate (Hz): This is how many times per second the screen updates the image. A standard monitor is 60Hz, but for gaming, 100Hz or higher is recommended. Higher refresh rates (like 144Hz, 165Hz, or 180Hz) result in much smoother motion, which is a huge advantage in fast-paced games.
• Response Time: Measured in milliseconds (ms), this is how quickly a pixel can change color. A lower response time (e.g., 1ms) reduces motion blur and ghosting, making fast action look clearer.
• Panel Type: IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels offer the best color accuracy and viewing angles, making them great all-rounders. VA (Vertical Alignment) panels have superior contrast for deeper blacks, which is great for immersion. TN (Twisted Nematic) panels are the fastest but often have worse color and viewing angles.

Understanding Adaptive Sync

Adaptive Sync technology synchronizes your monitor’s refresh rate with the frame rate output from your graphics card. This eliminates ugly screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in a much smoother gaming experience. There are two main types:

• AMD FreeSync: This is an open standard that works with AMD graphics cards and, in many cases, modern NVIDIA cards as well. FreeSync monitors are generally more affordable.
• NVIDIA G-Sync: This is a proprietary technology that requires a special module inside the monitor and only works with NVIDIA graphics cards. It often has stricter certification, but typically comes at a higher price.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls when buying your next gaming monitor:

• Mismatching Resolution and GPU Power: Buying a 4K monitor when you have an entry-level graphics card will result in very low frame rates. Ensure your PC can handle the resolution you choose.
• Ignoring Panel Type: Don’t just look at refresh rate. An ultra-fast TN panel might be great for competitive shooters, but its poor colors will make cinematic RPGs look washed out. Choose a panel type that suits the games you play most.
• Forgetting About Ergonomics: A monitor with a fixed stand can lead to neck and back pain. Look for models with height, tilt, and swivel adjustments to ensure you can position it comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is more important for gaming: resolution or refresh rate?

This depends on the type of games you play. For competitive, fast-paced games like first-person shooters (FPS) or racing sims, a higher refresh rate (144Hz or above) is more important for smooth, responsive gameplay. For slower-paced, visually rich games like RPGs or strategy titles, a higher resolution (1440p or 4K) will provide a more immersive and detailed experience. For most gamers, 1440p at 144Hz is considered the current “sweet spot.”

Is 144Hz still a good refresh rate for gaming in 2024?

Yes, 144Hz is still an excellent refresh rate for gaming in 2024. It provides a massive, noticeable improvement in smoothness and responsiveness over standard 60Hz or 75Hz monitors. While even higher refresh rates like 180Hz or 240Hz exist for elite competitive players, 144Hz offers a fantastic experience for the vast majority of gamers and is a great target for mid-range to high-end PCs.

What is the ideal response time for a competitive gaming monitor?

For competitive gaming, the ideal response time is 1ms (millisecond) or lower. This minimizes motion blur and “ghosting,” which is when a faint trail is visible behind moving objects. A low response time ensures the image remains as clear as possible during fast action, allowing you to track targets more effectively.

Should I get a G-Sync or FreeSync monitor for my specific graphics card?

If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, you can use either a G-Sync monitor or a “G-Sync Compatible” FreeSync monitor. If you have an AMD graphics card, you should get a FreeSync monitor. G-Sync monitors often have a slightly better implementation but come at a premium price. High-quality FreeSync (often labeled FreeSync Premium or Premium Pro) monitors offer a comparable experience and are often more budget-friendly.

Is an ultrawide monitor better for immersive RPGs or competitive FPS games?

Ultrawide monitors (with a 21:9 aspect ratio) excel at immersion, making them fantastic for RPGs, racing games, and cinematic single-player adventures. The wider field of view can pull you into the game world. For competitive FPS games, it’s a mixed bag. While the extra peripheral vision can be an advantage, some competitive games don’t support the aspect ratio properly, and many pro players prefer standard 16:9 monitors for easier focus on the center of the screen.

Are OLED gaming monitors worth the higher price in Canada?

OLED gaming monitors offer unparalleled image quality with perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and near-instantaneous response times. This results in breathtaking visuals, especially in dark, atmospheric games. However, they are significantly more expensive and carry a risk of burn-in (permanent image retention). For gamers who prioritize the absolute best visual fidelity and have the budget, they are worth it. For most others, a high-quality IPS or VA monitor offers a better balance of price and performance.

What is the sweet spot for gaming monitor size, 27-inch or 32-inch?

The sweet spot for most gamers is a 27-inch monitor, especially at 1440p (QHD) resolution. This size offers a great level of immersion without being overwhelming on a standard desk, and the pixel density is sharp and clear. A 32-inch monitor provides a more cinematic and immersive experience but is best paired with a 4K resolution to maintain sharpness. For many, a 32-inch monitor can be too large for competitive gaming where seeing the entire screen at once is crucial.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After rigorous testing, our top recommendation remains the cocopar 18.5 inch 1080P 100Hz Portable Monitor. It masterfully carves out a unique niche, delivering features that dedicated gamers demand in a form factor that offers unparalleled freedom. We found its combination of a fluid 100Hz refresh rate, surprisingly rich 125% sRGB color display, and effortless single-cable connectivity to be a winning formula. It’s not just a secondary screen; it’s a fully capable gaming display you can take anywhere. Whether you’re a student in a dorm, a frequent traveler, or someone who wants to hook up a console in any room, this monitor adapts to your needs without compromising on the smooth, vibrant performance that makes gaming great.

Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API