Best FreeSync Monitor 2022 (4K, Console, and 240Hz)
An in-depth look at the best FreeSync monitors in today's market - including 144Hz, curved, and ultrawide displays
Looking for the best FreeSync monitor can be easier said than done, especially if you’re new display technology. Thanks to AMD’s rise within the GPU hierarchy, the demand for FreeSync compatible monitors has increased exponentially. That’s right, whether you’re a PC gamer or an XBOX One owner, AMD’s variable refresh rate technology is a must-have when searching for the best visual experience possible.
However, choosing the best FreeSync monitor for your needs can be a tricky little prospect – especially when you consider the amount of FreeSync compatible panels that now populate the display market. For that reason, we’ll be reviewing (and recommending) the best FreeSync monitors available this 2021. Whether you’re looking for a rapid 144Hz display or a larger 4K variant, there is a FreeSync compatible option for pretty much every scenario.
With that in mind, let’s waste no further time and dive straight into it!
Our Top Picks
Best FreeSync Monitor in 2021
In-depth Review
Samsung Odyssey G7 (C27G75T)
Samsung Odyssey G7 (C27G75T)
We’ve given the best FreeSync monitor crown to the ever-popular Samsung Odyssey G7 – one of the best all-round gaming monitors on the market. This stellar gaming monitor really does tick all the right boxes if you’re looking to take your gaming to the next level. However, you are going to require a fairly hefty PC build to push the higher end of the 240Hz variable refresh rate range.
Looking at aesthetics, this thing is stunning. The entire lineup of Odyssey monitors looks stunning, bringing a futuristic design to the table that is characterized by subtle curves and sharp edges. The back is where the majority of the focus lies, with a vortex-like RGB zone at the heart of the stand that reminds me of Iron Man’s armor. The G7 comes in two variants; a 27-inch version and a 32-inch version. Whilst the choice between the two is up to you, we would recommend the 27-inch over the latter – offering a more rounded and balanced experience for both gaming and general use.
Design aside, the Samsung G7 really does excel in the performance department. It comes equipped with exceptional motion handling alongside a 240hz refresh rate that lands it slap-bang in the esports-grade category. With a Black Frame insertion feature, users will also be able to improve motion clarity as well. However, remember, you’ll only be able to use this particular feature when FreeSync is active. The 1440p screen resolution also offers fantastic picture clarity and general immersion whilst gaming, but will drive up the demand on your PC’s components – so just keep that in mind when considering this monitor.
With excellent contrast ratio and great black depth, the Samsung G7 also becomes a very efficient monitor for darkroom gaming. The only area this monitor really falls a little flat is in the viewing angles. With it being a VA panel, the viewing angles are less than desirable. However, the pros of this monitor far outweigh the cons.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ
The ASUS VG27AQ is a great little monitor that gets our runner up spot for good reason. Whilst it isn’t as quick as the top pick, it still offers a very efficient 165Hz refresh rate and extremely low input lag. Alongside this, it also offers the picture clarity and screen real-estate that comes hand-in-hand with a 2k, 1440p screen resolution.
Aesthetically, the TUF Gaming VG27AQ is fairly uneventful. When put next to the G7, for example, it looks quite dull and doesn’t offer nearly as many gaming design features. That being said, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Its understated design allows it to fit into office-type environments without looking utterly ludicrous. Furthermore, ASUS have clearly spent their time concentrating on performance-enhancing factors over design features – something I always respect.
That leads us nicely onto performance and, to be honest, this monitor is fantastic. The VG27AQ really is an impressive 27-inch monitor. As we just said, it sports a 1440p screen resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, and extremely low input lag. You pair that all with the color accuracy of the IPS panel at its heart and you have the perfect recipe for a very efficient monitor. Playing fast-paced shooters on this thing feels extremely lucid thanks to the quick response and high refresh rate. Pair this with the variable refresh rate for a tear-free experience that will immerse you for hours on end. The only downside to this monitor is its poor black depth and limited color gamut – only offering 99% of the sRGB color spectum.
LG 27GN950-B 27 Inch
LG 27GN950-B 27 Inch
Next up we have the LG 27GN950-B, a high-performance 4K gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate to match. As you can imagine, that automatically puts this monitor into a league of its own as far as pricing is concerned. That said, you can’t deny the performance this monitor brings to the table – easily out performing many other FreeSync alternatives.
