Buying your first gaming monitor can feel overwhelming. After all, there are so many choices and brands to choose from. There are a few technical aspects that matter more for buying gaming monitors than a standard monitor. The two most critical factors are the response times and refresh rates, which determine how things eventually move on the screen. As for the budget, beginners should ideally look for an 4k gaming monitor, and if you check online stores, you can find choices under $500. In this post, we are discussing more on what it takes to choose the panel. 

The basic options

There are basically three broad segments in panels – IPS, TN, and VA. When it comes to gaming, each one has a few pros and cons. Here’s more on each type of panel- 

1. IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels. If you are a fan of better color and contract, an IPS panel is all you need. However, IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels do not rate well when it comes to refresh rate or response time. IPS panels are ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to compromise on viewing angles and color accuracy. 
2. TN (Twisted Nematic) panels. For those on a budget, TN (Twisted Nematic) panels are the best choice by all means. TN panels usually have high response times and better refresh rates when compared to other panels. However, do not expect the best of viewing experience with these panels. If you are new to gaming, a TN panel may come off as a good investment for smaller budgets. As you decide on spending more on a new model, you can switch to other options. 
3. VA (Vertical Alignment) Panels. The third one on this list is a VA Panel. VA Panels actually offer the best of most features. The color reproduction is not that bad, but you also have better refresh rates and response times. Some VA Panels may not rank in terms of response times though.

Which one to pick?

An IPS monitor is all you need when it comes to visuals and colors. For competition and extensive gaming, you need better refresh rate, so a TN panel comes in handy. If you are okay with spending more and want the best of both options, go for a VA panel monitor. 

You can check online stores to find amazing deals on gaming monitors. Make sure that you don’t pick a size that larger than 30-inch for gaming.