Aesthetically, the 27-inch monitor from LG offers all the usual design traits you’d expect from one of their high-end offerings. That being said, it is a fairly understated design that doesn’t really lean too much in gaming’s favor. Again, we kinda like that here at WePC though. A versatile stand and excellent ergonomics also make this monitor great for multi-person viewing.
From a gaming standpoint, the 27GN950-B is a standout performer in the 4K resolution category – offering great input lag and a 144Hz refresh rate to match. That high-end combination of specs is extremely good for motion handling without compromising on picture clarity and resolution. The IPS panel at its heart offers great colors right out the box alongside excellent viewing angles as well. That being said, this monitor does come with a few downfalls, one being a poor contrast ratio that is characteristic of IPS panels. Furthermore, whilst the panel coating isn’t great for mitigating reflections, it does get bright enough to overcome annoying glare.
Overall, the pros of this monitor far outweigh the cons. It’s still very much one of the best gaming monitors out there, and one that tailors itself to both AMD and Nvidia owners.
Alienware AW2521HF Gaming Monitor
Alienware AW2521HF Gaming Monitor
Next up we have the Alienware AW2521HF – an esports tailored gaming monitor that compromises image quality for the highest levels of motion handling and response. This monitor is great if you take your gaming a little more seriously and prioritize response over general image quality.
Looking at aesthetics briefly, we really like the Alienware brand here at WePC, offering up a nicely-balanced mix of premium materials and a general gaming style. Unlike the AW2720HF that offers an all-white color scheme, DELL opted for all-black in this particular variant. The same RGB strip can be found at the rear alongside the alien head in the top right-hand corner – both contrasting nicely with the dark theme it offers.
Looks aside, performance is where the AW2521HF really comes alive. It comes equipped with a 240Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and great overall response times. Playing fast-paced games on this thing feels absolutely fantastic, with almost zero motion blur experienced during the most intensive gaming scenarios. Games like CS:GO benefit hugely from the speed of a panel like this, with gameplay feeling liquidy smooth at all times. Also, with a 1080p resolution, gamers will actually be able to push the higher end of the variable refresh rate range.
Obviously, this monitor comes with a few downfalls, one of which is general picture quality. You don’t get excepetional clarity with a 1080p screen resolution, neither do you get a wide color gamut either. However, if these factors are low on your priority list, you’ll be more than happy with what this monitor offers.
LG 48CXPUB OLED
LG 48CXPUB OLED
Whilst the LG 48CXPUB isn’t strictly a gaming monitor, it does fall firmly in the next-gen console gaming category. With FreeSync support and a plethora of other gaming features, this OLED TV from LG really does tick all the right boxes for PlayStation 5 and Xbox One X owners.
Aesthetically, there isn’t really that much going on with this LG TV. The back is very basic and the main panel is flat and fairly featureless. That said, it does offer an extremely thin profile that looks very elegant and premium.
Looking at this TV from a performance standpoint, you can’t really knock it at all. Of course, it probably won’t be your first choice if you’re playing competitive esport titles, but it might be if you’re a console gamer. With a 120hz refresh rate and an almost instantaneous response time, this OLED TV offers exceptional motion handling. Console gamers will also be happy to hear it offers an HDMI 2.1 input to enable them to take full advantage of this stellar 4K gaming at 120Hz. Furthermore, thanks to the OLED technology used in this TV, viewing angles and black levels are near perfect as well – making this panel great for multi-person and darkroom usage.
The only downside of this TV is the ongoing risk of burn-in from static objects – oh, and its steep price tag. However, we still consider this TV very good value for money, outshining many other OLED alternatives in today’s market.
Final Word
So, there you have it, our comprehensive rundown of the best FreeSync monitors available this 2021. We hope this article has helped you understand what FreeSync is and how it can impact your gaming experience. For us, the Samsung Odyssey G7 takes the top spot, offering the greatest levels of performance when compared to the other options in this guide. Having said that, each of the monitors in this guide offers up their own unique set of pros and cons, tailoring them nicely towards unique scenarios.
If you have any questions regarding FreeSync or any of the monitors in this guide, feel free to drop us a comment in the section below. Better still, why not head on over to our Community hub where you can discuss everything monitor related with like-minded individuals.